DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY_dewayne@mcnews.online
A love for the land coupled with a desire to return home to Montgomery County has led Drew Dickey to join the team of Whitetail Properties.
Drew, a native of Montgomery County, developed a love for the land while growing up in the Ouachita Mountains and on Lake Ouachita. While attending school at Oden and Mount Ida he cultivated a love for hunting and fishing in one of the richest areas for outdoor activities in the United States. After graduating from Mount Ida he moved away to pursue a career in clean water management. His love and respect for the land grew while working as a lake warden for Beaver Water District. He also worked several years for Central Arkansas Water. However, his heart remained in Montgomery County.
After 20 years of working in the clean water management industry, Dickey was given the opportunity to give back to the hobbies that were such an important part of his life while moving back to Montgomery County.
Drew recently joined the team at Whitetail Properties as a Land Specialist. He serves seven counties which includes Montgomery, Pike, Howard, Polk, Clark, Hot Spring and Dallas Counties.
Founded in 2007, Whitetail Properties is a real estate company like no other. On their website at www.whitetailproperties.com, they explain that while their real estate company is known for their laser like focus on buying and selling land, it was born from something as old as the soil itself; man’s connection to it.
On their website they state, “For those who seek land ownership, many recognize within themselves a need to know a property well. Really well. There’s an unspoken yearning to test yourself against the land, live off the land and, even, be accepted by it. That human need blends into the DNA of Whitetail Properties. We were founded by hunters, farmers and rural landowners. Our agents are known as Land Specialists. Our tireless commitment to helping buyers and sellers of land achieve their goals and reach their dreams with unmatched service. Our passion and the way we serve others reflects the rural lifestyle we live.”
Drew is looking forward to bringing this attitude to the communities he serves in West Central Arkansas. He wants everyone to understand that while many properties are merely valued and promoted on the fertility of the soil, or the maturity of the timber, he understands that there is value in the recreational properties found on the land. Oftentimes, the quality of deer and other wildlife using and living on the land brings a marketability to the land that is priceless.
Whitetail Properties specializes in promoting and marketing all aspects of your land. They also work diligently to help you find that perfect spot of land to fit your needs.
Drew understands the unique qualities found in the land located in Montgomery County and the surrounding areas and is looking forward to providing a service that can only be found at Whitetail Properties. They sold 22,235 acres of property in Arkansas in 2022 for $104 million. The national company offers an unmatched marketing tool through their own land and hunting TV show called Whitetail Properties TV. This program reaches nearly 36 million homes each week.
Drew joins Whitetail Properties in their mission to provide unparalleled service and professionalism. He will work as hard as he can to help buyers and sellers achieve their dreams.
“I believe that working hard at something you love, with people you trust, is one of the greatest experiences in life.” Dickey stated.
Drew can be reached by phone at (479) 445-4794.
Mount Ida grad returns home to pursue dream
Prepping for Prom
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY_dewayne@mcnews.online
MOUNT IDA – One Mount Ida business is doing their part to help make sure prom remains a special night for high school girls in Montgomery County.
The search for a prom dress is often considered a right of passage for teen girls with many planning weekend trips to large cities to find that perfect dress. Unfortunately for some, the search for a dress can be difficult and even a triggering event. Expensive dresses coupled with peer pressure can force many girls to avoid prom altogether, causing them to miss out on a special night.
Brandy Bradford, the owner of Rose Petals & More in Mount Ida, is doing her part to help every young lady find that special dress without the burden of an expensive price tag.
Most formal wear is worn once or twice and then spends the rest of their existence hanging in a garment bag in the back of a closet. Brandy, the owner of a floral shop and second hand store, decided to give people an opportunity to drag those dresses out of the closet and make them available to a new group of prom hopefuls.
Brandy began by giving people a place to gather where they could buy and sell used dresses. She held an event where dress owners could bring their dresses to Rose Petals & More to sell. Those in the market could come and shop like new dresses at a fraction of the cost of a new one.
She has amassed a collection of dresses at her location at 138 S. East Street in Mount Ida. Anyone in the market for a formal gown can come by and find that special dress to make your prom the perfect experience it is meant to be.
Brandy stated that she knows there are girls who don’t go to prom because they can’t afford a new dress. “I don’t want to see anyone not go because they can’t afford a dress.” She said.
There is a variety of sizes and styles available at Rose Petals & More and there is room for more. If you are in the market for a formal dress go see what she has. Perhaps you have a dress or two hanging in a closet. You can bring your dress by and help make someone’s prom a special night to remember.
Lions, Lady Lions open seasons with wins
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY_dewayne@mcnews.online
Mount Ida opened the 2023 season with a pair of wins at Jessieville. The Lady Lions won in thrilling fashion, defeating Jessieville 23-13, while the boys earned a hard fought 8-5 win over Jessieville.
Mount Ida’s Lady Lions eased out to a one run lead in the top of the first inning but Jessieville was able to tie things up in the bottom of the inning. Mount Ida exploded for seven runs in the second inning to take an 8-1 lead. Jessieville’s bats woke up in the bottom of the second inning with the home Lady Lions scoring eight runs to take their only lead of the night.
Mount Ida responded with four runs in the third inning to retake the lead. Jessieville scored a run in the third and two in the fourth inning. Mount Ida added five runs in the third, and 10 in the fifth to win the game 23-13.
Bracken Scott earned the win for Mount Ida.
Bracken Scott, Peyton Macejewski, Gracie Summitt, Paxton Spier, Katelyn Macejewski, Kendall Qualls and Addison Thew each scored three runs. Gracia Huitt, and Harmonie Daigle each scored a run.
The Mount Ida boys opened with a 1-0 lead in the first inning and added three in the second to take a 4-0 lead. Mount Ida added two runs in the fifth but Jessieville responded with three runs to cut the Mount Ida lead to 7-4. Mount Ida added a run in each of the final two innings while holding Jessieville to one run in the sixth for the win.
Karter Rowton led the team with two runs scored. Jacob Woodfield, Caleb White, Ramsey Gilbert, Ben Woodfield, Cain McCullough and Blake Wootten each scored a run.
Ben Woodfield got the start and the win with Karter Rowton earning the save. Cain McCullough also pitched for Mount Ida.
Red Cross: Turn clocks ahead, test smoke alarms this weekend to stay safe from home fires
LITTLE ROCK, Ar (March 10, 2023) —Daylight saving time begins this Sunday, March 12 so don’t forget to TURN your clocks forward one hour and TEST your smoke alarms.
“Home fire remain the nation’s most frequent disaster,” said Chris Harmon, Regional Disaster Officer for the Missouri Arkansas Region. “This weekend, take a moment to test your smoke alarms to help protect your family against home fires.”
HOW TO ‘TURN AND TEST’ Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. Below are steps to take when testing your alarms:
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year if your model requires it.
- Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. That’s because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Check the date of your smoke alarms and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Practice your two-minute escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to get out of a burning home before it’s too late. Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or a landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows where to meet.
- Teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like. Talk about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.
Visit redcross.org/fire for more information. You can also download our free Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
Oden PTO Promotes Reading
The National Education Association’s Read Across America is a reading motivation and awareness program held annually across the nation. The program’s aim is for every child in every community to celebrate reading during this week-long event and throughout the year.
On March 3rd, the Ouachita River School District Oden campus had a special guest to cap off Read Across America Week. Clifford the Big Red Dog made a surprise appearance for a special “meet & greet” in partnership with Oden Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) volunteers by reading to Oden Preschool and Ode Maddox Elementary School students. Students were given the opportunity to meet Clifford and pose for photos.
Thank you Oden PTO for encouraging reading!
#orsdlifeprep
Ouachita River School District
Through a safe, caring, and serving environment, students learn, grow, excel, and succeed…this is our mission in preparing students for LIFE!
Renew Life with Our Blood Institute and Receive a Redbud Tree Seedling
March 8, 2023 – Who’s ready to grow together? Give blood at any Our Blood Institute donor center on Thursday, March 9 or Friday, March 10 and receive a free redbud seedling from the Oklahoma Forestry Services.
Donors will also receive a “Save the Humans” alien-themed T-shirt, and one free Admission to the Museum of Discovery.
“March is a time we typically see low donor turnout with donors out of their normal schedules due to Spring Break and having nicer weather,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute. “But accidents happen, and those battling cancer or other life-threatening conditions still need lifesaving blood. We urge all healthy adults to take an hour of their time to donate before they leave town or get busy with Spring Break activities.”
OBI relies on 1,200 volunteer blood donors a day to meet the needs of patients. Just one blood donation can save up to three people!
Our Blood Institute has five donor centers across Arkansas.
- Fort Smith Donor Center
5300 South “U” Street, Fort Smith, AR 72903
- Hot Springs Donor Center
149 Section Line Road, Suite G, Hot Springs, AR 71913
- Little Rock Donor Center
101 South Shackleford Road, Suite 2, Little Rock, AR 72211
- North Little Rock Donor Center
4548 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 6, North Little Rock, AR 72116
- Russellville Donor Center
1003 West Main, Russellville, AR 72801
Anyone who is healthy and 16-years-old* or older can give blood. Blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.
Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777.
*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; individuals over the age of 18 must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required.
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Our Blood Institute is the sixth-largest independent blood center in the nation, with 16 donor centers across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas, including five centers in Arkansas. OBI provides blood products for patients in more than 40 Arkansas hospitals, medical facilities, and air ambulances.
Forests Seeking Resource Advisory Committee Applicants
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — The Ozark-St. Francis and Ouachita National Forests are seeking candidates to serve on the Ozark-Ouachita Resource Advisory Committee. The committee’s purpose is to improve the community and collaborative relationships among those interested in the work of national forests and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service on projects funded under Title II of the Secure Rural Schools Act.
The USDA charters the advisory committee and comprises 15 members representing a wide array of interests. Committee members must be residents of Arkansas or Oklahoma, but do not have to reside in the counties containing national forests. Members represent a wide array of National Forest interests organized into three categories, specified in Section 205 (d)(2) of the Act:
A – Five persons who represent organized labor or non-timber forest product harvester groups; represent developed outdoor recreation, off highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation activities; represent energy and mineral development interests; or commercial or recreational fishing interests; represent the commercial timber industry, or; hold federal grazing or other land use permits, or represent nonindustrial private forest land owners, within the area for which the committee is organized.
B – Five persons who represent nationally recognized environmental organizations; regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations; dispersed recreational activities; archaeological and historical interests or; nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro interest groups, wildlife or hunting organizations, or watershed associations.
C – Five persons who hold State elected office (or a designee); hold county or local elected office; represent American Indian tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the committee is organized; are school officials or teachers, or; represent the affected public at large.
“The Secure Rural Schools Act encourages collaboration on projects to benefit public lands and local communities,” said Craig McBroome, Designated Federal Official for the Ozark-Ouachita RAC. “Examples of projects that are typically considered include enhancing wildlife habitats, maintaining existing recreational developments, and improving roads for user access and benefiting water quality.”
Application forms and instructions are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/osfnf/workingtogether/advisorycommittees. Committee members are not paid for their participation. Individuals may nominate themselves or others. Nominations and applications are due April 17, 2023.
Please email Caroline Mitchell at caroline.mitchell@usda.gov for more information on the application process. For additional information about the Secure Rural Schools legislation, including Titles I, II, and III, visit the SRS website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/secure-rural-schools.
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USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider and lender.
Miss Polk County helps Oden elementary celebrate “Reading Across America”
“February 27th marked the beginning of Read Across America Week for Ode Maddox Elementary. Special guest reader and Ms. Polk County, Adi Dollar kicked off the event by reading to students throughout the campus preschool and primary school while dressed as the children’s book character Rapunzel. Ouachita River School District and the Oden campus staff would like to thank Ms. Adi Dollar for donating her time to our students.”
Heritage House Museum opens for 2023 season
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY_dewayne@mcnews.online
MOUNT IDA – Everyone is invited to see what is new at the Heritage House Museum of Montgomery County. They will open for the 2023 season Wednesday, March 1.
The Heritage House Museum of Montgomery County is the one stop source for information about the history of Montgomery County. The Museum includes a variety of exhibits unique to Montgomery County. They cover every aspect of life in early Montgomery County including education and employment.
One of the exhibits features Willis Holt in the General Store. There is a display of vintage irons and ironing boards that belonged to long time extension agent, Ola Mae Walton.
They also have exhibits describing the timber industry and crystal industry and their history within Montgomery County.
Exhibits extend outside with several outbuildings filled with historical information. One of the newest additions is a farm wagon that once belonged to Hershel “Wenkum” Edwards of Pencil Bluff. The wagon was donated by Vera Edwards of Onalaska, Texas.
The Museum is open 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 – 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
They are located at 819 Luzerne Street in Mount Ida.
For more information you can call them at (870) 867-4422, or you can email them at director@mountidamuseum.org. You can also keep up to date with what is going on at the Museum by visiting them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hhmmc
New jailers complete OC Spray training as part of jail standards course
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY_dewayne@mcnews.online
MOUNT IDA – A group of seven new jailers from Montgomery and Pike Counties capped off a week of training spanning 56 hours and included OC Spray training.
The week-long training session covered a wide range of topics designed to prepare one for working in a county jail environment.
The course was taught by Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Telecommunications Administrator Kary Stovall. All detention officers must complete the Law Enforcement Standards Jail Standards Training Course within their first year of employment.
Four jailers from Montgomery County participated. They were Stanley Wagner, Jacqueline Hamilton, Timothy Conner and Lucian Sorrell.
Sam Ackley, Ann Lamb and Eric Hartley, all from Pike County, also participated in the course.
The course is comprised of 11 classes which range from fingerprinting to OC Spray training.
The course opens with orientation, ethics and professionalism. That is followed by courses in jail standards and occupational stress. They also learn how to write reports and properly complete jail documents.
Jailers also learn about basic constitutional rights of an inmate, as well as how to properly identify patients with special needs.
They are also trained in proper conduct in a courtroom and how to deliver testimony. They are taught how to conduct a proper cell or area search.
They undergo an eight hour defensive tactics course where they learn proper techniques of effecting a physical arrest. They also learn safe methods of searching a person to identify possible harmful items. They learn how to disarm a suspect, wrist control and handcuffing techniques. They also learn the proper use of force protocols.
Trainees learn CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator.
They are taught communication skills, escape prevention, fingerprinting, and prisoner transport. They are taught the common causes of in-custody death and shown ways to avoid them.
They learn how to prevent civil rights violations in a detention and corrections setting. They learn ow to handle non-compliant detainees and inmates.
One of the final classes is OC Spray training. Trainees are faced with a simulated training exercise where they are sprayed in the face with OC, or Olearesin Capsicum, spray. They have to subdue a suspect and handcuff another before call ing for back up.
A group of fellow employees gathered to offer support for the OC Spray training. Members of SouthWest EMS were also on-hand to provide medical assistance if needed.
All seven jailers completed the training.
