November 2023

Just Jana

I was on the phone talking to a client about hiring a woman to stay with their mom at night for a couple of weeks. She had just had surgery. Mike was listening to this and said “So, when you get older you can pay a woman to stay the night with you and no one says anything?” Look at my husband, always thinking...

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Confessions of a Constitutionalist

Here we are again, readers, about to finish another year. Are you satisfied with the world around you? Your nation, your state, your county? We are about to enter another Presidential election year. However, our country’s President is not the only office that will be on the ballot. It has been four years since this type of election cycle. If you are not happy with what has happened in the last four years, it is time to start considering what you will do about it. And yes, you do make a difference. One of the biggest issues/ questions I deal with as an election commissioner is people asking me what difference their vote makes or if their vote even counts. While the simple answer is yes, your vote counts, I understand that often they are asking a much bigger question.

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Black Friday shopping tips

Retail holidays now dot the consumer landscape throughout much of the year. That shift has made a day like Black Friday somewhat less unique than it was in years past. However, Black Friday remains the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season, and it’s still a major day for retailers big and small.

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Here and There

Thanksgiving, that uniquely American harvest feast, is a favorite of many Americans. It’s a family time, time for, well, giving thanks. And a chance for us all to overeat on some of our favorite holiday foods.

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Pocahontas explores pickleball

Pocahontas is in the process of deliberating the prospect of hosting pickleball tournaments. Pickleball, often dubbed the fastest-growing sport in America, has captured the attention of people of all ages and fitness levels. Combining elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong, this paddle sport is played on a smaller court, making it accessible to both beginners and seasoned athletes.

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CASA’s Champions for Kids Gala exceeds expectations

Last Tuesday, Nov. 7, Gateway CASA Third Judicial hosted its first annual “Champions for Kids” Gala at the James Ranch Event Center, drawing close to 150 attendees, including state representatives, judges and court officials from Randolph, Lawrence, Jackson and Sharp counties. The gala, chaired by Rachel Koons, served not only as a fundraiser but also as a platform to honor and recognize the dedication of volunteer advocates supporting neglected and abused children in the court system.

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PHS teacher, student invited to christmas showcase

Pocahontas High School Family and Consumer Science Teacher Ashlyn Bigger, along with her student Blakley Williams, recently attended the Paul Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse Open House. Williams showcased her award-winning pie from this past spring’s Arkansas Pie Festival in Cherokee Village. Williams expressed her enthusiasm about the experience, stating, “I loved the whole experience, especially with ALL the Christmas around. I would not have made it this far without Coach Ash and her ways of showing me around the kitchen!” Coach Ash, referring to Bigger, played a crucial role in guiding and mentoring Blakley throughout the process. Bigger, a Family and Consumer Science teacher, was equally thrilled to represent the Pocahontas school district and the town once again. “As a Family and Consumer Science teacher, I love being able to represent Pocahontas school district and the town once again with Blakley Williams and our pie-making skills,” she said. Williams expressed gratitude for the opportunity and hinted at a potential return next year. “We both absolutely loved the opportunity to do this and hope to be back next year with another winning pie demonstration!”

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