Ashley County Now

28/07/2024

This image was captured circa 1903 in Crossett, Arkansas on Gates Avenue. Anyone care to venture the owner of this house?

27/07/2024

History Of Ashley County, by Y. W. Etheridge. There is a copy of this book at the library in Crossett. But it is listed with an R. It is a Reference book, and “a copy” means just that.

But I want to carry one to my barn and read it early in the morning, and write about it!

Anyone know where a copy might be that I could borrow for a few days? Text me! 870-818-2217

27/07/2024

The 1940s In Crossett

Spent an hour or so at the library this morning capturing images from pages of the Forest Echoes Magazine from both the mid 1940s, and the mid 1950s.

The world in which our predecessors existed is in many ways different than ours!

It’s absolutely wild. But today, let’s break it up into manageable chunks!

So… Today, we're taking a step back in time to highlight the "Office Society Girls" of the Crossett Lumber Company. This photo, featured in an early 1940s issue of Forest Echoes, captures a unique moment in our county's history.

The Crossett Lumber Company, founded in 1899, was Arkansas’s largest and most influential lumber company until its merger with the Georgia-Pacific Company in 1962. It grew alongside the company town of Crossett (Ashley County) and was known for its early use of sustained-yield forestry in collaboration with Yale University’s School of Forestry.

The women in the photo were members of a secretarial society at the company. Such societies were common in the mid-20th century, promoting professionalism among office workers. These groups played a crucial role in the smooth operation of businesses.

The Ford Model A, produced starting in 1927, was quite popular during this era, and Popcorn Sutton drove one!

Happy Saturday, Ashley County!

26/07/2024

Native Americans sometimes called the trees the “Giving People.”

FRIDAY FORESTRY FACT: According to the U.S. Forest Service forests and forest product in the United States offset nearly 16% of the country's carbon dioxide emissions by storing over 850 million metric tons of carbon per year.

26/07/2024

Chris Wall is raffling a Buddy Bass Team Ticket at the Crossett Area Chamber of Commerce. Call 870-364-6591 for more information! The "Early Fish Discount" tickets will go on sale from August 6th to the 9th! This option will be available online, and at the Chamber, among many other locations! Remember, the early bird… or in this case, the early fish, catches the worm! 🎣 Or Fisher. Or Angler! You get the point!

25/07/2024

We don't want any!

Am I a fern? No. Am I related to ferns? Yes. Can I be killed? Yes, but it's veryyyyyy hard. Pleased to meet you, I'm a horsetail (Equisetum arvense).

The common horsetail or field horsetail as it is also known, is capital H hardy. You can burn it, mow it, cut it down and it will grow right back up! Pretty sure there's a song about this plant. "I get knocked down! But I get up again! You are never gonna mow me down! "🎶

This native species can be found across the United States and spreads from rhizomes (stems that grow horizontally) which can grow as deep as six feet. Because of its rhizomatous growth habit and how far down its roots can reach, horsetail can be very hard to eliminate from sites where it is unwanted.

Photo of the spring shoots of a horsetail at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, in Washington by Andrew LaValle/USFWS

25/07/2024

25/07/2024

The Buddy Bass raffle is currently underway, offering participants the opportunity to pay for their team. Tickets are available for $20 each or $50 for three. The drawing will take place on August 6th. For further information, please contact the Chamber.

24/07/2024

For some reason, scaffolding and bricks make me feel Snug as a Bug In a Rug! And it makes Hamburg Better!

24/07/2024

We seriously have some talented florist in our area! Take a look at these creations by Yours & Vine and Flowers by Design located on Cherry Street in Hamburg! 🌺 🌹

23/07/2024

If you go look at how well those mowers are built, in particular their decks, you’ll understand why everyone wants one! And they are made here in Arkansas!

It looks like Henderson Bend Marine got a few Bad Boy Mowers in today! This grass is about to Grow Like Crazy after this slow rain!

23/07/2024

Ms. Pat needs steps!

23/07/2024

That’s Right!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/JdzqrUvhCDG6Secr/?mibextid=WC7FNe

The new billboard we just recently had installed. Please buy LOCAL, if at all possible, before shopping online. Thank you Barr Advertising; it looks great.

23/07/2024

They’re trying to make us think we’re smart with these easy questions! Say that, but you never know!

Can you identify this tree? Today's tree is fast growing and very resilient. It is common even after cutting that new sprouts will generate from the stump.
Hint: It produces spiky, golf ball size fruits that are pretty painful when stepped on.

23/07/2024

Now you can know!

Ever wonder why we're called "Extension"? 🤔

All universities engage in research and teaching, but more than 100 land-grant colleges and universities across the nation have a third critical mission—extension.

"Extension" means "reaching out," and—along with teaching and research—land-grant institutions "extend" their resources, solving public needs with college or university resources through their programs.

Congress created the extension system nearly a century ago to address exclusively rural, agricultural issues. At that time, more than 50 percent of the U.S. population lived in rural areas, and 30 percent of the workforce was engaged in farming.

Despite the decline in the population and economic importance of rural America, the national Cooperative Extension System remains an important player in American life.

It increasingly addresses urban, suburban, in addition to rural issues, and Extension expertise meets public needs at the local level with approximately 2,900 extension offices nationwide! Incredible!

Learn more about the history of the Cooperative Extension Service ➡️ https://www.uaex.uada.edu/about-extension/history.aspx

23/07/2024

ICYMI

A Crossett native who released a film on a major streaming platform earlier this year has just released its sequel.

23/07/2024

Yay! (

All good things come to an end and that’s true for our weather too.

We all knew the heat would return and that looks to be the case as we finish July and start the month of August.

The dreaded “heat dome” (ridge of high pressure) will move east with time. This will flip us from our current pattern.

I call it the blob of nasty because of the nasty weather it typically brings.

Very hot conditions, mostly dry days and oppressive humidity.

Enjoy this week because the normal summer will return very soon!

Post powered by JAM Mart and Arkansas Storm Shelters.

23/07/2024

Administrative Business Partner - Crossett Area - We Are Hiring -Manages appointments for President/CEO - Plans, coordinates, and ensures the CEO's schedule is followed and respected - Assist with time management of appointments - Call Amber or Skylar at 870-367-2727 -Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm - Visit ESA Staffing at 310 West McCloy, Monticello, AR 71655 - We Look Forward To Meeting, & Working With You Soon!

📞 Schedule an Appointment: Want a personalized touch? Schedule a telephone interview with Jamie, our friendly recruiter. She’ll guide you through the process and answer any questions you have. Click here to book your appointment - Or Click This Link - https://calendly.com/jamie-568/esa-staffing-candidate-telephone-interview - To Schedule An Appointment At Your Convenience With Jamie

Plans and organizes internal and external meetings and events and manages event logistics in collaboration with internal partners and external vendors

Coordinate travel arrangements and accommodations for the agency

Retrieves information as requested from records, emails, minutes, and other related documents; prepares written data summaries when needed

Copying and faxing documents

Prepare communications, such as memos, emails, invoices, reports, and other correspondences

Create and maintain filing system, both electronic and physical

Work with Accounting Manager to ensure account receivables, per diem, staff travel, and payroll are approved for payment

23/07/2024

Family Support Specialist - Crossett Area - We Are Hiring - Establish a trusting relationship with families - Provide support and advice in a one-on-one and group setting - Attend mandated court appearances as an advocate - Call Amber or Skylar at 870-367-2727 -Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm - Visit ESA Staffing at 310 West McCloy, Monticello, AR 71655 - We Look Forward To Meeting, & Working With You Soon!

📞 Schedule an Appointment: Want a personalized touch? Schedule a telephone interview with Jamie, our friendly recruiter. She’ll guide you through the process and answer any questions you have. Click here to book your appointment - Or Click This Link - https://calendly.com/jamie-568/esa-staffing-candidate-telephone-interview - To Schedule An Appointment At Your Convenience With Jamie

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a related human/social service field - One year of recent related experience - OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

23/07/2024

Data Entry Specialist - Crossett Area - We Are Hiring - Manage and organize data to ensure easy access and retrieval - Call Amber or Skylar at 870-367-2727 -Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm - Visit ESA Staffing at 310 West McCloy, Monticello, AR 71655 - We Look Forward To Meeting, & Working With You Soon!

📞 Schedule an Appointment: Want a personalized touch? Schedule a telephone interview with Jamie, our friendly recruiter. She’ll guide you through the process and answer any questions you have. Click here to book your appointment - Or Click This Link - https://calendly.com/jamie-568/esa-staffing-candidate-telephone-interview - To Schedule An Appointment At Your Convenience With Jamie

Proficiency in database software and strong Excel skills.
Ability to handle large volumes of data accurately and efficiently.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, or any word-processing tool and spreadsheet
The ability to enter data into a computer quickly and accurately
Proficient with computers, telephones, scanners, calculators, and copiers
Analytical thinking skills

23/07/2024

Warranty Technician - Monticello Area - We Are Hiring - $15.00 - Warehouse Environment - Call Amber or Skylar at 870-367-2727 - Minor Repair of lightweight products, assist with customers via phone and email, as well as assisting with various duties in the warehouse. Working with hands, learning about the product, and working in a team-based environment. Experience in customer service, basic computer knowledge, works Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm - Visit ESA Staffing at 310 West McCloy, Monticello, AR 71655 - We Look Forward To Meeting, & Working With You Soon!

📞 Schedule an Appointment: Want a personalized touch? Schedule a telephone interview with Jamie, our friendly recruiter. She’ll guide you through the process and answer any questions you have. Click here to book your appointment - Or Click This Link - https://calendly.com/jamie-568/esa-staffing-candidate-telephone-interview - To Schedule An Appointment At Your Convenience With Jamie

23/07/2024

The Not So Sweet Story of Sugar: A 10,000-Year History

Introduction

Sugar, a sweet crystalline substance obtained from various plants, especially sugar cane and sugar beet, has a rich and complex history that spans over 10,000 years. This essay explores the journey of sugar, from its origins in New Guinea to its spread across the world, its association with the slave trade, and the evolution of sugar production from cane to beet, and eventually to corn.

Origins and Spread of Sugar

The journey of sugar began around 8000 BCE, when the indigenous people of New Guinea first began domesticating sugar cane. They chewed the cane raw, savoring its sweet taste. From New Guinea, sugar cane cultivation practices spread through Southeast Asia, reaching Southern China and India.

Sugar and the Slave Trade

The demand for sugar grew rapidly, and it played a significant role in the slave trade that brought millions of Africans to the Americas. Sugar cane was grown in large plantations in the Caribbean and the Americas, where the labor-intensive crop was maintained and harvested by enslaved people. Native Americans were also forced to work on these plantations. The brutal conditions of slavery, including the harsh physical labor and inadequate nutrition, took a toll on the health and well-being of these enslaved individuals.

The Rise of Sugar Cane

Sugar cane, a tropical grass that grows up to 20 feet tall, is harvested from fields in locations such as Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, and then sent to a nearby sugar mill. At the sugar mill, the sugar cane stalks are washed, cut into shreds, and the juice is extracted. The juice is then clarified, concentrated, and crystallized. The crystals are spun in a centrifuge to remove the liquid, producing raw sugar.

The Emergence of Sugar Beets

The production of sugar from beets is a more recent discovery. The first modern sugar beets originated as selections made in the middle of the 18th century from fodder beets grown in then German Silesia. Sugar beets are harvested from farms in cooler weather climates, such as Minnesota, Michigan, Wyoming, and Idaho, and then sent to nearby factories. At factories, sugar beets are washed and sliced into thin strips, and the juice is extracted. The juice is then filtered to remove impurities, forming a syrup. Sugar crystallizes from the syrup.

The Emergence of Corn Sugar

In the late 19th century, the production of corn syrup emerged as a response to the growing demand for sweeteners in the food industry. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was first created in 1957. To make HFCS, the corn syrup is further processed by D-xylose isomerase to convert some of its glucose into fructose. HFCS became a popular choice for soft drinks because it creates a particular freshness in the final beverage that regular sugars are unable to produce. With corn subsidized by the government, its sugary syrup became a more affordable option for the beverage companies.

Effects of Different Types of Sugars on the Body

Sucrose, glucose, and fructose are three common types of sugar that are absorbed differently and have slightly different effects on the body. Whether they occur naturally in foods or are added to them also makes a big difference in how they affect your health. For most people, consuming natural sugars in foods such as fruit is not linked to negative health effects, since the amount of sugar tends to be modest and is “packaged” with fiber and other healthful nutrients. However, problems occur when you consume too much added sugar.

The 10 Worst Effects of Overconsumption of Sugar

Overconsumption of sugar can lead to a variety of health problems, including:

Weight Gain: Consuming too much added sugar, especially from sugary beverages, increases your risk of weight gain.

Heart Disease: Consuming too much added sugar can lead to heart disease. High-sugar diets can lead to obesity, inflammation, high triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels — all risk factors for heart disease.

Sugar may also act on your heart and arteries directly. Diets high in sugar affect your heart in several ways: they can increase triglycerides in your body, raise levels of LDL cholesterol, contribute to high blood pressure, and cause inflammation throughout your body.

Type 2 Diabetes: High intake of added sugar is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the insulin the body produces is unable to manage the glucose that enters the blood after eating or drinking. Once a person has diabetes, eating too much sugar can make things worse.

Cancer: There is a link between high sugar intake and an increased risk of certain types of cancer. While eating large amounts of added sugars has been linked to diabetes, the same is not true for natural sugars.

Natural sugars are found in fruits and vegetables and have not been added during manufacturing or processing. Because they’re combined with fiber, water, and other nutrients, they’re digested more slowly and are less likely to spike your blood sugar.

However, over-consumption of sugar, particularly added sugars in processed beverages and foods, can contribute to obesity which is an important risk factor for cancer.

Depression: While sugar can temporarily boost your mood, it may worsen the long-term outcomes of depression and anxiety.

Skin Aging: Sugar can damage collagen and elastin, proteins that help the skin stretch and keep its youthful appearance.

Fatty Liver Disease: Consuming too much added sugar can raise blood pressure and increase chronic inflammation, both of which are pathological pathways to heart disease.

Kidney Disease: Having consistently high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the delicate blood vessels in your kidneys. This can lead to an increased risk of kidney disease.

Tooth Decay: Sugar is the leading cause of cavities. The bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and release acid byproducts, which cause tooth demineralization.

Gout: Gout is a type of painful arthritis that can occur when high levels of uric acid in the blood cause crystals to form and accumulate around a joint. Fructose-rich beverages and foods can increase the levels of uric acid in the blood.

Average Daily Sugar Consumption

Adults, young adults, and children in the U.S. consume on average 17 teaspoons of added sugar every day, more than 2 to 3 times the recommended amount for men and women respectively. This adds up to around 60 pounds of added sugar consumed annually.

Reducing Sugar Consumption

To reduce sugar consumption, you can start by cutting back on sugary drinks, avoiding sugary desserts, and reading product labels to choose products with the lowest amounts of added sugars. You can also limit added sugars by choosing whole foods and full-fat foods over processed and low-fat versions.

Effects of Diet Sodas on Health

While diet sodas do not contain sugar, they are not necessarily a healthier choice. Studies have linked diet soda consumption to weight gain, disruptions to gut health, cardiovascular problems, and an increased craving for sweets. More recently, studies have linked the diet soda habit to an increased risk of stroke.

In conclusion, while sugar has played a significant role in our diets for thousands of years, it’s important to consume it in moderation and be mindful of the different types of sugars and their effects on our health. Making informed choices about our sugar consumption can lead to better health outcomes.

21/07/2024

The Mysterious Journey of Bronkey & Pig to the Crossett Light

One cool autumn evening, Bronkey and Pig were lounging in their cozy Barndominium, when they stumbled upon an old tale about the 'Crossett Light'. Intrigued by the legend, they decided to embark on an adventure to witness the mysterious light for themselves.

With a map in Bronkey's pack and a kerosene lantern attached somehow, they set off under the starlit sky. The journey was filled with laughter and amusing banter, their spirits high with anticipation. However, as they neared where the Missouri Pacific Railroad tracks had been so long ago, the atmosphere began to change.

Suddenly, a chilling wind swept through the tracks, causing Bronkey's bandana to flutter and the lantern to flicker. They exchanged nervous glances, but their curiosity propelled them forward. As they ventured deeper into the night, the wind seemed to twist and turn the trees and the road and all reality in strange, unexpected ways.

Just when they were about to turn back at the four way road, they saw it - a faint glow in the distance. Where they had just been walking. The 'Crossett Light'! It was just as the legend described, floating two to three feet above the ground, its color shifting from yellow to blue. They watched in awe as the light disappeared and reappeared, maintaining the same distance from them.

Suddenly, a rustling sound echoed through the silence, followed by a soft, mournful wail. Bronkey and Pig froze in their tracks. The light flickered intensely, casting eerie shadows around them. Their hearts pounded in their chests as they braced themselves for a scare.

Just then, a small rabbit hopped out from the bushes, its eyes wide with fear. Relieved, Bronkey and Pig burst into laughter, their tension melting away. The 'Crossett Light' continued its dance, oblivious to their amusement.

As they made their way back home, Bronkey and Pig couldn't help but marvel at their adventurous night. They had not only witnessed the legendary 'Crossett Light' but also experienced a thrilling scare. Their journey was indeed filled with twists and turns, just as they had hoped.

Back in their Barndominium, they recounted their adventure, their laughter echoing through the night. The tale of their visit to the 'Crossett Light' would be one for the books, a story filled with fun, amusement, and a dash of scare.

And so, under the twinkling stars, Bronkey and Pig drifted off to sleep, their dreams filled with the mysterious glow of the 'Crossett Light'. Their adventure was a testament to their friendship and their shared love for mystery and exploration. And though they had returned from their journey, the 'Crossett Light' continued to glow, a beacon of love, loss, and enduring mystery.

21/07/2024

Hugh Willis: Shaping Education in Crossett, Arkansas

Hugh Willis, the 4th Superintendent of Schools, is a name that echoes in the corridors of education in Crossett, Arkansas. His tenure, from 1963 to 1980, was marked by significant strides in the educational landscape of Crossett.

Early Life and Career

Willis began his career in education shortly after his discharge from the Army, where he served as a drill sergeant. His decision to become a teacher was influenced by his time in the Army, and he brought the discipline and dedication from his military service to his educational career.

Leadership and Legacy

As the Superintendent of Schools, Willis faced numerous challenges, the most significant of which was the federally ordered integration of all schools in the system. His approach to this issue was both pragmatic and progressive. He implemented the integration program of the government completely and impartially, setting a precedent for other schools in the region.

Under Willis’s leadership, the school program and the schools themselves grew significantly. His tenure was constructive, colorful, and ambitious, reflecting his commitment to providing quality education to all students.

Impact on Crossett

The impact of Willis’s leadership extended beyond the schools he supervised. His efforts played a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of Crossett. His tenure saw the consolidation of many rural “one-room” schools into the city’s school system, leading to an extensive busing operation.

Conclusion

Hugh Willis’s contributions to education in Crossett, Arkansas are a testament to his dedication and leadership. His legacy continues to influence the region’s educational practices, making him a pivotal figure in the history of education in Crossett.

The image is from page 50 of Cap Gates’s Tent City - A History of Crossett, Arkansas by John W. Buckner, as is the material!

20/07/2024

Read That A Couple Of Times: FRIDAY FORESTRY FACT: Forests are home to 80% of all land-based plant and animal species!

FRIDAY FORESTRY FACT: Forests are home to 80% of all land-based plant and animal species!