Three ribbon-cutting ceremonies have recently been hosted by the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC).
On Friday, Oct. 14, a ribbon-cutting was held at Batesville High School Charter for the unveiling of Jedediah Bates, a 9-foot-tall wood-carved Pioneer statue.
“We are so proud to introduce and dedicate the BHS Pioneer statue,” said BHS Pioneer statue committee member Kay Southerland (pictured below, speaking at the event). “Without the efforts of Nelson Barnett, John Boykin, all of our committee members, and generous donors, we could not have completed the project.”
The sculpture and name were inspired by the original pioneers who ventured up the White River and settled in the area.
Ned Metcalf, a committee member, lauded Nelson Barnett for leading the project.
“Nelson gets credit for the inception of the sculpture. He convened our committee, and we began raising funds for this project over a year ago,” said Metcalf
The carving of Bates, based on the original Pioneer mascot, was created by Oklahoma artist Clayton Coss using wood from a large sycamore tree found under the Golden Overpass on the banks of the Poke Bayou.
“We are so thankful for those who gave to this project and the incredible artist who worked on this statue,” stated Metcalf.
The project, spearheaded by a group of Batesville High School graduates from the 1950s and 60s, aims to remind staff and students of the pride and courage of a pioneer.
“Our family just adored Batesville, and we love being Pioneers,” said State Sen. Missy Irving. “This is such a great legacy to a great public school in the state of Arkansas.”
Image: Gena Tate with White River Now
“On behalf of the board of directors for the Batesville School District, thank you so much,” said BSD Board President Scott Fredericks. “This is an excellent example of a community-led partnership. Generations of future Pioneers will see this and feel pride in being a Pioneer.”
“This committee has done a great job. This sculpture is incredible,” said Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh.
Ambassadors in attendance included: Cameron Cox (Wood Family Dealerships), Amanda Dickey (Block Insurance), Ashley Engles (Citizens Bank) Genafer Foree (Goodwill Arkansas), Tammy Foster (First Community Bank), Eva Henriken (Merchants and Planters Bank), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Courteney Muse (Southern Bank), and Justin Russell (Bank of Cave City).
For more information on the Jedediah Bates statue from White River Now, click here.
Image: Gena Tate with White River Now
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On Tuesday, Oct. 18, Chamber Ambassadors and representatives were on hand for the Independence Firearms and Training ribbon cutting.
Independence Firearms and Training, located at 305 Circle Drive in Cord, is a newly-opened facility featuring a 300-yard outdoor shooting range, an indoor laser range, self-defense and firearms training classes, private events, and firearm and ammo sales.
Mike and Karen Lies, originally from Kansas, relocated to Cord in the fall of 2021, where they opened Independence Firearms and Training.
“For 20 years, the Lieses specialized in training real estate and insurance agents in Kansas,” said BACC CEO Crystal Johnson. “When they relocated, they transitioned to self-defense and shooting training. Mike has a lifelong and contagious passion for firearms.”
Karen and Mike are both United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) competitive shooters and NRA range safety officers. Mike is also an NRA Instructor, Arkansas concealed carry, and a master shooter and range officer with the USPSA shooting sport.
“We feel very blessed to have found this community. We couldn’t be happier with our move to Independence County,” said Independence Firearms and Training owner Mike Lies (pictured below, speaking at the ceremony). “It’s been a long year getting this facility ready, and we are extremely happy to be open. We have a laser training facility and a live-fire range with a pistol bay and a 300-yard rifle bay.”
Training classes include standard and enhanced concealed carry classes, pistol and rifle courses, self-defense classes, scenario-based training, and medical training. Independence Firearms and Training also offers group and private training for church safety teams, clubs, organizations, and families.
After the ceremony, Independence Firearms and Training held an open range in the laser and live-fire bays. Guests were able to shoot a variety of weapons from the rental arsenal.
Ambassadors in attendance included: Jessie Cargill (UAMS North Central), Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Tammy Foster (First Community Bank), Brittney Harris (Independence County Off Road), Eva Henriken (Merchants & Planters Bank), Justin Russell (Bank of Cave City), and Carmen Waugh (Centennial Bank).
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And on Thursday, Oct. 20, the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Gentiva.
Kindred Hospice announced its acquisition and will continue to provide hospice, palliative, and personal care under its new name, Gentiva Hospice.
“At Gentiva, we are committed to providing compassionate care with extraordinary services to our patients and their families,” said Heather Davis, director of operations for Gentiva.
Gentiva offers individualized care, including physical, emotional, and spiritual support, so that patients and families facing a life-limiting illness can enjoy the best possible quality of life.
“We strive to be the best in our class with clinically innovative healthcare services by making our patients and their families our top priority,” said Davis. “Our holistic approach preserves our patients’ comfort and dignity, honoring their final wishes. As Gentiva Hospice, we stand by their sides.”
Ambassadors in attendance included: Amanda Dickey (Block Insurance), Genafer Foree (Goodwill Arkansas), Tammy Foster (First Community Bank), Eva Henriken (Merchants & Planters Bank), Dana Millikin (White River Now), Courteney Muse (Southern Bank), Justin Russell (Bank of Cave City), Becky Warren (University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville), and Carmen Waugh (Centennial Bank).
Images (except where noted) and information provided by the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce
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