August 13 Edition

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 KJV

Birthdays this week include: Ollie Moring - August 13, Judy Moring - August 14, Sammy Pipes - August 15,  Kimberly Brown and Judy Perry - August 16.

The annual Thompson Family Reunion will be this Saturday August 23 at Reaves Cemetery. The following day, Sunday, will be the Reaves Cemetery Homecoming.

Marty Gill resigned from the West Saline Community Center governing board July 30 due to a board decision not to charge money for truck and equipment parking on the premises.

Emmaus Baptist Church is in revival this week.

How about this unsettling weather? We have some hot days, but by and large we're skating along with lots of rain and cooler temps. If this is "global warming" then give me a double helping.

Totally out of season, but let's talk about it anyway: as we begin the slide toward Fall,  I'm personally looking forward to Halloween. I love it. Now, a lot of people don't like Halloween because sometime back in the 80s, a bunch of spoilsports got together and decided Halloween was Satanic... mainly, I think because Halloween antics weren't church-sponsored... though I could be wrong about that. Before normally sane people lost their minds on this topic, we dug it. Kids T-n-T'ed because we knew everyone and didn't fear candy poisoning and all that. That stuff was a myth, by the way, and stemmed from two mainly harmless incidents up in Yankee Land.  But down here, in God's Country, you could clean up on candy that night, and the only kids getting sick were the ones who ate too much all at once... as I can personally attest. Another fun aspect was the tricks that some of our now responsible citizens used to pull. I'll withhold the names to protect the guilty. Main street the next morning looked like a Charmin Cathedral, and the bus ride through town was a laugh. I've been told by some of the older heads, like my late father, that stunts were once a little more intense... wagons disassembled and re-assembled on roof tops, wood stacks pushed over, and a mule was once locked inside Mr. Bell's barber shop. Good fruit and tomatoes were thrown out of the darkness at unwary drivers and horses left unattended were sometimes painted garish colors. If you think these things were horrible, just remember: every pressure cooker needs a safety valve to let off a little steam.

If you have stuff you want in this column, please get it to me before Monday for inclusion in that week's column.  This column will appear on the internet at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com.  Go Eagles.

August 8 Edition

Psalm 119:160 “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”

Birthdays this week include: Jacob Brown (August 6), Justin Lash (August 7), Jimmy Pennington (August 7), Termekia Smith (August 8), and Becca Cowan  (August 8).  Happy belated birthday to Reggie Wofford (July 31).

Emmaus Baptist Church Revival is August 10-13 Sunday 11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Mon-Wed. 7:00 p.m. Mike Taylor will be the evangelist.

James Gill reported 19 students in the last Hunter's Education Course with an expectation of more to come as we close in on Deer Season.

An obituary from the past... Dr. E. H. Moses built the first house in the town area, which is now owned by Mrs. Patsy Childress. Courtesy of the Cleveland County Historial Society, we read: "
Dr. E.H. Moses, of New Edinburg died February 5, 1897. Dr. Moses was born in Georgia, March 10, 1827; educated in the medical school of Philadelphia; married in the spring of 1849. He was a charter member of this church, and for more than forty-six years has walked circumspectly in this community.
He was baptized at the age of 20. His funeral was attended by a host of loved ones, who grieve at his departure. This dear brother has been in sympathy with all our church work. The community has lost a good citizen, the church a true light, and the wife a loving husband.
We mourn not as those who have no hope. God has taken his loyal child home. We shall meet him by and by. May God be with his dear companion, comfort and keep her until that blessed day."

Go Eagles.

July 28 Edition

^"14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. ¹⁵ Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."  Matthew 5:14-16

Birthdays this week include: Adam Young (July 31). Happy anniversary to Mickey and Billy Bryant (July 27).

I have lived in this state for 41 of my 46 years and I've NEVER seen a July with weather changes like this.

The Taylor and Avery families held their first family reunion this weekend at the New Edinburg Community Center. Though the numbers were low, they expect attendance will build over the next couple of years.

Brother Leroy Jones filled in for Brother Tony Atkins last Sunday at New Edinburg First Baptist Church.

Emmaus Baptist Church Revival is August 10-13 Sunday 11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Mon-Wed. 7:00 p.m. Mike Taylor will be the evangelist.

Macedonia FWB Church is having its Vacation Bible School this week.

VBS. Yeah... remember that? I attended 1st Baptist's VBS as a child (that's the early 70s if you're counting), and it was nothing but fond memories... learning about Jesus, coloring him, cutting him out and velcro-ing him to Holy Land scenes... cookies and fruit punch for a snack... learning simple Bible songs like "The B-I-B-L-E" and "Jesus Loves Me." Brother Howard's wife (and her first name escapes me at the moment) was the director, and she was aided by Elaine Hopson and others.

Thanks to all who share things of interest; this column is especially popular with Eagles who live outside the state.  This column will appear on the internet at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com.  Go Eagles

July 21st Edition

Matthew 19:14 "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Birthdays this week include: Tully McCoy, Mary Ann Morgan and Dylan Dunlap - July 20, Maggie Sanders - July 21, Ethel Dyer and Jean Parrott - July 22, Daniel Thompson - July 23, and Aubrey Huddleston - July 25. Happy anniversary to Marshal and Marnell Parker - July 21.

As I write this, Norma McCoy, her sister Martha Cook, Norma Hensley, and Jean Huddleston are in Dallas, TX for Seniors Cheerleader Tryouts. I'll let you know next week how they did.

First Baptist Church certainly looks bare without the massive oak tree in its parking lot. I didn't count the rings, but I suspect it was way older than the building itself.

Forbes Magazine, which I'm sure everyone here reads, reports that New York state has more billionaires than any other state for a total of $158 billion, but Arkansas is a close second with three billionaires worth a total of $157 billion. That of course, would be the Waltons, but there are a whole constellation of millionaires all throughout Arkansas as well. Once upon a time, wwaaaayyyy back when I was a child, there were several here in town and everyone knew it. Mattie Sloane by herself was worth at least $6 million and that was before she inherited from Leslie Stewart. These people died, their kids "copped the lolly" as the English would say, and generations of industry and saving went somewhere else with nothing left but ugly cutovers. Of course, there are one or two still around here who I suspect qualify as a millionaire, but they won't let on. Remember, not everyone who looks poor is poor and not everyone who looks wealthy is wealthy.

If you have items of interest for this column... birthdays, anniversaries, events, or whatever... then please send them to me before Monday in order to get them in that week's column.  See this column online at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com.  Go Eagles.

July 16 Edition

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  Romans 6:23

Birthdays this week include: Chloe Sanders (July 14), Barry Huddleston and Cassidy Trucks (July 15), Randy Sanders (July 16), Belinda Langford (July 17), James Shepherd, Karen Thompson and Leona Thompson all July 18.

Miss Leona celebrated her 89th birthday a few days early at the nursing home in Warren last Sunday surrounded by family and friends.

I received word last week that Mr. Pascal Parham, aged 94, passed away July 7 in Oregon. Funeral plans are pending as I'm writing this.

Stand by for rocky weather this week, so the weatherman says.

Mrs. Daisy Blackmon, President of Bethel Cemetery Association, would like the express her appreciation for those who took time to put up the chain link fence in front of the cemetery.

Regarding "Pat" Parham, the last time I spoke to him was the day before he and Rita moved back to Oregon, but the last good time I had around him was when he hired me to drive him around and put up campaign signs for Tom Wynne during the contested circuit judge race. I was up front with him and said I intended to vote for Ronnie Phillips... didn't matter to Pat. So away we go, and we spent an entire afternoon driving around southern Cleveland County and up into Rison hunting places to plant signs, and as always I learned a lot about all the town's yesteryears. Since he's gone, I can tell this now, but when you got him alone, the man cussed like a sailor... and I appreciated that, since in private company I too cuss like a sailor... but then, Pat and I are both salty old sea dogs.

Go Eagles.

July 7 Edition

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8

Birthdays this week include: Kenny Smith (July 6), LaDonna Cranford (July 7), Becky Briant (July 8), Lin Atkins (July 9), Cindi Langford (July 10), Russell Sanders and Wanda Sanders (July 12). A special happy birthday to Clyde Moseley, who turned 91 on July 4.

We Eagles mourn the passing of Dewey Brown at the age of 92.

With another NEHS School Reunion behind us, we saw a lower attendance combined with a bounty of food, so we all ate a lot and visited a lot. There were several I noted missing, but there were new attendees as well. A grateful "thank you" goes to the Girls of '59 who make this happen every year along with Tracy Brashears who knows how to cook pork just right. Mr. Clyde Moseley blessed the meal. The attendees were: Simone Black, Marilyn Black, Mack Black, Thomas Taylor, Shannon Deel, Ruby Deel, Frankie Hall, Sue Gibson, James Boney, Robert Arrowood, Wanda Sue Arrowood, Garrett Arrowood, Nell Rose Brown, Pattie Luther, Floyd Brown, Sue Sisson, Blanche Norris-Waterhouse, Betty Grace, Sybil Brown, Mongolia Beck, Ollie Faye Harris, Hazel Denton, Norma McCoy, Ronnie Sinclair, Cherry Sinclair, LaVerne Thompson, Buddy Thompson, Ed Chambers, Linda Chambers, Barbara Eddy, Martha Cook, Bill Watts, Diana Watts, Mary Faith Langford, James Langford, Judy Mosley, Marnell Parker, Mary Ann Barron, Carroll Barron, Donnie Wagnon, Clyde Moseley, Bobbie Moseley, Jean Dutton, James Weeks, Marion Apple, James Atkins, Jean Atkins, LaVetrice Gill, Norma Hensley, Bobbie Dunlap, Thomas Sanders, Tracy Brashears, Jessie Hogancamp, Bob Hopper, and Ann Hopper.

To those who wanted to come but couldn't, we missed you. To those who didn't want to come, we still miss you. To those who wouldn't think of coming, get a grip... we still had a good time without you.

Go Eagles.

June 30 Edition

"And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one." - Zechariah 14:9

Birthdays this week include: Gauge Weaver (June 29), Betty Carol Lane (June 30), Tyler Attwood and Janice Thompson (July 3). Happy belated birthday to Madison Beverage (June 28).

Happy belated anniversary to David and Quin Pipes (June 27).

Here's wishing a safe and fun Independence Day this Friday. Fly the flag and let no one take it down.

We Eagles are saddened by the sudden passing of NEHS alumnus ('84) Janelle Briant last week after lifelong illness. Please remember her family.

It's upon us: the 2014 NEHS All-School Reunion is this Saturday at the school building from 10:30am-2:00pm. All NEHS students and family are encouraged to attend. The meal is potluck and there will be door prizes. Let's make this year's event a record in attendance.

There will also be a Hunter's Education Course given in the school building July 28-30 from 6pm-9:30pm. The instructor is James Gill and if you're interested then contact him at (870)-352-8527. Somewhere along the way, the State Legislature decided that a state full of woodland dwelling hunters needed to be told how to hunt safely, so if you were born after Jan. 1, 1969 and want to hunt (legally) then you need this course. MY hunter's ed course was my Dad shooting a watermelon with a 12-gauge in front of me and explaining the concepts of gun safety when I was about 7. It made quite and impression on me.

In remembrance of Janelle: I knew her but not well. The one thing that jumps to mind about her is that she was off-the-scope intelligent and easily graduated one year early. The only other student at NEHS I remember doing that was Nolan Brown, Jr. I was encouraged to do it too, but didn't and have since wished I did.

Feel free to share items of interest with this column.  To get it in for a particular week, I need to see it before that Monday.  This column will appear on the internet at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com.  Go Eagles.

June 23 Edition

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV

Birthdays this week include: Patricia McClellan (June 22) and Katie Briant (June 24).

Remember the family of Harold Raymer, as he passed away last Saturday at age 89.

Short but sweet this week. We've achieved Summer, and the hot weather came in right on schedule.

The NEHS All-School Reunion is July 5th from 10:30am-2pm.  Anyone who attended school at New Edinburg or worked there (along with their family) is cordially invited to attend. We've always had a great time at these, and it seems the crowd is getting thinner and thinner each year.  Remember, the last class at NEHS (1985) is 47 years or so... we ain't getting younger. It is hoped that more younger classmates will come this year.

Feel free to share items of interest with this column.  To get it in for a particular week, I need to see it before that Monday.  This column will appear on the internet at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com.  Go Eagles.

June 19 Edition

Ephesians 2:8-9 "⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Birthdays this week include: Donna Thompson (June 17) and Betty Brown (June 20). Happy anniversary to: Gary and Teresa Hubbard (June 18) and Brad and Rebecca Cowan (June 21).

Prayers for the family of Weldon Boyter.

Summer's here this Saturday. So far, we've enjoyed cooler weather... here's hoping we ride it out until Fall.

The NEHS All-School Reunion is July 5th from 10:30am-2pm.  Anyone who attended school at New Edinburg or worked there (along with their family) is cordially invited to attend.

Greenland Baptist Church is in revival this week. Greenland's Food Pantry for low income families will be open next Tuesday (June 24) from 9-10am.

Feel free to share items of interest with this column.  To get it in for a particular week, I need to see it before that Monday.  This column will appear on the internet at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com.  Go Eagles.

June 9 Edition

"Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness." - Exodus 23:1

Birthdays this week: Virginia (Brown) Carter - June 9th, Julie Trucks and Bobbie Bell Dunlap - June 11th.  Anniversary wishes to: Greg and Allison (Jones) Dallen - June 10th, Rachel and Henry Jones - June 11th and Regina and Barry Huddleston - June 11th. A belated happy anniversary to Billy and Glenda Wilson - June 2.

The rain continues... and continues... with occasional bouts of killer humidity.
The NEHS All-School Reunion is July 5th from 10:30am-2pm.  Anyone who attended school at New Edinburg or worked there (along with their family) is cordially invited to attend.

The Fire Department will be holding Firefighter Intro classes June 16-17 and the 19th from 6-10pm at the fire station. All firefighters are reminded the June meeting will be on the 12th at 6:30pm.

The last time I checked with the local law enforcement, there's still no suspect for the almost fatal break-in on Mt. Elba Rd. several weeks ago. The suspect was described as tall, heavily bearded, and carrying an army knapsack. Speculation from the usual busybodies tying the incident to any New Edinburg resident is without merit and should be roundfiled. See Bible verse above.
Feel free to share items of interest with this column.  To get it in for a particular week, I need to see it before that Monday.  This column will appear on the internet at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com.  Go Eagles.

June 2 Edition

Matthew 19:14 "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Happy birthday to: Dustin Gann (June 1).

Happy anniversary to Jimmy and Wanda Howard (June 2).

Summer is almost upon us. Seems like yesterday we were begging for Spring. Now we're begging for drier weather.

The Fire Department will be holding Firefighter Intro classes June 16-17 and the 19th from 6-10pm at the fire station. All firefighters are reminded the June meeting will be on the 12th at 6:30pm.

If you came by the New Edinburg Community Center last Friday to meet the commodities truck, you no doubt discovered that it failed to appear. I have no idea why.

Around 75 people attended this year's Marks family reunion. Mrs. Frankie Hall reports two Union and two Confederate re-enactors were present along with historian Rufus Buie. The meat was good and so was the fellowship.

The traditional music show the night before was provided by Brothers 189, a local band comprised of Jimmy Pennington, Don Pennington, Robert Dyer (Pennington), and Mike Brumley (Pennington) and was joined by Bubba Golden. I came by to listen to the band and thought they were excellent. If you need a country/rock band for your event, give these guys a try... you'll enjoy them.

The New Edinburg All-School Reunion is coming up soon... this year it will be July 5 from 10:30am until 2:00pm at the school building. If you attended NES or taught there, please come.
Please feel free to share items of interest with this column by Monday morning for inclusion in that week's paper.  This column appears on the internet (whenever I get around to posting it) at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com. Go Eagles.

Last of May Edition

Colossians 1:16-18 “16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. “

Happy birthday to: Janelle Briant (May 31), Bobby Thompson (May 27), Bonnie jackson May 26.

Birthdays this week include: Bonnie Jackson and Betty Lisemby Taylor (May 26), Bobby Thompson (May 27), Elton Lisemby (May 29) and Janelle Briant (May 31).

Happy anniversary to Jason and Carrie Hall (May 21).

Mrs. Lois Avery was visited last week by her sister Margaret Smith of Kenosha, WI.

I was saddened to learn this morning that Joe Phillips had passed away a couple of weeks ago. He was an all-around good guy. We also lost James Grice on May 20. Keep both families in your thoughts and prayers.

The county commodities truck will be at the community center on May 30 from 9am-noon.

 Pastor Billy Wilson of Macedonia FWB Church is recovering nicely from the knee reconstruction surgery he underwent May 20.

There will be another Hunter Education Class given in June on the 9th, 10th, and 12th from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Class will be held at The West Saline Community Center (the old school building). For more information, contact James Gill at (870)-352-8527. You must reserve a seat before May 27.

An extract from Goodspeed's History of Arkansas, Chapter 25, page 619: James Edgar Martin is a stock-dealer and merchant of New Edinburg, Ark., and was born in Bradley County, Ark., on May 27, 1852, being a son of Dr. John W. and Mary E. (Franklin) Martin, who were born in Virginia and Arkansas respectively. Both are residents of Warren, Bradley County, Ark., and Dr. Martin is now seventy-one years of age... a family of twelve children was born to himself and wife, eight of whom are now living, James Edgar Martin being the second child. In his youth he attended the Warren High School, and in 1873 left his home to embark in the mercantile business, first as salesman at Collins Station, in his uncle's employ, then for the firm of Martin and Goodwin of Warren. In 1876 he came to New Edinburg and became an associate of Martin and Goodwin in the firm of T. M. Goodwin & Co., but in 1883 he became sole proprietor and has since been successfully engaged in business alone. In connection with managing his store he also deals extensively in stock, and is the owner of some very fine registered Holstein and Jersey cattle. He has been grading his stock for four years past, and now has one of the finest herds in the county. He is also the owner of 1,500 acres of land in Bradley and Cleveland Counties, a goodly portion of which is under cultivation, and is accounted not only a successful farmer and stockman also. Like his father, he is a Mason and a Democrat, and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Word, and whom he married on March 5, 1884, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a daughter of James Word of New Edinburg. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have two children, Anna May and John Ernest.

Please feel free to share items of interest with this column by Monday morning for inclusion in that week's paper. This column appears on the internet (whenever I get around to posting it) at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com. Go Eagles.

May 19 Edition

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (KJV)

Birthdays this week include: Marnell Parker (May 19), James Norris (May 21), Connie Shaw (May 23) Princess Warner (May 26).  Happy belated birthday to Betty King (May 16).

The commodities truck will be her for us poor folk at the New Edinburg Community Center from 9 am to noon on May 30.

Oh look, they did a bangup job resurfacing the highway from the park to the Bradley County line and in record time. We Eagles are impressed and flabbergasted at the speed modern technology can make things happen.

There will be another Hunter Education Class given in June on the 9th, 10th, and 12th from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Class will be held at The West Saline Community Center (the old school building). For more information, contact James Gill at (870) 352-8527. You must reserve a seat before May 27.

In addition, if you're feeling daring, and want to join New Edinburg's elite sans peer, the Fire Department will be holding Firefighter Intro classes June 16-17 and the 19th from 6-10pm at the fire station. All firefighters are reminded the June meeting will be on the 12th at 6:30pm.

Please feel free to share items of interest with this column by Monday morning for inclusion in that week's paper.  This column appears on the internet (whenever I get around to posting it) at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com. Go Eagles.

May 12 Edition

"⁶ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: ⁷ Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7 KJV

Birthdays this week include: Michael Rawls (May 11), Devlyn Moring (May 11), Patsy Spears (May 12) Termedia Jackson and Glenda Wilson (May 15).

Bobby Hickerson, father of Doris Kee, passed away last Wednesday. Please keep his family in your prayers.

There will be another Hunter Education Class given in June on the 9th, 10th, and 12th from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Class will be held at The West Saline Community Center (the old school building). For more information, contact James Gill at (870)-352-8527. You must reserve a seat before May 27.

There will be a benefit at the New Edinburg Community Center for Paul and Doris Jankowski of Hermitage May 16 from 7-10pm with music by The White Mustang Band.  This is a family event and children are welcome. No booze allowed. Admission is $6.

The online Encyclopedia of Arkansas tells us “In 1904, the Bank of New Edinburg was organized, with E. M. Attwood as the founder and president. During the Great Depression, it was the only bank in the county that remained open. By 1936, there were several merchants in New Edinburg, as well as cafes and a beauty shop. One building housed both the Central Telephone Office and the Knight Theater, which showed matinees at noon for children on their lunch break from school and also had shows after school and on Saturday nights.”

Please feel free to share items of interest with this column by Monday morning for inclusion in that week's paper.  This column appears on the internet (whenever I get around to posting it) at http://WeAreTheEagles.blogspot.com. Go Eagles.