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By admin, March 9, 2010 6:16 pm

Arbor Day will be observed in Gentry Thursday, with trees being planted on the Gentry Primary School and Intermediate School campuses.

Trees will be planted at 10 a.m. on the Primary School campus and at 12:30 p.m. on the Intermediate School campus. Students at the schools will assist with the planting activities.

Gentry Mayor Wes Hogue, city council members, Gentry Chamber of Commerce director Bev Saunders, urban forestry coordinator Patti Erwin of the Arkansas Forestry Commission, Scott Carney and Terry Stanfill of SWEPCO and Delia Haak of the Illinois River Watershed Partnership are also scheduled to be present for the special event.

A special Illinois River Watershed Partnership concert, featuring Marshall Mitchell, will be held on both campuses Friday — 10 a.m. at GPS and 2 p.m. at GIS. Mitchell will entertain the students and sing about protecting area rivers and streams with riparian buffers.

More tree planting activities are planned for 9 a.m. through noon on Saturday morning at the Eagle Watch Nature area. Plans are in place to plant trees along the Little Flint Creek, which passes through the nature area and into SWEPCO Lake. The trees are being planted to preserve the riparian buffer and to provide wildlife habitat along the nature trail. Volunteers from the Bloomfield 4-H Club, Gentry National Honor Society, the Gentry School’s Science Club and from the general public will plant the trees at Eagle Watch Nature Area.

Trees will also be planted Saturday on private lands owned by the Feemster Family along the Flint Creek near Arkansas Highway 59. The Gentry High School Cheerleaders will assist in this planting.

The observance of Arbor Day in Gentry and the tree planting activity is all a part of a move by the city to become a Tree City U.S.A. In a proclamation, Gentry Mayor Wes Hogue proclaimed March 11 Arbor Day in the city.

Working with the Gentry Chamber of Commerce and the city councils of Gentry and Springtown, the Illinois River Watershed Partnership obtained a grant to help establish a riparian buffer along the Flint Creek and its tributaries in the Gentry and Springtown area. Flint Creek is a tributary of the Illinois River and a part of Illinois River watershed. The buffer is to help prevent runoff of fertilizers and chemicals into the waterways and improve the quality of the river.

A tree survey was completed by urban forester Peter Rausch. The city plans to consider and adopt an ordinance establishing an advisory committee to serve as a tree board. The board would help the city develop a tree management plan and establish guidelines for the planting, care and removal of trees which are on public and city-managed properties.

The Gentry tree-planting project is a part of the 2010 riparian project organized by the Illinois River Watershed Partnership.

In a press release, IRWP invites the public to participate in the 2010 Riparian Project to be held from 9 a.m. until 12 noon on Saturday, March 13, and explains the project’s purpose and goals as follows:

What is a riparian buffer? A riparian buffer is the area of land next to a creek, stream or river — the stream banks and flood-plain area. In nature, riparian buffers can include trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers.

Why are riparian buffers important? Riparian buffers decrease stream bank erosion, filter sediments and pollutants commonly found in runoff, provide storm water storage, increase wildlife habitat, provide cooler water and air temperatures and increase groundwater infiltration. Riparian buffers provide environmental and recreational benefits to creeks, streams and rivers, and improve water quality and downstream land areas.

How can one participate? The public is invited to volunteer at one of the six locations listed below. Activities will include planting green ash, bald cypress, and short-leaf pine seedlings as well as cleaning up trash and debris. Snacks and drinks will be provided. To volunteer, e-mail contact@irwp.org or call (479) 238-4671.

Locations

Fayetteville — Clabber Creek, meet at Holt Middle School, Rupple Rd.;

Gentry — Little Flint Creek, meet at Eagle Watch Nature Trail, Hwy. 12 West;

Rogers — Turtle Creek, meet at Home Depot northwest parking lot, I-540 Pinnacle exit;

Siloam Springs — Sager Creek, meet at La-Z-Boy Ballpark fields;

Springdale — Spring Creek, meet at Grove Street Park;

Tahlequah — Townbranch, meet at Felts Park, Basin Ave.

Partners in the projects are: Cities of Fayetteville, Gentry, Rogers, Springdale, Siloam Springs, Tahlequah, Arkansas Forestry Commission, Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission, Wal-Mart Stores, Sam’s Club, Chick-Fil-A, Snapple, Simmons Foods, Tyson Foods, George’s Inc., Arkansas Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy, Lake Fayetteville Watershed Partnership, UA Ecological Engineering Society, Sager Creek Advisory Commission, Razorback District Boy Scouts, Bloomfield and other 4-H Clubs.

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By admin, January 19, 2010 5:43 pm

Gentry Chamber of Commerce is currently taking nominations for the 2009 community awards. The honors, along with the Lifetime Achievement Awards and honors for Arkansas’ Farm Family of the Year winners Bill and Delia Haak, will be presented at the Gentry Community Awards Night, beginning at 6 p.m. on Feb. 25, at the Wooden Spoon Restaurant in Gentry. Nominations are being accepted through Feb. 5 for Organization of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Pioneer of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Business Person of the Year. Send nominations, with the reasons for nomination, to P.O. Box 642, Gentry, AR 72734 or e-mail them to info@gentrychamber .com.

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By admin, January 19, 2010 5:38 pm

The Chamber of Commerce / Main Street Association is currently holding its annual membership drive and city directory ad sales campaign.

“This is a great way to support our community and its activities,” chamber director Bev Saunders said. “I hope everyone that appreciates what the chamber does in Gentry will join the chamber.”

“The funding we collect through these efforts is very important to the community of Gentry,” Saunders said. “It’s this organization that brings Gentry its Freedom Festival on July 4th, Easter egg hunt, fall festival, Christmas parade and celebration. It sponsors clean-up and fix-up events for both the commercial district and the park, holds decorating contests, the Miss Gentry Scholarship program, hosts annual community awards, and much more. Everything we do takes money and volunteers. Through the membership and directory ad sales, we can give our members something they will benefit from, it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Last year membership numbers were down slightly and the chamber hopes to bring those numbers up.

“We hope to hit 100 members this year,” Saunders said. “We are currently at 40 members. We will continue to sell memberships until the end of February.”

Individuals who would like to join the Gentry Chamber of Commerce may send $25 to Gentry Chamber, P.O. Box 642, Gentry, AR 72734. Businesses may join for $75. Those interested in an ad in the directory can contact Saunders at 736-2358 for more information, including ad sizes and prices.

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By admin, November 11, 2009 12:26 pm

This year, Santa will visit with children before the parade at the Chamber office.

“A Christmas to Remember” is the theme of this year’s Gentry Christmas parade set for 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12.

The parade, sponsored annually by the Gentry Chamber of Commerce, will begin at Curran Feed Store and travel west to the Gentry City Park.

Float entries should be lined up at 5:30 p.m. Awards of $100 in Gentry Bucks will be presented for the best theme, the best lighting and the best music. A $200 grand prize in Gentry Bucks will be presented to the best overall float — theme, lighting and music combined.

Santa will pass out treat bags and visit with children from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the day of the parade at the Gentry Chamber of Commerce building. He will not be in Carl Gym following the parade this year.

“This is a change from the way it has been done in the past,” said Chamber director Bev Saunders. “Parents and children are urged to come early in the afternoon to see Santa at the Chamber building, 212 East Main Street, because he will have to leave to be in the parade at 6 p.m. Photos at this event are encouraged if parents want to bring their own cameras. Santa will be talking with the children in front of a fireplace. Anyone who does not come in the 3 to 6 p.m. time slot will not get a chance to visit with Santa and get a treat bag,” Saunders said.

Plans are also being made for choirs and carolers to perform in front of the Chamber building from 3 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 12.

All Gentry businesses, schools and government offices are being invited to participate in this year’s Christmas lighting contest.

The Gentry Chamber of Commerce will present $100 to the best decorated business. Judging will take place Dec. 12. Business owners wishing to make sure their business is included in the contest are being asked to call the Chamber office and let the Chamber know when decorations are up so no one is missed in the judging.

Anyone desiring more information about visits with Santa, the parade or the business decorating contest may call Saunders at 736-2358.

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By admin, October 28, 2009 10:14 pm

Trick or Treat on Main Street will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. Local businesses will be open and providing treats for the young ghosts and gobblins along Gentry’s Main Street.

More than a thousand youngsters participated last year.

The event is sponsored by the Gentry Chamber of Commerce.

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By admin, August 28, 2009 10:50 am

The Farmer's Daughters, a Gentry group, won last year's talent contest.

The Chamber of Commerce is continuing to make plans for the upcoming Oct. 10 Fall Festival. Included in the planning are the following activities and events:

• Miss Octoberfest;

• Sky divers from Sky Ranch in Siloam Springs;

• Car show sponsored by Gentry Fire Dept.;

• Softball tournament;

• Horsehoe  tournament;

• Poker run;

• Quilt show;

• Kyla Horton concert;

• Pumpkin painting;

• Wrestling show;

• Turning Point worship concert;

• Tug-a-fire-truck contest;

• Food and games;

• Inflatable rides;

• Safari rides and petting zoo;

• Talent show;

• Wagon rides;

• Balloons;

• Entertainment by Meagan White;

• Food booths and game booths hosted by Gentry United Way agencies;

• Commercial booths;

• A televised Razorback game; and a

• Blast from the past concert.

Featured entertainment at this year’s festival is Blast from the Past, featuring the music of Conway Twitty, Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley. These entertainers and their bands will take the stage at 7 p.m. in the Gentry City Park.

The concert will be free, but concert goers will need to bring their own lawn chairs if they wish to listen in comfort.

Honoring Twitty is Randy Holland, two-time winner of “You Can Be a Star” in the Nashville Network.

Bill Holden will pay the tribute to Orbison. He is from Branson, Mo., and has been performing with Tony Orlando for the past five years. Holden also performed in the famous “Legends in Concert” at Las Vegas.

Barry Humphries will perform the music and style of Elvis. He is a police officer by day but is “Elvis” at night. Humphries is a guest performer on cruise ships and was one of the top Elvis impersonators at the Isle of Capri National finals in Biloxi, Miss.

“We are so excited to have this group coming to Gentry for this event,” said Bev Saunders, executive director for the Gentry Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve been working on it for a while. They will join a growing list of entertainers, including Meagan White of Springdale, Kyla Horton of Marshall and the Turning Point Praise and Worship Team from Gentry. This is going to be a great day for our community and lots of fun,” Saunders said.

“We’ll have lots of other fun things happening as well, including a car show, wrestling exhibition, inflatables for the kids, sky divers, arts and craft booths, lots of food, co-ed softball tournament, free wagon rides, an antique tractor show, an incredible quilt show in the library and more. We hope everyone will plan to spend Oct. 10th in the Gentry Park,” Saunders said.

And, with the Fall Festival fast approaching, it’s time once again to enter quilts in the annual quilt show.

The quilt show is set for Oct. 9-16 at the Gentry Public Library. The Fall Festival is on Saturday, Oct. 10, and many visitors are expected to view the quilts on that day. But the show will go on, and visitors are expected throughout the following week.

Last year’s show featured more than 85 quilts from across the region, with some being very rare and unique. Show coordinator Janie Parks expects even more quilts to be displayed this year.

Quilt makers may enter modern, antique, miniature and appliqué quilts, either hand- or machine-stitched.

Applications may be picked up at Parks Lumber Co., 121 S. Nelson Street, Gentry.

For more information or application forms, call Janie Parks at 479-936-1498 or 736-2340.

Gentry’s Got Talent, an open talent show, will begin around 3 p.m. in the performing pavilion. A $200 cash first-place prize and a $100 cash runner-up prize will be awarded. The prizes are sponsored by Arvest Bank.

Entry forms may be obtained at Gentry City Hall or by calling 736-2358 to receive one by mail. There is no entry fee for the competition, but forms must be postmarked no later than Oct. 5 or turned into Gentry City Hall no later than Oct 6. Due to time restriction, entries could be limited. They will be accepted on a first-come basis — including postmarks.

Check-in for participants and CDs will be at about 2 p.m. in front of the performing stage in the park. Judges’ decisions will be final. All ages are encouraged to participate.

Arts and craft vendors are also invited to be a part of the Gentry Fall Festival as well. Vendors many pick up a application forms at Gentry City Hall or call 736-2358 to receive an application by mail. The deadline for vendor booths is Oct. 5. Booth space starts at $50 for a 12-by-12-foot space. Larger booth spaces are available.

Quilts were on display at the Gentry Public Library during the festival.

Fire from the Firestorm Fire Truck destroyed an old RV at last year's festival.

For more information on Blast from the Past, visit: www.blastfromthepastshow.com.

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By admin, August 18, 2009 12:22 pm

Lions Club members put up flags along Gentry's Main Street.

Nestled in the beautiful Ozarks, along Arkansas Highways 12 and 59, Gentry is a growing and thriving community of more than 3,000 people.

Gentry boasts more than 160 businesses, including restaurants, bed and breakfast establishments, small industry/manufacturing plants, retail stores and service-oriented businesses. Gentry’s largest employer is McKee Foods Corporation, maker of the famous Little Debbie^TM and Sunbelt^TM snacks. McKee foods celebrated 20 years of manufacturing in Gentry and dedicated a 40,000 square-foot expansion to the existing plant in 2002. The company thrift store is located on the corner of Arkansas Hwy 59 and Main Street. Visitors come from about a 100-mile radius to take advantage of the discounted cookies and cakes.

The town is governed under a mayor-city council plan. Wes Hogue is the Mayor of Gentry. The City Council members are Janice Arnold, Jason Barrett, Michael Crawford, Clara Garrett, James Furgason, Kevin Johnston, Kyle Jordan and Janie Parks. The City Clerk is Jo Ellen Martin and the Water Department Finance Manager is Melissa Smith. All city officials can be reached at (479) 736-2555. The City Council meets on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Gentry receives its water via the Benton and Washington County Water Authority, otherwise known as Two-Ton. Two-ton water gave rural communities in the two counties access to a reliable source for large quantities of water for municipal, agricultural and industrial application. The City of Gentry recently finalized a rural water system to serve areas outside the city limits.

The city also features 24-hour police and fire protection. The Police Department consists of eight full-time officers under the direction of Police Chief Keith Smith. The Fire Department (www.gentryfire.org) and First Responder program is housed in a new facility under the direction of Fire Chief Vester Cripps. All firemen have extensive training and the majority are EMT’s.

Gentry is a progressive city with an active plan for the future. The goal is to reduce urban sprawl and preserve the local historic structures which Give Gentry its unique character.

In keeping with the city’s design philosophy, an expansion for the city’s rapidly-growing public library grew into a project to not only provide the library with the necessary room, but also construct a community center, museum area and small park, all by renovating an historic structure at the town’s center. This unique project has provided modern facilities on the inside while preserving the building’s original facade. Residents of Gentry passed a half cent sales tax in 2002 to fund the bond for the project. The Gentry Public Library is operated by a host of volunteers under the direction of librarian Darla Threet and the Library Board. The library offers books for children, youth and adults. It also features free books on tape, VCR and DVD movies, music CD’s, and free wireless Internet. Faxes can be sent and copies can be made for a small fee.

Gentry is home of the Pioneers, the official mascot of the Gentry School District. The district is known for the quality of its education and modern facilities, with a new primary school building, middle school building with a high school/middle school cafeteria, and baseball/softball complex. The district encompasses Highfill and a portion of Cherokee City. Competitive sports programs include football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, baseball, fast-pitch softball, track and soccer. School programs feature special classes for the gifted and talented student, advanced placement courses and an active arts program at all grade levels. The school district provides strong support to community education and civic needs. Gentry is also home to Gentry Seventh-day Adventist Academy, Gentry Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School, Faith Christian School, and a Mennonite school.

Gentry has an active religious community with churches of many different affiliations, including Assembly of God, Baptist, Church of Christ, Mennonite, Seventh-day Adventist, United Methodist and others. Most denominations offer programs for youth and families as well as regular religious services.

For youth, the community features an active youth sports league, with football, basketball, baseball, softball and tee-ball teams. The Gentry City Park features basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, a walking trail, pavilions, and a playground. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy one of Gentry’s most unusual features – the Wild Wilderness Drive-Thru Safari, owned and operated by theWilmoth family of Gentry. The wildlife park features many indigenous and exotic animals and birds, plus a petting zoo. It is one of Gentry’s most popular attractions.