Sam and Jamie Martin
Location: Siloam Springs, Ark.
In Town: Sam said, “I have been an attorney for Benton County since I graduated from law school in May 2011. I never know what the next file will contain which makes the challenges unique to each case.”
Jamie said, “I am a program eligibility specialist for the Department of Human Services in Washington County. I work with issuing food stamps and Medicaid, which is challenging because determining eligibility is an emotional issue for the clients.”
In the Country: Sam said, “I was raised in a rural style subdivision outside Fayetteville, Ark., while Jamie was a city girl. However, Jamie’s family had acreage outside of town where her family had horses.”
Jamie said, “I learned to ride when my babysitters, close friends of the family, took me out to ride.
Sam added, “We decided we wanted a country life, so we bought 6 acres and lease an additional 18 for our four rodeo horses. We compete in team roping and practice with cattle owned by Jamie’s parents. We really love our place because part of it borders the Illinois River, something we always wanted.”
How do your town and country lives work together?
Sam said, “Our days start early and end late. I feed the animals before work and take care of them at night. Weather permitting, we ride together in the evenings and go to competitions when possible. Our town jobs support the country life we want to live.”
Story and Photo by Terry Ropp
