We enjoyed the insanely warm weather over Christmas break. We spent time outdoors at home and on the road. Our family was able to celebrate the Christmas holiday with both sides of our families. It does not matter how old I get, I enjoy a trip back to my hometown in Missouri to visit my parents, sister, nieces and their families. Watching my own parents become grandparents was a joy but watching them step into their role of great grandparents (my sister has two grandchildren now) is even more fun.
My Missouri nieces are both married. They both have small businesses in our hometown. It has been so special to watch them grow into ambitious adults. They are engaged with their community and fearless to jump into opportunities when presented. The legacy of our parents’ work ethic and drive for serving a rural community continues.
One of the days we spent in Missouri, we had an opportunity to ride along with my youngest niece as she did a delivery route. I am fascinated with all the “side hustle” businesses that exist in today’s economy. It was a literal trip down memory lane as we drove all over town (and outside of town) delivering packages. The whole process took only a few hours, but we enjoyed each other’s company in the car while we drove around and talked about places where friends had lived back when my sister and I were in high school.
Things have changed significantly over the past thirty years. The grocery store where I worked when I was sixteen is now home to multiple small businesses, apartments and an event center. Some areas were full of new construction, and some parts of town had gotten a little bit run-down. Overall, it was fun and nostalgic.
After our visit to Missouri, we spent a few days at home. My husband and oldest son had traveled on to Tulsa to prepare for this year’s Tulsa Shoot Out (a large microprint race held between Christmas and New Year’s annually). I spent some time getting our house put back in order after hosting family Christmas. Then, our youngest son and I packed up and headed over to Tulsa for a few days of racing. We caught up with several friends and watched a LOT of racing. We were glad to get back home and in a routine.
While we were in Tulsa, the 2026 primary election candidates had been at work putting up signs reminding all of us of an impending election March 3. As we drove back into Elkins, we were smacked in the face with signs galore! I personally know how much work it is to run for an elected office. I commend the ambition of all these people to get out and campaign. This year, as we prepare for an important Arkansas election, I want to be assured of people who want to engage and invest in making our community (and state) an even better place to live.
February 2 is the last day to register to vote in the upcoming election. My parents instilled in each one of their children and grandchildren, the importance of being engaged in this process. For the sake of our families, businesses and the agriculture industry, I hope everyone in our community is involved in this important process, neighbor.
Jody Harris is a freelance communications specialist, gardener, ranch wife and mother of four. She and her family raise Angus beef cattle and other critters on their northwest Arkansas ranch. She is a graduate of Missouri State University. To contact Jody, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’
