Hillbilly Heaven - Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce

The Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce hosted one of the most impressive Rods and Ribs Car
Shows ever on September 14th with 106 beautiful car entrees. The judges certainly had their
work cut out for them. There were some really hard decisions to be made choosing the $100.00
prizes winners.
We encourage everyone to go to Facebook and view all the wonderful photos of the event
Milanie Matthews supplied the Chamber.
“Hillbilly Heaven”
Scan the QR code above with
your smartphone to sign up
to receive our monthly
newsletter.
The Chamber is proud to recognize and welcome our new members this month:
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Girl Scouts Peach Tree Service Unit
 College Shade Townhouses
 Billy & Kaye Cater
As always, we appreciate our currently renewed members continued support.
Renewed membership:
July
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Johnson Regional
Medical Center
J & G Heating & Air
Hillbilly Realty
Royce Gattis
Coca Cola Bottling
Co. of Ft. Smith
Subway
Spectator, The
Source Gas
Shelter Insurance
Altus Chamber of
Commerce
AR. Blue Cross and
Blue Shield
Ozark Outdoor
Advertising
August
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North Franklin County
Fair
Adams Abstract
Flower Girls of Ozark
September
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PJ's Fina & Pizza Pro
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OG&E Electric
Services
O.K.Productions
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A Touch Of Class
Consignment Shop
Mulberry Mountain
Lodging & Events
Mercy Clinic
The Lamplighter Bed
& Breakfast
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Franklin County.
Learning Center &
The Coffee Break
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Franklin County
Library
CenturyLink
Byrd's Adventure
Center
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Burns Drug Store Inc.
Anderson Gas &
Propane
Zack's Place
The I-40 Travel
Center
Sweet Deals
Hoffman's of Ozark
Inc.
Kentucky Fried
Chicken/Taco Bell
Riverbend Properties
LLC
Richard Eden, Director of the Chamber Alliance Program: TO ALL CAP Member Chambers
The Chamber Alliance Program is still a working, viable and affordable solution for small businesses in
your chamber. This program is not being impacted by the implementation of the individual mandate in
the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For questions: Phone - 501-372-5959 Fax - 501-372-5955
For information about Obamacare please click: Affordable Care Act Tax Provisions or call your personal
accountant with questions.
Tony’s Tips from AVECC
For efficiency as well as safety...clean your dryer's lint trap before
each load. Make sure the outdoor dryer exhaust door closes when
the dryer is off. Check that the dryer vent hose is tightly connected
to the dryer as well as inside wall fitting and is not kinked or
clogged.
From Tony Wilson, Member Services/Key Accounts
Membership Plaque
From The GrapeVine
Photo Contest
The Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce is having a “Membership Plaque Photo Contest”. The contest will feature
the winning photo on the yearly membership plaque that each Chamber of Commerce Member receives to display
in their business, designating them as a member of the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce. The contest will be held
from
December 1st through December 30th , 2013.
The winning photographer will be awarded recognition on the winning photo and will receive membership in Ozark
Area Chamber of Commerce for one years as an individual member.
For more information contact:
Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce
300 West Commercial Street
Ozark Arkansas
www.ozarkchamberofcommerce.com
479-667-2949
Click here for contest rules
Old Fashioned Square Gathering
It‘s time to make plans to attend the Old Fashioned Square
Gathering on Oct. 19th on the courthouse square. This will be the
41st anniversary for the festival and it’s sure to be sold out again
this year. If you need an application for a booth, the Baby Photo
contest, the Little Mister & Miss Pageant, or the Chili-cook-off,
you can contact our office at 479-667-5337 or the OACOC at
479-667-2525. There are also applications available on line at
www.mainstreetozark.com or for pick up at 300 West
Commercial. There will be plenty of arts & crafts, food, fun and
fabulous bluegrass music, so mark your calendars for Oct 19th
and we’ll see you on the square.
Downtown Landscaping
Main Street Ozark would like to thank our Design Committee
and downtown gardeners for all their hard work on the
landscaping. We would also like to express our gratitude to our
Mayor and city administration for seeing the benefit in keeping
Ozark beautiful. Without the help given to us by the City there is
no way our volunteers could keep all the plants alive. We have no
equipment for watering and though we’ve installed sprinkler
systems in the islands we still have the crape myrtles and hanging
baskets to water. The City Street Department is doing a great job
of keeping up this almost daily routine and without their help all
the planting, pruning and hard work would be for naught.
Thank you Rivertowne BBQ for your continued support of our
landscaping program. We plan more baskets/crape myrtles and
appreciate your generosity to our cause. You are a great
downtown partner!
These are some images of the construction that is happening
to the library in the coming months.
Check out the web address www.arvrls.com for downloadable
eBooks,FreeGal downloadable music, Zinio downloadable
magazines, card catalog, data bases and much more. For
information or help please call 479-667-2724.
Rally on the River
Due to a scheduling conflict with another area event we are
postponing the “Rally on River” to a later date. We will
announce the new date as soon as the new program is confirmed
so stay tuned. You won’t want to miss out on all the free fun, hot
dogs and entertainment at the Rally on the River!
Sandy Key, Main Street Ozark
http://www.ozarkchamberofcommerce.com/Library/Franklin-CountyLibrary-61
October 2013
We have several great things happening at Mercy Hospital Ozark, were
stepping up the pace and putting our best foot forward with community
services and technology to better meet our local needs. Our great staff is
eager to help serve our community. We will keep you posted on these
advances in the months to come….
Our local Mercy Hospital Ozark Outreach committee staff is promoting our
fundraiser on Saturday October 5, 2013 beginning 8 AM @ Westside Park
to support the children of Franklin County to help provide acceptable
shoes for them to wear. “Walk a Mile In My Shoes” 5k Run/Walk began
last year and was the first of these events. At our 2012 event, we were
able to raise $1500 to provide for this worthwhile cause and had lots of fun
at the same time. This year our hope is to surpass our goal and make
many more children safe and happy with new footwear. We would love to
have you join in this very worthwhile cause. Please contact Amy Edge at
479-806-3309 for more information.
Remember also to mark your calendar for the upcoming Health Fair also
co-sponsored by Arkansas Tech University, Ozark Campus on Thursday
October 17th. At 10 AM to 2 PM. You will be provided with loads of free
health information and screening by several health related vendors. We
will have drawings for door prizes which will be awarded at various times
during the event. You must be present to win!!
Tell your friends, family and neighbors, everyone is welcomed. The fair
will be held at Arkansas Tech University (Student Services & Conference
Center) Room 117.
This event is FREE to all who attend. Arkansas Tech students will be
available to offer assistance on site for anyone who has physical
limitations or who need a little extra assistance.
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Drop by to get your blood pressure and pulse checked FREE
Mercy Hospital - offering lab draws for blood Glucose and
Cholesterol FREE
Mercy Hospital also plans on offering Flu Shots at this time FREE
PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test done FREE
(Please contact Patti Brown at Mercy Hospital (479-667-4138 Ext
8203) to be added to the list, she will need your name and phone
number. This service will be provided by the Arkansas Prostate
Foundation. We will need a minimum of 45 males signed up for
this test and the screening to take place.
Several of our nursing staff will be available at the Health Fair to
help answer any health related questions or concerns you may
have.
On behalf of our staff of Mercy Ozark,
Anne Porter RN COHN(s) ASC
Clinical Education & Occupational Health
ADHE’s Shane Broadway gives ATU-Ozark Convocation
Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus students were praised Tuesday, Sept. 25, by Arkansas Department of Higher Education
(ADHE) Interim Director Shane Broadway for the steps they’ve taken toward a rewarding career.
Also, he gave students words of advice for the rest of their educational journey and encouraged them to live up to the efforts of
those that helped along the way.
“Someone has had an influence on your life that has led you to this day,” he said. “All of us are standing on somebody else’s
shoulders.”
The former state legislator, who was appointed to head ADHE by Gov. Mike Beebe in 2011, was the guest speaker for
Convocation Day, an annual campus celebration that focuses on students’ path of becoming contributing members in the
workforce and society.
“Find something that you love. Find something that you have a passion for,” he said. “There is not a greater feeling than that.”
The event was held in the Student Services Conference Center. Other speakers included Arkansas Tech President Robert C.
Brown, Arkansas Tech-Ozark Chief Academic Officer and Acting Chancellor Bruce Sikes and Arkansas Tech-Ozark Chief Student
Officer Richard Harris.
Broadway, who served two terms in the Arkansas State Senate and three in the state House of Representatives, where he served
as Speaker, discussed among other topics the increase of lifetime earnings as a result of attending college.
Also, Broadway praised the “dedicated” faculty and staff of Arkansas Tech-Ozark “who truly care about your success,” and he
recommended that students embrace the many aspects of higher education, such as student organizations.
“I encourage you today to take advantage of the opportunity that you have been given,” he said. “You can be anything you want
to be, as long as you set your mind to it, because you are going to be given the tools at this campus to be able to do that.”
Broadway said, “A higher education was the key to everything that I’ve ever been able to do, every place I’ve ever been able to
go, the life that I’ve been fortunate and blessed to live – I can trace it all right back to sitting in your seat.”
He said, “It’s the greatest thing that ever happened to me in my life.”
Shane Broadway
Franklin County Health Fair Oct. 17
Leadership Franklin County
The Franklin County Health Fair will be held Thursday,
Oct. 17, at Arkansas Tech-Ozark from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in
the Student Services Conference Center, 1700 Helberg
Lane.
This month’s meeting of Leadership Franklin County will be
held Thursday, Oct. 17, and cover the topics of health care
and human services.
Healthcare representatives from throughout the Arkansas
River Valley will be on hand to provide information and
answer questions about their services. Also, the event will
feature free flu shots and PSA screenings for prostate
cancer, as well as blood pressure and cholesterol tests.
Handicapped parking will be available. For more
information, contact Patti Brown at Mercy Hospital at 5088203.
Fall Fest Oct. 25
The annual Arkansas Tech-Ozark “Fall Fest” is set for
Friday, Oct. 25, and promises to have fun for all ages.
The festivities, which are hosted by the Student
Government Association and Student Activities Board,
will be held from 4-6 p.m. outside the Student Services
Conference Center.
Housed at Arkansas Tech-Ozark, LFC develops current and
emerging leaders to work together to serve the good of
Franklin County and surrounding Arkansas River Valley
communities.
From August through May, participants are thoroughly
educated and challenged during monthly, daylong sessions as
to the needs and opportunities of the regional and dynamics
of social and economic change.
The 2013-14 LFC class includes: Sheriff Anthony Boen,
Justina Buck (Russellville) Yvonne Case, Ronnie Duggar,
City Clerk Sonya Eveld, Brandon Fisher (Charleston),
Superintendent Jim Ford, Mike Gibbons, Rex Heffington,
Luke Holcombe (Altus), Keith Moore (Mulberry), Lauren
Robinson (Cecil), Paula Shaw, Tonya Sneed (Charleston),
Sebastian Co. Chief Public Defender Ray Spruell, Jan Stacy
(Altus), Rachel Whitman (Paris), and Gina Wilkins (Lamar).
To apply for next year’s LFC class, visit www.atu.edu/ozark
or contact Director Marci Gage at 508-3371.
Candy for trick-or-treaters will be given away on a first
come, first serve basis, and the costume contest will have
first-, second- and third-place prizes for ages 1-4, 5-9 and
10-15.
Concessions will be served inside the Student Services
building. Other activities include a pumpkin patch game,
carnival games, bounce-around, cotton candy, popcorn,
free pony rides, trophies, cash prizes and more.
Provided by Charlie Gocio,
public information
coordinator at Arkansas Tech
University-Ozark Campus. For
more information,
he can be reached by e-mail
at cgocio@atu.edu, or 5083314.
Aahhh, fall has arrived. Night time temperatures are quite pleasant, and humidity is
low, low, low. Enjoy all of our fall events – Old Fashioned Square Gathering,
Wiederkehr Wine Fest, Harvest Fest on Mulberry Mountain, Haunted Sewing
Factory.
The Chamber and City again have been working together to decorate for the fall
season. Businesses are decorating the bales of hay supplied to them to make your
community come alive with the colors of fall. Stop by these businesses and let them
know you appreciate their efforts to make Ozark shine.
If you haven’t been out Highway 23 lately, you are missing the beginning of utility
lines being moved for “Hillbilly Lane”. We feel quite confident we will be able to
meet the Arkansas Highway Department October 30 bid letting schedule for
construction.
The
October is a busy month in the Ozark area. This time of year really kicks off our ‘busy’
season with the holidays approaching. However, before those festivities start, we
have a plethora of events happening this month.
October 11th starts off the 50th annual Wiederkehr Village Weinfest with music from
Ozark’s own Lance Carpenter, as well as Kristen Church and JustTheChips performing
at the Fest Tent at 6 p.m. Seating is first come first serve and the cover is just $5.00.
October 12th
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50th Annual Wiederkehr Village Weinfest including a Grape Stomp. Call 479468-WINE for more info.
Tea cup auction at Lawrence Hall at St. Mary’s Church in Altus.
Antique Tractor Show at the North Franklin County Fair Grounds.
October 17th-19th is Yonder Mountain Harvest Fest at Mulberry Mountain Events and
Lodging. Over 50 top performers of bluegrass and folk music across 4 stages.
October 19th
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41st Old Fashioned Square Gathering on the square in Ozark. It runs from 9
a.m. to 6 p.m. Sponsored by Main Street Ozark – 479-667-5357.
‘Mercy Crossfire’ Turkey shoot. Contact information- 479-667-4138.
The Scavenger Hunt starts and runs through December 14th. This event is
sponsored by the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce and more details will
come later.
October 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, and 31 the Haunted Factory will be at the old Garan
Building in back of Ozark City Hall. Charge is $5.00.
For more information about Ozark Area Chamber of
Commerce events please visit:
http://www.ozarkchamberofcommerce.com/news_events
The two big issues before us this month at the Capitol revolve around insurance. We received some news
about the rates of premiums which will be sold on the new Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace, and we are
being asked to find a solution to the enormous increase in premiums our teachers and school employees are
facing this year.
Starting with the news on the exchange, the Arkansas Insurance Department announced that the rates for
premiums sold will be less than what was originally thought. The average monthly premium of the plans will be
$284.74. Federal tax credit subsidies will reduce the premiums for those with incomes of up to 400% of the
federal poverty level. Currently, that amount (400% of FPL) is just under $46,000 for a single individual and
$94,200 for a family of four. As an example, a person making just over $17,000 would pay around $57.45 a
month for health care coverage after his or her rates are reduced with federal tax credits. As a result of the
Private Option passed this year, those making below 138% of the federal poverty level will have their premiums
from private insurance carriers covered with Medicaid funds.
Enrollment on the exchange begins October 1st and coverage begins January 1st. The exchange is found at
www.arhealthconnector.org.
Meanwhile, the outlook for affordable health care for our teachers and school employees has not been as
positive. We are working to find a solution since their premiums are increasing by up to 50% on January
1st. The Governor announced recently he is moving back the enrollment date from October 1st to November
1st.This gives lawmakers until October 15th to work with the school districts and others to come up with a longterm solution. Meetings will be held with teachers, principals, school employees and other stakeholders over the
course of the next few weeks to reach a solution. If a consensus is reached, the Governor will call a special
session. As an educator myself, I fully recognize how this impacts educators and employees in our district. I will
keep you updated on our progress and value your input.
I will continue to keep you updated and you can always view what meetings are scheduled on our website at
http://www.arkansashouse.org/.
-Bill
Subway inside Loves #271: The special this month is a Tuscan Chicken Sandwich. $6 for a ft long, The
Chicken Cordon Bleu is $7.75 for a ft long. They also have their “Lunch Anytime” special- a 6 inch sub
and 21 oz. drink for $4.
Hillbilly Hideout at The I-40 Travel Center: Try our "HOME MADE PIES" Yes, that's correct! We have
Miss Melba's Home Made Pies available. Ms Melba makes them from scratch right here in the Hillbilly
Hideout Kitchen, fresh for you! That's why we are more than convenient..
KFC/Taco Bell: $1 medium drink, $1 freezees, $1 loaded grillers from 2-5 p.m. everyday
The Coffee Break: 3 new sandwiches, as well as specialty coffees. All sandwiches and Panini’s are
$6.00 each and are served with a pickle spear and your choice of regular or BBQ chips.
Rivertowne BBQ: Daily lunch specials such as ribs, brisket, catfish and barbeque as well as a full menu.
Hours are from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. on Saturday,
closed Sunday and Monday.
Subway (On Commercial): The special this month is a Tuscan Chicken Sandwich. $6 for a ft long. They
also have their “Lunch Anytime” special- a 6 inch sub and 21 oz. drink for $4.
Wiederkehr Weinkeller Restaurant: The Weinkeller is buzzing in preparation for the 50th Annual
Wiederkehr Village Weinfest on Friday and Saturday, October 11 and 12. Friday night Early Bird
Concert/Party with Ozark's own Lance Carpenter and another fresh new talent from Fort
Smith. Kristen Church, who sings a little red dirt and classic rock will be a great warm up for
Lance. Mark your calendars. Beverages, Brats and Burgers will be plenty.
The Weinkeller is always hopping on Weinfest Eve. Make a plan and have dinner followed by
a great home town reunion concert.
Friday night Early Bird Concert/Party with Ozark's own Lance Carpenter and another fresh
new talent from Fort Smith. Kristen Church, who sings a little red dirt and classic rock will be
a great warm up for Lance. Mark your calendars. Beverages, Brats and Burgers will be
plenty.
The Weinkeller is always hopping on Weinfest Eve. Make a plan and have dinner followed by
a great home town reunion concert.
Swiss Family Bistro: in the Wiederkehr family of business at Exit 41 on I-40 is open 11:00 am to 3:00
pm Monday through Thursday for Lunch. The Bistro serves soups, salads, sandwiches and your
favorite beverages. Call ahead for your lunch orders to make the most of your time and have lunch
waiting.
Swiss Family Bistro is open Friday through Sunday 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Some of the favorite dishes
include the Philly Swiss Cheese Sandwich, Chicken Salad Sandwich, the Reuben, giant cheeseburger
and the famous Swiss Onion Soup. Dine on the patio for a nice open air experience.
Ozark High School Golf Team Success
The Ozark Hillbilly and Lady Hillbilly Golf Teams won the 1-4A District Tournament September
24, 2013 at Valley View Country Club in Farmington, AR. This is at least for years in a row for
the Lady Hillbillies to win the District Tournament. The boys won the District tournament by 18
strokes, while the girls won by 12. Both teams will advance to the State Tournament. The girl's
state tournament will be held October 1 and 2 at Thunder Bayou in Blytheville, AR. The boy's
state tournament will be held the following week on October 8 and 9 also at Thunder Bayou in
Blytheville, AR.
In the picture: (L-R) back row- Tripp Canady, Britten Harden, Coach Kendra Mainer, Katie Yell, and Emery King.
(L-R) front row- Cole Yell, John Edgin, Hayley Smith, and Peyton Timmerman.
John Weslee Edgin, a junior at OHS, is the son
of
Jim Weslee
Edgin and
Cathy
Canady
John
Edgin,
a junior
at of Ozark.
Edgin
named
Medalist
OHS, was
is the
son ofDistrict
Jim Edgin
and in the 1-4A
District
Golf Tournament
onwas
September
Cathy Canady
of Ozark. held
Edgin
24
at theDistrict
Valley Medalist
View Country
named
in theClub
1-4Ain
Farmington,
This is Edgin's
District Golf AR.
Tournament
held on3rd year in a
row
to be named
Medalist.
September
24 atDistrict
the Valley
View
Country Club in Farmington, AR.
This is Edgin's 3rd year in a row to
be named District Medalist.
The Judge’s Jot
Franklin County is still making improvements on both their National
Historic Registered buildings in the Ozark and Charleston Districts. We have several individuals helping with these projects and
we are so grateful. We also have the announcement of a new addition to our Extension Service Office.
At the Ozark Courthouse we currently have students from Cass Job Corps along with their instructor Mr. Ron Perkins painting
our Gazebo which is a backdrop for all the activities that showcases our county. The students that are helping Mr. Perkins
Phillip Cote, Amber Kapo, Freddy Samples, Allen Templton, Chris Trollinger, and David Kennedy. We also want to thank WalMart and the Rotary Club for their donation of the paint.
At the Charleston Courthouse Turner Construction is busy building the new Gazebo. It is coming along nicely and they are
expecting its completion within the next month. If you have not had the chance to take an early fall drive you might consider
going and checking out this beautiful project.
We also want to thank Mrs. Alice Bullington for her service on the Franklin County Library Board as she was voted in by the
Quorum Court to another term. We have a welcome to the Franklin County family to make with the hiring of Kristen Melson.
Kristen is our County Extension Agent-Family and Consumer Sciences. She is from Mountain Home, AR and graduated from
Missouri State University in Springfield, MO with a BS in Education with an emphasis in Family and Consumer Sciences. If you
see Kristen please make her feel welcome.
Our Elected Officials and Quorum Court members have started working on the 2014 Budget. This will take time and effort for
both parties and I appreciate all their hard work and concern for the citizens of Franklin County. As always contact my office
anytime with questions for concerns. 479-667-4726
Thanks,
Janet Powell
Franklin County Judge
OZARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Hello to all!
I hope everyone is taking advantage of the casual early fall weather we are seeing around Ozark. With the
recent festivities we have seen many motorcyclists through our area, and with the beautiful weather and
colorful landscape I expect to see many more. I would like to take this opportunity to remind all motorists
to “Look Twice, Save a Life “during your busy bustle around town- be cognizant of other motorists.
Also, Halloween is soon approaching. So get ready for those goblins, vampires, superheroes and
princesses, and keep the safety of others in mind! If you and yours will be partaking in the Halloween
festivities, be safe and be patient as some of the neighborhoods become very congested. Drive slow and
watch for little trick-or-treaters that could dart out into the road, or from between vehicles. For additional
safety tips see the below listed link to the “Halloween Health and Safety Tips” webpage, provided by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/
Hope you have a safe and productive autumn in Ozark!!!
Sincerely,
Cory Tedford
Chief of Police
Ozark Police Department
Spotlighting Altus
Greetings from the wonderful City of Altus Arkansas.
Altus is a wonderful place to live with it having that small town feel and its charming downtown area, with a
beautiful Park which features a Coal Miners Monument as well as a new Veterans Memorial, along with a
museum that displays many artifacts and history of Altus. Also some great businesses within its city limits,
such as wineries, convenience stores, restaurants, churches, banks, civic clubs, organizations and many other
attractions that you might enjoy visiting.
There are three (3) convenience stores located in the City limits of Altus, PJ’s, Handy Mart and Circle M.
These stores are great places in Altus to meet with friends and to find the latest local news. They offer a
variety of seating at a table or booth where you will enjoy their food, coffee, soft drinks, in a clean and
friendly atmosphere. Each month we will highlight one of the local businesses or attractions in Altus.
For the month of October I am Spotlighting “Altus Handy Mart” which is owned and operated by Ali Raza,
conveniently located on Hwy 64 in downtown Altus. His store has an easy on and off where you can purchase
fuel and other things you might need for your vehicle. As you enter His store you will find a variety of
groceries, drinks and foods, including a deli with the best grilled or deep fried Chicken Salad you will find
anywhere. A convenient sitting area to dine in or if you should choose, call in an order for a carry out. You
will find his staff very friendly, courteous and willing to serve you.
We hope you will go by and say Hi to Ali and his staff, and while there take time to browse around his store,
and visit with the other customers.
Ali Raza, Owner: Altus Handy Mart
Larry W. Stacy is Mayor of Altus
Arkansas.
Contact him at 479-213-7081
e-mail: mayorstcy@centurytel.net
Follow me on facebook
Businesses interested in
participating or information about
the 2013 Scavenger Hunt contact
Ozark Area Chamber of
Commerce -479-667-2949.