ENGAGEMENT : Vaughn-Breckenridge

Randy and Ranae Vaughn of Westville, Okla., announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their daughter, Paula Lanae Vaughn, to Brandon Lee Breckenridge of Colcord, Okla. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

ENGAGEMENT : Gill-Stockard

Vicki Gill, of Siloam Springs, Ark., announces the engagement of her son, Ryan “Jacob” Gill of Olathe, Kan., to Kala Nicole Stockard, of Overland Park, Kan. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

ENGAGEMENT : Nenstiel-Russell

Beverly Nenstiel and Steve Russell announce their engagement and upcoming wedding. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

WEDDING : Warder-Fowler

Brooke Allison Warder, of Siloam Springs, Ark., and Christopher Ryan Fowler, of Fort Collins, Colo. were united in marriage April 12, 2008, at First Baptist Church in Siloam Springs. Dr. Jerry Hopkins of Sand Springs, Okla., and Bert Wright of Fort Collins officiated. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

ENGAGEMENT : Schwerin-Niehus

Susan Schwerin of Gentry, Ark. and Nathaniel Niehus of Jay, Okla., announce their engagement and upcoming marriage. The couple will exchange vows at 3 p.m. on May 24, 2008, at the First Presbyterian Church in Siloam Springs, Ark. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Heritage League Garden Tour June 1

A garden tour, sponsored by the Siloam Springs Heritage League, will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. June 1 at four homes in the city. Tour sites will be the gardens of Steve and Janice Lucas, 214 E. Franklin; Sandy Martin, 1100 Hunter Ridge; and Bunny Russell. Refreshments will be served at the Martin home. Tickets are $5 and are available at Occasions, Four Corners Frame Shop and Main Street Studios. All proceeds will benefit the New Beginnings Pregnancy Center. Rain date will be June 8. Call Sarah Driscoll, 524-9281, for more information. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

‘My Hero’ topic of contest for student writers

Reported by Rachel Kulp

The annual Siloam Springs Writers’ Student Awards Ceremony was held May 8 in the Siloam Springs Senior Activity Center with approximately 90 students, parents and members present. The theme this year for both prose and poetry was “My Hero.” Opening prayer was offered by president Margaret Weathers. Following opening remarks, Rosemary Matthews, contest chair, presented the awards and prizes as follows: Kindergarten Prose winners were Savannah Downey, Claudia Mercado, Ian Hilderbrand, Rebekah Rodgers, Makynzee Hill and Kate Shaw. First Grade Prose: 1st, Chloe McGooden; 2nd, Kendall Nelson; 3rd, Kassidy Lane; Honorable mention, Jared Frye, Katie Kendrick. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Food Talk : Beware of claims about additives in bottled water

ELLEN JONES

QUESTION: I have noticed many different bottles of water with things added to them. For example “vitamin water and protein water.” Are these better for you than plain water? ANSWER: Let me start out by saying that nothing takes the place of “plain” water. Our bodies need to be hydrated. Water is the only liquid our cells can use for metabolism. Anything we add to water will slow the absorption of water and affect our metabolism. If you have consumed eight cups of water for the day and want to add the new “functional” beverage, that is your choice, but these beverages should be taken for a different reason, not as hydration. Beverages referred to as “functional” beverages are drinks that have been enhanced with ingredients that claim to provide specific health benefits. You many find them marketed as “neutraceuticals.” Vitamins, protein and herbs are favorite additions to the water. The sale of these beverages has become a multi-billion dollar industry. The consumer should think twice before investing in these - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

LOOKING BACK : 30 years ago: Twister touches down in Lake Frances park

Compiled by Jackie Brooks

50 Years Ago From the Herald and Democrat in 1958 By unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees of John Brown University, the restriction on Intercollegiate Athletics was lifted. The administration gave permission to inaugurate a limited program of intercollegiate basketball. It was on a trial basis for two or three years. After that period of time a committee was to be appointed and a study made of all existing factors culminating in a report and recommendations for conference play. 40 Years Ago From the Herald and Democrat in 1968 The Ambulance Service in Siloam Springs asked for more understanding by the citizens of our area. Since the Ambulance service was a part of the Fire Department, the two fully equipped ambulances were housed in the fire department building. Rate of charge for ambulance runs was as follows: $20 for an emergency in city limits. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

REGIONAL DIGEST

Gentry gears up for annual July 4 festival Food and arts and craft vendors are invited to be part of the Gentry Annual Freedom Fest July 4. As in years past, the event will be held at the Gentry Park. Bev Saunders, Main Street Gentry Chamber of Commerce executive director, said the fireworks display will be the largest ever. More inflatables will be added this year for the children, she said. Kids can purchase a $10 arm band and play all day. Earl’s Garage will return for musical entertainment, and the annual Miss Independence Day and Young Miss Independence Day pageants will be held. Pageant entry forms are available at Gentry City Hall. Entry forms can be sent or emailed by calling Meredith Renfroe, pageant chairman, at (479) 601-4388. Interested vendors should call (479) 736-2358 for more information or to get a vendor contract. Benefit concert A benefit concert is planned for Deputy Sheriff Richard Wells on June 7 at 7 p.m. at the Gravette High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15 in advance and - Wednesday, May 14, 2008