Opinion

Petit Jean State Park

Petit Jean State Park is an Arkansas classic, a natural and historic treasure that has welcomed travelers for decades. The natural beauty and ancient geology of the legendary Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation of Arkansas’s first state park and with it our state park system. The park mirrors the mountain’s rugged beauty with its rustic-style, native log and stone facilities constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) beginning in 1933. The CCC built trails, roads, bridges, cabins, and the focal point of the park, historic Mather Lodge, a 24-room lodge overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon with a restaurant, meeting rooms, and gift shop.
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Looking back while looking ahead

It’s been a few years and memories fuzz and fade, but I recall a history professor who seemed to think part of his calling was to get his students to prepare for “the cosmic cocktail party.” That’s not a euphemism for drugs or a four-figure weekend retreat of enlightenment at a spa. What he meant was, what if you found yourself at the ultimate cocktail party, surrounded by the smartest and most creative and successful people you could think of? Could you hold your own? This is not the time to drop the pig-with-the-wooden-leg joke.
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Celebrating a Buffalo National River Milestone

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Buffalo National River’s designation as our country’s first national river. Enjoying wildlife and the outdoors is a way of life for residents of The Natural State and the Buffalo National River has helped countless Arkansans do just that. As we commemorate National Park Week, we celebrate this milestone and all of Arkansas’s national treasures.
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Its Time to Bark in the Park

The day is almost here! Bark in the Park will be this Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Furry friends and volunteers from Have a Heart Pet Shelter are looking forward to seeing many of our friends there at the Yellville City Park Pavilion.
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APA to Host Day of Debates April 21

A Day of Debates, featuring Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General and Gubernatorial candidates, will be held on Thursday, April 21 at Little Rock Union Station, lower level. A luncheon will also be part of the day’s schedule. The event is hosted by Arkansas Press Association and sponsored by Arkansas Farm Bureau and the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas.
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Cooking with Mumzy!

Hello friends and readers of the Mountaineer Echo, I hope this week finds you all healthy and in happy spirits. Mumzy’s Taco Dip: 1 pound ground beef 16 ounce can refried beans 2 (1.25 ounce) packages mild taco seasoning mix divided 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 (8 ounce) package shredded cheddar cheese, divided 1 (16 ounce) package shredded lettuce 1 (8 ounce) jar salsa, or to taste Directions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Voting in Arkansas

An important deadline is approaching if you plan on voting in the May 24 Preferential Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election. If you have not already registered to vote, you have until April 25 to file your voter registration application with your county clerk.
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