Arkansas…all puffed up
November 12, 2008
Wynne, Arkansas
by Kris Kolk
A couple weeks ago, my husband took me to Wynne, Arkansas to purchase a specific Christmas gift (cheaper to pick-up than to ship). So, we headed out on a road trip adventure and this is a quick travel log of that experience.
As we approached the Arkansas border, we noticed fields of an unfamiliar snowy-white crop. Boxy green and yellow harvesting machines were busily pressing large squares out of the white pillow-y fields. Fluffs of stuff were gathering along the side of the road, sometimes blowing in front of the car.
Could it be--cotton?
We exited the highway, took some photos for you, our St. Charles County neighbors, and slyly swiped a cotton puff souvenir. The raw cotton felt almost exactly like a purchased cotton ball. The only difference, that we could tell, was the natural cotton ball had been mingling with stems, sticks and seeds and might be a little rough on the face.
Arkansas is, in fact, known for its cotton crop as proven here in the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture website--just in case you don’t believe me.
We arrived in Wynne, where, for kicks, we visited Witcher Auctions since we have a dream of country life. Kenneth Witcher is the owner of Witcher Auctions and father of Kirk and Kent Witcher, who run the business for their dad.
From many road signs, we gleaned that Kenny was also running for Cross County Judge against someone named Billy Lee. At the McDonald’s in Wynne, we met some older gentlemen having coffee and shooting the breeze. We initiated a conversation and talk soon turned to Kenny Witcher’s spot on the ballot. One man was perusing Witcher’s election ad. He showed us Kenny’s photo.
So, who won the election?
I learned from the Wynne/Cross County Area Chamber of Commerce that the election resulted in a runoff—a tie, between Kenneth Witcher and Billy Lee. The Chamber woman told me the votes weren’t exactly the same for each candidate but close enough to warrant a do-over.
Not knowing much about Wynne, or Kenny Witcher or Billy Lee…I still can’t help but feel a little puffed up learning that Kenny Witcher was the candidate who indeed got more votes. The real winner will be revealed during the Nov. 25 re-match.
Even before we passed The Mad Butcher grocery store on the way home, Wynne had a comfortable feel about it. What began as a mere errand enlightened me to a foreign, yet familiar region abuzz with their own business and people issues—just like around here.
One thing’s for sure, I must know who wins this election. Nov. 25 will find me calling that that nice woman who answers the Wynne Chamber’s phone. Maybe she’ll catch me up on other juicy Wynne news, too.
Copyright 2008 Neighbors About Town
