Running with Scissors

Best of 2011 -- Feature Photos

2011-12-22T09:35:00.001-06:00

And the final entry in my Best of 2011 series. These are my favorite feature/wild art photos from the year. Per usual, no particular order. Enjoy!

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --01/05/11--
Joe Hiryak cleans windows above the second floor of the Fayetteville Public Library on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011. The three-man crew from Fayetteville Window Washing is working on the project which takes about 10-12 days, depending on weather conditions.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/31/11--
Jon Cottrell lifts a stencil after painting one of two parking spaces outside Bentonville High School designating them for police parking on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011. Cottell works in the maintenance department for the school's athletic complex.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/24/11--
Volunteer Charles Richardson of Fayetteville stains wood framing the Butterfly House at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011. The Butterfly House is scheduled to be completed and opened in about two weeks.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --09/14/11--
Justin Loomis of Bushneell, Fla., plays with an Asian elephant while helping set up for the NWA Shrine Circus at Parsons Stadium in Springdale. The two-day event presented by James Cristy Cole Circus out of Mabank, Texas, will have a show tonight at 7:30 along with a special children's performance at 4:30.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --09/30/11--
Center director Tina Batlle hangs streamers from the sign outside the Farmington Senior/Community Center on Friday, Sept. 30, 2011. Batlle and Erma Newman, both of Farmington, were helping to "paint the town red" for the annual football game between Farmington and Prairie Grove later in the evening.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/17/11--
Susan Hahn (left) of Fayetteville and Haley Callahan, 5, of Fayetteville, look over some of the kittens available at the Fayetteville Animal Shelter on Friday, June 17, 2011. The shelter had about 35 cats available for adoption for Free Cat Friday.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --02/03/11--
University of Arkansas freshmen Amber Cooper (left), 18, and Kristi Smylie, 19, roll into laughter after crashing while sledding down the hill at the corner of Maple Street and Razorback Road on the Fayetteville campus.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --03/23/11--
Sara Carter and her daughter, Alyson, 3, both of Bella Vista make funny faces in a photo booth on Wednesday, March 23, 2011, inside the Jones Center for Families in Springdale. The pair were there for the center's annual Spring Break Week.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --03/28/11--
Casey Adams with Milford Signs in Centerton removes letters from the side of the Old Navy store in the Scottsdale Center in Rogers on Monday, March 28, 2011. The store is moving to a new location in the Pinnacle Hills Promenade also in Rogers.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/18/11--
Ethel Gibbs of Bella Vista exercises with about 30 other participants during Silver Sneakers inside Riordan Hall in Bella Vista on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011. The muscular strength and range of movement class is led by Victoria Hodgson on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the center and will soon add a cardio class on Wednesdays.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/20/11--
Manuel Hernandez (right), 17, watches as Logan Saoter, 15, misses the bar the pair were supposed to leap for simultaneously from a 29-feet-high platform at the Team Adventure Center ropes course outside the Jones Center for Families in Springdale on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011. The pair were part of a group of 21 students from Crossroads Alternative School in Rogers participating in the team-building exercises on the course.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/29/11--
Mackenzie Scott, 6, quickly puts on cowboy attire over her clothes during a relay race during the Stick Horse Rodeo at Walker Elementary School in Springdale on Friday, April 29, 2011. The event for Springdale Public Schools first-graders which is usually held at Parsons Stadium was shifted to the individual schools due to inclement weather leading up to the two-day event.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/14/11--
Nick Welch-Bolen (left) of Fayetteville tries to defend as Casey Hooper of Fayetteville leaps to make a grab during an ultimate tournament game between "Nick & the Beanstalks" (green) and "Pank" (pink) at Walker Park on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. The eight-team tournament is the culmination of the eight-week summer league for the Fayetteville Disc Association.

Best of 2011 -- Portraits

2011-12-21T13:23:00.000-06:00

These are my favorite portraits that I shot through the year. Still, all are in no particular order. Enjoy.

Chef Miles James at James at the Mill in Johnson for Arkansas Life magazine on June 16, 2011

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/21/11--
David Erstine

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/06/11--
University of Arkansas defensive captains Jerico Nelson (from left), Jake Bequette and Jerry Franklin

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/17/11--
Don Bacigalupi, executive director of Cyrstal Bridges Museum of American Art

Unidentified subject for Help-Portrait on Dec. 10, 2011

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --09/16/11--
Joe Giles, president of Bikes, Blues & BBQ

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --09/27/11--
Kathryn Birkhead, director of diversity and inclusion at the Jones Center for Familes

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/01/11--
Kris Katrosh, director of the David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/02/11--
Mike Rush, owner of Rush Running

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --09/11/11--
Dexter (from left) and Genette Howard and Mike and Marcheita Anderson

Farmer Dave Sargent for Arkansas Life magazine on April 29, 2011

Best of 2011 -- Sports Photos

2011-12-21T13:17:00.001-06:00

Second in the Best of 2011 entries is my favorite sports photos from the year. Once again, in no particular order.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/20/11--
Farmington sophomore Payton Wiedner is tagged out at home by Ashdown sophomore catcher Danielle Winters in the third inning during the 4A state championship at Bogle Park in Fayetteville on Friday, May 20, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --03/26/11--
Mike Anderson speaks during a news conference introducing him as the new men's basketball coach inside Bud Walton Arena at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville on Saturday, March 26, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/21/11--
Ozark's Toby Richard tries to stretch the ball into the end zone against Farmington during the second quarter in Farmington on Friday, Oct. 21, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/08/11--
Auburn quarterback Kiehl Frazier dives into the end zone for a score during the first quarter against Arkansas at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --09/03/11--
Arkansas' Joe Adams looks back to Missouri State's Kaleb Mueller while returning a punt for a touchdown during the third quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --07/26/11--
Naturals Salvador Perez (from left) celebrates with Anthony Seratelli and Nick Francis after hitting a grand slam which scored the three plus Wil Myers (not pictured) against Tulsa in the third inning on Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --01/25/11--
Arkansas sophomore Marshawn Powell (right) and Auburn junior Kenny Gabriel vie for a rebound during the second half on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011, inside Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --01/14/11--
Arkansas' Stacy Bartlett competes on the beam against Alabama on Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, inside Barnhill Arena in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/25/11--
Louisiana State fans and players celebrate with Tyrann Mathieu (#7) following his punt return for a touchdown against Arkansas during the second quarter at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La., on Friday, Nov. 25, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/25/11--
Louisiana State quarterback Jordan Jefferson celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown against Arkansas during the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La., on Friday, Nov. 25, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --03/06/11--
Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn argues a call with home plate umpire Mike Morris during the eighth inning against Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Sunday, March 6, 2011, at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville.

Best of 2011 -- News Photos

2011-12-21T09:29:00.000-06:00

I've decided to break up the traditional "best of " post into different categories this year. And I'm starting with my "Best of 2011 News" post. The entries are in no particular order.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/31/11--
Students quickly change classes on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011, at Bentonville High School. Bentonville Public Schools held a public forum on Tuesday night to discuss options for overcrowding at the high school.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/11/11--
Streamers shoot into the air above the crowd during the grand opening ceremonies for the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art on the Bentonville square on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/11/11--
Chancellor David Gearhart (right) claps as His Holiness the Dalai Lama bows during the keynote address inside Bud Walton Arena on the Fayetteville campus of the University of Arkansas on Wednesday, May 11, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --02/11/11--
Pea Ridge firefighter Jim Harmon walks past a structure fire on River Oaks Drive in Bentonville on Friday, Feb. 11, 2011. Firefighters on scene could only watch after Bentonville Fire Department Engine 4, got stuck on the hill approaching the home.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/27/11--
Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain speaks during the Washington County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner inside the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/15/11--
Roberto Garcia holds onto his son, Gael Garcia, 6, while the pair says their "goodbyes" on Gael's first day of first grade on Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, at Holcomb Elementary School in Fayetteville. Students at many Northwest Arkansas schools returned to classes on Monday to begin the 2011-12 school year.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --12/31/10--
One of two fire trucks sits under the fallen Cincinnati Fire Station on Friday, Dec. 31, 2010, in Cincinnati. A tornado ripped through the small community around 6:00 a.m., causing at least three fatalities.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/12/11--
Two Men and a Truck employee Dustin Baker helps move furniture into the truck from the home of Dave and Jacki Hudak in east Fayetteville on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --07/27/11--
Spec. Thomas Ohlstrom (left) and PFC Marcos Jimenez tighten the final pieces together on a floating bridge across the Arkansas River at Fort Chaffee on Wednesday, July 27, 2011. Army Reserve Soldiers participated in the training exercise, River Assault 2011, to build a functional floating bridge across a 300-meter gap on the river.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/03/11--
Black Eyed Peas members will.i.am and Fergie perform on stage during the Wal-Mart Shareholders Meeting inside Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville on Friday, June 3, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/03/11--
Wal-Mart president and CEO Mike Duke speaks during the Wal-Mart Shareholders Meeting inside Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville on Friday, June 3, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/03/11--
Host Will Smith visits with the audience during the Wal-Mart Shareholders Meeting inside Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville on Friday, June 3, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/25/11--
Motorists travel north along Thompson Street near the intersection with Allen Avenue in Springdale on Monday, April 25, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/25/11--
Aiza Zolliecoffer (from front), 13, of Jethro, Jackie Carr, 19, of Jethro, and Savanna Jones, 19, of Etna carry boxes of files from the devastated Lane's Carpets where Jackie and Savanna work on Wednesday, May 25, 2011. A tornado ripped through Franklin County destroying many homes and businesses.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/18/11--
A student walks across Senior Walk on the Fayetteville campus of the University of Arkansas on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, east of the Old Main entrance as the morning sun pokes through the trees.

Arkansas @ LSU football

2011-11-27T08:14:00.001-06:00

I spent Black Friday in Baton Rouge, La., for the biggest -- in means of national championship implications -- football game I've ever had the opportunity to cover. It also allowed me to strike another state off my visited list and another stadium off my bucket list.

Shooting in Tiger Stadium -- being a Clemson fan (second to NCSU), I refuse to call it Death Valley -- was a monumental experience. I've never been in a louder stadium. Period. Tiger fans, like 'em or not, are the real deal for college football. And this team, proved that they are the best in the country this season.

Not taking anything away from Arkansas. They came in with confidence of knocking off the powerhouse and put up two quick scores in the second quarter. But unfortunately for the Hogs, the Honey Badger struck. And struck hard.

Here's my take from the game and also here's the full gallery from the team of Ben Krain and myself.

Arkansas vs Tennessee football

2011-11-13T09:41:00.001-06:00

Shot the Arkansas vs Tennessee match up on Saturday night in Fayetteville. The Hogs came away with a 49-7 win over the Volunteers. A zig-zag tackle-eluding punt return from Joe Adams in the first quarter was easily the highlight of the evening for Razorback fans. I was fortunate enough to have the play come right at me.

Here's my take from the game. A full online gallery from myself and Ryan McGeeney can be viewed here.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Arkansas punt returner Joe Adams breaks free from the Tennessee coverage on a punt return for a touchdown during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Arkansas running back Dennis Johnson breaks through the Tennessee defense for a touchdown run during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Arkansas punt returner Joe Adams jogs into the end zone on a punt return for a touchdown during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Arkansas wide receiver Jarius Wright falls into the end zone for a touchdown while being defended by Tennessee defensive back Max Arnold during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Tennessee linebacker Austin Johnson intercepts a pass intended for Arkansas wide receiver Cobi Hamilton during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson and teammates sing the fight song with the student section following their win over Tennessee at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Arkansas tight end Chris Gragg (left) and running back Broderick Green celebrate following Green's touchdown against Tennessee during the fourth quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Arkansas running back De'Anthony Curtis gets past Tennessee defensive back Izauea Lanier as he runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Arkansas running back Broderick Green slips past Tennessee linebacker Austin Johnson as he runs into the end zone for a score during the fourth quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Arkansas wide receiver Joe Adams tries to slip out of a tackle attempt from Tennessee defensive back Byron Moore during the third quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Arkansas running back De'Anthony Curtis breaks into the secondary for a touchdown run against Tennessee during the fourth quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Tennessee quarterback Justin Worley looks to pass while being pressured by Arkansas defensive tackle Bryan Jones during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Arkansas wide receiver Jarius Wright bobbles a pass from Tyler Wilson during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011. Wright eventually made the reception.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Arkansas linebacker Jerry Franklin tries to recover a Tennessee fumble during the third quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011. The ball rolled out of bounds before Franklin could save it.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Arkansas running back Broderick Green breaks into the Tennessee secondary on a carry during the fourth quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Arkansas running back Dennis Johnson sets the ball on the turf after scoring on a run against Tennessee during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --11/12/11--
Arkansas defensive end Jake Bequette pulls down Tennessee quarterback Justin Worley after Worley gets rid of a pass which fell incomplete during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

Arkansas vs Auburn

2011-10-09T10:42:00.000-05:00

Arkansas hosted Auburn on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011. After two first-quarter touchdowns for the Tigers, it was a scoreless affair for the defending national champions as Arkansas finished the contest with a 38-14 win.

There was a little local flavor on the Auburn sideline inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in the forms of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn (former local high school coach), sophomore running back Michael Dyer (Little Rock Christian) and freshman quarterback Kiehl Frazier (Shiloh Christian). Dyer and Frazier scored on rushing touchdowns -- Frazier's first collegiate touchdown -- in the first quarter.

While lined up in the tailback position, Joe Adams broke free for a 92-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. It was the second longest touchdown run in school history.

Here's a few of my favorites from the night. You can view a full gallery from Michael Woods and myself here.

Portraits

2011-09-25T10:42:00.000-05:00

So I decided to post a selection of my favorite portraits over the past year. Most of these were for the paper while a couple were for a magazine.

Best of the "lately:" Aug. 29-Aug. 31

2011-09-08T20:35:00.000-05:00

Here's a sampling of some of my favorites from lately. The first three are pieces of wild art that I found and shot for the paper. And the last is for a story on overcrowding at a local high school that never ran unfortunately. So, here, it gets life.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/29/11--
Mary Harms Mulkey (left), 2, of Rogers and Abby Lee, 3, of Bella Vista participate in a ballet and tap class inside Kaleidoscope Dance Academy in downtown Bentonville on Monday, Aug. 29, 2011. The weekly class is led by studio director Laine Harper.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/31/11--
Volunteers Misa (cq) Mauricio (cq) (left) of Bentonville and Rita Pittman of Rogers clean one of the eight buses outside the Benton County Sunshine School in Rogers on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011. Through the United Way of Northwest Arkansas, local volunteers were paired with non-profit agencies to complete a variety of projects as part of LIVE UNITED Day.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/31/11--
Jon Cottrell (cq) lifts a stencil after painting one of two parking spaces outside Bentonville High School designating them for police parking on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011. Cottell works in the maintenance department for the school's athletic complex.

Football's back

2011-09-04T10:13:00.000-05:00

"SC"

Well, my first football game of the season is in the books.

Arkansas took down the University of Springfield, erm, I mean Missouri State University, 51-7. The Razorbacks definitely showed some flashes of a high quality team, especially with two punt returns for touchdowns by Joe Adams (#3) who set a school record for 174 punt return yards. But they'll still need some improvements before entering conference play. Eight penalties for 76 yards will have to be trimmed down before the Hogs see the likes of LSU, Tennessee and others.

Judging from the score alone, it's obvious this was FAR from an exciting game. But it was football and many, including myself, are excited to just have that back.

Here's a few of my picks of my pics from the game. You can view a full online gallery from Michael Woods and myself here.

UA Football Preview Tab

2011-08-28T08:03:00.014-05:00

Earlier this month, I shot the University of Arkansas' football media day. Most of the planned work for this shoot was to fill our annual football preview tab and the cover art. The issue, which took a TON of work from the sports department, hit the racks and doorsteps today inserted in everyone's Sunday Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. The writers and design team for our sports department deserve all the credit for their work on this annual heartache.

So here are the portraits I shot for the issue along with a few fun shots of players preparing for other photographers/videographers.

Best of the week: Aug. 18-26

2011-08-27T10:39:00.019-05:00

Most of the photos posted on this entry consist of wild art hunting through the past week. But also dropped in are my work from stories about a new concourse opening at Northwest Regional Airport (XNA) and Wal-Mart's home office working to prepare for the impending damage caused by Hurricane Irene along the east coast.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/18/11--
University of Arkansas sophomore Stacy Evans watches as her team tries to roll grapes down a measuring tape into a shot glass outside the Engineering Hall on the Fayetteville campus on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011. Evans is one of 50 students participating in three-day peer mentor training program for the Freshman Engineering Program. The peer mentors will work with 700 freshmen in the engineering school with classes beginning on Monday.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/18/11--
University of Arkansas sophomore Audria Eoff watches as her team tries to roll grapes down a measuring tape into a shot glass outside the Engineering Hall on the Fayetteville campus on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011. Eoff is one of 50 students participating in three-day peer mentor training program for the Freshman Engineering Program. The peer mentors will work with 700 freshmen in the engineering school with classes beginning on Monday.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/24/11--
Charles Richardson of Fayetteville stains wood framing the Butterfly House at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011. The Butterfly House is scheduled to be completed and opened in about two weeks.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/22/11--
Brian Flowers (left), 7, and Kylie Donckers, 6, both of Bentonville watch as a DVD drops into a bin from a conveyor belt during a behind-the-scenes view of what happens when books are checked in at the Bentonville Public Library on Monday, Aug. 22, 2011. The children, part of the Library Lessons for Homeschoolers, meets weekly with Sue Ann Pekel on Mondays at the library.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/24/11--
Patricia and Alan Fortenberry, both of Springdale, tour through the new concourse at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) in Highfill on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011, during a grand opening preview for the concourse. The concourse adds 54,192 sq. ft, 11 new gates and the first moving sidewalk in the state.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/24/11--
Joshua Youngblood and Catherine Wallack, both with special collections for the University of Arkansas library, ride the moving sidewalk inside the new concourse at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) in Highfill on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011, during a grand opening preview for the concourse. The concourse adds 54,192 sq. ft, 11 new gates and the first moving sidewalk in the state.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/24/11--
Visitors tour through the new concourse at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) in Highfill on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011, during a grand opening preview for the concourse. The concourse adds 54,192 sq. ft, 11 new gates and the first moving sidewalk in the state.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/25/11--
Merv Fleshman, recreations manager, stitches material for the netting surround the basketball courts inside the Jones Center for Familes on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011, in Springdale. The center performs semi-annual maintenance during the week following spring break for area schools and the week following students' return to school after summer break. The pools, courts and ice rink will continue to be closed for maintenance through Monday.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/25/11--
Whitney Erickson, recreations supervisor, sharpens ice skates inside the Jones Center for Familes on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011, in Springdale. The center performs semi-annual maintenance during the week following spring break for area schools and the week following students' return to school after summer break. The pools, courts and ice rink will continue to be closed for maintenance through Monday.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/25/11--
Charles Harris of Houston drags cables to set up the Wacky Worm ride at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Fayetteville on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011. The fair opens to the public on Tuesday and the midway, operated by Murphy Brothers Exposition, opens on Wednesday.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/26/11--
Charlie Russell (left) and Diane Purkey, both of Tahlequah, Okla., clean the inside and outside of Purkey's food trailer on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, as part of their setup for the 27th annual Frisco Festival which started later in the day. The festival continues in downtown Rogers today (SATURDAY).

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/26/11--
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. meteorologist Lucas McDonald monitors current weather conditions at his workstation inside Wal-Mart's home office in Bentonville for Hurricane Irene as it approaches the east coast on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/26/11--
John Petrovic (cq) with assett protections monitors current weather conditions at his workstation inside Wal-Mart's home office in Bentonville for Hurricane Irene as it approaches the east coast on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/26/11--
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. employees monitor current weather conditions at their workstations inside Wal-Mart's home office in Bentonville for Hurricane Irene as it approaches the east coast on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/26/11--
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. meteorologist Lucas McDonald discusses the company's plans inside Wal-Mart's home office in Bentonville for Hurricane Irene as it approaches the east coast on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/26/11--
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. employees monitor current weather conditions at their workstations inside Wal-Mart's home office in Bentonville for Hurricane Irene as it approaches the east coast on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/26/11--
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. meteorologist Lucas McDonald discusses the company's plans inside Wal-Mart's home office in Bentonville for Hurricane Irene as it approaches the east coast on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011.

Senior Walk

2011-08-21T13:28:00.007-05:00

I'll first preface this post for those unfamiliar with Senior Walk at the University of Arkansas. Senior Walk is a listing of the graduates (about 140,000 total currently) for each year etched in the sidewalks going across the campus in Fayetteville. It's rather unique.

Earlier this week, reporter Chris Branam and I went out to the campus to talk with officials on the deterioration and planned solutions for the older sections and the story ran in today's paper.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/18/11--
Senior Walk on the Fayetteville campus of the University of Arkansas on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, east of the Old Main entrance

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/18/11--
A crack cuts through names listed on the 1880 Senior Walk on the Fayetteville campus of the University of Arkansas on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, including John N. Tillman (center), the first graduate to serve as president of the university.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/18/11--
Jay Huneycutt, campus planning and capital programming director, looks over the 1896 Senior Walk on the Fayetteville campus of the University of Arkansas on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, outside Old Main.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/18/11--
Cracked concrete separates the 1907 and 1908 Senior Walk on the Fayetteville campus of the University of Arkansas on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011.

Back to school

2011-08-16T18:10:00.011-05:00

Well, it's back-to-school time here in Northwest Arkansas. So here's a couple photos from the first day back at Holcomb Elementary School (Monday) in Fayetteville and also a few from move-in at the University of Arkansas (Sunday). I also threw in a couple pics from an Ultimate tournament that I shot for some wild art on Sunday as well.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/15/11--
Roberto Garcia holds onto his son, Gael Garcia, 6, while the pair says their "goodbyes" on Gael's first day of first grade on Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, at Holcomb Elementary School in Fayetteville. Students at many Northwest Arkansas schools returned to classes on Monday to begin the 2011-12 school year.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/15/11--
Joannie Hance watches as her son Parker Hance, 5, hangs his backpack on his hook to start his first day of kindergarten on Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, at Holcomb Elementary School in Fayetteville. Students at many Northwest Arkansas schools returned to classes on Monday to begin the 2011-12 school year.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/14/11--
University of Arkansas freshman Mary-Beth McGarity, 18, of Sheridan unloads her belongings into a parking space in the lot outside Reid Residence Hall on the Fayetteville campus on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. Classes begin for the university on Aug. 22.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/14/11--
Jon Lezon (from left), helps Kevin Kaminski, 19, and his son, Luke Lezon, 18, all of Flower Mound, Texas, move belongings while riding the elevator in Maple Hill West Residence Hall on the Fayetteville campus on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. Classes begin for the university on Aug. 22.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/14/11--
University of Arkansas freshman Kevin Kaminski, 19, of Flower Mound, Texas, pulls boxes of belongings through the entrance to Maple Hill West Residence Hall on the Fayetteville campus on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. Classes begin for the university on Aug. 22.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/14/11--
University of Arkansas freshman and volunteer Abigail Rose of Rogers helps direct other freshman in the move-in process in the lot outside Reid Residence Hall on the Fayetteville campus on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. Classes begin for the university on Aug. 22.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/14/11--
University of Arkansas graduate student and volunteer Daniel Byram helps carry items for incoming freshmen in the lot outside Reid Residence Hall on the Fayetteville campus on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. Classes begin for the university on Aug. 22.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/14/11--
Nick Welch-Bolen (left) of Fayetteville tries to defend as Casey Hooper of Fayetteville leaps to make a grab during an Ultimate tournament game between "Nick & the Beanstalks" (green) and "Pank" (pink) at Walker Park on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. The eight-team tournament is the culmination of the eight-week summer league for the Fayetteville Disc Association.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/14/11--
Todd "Toad" Erickson (left) of Fayetteville makes a catch for a score over Sam Borgstadt of Fayetteville during an Ultimate tournament game between "Nick & the Beanstalks" (green) and "Pank" (pink) at Walker Park on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. The eight-team tournament is the culmination of the eight-week summer league for the Fayetteville Disc Association.

IT'S ALIIIIIIIVE!!!!

2011-08-11T09:33:00.014-05:00

Well, after nearly a year being buried six feet deep, this blog is being resurrected. I'm not saying I'll be posting daily. But I hope to at least have a "best of the week" post. With that being said, this return post is just that. For those of you that are friends of mine on Facebook, I'll always post on there when I make a new post to the blog. If you're new to reading this blog, you'll often see me use the term "wild art." These are just fun little "slices of life" feature photos from around the area.

Most in this post are wild art. But as for the Dinosaur World photos, a small roadside theme park near the Beaver Lake Dam which operated from 1960 until 2005. The 65-acre park features about 50 life-sized concrete dinosaurs. And fire (suspected arson) destroyed the main building which housed a restaurant and gift shop. Although I've driven by the park anytime I've gone out to the dam, I hate that the park closed before I moved out here. Just the nostalgia in me, I suppose.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/07/11--
UA football practice
quarterback Tyler Wilson during practice on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/07/11--
Doug Kinsey of Fayetteville patches a crack to prepare for painting underneath the awning separating the outdoor tennis courts at the George M. Billingsley Tennis Complex on the Fayetteville campus of the University of Arkansas on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011. Kinsey and his brother, Blake Kinsey, both of Eckco, Inc. in Fayetteville, have an expected completion of painting both the indoor and outdoor courts by Aug. 15.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/07/11--
Jake Bilderback, 13, of Huntsville carries a bag of ice on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011, to his grandfather, Carl Bilderback of Tontitown, while helping his grandparents set up their concession trailers for the 113th annual Tontitown Grape Festival. Carl and his wife, Debbie, with C&D Concessions, have six different food and drink trailers staged on the grounds for the festival which runs Tuesday through Saturday.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/07/11--
Nina-Rose Stephenson, 7, waits for customers at the Fayetteville Farmers' Market at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011. Nina-Rose was helping her mother, Amye Stephenson, both of Berryville, sell peaches and nectarines from A&A Orchards in Berryvile.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/08/11--
Paris Middle School secretary Vicki Furstenberg maneuvers the ropes course behind Paris High School on Monday, Aug. 8, 2011. Paris Middle principal Martha Dodson led the faculty on the ropes course as part of team-building exercises to prepare for the upcoming school year. Students return to classes on Wednesday, Aug. 17.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/09/11--
Shannon Banks-Yocom of Bella Vista helps Leah Scheele, 4, of Bella Vista on her stroke during the Bella Vista Junior Sports Camp on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, at the Kingsdale tennis courts in Bella Vista. The three-day camp, presented by Bella Vista Community Church, exposed about 60 children to tennis, basketball, volleyball and Bible stories.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/09/11--
A caveman sculpture guarding the entrance to the closed Dinosaur World is seen on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, near Beaver Lake. The building was destroyed by fire last week.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/09/11--
The charred remains of the building at the closed Dinosaur World is seen on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, near Beaver Lake. The building was destroyed by fire last week.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/10/11--
Selia Perez (left), 9, watches as her brother, Cody Lunsford, 6, both of Springdale gets his hair trimmed by Anna Gail Thompson on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011, inside the House of Hope Rescue Mission in Springdale. Thompson, who works at JR's Salon in Springdale, was offering free "back-to-school" haircuts at the center free of charge.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --08/10/11--
Jordi Castro (left), 8, pushes Amber Mate, 7, both of Rogers, across the floor during a relay race during the Rogers Activity Center's Summer Day Camp on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011. This is the last week of the camp as students return to classes at Rogers Public Schools on Monday (AUG. 15).

Arkansas vs Texas A&M

2010-10-10T17:21:00.024-05:00

Arkansas traveled to Cowboys Stadium ("Jerry World") on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010 to take on Texas A&M in the second installment of the Southwest Classic football game. The Razorbacks won 24-17. During the second half, the sun began to shine through one end of the stadium casting some pretty sweet light. So I decided to have a little fun with that.

Read the game story here. And see the Focus gallery by Ben Krain and myself here.

Here's a few of my favorite photos from the game.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/09/10--
Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett drops back to pass against Texas A&M during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/09/10--
Arkansas wide receiver Cobi Hamilton (top) celebrates with tight end Ben Cleveland following Cleveland's touchdown reception against Texas A&M during the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/09/10--
Arkansas wide receiver Joe Adams (left) pulls in a touchdown reception against Texas A&M during the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/09/10--
Arkansas kicker Zach Hocker tries to gain control of a fumbled ball on a fake field goal attempt during the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/09/10--
Arkansas wide receiver Cobi Hamilton jogs into the end zone untouched for a touchdown against Texas A&M during the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/09/10--
Dallas Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones (right) congratulates Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino after the Razorbacks' 24-17 win over Texas A&M on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/09/10--
Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett (center) and teammates sing the Razorback fight song along fans following the Razorbacks' 24-17 win over Texas A&M on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/09/10--
Arkansas tight end D.J. Williams tries to avoid the tackle from Texas A&M defensive back Coryell Judie during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/09/10--
Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett checks with umpire Casey Moreland after Moreland was knocked over on a play during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/09/10--
Arkansas wide receiver Jarius Wright makes a cut to avoid Texas A&M defensive back Trent Hunter during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/09/10--
Texas A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson is pulled down for a sack by Arkansas defensive end Colton Miles-Nash during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/09/10--
Arkansas running back Broderick Green is pulled down by Texas A&M defensive back Coryell Judie during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --10/09/10--
Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino (center) talks to his players before they take the field for their game against Texas A&M on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

NWA Pride Parade

2010-06-27T11:49:00.024-05:00

On Saturday I got the opportunity to cover the Northwest Arkansas Pride Parade. I swear. With all the color and entertainment, I could've closed my eyes and held out the camera and the pictures would be awesome.

All-Star Football

2010-06-27T11:15:00.012-05:00

This entry marks my only involvement with All-Star sports week this year. Don't know how I managed that. Also on Saturday is a 24-hour meal-packaging event. And finally included is a portrait of John Scott, superintendent of the Pea Ridge Military Park.

East kicker Zach Hocker (Russellville) watches as a long field goal attempt misses during the first half of the All-Star Classic football game on Friday, June 25, 2010, at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

East's Trey Gavin (Bald Knob) pulls in a reception from quarterback Nick Glaze (Bald Knob) for a touchdown during the second half of the All-Star Classic football game on Friday, June 25, 2010, at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

East's Tim Johnson (North Little Rock) tosses the ball to the official after scoring his fourth touchdown of the game during the second half of the All-Star Classic football game on Friday, June 25, 2010, at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

East's Tim Johnson (North Little Rock) leaps into the arms of teammate Tyler Greve (Jonesboro) after being awarded MVP honors during the second half of the All-Star Classic football game on Friday, June 25, 2010, at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

University of Arkansas running back Broderick Green helps fill bags with food on Saturday, June 25, 2010, inside the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville during the Razorback Relief Operation Haiti. The goal of the event was to package two million meals to be sent to Haiti.

Volunteer Amie Moore of Fayetteville helps fill bags with food on Saturday, June 25, 2010, inside the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville during the Razorback Relief Operation Haiti. The goal of the event was to package two million meals to be sent to Haiti.

Volunteer Davis Blakey, 10, of Fayetteville marks the top of a meal-filled box on Saturday, June 25, 2010, inside the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville during the Razorback Relief Operation Haiti. The goal of the event was to package two million meals to be sent to Haiti.

Volunteers dilligently fill bags with food on Saturday, June 25, 2010, inside the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville during the Razorback Relief Operation Haiti. The goal of the event was to package two million meals to be sent to Haiti.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/10/10--
John Scott, Pea Ridge Military Park superintendent; shot on Thursday, June 10, 2010, at the battlefiled park for nwprofiles

Sneaking in a little vacation time

2010-06-24T19:13:00.021-05:00

This update finishes off that 10-day work week and sandwiches a short vacation time while my folks came into town to visit for a few days. On Wednesday, June 23, I got to fly in a small airplane around NWA to take some aerial photos for stock for future stories. While up there I shot a feature photo which is included in this post.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/14/10--
Payton Landis (left), 6, and Alika (cq) Handy, 6, play with the water gun on Monday, June 14, 2010, at the Rogers Splash Park in front of the Rogers Activity Center. The girls came to the park with their families, all of Rogers.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/14/10--
Christina Smith, Thomas Smith and their two-year-old son, Adrion (cq) Smith, all of Rogers, look over one of the snakes inside a traveling reptile exhibit on Monday, June 14, 2010, in the parking lot of Frisco Station Mall in Rogers. The exhibit, which features over 30 reptiles and an alligator and crocodile, will be on display at the location through Sunday (JUNE 20).

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/15/10--
Keaton Stone (right), 9, of Fayetteville watches as Joe Carruthers, 9, of Bella Vista paints along the inside of his clay pot after decorating it with colored stones in the Mosaics class led by Vanessa Ryerse on Tuesday, June 15, 2010, inside the Jones Center for Families in Springdale. The boys are participating in the Summer Youth Academy at the center and week two is called Art of Art.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/15/10--
Brandon Gautney (left) and Mitchell Turner, both with Ace Glass in Lowell, carefully remove one of 19 stained glass windows from the Terry Block Building on Tuesday, June 15, 2010, on the Bentonville square. The Wal-Mart Visitors Center is currently expanding into the Terry Block Building.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/15/10--
Scott Nigemann with Reef-Ready Aquariums in Bentonville talks with children on Tuesday, June 15, 2010, inside the Bentonville Public Library during "Under the Sea," a program that details each of the fish that reside in the aquarium at the library. The presentation is part of the Elementary Workshops that continues every Tuesday through the end of July.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/16/10--
Fayetteville Police Cpl. Mark Laird investigates an overturned Arkhola cement truck on Wednesday, June 16, 2010, alongside Ivey Lane in Fayetteville. A witness to the accident pulled over and broke out the glass from the cab to help the driver who was taken to Northwest Medical Center in Springdale for injuries.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/16/10--
University of Arkansas junior soccer play Kailey Anders (from left), McKenna Taylor, 5, and Mahtaab Sadeghi (cq), 6, run to their water break on Wednesday, June 16, 2010, during the Razorback Soccer Camp at Razorback Field on the Fayetteville campus. The camp, which started on Monday and concludes on Friday, teaches soccer skills to boys and girls that will enter kindergarten through eighth grade in the fall.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/16/10--
Clarke Buehling sings and plays the banjo on Wednesday, June 16, 2010, during the 12th annual Kidswrite inside the ROTC building on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville. Kidswrite is a two-week summer writing program for children who have completed fourth through seventh grades.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/21/10--
Samuel Morrison, 9, of Fayetteville ascends the rock climbing wall inside Lewis & Clark Outfitters in Fayetteville on Monday, June 21, 2010, during the Be Active! Outdoor Adventure Camp. The week-long camp through Fayetteville Parks & Recreation provides in addition to the rock climbing wall, fishing, geo-caching and kayaking activities.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/21/10--
Northwest Arkansas Naturals outfielder Paulo Orlando celebrates with Sean Rhodes, 7, of Rogers during a pop fly drill on Monday, June 21, 2010, during the first day of the two-day Naturals Youth Camp at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Naturals coaches and players worked with the youths on hitting, fielding, pitching, catching, base running and bunting.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/21/10--
Northwest Arkansas Naturals manager Brian Poldberg helps Carson Traylor, 9, of Sherwood with his stance as an infielder fielding and throwing a ground ball on Monday, June 21, 2010, during the first day of the two-day Naturals Youth Camp at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Naturals coaches and players worked with the youths on hitting, fielding, pitching, catching, base running and bunting.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/22/10--
Kennedy Blair (left), 8, of Fayetteville and Linden Mountain, 7, of Springdale scrub potatoes on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, during the summer history camp at Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale. The weeklong day camp focuses on life in the 1800's.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/22/10--
Betsy Linn, 11, of Fayetteville and Delia Haak of Gentry paddles out in the water on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, during the Illinois River Watershed Parternship Camp at Lake Fayetteville. The campers were taking the canoes to another shoreline to test the water in the lake. The free one-day camp runs today (WEDNESDAY) and tomorrow (THURSDAY) also.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/23/10--
Team Adventure Center director Jeff Ohnstad (right) helps as Chan Kim, 9, of Springdale pushes off the tower on the zip line on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, on the ropes course behind the Jones Center for Families in Springdale. Chan is participating in the center's Summer Youth Camp and this week is called The Great Outdoors Week.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/23/10--
Marcy Head Sharum (left) talks with Blundell Eubanks inside AQ Chicken House in Springdale during an 87th birthday party for Sharum and her twin sister, Drucy Head Morris (second from right) on Wednesday, June 23, 2010.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/23/10--
Visitors to the Lokomotion Family Fun Park zip through the turns on one of the go-kart tracks on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, in Fayetteville.

Long work week

2010-06-14T19:05:00.013-05:00

I'm in the middle of a 10-day work week so I've got plenty to upload to today's entry despite only a few days on the posting.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/09/10--
Spencer Stevens, 7, of Bentonville dances along with other children on Wednesday, June 9, 2010, while the musical duo Sugar Free Allstars plays inside the Rogers Public Library. Spencer came to the library with a group from Miss Neecy's Children's Center in Pea Ridge.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/09/10--
Madison Skelton (left), 13, and her sister, Olivia Skelton, 15, both of Prairie Grove, look over swimsuits on Wednesday, June 9, 2010, inside the Target store in Rogers.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/09/10--
Nick Brown (left) watches as his girlfriend, Kara Lanham, both of Rogers, decides on a selection of items on Wednesday, June 9, 2010, inside the Target store in Rogers. Lanham is the nanny for Rhett Harris, 20 months, and Safi Harris, 3, inside the cart.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/10/10--
Corbett Martin (right), 10, performs a play with others from Phyllis Abraham’s fourth grade class on Thursday, June 10, 2010, at R.E. Baker Elementary School in Bentonville. The class created the play about energy conservation, which includes an original song titled, Somewhere Over Arkansas that shares their hopes for a greener tomorrow and were named the 2010 Arkansas winners of the Igniting Creative Energy (ICE) challenge. ICE is a national educational competition sponsored by Johnson Controls that encourages K-12 students to develop creative ways to be more energy efficient and become better stewards of the environment.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/10/10--
Linda Napierala of Bella Vista pleads to passers-by to sign a petition for Secure Arkansas at the Bentonville square on Thursday, June 10, 2010. The square was one of 38 sites across the state rallying for signatures to bring a state consitutional ammendment to the November ballot which would limit benefits to illegal immigrants.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/10/10--
Jack Lea, 3rd Congressional District Director for Secure Arkansas, talks with Ashley Simmons, Immigrants Rights Advocate for American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, at the Bentonville square on Thursday, June 10, 2010. The square was one of 38 sites across the state with members from Secure Arkansas rallying for signatures to bring a state consitutional ammendment to the November ballot which would limit benefits to illegal immigrants.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/10/10--
Monroe Glaser (left) of Bella Vista signs a petition for Secure Arkansas at the Bentonville square on Thursday, June 10, 2010, while talking with Jan Lea, 3rd Congressional District Director for Secure Arkansas. The square was one of 38 sites across the state with members from Secure Arkansas rallying for signatures to bring a state consitutional ammendment to the November ballot which would limit benefits to illegal immigrants.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/11/10--
Ben Briscoe of Wales hits from behind a tree onto the third fairway on Friday, June 11, 2010, during the second round of the Bentonville Open for the NGA Hooters Pro Golf Tour at the Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club in Little Flock.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/12/10--
Kendall Morgan of Cave Springs, who's with the Oak Grove Riding Club of Springdale, plays and sings on Saturday, June 12, 2010, in the parking lot of Jose's Southwest Grille (*check that spelling*) in Springdale during the Summer Fun Run Ride for Life. About 50 motorcyclists participated in the 125-mile loop trivia ride which benefits Circle of Life.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/12/10--
Julia Aks of Los Angeles and Perry Harper of Paragould, both with Opera in the Ozarks, perform "Carmencita," with music derived from "Carmen," on Saturday, June 12, 2010, at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville. The performance is part of the group's outreach opera which is an educational program on the pieces of an opera.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/12/10--
Springdale Fire Department driver/operator Charles Lewis helps Logan Reed, 3, of Fayetteville out of a SFD truck on Saturday, June 12, 2010, outside the Shiloh Museum of History in Springdale. The museum hosted "Meet a Firefighter" which honored the department for 100 years of service. The department began in 1909.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/12/10--
Park Interpreter Adam Leslie (right) watches as Greg Spencer helps his daughter, Abigail Spencer, 4, both of Ardmore, Okla., hammers together a bat house on Saturday, June 12, 2010, during Bat-O-Rama at Devil's Den State Park.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/13/10--
Luke Bakke of Little Rock watches his tee shot from the seventh tee box on Sunday, June 13, 2010, during the final round of the Bentonville Open of the NGA Hooters Pro Golf Tour at Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club in Little Flock.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/13/10--
Ben Briscoe of Wales hits from the bunker onto the third green on Sunday, June 13, 2010, during the final round of the Bentonville Open of the NGA Hooters Pro Golf Tour at Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club in Little Flock.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/13/10--
Jonathan Hodge of Strawberry Plains, Tenn., hits from the bunker onto the sixth green on Sunday, June 13, 2010, during the final round of the Bentonville Open of the NGA Hooters Pro Golf Tour at Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club in Little Flock.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/13/10--
Isabelle Troutman (left), 10, of Fayetteville and Tinsley Howard, 9, of Fayetteville help Tom Maringer (center) of Springdale reset his teepee after the wind blew it down on Sunday, June 13, 2010, at the Farmers Market at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/13/10--
University of New Orleans senior Blake Elliott speeds ahead to win the sprint championship on Sunday, June 13, 2010, during the 2010 Solar Splash at Lake Fayetteville. Teams from 12 universities competed in the solar/electric-powered motor boat competition which was hosted by the University of Arkansas.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/13/10--
University of Northern Iowa junior Hannah Loan (center) looks over the boat from the University of South Hampton following the sprint championship on Sunday, June 13, 2010, during the 2010 Solar Splash at Lake Fayetteville. Teams from 12 universities competed in the solar/electric-powered motor boat competition which was hosted by the University of Arkansas. Loan piloted the UNI boat in the championship race.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/02/10--
artist George Dombek; shot on Wednesday, June 2, 2010, inside his studio at his Goshen home for nwprofiles

... and the Wal-Martians are here

2010-06-09T20:04:00.017-05:00

This was my third year shooting -- voluntarily, mind you -- the annual Wal-Mart Shareholders' Meeting inside Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville. And I think I enjoyed this show much more than last year's installment.

Our celebrity emcee was Jamie Foxx. The musical entertainment came from Enrique Iglesias, Mary J. Blige, American Idol winner Lee Dewyze, Mariah Carey and Josh Groban.

You can view the photo gallery on our Focus website.

The Wal-Martians are coming...

2010-06-09T17:22:00.022-05:00

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/25/10--
Mark McWhorter, vice president of the Horses for Healing Barn Dance; shot on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, inside the Horses for Healing barn in Bentonville for nwprofiles spotlight

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/01/10--
Trent Gallant (left) and Marcus Emerson, both of Fort Smith, paint the exterior of the Taco Bell in Lowell on Tuesday, June 1, 2010. Both work for 1st Choice Painting based in Fort Smith which handles the painting for all the Taco Bells in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/01/10--
Sam's Club employee Luis Quinteros of Centeron looks out the window of the Goodyear blimp while flying over Beaver Lake on Tuesday, June 1, 2010. Rides on the blimp are given by invitation to Sam's Club and Wal-Mart employees through the week for the Wal-Mart Shareholders meeting.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/01/10--
Goodyear blimp ground crew members prepare to help the airship in its landing on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 in a field next to the runway at the Rogers Municipal Airport. Rides on the blimp are given by invitation to Sam's Club and Wal-Mart employees through the week for the Wal-Mart Shareholders meeting.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/01/10--
International flags wave in the breeze on Tuesday, June 1, 2010, outside the Wal-Mart Visitors Center in Bentonville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/01/10--
Danny Gorman of Glasgow, Scotland, sticks Scottish flags in his hair while talking with others in his group, on Tuesday, June 1, 2010, outside the Wal-Mart Visitors Center in Bentonville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/03/10--
Oakdale Middle School sixth-grader Diana Ortega, 12, tries on a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts hat on Thursday, June 3, 2010, in the Rogers school while listening to a presentation from Krispy Kreme sales representative Cynthia Owens of Rogers. Owens was one of eight presenters at the school for Career Day.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/03/10--
UA baseball practice for NCAA Regional
Arkansas' Andy Wilkins (right) waits while Zack Cox gets batting practice in the cage on Thursday, June 3, 2010, at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/03/10--
David Luke Kimler (from left), 16, shows his twin sisters, Abigail Joanna, both 13, the injury on his head on Thursday, June 3, 2010, inside their family's Springdale home. David Luke had just returned from the hospital after being treated for his fall from a bluff in Lost Valley Park in Ponca.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/04/10--
UA vs Grambling State - NCAA Regional baseball
Arkansas' Andy Wilkins (center) celebrates with teammates Monk Kreder (from left), Collin Kuhn and Brett Eibner after hitting a home run in the seventh inning against Grambling State on Friday, June 4, 2010, in the NCAA Regional at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville. Wilkins and Kuhn each hit two home runs and Eibner had three home runs in the game.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/04/10--
UA vs Grambling State - NCAA Regional baseball
Arkansas center fielder Brett Eibner makes a diving catch on a pop fly against Grambling State on Friday, June 4, 2010, in the NCAA Regional at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/04/10--
UA vs Grambling State - NCAA Regional baseball
Grambling State's Anthony Clifton (left) runs into Arkansas catcher James McCann and knocks off his mitt at the plate on Friday, June 4, 2010, in the NCAA Regional at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/07/10--
Lili Martinez-Johnson (left), 5, whispers to her friend, Allyson Frederick, 5, both of Rogers, while watching the movie, "Finding Nemo," on Monday, June 7, 2010, inside the Rogers Public Library. The library offers Movie Mania every Monday at 1 p.m. through July and next week's flick is "Swiss Family Robinson."

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/07/10--
Amber Reed of Siloam Springs looks for traffic as she crosses S. Main Street at the Bentonville square on Monday, June 7, 2010. Reed, who works for Arvest, was making deliveries around the square.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/07/10--
Rain drops collect on daffodils on Monday, June 7, 2010, in the courtyard at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville. Storms swept through the area in the morning.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/08/10--
Cal Nava-Robinson (cq), 8, of Springdale follows through with the motions after pretending to be slapped by Kris Pruett (cq) (right) with Arts Live Theatre on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, inside the Jones Center for Families in Springdale. Nava-Robinson is part of a group participating in the Summer Youth Academy at the center with the first week focused on Drama and Stage Week.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --06/08/10--
Jennifer Mahan, 13, of Fayetteville paints a scene on canvas on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, at the Fayetteville Farmers Market on the Fayetteville square. The market hosted Kids Day in addition to produce vendors for the day.

Filling the holes with some wild art

2010-05-31T21:43:00.011-05:00

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/26/10--
David Scheers of Joplin, Mo., carries a bag of stuffed animals on Wednesday, May 26, 2010, to hang inside one of the game booths to set up for a carnival in the parking lot at Frisco Station Mall in Rogers. The carnival, operated by Pride Amusements, will run through Monday (MEMORIAL DAY).

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/26/10--
Micah Fankhauser (cq) (left), 3, watches as his brother, Silas Fankhauser, 4, walks back under the bridge crossing the creek on Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at Lake Atalanta in Rogers. The brothers came to the park with their parents, Joel and Alice, and 18-month-old sister, Liza, all of Little Rock. The family was visiting Alice's parents, Richard and Glenna Weaver, both of Bentonville, who were also at the park with them.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/27/10--
Tillery Elementary fifth-grader Olivia Kennedy, 10, (front) works with classmates on Thursday, May 27, 2010, at the Rogers school in an exercise during which students learned about water bird migration. Third- though fifth-grade students participated in the school's Celebrate Effort Day which celebrated their effort during this year's testing season. The theme for the event was "Go Green."

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/27/10--
Maddie Mills (left), 17, and Hannah Ray, 16, sit on the Butterfly Bench on Thursday, May 27, 2010, before the dedication for the bench outside Leverett Elementary School in Fayetteville. The bench, designed by artist Eugene Sargent, was installed in memory of Hannah's sister, Olivia Ray, who died after being struck by a car last year.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/28/10--
Northside Elementary fifth-grader Karen Romero, 11, holds the bottle steady as kindergartener Fernanda Albarran, 5, pours water into it during the "Catch the Rainwater" relay race on Friday, May 28, 2010, for the students' field day at the Rogers school. The theme for the event was "Pirates Going Green."

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/28/10--
Northside Elementary fifth-graders Kyle Edgeworth, 11, squeezes water from sponges onto Juan Belloso, 11, while waiting for another set of students to play the "Swab the Deck Me Hearties" relay race on Friday, May 28, 2010, for the students' field day at the Rogers school. The theme for the event was "Pirates Going Green."

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/28/10--
Northside Elementary kindergartener Alexis Vidal, 6, squeezes water from a sponge into a can during the "Swab the Deck Me Hearties" relay race on Friday, May 28, 2010, for the students' field day at the Rogers school. The theme for the event was "Pirates Going Green."

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/28/10--
Northside Elementary fifth-grader Kyle Edgeworth, 11, slings water from his hair on Friday, May 28, 2010, during the students' field day at the Rogers school. The theme for the event was "Pirates Going Green."

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/28/10--
Rogers Mayor and Republican Congressional Candidate Steve Womack (left) shakes hands with former challenger Kurt Maddox following a news conference on Friday, May 28, 2010, inside the Embassy Suites in Rogers. Maddox announced his endorsement for Womack during the news conference.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/28/10--
Reagan Elementary fifth-grader Hope Von Gremp, 11, (center) saws through a piece of PVC pipe with other members of the REACH class on Friday, May 28, 2010, during their "Build-A-Thon" called Huts for Haiti outside the Rogers school. The students designed and built a life-sized structure and planned a fundraiser to benefit the victims of the Haiti earthquake

Seriously, I didn't die...seriously

2010-05-26T21:08:00.040-05:00

I've been pretty damn slack at posting and I'm sorry. I've been pretty busy at work and when I've been home (if we didn't have company), I've been spending a lot of time working in the yard. So I've been negligent to the blog. So here's a super post with most of my work during the period.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/13/10--
SEC Softball Tournament
Auburn catcher Elizabeth Eisterhold applies the tag to Florida's Tiffany DeFelice at the plate in the second inning during the SEC tournament Thursday, May 13, 2010, at Bogle Park in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/13/10--
SEC Softball Tournament
Florida players welcome Megan Bush (left) at home plate after her three-run home run in the fifth inning against Auburn during the SEC tournament Thursday, May 13, 2010, at Bogle Park in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/14/10--
Alex Vasquez, Northwest Arkansas Community College Board of Trustees member and Wal-Mart attorney; shot on Friday, May 14, 2010, inside Burns Hall at NWACC in Bentonville for nwprofiles

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/14/10--
Alex Vasquez, Northwest Arkansas Community College Board of Trustees member and Wal-Mart attorney; shot on Friday, May 14, 2010, inside the Student Center at NWACC in Bentonville for nwprofiles

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/14/10--
Andy Patterson of Tyler, Texas, practices on Friday, May 14, 2010, inside Fast Lane Entertainment in Lowell. The center is hosting the Professional Bowlers Association Southwest Region Northwest Arkansas Open which begins this morning (SATURDAY) with 60 entries and concludes with the finals on Sunday.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/15/10--
Former First Lady Laura Bush signs copies of her new book, "Spoken From the Heart," for club members on Saturday, May 15, 2010, inside the Sam's Club in Fayetteville. Bush also visited the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Pleasant Grove Road in Rogers later in the day.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/16/10--
Jesse Adams of Springdale checks on the power conditioner/power inverter while Stan Sasser (from left) of Fayetteville, Lisa Ostrom of Fayetteville and Monty Mason of Bentonville pedal to provide power to a concert on Sunday, May 16, 2010, during Artosphere at North Shore Park at Lake Fayetteville. Adams, the head carpenter for Walton Arts Center, assembled the cycling station.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/16/10--
Rana Santacruz of New York City plays the accordian with his band on Sunday, May 16, 2010, during Artosphere at North Shore Park at Lake Fayetteville. Power for the performance was being generated by cyclists (background).

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/17/10--
Grimes Elementary School fourth-graders Cole Regier (cq) (from left), Alyssa Danley, Alexis Villalovos (cq) and Emily Efurd (cq) check underneath on the construction of their boat, "The Olympian," on Monday, May 17, 2010, at Lake Atalanta in Rogers. The students were four of about 150 fourth-graders from the Rogers Public Schools gifted and talented program participating in the fourth annual REACH Regatta during which the students designed boats out of a set of various materials and raced them along the creek.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/17/10--
As she continues to read about candidates, Adrienne Richard of Bentonville is guided to an open station by election official Nancy McCloud of Bella Vista on Monday, May 17, 2010, inside the Benton County Administration Building in Bentonville. Monday was the last day for early voting.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/18/10--
Monica Fuller; shot on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville for nwprofiles; feature bride

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/18/10--
Monica Fuller; shot on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville for nwprofiles; feature bride

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/19/10--
Third-grader Ashley Smreker (cq), 9, peers out from a plastic bag to cheer the introduction of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals during their game on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, against the Tulsa Drillers at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Smreker was at the game with a group from TG Smith Elementary School in Springdale for School Kids Day.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/19/10--
NWA Naturals vs Tulsa Drillers
Naturals shortstop Chris McConnell looks to the umpire for the call after attempting to make the tag on Tulsa's Matt Repec at second base in the sixth inning on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Repec was called safe on the play.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/19/10--
NWA Naturals vs Tulsa Drillers
Naturals right fielder Nick Van Stratten fields a fly ball in foul territory against Tulsa on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/19/10--
William Cherry, 6, shows his mother, Amanda Cherry, a picture in a book about whales on Wednesday, May, 19, 2010, in the children's libary inside the Springdale Public Library. William came to the library with his mother and brother, Andrew Cherry, 4, all of Springdale, for story time.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/20/10--
University of Arkansas School of Law secretaries Bridget Young (left) and Misty Slavens eat lunch on Thursday, May 20, 2010, in the east stands inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville during the 12th annul staff appreciation picnic and vendor fair. The event was hosted by the UA Staff Senate.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/20/10--
University of Arkansas horticulturists Jeff Caperton and Tina Buxton construct a bamboo trellis for a bean garden on Thursday, May 20, 2010, on the Fayetteville campus. The vegetable garden, which is part of the horticulture department's display garden, will grow Chinese long beans.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/21/10--
3A softball state championship - Perryville vs Ark. Baptist
Perryville catcher Tiffany Hubbard turns in attempt to make the tag on Arkansas Baptist's Riley Roberts at the plate in the fifth inning during the 3A state championship game on Friday, May 21, 2010, at Bogle Park in Fayetteville. Roberts was safe for the score on the play.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/21/10--
3A softball state championship - Perryville vs Ark. Baptist
Perryville's Tori Taylor and Lindsey Bean (#20) collide while fielding a pop fly in shallow right field in the sixth inning against Arkansas Baptist during the 3A state championship game on Friday, May 21, 2010, at Bogle Park in Fayetteville. Taylor made the out on the play.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/21/10--
3A softball state championship - Perryville vs Ark. Baptist
Arkansas Baptist pitcher Emily Guess celebrates after striking out the final Perryville batter in the seventh inning during the 3A state championship game on Friday, May 21, 2010, at Bogle Park in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/23/10--
Sam, a three-year-old boxer mix, tries to steal a sip of beer from his owner, Cary Hague (cq) of Lowell, on Sunday, May 23, 2010, before the start of the game between the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and the Arkansas Travelers at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Hague brought Sam as part of the Naturals' promotion Bark in the Ballpark.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/23/10--
Jake the Diamond Dog brings a basket of water bottles to umpires Seth Buckminster (left) and Kellen Levy between innings of the game between the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and the Arkansas Travelers at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/23/10--
NWA Naturals vs Arkansas Travelers
Naturals' Manny Pina (right) and manager Brian Poldberg plead their case to home plate umpire Brad Myers during the third inning against the Arkansas Travelers on Sunday, May 23, 2010, at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Pina claimed to have been hit by a pitch on the arm.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/23/10--
NWA Naturals vs Arkansas Travelers
Travelers center fielder Jeremy Moore leaps to make an out against the wall in the fourth inning against the Naturals on Sunday, May 23, 2010, at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/23/10--
NWA Naturals vs Arkansas Travelers
Naturals' Nick Van Stratten looks to left field as he rounds Travelers second baseman Ryan Mount in the fifth inning on Sunday, May 23, 2010, at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/24/10--
City of Bentonville Electric Department employee Gabe Fields inspects the tornado siren high above Memorial Park in Bentonville on Monday, May 24, 2010. Fields was part of a three-man crew, including Burton Chaney and Wes Poe, that was performing annual maintenance to the unit which entails changing batteries, checking fuses and oiling/greasing moving parts.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/24/10--
Katie Hatch of Springdale fills out job applications on Monday, May 24, 2010, inside the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers during the Spring Job Fair.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/25/10--
Kassidy Lane, 9, of Siloam Springs is greeted by Disney characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, inside the Rogers High School gym after Kassidy was surprised with a Disney cruise for her and her family through the Make A Wish Foundation Mid South Chapter. Rogers High School students raised over $4500 to contribute to the gift. Kassidy suffers from a congenital heart defect.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/25/10--
Karen Weber washes Missy, an 18-year-old quarter horse/Arab mix, on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, inside the stalls at the Horses for Healing barn in Bentonville. Missy will be one of the horses for adoption at the center's annual Barn Dance benefit on Saturday, June 12.

Track portraits

2010-05-13T15:57:00.005-05:00

On Tuesday, I shot a pair of UA track portraits. Freshmen Caleb Cross and Stephanie Brown were our focus for our preview stories for the SEC tournament in today's paper.

Benton County wild art...what's new?

2010-05-11T17:20:00.001-05:00

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/10/10--
Alice Boepple (left) of Pea Ridge and Samantha Scott (center, right) of Bentonville, teach J.D. Lightwine (right) and his wife, Colleen Lightwine, both of Springdale, how to play Mah Jongg on Monday, May 10, 2010, inside the Rogers Adult Wellness Center. Boepple and Scott lead lessons in the Chinese tile game on Mondays and Thursdays at the center with open play following.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/10/10--
Arkansas First Lady Ginger Beebe reads from "Winston the Book Wolf" by Marni McGee to Tillery Elementary School second-graders on Monday, May 10, 2010, in the library of the Rogers school. Beebe is promoting her project, "Together We Read."

Soccer, soccer, galore

2010-05-08T18:19:00.014-05:00

Friday was a soccer overload. I shot four state championship games after all was said and done.

I had the 5A girls and boys championship games already on my plate. Then while I was shooting the first game, I got a call from the newspaper down in Searcy asking if could string the two following games for them. Reluctantly, I accepted as I knew they were in a bind with their arranged stringer's car breaking down.

The final game (Searcy vs Mountain Home for the 6A boys championship) turned out to be probably the dirtiest game I've ever watched/covered.

These two teams have faced each other now three consecutive years for the title and all three have been won by Searcy. This obviously caused some animosity as the Mountain Home players were shown five yellow cards and two direct red cards

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/07/10--
LRCA vs PA - 5A girls soccer championship
Little Rock Christian players celebrate following their 4-0 win over Pulaski Academy for the 5A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/07/10--
LRCA vs PA - 5A girls soccer championship
Little Rock Christian's Joanna Bentley (left) and Kelsey Smith celebrate past Pulaski Academy's Lizzie McSpadden (center) after Bentley's goal in the first half of the 5A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/07/10--
LRCA vs PA - 5A girls soccer championship
Pulaski Academy goalie *** saves a shot on goal from Little Rock Christian in the first half of the 5A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/07/10--
LRCA vs PA - 5A girls soccer championship
Pulaski Academy's #17 is consoled by teammate #22 (left) after the team accepted their runner-up trophy following their game against Little Rock Christian for the 5A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/07/10--
LRCA vs Hope - 5A boys soccer championship
Little Rock Christian's Andrew Davis heads the ball away from Hope's Rual Leyva in the first half of the 5A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/07/10--
LRCA vs Hope - 5A boys soccer championship
Hope's Jose Nava (from left), Juan Arroyo and Ismael Arnanda walk back to accept their runner-up trophy following the game against Little Rock Christian for the 5A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/07/10--
LRCA vs Hope - 5A boys soccer championship
Hope's Cody Washington (left) and Little Rock Christian's Nathan Gay vie for possession in the first half of the 5A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/07/10--
LRCA vs Hope - 5A boys soccer championship
Hope's Juan Arroyo celebrates after scoring the game's first goal against Little Rock Christian in the first half of the 5A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/07/10--
LRCA vs Hope - 5A boys soccer championship
Little Rock Christian goalkeeper Austin Whitesell (bottom) protects himself and the ball from Hope's Stephen Riemar in the first half of the 5A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

Photo by Jason Ivester --05/07/10--
6A girls soccer championship -- Searcy vs El Dorado
Searcy players celebrate following their 3-1 win over El Dorado for the 6A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

Photo by Jason Ivester --05/07/10--
6A girls soccer championship -- Searcy vs El Dorado
Searcy's Jade McCoy tries to get around El Dorado's Samantha Justus in the second half of the 6A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

Photo by Jason Ivester --05/07/10--
6A girls soccer championship -- Searcy vs El Dorado
El Dorado's Caitlin Brown (left) tries to take the ball from Searcy's Kerry Moon in the second half of the 6A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

Photo by Jason Ivester --05/07/10--
6A girls soccer championship -- Searcy vs El Dorado
Searcy's Michaelah Weaver (left) tries to get around El Dorado goalkeeper Meredith Rice to get the ball in the first half of the 6A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

Photo by Jason Ivester --05/07/10--
6A boys soccer championship -- Searcy vs Mountain Home
Searcy's Steven Seitz (left) is taken down by Mountain Home's Brock Barnhill in the box in the first half of the 6A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville. Barnhill received a red card on the foul and Seitz scored on the ensuing penalty kick.

Photo by Jason Ivester --05/07/10--
6A boys soccer championship -- Searcy vs Mountain Home
Searcy's Brandon Treece (left) celebrates with teammate Evan Scarbrough after Treece's goal against Mountain Home in the first half of the 6A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

Photo by Jason Ivester --05/07/10--
6A boys soccer championship -- Searcy vs Mountain Home
Mountain Home's Jeff Cotter (left) and Searcy's Andrew Moore collide while going for the ball in the first half of the 6A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

Photo by Jason Ivester --05/07/10--
6A boys soccer championship -- Searcy vs Mountain Home
Mountain Home's Brock Barnhilll (center) is shown the red card by the official against Searcy in the first half of the 6A championship game on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Razorback Field in Fayetteville.

A little wild art here, a little Naturals there

2010-05-08T17:53:00.010-05:00

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/04/10--
Dressed as a honeybee, Westside Elementary School fourth-grader Hannah Naylor, 10, tastes her honey while showing off her project on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, inside the Rogers school. Fourth-graders researched for two weeks and created individual projects depicting pieces of Arkansas history for the presentation.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/04/10--
Westside Elementary School fourth-grader Hallie Bowman, 10, offers plastic diamonds to viewers as part of her project on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, inside the Rogers school. Fourth-graders researched for two weeks and created individual projects depicting pieces of Arkansas history for the presentation.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/04/10--
Dressed as an Quapaw Indian, Westside Elementary School fourth-grader Emma Johnson (left), 9, waits to describe her project to visitors on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, inside the Rogers school. Fourth-graders researched for two weeks and created individual projects depicting pieces of Arkansas history for the presentation.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/04/10--
Dressed as Judge Isaac Parker, "The Hanging Judge," Westside Elementary School fourth-grader Aidan Dunn, 9, describes his project on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, inside the Rogers school. Fourth-graders researched for two weeks and created individual projects depicting pieces of Arkansas history for the presentation.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/04/10--
new home construction for business; homes on Berkeley Avenue in Rogers shot on Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/04/10--
Felipe Gonzalez spreads concrete for a foundation on a new home construction on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, on Cunningham Avenue in Rogers.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/04/10--
John Rhea closely examines a cracker bowl brought by Catherine Naccarato of Rogers on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, inside the Rogers Adult Wellness Center. Rhea and his wife, Cherry Rhea, who operate Vintage Antiques in Rogers, were offering free antique appraisals during a session at the center.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/05/10--
Tyler Richardson (left), 10, and others reach items out to be autographed by Naturals outfielder Nick Van Stratten on Tuesday, May 5, 2010 before the Northwest Arkansas Naturals game against the Springdfield Cardinals at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Richardson was at the game with a group from Ozark Adventist Academy in Gentry as part of School Kids Day.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/05/10--
Northwest Arkansas Naturals vs Springfield Cardinals
Naturals' Derrick Robinson is tagged out by Cardinals first baseman Curt Smith during the first inning on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/05/10--
Northwest Arkansas Naturals vs Springfield Cardinals
Naturals' Nick Van Stratten (left) gets caught in a run-down between Cardinals' Andrew Brown (#18) and Pete Kozma during the second inning on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/06/10--
Fort Valley State University Vice President Isaac Crumbly (left) meets with Unviersity of Arkansas Chancellor David Gearhart prior to a news conference announcing the schools' agreement to establish dual degree programs in geosciences on Thursday, May 6, 2010, inside Old Main on the Fayetteville campus.

Early voting

2010-05-04T19:47:00.007-05:00

So today's post brings a little early voting for some small local elections, wild art of pressure washing a church and some 7A high school state semifinal soccer action.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/03/10--
Linda Bruce (from left) of Bella Vista checks in with election officials Kim Stevens of Rogers and Nancy McCloud of Bella Vista on Monday, May 3, 2010, for early voting inside the Benton County Administration Building in Bentonville. Early voting continues through May 17 for the preferential primary and nonpartisan judicial general election.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/03/10--
Loraine Venter of Bentonville casts her vote on Monday, May 3, 2010, for early voting inside the Benton County Administration Building in Bentonville. Early voting continues through May 17 for the preferential primary and nonpartisan judicial general election.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/03/10--
Lowell Jester of Rogers pressure washes underneath the roof overhang on Monday, May 3, 2010, at Colonial Baptist Church on Olive Street in Rogers. Jester and Bruce Jones of Bella Vista, both with In Line Construction in Springdale, also painted underneath the awning for the entrance to the church earlier.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/03/10--
Rogers High School vs Little Rock Catholic boys soccer
Rogers' Erik Mora (left) and Little Rock Catholic's Jon Miskin go after a ball during the first half of the 7A semifinal game on Monday, May 3, 2010, at Rogers Heritage High School.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/03/10--
Rogers High School vs Bentonville High School girls soccer
Bentonville's Margaret Power (left) celebrates after scoring the Tigers' second goal of the game against Rogers during the second half of the 7A semifinal game on Monday, May 3, 2010, at Rogers High School.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/03/10--
Rogers High School vs Bentonville High School girls soccer
Rogers' Ibett Cordona (left) dives in to knock the ball away from Bentonville's Hanna Nilsson during the second half of the 7A semifinal game on Monday, May 3, 2010, at Rogers High School.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --05/03/10--
Rogers High School vs Bentonville High School girls soccer
Rogers' Nancy Rosales (left) and Bentonville's Rylea Wallace go for a ball in the air during the second half of the 7A semifinal game on Monday, May 3, 2010, at Rogers High School.

HS Soccer Playoffs

2010-05-01T17:42:00.014-05:00

Today's installment comes from a pair of high school soccer playoff games -- the first, a girls game between Rogers Heritage and Mount Saint Mary, and the second, a boys game between Little Rock Central and Fort Smith Northside.

The girls game featured a weather delay during the game of almost two hours and both head coaches getting ejected for separate instances.

Some wild art and some wild track

2010-04-30T10:14:00.011-05:00

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/27/10--
Former NFL player Bo Eason sets a kickoff wedge with Alysia White (from left), 9, Ruby Vega, 10, Melissa Jimenez, 11, and America Cervantes, 9, on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, inside Jones Elementary School in Rogers. Eason was giving a presentation to the Girls on the Run group which consisted of about 30 third- to fifth-grade girls at the school.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/28/10--
Russ Tucker (left) and Roy Cope, both employees with Best Banner and Sign Company, install the sign for Academy Sports + Outdoors Wednesday at the store's future location, Shoppes at Centre Point, along Pleasant Crossing Boulevard in Rogers. The approximate 75,000-square foot store has an expected opening of late August.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/29/10--
Van Buren High School sophomore Shea Smith rests in the shade in the stands Thursday while at John McDonnell Field in Fayetteville. Smith was at the track competing in the high jump and the 4x100-meter relay team for the 7A state track and field championships.

Don't rain on my parade, erm, carnival

2010-04-27T19:36:00.004-05:00

Today's update is a couple pieces of wild art from Benton County.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/26/10--
Kate Amsbaugh of Bentonville packs books Monday inside the Bentonville Public Library left over from a weekend book sale at the library. An estimated 4000 books were donated for the sale, with proceeds benefitting the library.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/26/10--
Fun Time Shows employees William Pinkard (left) of Malden, Mo., and James Mayweather of Topeka, Kan., unhook swings for the Cyclone Swing ride Monday in the parking lot for the Frisco Station Mall in Rogers. The Spring Fair opens Wednesday and runs through May 9.

Photographing a Photographer

2010-04-26T21:21:00.005-05:00

A couple weeks ago I photographed Art Meripol for our Profiles section and it ran yesterday (Sunday). Meripol, a University of Arkansas alum, is a senior travel photographer for Southern Living magazine and lives in Birmingham.

I shot the lead portrait along Dickson Street in Fayetteville (we chose to with the first one) and the secondary photo inside George's, a bar on Dickson.

Long week

2010-04-24T15:36:00.015-05:00

I know some of you have just been sitting on the blog all week constantly hitting "refresh" just waiting for an update. Well click no longer.

It's been a long week with a few not-behind-the-camera issues. Rather than get into details and continue making excuses for not posting, I'm posting a week's worth of art (sans those accompanying advance stories not yet run) with their respective cutlines (captions) to explain each.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/19/10--
Jimmye (cq) Whitfield (right) watches as her granddaughter Alise (cq) Whitfield, 3, both of Fayetteville, works on an art project Monday inside the Nadine Baum Studios in Fayetteville as part of the Northwest Arkansas Community Creative Center. The pair were participating in the last day of the four-week parent and child art classes called "Let the Sun Shine In" which met once a week.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/19/10--
Bobby Campbell plants tomatoes Monday in the garden next to his home at the intersection of Old Farmington Road and U.S. 62 in Farmington. Campbell and his wife have been operating their business, Bob & Sue's Fresh Vegetables, for several years said Campbell.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/21/10--
Jason Palmer (left) and Chad Ladish, both of Fayetteville, chisel Arkansas native stone for a stone wall Wednesday alongside the Crystal Bridges Trail in Bentonville. The wall will serve as the entrance for a mountain bike trail being built.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/21/10--
Northwest Arkansas Community College students visit with business representatives Wednesday during the school's career fair inside the Student Center on the Bentonville campus. Various businesses set up booths for both students and the public for career-recruiting purposes.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/22/10--
Fayetteville High School senior Gelleman (cq) Chavez walks around the Central Quad in front of the Arkansas Union on the Fayetteville campus of the University of Arkansas Thursday, April 22, 2010 donning 250 plastic bags -- the average number used by an American annually -- as part of the school's Earth Day activities. Chavez was doing work for his Service Learning class by promoting Habitotes, bags made from recycled water bottles.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/22/10--
Northwest Arkansas Naturals vs Arkansas Travelers
Naturals' Mike Moustakas follows through on a solo home run in the third inning against the Arkansas Travelers Thursday at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Moustakas also hit a two-run home run in the first inning.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/22/10--
Northwest Arkansas Naturals vs Arkansas Travelers
Naturals' Mike Moustakas (left) is congratulated by teammate Johnny Giavotella after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning that scored the pair against the Arkansas Travelers Thursday at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Moustakas also hit a solo home run in his second at-bat in the third inning.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/22/10--
Northwest Arkansas Naturals vs Arkansas Travelers
Naturals catcher Manny Pina blocks the plate and tags out Travelers' Abel Nieves in the first inning Thursday at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/22/10--
Northwest Arkansas Naturals vs Arkansas Travelers
Naturals' Clint Robinson safely slides into second base as the throw to Travelers' second baseman Abel Nieves sails over his head in the third inning Thursday at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/22/10--
Northwest Arkansas Naturals vs Arkansas Travelers
Naturals' Mike Moustakas (center) is congratulated by teammates as he returns to the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the third inning against the Arkansas Travelers Thursday at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Moustakas also hit a two-run home run in his first at-bat in the first inning.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/22/10--
Northwest Arkansas Naturals vs Arkansas Travelers
Naturals' Nick Van Stratten safely dives back to first base against the Arkansas Travelers Thursday at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/22/10--
Northwest Arkansas Naturals vs Arkansas Travelers
Naturals' Anthony Seratelli slides into third base after Travelers third baseman Jay Brossman records the force out in the fourth inning Thursday at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/23/10--
Monica Gutierrez leads a group of Mathias Elementary students in Zumba dancing Friday inside the library of the Rogers school. Gutierrez, along with partner Claudia Aguilar, were presenters in the school's Arts Festival and Career Week.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/23/10--
Elizabeth Gardner (left) of Greenland and Betty Christian of Goshen look over items Friday at the county-wide garage sale hosted inside the exhibit hall on the Benton County Fairgrounds in Vaughn. The second annual sale continues today (SATURDAY) from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and the $2 admission benefits the fairgrounds.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER --04/23/10--
Hunter Haynes, Illinois River Watershed Partnership board member, plants Autumn Joy Seedums Friday in a rain garden near the bridge for Horsebarn Trail and 52nd Street in Rogers. The rain garden helps to prevent stormwater pollution into the neighboring creek.

Putting in a little OT

2010-04-18T08:57:00.008-05:00

I've got a few to post today.

Friday's entries are two pieces of wild art. The first is from a small pre-school parade for Arkansas Children's Week.

And then I grabbed the young fisherman up near Bella Vista along a creek.

Saturday I put in a little overtime to help cover UA versus Georgia in baseball. Thankfully the rain held off for the most part and the Hogs dominated with their tenth straight win and second straight 10-2 win over the Dogs.

The last two frames are a couple portraits for today's Profiles section.

On a little side note, the Wal-Mart pic from the previous post actually made it to print in today's Business section.

Recycling Wal-Mart

2010-04-16T08:39:00.010-05:00

I started Thursday with the NWA Regional Development Conference during which plans were discussed about the expansion of the Wal-Mart Visitors Center in downtown Bentonville.

Following that I went over to Arvest Ballpark in Springdale where electronics were being accepted for recycling on a commercial level -- residential items are being accepted on Friday.

And today we ran my portrait of UA golfer Kelli Shean for our advance on the SEC golf tournament in Tuscaloosa.

Posted last is a photo I shot last week inside one of our Wal-Marts for a Business story. Unfortunately, the story fell through and the photo never ran. I really liked the shot so I've given it life here. Maybe it'll run later as a stock photo for another Wally World story.

Two Days Worth

2010-04-15T15:48:00.006-05:00

I forgot to post yesterday to the blog, so here's what should've made it and today's installment together.

We start off with Tuesday's wild art hunt beginning with a lady dressed in a baby costume attempting to draw business to a newly opened daycare center. You can't make that up.

Following that, I strolled over to the Shiloh Museum in Springdale for the opening of an exhibit detailing the history of the Springdale Fire Department.

Wednesday's wild art includes the opening of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure registration office and HazMat training.

And finally we've got a portrait of Jamie Marshall who plays on the Razorback golf team for our advance on the SEC tournament.

Tuition Increase

2010-04-13T14:43:00.004-05:00

Here's to my return following a much-needed three-day weekend.

After a quick Sports portrait (not posted yet), I shot some wild art at the Prairie Grove Battlefield Park.

And following that I went over to campus to get a few stock photos of students for a 1A story today about a tuition increase for the University of Arkansas.

Fay-town Wild Art

2010-04-09T19:17:00.004-05:00

Today's post includes...wait for it...more wild art. And today's installment includes one from the Fayetteville Farmers Market and the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks.

Naturals Opening Day

2010-04-08T22:17:00.008-05:00

First from Wednesday was a piece of wild art of repairing a fire hydrant at Wilson Park in Fayetteville.

Later that night, I had to go to the Jones Center in Springdale to cover a forum on immigration reform.

Finally I'm posting some remaining stuff from the Naturals media day. There's a couple stock pieces of practice art. And then the portraits I shot of pitcher Aaron Crow. We ran the first one posted today for our Opening Day preview story.

Bentonville Wild Art run

2010-04-07T20:21:00.005-05:00

Tuesday was spent collecting a couple pieces of wild art from Bentonville. And here's the results.

A Laurel and Hardy Johnson

2010-04-06T16:25:00.005-05:00

I started the day a little later than normal to accomodate hanging out at Arvest Ballpark for the NWA Naturals' media day.

First posted is just a little bit of wild art where I found these guys installing a 600-pound aluminum sign for the new Springdale office for Ozarks Electric.

Then the rest of my day was spent with the Naturals. Following their press conference, I had to shoot a couple portraits and some general practice art. Let's face it: I need the practice. I'm posting the one portrait that ran today (pitchers Rowdy Hardy and Blake Johnson) and then the others I'll post on their day of publication with should be Opening Day for the team.

Wild Art in Bentonville

2010-04-02T16:35:00.004-05:00

I spent Thursday hunting wild art in Bentonville. And these are what I came back with. Unfortunately, the first frame didn't make it to print, so it gets its life here.

Football's here!

2010-03-31T20:50:00.007-05:00

Tuesday started out with a rush to Winslow following a call on the scanner detailing a man's fall from a bluff at a waterfall. Fortunately, he was able to respond to the emergency workers' questions so hopefully he'll be OK.

Following another step in my multiple-day project, I shot the first day of spring football practice. More photos from the practice can be viewed at the Focus gallery on ArkansasOnline.

Parking Lot Wild Art

2010-03-30T19:57:00.002-05:00

Not much to post from Monday. I started a multiple-day project but I'll post the results in whole after publication.

So the only photo to post is some wild art of a group re-sealing and striping an AutoZone parking lot.

Putting in a little OT for some stick ball

2010-03-27T21:47:00.007-05:00

With a photog off for the weekend, William Moore and myself had to chip in to shoot a little baseball against Alabama for some overtime this weekend -- I shot on Saturday and he shot on Sunday.

Despite a few off-and-on rain showers, it was actually nice weather for the game. The Hogs erased a 3-0 lead by the Tide and finished with a walk-off RBI in the bottom of the ninth.

Jones Center...again

2010-03-27T21:24:00.007-05:00

Last day of Spring Break Week at the Jones Center for Families. And I'm there again.

After that, I still needed to find some more wild art, so I headed over to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in hopes of finding something nice following our tremendous rainfall from the day before.

And I finished my late day with UA baseball as they hosted Alabama for their first home SEC game of the season. The Hogs came back from 5-0 and 8-5 deficits to win late. The fifth inning featured a three-run home run by Zack Cox followed shortly thereafter by a two-run shot by Andy Wilkins (both pictured in the last frame following Wilkins' blast). There were a few questionable calls by the umpires which prompted head coach Dave Van Horn to have a couple discussions with the officials.

Ventriloquist @ the Jones Center

2010-03-26T16:42:00.003-05:00

And Spring Break Week continues at the Jones Center for Families in Springdale and I continue to shoot there.

Thursday's performance featured ventriloquist Lynn Trefzger. I've always enjoyed watching a quality comedic performance from ventriloquists and this was no different. Although somewhat geared to a younger audience, Trefzger delivered the funny that transcended the generation gap.

This photo was following her performance when some of the children came up to the stage to meet and greet with her and Camelot.

Jones Center Again

2010-03-25T20:24:00.008-05:00

For the second straight day, I began my day at the Jones Center for Families in Springdale for their Spring Break Week. We ran the first photo posted which was of the Canadian children's musical group Splash'n Boots. I liked the second one a little better. I've also posted a juggling pic from the event as well.

Following that I went to Rogers to shoot a quick portrait of the new culinary instructor for NorthWest Arkansas Community College.

Posted last is a photo I shot back in January. We ran a feature story today on Jamie Pisani of the gymnastics team and this was the lead photo for the story.

Starting Spring with a foot of snow

2010-03-24T20:17:00.004-05:00

Here's how the blog will run. As opposed to how I used to post to the blog, I will now post photos on the day of publication.

Now that that's out of the way, here's Tuesday's lineup.

I began the day hanging out at the Jones Center in Springdale for their first day of Spring Break activities.

Following that, I ran across some kids trying to form a small snowman with the remainder of our weekend snow that blanketed the region. Our paper published another photo from this but I preferred this one. So this is the photo I'm posting here. Because I want to.

Best of 2009

2010-03-23T20:07:00.003-05:00

We're back.

After an eight-month hiatus, I'm bringing the blog back. Due to complications which caused me to take the blog down, this is back as invitation only. This way I can control who is reading the blog and seeing the images. So if you're reading this, consider yourself approved. And thanks for being a fan of the blog.

So, without further ado, let's kick off the "bring it back" post with a Best of 2009 slideshow. Thanks so much once again to Ben Bipes for hosting the link for me.

When Only the Best Will Do!

2009-07-07T20:18:00.005-05:00

I started the day with a little light spot news. An elderly woman accidentally drove her new car into a dog grooming business in Rogers.

Then I moved over to Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville where they were hosting a ceremony for a new building. Those in attendance signed the beam that was hoisted to the top of the construction.

After I got done there, I moved over to the Rogers Public Library where a group of kids were painting gourds for birdhouses.

A day of animals and a portrait

2009-07-06T20:06:00.006-05:00

I know it's been several days since my last post. There's been a lot going on after work and I've found myself short of free time and finding the time to post to the blog. And I know I generally make a much larger post with all the missing days, but considering so many days have passed, I'm just starting with today.

Started the day right off the bat with a wild art find of these guys installing a cow atop a Chick-fil-A billboard along I-540. I wish the sun was coming in from a different direction so I didn't have to blow out the background to see the scene but you can't have everything every time.

And then I had to delay getting to a portrait by trying to find SWEPCO folks working on a power outage in Springdale. A squirrel managed to ground a line and knock out power to a part of the city. After seeing him lying on the curb, he didn't stand a chance. For your convenience, I'm not posting the photo of the squirrel.

Then I finally got to the portrait I had to shoot for our profiles section.

Finally, I went to my little hide-away for editing/transmitting photos when working in Fayetteville -- the Fayetteville Public Library. And one of the librarians recognized me and directed me to another piece of wild art I wasn't even looking for -- an English mastiff (about a 180-lb canine) being used as a therapy dog for kids who lack reading confidence to read to on a one-on-one basis. Seriously. I'm not kidding. The kids read to the dog and the dog actually seems to enjoy the attention. It's a pretty cool program.

The Heat Is On

2009-06-28T18:18:00.007-05:00

We had a homicide late Friday night at an apartment complex in Fayetteville. So I went there Saturday morning to get some shots of the investigation.

After that I went to a food drive at a bank parking lot in Springdale where they were offering free personal document shredding.

Then I headed up to Lowell for their annual Mudtown Days festival. The Lowell Fire Department sprayed water from one of their ladder trucks hourly to cool everyone off that wanted it.

And the evening ended with me covering a wedding reception for our profiles section.

Sunday began with a wild art hunt and I found these kids playing on the playground at Wilson Park.

And I finished up the day covering the Naturals hosting their in-state rivals, the Travelers.

All-Star Week is over for me

2009-06-24T19:09:00.005-05:00

After a rushed morning finishing up All-Star Week on my end, today was a rather relaxed day.

My day began shooting portraits for feature stories to preview both the boys and girls All-Star basketball games. Unfortunately, these two were practicing in two different locations at the same time. But I made it work. I don't think the portraits are that great by any stretch, but I feel like I did better today than the other day (see previous posts).

I then went to the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Arena in Fayetteville where local emergency responders were learning techniques for farm equipment related accidents including a rolled tractor onto its operator (photo posted).

Following that I spent the rest of the day driving seemingly everywhere TRYING to find people beating the heat. Finally I ran across this day camp where the kiddos were playing in a kiddie pool with one of them manning the garden hose.

All-Star Week

2009-06-23T22:26:00.007-05:00

Started off the day with a truck fire alongside I-540 this morning. Unfortunately I got there after the fire departments had extinguished the blaze. But I still tried to make something outta nothing by showing the traffic stopped for miles behind the situation. Of course I shot and transmitted a normal perspective. And I won't know till the morning what was chosen by the editors.

Following that, I moved on over to the Jones Center for another installment of their Summer Youth Academy. And after that I went to shoot an advance assignment (as usual, not posted here).

Later in the day, tragedy struck again on I-540 -- this time less than two miles south. A one-vehicle accident resulting in all occupants being transported to the nearby hospital.

And my day concluded with the baseball portion of the high school All-Star week. I only shot game one of the double-header but that was mostly due to deadlines.

Day Late, Dollar Short

2009-06-23T22:20:00.008-05:00

Usually when I skip a day on a post, I just combine days into one post. However, yesterday (Monday) was so busy -- good reason why I didn't post when I got home -- I decided it necessary to make separate posts.

And unfortunately, due to the rush of the day, I really feel like my work, especially on the portraits, faltered. But I'm committed to them so I'm posting 'em here anyway.

Busy Day

2009-06-17T21:11:00.008-05:00

Started off the busy day with a profiles portrait on the UA campus. Following that, I went over to the Walton Arts Center for a choral camp.

I then found myself back at old familiar Arvest Ballpark for a feature for the news section and of course some good 'ole baseball between the Naturals and the Tulsa Drillers.

And my day ended again with a sad story, unfortunately. I covered a funeral/memorial service for Springdale Police Capt. Laney Morriss.

Rolling Trucks

2009-06-16T17:34:00.005-05:00

Today was the epitome of how my job encompasses highs and lows. I started early with an overturned truck at the Greenland exit on I-540. Then I headed out to Goshen to shoot a quick portrait. And immediately after that, I went to the Jones Center where they were holding the second week of their Summer Youth Academy.

After that came the bad. Yesterday afternoon a pair of young siblings were reported missing at a Springdale home. After some searching, the 5- and 4-year-old brother and sister were found dead in the trunk of the family car in the driveway.

Whole Buncha Wild Art

2009-06-15T20:40:00.011-05:00

While most of this post is wild art, I'm guessing a few of these may need some explanation.

There's a couple frames that went with stories including a trucking obstacle course competition and a welcome home party for any veteran that's served in a war.

Also included in this post is a picture of a rainbow. I just want to make clear that this photo has no PS work (as none of my photos ever do). But I know SOMEONE will ask. We had some severe storms pass through the area last Wednesday and the sunset created a VERY vibrant orange sky and provided a nice double rainbow.

Batman

2009-06-09T22:28:00.008-05:00

This is just a series of wild art from the past three days and one feature photo of Harry "Batman" Harnish at Devil's Den State Park.

The Church of Walton

2009-06-05T15:50:00.014-05:00

Shareholders week culminated today with the annual Shareholders' Meeting at Bud Walton Arena.

The Wal-martians were entertained by actor Ben Stiller (as the host), American Idol winner Kris Allen, singer Miley Cyrus, singer Paulina Rubio, singer Smokey Robinson and basketball great Michael Jordan. And KISS member Gene Simmons (and the other guy, Paul Stanley) were there in the audience as well. I broke down and Beth Hall, April Brown and I had our picture taken with him (last frame).

Overall, it was a great show. A couple notes, however: Ben Stiller was funny as usual. Kris Allen performed seamlessly. Miley Cyrus had troubles singing the live performance ("A little pitchy, dog"). And Smokey Robinson brings zero entertainment value to a live performance.

But, for me, the funniest moment of the entire show (first frame posted) was Ben Stiller, Kris Allen and Tom Schoewe, Wal-Mart Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, attempting the "Blue Steel" pose from Stiller's very underrated film "Zoolander."

They're HEEEEEERE

2009-06-03T18:13:00.011-05:00

Well, it's shareholders week in the Church of Walton and the Walmartians have arrived from all over the world.

Outside of the frame of our visitors and the portrait, the rest of this post -- art from Tuesday and Wednesday -- is wild art, enterprise art, stand-alone art, drive-around-and-look-for-something-interesting art or however you prefer to reference it.

The Lone Rangers

2009-06-01T18:21:00.005-05:00

I was the lone photographer for our office today. And with no assignments, that meant I was all wild art, all day.

So here's the results from the day which I spent in Washington County.

Almost Pool Time

2009-05-27T17:09:00.009-05:00

I started off the day by heading over to Lake Fayetteville where 15 colleges have converged for the 16th annual Solar Splash. Engineering students design, build and race solar-powered boats around the lake.

Following that, I had to go to the Wal-Mart Optical Lab in Fayetteville for a re-grand opening after their recent expansion.

Then I went over to Holcomb Elementary where first-graders were showing off their new climbing wall.

And finally, I found myself at Wilson Park where the lifeguards were finishing painting around the pool for the upcoming summer swimming season.