Session 3, Episode 7

 From Fordyce Country Boy to Magnolia Community Builder

W. Derrell Rogers

If you’ve lived in Magnolia for very long, you’ve certainly seen him around town… or at least seen the ubiquitous WDR signs. Today, you’ll hear the story behind those initials.

W. Derrell Rogers went from a country boy growing up near Fordyce — without electricity, television, or even a telephone — to a Southern State College graduate who found himself down to eating ten-cent cans of Campbell’s soup while working hard to build a business and a life in Magnolia.

But Derrell Rogers didn’t just build a business — he helped build a community.

He served three terms as a Magnolia alderman, was president of United Way, and served on the Chamber of Commerce board. Along with nine other Magnolia leaders, he helped form the Magnolia Economic Development Corporation. He and Bob Jones negotiated the purchase of land that is now Harvey Couch Business Park, and Derrell served as MEDC president for its first three years.

He was also very active in the Arkansas Real Estate Association, an organization of nearly 8,000 members, serving as chairman of numerous committees and as president in 1989. His leadership was recognized when Governor Frank White appointed him to the Arkansas Real Estate Commission.

While serving on the Columbia County Library Board, Derrell played an instrumental role in the sale of the old library building, the purchase of the former church building, and working with the architect to convert it into the library our community enjoys today. And for those who remember the Magnolia Follies of the 1970s — yes, Derrell was involved there too.

Throughout his life, Derrell has taken pride not only in his work, but in showing up — serving, participating, and giving his best wherever he committed his time. He believes meaningful work should be something a person enjoys, often saying that when you do what you love, it never truly feels like work.

In today’s podcast, we’ll hear WDR’s simple philosophy, how he met his wife, and the paradigm shift he’s noticed in downtown businesses over the years.

And now, here’s my conversation with W. Derrell Rogers!

Listen on Google Drive

Season 3, Episode 6

Couple sees God at work in tragedy

Drs. Pierre and Martine Boumtje

There are times in life when tragedy seems to have the final word—but often, God is quietly at work, writing a greater story. Today on Life in LA, we share one of those stories. It begins with Drs. Pierre and Martine Boumtje, professors at Southern Arkansas University, who came to Magnolia from Cameroon, built a life of faith and family, and raised three sons—one of whom seemed destined for an extraordinary medical career.

But when their oldest son, a gifted oral surgeon, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 39, the family was left facing an unimaginable loss. What followed, however, was not the end of the story. Instead, it became the beginning of a vision—one that is turning grief into purpose and continuing a legacy of healing far beyond Magnolia. Today, we’ll hear how faith, even in the darkest moments, can give rise to something lasting and meaningful.

Take a listen to the podcast by clicking below, and be prepared to hear from a man who has witnessed a miracle first hand!

CCAPS to honor volunteers

Lisa Antoon

In this episode of Life in LA — Life in Lower Arkansas, I sit down with Lisa Antoon, a member of the board of the Columbia County Animal Protection Society (CCAPS). Lisa joined me to talk about the organization’s upcoming Honors Night, which will be held Saturday, March 21 at Union Street Station. The evening will recognize several of the dedicated volunteers who make the work of CCAPS possible, and it will also serve as an important fundraiser to help support their mission of caring for animals in our community.

During our conversation, Lisa and I discussed the many things it takes to keep CCAPS operating — including the reality that running the organization costs around $30,000 each month. We talked about the work being done at the animal shelter, visited with some of the puppies there, and discussed the warehouse operation on South Jackson along with other fundraising efforts that help sustain their work. If you love animals and appreciate the people who work so hard to care for them, Lisa encourages you to come out to Honors Night. Tickets are $20 at the door, and it promises to be a great evening while supporting a very worthwhile cause. 

Steve Nipper will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Entertainment will be provided by Rev. David Moore, Johnny Sprayberry, Phil Lester, Thomas Woolley, Jeff Smart and Nancy White & Ava Buford. Honorees will be Troy Alphin, Dr. Mark Bryant, Larry Price, Steve Strobele, Doris Warren, Clistie Utley, Terri Ferrell, Peggy Kenly, Lonnie Lockhart and more.

Click below to listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Season 3, Episode 5

Riding The Cat Bus for 35 years!

Terry Hanson

Today’s guest is someone who’s logged more miles on the backroads of Columbia County than most of us could count. Terry Hanson has been driving a school bus for the Magnolia School District for 35 years — and that’s not counting the year he spent subbing before that. He drives Bus 72, known to the kids as the “Cat Bus,” and in some ways it’s a reflection of his career — reliable, steady, and still rolling strong.

Terry’s day begins out in the Mt. Vernon community, where Lafayette County is practically in his backyard. From there, he heads down those familiar roads, past places like Frog Level — the original county seat of Columbia County — gathering his students one by one on the way into town.

He’s seen a lot of changes over the years: from cranking open doors by hand — which has given his right arm quite a workout — to the new high-tech buses with automatic transmissions, mounted tablets, cameras, and safety systems that make sure no child is ever left behind. And somewhere along the way, he’s driven not just children, but the children of his first riders — which tells you something about how deeply rooted he is in this community. And many of those riders have grown up to become outstanding citizens, and some have become personal friends. It demonstrates the importance of sticking with an endeavor.

Terry was recognized last June as one of a handful of district employees with over 30 years of service, and it’s a safe bet he’ll be honored again when this school year wraps up.

So, buckle up and ride along as we hear the story of Terry Hanson — 35 years behind the wheel, thousands of students safely carried, and a legacy of dedication that’s pure Magnolia through and through.

You know the routine: press the play button below or tune in wherever you get your podcasts to catch today’s episode.

Listen on Google Drive

Season 3, Episode 4

 From pews to pastures, Jack does it all

Jack and Sunny Daniels

His father either had a great sense of humor or a knack for coming up with names. He named the acreage he farmed around the Red River Miracle Farms, based on a favorite saying of his: “God grants the miracle, we do the work.”

But why did Mr. Daniel’s name his son Jack?

“I have a lot of fun with the name,” Jack told me. 
“Apparently my dad had a pretty good sense of humor.”

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jack to talk about the story behind Miracle Farms — its roots, its name, and the faith that still shapes the work that happens on the farm out near the Bodcaw community in Nevada County. And along the way we learn a few amazing facts about the man who keeps things rolling at the farm.

Click the play button below to hear this week’s episode:

Season 3, Episode 3

 Stories from the man behind the chair

Today on Life in LA, I sat down with a man who’s been part of Magnolia’s story for nearly six decades. Don Higdon began barbering on the square back in 1966, when a shop might have just one pair of electric clippers that all three barbers shared. Since then, he’s seen every hairstyle imaginable come and go — from the flat top and the GI cut to the mullet and beyond — and he’s had a front-row seat to the conversations, laughter, and life stories that passed through his chair.

But there’s a lot more to Don than just a good haircut. In our conversation, I learned about the wedding he once kept secret from his father-in-law, the seasons he spent working in the oil field between barbering, and even his hidden talent for writing — short stories, a novel, and a little freelance journalism along the way.

These days, Don and his wife, Carla, still keep busy helping their daughter and son-in-law, Sunny and Jack Daniels, at the Pumpkin Patch at Miracle Farms in Bodcaw. The old sign for Don’s Barbershop still stands on North Vine Street, though the building now serves as a deer camp — a fitting reminder of a long and colorful career.

I really enjoyed visiting with Don, swapping stories, and reminiscing about what it was like to get a haircut in the good old days — and I’ll admit, I wish I still had as much hair today as I did back then.

So, settle in and enjoy this conversation with Magnolia’s longtime barber and storyteller, Don Higdon.

🎧 Listen to This Episode

Season 3, Episode 2

 Reclaiming life through art

John Ferguson (right) with some of his art

What do you do with 37 years of high-stress law enforcement experience? If you're John Ferguson, you trade in your badge for a welder and start finding the beauty in the broken.

Welcome back to the podcast. Today, we're talking to a fellow I’ve known for quite some time. John spent 37 years in law enforcement right here in South Central Arkansas, finishing his career at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.

John has a fascinating story. He graduated from Magnolia High School in 1982, went into the military, and came back to enroll at Southern Arkansas University as a history major. But a simple ride-along with a friend who was a police officer was all it took—he was hooked on a career in service.

As you can imagine, decades of police work can be incredibly stressful and began causing John some health problems. So, he looked for a way to relieve that pressure and found it in an entirely new world: metal art.

Now calling his business Metal Art by Ferguson, John has only one rule for his creations: all elements have to have been something else in a previous life. He detects the possibility in every miscellaneous piece of trash, giving it a new life.

One of his most unique pieces is an eight-foot-tall female figure commissioned by a lady who had recently moved to Mt. Ida from Illinois. Her only stipulations were that it had to be a woman wearing a dress and be tall. And so was created the Eight Foot Fairy Godmother!

Mt. Ida is now home for John and Diane, drawn by the crystal clear lake waters where he learned to scuba dive. We caught up with John at the recent car show at Immanuel Baptist Church so you'll need to excuse the background noise of motorcycles and announcers! John showed us all of his incredible work, including the story behind the massive 8-foot woman sculpture he once completed on commission. He even revealed that he writes poetry!

You can reach John by email at Metalartbyferguson@yahoo.com or by phone at 870-914-0876. Drop by Ouachita Artists Gallery the next time you’re in Mt. Ida where his work is on exhibit.

And click the button below to hear my interview with John. It’s an inspiring conversation about service, stress, and the power of transformation. Let’s dive in!