Lifestyle

Southern Arkansas University's James Plunk, from Canton  was recently recognized as Outstanding Student in finance at the university’s annual College of Business Awards Banquet.

Plunk is a senior business administration finance major.

He is a member of the SAU Honors College, Phi Lambda Chi Fraternity, the Finance and Economics Society and the Business Student Investment Advisory Council. He was a member of the SAU Mulerider Band.

He is currently an intern at Murphy USA.

Holly Springs United Methodist Church, along with the Van Zandt County Historical Commission, will host a state historical marker dedication ceremony for Holly Springs United Methodist Church at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, May 17, at the church located 10 miles southeast of Canton. 

The white, wooden church house sits among 100-year-old oak trees at the corner of FM 1653 and CR 4403, approximately 4 miles south of Hwy. 64, near the Martins Mill community.  

The public is invited, organizers said.

State and local dignitaries are expected to attend and honor the historic church for its significant contribution to the history of Van Zandt County and early settlement of the region.  

Holly Springs Church has continuously served the surrounding area for more than 160 years. 

The Canton High School Choir competed recently at the University Interscholastic League Concert and Sightreading competition. 

The CHS choir took three choirs this year – A Cappella, Chorale and Treble.  All choirs earned division one ratings in concert.  The A Cappella and Treble choir earned straight division ones in both concert and the sightreading room.  This is the Canton choirs second year to earn two sweepstakes. 

Director Angela Russell said she wanted to thank all the students, teachers, administration and parents for all their support. 

The CHS choir begins working towards this competition from the first day of school, Russell said.  “I tell the students it’s important to have discipline, dedication and a deep desire for excellence, but God is the one that makes it happen,” Russell said. 

Mathea Guild will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 14, at at the VanZandt Country Club, located on the north side of I-20 service road Canton.

Speaker for the meeting will be Rosemary Rumbley, a humorist, teacher, actress, historian, journalist and author. According to club members, Rumbley is one of the group’s all-time favorite speakers.

Rumbley has entertained the Mathea Guild more than 25 times since they organized in 1985 and has always given a unique presentation, they said.

The meeting will also include a luncheon and installation of officers for the 2015-2016 year.

Visitors are welcome, guild members said.