One thing's for sure, you'd better not spell it "Mark Tree" if you want to survive these parts. I've seen countless signs bolster a misspelled representation of this local community. Maybe it's those darn Yankees attempting to decipher all this southern dialect because most people around here say it so fast and furious a northerner doesn't stand a chance of interpretation.

My wife's worked in this town for nearly five years now. And now that I've become that dreaded salesman in the community we've established this place as our second home. Some weeks Sam spends more time in Marked Tree than in Jonesboro! I'd almost venture to say it consumes more of her year than are own hometown.

But I will confess one thing about this town, I'm not ashamed to deem this place my second home. I like this place and I like its people. I'd proudly proclaim myself a Marked Tree citizen.

It's funny because working for the newspaper I'm in on all the inside scoop about what's going on in the community. I hear the testimonials of those running for office. And I hear the heartbeat of the community via my wife after she's come home from a three hour city council meeting. In most ways we're more active in this community than in Jonesboro. I knew all about who was running for what and what all they stood for but in Jonesboro I have no clue who all is running for mayor and what positions are up for grabs this year. Sometimes I wish I could be a closet Poinsett County voter, but I enjoy the non-biased approach I can bring to paper because of living in Craighead County.

The fragrance of this town is delightful. Of course no town hosts an entire group of purely wonderful people, but I've had the chance to rub elbows with some of Marked Tree's finest. You'll find people here who are passionate about their town's identity, proud of its heritage and yearning for Marked Tree to be that once great social hub that I hear local residents reminiscing about. There's always hope if people remain hopeful.

If ever the Lord sees fit for me to move on elsewhere, I will cherish the time that I've been able to be a part of the Marked Tree Community.

Maybe now that I've "sugared" this town up so much you'll buy some large ads for your local newspaper!