Westside Community Guide

By Brittany Smith Westside Community Guide D ecatur, Arkansas is a charming town situated in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, positioned between Gentry and Gravette, just northeast of Siloam Springs on Highway 59. e small town has a big heart that prides itself on its wholesome lifestyle, while also growing with and for its loyal community. Decatur has deep roots in Arkansas' history, provides for its residents with local businesses, schools, parks and services, and plays host to several popular annual events. History Decatur's history goes back to before Arkansas was even a state, due to early settlers of the town who were drawn to a nearby fresh-water spring and it was first given the name St. Elmo Spring. Residents later tried to change the name of the town to Corner Springs and Mitchell, before it eventually became Decatur, aer Stephen Decatur, a war hero whose relatives were living in the area at the time. e town was known for its prosperous crops of strawberries, peaches, and apples. Crop export and production was greatly helped by the addition of the Kansas City Southern Railroad that put a depot in the town, which can still be visited today. Present-day Decatur is proud to provide for the majority of the resident's needs and has a bank, medical clinic, convenience store, library, churches, local shops, and restaurants, and is always welcoming of new businesses to the area. Additionally, the City of Decatur Chamber of Commerce plays an active role in the local business community by providing services and opportunities for networking. Education e Decatur School District is comprised of three schools: Decatur Northside Elementary, Decatur Middle School, and Decatur High School. e independent school district's vision is to "partner with the community, in a stable, safe, and caring 'hometown' learning environment that focuses on the changing needs of the students and achieves educational excellence." Each of the three Decatur schools' primary focus is on the students and providing them with all the tools necessary to succeed in life by offering programs such as college prep classes and summer school programs. e school district, teachers, students, and community, work hard to maintain the strength of the Bulldog pride. Amenities Decatur's Parks and Recreation Department makes enjoying the outdoors a breeze for the entire family. ere are several parks throughout the town, each with its own amenities, as well as playgrounds, walking trails, sports facilities, disc golf, tennis, soccer, basketball, fishing, and beautiful green spaces that are ideal for any Spring day or an aernoon picnic. ere are countless events put on throughout the year that will get you mingling with the community. Celebrate our nation's heroes at the Veteran's Day Parade, get into the holiday spirit at the annual Christmas Parade, hop onto your Harley for the Wyatt Hopkins Memorial Poker Run, or enjoy the finest barbecue around at the much-talked about Decatur Barbecue that has been a tradition for more than 60 years. e city of Decatur strives to maintain the city's ideals while also progressing towards a prosperous future for every resident. e community is as resolute as the values they've held since the town's inception and in Decatur, "Whether you are passing through, visiting, or making Decatur your home, with an area of approximately five square miles, everyone is a neighbor." ■ DECATUR: small town with a big heart On the cover: Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Blossoms like those on this pear tree on Sunday are abundant in the region as the warm weather prompts the greening of leaves and the blooming of spring flowers. Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Showing off its might, a Bald Eagle prepares for flight Jan. 18 near the Decatur Waste Water Treatment plant in western Decatur. Eagles can be seen in the skies above Edmiston Park, Crystal Lake, and the perimeter of the waste water plant as well as the City of Decatur itself. 2021 Westside Community Guide – 3

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