County celebrates 100th home

By REVIS BLAYLOCK

NEA Town Courier

The Mississippi County “Work Here Live Here” housing incentive celebrated the 100th home sold through the program on Thursday, Sep. 16.

The owners of the 100th home are Scott and Tammie Pfantz.

The 100th home is located in Gosnell’s new Diamond Pointe Subdivision.

In two years the WHLH has fueled $26.7 million in home sales and construction across Mississippi County in nine different towns and cities.

The program offers up to $50,000 off the cost of a new home and up to $25,000 off an existing home. The program has attracted new residents from states such as Illinois, Texas and Louisiana. It has created first-time home-buying opportunities for more than 60 county residents.

Ceremony commemorates the 100th home in the Work Here, Live Here program.

The owners of the 100th home are Scott and Tammie Pfantz.

Cameron Bandy, a representative from Senator Tom Cotton’s office, and Charles Landrum, a representative of Rep. Rick Crawford’s office, were present.

A video from Governor Sarah Sanders was played congratulating Mississippi County for the 100th house sold through the program.

“I’m proud to be the governor leading America’s top steel-producing county,” Gov. Sanders said. “I’m grateful for your work and look forward to welcoming all the families you help bring to Arkansas.”

The Gosnell High School band played the National Anthem at the celebration.

Randy Scott, CEO of Farmers Bank & Trust, recognized John and Laura Weiss.

“This is their land,” Scott said. “He is on the school board and they decided to start a subdivision.”

Contractor Josh Chipman and Brad Harrison were recognized for their partnership in the construction of the 100th home.

Lenore Trammell, CAO of Big River Steel, said as the first company investor, Big River Steel believes that homeownership is more than just a financial investment. It is a cornerstone of community strength.

“When individuals and families own their homes, they invest not only in their own futures but also in the vitality and stability of their neighborhoods,” Trammell said. “This deep-rooted commitment fosters a sense of belonging and encourages community engagement, which ultimately leads to stronger, more resilient communities. With programs like 'Work Here, Live Here.’ and its partners, our communities will soon be as strong as the steel fueling our economic growth.”

Mike Jacques, board chairman of the Great River Economic Development Foundation, reiterated their commitment to the program's ongoing success.

Jacques talked about the loss of the county when Eaker Air Force Base closed and the county lost 23 percent of its population.

“I believe that we will see a reverse and show an increase in population in the 2030 census,” Jacques said. “I pass Diamond Pointe subdivision every day and it makes me smile. I am proud to see new homes.”

He expressed his appreciation to everyone involved in making it happen.

Mississippi County Judge John A. Nelson recognized Gosnell Mayor Jason Taylor, Justice Melinda Matin, Dr. Chris Heigle of ANC, Gosnell’s band director McKenzie Bryans, and others.

“As many of you know, nearly two years ago, we launched the Work Here Live Here program with a bold vision to not only boost our local economy but to enrich the lives of those who call Mississippi County home,” Judge Nelson said. “Through this program, we’ve encouraged employees to make Mississippi County not just their workplace but also their place of residence, leading to community engagement and a higher quality of life.”

Judge Nelson proclaimed Sept. 16 as “Work Here Live Here Day” in Mississippi County. He presented the framed proclamation to Marcy Skelton-Mask with the Grow Mississippi County Foundation.

Mr. and Mrs. Pfantz marked their home on the Mississippi County map displayed with 99 homes.

The owners of the 100th home were presented with a gift basket presented by LaRay White from Farmers Bank & Trust, and a key to their home presented by Judge Nelson.

Mr. Pfantz thanked everyone involved and said he is thankful to have the opportunity to come to Mississippi County.

About “Work Here, Live Here.”

Work Here, Live Here.” is a pioneering housing incentive and relocation initiative designed to attract and retain workers within Mississippi County, particularly those in the manufacturing sector. Launched two years ago, the program has successfully facilitated the sale of 100 homes, contributing to $26.7 million in new home construction across the county. WHLH currently partners with 13 employers. Employees of those 13 businesses are eligible to receive up to $50,000 toward the cost of a new home or up to $25,000 for an existing home.