Life in LA Today

About Life in LA Today

Everyone in Lower Arkansas has a story. What's yours? Meet some of the people who make our L.A. such an interesting place in which to live, with our host Steve Ford.

Publisher

Steve Ford

Category

society & culture · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Feb 2023

Latest episode

9 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

41 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Apr 2026

   From Fordyce country boy to Magnolia community builder

   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.

2. 

   9 Apr 2026

   From tragedy to grace, a son's vision becomes reality

   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 named Guy Martial Njewel Ndega, 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.

3. 

   9 Apr 2026

   Riding "The Cat" for 35 years

   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.

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