The Independence County Library is pleased to welcome author Rhona Weaver on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. for a special book signing and meet-and-greet event. Readers will have the opportunity to meet Weaver, get their books signed, and enjoy coffee and light refreshments.
Weaver, a retired swamp and farmland appraiser, spent 35 years valuing vast Delta plantations and coastal marshlands, working closely with agricultural professionals and everyday farmers. Her deep appreciation for the land and its people is evident in her writing, which blends rich storytelling with vivid landscapes and compelling characters.
Beyond her career, Weaver’s dedication to helping others led her to establish The Shepherd’s Ranch, a ministry for at-risk children in Arkansas, providing educational enrichment and community service opportunities. A lifelong Arkansan and proud Razorback, she holds degrees from the University of Arkansas and has spent time in Washington, D.C., and West Virginia during her husband’s career with the FBI.
Weaver’s novel, A Noble Calling, is the first in the FBI Yellowstone Adventure series, drawing inspiration from her love of the land and admiration for law enforcement. Her writing delves into themes of justice, redemption, and the moral complexities that define heroes and villains.
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.
