PAPER TRAILS: Arkansas teen on 'American Idol'; Pioneer Woman's daughter heads to UA

IDOL RIVAL: Last Monday night, while watching one Arkansan on reality TV -- Tia Booth on ABC's The Bachelor (tomorrow we'll see her introduce bachelor Arie to her hometown of Weiner) -- we saw another Arkansan advertised on the network.

Noah Davis, 18, of Royal, is prominently featured in a commercial for the return of American Idol, which debuts at 7 p.m. March 11.

"I was raised country, obviously," says Davis, who is seen feeding goats and driving a four-wheeler. "But I just see myself more in a city setting."

We wish him goat luck.

BACH CATCH: Back to The Bachelor -- participating in ABC's Olympics counterprogramming show Bachelor: Winter Games is Lesley Murphy, a 30-year-old travel blogger from Fort Smith who starred in the reality show's 17th season back in 2013.

Murphy, whose mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer, learned last year that she carried a gene mutation that increases one's chances of developing the disease. Murphy underwent a preventative double mastectomy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, chronicling the journey on her site, theroadlestraveled.com.

She recently told People about her scars: "They make me feel strong and brave and courageous."

Here's hoping her heart won't be scarred this season.

DRUMMOND COMIN': Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond, a Food Network personality, author and blogger and member of an Oklahoma cattle ranching dynasty, will be spending more time in Arkansas. And not just for visits to Walmart's Bentonville headquarters to check on her housewares line.

Last February, Drummond took Paige, her second-oldest daughter who is often filmed doing ranch work on Pioneer Woman, to Fayetteville. Drummond then blogged: "Paige and I went to look at University of Arkansas last week! ... I wore the wrong shoes and got a blister, and I couldn't accompany Paige on the official campus tour. I'm such a young, fun, vibrant mom!"

Paige, 18, recently announced via Instagram: "after a lot of thought and prayer i'm SO excited to say that i'm {officially} attending the university of arkansas next fall! ... so ready to be heading to the hill!!! #uark22."

She is taking a break from the cows to be a Hog.

PIN KIN: Our Brian Mortier, Democrat-Gazette building manager at the Little Rock office, found a unique antique while at Antiques & Uniques Market in Bryant: an engraved 1936 metal lapel pin from Little Rock High School (now known as Little Rock Central High School).

Brian shared a photo of the pin on the Remember in Little Rock Facebook group where members encouraged him to try to locate the original owner's family.

Could you be related to B.H.R. of LRHS? If so, please WB (write back).

Email:

jchristman@arkansasonline.com

SundayMonday on 02/18/2018

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