Glenwood Herald

By Michael G. Fox
Editor

KIRBY – A group of concerned citizens have initiated a Kirby version of “Extreme Makeover” for KHS senior Ian Smith, who was partially paralyzed in an automobile accident on January 13.

Smith has regained partial use of his arms and has some feeling in his legs, but is expected to remain in the hospital in Little Rock for several more weeks.  The group of volunteers were concerned because Smith’s small wood-frame home is not wheelchair accessible.

Plans have been made to add a 14x14 wheelchair accessible bedroom onto the house as well as converting the old bedroom into an accessible bathroom with new fixtures, sink, commode and a roll-in shower and walk in closet.

A deck will also be added to the outside of the new addition that is wheelchair accessible. The volunteers are also going to add a new roof to the house. Phillip O’Neal and Rodney Hudgins are the contractors for the project. They looked at the Smith home and decided what could be done to make it more comfortable for Ian and also what needed to be done to the roof, which was badly in need of repairs.

Bean Lumber Co. donated lumber, H & T Truss Mill donated trusses and a gable and Wayne Davis donated shingles for the new addition. In addition Gingrich Electrical donated lighting fixtures and electrical work and Clark’s Building Supply donated ceramic tile for the new bathroom.

Smith has experienced “shooting pains” in his legs recently which is taken as a good sign. When he returns home, he will take place in an experimential bike treatment, which involves hooking his legs to a bicycle-like device which will supply electrical stimulation to his legs and keep the muscles in shape, hopefully so he can regain feeling in his legs and one day walk again.
Work on this house will begin this weekend. KTHV Channel 11 will be there at 9 a.m. Saturday, February 17 to do a story on the makeover project. It is projected to be completed in 4-6 weeks. Anyone interested is welcome to come out and help.

The list of donations includes not only those already mentioned, but also, Lodi Fire Department - donated shingles for existing house, Carroll Ray Grant - ceiling insulation, Sam’s Club of Little Rock - laminate flooring, Saint Gobain - sheetrock, Glenwood Flooring - carpet and padding, Daisy Church of Christ - wall insulation, interior doors and roof felt.

Plyler’s Home Center of Glenwood and Hardman’s of Arkadelphia also donated items.

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