CATHY NUTT -I CHOOSE JACKSON COUNTY – MAY ISSUE

PICTURED: CATHY NUTT, JOHNNY MOORE, LEXIS NUTT & LOGAN NUTT

      As a native of Jackson County, life often moves in a rhythm that’s easy to take for granted. Most days are full of work, errands, and the joys and challenges of raising a family. It’s easy to get caught up in the routine and forget just how special this place really is. But every so often, someone new comes along—someone who chooses this community not out of obligation, but out of love—and they remind us of just how lucky we are to call Jackson County home.

Cathy Nutt is one of those people. She moved to Newport in January, drawn here not by coincidence, but by the excitement and promise surrounding her son, Logan Nutt, as the Head Men’s Aviator Basketball Coach. What started as a move to support her son quickly turned into something deeper—a genuine connection to the community, the people, and the pace of life that we sometimes overlook.

Cathy’s warmth is infectious. She's the kind of person who doesn't just move to a town—she becomes part of its heartbeat. She is a beautiful brunette with a smile and laugh that are contagious. It did not come as a shock that she is a successful cosmetologist at Enhancements in Jonesboro, but her roots are already planted firmly in Jackson County. She’s a proud supporter of all things ASUN and rarely misses an opportunity to cheer on the Aviators. Whether it’s courtside at a game or chatting with a new friend in town, Cathy brings a sense of enthusiasm and sincerity that’s hard to miss.

Her love for the area isn’t just about the scenery or the slower pace—it’s about the people. It’s about the waitress who knows your favorite drink before you even sit down. The UPS driver who doesn’t just deliver your package but places it gently by the back door while tossing a treat to your dog. It’s about the unspoken language of familiarity and kindness that threads through everyday life here. Cathy noticed that. She embraced it. And in doing so, she reminded many of us who grew up here why we stay.

She has two other children, Lucas and Lexis, who love to visit Jackson County. “The entire family loves Newport, especially the people and the slow pace,” Cathy shared. It’s that slower pace—the one we sometimes forget to appreciate—that gave her space to connect, to breathe, and to build a new chapter of life with intention.

Not long ago, Cathy and I sat down for lunch just to get to know each other. What was supposed to be a quick visit turned into two hours of laughter, stories, and a surprising sense of familiarity. That’s what happens here. Time slows down, and strangers become friends without trying too hard.

Cathy didn’t just move to Jackson County. She became a part of it. And through her eyes, I’ve found a fresh appreciation for the small things—the very things that make this place home.