Meet the Neighbors: Jake Byrd
Originally from just south of Jonesboro, Jake Byrd found his way to Mississippi County through a career opportunity and by using the Work Here. Live Here. housing incentive program, he quickly made Manila home. Today, Jake is an agricultural lender for Farmers Bank and Trust in Blytheville, helping support the county’s thriving farming community. He and his wife, Katelyn, enjoy the friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community that Mississippi County offers.
Let's get to know Jake a little better:
Q: What do you do for fun in Mississippi County?
A: I enjoy playing golf and hunting. There’s no shortage of places around here to enjoy the outdoors.
Q: Where do you like to eat in Mississippi County?
A: 1812 Pizza and La Cascada in Manila are my go-to spots.
Q: Favorite meal in Mississippi County?
A: Pizza—1812 Pizza never disappoints.
Q: What are some of your favorite things about this area?
A: Without a doubt, the people. The sense of community here is strong, and everyone is so welcoming.
Q: What does a typical Saturday look like for you?
A: Saturdays usually involve playing a round of golf or working around the house.
Q: What’s something that might surprise people about Mississippi County?
A: It’s a very active community that’s growing rapidly. There’s a lot of exciting development happening here. I would say the majority of the developments revolve around the influx of new people to the area. I imagine as the community grows, new restaurants, retail opportunities and activities will follow. I hope a lot of this development is driven by local people with local businesses.
Q: Tell us about your decision to move to Mississippi County.
A: The Work Here. Live Here. program was definitely a selling point for moving here, but it wasn’t the only factor. We wanted to be somewhere that is growing but hasn’t lost that sense of community. We both wanted to live in a place where we could add value, support where we live and build relationships with the people around us.
Q: Anything else you want people to know about Mississippi County?
A: Having lived in four counties since college, I can honestly say Mississippi County stands out. It’s full of genuine people who really care about being involved and making their community better. That’s something truly special.