ROGERS — A celebrity paid a special visit to Benton County on Tuesday to lift the spirits of one of his fans who suffers from ALS.
Willie Robertson, a star of the reality television series "Duck Dynasty," surprised Steve Swope at his home east of Rogers. Robertson presented Swope with one of his duck calls and signature American flag bandanas.
The ALS Association's Arkansas chapter and Mike Neill, a Rogers resident and friend of Robertson's, helped to arrange the visit. Jennifer Necessary, the association's executive director, and several board members were on hand for the visit.
Swope was diagnosed with ALS in 2008, Necessary said. The disease has progressed to the point Swope has lost all of his motor skills and his ability to speak.
Robertson stayed at Swope's home for about an hour Tuesday. He flew into Rogers on his way to another appearance in Fort Scott, Kan.