Arkadelphia Dispatch - August 06, 2020

Vol. 2, No. 28

Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020

Ouachita hires Shepherd in full-time role to support students, faculty and staff of color Brooke Zimny Assistant to the President of Comm. & Mark. OBU Dr. Ben Sells, president of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, announced today that Dr. Lewis Shepherd, Jr., will join the school’s executive leadership team as special assistant to the president.

Dr. Shepherd’s hiring represents the first-time in Ouachita history to have a full-time position devoted to advancing racial diversity.

“Ouachita, with minority enrollment 16.4% of the student body is more racially diverse than any time in its history; however, there is more progress to make,” Sells said. “This historic commitment by our university will help make Ouachita a more welcoming and supportive campus for students, faculty and staff of color.”

Dr. Shepherd is a double graduate of Ouachita, having earned a bachelor’s degree in religion and a master’s degree in education. He earned a doctorate in higher education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

From 2009 to the present, Dr. Shepherd held senior leadership roles at Henderson State University focusing on student life, external relations and community engagement.

He previously served 29

years in a variety of roles at Ouachita. Since graduating from Ouachita, Dr. Shepherd has been a bi-vocational pastor and has served since 2000 at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Arkadelphia, the largest Black church in the community.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to return to my alma mater and in such an important capacity,” said Dr. Shepherd. “I want to help everyone associated with Ouachita and our community understand racial diversity and its impact.”

Ouachita’s current strategic plan has a goal to “expand campus diversity while improving support for minority students, faculty and staff.” It resulted in Dr. Sells establishing the Office of Multicultural Student Programs in 2017, which Dr. Shepherd will also oversee and expand.

“As a graduate of Ouachita connected with many of our alumni of color and as someone who has been the pastor of many black students, faculty and staff, I’m pleased with the progress that Ouachita has made,” Shepherd said. “I’ve worked closely with President Sells on community efforts since he came to Ouachita in 2016. I appreciated his June 1 statement that ‘Ouachita has more to do to advance

Photo courtesy of Ouachita Baptist University Dr. Lewis Shepherd Jr. is joining OBU’s executive leadership team as special assistant to the president. This is the first time in OBU history that a position is “devoted to advancing racial diversity.”

racial justice and human dignity’ and I’m excited to help lead my university in this area.”

“Increased racial diversity represents intentional university efforts, contributes to a richer learning

environment, and reflects changing demographics,” Sells said. “It’s also a priority for us as a Christian university because all people are created in the image of God.” In addition to his career

in education and ministry, Dr. Shepherd has been involved in numerous civic endeavors, including having served on the Arkansas State Police Commission, as past president of the Arkadelphia Chamber of

Commerce and as a founding member of the Arkadelphia Sunrise Rotary Club.

He currently is chair of the Board of Directors of the Percy and Donna Malone Child Safety Center.

Arkadelphia celebrates the late John Lewis Pete Tubbs Interim Editor in Chief John Lewis, the legendary civil rights leader and former United States Representative, passed away recently. Many people knew him as one of the greatest heroes of our time, and that wasn’t lost on the town of Arkadelphia.

Led by the Clark County NAACP and the Arkadelphia Racial, Cultural, and Diversity Committee, a celebration in honor of Lewis was held last Thurs. at Feaster Park Pavillion. In

addition to the celebration, flags were flown half-staff for the majority of the week.

The celebration featured many speakers and even some singers. Those in attendance included Reverends Johnny C. Harris, Llewellyn E. Terry, Pastor Lewis E. Shepherd (newly appointed to Ouachita Baptist University’s executive leadership team, Senator Percy Malone, and President of OBU Dr. Ben Sells.

Ms. Georginna Battle Wright sang “God Bless America,” a song that came

after Herman L. Thomas’ performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and preceded “We Shall Overcome” which was performed by Mrs. Phyllis Harris Dixon.

Dr. Shepherd introduced the ceremony while the invocation was delivered by Reverend Gred Latham of Third Street Baptist Church in Arkadelphia. Reverend Terry was one of the speakers who provided reflections during the celebration, and scriptures were recided by Rev. Harris.

Former senator Percy

Malone (pictured to the right in a photo provided

by Henry Wilson) was also in attendance and preceded Reverend Terry with his own reflections.

Closing remarks were provided by Clark County NAACP President Henry L. Wilson while the closing prayer was said by Dr. Sells.

Other performers in the celebration included musicians Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth G. Harris Jr.

AR Governor Asa Hutchinson announces eleven pardons, denies thirty-four clemency requests LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced his intent to grant 11 pardons. An additional 34 clemency requests were denied and four had no action taken upon them.

These include requests from both inmates and non-inmates.

The applicants intended for pardons have completed all jail time and paid all fines related to their sentences.

There is a 30-day waiting period to receive public feedback on the notices before final action is taken.

Governor Hutchinson intends to grant pardons to the following people: John R. Fortune (El Dorado): Theft of Property (C Felony) (Case #17724).

This notice is issued based on the dates of conviction (1981 – Union County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Wendi Kelley (Hot Springs): Theft of Property over $200 (C Felony) (CR 93-392).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1994 – Garland County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Brian Landthrip (Oark, AR): Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Felony) (CR 96-40), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Revocation) (C Felony) (CR 9640), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Revocation) (C Felony) (CR 96-40).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1996 – Johnson County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Andrew Lewis (Leslie): Possession of Controlled Substance-Schedule I/II (C Felony) and Drug Paraphernalia (A Misdemeanor) (CR 2006-114).

This notice is issued

based on the date of conviction (2007 – Searcy County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Steven D. Prine (Tuckerman): Residential Burglary (B Felony)(CR 96-58), Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 96-58), Commercial Burglary (C Felony)(CR 97-10), Theft of Property (B Felony) (CR 97-10), Theft by Receiving (B Felony)(CR 97-10), Commercial Burglary (C Felony)(CR 97-14), Breaking or Entering (D Felony) (CR 97-14), and Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 97-14).

This notice is issued based on the date of convictions (1997 – Jackson County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations.

The Prosecuting Attorney has raised objections to the application.

David Sims (North Little Rock): Carrying Certain

Prohibited Weapon (Misdemeanor)(CR 98-000038), Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor)(CR 98-000039), and Domestic Battering 3rd (A Misdemeanor)(CR 99-002478).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1998 – Pulaski County, 2000 - Pulaski County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminallaw violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Marguerite Taggart (Pine Bluff): Attempted Robbery (B Felony)(CR 85-113-1), Robbery (Revocation) (B Felony)(CR 85113-1), Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 88-64-1), Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 93-714), and Robbery (B Felony)(CR 96-554-3).

This notice is issued based on the dates of conviction (1985- Jefferson County, 1988 - Jefferson County, 1988 - Jefferson County, 1994 - Jefferson County, 1996 - Jefferson County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been com-

pleted, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Janice A. Thomas/Allyoune (Little Rock): Robbery (B Felony) (CR 87-02601).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1988 – Pulaski County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. The Prosecuting Attorney has objections to the application.

Michael E. Walker (Glenwood): Criminal Mischief in the First Degree (C Felony) (CR 99-55).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1999 – Clark County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations.

There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Ty Woods (Hot Springs): Theft Of Property $2,500 or more (B Felony)(CR 20061274).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2007 – Craighead County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Joe A. Vance (Gillham): Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine, 3 counts (Y Felony) (1994-41, 1994-40, and 1994-39) (Guilty Plea), Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) (Y Felony) (2001118) (Guilty Plea), and Attempted Manufacture of Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine (A Felony) (2006-86) (Guilty Plea).

This notice is issued based on the dates of conviction (1995 - Sevier County, 2002 - Sevier County, 2007 - Sevier County), and the fact that there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

2 News

Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Hutchinson: the Arkansas access point project Asa Hutchinson Arkansas Governor

LITTLE ROCK – Under our state’s broadband initiative, the number of Arkansans with access to high-speed internet is increasing, and today I’d like to talk about the Arkansas Access Point Project, a new program that will make the world wide web available for thousands more students.

This week I announced that our Department of Education has signed agreements with three major telecommunications companies to purchase Wi-Fi access devices and unlimited data plans at a reduced cost for every school district in the state.

The Department of Education will buy as many as 20,000 of the devices with $10 million from funding provided through the federal CARES Act. The devices and internet access are free to students. School districts are equipping students with computers and tablets.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced us to ad-

just our methods of teaching and focused attention on the need for the option of virtual education. Arkansas Access Point Project expands our ability to teach virtually and increases the number of students who can choose that option.

This program opens new opportunities and narrows the gap between those who have access to high-speed broadband and those who do not. Students will be able to take the devices home.

They won’t have to sit in a McDonald’s to do their homework. This is especially important to our rural communities and for families who otherwise might not be able to afford this vital access.

Sally Bennett, superintendent of the rural Rivercrest District in northeast Arkansas, welcomed the news that AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon had agreed to participate in the project.

She knows firsthand that the digital divide is real and deep.

Sally and her team of educators have worked hard

and creatively during the pandemic to provide internet access to students. In the spring, they equipped school buses with Wi-Fi devices to deliver the internet along with meals for students who were confined to home. They extended Wi-Fi into the schools’ parking lot, but this still doesn’t help the student in their home.

She estimates that 40 percent of the eleven-hundred students in Rivercrest District have no access to internet, so you can understand why she calls our new initiative a “game changer.”

I share the superintendent’s excitement about this agreement, but this doesn’t completely bridge the digital divide in our state. We still have a lot of work to do to expand access to broadband internet. It’s important that everyone in Arkansas has the opportunities that come with easy and reliable access to the world wide web, whether they live in rural Mississippi County or in the state capital.

Heat, cemeteries, masks: Gurdon Mayor address Sherry Kelly Gurdon Mayor The recent hot and dry weather was good for getting caught up on many things.

The Rosehedge Cemetery is looking very good. The tennis courts at the Gurdon City Park are ready for the new school year and Tennis Coach Brandi Kirkpatrick.

Parents have received letters that Gurdon Public Schools will be back in session on, Monday, August 24. I had a great meeting with Superintendent Nikki Thomas. I think that she is going to do

a fine job for our students and teachers. It must be a very difficult time for everyone in education, I believe Superintendent Thomas is on the ball.

The Governor’s mask mandate is proving beneficial for our town. Nearly everyone is wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. I’ve noticed our Clark County Corona Virus numbers are going up. Let each and every one of us have compassion for our fellow citizens; wear a mask, check your temperature,

social distance, wash your hands, stay home and get tested if you are sick. We can make a positive difference if we do. As a mayor, it is frustrating that the only data available is for the entire county. It seems that there is no data for our city.

Do your best to flatten the curve. Many of us have loved ones who depend on you.

Next week begins August and autumn is on the way.

I’ve noticed leaves falling, maybe the seasonal change will come early this year.

Have a great weekend.

Upcoming Events >>> <<< Arkadelphia Bands had planned to host its first-ever Mattress Sale Fundraiser from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., April 18 at AHS, 401 High School Road, but that’s been postponed to Aug. 1. The fundraising sale will feature brands such as Simmons, Beautyrest, and more, with on-site mattresses priced up to 50% below retail. >>> <<< The Third Annual Comics Studies Society Conference will be hosted

by Henderson State University from Aug. 5 to Aug. 9. The conference exists to bring together “scolars, artists, and other members of the international Comics Studies community” to discuss topics within the area of comics. Matthew J. Smith from Radford University and Randy Duncan from HSU are the organizers. Those interested can register at comicssociety.org. >>> <<< The Spring Hazardous Household Waste event that was scheduled for last Sat. was cancelled as a result of COVID-19 precautions. The Southwest Regional Solid Waste Management District will continue with the Fall Household Hazardous Waste event on Oct. 17.

The Southwest Regional Solid Waste Management District is the planning board that oversees solid waste management for Clark, Garland, and Hot Spring Counties.

Ongoing >>> <<< Alcoholics Anonymous hosts two meetings a week in Arkadelphia. The meetings are open to anyone interested in AA’s program of recovery. The Arkadelphia Group meets at 7 p.m. every Tues. in the Sturgis Building at North 9 and Caddo Streets. For more information on the Arkadelphia Group Meetings, call 870-403-3001. The U-Turn Group meets at 7 p.m. every Thurs. on the front, upper level of Park Hill Baptist Church, 3163 Hollywood Road. For information on that group’s meetings, call 870-2302975 or 870-260-9277. >>> <<< Through the summer the Arkadelphia Arts Center will have original art on display created by members of the Caddo River Art Guild. The window exhibits will vary through the weeks so check back often. The artists’ name and contact information are displayed next to each piece. For more information about the Arkadelphia Arts Center and the Caddo River Art Guild find their pages on Facebook or visit CaddoRiverArtGuild.com or CCAHC.org. >>> <<< Al-Anon meetings, designed to help family and friends affected by alcohol, are held three days a week in the Arkadelphia area:

- Tues. at 7 p.m., Sturgis Building, corner of 9 and Caddo.

870-403-2019

- Thurs. at 6:30 p.m., Park Hill Baptist Church.

870-403-2019

- Fri. at noon, Clark County Library, 609 Caddo St., side door.

512-750-2292

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020

State education department to expand internet access

Bruce Maloch Arkansas Senator LITTLE ROCK – The state Education Department will spend $10 million to expand Internet access in every school district in Arkansas.

Many parents may keep their children at home during the upcoming school year because of concerns about the spread of Covid-19. Some students may be required to study from home in “virtual” classrooms if there is an outbreak of the virus at their schools.

In that event, the digital divide between low-income families and prosperous families will become even more severe. Students will be more likely to fall behind academically if they have no access to reliable, high speed Internet, or if they only have antiquated mobile devices and computers.

The Education Department will buy up to 20,000 devices and allocate them to schools based on enroll-

ment. School officials will then distribute them to students who need them.

Educators and elected officials say that it is especially important to equalize access to the Internet in rural areas, whether students attend classes on campus or stay home and study in “virtual” classrooms.

More students will be able to work from home to do projects that require Internet access, rather than having to sit at a restaurant or business that offers free wireless. A superintendent at the announcement said that that her rural district provides Internet access on buses and in school parking lots, and that the expanded access becoming available would be a monumental improvement.

The Education Department has signed agreements with major telecommunications companies for wi-fi access points and data plans.

Under the contracts, the companies will guarantee

high-speed internet with unlimited data for two years for about $20 per month per device. Also, they agree to allow local school districts to buy additional devices and data plans at the same rate as the state plan.

The $10 million comes from the federal CARES Act, which is a massive relief bill passed by Congress in response to the economic and social disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

CARES is an acronym that stands for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security.

In its memoranda to local schools, the state calls it the Hotspot Project and says that the intent is to benefit students with the greatest need.

When schools prioritize which students are to be allowed access to a hotspot they are to consider three criteria.

One priority is for students who are learning from home because of the pan-

demic and who have no way to connect with online learning materials. Another priority is for students who are economically disadvantaged and need help acquiring the equipment they need to access online learning materials. The third priority is for students who are going through periods of being homeless, and thus need help.

Schools are set to open August 24. The Education Secretary has said that his department plans to purchase $1 million of personal protective equipment, such as face masks and gloves.

This stockpile will be distributed to schools if they are in danger of depleting their supplies.

The Education Secretary said that schools should be prepared to adapt, for example, they may have to close temporarily for a deep clean.

AR State Police Public Affairs Office The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department has requested the assistance of the Arkansas State Police in the investigation of an incustody death that occurred Fri. July 31 at the county detention center.

Jacob W. Honeycutt, 36, of Fort Smith was pronounced dead at Baptist Hospital in Fort Smith at 9:04 p.m. Fri. Detention center officers were alerted at approximately 8:30 p.m. Fri. by another inmate in the jail that Honeycutt appeared to

be experiencing a seizure.

Nurses at the detention center and sheriff’s department personnel administered life saving measures to Honeycutt and contacted emergency medical personnel to transport Honeycutt to the local hospital.

Special Agents of the Ar-

kansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are leading an investigation of the death. Honeycutt’s body is being transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory where a manner and cause of death will be determined.

Sebastian county inmate dies; ASP/CID investigating

News 3

Supporting what keeps America moving Bruce Westerman AR State Rep. You’ll be hard pressed to read many headlines on American infrastructure, and I doubt most of us think about it on a regular basis. Yet our infrastructure is what keeps us moving, from the roads we drive to the waterways that transport goods. Without it, our economy would immediately cease to function. As we rebuild after COVID-19, a reliable infrastructure is absolutely necessary.

We took a big step toward this goal on July 29, when the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA).

As the lead Republican on the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, this is a bill that I’ve worked on for the past year and a half. When severe flooding hit Arkansas last year, the historic rains breached many of our levees and devasted our water infrastructure, destroying homes and farmland. We need legislation like WRDA to shore up our infrastructure, improve navigable waterways and ensure people across America are safe from flood threats. WRDA’s pas-

sage in the House brings it even closer to being signed into law.

Another critical infrastructure development is the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) Initiative. According to DOT, two-thirds of rail freight originates in rural areas, and nearly half of all truck vehicle-miles-traveled occur on rural roads. Despite this heavy usage of rural areas, nearly 90 percent of limited weight bridges are in rural areas and heavy trucks cannot cross them. A disproportionate number of roadway fatalities also occur in rural areas. For these and many other reasons, the ROUTES Initiative seeks to collect input from stakeholders and improve DOT’s approach to best assess the needs and benefits of rural transportation infrastructure projects. This project will continue driving America’s post-coronavirus economic recovery.

These initiatives are a welcome focus on rural communities like those in Arkansas, and I look forward to continuing to assist on a federal level.

Continuing tracking of COVID-19 by Arkansas Department of Health AR. Department of Health

According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, a total of 323 deaths have occurred in the state as of June 16. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 43,810 cases with 6,770 active and 36,576 recovered.

The counties are colored by light to dark in terms of density of cases.

The Dispatch will post an updated version of this graph weekly according to what is available from the Department of Health and state officials.

As the cases continue to rise, more and more states

are reverting back to more strict quarantine and social distance rules.

Masks are nearly universally required to enter most businesses. They are available in most grocery and convenience stores.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced in early August that contact sports are expected to continue as planned in the fall. Football players may only practice in helmets, however.

People are encouraged to continue social distancing and staying at least six feet away from others. Testing is widely available in most cities.

Arkadelphia Dispatch Editor: Pete Tubbs arkadelphiadispatch@gmail.com 870-230-5221 Calls will be returned.

The Arkadelphia Dispatch is published weekly by Nashville Leader, Inc., 119 N. Main, Nashville, AR 71852.

4 News

Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020

Local Lion receives award and is elected to position

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Unsolicited packages of seeds hitting mailboxes LITTLE ROCK – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is warning Americans to watch out for unsolicited packages of seeds that appear to be shipped from China. According to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, the identities of the seeds are unknown and may be an invasive plant species. Arkansans who have received a package of seeds should immediately contact the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Plant Industries Division at (501) 225-1598.

“Anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds should not open it and immediately contact the Arkansas Department of Agriculture who is working to determine the identity of the seeds,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.

“I urge people to not open or plant these seeds because as a farm family, I understand the devastating impact invasive plants can have on crops and the ripple effect those financial losses can have on harming our state’s

economy. ” Attorney General Rutledge and the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommend the following tips if Arkansans receive an unsolicited package of seeds: Immediately contact the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Plant Industries Division at (501) 225-1598.

Place the unopened seeds in a sealed package and turn over the label and packaging to the appropriate authorities.

Do not plant the seeds.

The USDA and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture are collecting seeds received from across the nation to identify the seeds and determine if they pose a threat to agriculture or the environment of the United States.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or visit ArkansasAG.gov.

TWO INJURED DURING EXCHANGE Photo courtesy of Travis W. Burton Lion Travis Burton (Left) along with Lions Club President Bill Mayo (Right) is shown with the plaque he received after being nominated to become a Melvin Jones Fellowship member. A Melvin Jones Fellowship membership is the highest humaniterian award that a Lions Club or District can convey on a member.

Travis W. Burton Lions Secretary Travis Burton was recently elected to the position of 2nd Vive-District Governor for Lions Club Multi-District 7L that covers the 16 counties of Southwest Arkansas.

The second vice district

governor, subject to the supervision and direction of the district governor, shall be an assistant in the administration of the district, and representative of the district governor, Perform such administrative duties assigned by the district governor, Perform such other

functions and acts required by the International Board of Directors, Participate in the cabinet meetings, and conduct meetings in the absence of the district governor and first vice district governor, and participate in council meetings as appro-

priate, Familiarize himself/ herself with the health and status of the clubs in the district, review the monthly financial report and assist the district governor and the first vice district governor in identifying and strengthening the existing and potential weak clubs.

OF GUNFIRE ON I-630 At least two individuals are known to have been injured, one of them possibly wounded by gunfire that erupted along I-630 about 1 PM today as occupants in two eastbound vehicles reportedly began shooting at each other in the vicinity of the Pine and Cedar Streets interchange.

One of the vehicles exited the freeway onto 8th Street and was abandoned after it

crashed and was engulfed in flames. The occupants fled on foot into the surrounding residential neighborhood.

The second vehicle involved in the shooting incident was last seen being driven away from the area.

Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are leading the investigation and being assisted by Little Rock police officers.

Farmers and Ranchers in Arkansas Can Now Apply for Financial Assistance through USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, May 27, 2020 – Agricultural producers can now apply for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which provides direct payments to offset impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. The application and a payment calculator are now available online, and USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff members are available via phone, fax and online tools to help producers complete applications. The agency set up a call center in order to simplify how they serve new customers across the nation.

“We know Arkansas producers are facing a tough time now, and we are making every effort to provide much needed support as quickly as possible,” said David Curtis, state executive director for FSA in Arkansas. “FSA is available over

the phone and virtually to walk you through the application process, whether it’s the first time you’ve worked with FSA, or if you know us quite well.”

Applications will be accepted through August 28, 2020. Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion for vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a fivepercent-or- greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.

“We also want to remind producers that the program is structured to ensure the availability of funding for all eligible producers who apply,” Curtis said.

In order to do this, producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application. The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date nationwide, as funds remain available.

Producers can download the CFAP application and other eligibility forms from farmers.gov/cfap. Also, on that webpage, producers can find a payment calculator to help identify sales and inventory records needed to apply and calculate potential payments.

Additionally, producers in search of one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call 877-508- 8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance.

This is a good first step

before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center.

Applying for Assistance Producers of all eligible commodities will apply through their local FSA office. Those who use the online calculator tool will be able to print off a pre-filled CFAP application, sign, and submit to your local FSA office either electronically or via hand delivery. Please contact your local office to determine the preferred method. Find contact information for your local office at farmers.gov/ cfap.

Documentation to support the producer’s application and certification may be requested after the application is filed. FSA has streamlined the signup process to not require an acreage report at the time

of application and a USDA farm number may not be immediately needed.

Additional Commodities USDA is also establishing a process for the public to identify additional commodities for potential inclusion in CFAP. Specifically, USDA is looking for data on agricultural commodities, that are not currently eligible for CFAP, that the public believes to have either: 1. suffered a five percentor-greater price decline between mid-January and mid-April as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2. shipped but subsequently spoiled due to loss of marketing channel, or 3. not left the farm or remained unharvested as mature crops.

More information about this process is available on farmers.gov/cfap.

More Information To find the latest information on CFAP, visit farmers.gov/ cfap or call 877-508-8364.

USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing.

While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Sports 5

Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020

Nominees for GAC Female Athlete of the Year include Henderson, Ouachita players

Photo courtesy of Great American Conference This year’s nominees for the Great American Conference Female Athlete of the Year includes college students from all across the state including players from Ouachita Baptist and Henderson State.

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Great American Conference released the list of nominees for the league’s Female Athlete of the Year award. Administrators from the 12 members institutions will vote on the following nominees to determine the overall conference honoree.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY: Jacqueline Klemm (Golf) Class: Sophomore Hometown: Kelkheim, Germany Supportive Information: One year after receiving the National Freshman of the Year accolade from the WGCA, Klemm posted six top 10 finishes and never placed outside the top 11 in the Golden Suns’ 11 tournaments. She claimed four GAC Golfer of the Week awards and finished ranked 16th in Division II, according to GolfStat.com. She secured Second-Team AllAmerica honors from the WGCA. UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT MONTICELLO: Berniezha Tidwell (Basketball) Class: Senior Hometown: Hot Springs, Arkansas Supportive Information: Tidwell led the Blossoms to their first 20-win season since 2008-09 and an appearance in the final of the GAC Championships by defeating perennial powerhouses Southwestern Oklahoma State and Arkansas Tech. She won the GAC Defender of the Year award after ranking fifth in the nation in steals. She also led UAM in scoring, rebounding and assists.

EAST CENTRAL UNI-

VERSITY: Anna Mora (Cross Country/Track & Field) Class: Senior Hometown: El Paso, Texas Supportive Information: Mora captured the individual title at the GAC Cross Country Championships to become the league’s second multiple-time champion.

She placed fourth at the NCAA Regionals and qualified for the NCAA Championships for the secondstraight year. She became just the second runner in GAC history to record three top-10 finishes at the NCAA Regional.

HARDING UNIVERSITY: Carissa Caples (Basketball) Class: Junior Hometown: Rose Bud, Arkansas Supportive Information: Caples finished the season as the lone junior in the league to land on the All-GAC First Team She led team in in scoring, made 3-pointers and blocked shots. Her 67 3-pointers represented the most by a Lady Bison in more than 20 years. She reached the 1,000-point milestone and moved up to fourth on Harding’s all-time list for made 3-point field goals.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY: Hailey Estes (Basketball) Class: Senior Hometown: Conway, Arkansas Supportive Information: Estes picked up First-Team All-GAC and All-Tournament honors as she finished as only player in the conference to average a double-double and the only NCAA Division II player –

men’s or women’s – to lead their respective conference in 3-point field goals and rebounds. She helped Henderson State win 20 games for the second time in three seasons. She additionally received the GAC’s Distinguished Scholar Athlete Award.

NORTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY: Bailey Brown (Basketball) Class: Junior Hometown: Enid, Oklahoma Supportive Information: Brown placed on the All-GAC Second Team to become only the second Ranger named to multiple All-GAC teams. She finished the year as one of only two players in the conference to rank in the top five in both scoring and rebounding.

She reached the 1,000-point and 500-rebounds career milestones during the season.

OKLAHOMA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY: Kim Moosbacher (Tennis) Class: Senior Hometown: Cologne, Germany Supportive Information: Moosbacher earned the ITA Regional Player of the Year and Senior National Player

of the Year award after she put together a 9-1 singles record and 20-2 overall record. She earned the ITA Central Region singles title by not dropping a set in any of her four matches. She finished her career with an 81-14 record in singles play and as a two-time ITA AllAmerican OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY: Jorie Beaumont (Cross Country/Track & Field) Class: Junior Hometown: Lockport, Illinois Supportive Information: Beaumont, the Tigers’ team captain, helped Ouachita post its best finish at the GAC Championships since 2013. She recorded personal bests in the 4K, 5K and 6K during the season. She claimed a title the 3000-meter steeplechase at the Hendrix Alumni Open.

SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY: Katie Webb (Basketball) Class: Senior Hometown: Melissa, Texas Supportive Information: Webb claimed the league’s Player of the Year honor after pacing the Savage Storm to their first GAC

regular-season and tournament titles. For the secondstraight season she led the league in points per game as she moved up to fourth place on the conference’s scoring list and second on Southeastern’s list, behind only former WNBA standout Crystal Robinson. She landed on the D2CCA and DII Bulletin All-American Teams SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY: Carley Hale (Cross Country/Track & Field) Class: Junior Hometown: Colorado City, Texas Supportive Information: Hale earned her first AllGAC First-Team selection after she took seventh at the GAC Championships and the Muleriders placed fourth. She recorded three addition top-10 finishes during the fall, highlighted by two third-place showings. In her abbreviated track season, she won all four events she entered.

SOUTHERN NAZARENE UNIVERSITY: Bailee Turang (Volleyball) Class: Senior

Hometown: Corona, California Supportive Information: Turang received a unanimous spot on the All-GAC First Team after she led the conference in kills and points. She ranked 11th in Division II with 484 kills.

She led the Crimson Storm with 41 service aces and ranked second on the team with 379 digs. She finished her career ranked second in GAC history in kills, third in points and fifth in aces.

SOUTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY: Tyra Aska (Basketball) Class: Senior Hometown: Meridian, Oklahoma Supportive Information: Aska guided the Bulldogs to a third-straight GAC regular-season title and a thirdconsecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. She became the fourth Bulldog to capture multiple FirstTeam All-GAC honors and the fifth player in league history to make four All-GAC teams. She ranks in the top 10 in GAC history in points, assists and steals.

6 Sports

Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

AR Governor Asa Hutchinson creates advisory group for high school sports LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has appointed 14 physicians, mental health professionals, coaches, and educators to the High School Sports Advisory Group, which he created to consider the safest way to conduct sports and activities for the 2020-2021 school year.

“The Department of Health will continue its responsibility to provide

health guidelines, and this group of experts will serve in an advisory capacity to look specifically at how we can have fall sports in the safest manner possible,” Governor Hutchinson said. “We want to consider every angle to protect our athletes, cheerleaders, and band members.

“My message for the football players on Monday is to grab your helmet for practice and then after practice,

grab a mask. Because our responsibility for safety extends beyond the practice field.”

Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Greg Bledsoe will chair the group. Kelvin Gragg, superintendent of the Dumas School District, is vice chair.

The other members of the High School Sports Advisory Group are: Dr. Lowry Barnes, ortho-

pedic surgeon and chairman of UAMS Department of Orthopedics.

Jacob Brown, Therapeutic Family Services.

Paul Calley, dean of students, assistant football coach, Southwest High School.

Jason Cates, athletic trainer at Cabot School District; chairman of the Arkansas Sports Medicine Committee.

Laura Crow, volleyball coach at Conway High School.

Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, state epidemiologist, Arkansas Department of Health.

Fitz Hill, State Board of Education.

Dr. Michael Israel, associate professor of Adolescent Medicine and Director of Sports Medicine at Arkansas Children’s.

Dr. Lee Johnson, state

representative.

Janet McDonald, behavioral health professional at Pinnacle Point.

Lance Taylor, director of the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA).

Dr. Joel Tumlison, physician specialist, Arkansas Department of Health.

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Great American Conference released the list of nominees for the league’s Female Scholar Athlete of the Year award. Administrators from the 12 members institutions will vote on the following nominees to determine the overall conference honoree.

Hometown: Jewett, Texas Supportive Information: Robinson helped the Rangers win 23 games in 2019, the single-season high for the program at the Division II level as she ranked seventh in the GAC in assists. She earned a GAC Scholar Athlete award for the second-straight year as she earned her psychology degree in only two-and-ahalf years. She volunteered her time by reading to Alva elementary schools and running the school’s annual blood drive.

landed on the Oklahoma Baptist Presidents Honor Roll, the AD Honor Roll and the GAC All-Academic Team. In 2019, she received the GAC’s Distinguished Scholar Athlete award. On the course, she played as the Bison’s No. 2 golfer.

VERSITY: Caitlin Cosby (Volleyball) Class: Sr. Hometown: Keller, Texas Supportive Information: Cosby completed her undergraduate work in chemistry with a 3.98 ERA. On the court, she set the school record and moved up to second in GAC history in career digs with 2,377. She established the league record for digs per set at 5.48. She remains one of just two Savage Storm volleyball players to earn CoSIDA Academic All-District honors.

the Second Team one year after landing on the Third Team. Hale earned her first All-GAC First-Team selection after she took seventh at the GAC Championships and the Muleriders placed fourth. In her abbreviated track season, she won all four events she entered.

season, she placed in the top 10 in the 800-meter run three times. She has served a tutor and participated in Salvation Army efforts during all four years.

Nominees for GAC Female Scholar Athlete of the Year

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY: Rilie Vote (Volleyball) Class: Jr. Hometown: Stafford, Missouri Supportive Information: Vote, the Golden Suns’ captain reached the honor of GAC Elite Scholar Athlete as she owns a 4.00 GPA in general chemistry. She accumulated 54 community service hours as Arkansas Tech again claimed the NCAA Team Works Helper Helper Community Service Competition Award. On the court, she ranked second on the team in kills and points.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT MONTICELLO: Belle Tan (Golf) Class: Sr. Hometown: Coppell, Texas Supportive Information: Tan completed her undergraduate course work with a 4.00 GPA with a double major in accounting and political science. She repeated as a WGCA All-American Scholar as the Blossoms produced the 11th-best team GPA in Division II. In 2019, she earned the GAC Elite Scholar Athlete honor.

EAST CENTRAL UNIVERSITY: Abbie Winchester (Cross Country/ Track & Field) Class: Sr. Hometown: Marietta, Oklahoma Supportive Information: Winchester, a three-time GAC Elite Scholar Athlete recipient has carried her 4.00 undergraduate GPA in accounting into her Master’s work. She became a finalist for ECU’s George Nigh honor – issued to its top graduating senior. This past fall, she became only the 12th four-time All-GAC selection in cross country as she helped the Tigers take second at the GAC Championships.

HARDING UNIVERSITY: Peyton Padgett (Basketball) Class: Sr. Hometown: Frisco, Texas Supportive Information: Padgett earned her third GAC Elite Scholar Athlete as she maintained her 4.00 GPA in communication sciences and disorders. She added the CoSIDA Academic All-District honor in 2020. On the court, she finished as one of two GAC players to rank in the top 10 in the GAC in both assists and rebounds. She also served on a mission to Kenya.

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY: Kaylie Wheeless (Cross Country) Class: So. Hometown: Cedar Hill, Texas Supportive Information: Wheeless, a biology major with a chemistry minor owns a 3.94 GPA. She worked on one of the only 60 research projects across the US selected to present at the Council on Undergraduate Research Symposium in Washington, DC. Additionally, a biological research team of hers presented at the Posters-at-the-Capitol event in Little Rock. On the course, she registered a pair of top-10 individual finishes.

NORTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY: Kaitlyn Robinson (Basketball) Class: Jr.

OKLAHOMA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY: Michelle Carr (Golf) Class: Sr. Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma Supportive Information: Carr finished with a 3.78 cumulative average in sport and rec management. She

OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY: Katharine Camp (Volleyball) Class: Sr. Hometown: Plano, Texas Supportive Information: Camp repeated as a GAC Elite Scholar Athlete recipient as she maintained her 4.00 GPA in accounting and finance. She finished as the top academic achiever in the Hickingbotham School of Business. On the court, she reached the 1,000-kill milestone and tallied 10 double-doubles.

SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNI-

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY: Carley Hale (Cross Country/Track & Field) Class: Junior Hometown: Colorado City, Texas Supportive Information: Hale became a twotime CoSIDA Academic All-American as she made

SOUTHERN NAZARENE UNIVERSITY: Rachel Hurtz (Cross Country/ Track & Field) Class: Sr. Homfetown: Yukon, Oklahoma Supportive Information: Hurtz received the Dr. Loren Gresham Scholar-Athlete award for having the highest GPA amongst all Southern Nazarene athletes.

She carried a 4.00 GPA in mathematics to earn the GAC Elite Scholar Athlete two times in both cross country and track & field.

In her abbreviated track

SOUTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY: Kaitlyn Dillon (Volleyball) Class: Sr. Hometown: Edmond, Oklahoma Supportive Information: Dillon captured the GAC Distinguished Scholar Athlete honor and landed on the CoSIDA Academic AllDistrict Team. On the court, she repeated as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year.

She set the school record for digs became the fourth player in league history to tally 2,000 digs. She participated in the NCAA StudentAthlete Leadership Forum