Vol. 2, No. 30
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020
Arkansas Baptist Health introduces new tech provided by Donna Terrell’s Organization
Photo courtesy of Baptist Health Arkansas Baptist Health recently introduced the ERBJET 2 for hydrosurgery that utilizes “precise, selective tissue seperation” to work with “structures such as vessels, nerves, and ducts.” The ERBEJET is pictured below.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Baptist Health-Little Rock recently introduced new technology to the state that was generously provided by Donna Terrell’s Yoga Warriors Fighting Colon Cancer organization. The ERBEJET® 2 is a new dimension in hydrosurgery that allows for precise, selective tissue separation gently by waterjet. Blood vessels and nerves remain intact up to a certain pressure. The ERBEJET 2 dissects sharply and precisely with minimal trauma to structures such as vessels, nerves and ducts. “The preservation of
structures is important where cutting of vessels is common, such as early cancer resection,” said Dr. Ali Khan, Baptist Health gastroenterologist, who was instrumental in selecting the technology. “This device allows micro-focused dissection, making it the ultimate tool for difficult tumor removal such as in the colon. An important benefit is the potential for blood loss is minimized due to the unique vessel-sparing capability during surgery.” Fox 16 news anchor Donna Terrell’s daughter was first diagnosed with colon cancer in her 20s and Yoga
Caver to lead the Arkansas Small Bus. & Tech. Dev. Center at HSU Steve Fellers Creative Services Mgr. Henderson State Univ. John Caver will lead the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at Henderson State University. As its new director, Caver will coordinate a team of universitybased consultants to assist entrepreneurs and small businesses in a 10-county area. Caver brings more than 30 years of Fortune 500 technology company experience with executive roles in sales, marketing, and strategic planning. He was named “Best in Job” nationally four times during his career for three different companies. “The current pandemic is providing an impetus for potential entrepreneurs to consider opening their own business,” Caver said. “We are here to help guide them through the process of researching their idea, building a business plan, and creating a package ready to present to a lender for financing the venture. Caver said the ASBTDC
consulting services are provided at no cost to the client. “We are jointly funded by partnership between Henderson State and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to foster development in our 10-county region,” he said. “We partner with lenders and civic organizations to provide a resource for individuals who come to them with a business idea or the desire to expand their existing businesses.” Caver said his team also works with existing businesses to create a plan to grow their operation or create a succession plan to transition the business to new owners without interrupting ongoing operations. “I am really excited at having the opportunity to work with entrepreneurs in our region and watch their dreams turn into reality, all while make our part of Arkansas stronger and more prosperous,” he said. Caver is a native of Hot Springs and a 1987 graduate of Henderson State. He and his wife Stacy have owned a small business in the Dallas
Photo courtesy of Henderson State University John Caver is bringing more than “30 years of Fortune 500 technology company experience” to HSU.
area since 2018 which their son now manages. For more information about the ASBTDC, go to asbtdc.org/arkadelphia. The Henderson State office
serves the counties of Clark, Dallas, Garland, Grant, Hot Spring, Howard, Montgomery, Pike, Polk, and Sevier.
Warriors was created in her daughter’s honor. Monies raised through the organization are used to help with awareness, detection and treatment for colon and other cancers. “When we learned that the ERBEJET 2 was an opportunity for our group to get behind we were extremely excited because it was something that my daughter could have benefitted from,” Terrell said. “To think this technology
can potentially help everyone, but especially young colon cancer survivors, is a great way to honor my daughter’s memory.” The ERBEJET 2 can be used in both open and laparoscopic procedures where there is a need to selectively dissect and spare vessels, nerves and ducts. This latest technology enables for better visualization of vital structures allowing the surgeon to accurately target tissue for dissection. “The Yoga Warriors donation to our Baptist Health Foundation is a great example of a partnership with purpose,” said Troy Wells, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “This is an opportunity to advance the healing ministry of Baptist Health through purposeful and philanthropic partnerships that have the power to change lives. We are already seeing positive outcomes in the lives of our patients because this technology is now available to our physicians.” For more information about the ERBEJET 2, ask your physician or visit our website at www.baptisthealth.com. Baptist Health Foundation provides financial support to advance the healing ministry of Baptist Health through purposeful and philanthropic partnerships. To learn more about how to support our mission, visit baptisthealthfoundation. org.
Dietetics program receives continued accreditation Steve Fellers Creative Services Mgr. Henderson State Univ. Henderson State University’s dietetics program has been granted continued accreditation through 2028. Following an extensive and multi-faceted review process, the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) last week approved the reaccreditation. “Overall, obtaining and retaining accreditation is an ongoing and arduous process,” said Penny Whelchel, assistant professor and dietetics program director. “But it is a worthwhile endeavor as it encourages continuous program improvement and provides an assurance of educational quality to current and prospective students.” Whelchel said Henderson’s dietetics program serves students who wish to become Registered Dietitians. “Career opportunities for RDs are extremely diverse,” she said. “They may work in clinical (healthcare) settings, food service management, community settings, education, research, private
practice, and more.” From basic and advanced nutrition, to food science and food service management, students receive individualized attention in dietetics classes, one-onone academic advising with a Registered Dietitian, and hands-on learning experiences at local health care facilities, food service organizations and other community settings. Whelchel said accreditation standards are updated every five years, and the program must come into compliance with the newest standards within the timeframe specified by ACEND. “I’m proud of Ms. Whelchel for the direction she provides to the program,” said Dr. Connie Phelps, chair and associate professor for Family and Consumer Sciences. “She is organized and takes responsibility to provide an excellent learning environment for all students in the program.” For more information about Henderson’s dietetics program, go to hsu.edu/ dietetics.
2 News
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020
Arkadelphia Dispatch
Leveling the broadband playing field: Hutchinson Asa Hutchinson Arkansas Governor
LITTLE ROCK – COVID-19 has highlighted some of the shortcomings of our broadband connectivity, but the pandemic also has created opportunities for us to accelerate our expansion of internet service, which I’d like to talk about today. Earlier this year, I created a steering committee to study our needs and recommend the best use of federal money that is returning to the state through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act. The members of the committee recognized that many rural communities in our state are in dire need of better access to high-speed internet. Senate President Jim Hendren and House Speaker Matthew Shepherd of the General Assembly advocated for the expenditure of $100 million for Arkansas Rural Connect, a great program to assist our local communities in expanding internet access.
The coronavirus has limited many of our normal activities, such as attending school and visiting a doctor. The internet has allowed us to adapt to the difficulties. Without effective broadband, many Arkansans would not be able to adapt and access distance learning or keep a telemedicine appointment with a doctor. The state has made grants to seven companies: $1.6 million to Arkansas Telephone Company to serve parts of Fairfield Bay; $1.9 million to Pinnacle Communications for parts of Ozark; $2 million to CableSouth Media 3 to serve Lonoke and $2 million for Hamburg; $449,000 was granted to Premier Holdings for Nashville; Hillbilly Wireless will receive $497,000 for Cotton Plant and another $804,000 for Cave City. Magazine Telephone Company will receive a little more than a million dollars in non-CARES Act money for Magazine. In another of our ongoing efforts to expand broadband service, the legislature created the Rural Broadband
I.D. Expenses Trust Fund. This money is being awarded as one-time grants to help service providers meet rigorous requirements for due diligence for large federal grant programs with the United States Department of Agriculture and the Federal Communications Commission. Rural Broadband I.D. is based at UAMS’s Office of Digital Health and Innovation. With Rural Broadband I.D., we are deploying a broader and more detailed strategy for expanding broadband across the most rural parts of our state. Broadband service must download at a rate of at least 25 megabits per second and upload at 3 megabits per second, which would load a normal song in one second and a two-hour movie in 10 minutes. Broadband at these speeds will level the playing field as we compete on a global scale. Arkansans in rural communities will have access to the same information and services as people in Fort Smith and Fayetteville.
“How can I help? I’m here to serve you.”: Westerman Bruce Westerman U.S. Representative Many businesses are still operating at limited capacity, with fewer staff or entirely remote work. In my offices, we’ve taken every precaution to ensure staff members’ safety, but we are all still ready and able to help you with any issues you may be having with the federal government. COVID-19 has caused significant backlogs in places like the IRS, particularly with a delayed tax deadline
and policy changes. Programs like Medicare and Medicaid provide significant help to millions of Americans and the Department of Veterans Affairs helps veterans and Gold Star families receive the benefits promised by the U.S. government, but they can all be daunting to navigate on your own. I have trained staff available to work with you individually and file casework requests with the appropriate agency, as well as assist you with other issues ranging from passport ap-
plications to U.S. Service Academy nominations. The simplest way to reach us is by calling our main Hot Springs office at (501) 609-9796. One of my fulltime staff members will take your call and point you in the right direction. You can also email me at westerman.house.gov/contact. COVID-19 will continue affecting our daily lives for quite awhile, but it will not interrupt my service to you. I look forward to hearing from you.
Upcoming Events >>> <<< 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. >>> <<< Celebrations Fine Wine and Spirits will be having their monthly wine tasting the first Tuesday of every month from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. >>> <<< With Late ‘til 8, local businesses stay open to 8:00 pm so that customers can shop and also win door prizes! this is a monthly event that happens every first Thursday of every month. >>> <<< El Ranchito mexican restaurant in Arkadelphia is now serving alcohol along with their food. Come for taco Tuesday and happy hour and you can get tacos for $1 and margaritas for $2. >>> <<< 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
Arkadelphia Dispatch
News 3
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020
Senator Bruce Maloch on New online resource provides the transportation dept. Bruce Maloch State Senator
LITTLE ROCK – The Transportation Department is upgrading its web site to make it easier for Arkansas drivers to follow the progress of highway construction projects. At a recent meeting, the Highway Commission Review and Advisory Subcommittee went over some changes recommended by a private consultant, specifically about the Transportation Department’s communications with the public on the status of construction projects. The consultant called the department’s communication with the public “disjointed and inconsistent.” In response, the department director said that the department was in the early stages of redesigning its public website. While much current information about projects is available, she agreed that the website was disjointed because you often have to go to several different pages on the website to find out details about a project. The department’s new website will be a lot more user friendly, she said, and a goal is to provide “one stop shopping” for viewers seeking specific information about a specific construction
project. One cause of the disjointed nature of the website is that it categorizes some projects according to their funding program, and the public isn’t familiar with those programs. The new department website may have a function that allows viewers to click on a map, to find out about a particular stretch of highway. It used to have a similar function, but the technology became outdated. The redesigned website should be available to the public by the end of the year, the director said. Once it is up and running, it will take personnel to keep information fresh and answer questions. The extent to which the public can interact with staff is an issue for any public agency or private business. As one legislator pointed out during the discussion, some people who ask questions also have all the time in the world. Legislators asked about how information would be updated on the new website. Manually updating a web page can allow information to quickly become outdated, which creates more frustrations with viewers. The website should automatically input data as it is entered throughout the state by engineers and project managers, a legislator said.
Lawmakers are keenly interested in the Transportation Department’s communication strategy because they often are the first person a constituent contacts with questions about orange barrels and traffic delays caused by highway construction. Legislators said that a frequent question from constituents is how soon a project will be finished. Knowing the completion date makes it easier for people to cope with the frustration of traffic delays. The Transportation Department director agreed with the private consultant that there is room for improvement in the website. However, she pointed out that some of the consultant’s recommendations appeared to involve removing people from the equation and using technology instead. That is a trend commonly experienced nowadays by customers trying to call a business and being required to dial through a long menu of options. Eventually the customer realizes they can’t ever reach a real person, the director told legislators. “It’s very important when it comes to our roads that people can get a hold of a real person easily,” she said.
AR for Transparency on Miller v. Sec. of State LITTLE ROCK – The Special Master in Miller v. Arkansas Secretary of State released his report this afternoon finding that the language in the certification of both the Redistricting and Ranked-Choice amendments “does not certify that the canvasser has ‘passed’ a background check and does not comply with Arkansas law.” While these findings are still subject to Supreme Court review, today’s report is an important development in Arkansans for Transparency’s fight against out-of-state billionaires’ attempt to hijack our system of democracy. Jonelle Fulmer, Co-Chair of Arkansans for Transparency, issued the following statement: “We are pleased with today’s findings and agree
with the Special Master who determined that the language used to certify that canvassers had ‘passed’ a criminal background check did not—as a matter of fact— meet the statutory requirement to say ‘passed’. Simply put, neither one of these petitions were properly filed, based on the facts of the case. “While the Supreme Court will have the final say, we believe this was yet another important step in our attempt to thwart the manipulation of our system of democracy by out-of-state interests. Arkansans deserve complete transparency at the ballot box, and we are committed to using every available resource under the law to challenge these unwanted ‘experiments’ on the Arkansas electorate.” About Arkansans for Transparency:
Arkansans for Transparency is a Ballot Question Committee formed as a response to two proposed amendments to the Arkansas Constitution, which are meant to grossly manipulate Arkansas’s election process and the laws that have governed redistricting in our state for decades. The goal of Arkansans for Transparency is to protect our democratic process by educating voters on the deceitful practices by the amendments’ proponents.
work support during pandemic Danny Koonce Public Information Spec. Arkansas State Library EBSCO’s LearningExpress Library is now available through the Arkansas State Library’s Traveler Statewide Digital Resources program. The addition is made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services with funding through the CARES Act (LS-246521-OLS-20). Learning Express is available to all Arkansas citizens, and provides workforce development resources in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. LearningExpress Library includes interactive modules for college and high school core competencies, computer skills advancement, standardized test preparation, and career certification exam preparation. Standardized tests preparation modules cover the ACT®, SAT®, GRE®, GMAT®, LSAT®, MCAT®,
as well as ACCUPLACER, ASSET, CLEP, and high school equivalency degrees. The Job Skills and Career Accelerator provides career match guidance, information on occupations, resume builders, a job search portal, and tutorials on topics such as interviewing, networking and writing cover letters. Also included are exam preparation materials on a variety of career fields, including nursing and allied health, social work, cosmetology, commercial driving, law enforcement, military, teaching, real estate, and many others. LearningExpress’s online resources will benefit unemployed Arkansans seeking to reenter the workforce, as well as any Arkansan desiring to develop workplace skills, investigate a career change, or for students preparing to enter the workforce for the first time. The Traveler program provides Arkansas citizens
with free access to an online collection of reputable, highquality digital resources including academic and professional journals, learning platforms, and magazines, newspapers and periodicals. The Traveler collection includes materials suitable for research by audiences at every level, from early childhood education to postgraduate studies. No library card or registration is required, and all resources are accessible from the Arkansas State Library website. The Arkansas State Library, a division of the Arkansas Department of Education, provides the resources, services, and leadership necessary to meet the educational, informational and cultural needs of the citizens of Arkansas. The Library also provides guidance and support for the development of local public libraries and library services. Visit the library online at www. library.arkansas.gov.
Student Support Services at ASU receives continued funding Malvern, AR -- Arkansas State University Three Rivers (ASUTR) TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) program is excited to announce the continuation of their grant program. On August 10, 2020, the program director received a phone call from the Legislative Assistant for Congressman Bruce Westerman, Patrick Dumas, providing official notification from the U.S. Department of Education of the program’s renewal grant approval. The ASUTR TRIO SSS program has been awarded $1.5 million dollars over the next 5 years, which gives the program an annual operating budget of $306,036. The purpose of TRIO Student Support Services is to provide academic supportive services to 200 students each academic year who are first-generation, income eligible, or disabled in order to increase the College’s stu-
dent retention, graduation, and transfer rates from twoyear to four-year colleges. Included in TRIO’s supportive services are academic tutoring, coaching, counseling, advising support, transfer assistance, educational/ cultural exposure, and other vital services as determined by the individual student’s needs. The College’s TRIO SSS program has been providing supportive services to students consistently since 1997. In TRIO’s most recent annual performance report, 87% of the programs’ students persisted from one academic year to the next, 88% were in “good academic standing” for the academic year, and 62% served re-
ceived an Associate’s Degree or Certificate. These statistics adhere to the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Education. ASU Three Rivers will host a celebratory reception on September 1, 2020, at 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. This event will be hosted in the Administration Building Foyer on the ASUTR campus and is open to the public. For more information regarding the TRIO Student Support Services grant at Arkansas State University Three Rivers or for questions regarding the services that TRIO SSS offers to students, please contact Vergina SmithJoachim, TRIO SSS Director, at vsmith@asutr.edu or by phone at (501) 332-0215.
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. 20, 2020
Arkadelphia Dispatch
Teenagers shot near
HSU Nursing receives 100
Marianna’s Main Street
percent first time pass rates
Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office
Two juveniles were wounded by gunfire (Thursday, August 13th) about 10:30 near the intersection of Main and Alabama Street in downtown Marianna. Local law enforcement authorities have requested the Arkansas State Police lead the investigation.
Martin Davis, 17, was pronounced dead at the scene. Cameron Ryder, 16, was transported to a Memphis hospital for treatment of a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Both were identified as being from Helena – West Helena. Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are continuing their work in
the investigation and are attempting to locate two suspects who were with Davis and Ryder outside a Marianna business shortly before the shooting occurred. Davis’ body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for purposes of an autopsy and determination of the manner and cause of death.
Taskforce to advance law enforcement in AR Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office
The Task Force to Advance the State of Law Enforcement in Arkansas will convene at 10 AM, Thursday, August 20th at Arkansas State Police Administra-
tive Headquarters, located at One State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock. The task force appointees, government personnel and representatives of the public who may attend are reminded the meeting will be conducted in a manner
consistent with the directives issued by the Arkansas Department of Health, specifically health screening prior to entering the meeting, the use of respiratory masks and exercising social distancing.
AR for Transparency on Miller v. Sec. of State Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office The Arkansas State Police Commission has approved the recommendations for promotions involving four supervisory positions within the state police ranks. The recommendations were presented to the commission by Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police during a regularly scheduled commission meeting at Little Rock today. Lieutenant Stacie Rhoads, 50, of Perry County, was promoted to the rank of captain and will assume supervisory and assistant commander duties within the Criminal Investigation Division, Administration Office headquartered at Little Rock. Captain Rhoads is a 22
year state police veteran and most recently has been assigned as commander of CID, Company A, headquartered at Little Rock. Lieutenant Michael Moyer, 45, of Faulkner County, was promoted to the rank of captain and will assume assistant commander and supervisory duties within the Regulatory and Building Services Division headquartered at Little Rock. Captain Moyer is a 17 year state police veteran and most recently has supervised regulatory services related to private security and private investigator licensing along with other duties assigned within the Regulatory and Building Services Division. Sergeant Seth Pinner, 35, of Columbia County, was promoted to the rank
of lieutenant and will assume assistant commander duties within the Highway Patrol Division, Troop L, headquartered at Lowell. Lieutenant Pinner is a 21 year state police veteran and most recently has been assigned to supervisory duties as a post sergeant in the Highway Patrol Division, Troop G, headquartered at Hope. Corporal (Special Agent) Morris Knight, 50, of Drew County, was promoted to the rank of sergeant and will assume supervisory duties within the Criminal Investigation Division, Company B, headquartered at Pine Bluff. Sergeant Knight is a 21 year state police veteran and most recently has been assigned as a special agent conducting criminal investigations in CID, Company B.
CID joins Lawrence County deputies in investigation Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office The body of Kelsey Joslin, 24, of Alicia has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for purposes of an autopsy to determine the manner and cause of death. The Lawrence County
Sheriff’s Department yesterday (Monday, August 10th) requested the Arkansas State Police to join them in an investigation into the whereabouts of Joslin after family members became concerned about her wellbeing. Late Monday Joslin’s body was located on the
property at 8 Lawrence Road 739, where Joslin resided with Jaylane Joslin, 29, her husband. Jaylane Joslin is currently being held at the Lawrence County Jail while the death investigation is continuing.
Steve Fellers Creative Services Mgr. Henderson State Univ.
Henderson State University’s graduating pre-licensure BSN nursing class of 2020 received 100 percent first time pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for new nurses. The NCLEX exam is a standardized exam that each state board of nursing uses to determine whether or not a candidate is prepared for entry-level nursing practice after completing an accredited nursing degree. These are the results for the class of 2020 and not the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, which uses the fiscal year for reporting. “This outstanding accomplishment is a direct result
of the excellent students, faculty, and staff in nursing at Henderson State,” said Dr. Shelley Austin, nursing department chair and assistant professor.” Accomplishing this feat in the middle of a pandemic is a testament of the students, faculty, and staff’s dedication to excellence.” Austin added that most nursing students had job offers by the time they graduated. A few waited to seek employment by choice, but were offered nursing positions within two months after graduation. Henderson offers the following nursing degree programs:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (traditional) available on campus in Arka-
delphia
R.N to B.S.N. (online) available for registered nurses with flexible practicum projects with two different start dates: Fall and Spring Dual Degree R.N. to B.S.N. available at National Park College and in Hot Springs L.P.N. to B.S.N. (traditional) available on campus in Arkadelphia Online M.S.N. Family Nurse Practitioner Online M.S.N. Nurse Administrator Online M.S.N. Nurse Educator Certificate
Arkadelphia cornhole tournament
Shelley Loe Exec. VP Arkadelphia Chamber of Commerce Organizers for A Town Cornhole Tournament are looking for lane sponsors for the September 19th Event. With over 300 people expected to be present this is a great opportunity for business advertising. The tournament court will be made up of 10 lanes (10 sets
of cornhole boards). A lane sponsorship is $500 per lane and will include your company logo on a set of tournament grade cornhole boards ($350 value) to be used during this event as well as sponsor announcements throughout the tournament. Once the event is over the boards will be delivered to the lane sponsors to keep. Social media will also be used to adver-
tise the sponsors and winners. The deadline to be a lane sponsor will be August 26th. For more information on becoming a lane sponsor contact Jason Hunt 870-403-3060 or by email Jhunt.fire@yahoo.com *This event will be held at Arkadelphia Parks & Rec facilities and will be operated in accordance with the safety needs of covid 19.
Arkadelphia Dispatch
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020
HBO Max’s “An American Pickle” Pete Tubbs Interim Editor in Chief
HBO Max has proven itself over the past couple of months to be one of the strongest contenders in the new class of streaming services. While things like NBC’s Peacock have entered the spectrum with little fanfare, HBO’s platform has fluorished with a vast collection of older content with the promise of tons of new helpings of entertainment. With “An American Pickle,” the television behemoth has paired with one of the brightest comedic minds of the current generation to produce a comedy about a man who was pickled for one hundred years. The film follows his awakening, his surprise and confusion at the new world he’s been forced into, and his relationship with his great-
grandson (who is the same age as him). Weighing the positives, this is some of the best work Seth Rogen has done. Here he lets himself appear both villainous and sensitive, something that a lesser actor would’ve leaned too far on either side to accomplish. As Herschel Greenbaum, the pickled great-grandfather, Rogen displays sadness and masculinity in ways he’s never done before on screen. As Ben Greenbaum, the younger ancestor of the pickled man, he plays a damaged, weak, and partially incapable man that can’t come to grips with his inconsistencies. This dual role is the best showcase of Rogen’s talents since his role as Steve Wozniak in “Steve Jobs.” In fact, he’s the main reason to watch “An American Pickle.”
Photo courtesy of HBO Max In HBO Max’s new film “An American Pickle,” Seth Rogen plays dual roles as a young app developer and his previously pickled great grandfather.
Now on to the negatives. This movie could have, and should have been so much better. The central conceit of a man coming to grips with his ancestors in real time is something that most people can relate to. In an interview with Marc Maron, Rogen said that his real life
grandfather barely tolerated him, so how would his great -grandfather have taken him? Yes, in this age of political correctness and everyone being “woke,” society as a whole are better people than ever. Take a man that has been pickled for one hundred years, however, and
enter him into our time. He may be quite confused as to what exactly is happening socially. That’s an interesting premise, and one that could be helpful in these trying times. While “An American Pickle” does attempt to put some of these things into view, it often gets distracted with making itself a generic comedy rather than delving into the more affecting and revealing aspects of the story. As soon as “Pickle” becomes interested in the rivalry between the two disconnected relatives, it changes tone and becomes a generic comedy, the likes of which were made in the mid-90’s with any number of less talented actors. Where this movie could’ve separated itself from other high concept comedies, it zigs along with the rest of
News 5
them instead of zagging. It’s incredibly refreshing when the story returns to the central concept of the disconnection between centuries, “Pickle” becomes a heartfelt and sometimes even emotional character study of two people who mean well, but are flawed nonetheless. Add in to this equation the questions of faith and faithfulness to family values, and the movie can sometimes be incredibly moving. Now if that was what the entire film had been, then it would’ve joined the ranks of films like “Big.” It could’ve used a bravura central performance (or performances) to level out the far-fetched script and make a sensationally sensitive film. As it stands, though, it’s just a slightly better than average comedy that didn’t fulfill its lofty premise.
Continuing Arkansas COVID-19 case update from Arkansas Department of Health AR. Department of Health
According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, a total of 599 deaths have occurred in the state as of Aug. 10. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 52,665cases with 6,494 active and 45,572 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. Schools have begun opening at both collegiate and pre-collegiate levels. They have many guidelines in place that were recommended by the ADH. People are encouraged to continue social distancing and staying at least six feet away from others. Testing is widely available in most cities.
6 News
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020
Arkadelphia Dispatch
GAC postpones Fall sports until Spring semester out of COVID-19 concerns RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Following a Friday evening meeting of the Great American Conference’s Council of Presidents, the league will suspend all fall and winter sports – basketball, cross country, football, soccer and volleyball – and the two-semester sports of golf and tennis through December 31. The Council made its recommendation in response to last week’s directive from the NCAA Board of Governors regarding additional requirements as well the cancellation of 2020 NCAA Division II Fall Championships. “We are disappointed for our student-athletes, coaches, and communities,” GAC Commissioner Will Prewitt said. “Our membership’s presidents and athletic administrators did not arrive at this difficult
decision lightly. Our hopes and work to date have been to proceed with fall competition following federal and state health guidance. However, recent decisions by the NCAA Board of Governors make this possibility unrealistic. We now turn our focus as a conference on how to best support our student-athletes during this challenging time and craft options that will allow them to experience meaningful and safe competition during spring 2021.” All NCAA athletically related activities (in all GAC sports), including in-season practices, out-of-season practices, weight training, team athletically related meetings, and voluntary workouts led by staff or in institutional facilities shall be permitted this fall based on each institution’s ability to comply with the recent
NCAA Board of Governors directive. “The suspension of our fall and winter sports through December 31 is a heartbreak for all of us,” said Harding President and GAC Council of Presidents Chairman Dr. Bruce McLarty. “Our athletes and college athletics are important to every GAC campus. The presidents are continuing our work to ensure that our student-athletes have a great college experience this year, in spite of the challenges we are facing.” The GAC will continue to evaluate NCAA, federal, state, and local developments and will provide updated revisions as further information becomes available. The league will announce revised schedules at a later date. Interim Chancellor at Henderson State University
Dr. Jim Borsig had this to say: “While I fully support the decision of the Great American Conference Council of Presidents, I want to make absolutely clear that I had complete confidence in the plan developed by athletic director Shawn Jones and director of sports medicine Rob Redding to promote the health and well-being of our student-athletes this fall. Our student-athletes are not only fierce competitors on the fields of play but are wonderful ambassadors for Henderson State University in the classroom and the community. Let’s support our Reddies and coaching staff as they move forward.” Shawn Jones, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, released a statement as well. He said, “the GAC Council of Athletic Administrators and Council of Presidents have
explored every possible avenue forward in recent weeks within the bounds of health and safety and practicality. In doing so, we became one of the last conferences in all of NCAA Division II to make this gut-wrenching decision to push to the spring semester. Given the parameters and constraints we all operate under at this level and the NCAA Board of Governors mandates released last week, it was appropriately determined there was no path forward to competition at the present time. While I am crushed for our student-athletes and coaches, the decision made tonight by the Great American Conference Council of Presidents was made after weeks of thoughtful and careful deliberation. Our primary focus as a department now becomes preparing our student-athletes for
a successful fall semester in the face of challenging times, implementing and maintaining federal and local guidelines related to COVID-19 to help them safely return to practice and team activities in their sport, and providing them with the structure and support they deserve in order to thrive during this fall semester and beyond. Our commitment to equipping student-athletes for success both on and off the fields of play remains the top priority, as well as preparing for what we hope is a busy and exciting return to competition in the spring semester. I look forward to seeing our student-athletes and coaches display the toughness, togetherness, and work ethic that our athletic programs are defined by in the coming months.”
Effects of mask policies on schools and sports Hannah Hodge Sports Reporter It’s finally August which means students return to the classroom for the 2020 Fall semester. Although this school year is one for the history books as the Little Rock School District released its plan which includes face coverings being required inside the classroom. Before this new change to now require face coverings the state’s district was following state suggested guidelines which allowed parents to decide whether masks should be worn. Unlike other districts that allowed to make that decision for themselves. However, in Little Rock, the governor’s preference was wearing a face mask as a “recommendation” rather than a “requirement” in schools. This changed when Arkansas Governor Hutchinson blamed the earlier optional guidance on Superintendent Michael Poore. Poore responded saying that he adopted wording in state guidelines. Poore’s guidelines and options for the start of the school year were included in this letter. Parents Option 1: Students will start school on August the 24th. Three days have been removed from the Thanksgiving break so that the semester can end before the winter break while still maintaining a two-week break for the holidays. The last day for students will be May 26th. Option 2: Students will start school on August the 24th. Three days have been removed from the Thanksgiving break so that the semester can end before the winter break while still maintaining a two-week break for the holidays. The last day for students will be May 28th. Staff Option 1: Teachers will report to work on August 11th with 8 days of Professional Development, collaborative team planning, and working time. This will allow time for teachers to receive technology training customized to their needs and ability level, Social and Emotional Learning support and training, and time to prepare their classrooms for students. Option 2: Teachers will report to work on August the 13th with 6 days of Professional Development, collaborative team planning, and working time. Teachers will receive more general technology training, Social and Emotional Learning support and training, and some time to prepare their classrooms for students. Although these guidelines and new requirements are for elementary and high
schools, the University of Arkansas released details of a policy requiring face masks on campus this fall. The school’s campus requires that masks must be worn indoors at all times except when using a pri-
vate office, private room, community bathroom, and while eating, according to the university website. Masks must be worn outdoors when 6 feet of social distancing is not assured. Participants in sanctioned
activities, such as music rehearsals and performances and university sports workouts and practices, will be allowed to remove their masks. The university said those who do not comply with the
mask policy will be asked to leave campus and return with a mask. The policy did not mention university sports venues such as Razorback Stadium or Bud Walton Arena. Governor Hutchinson
issued a statewide order requiring masks to be worn in public earlier this month. The state has recorded nearly 38,000 cases of the coronavirus. Nearly 400 people in the state have died from the virus.