Vol. 2, No. 51
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020
Alcoa sells plant to waste treatment giant From Special Reports
PITTSBURGH — Alcoa Corp., a global leader in bauxite, alumina, and aluminum products, has agreed to sell its longtime Gum Springs waste treatment facility, to Veolia ES Technical Solutions in a transaction expected to close in the first quarter of 2020. Alcoa will receive $200 million in cash at closing for the sale of Elemental Environmental Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alcoa Corporation
that owns the 1,300-acre hazardous waste treatment business in Gum Springs. An additional $50 million will be paid to Alcoa if certain post-closing conditions are satisfied. The sale is subject to regulatory approval and routine closing conditions. Last October, Alcoa announced its intention to pursue sales of non-core assets over the next 12 to 18 months with the goal of generating between $500 million to $1 billion in cash.
“This planned transaction shows our commitment to execute on our strategy and the sale of non-core assets, which we announced in the third-quarter of 2019,” said Alcoa President and Chief Executive Officer Roy Harvey. “We also congratulate our employees for the work they have done to improve this business and the scope of its services.” The Gum Springs facility employs about 70 people and
specializes in several environmental management processes, including the use of two permitted hazardous waste incinerators and a landfill. Veiolia indicated it would expand the amount and types of hazardous waste handled by the Gum Springs plant. Although there are Alcoa signs at the plant, there are also reminders of its beginning as part of Reynolds Metals, which Alcoa merged with in 2000.
The Reynolds plant began production of aluminum in February 1954 and continued aluminum production until it closed in June 1984. The plant reopened in recent years to process spent pot liner for the North American smelter industry, and the transaction includes a multi-year agreement to continue those services for Alcoa. Veolia is a French transnaSee Alcoa • Page 4
2 sentenced to 8 years in Exxon robbery By Bill Sutley Dispatch Editor
The two suspects in an April armed robbery of a local Exxon convenience store were both sentenced to eight years in prison Tuesday in Clark County Circuit Court. Jason Deloach, 22, and Larissa Johnson, 19, both of Hope, each pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery charges, and Johnson also pleaded guilty to a tampering with evidence charge. They each could have been sentenced to 10 to 40 years or life without the plea agreement reached between Prosecuting Attorney Dan Turner and court-appointed defense attorneys. An affidavit filed by Arkadelphia Police Investigator Don Cleek revealed in detail how the two were identified and captured within two days after the robbery. The affidavit describes the male robber as brandishing a black handgun “similar to a Beretta M9” while wearing a blue hoodie with “Kansas City lettering on the front and wearing a white mask. The robber asked the clerk on duty then, about 10:44 p.m., to give him money. When the clerk pulled a black plastic cash register drawer containing money onto the counter, the robber fled on foot down Bill Suitley/Dispatch photos Professional Park Drive. Two participants in the Jan. 1 First Day 5K Fun Run/Walk/Hike organized by the DeGray Lake State Video surveillance Park celebrate their near-completion of the trek over pavement and trails near the park’s lodge. About obtained from one of the 130 participated in the non-competitive race that started at 2:20 p.m. in a nod to the new year. More businesses there showed a photos, Page 3. dark-colored Ford Focus circling the area prior to the time of the robbery and picking up the suspect after the robbery. Cleek noted in his affidavit that the Ford passage of Act 464 in early 2019,” priorities. From Special Reports Focus was missing a hub“We are delighted to partner with cap from the front driver’s AMITY — The Centerpoint School says Dan Breshears, Centerpoint superintendent. “Scenic Hill Solar dem- Centerpoint School District on this District and Scenic Hill Solar have side. onstrated the greatest ability to meet powerful investment in renewable partnered to build a solar power On April 29, officers our needs and deliver savings to the energy,” said Bill Halter, CEO of plant to provide electricity to the found a maroon Ford Fodistrict. We are excited to collaboScenic Hill Solar. “We commend Su- cus in the east parking lot district that serves nearly 1,000 sturate on the solar development that perintendent Dan Breshears and the of Henderson State Univerdents in Clark, Garland, Hot Spring both provides a model of responsible Centerpoint School Board for moving sity’s Newberry dorm, and and Pike counties. citizenship for our students, and forward with vision and commitment its hubcap was missing The new 1.04-megawatt solar to provide renewable electricity, power plant will produce 100 percent allows us to focus resources on the from the front driver’s side. educational needs of Centerpoint reduce total taxpayer spending on renewable energy for Centerpoint Police determined the car students.” electricity and position the district School District’s operations, a Scenic was registered to Deloach, Experts expect the solar power as a sustainability leader through the who was an HSU student Hill Solar spokesman said. plant will save the school district construction of this power plant. This living in room 704 of New“The Centerpoint School District over $40,000 each year that can has been investigating the opportuberry, where police found See Solar • Page 4 be dedicated toward other district nity to deploy solar power since the him. He was told he was
Centerpoint schools going solar
being taken into custody as part of an investigation of a separate incident. On April 30, a witness came to Arkadelphia Police headquarters, admitting that she had been present in the Ford Focus that night and that it had been driven by Johnson, who was staying at an apartment on Country Club Road in Arkadelphia. During an interview, she admitted to being the driver of the Ford Focus, and she admitted to also knowing Deloach was going to rob the store. She also mentioned the Kansas City Hoodie and a piece of cloth DeLoah had used as a mask. She said they were still in a trash bag at the apartments. The hoodie and piece of cloth and remains of a white T-shirt were found. But Johnson had disposed of the cash drawer in another Dumpster, and it couldn’t be found.That resulted in the evidence-tampering charge. In court Tuesday, DeLoach mentioned that the handgun he waved was actually a BB gun. Turner, in presenting the plea agreement to Circuit Judge Blake Batson, said he had made the owner of the Exxon, Randy Dixon, aware of the planned sentence, and he approved the offer. Technically, Johnson faces a harsher sentence as a result of the second charge. She got a six-year sentence on that charge, but Turner agreed that it could be served simultaneously with the eightyear aggravated robbery sentence. In an unrelated case, accused murderer William Pennino of Amity made a brief appearance in court Tuesday with his court-appointed attorney, Louis Lloyd of Malvern, to have his pre-trial hearing pushed to March 3 and his jury trial pushed to the week of March 16. He and two other suspects, Dartanya Stapleton and Brock Henthorn, are accused of murder for the grisly slaying of John Ratton, 58, of Amity in January 2019.
124 growing marijuana plants found in Amity home From Special Reports
An Amity man caught with 124 plants growing in his home appeared in Clark County Circuit Court Tuesday, mainly to have his next court dates set for February. Brandon Childers, 49, of 4163 Highway 84, Amith, faces charges of manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms. He was arrested Dec. 11 on drug and gun charges after authorities showed up at his home at about noon to serve a search
warrant. Officers tried to make contact with the resident, according to a law enforcement affiavit filed in. After announc-
ing their presence several times, police entered the house and found it empty. During the search, officers reportedly found two bedrooms that were being used to grow suspected marijuana plants. Police found 99 suspected plants in one room and 25 in the other room. The affidavit states the plants were in soil or water and were being grown under lights. In the kitchen, officers found suspected marijuana in six jars, five bags and a square container. Police also found, in what appeared to be the master bedroom, a jar of suspected marijuana, a rifle with
a scope, a revolver with six rounds and a loaded 9mm pistol. Authorities said Childers arrived on an all-terrain vehicle while officers were searching the home. He was carrying a rifle with a scope. Childers reportedly came into the home and helped officers open a locked safe in the back bedroom. Officers found five guns inside the safe and five muzzleloader rifles in the bedroom. As he was being placed under arrest, Childers admitted owning the items inside his home, the affidavit states.
2 News
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020
Arkadelphia Dispatch
Bridge deck repairs on Interstate 30 will require temporary lane closures from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. in Hot Spring County on Thursday, Jan. 9, according to Arkansas Department of Transportation officials. Weather permitting, crews will close both the westbound lanes intermittently on the bridge between mile marker 97 and mile marker 98. Traffic will be controlled by traffic cones and signage. Additional travel information can be found at IDriveArkansas.com, ARDoT.gov or on Twitter @ myARDOT.
Rex Richardson plays as a featured guest artist at a 2019 concert.
Trumpet virtuoso to perform at HSU Feb. 1
From Special Reports Renowned international trumpeter Rex Richardson will perform at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 in Henderson State University’s Arkansas Hall. Richardson will be backed by an all-star big band comprised of Arkansas musicians. Tickets are $10 and can be ordered online at https://rexrichardson-hsu.eventbrite.com. Richardson will also present a free trumpet clinic at 3 p.m. in Arkansas Hall. Richardson is a veteran of the renowned Rhythm & Brass chamber ensemble, jazz legend Joe Henderson’s Quintet, the Chicago Jazz Ensemble and the Brass Band of Battle Creek. He has also appeared with numerous celebrity artists. Richardson stays busy as a headline
artist at international festivals and as a soloist with orchestras, jazz ensembles, brass bands and concert bands across the world. He is a professor of trumpet and jazz trumpet at Virginia Commonwealth University, and served as an international tutor in trumpet at England’s Royal Northern College of Music and at Austria’s JAM Music Lab University. Richardson’s appearance at Henderson is made possible by trumpet maker Yamaha, Henderson’s Ellis College Margin of Excellence Fund, Student Government Association, Reddie student organizations and the HSU Trumpet Guild. For more information, contact Jim Buckner, Henderson professor of trumpet, at bucknej@hsu.edu or 870-230-5410. Arkansas Hall is located at 1118 Henderson St. in Arkadelphia.
MLK weekend events set From Special Reports The Clark County NAACP has announced a full lineup of weekend events for Jan. 18-20 to honor the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. Two events are planned for Saturday. Citizens will be able to gather at 9 a.m. at the Community Family Enrichment Center, 301 N. 23rd St., for a cleanup effort along Pine Street, also known as Honorary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Anyone can join the effort. At 7 p.m. Saturday, an MLK Jr. Day Dance for Peake Elementary and Goza Middle School students is planned at the center. The event, which costs $3, features music, concessions, door prizes and games. On Sunday, Jan. 19, St. Paul A,M.E. Church, 1501 Caddo St., will host the 10th annual MLK Community Celebration, hosted by Dee Clay, featuring: • St. Paul A.M.E. Church Inspirational Choir and the Rev. Tom W. Scott. • Eastern Star Missionary Baptist Church
• • • • •
Prevail, from Forrest City The Hearts, from Star City Gospel Wonders, from Brinkley Southwest District Mass Choir The Singing Revs, from Pine Bluff and Little Rock On Monday, the actual Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, a free breakfast will be served starting at 8 a.m. at the Community Family Enrichment Center, followed by an Opening Ceremony there at 10 a.m. At 10:15 a.m., classroom discussions will be held at the center for girls in grades 1-4, girls in grades 5-up, boys in grades 5-up and adults. At 1:45 p.m., anyone who cares to participate in the 2 p.m. “marade” may gather at the Clark County Courthouse gazebo. Walkers, floats, bikes, cars, four-wheelers and horses are welcome. The marade will end at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, where a special celebration program will begin at 2:20 p.m. For more information, contact Doug Nelson at 870-403-3760 or Jason Nelson at 870-210-6139.
AG’s mobile office to visit city LITTLE ROCK — Arkadelphia will be the final January stop for a mobile office stop by the state attorney general’s office Available to anyone in the county, the office will be at the Senior Activity Center, 1305 N. 10th St., from 9:30-11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30. Attorney General Leslie Rutledge created the mobile office initiative during her first year in office to improve accessibility for all Arkansans — particularly those who live beyond the Little Rock area. Office hours were held in all 75 counties during each year of her first term, assisting
3,300 Arkansans. In 2019, AG mobile offices served over 2,200 Arkansans. The office has already visited Grant and Perry counties this month, and other upcoming January stops are planned for Conway, White, Ashley and Prairie counties. Rutledge has said she believes face-to-face conversations are the best way to hear from Arkansans. The mobile offices assist Arkansans with consumerrelated issues by filing consumer complaints against scam artists as well as answering questions about the office and the other services it offers to
constituents. Law enforcement officials will be on hand to collect unused and expired prescription medications to ensure they are secured and properly disposed. Arkansans are encouraged to bring their old, unused or expired prescription medications to an upcoming mobile office. During Rutledge’s five years in office, over 800 pounds of medications were collected at mobile offices. For more information about services provided by the AG’s office, visit ArkansasAG.gov or call (501) 682-2007.
Congressman considers 2020 By U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman With a national election on the horizon and geopolitical issues at play, there’s no doubt 2020 will be an interesting year. But now that 2019 is over and I’m planning out the new year, I’m really looking forward to what’s in store. My priority this year is remaining available to Fourth District residents to answer questions, give Capitol tours and meet with you in both D.C. and in Arkansas. If you and your family are planning on taking a trip to D.C. sometime in the coming year, give my office a call at (202) 225-3772 so we can help with your visit. I’ve also got some upcoming legislation in the works, including an updated version of the Fair Care Act. I originally introduced this bill in February 2019, and have received lots of input from constituents, fellow congressmen and health care experts. I’ve revised parts of the bill and added some new sections, all to make health care
even more accessible and affordable for Arkansans. I’m hoping to introduce this new bill early this year with several of my colleagues. Another bill I’ve been working on would incentivize Westerman planting more trees and using more products made from trees. Not only would this enhance scientific forest management in Arkansas and across the country, but it would also increase carbon capture via the new, young trees. I’ve been working closely with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy in writing this bill, and I can’t wait to share more about it with you in the coming months. All this and much more will make 2020 a busy year. I’m excited for everything that’s ahead!
>>> <<< The City of Arkadelphia plans a Founders Day Celebration for the city at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 at Town Hall, 700 Clay St. The event intends to celebrate the 163rd anniversary of Arkadelphia’s incorporation as a city. Refreshments will be provided by Java Primo and Samantha’s Sweets Bakery. >>> <<< The Arkadelphia Arts Center, 625 Main St., is hosting an exhibit through January titled Design by Nature, honoring the winter months by featuring creations constructed from natural elements such as grasses, crystals, moss, and much more supplied by Mother Nature. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays. The exhibit is sponsored by the nonprofit Caddo River Art Guild, 870-245-7982. >>> <<< The University of Arkansas at Hope-Texarkana will hold a grand opening for its James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, featuring the dedication of “Bowie No. 1,” what’s believed to be the first 200-year-old knife created by James Black for James Bowie in Washington, near Hope. Gov. Asa Hutchinson will formally dedicate the knife, which the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock acquired several years ago after an auction that featured the collections of two well-known Texas knife collectors. The ceremony will take place at the James Black school, located in the Stephens House at 601 Lawrence St., in Washington. For more information, call 870-722-8516. >>> <<< Henderson State University will hold its annual Community Martin Luther King Banquet at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20 in the Grand Ballroom of HSU’s Garrison Center. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased online by searching for “Garrison Center” on eventbrite.com. Jan. 15 is the deadline to purchase tickets. >>> <<< A Resolve to be Healthy Health Fair will be held from 7 a.m.-noon Friday, Jan. 24 at the Arkadelphia Recreation Center, 2555 Twin Rivers Drive. Sponsored by the Becoming a Healthy Clark County Coalition and Baptist Health Medical CenterArkadelphia, the fair will feature over 40 vendors, door prizes, dental hygiene, mouth cancer screenings (limited free, same-day extractions), heart risk assessment, mental health-substance abuse screenings, information on health and wellness and flu shots courtesy of the state Department of Health, which will charge the insurance companies of those participating. For those without insurance, the charge is $30, but no one will be turned away due to an inability to pay. For more information, contact bahccinfo@gmail.com. >>> <<< Third Street Baptist Church will host its annual women’s conference from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. Event speakers include Jennifer Watson, Christy Rodriguez and Jennifer Francis. Worship will be led by Robert and Brooke Ramsey. The conference is open to girls as young as sixth-graders. Registration costs $30 ($25 for college students) and includes lunch on Saturday. For more information and to register by the Feb. 1 payment deadline, visit the link at thirdstreetbaptist.org. >>> <<< A local group, Women of Prayer United will present Simply Sandy: An Intimate Night of Songs and Stories with Sandi Patty, at 7 p.m. Saturday March 7 at Trinity Temple Assembly of God, 3509 Pine St. From 1984-1996, Patty won or shared seven Grammy Awards. Patty was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2004. From 1982-1992, she received the GMA’s Dove Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year for 11 years straight. She also won Dove Awards as Artist of the Year in five other years from 1982-1988. She’s released more than 30 albums from1978-2017. Tickets are $25 and on sale now through Eventbrite.| >>> <<< Glenwood’s annnual Caddo River Festival will be FridaySaturday, April 24-25 this year. For more information or to sign up as a vendor, visit https://www.facebook.com/caddoriver.fest/. >>> Ongoing <<< Alcoholics Anonymous holds 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. Tuesdays in the Sturgis Building at North 9th and Caddo streets. For more information on the Arkadelphia Group meetings, call 870-403-3001. The U-Turn Group meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays weekly on the lower level of Park Hill Baptist Church, 3163 Hollywood Road, with parking on the left rear. For information on that group’s meetings, call 870-230-2975 or 870-260-9277.
Arkadelphia Dispatch
News 3
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020
Committed meth lab owner heads to prison
By Bill Sutley Dispatch Editor Arrested in Caddo Valley in 2014 for transporting a lab to manufacture methamphetamine, plus a loaded rifle, John Dunn is apparently done with his appeals and can now restart serving the 40-year prison sentence handed down by a Clark County jury in 2017. The Arkansas Supreme Court issued an order Dec. 19 refusing to review his case. The state Court of Appeals came to the same conclusion earlier, on Oct. 30. Immediately after his arrest, Dunn was incarcerated and then spent more than nine months in the state hospital. It was unclear whether he had been in prison or under house arrest while his appeals continued. Dunn was convicted and sentenced by a jury on all four charges he faced:
• Simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, 40 years. • Manufacture of methamphetamine, six years. • Use or possession of paraphernalia to manufacture methamphetamine, five years. • Possession of methamphetamine (or cocaine), six years. Dan Turner and Greg Vardaman, who were deputy prosecuting attorney and circuit judge respectively in 2017, agreed to allow the sentences to be served simultaneously. More than 100 court filings have been made in Dunn’s case, including many he sought while defending himself after dismissing two assigned defense attorneys, Clint Mathis and Timothy Beckham. Part of the three-year delay between his arrest and trial was the result of Dunn having been committed to the state hospital
in 2011 for an active psychosis. That meant there had to be a new mental evaluation to determine his fitness to assist with his defense. Dr. Bradley Diner, a board-certified forensic psychiatrist, issued a report on June 13, 2017 that stated Dunn suffered from a personality disorder, but that wouldn’t prevent him from assisting in his defense. He had earlier been judged “fit to proceed” by state hospital doctors on April 4, 2016, but Clark County officials apparently had to wait until a board-certified forensic psychiatrist was available for a final review. Dunn was arrested July 9, 2014 by Roy Bethell, who was on patrol in Caddo Valley, after the officer noticed that the white SUV Dunn had parked at the Pilot Truck Stop had a license plate covering another license plate assigned to a BMW, and
the steering column and ignition of the SUV had been tampered with. Bethell asked Dunn, when he returned to his SUV, about the the steering column damage, and Dunn initially told Bethell the car had been stolen. Then he said it “used to be stolen,” according to an affidavit in the case. Dunn then produced both an Arkansas and Arizona driver’s license, both of which were suspended. Running Dunn’s information through the online Arkansas Crime Information Center database, Bethell found that Dunn faced an active warrant in New Mexico. Bethell then issued several traffic citations to Dunn, who gave a Hot Springs address, and called a wrecker to retrieve his SUV. But first Dunn was asked to calm his “aggressive dog” so the officer could inventory the contents of the SUV before it was towed, the affidavit stated.
Bethell then found a blue bag with all the chemical elements indicative of a meth lab, including a substance that was tested and later ruled to be methamphetamine. The officer also recovered a 7mm Savage rifle and two boxes of ammunition for it. Dunn was then placed under arrest and transported to the Clark County Detention Center. The forensic psychiatrist’s reported noted that Dunn told authorities at various times that he was a former Malvern police officer and that he worked as a confidential informant for the Department of Homeland Security, and the methamphetamine was part of his cover. In another filing, then-Circuit Judge Robert McCallum was allowed to recuse himself because Dunn had filed a federal lawsuit against the judge and others involved in his prosecution.
Gurdon options to get fit Arkadelphia’s Matthews family -- Sallie, from left, mom Mary, dad Coak, Blanton and William -- walked the First Day 5K Fun Run/Walk/Hike at Lake DeGray on Jan. 1.
Katherine Russell of Bismarck finished her eighth 5K since her son Luke’s birth two years ago, always with him on her back, and taking their family dog Ayasha with them whenever they can.
Organizers of the First Day 5K made it clear that it was a non-competitive race, but don’t tell that to Sem Garay, 13, of Hermitage -- or his brother Joseph, 15, or his dad, Jose. They finished the race 1, 2 and 3. But times weren’t kept. Sem’s speed made it almost impossible to keep him in frame. (Other photo, Page 1)
Probation violations mean prison for shooting
By Bill Sutley Dispatch Editor A Caddo Valley man who shot another man in the arm in Gurdon in 2017 has begun serving a five-year prison sentence, thanks to a recent traffic stop in Nashvile that revoked his suspended sentence. Christopher Trentell Penny, of 285 Frost Road, Apt. 4, was 21 when he became a suspect in the March 27, 2017 shooting on 4th Street in Gurdon while traveling in a car with several other people. An affidavit by Deputy Marshal Sgt. Toby Garner stated that Gurdon authorities were first alerted to the shooting when he responded to a call from the Baptist Medical Center Emergency Room because a Gurdon gunshot victim was there. The victim, who wasn’t identified in the affidavit, told Garner he and friends were traveling
on 4th Street when a car pulled around them and stopped. Both sets of drivers and passengers exited their vehicles. The victim stated that, while he was standing by the car that had been stopped, Penny came around the car and struck him with the butt of his handgun. He then shot the victim in his arm. A 2018 jury trial was scheduled to consider the first-degree battery charge against Penny, but it was delayed and a plea agreement was worked out between the prosecuting attorney and Penny’s defense attorney, Clint Mathis. The agreement lowered the charge to second-degree battery and the sentence was reduced to be five years of supervised probation, following strict guidelines against drug use or possessing a firearm, among other restrictions. He was also ordered to pay $1,070 in fees and court
Banks CPA, PLLC Stephanie M. Banks, CPA 204 North 27th Street Arkadelphia, AR 71923-5309 Phone: (870) 245-3975 Fax: (870) 246-7149
costs, at $105 per month. But Penny’s car was stopped in Nashville at 1:25 a.m. on Feb. 16, 2019 for speeding on Peachtree Street. Nashville Police Lt. Clint Tedford said he also detected the strong odor of marijuana, prompting a search of Penny’s vehicle. He found less than 14 grams of marijuana, but he also found scales and a loaded Ruger 9mm pistol with extended magazine under the driver’s seat. Checking Penny’s information, Tedford found out
about his probation — and his suspended driver’s license. Clark County then moved for revocation of his probation for the new charges, as well as failure to pay fines, court costs and restitution as ordered. On Dec. 27, he entered a negotiated plea of guilty, which sent him to a state prison to serve the remainder of his five-year sentence behind bars. In a handwritten letter filed Jan. 3 with the circuit court, he argued that “another Christopher
Penny” had been stopped in Nashville and that he had “turn my life around” and was working full-time as a front-desk clerk at the Holiday Inn Express in Caddo Valley. He asked for “any assistance you may be able to provide.” Penny also offered other addresses for himself in Gurdon and Arkadelphia.
By Sherry Kelley Gurdon Mayor A new year. Looking back, 2019 was often challenging but productive. This year will probably prove the same. If you made a New Year's resolution to stay active, then let me recommend the Gurdon Walking Trail, the Go-Devil Nutrition Den and Absolute Fitness at Plyler's Hardware and Sporting Goods. The walking trail is a wellmaintained, scenic spot to walk or jog. One lap is a quarter mile. The Go-Devil Nutrition Den is a great place to purchase teas and shakes that serve as a healthy meal replacement or pick-me-up. Absolute Fitness offers exercise and weight-lifting equipment. It's also pleasant to take a walk out on the levee by the Gurdon Lake or around the adjacent playground. If you know of another healthy alternative in Gurdon for achieving your goals, let me know. Wet weather is on the way. We have had some beautiful days of late. But now we anticipate some heavy rainfall. We had historic flooding last year. We have some lovely puppies available for adoption at the Gurdon Animal Shelter. Come and take a look. Call Brandi at 4060415 or me at 406-1396. A special election regarding a millage increase for the Gurdon Public Schools will be held at Gurdon City Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The polls will be open from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Early voting will be held at City Hall from Jan. 7-Jan. 13 (excluding Saturday and Sunday) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is important. Exercise your right to vote if you are a registered Gurdon School District voter.
The Arkadelphia Dispatch 812 Clinton St., Suite B Arkadelphia, AR 71923 Phone: 870-617-7001 Editor: Bill Sutley email: arkadelphiadispatch@gmail.com The Arkadelphia Dispatch is published weekly by Nashville Leader, Inc., 119 N. Main, Nashville, AR 71852.
4 News
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020
Alcoa Continued from page 1
tional company with its headquarters in a Paris suburb. Its subsidiary, Chicago-based Veolia North America, also announced the agreement to take over Alcoa’s Gum Springs plant. With this operation, Veolia continues the global expansion of its hazardous waste treatment and recycling activity, with a step further in North America, and adds a flagship site to its existing portfolio. The facility, located on a 1,350 acre site, has traditionally treated spent pot liner, a hazardous waste byproduct of the aluminum production process, for the North American smelter industry. As part of its global growth strategy in difficult-totreat pollutions, Veolia will be looking at expanding the type of waste, as well as volume, handled at the site, as it is already permitted for the treatment and final disposal of nearly all categories of liquid and solid hazardous waste. While remaining a key service provider to Alcoa through a multiyear dedicated agreement, the facility will also be expanding its services to customers throughout North America. Veolia is a global leader in hazardous waste treatment, from collection to disposal to circular recycling and reuse, with more than 171,000 employees worldwide. The company boasts that it “literally invented” a process in the 1970s to treat hazardous industrial wastewater and preserve the drinking water resource — most notably the River Seine, flowing through Paris. Today, Veolia treats and recycles around 6
Waste area adjacent to Gum Springs Alcoa plant is massive. That’s heavy equipment on top making sure everything stays covered. million tons of hazardous waste — over 100.000 industrial, commercial or household clients, and employs 8,000 who operate a comprehensive network of more than 140 facilities on five continents. In Europe, Veolia operates the two biggest hazardous waste treatment sites of the continent. In North America, Veolia’s hazardous waste operations notably support
industries from pharmaceutical to petrochemical and other generators ranging from defense, healthcare and universities to households. The company notably operates four major incineration facilities on two sites in Texas and Illinois. Whenever possible, Veolia North America makes it a priority to recover and regenerate materials, like it does with sulfuric acid,
one of the most important compounds made by the chemical industry used to manufacture hundreds of compounds needed by almost every industry. The integration of this facility and its disposal site into Veolia’s North American network will significantly increase the company’s North American treatment capacities and contribute to Veolia’s developing state-of-the-art solutions.
Solar array similar to what will be used to power Centerpoint schools.
Series
• Produce over 1,586,000 kWh of electricity in the first year of operation and over 44,286,134 kWh of electricity over the next 30 years. Continued • Produce enough clean electricity to satisfy 100 percent of Centerpoint School District’s electricity consumpfrom page 1 tion This dual commitment to fiscal responsibility and • Contain over 2,500 solar modules sustainability is a big reason for parents to look to Cen• Utilize a ground-mounted fixed-tilt solar array terpoint School District as a place for children to thrive. • Reduce carbon emissions by over 30,753 metric tons We’re also excited to engage the nearly 1,000 students of which is the equivalent of: driving over 76 million fewer Centerpoint in this real-world application of science and passenger car miles or eliminating the burning of over technology, and to introduce them to the Scenic Hill Solar 2.3 million pounds of coal or providing over 4,609 homes team members who have made careers from their STEM electricity for one year. educations. Scenic Hill Solar is thrilled to partner with Centerpoint in deploying the energy technology of the 21st Century.” The project will add over $1.5 million to the local economy in investment by Little Rock-based Scenic Hill Solar and will begin construction after all governmental approvals are received. The project is slated for completion and generation of solar electricity in late 2020. The 1.04 MW solar power plant will:
Arkadelphia Dispatch
2 museums highlight state’s bauxite history Arkansas Tourism Two Arkansas museums house an impressive scope of Arkansas history tied together by their connection to bauxite — The Gann Museum in Benton and the Bauxite Historical Association Museum in nearby Bauxite.
County in 1903. Along with the story of the Gann family, you can learn about Native American history, the early settlers and the history of bauxite in Saline County. Along with permanent exhibits there are rotating exhibits too.
The Gann Museum “The Gann Museum was built in 1893 as a doctor’s office for Doctor Gann Sr., and it was actually built by patients who couldn’t afford their medical care,” said museum director Lindsay Jordan. “It is the only known building in the world made out of bauxite, which is what is used to make aluminum.” The soft stone used in the building, which is located in downtown Benton at 218 South Market Street, was dug from the grounds of a nearby farm, sawn via a handsaw into blocks, and allowed to harden for a month and a half. The building is a pastel color with chalky material, gingerbread construction and stained glass. An architectural landmark, the building has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975 and was made into a museum a few years later. As you walk into the museum, what used to be the formal medical exam room is now used to house a collection of Niloak pottery. “Niloak pottery was made right here in downtown Benton from around 1911 to 1944 and it is made from a special clay that is found here called kaolin which is actually Niloak spelled backwards,” said Jordan. The unique form of pottery was created by local Charles Hyten and the distinct colors were made to resemble clays found in the state. The pottery was sold in department stores throughout the U.S. and overseas. “He developed a specific way to throw the clay on the wheel and fire it in the kiln using a few chemicals to bring out these vibrant colors,” said Jordan. “They are very rare. He never told anyone his secret of how he did this and he tragically drowned in the Saline River in 1944 never having told this. And that is why it was only made until then.” The museum houses a lot of history. In its former life, the building served as Dr. Gann Sr.’s doctor’s office, the first room being the waiting area and the second being the examination room. He delivered around 3,000 babies here and never lost a mother. He also organized the first Medical Society of Saline
Bauxite Historical Association Museum First discovered in the state in the late 1880s, bauxite ore played an important role in Saline County and for the world. For a while, the town of Bauxite, which even took its name from this rock, produced most of the world’s aluminum. You can learn more about this history at the nearby Bauxite Historical Association Museum in Bauxite. “If you want a history of how Bauxite came to be, it was all associated with the aluminum industry and it was a company-owned town,” said Russell Burton, one of the curators of the museum. “The government, when it looked like we were going to get involved in World War II, contracted Alcoa to build the Hurricane Creek Plant and it was the largest aluminum plant in the world at that time and that’s what really made Bauxite what it was.” About 6,000 people lived at Bauxite during that time, and the materials were used to build the airplanes that helped win the war. According to Burton, who grew up in the company town, workers and their families lived in a tight-knit community that had churches, a community center, a barber shop, a movie theater, a hospital, a post office, a bank, a school, and more. Bauxite was even named the official state rock of Arkansas in 1967. It eventually became more profitable to mine bauxite overseas — Australia and China are now the world leaders — and Burton said the year 1969 marked the end of the company-owned town. The town was able to incorporate on its own in the early 1970s and has survived to this day. Most of the company town no longer exists except for the community center, which now houses the museum located at 6706 Benton Road. If you visit the museum, you will get a chance to learn more details about the history of the town. The museum has items like mining equipment, mining company memorabilia, and rare finds like a $25,000 dress made from woven aluminum thread, one of only two in existence.
Arkadelphia Dispatch
OKBU tames Tigers
OBU ladies savor first GAC win By OBU Sports Info.
Ouachita Baptist’s stretched-thin Lady Tigers captured their first conference victory Saturday in a 72-61 win over Oklahoma Baptist. Madison Brittain had the hot hand as she led all scorers with 24 points while adding four rebounds. Eden Crow and Madison Raney both contributed double-doubles. Crow scored 16 with 13 boards and Raney had 11 points and 14 rebounds. Briana Marshall scored 21 off the bench for Oklahoma Baptist while McKenzie Cooper tallied 17. The Lady Bison came out and took control early on shooting over 50 percent from the field in the first quarter. The Lady Tigers started sloppy as the Lady Bison took advantage scoring 10 points off turnovers. The Lady Tigers found their footing in the second quarter. Ouachita worked the boards, outrebounding Oklahoma Baptist 47-28. With 1:23 to play till half Crow scored on a put back to capture a 26-25 lead. To close the half, Ouachita went on a 13-3 run to take a 32-28 lead into the third. Ouachita came out with the same energy in the third. The lead was surrendered to the Lady Bison with 6:29 to play at
News 5
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020
By OBU Sports Info. Ouachita Baptist’s Tigers were unable to make up a sluggish start as they fell to Oklahoma Baptist, 80-62, on Saturday at Bill Vining Arena. Four Tigers were in double-digits as Grant Jones led all scorers with 14. Allie Freeman scored 13, Xavier Hall added 12 and Raymond Harris tallied 10. The Bison were led by Harrison Stoddart and Jarius Hicklen as they both scored 12. Jaquan Simms also contributed 11. From the opening tip the day belonged to the Bison. All but two Bison Jessi Bennett, a sophomore guard for OBU, attempts scored, and it was a texta shot while Southern Nazarene University defenders book team effort that took swarm her on Thursday, June 2. OBU lost that game down the Tigers. but rebounded for their first GAC win on Saturday. Kurt Hall hit a three to put the Bison up 10-6 and 43-42 on a Briana Marvictory. Despite a despershall three-pointer, but ately short bench, Ouachi- from that bucket on, the Tigers were never able to the Lady Tigers quickly re- ta outshot, outrebounded climb back. gained the lead and never and outplayed Oklahoma Grant Jones was a looked back. Baptist to nab their first bright spot for the Tigers Despite the second half GAC win of the season. in the first half putting up press by the Lady Bison, Ouachita improved to the Lady Tigers shot 57 4-8, 1-5 in conference play, 11, but he was neutralized in the second. The Tigers percent from the field. while Oklahoma Baptist went into halftime down In the second and third fell to 4-8, 0-6 in confer49-29. Being stymied by quarters Ouachita Bapence. the zone, on top of ineftist outscored Oklahoma The Lady Tigers next ficient shooting, the Tigers Baptist 46-28. game will be Thursday, never found the spark they The Lady Tigers creJan. 9 at 5:30 p.m. on the ated a nice cushion headroad against Southwestern needed. Ouachita gave its bench ing into the fourth and Oklahoma State Univerplayers the majority of the coasted into a nine-point sity.
Haven Cooper powers past a Gurdon defender Friday. AHS girls won the nail-biter, 43-41, before a packeed AHS gym.
OBU men outpace Southern Nazarene
Ouachita had three players score in double digits. Morris Talbert had a breakout game scoring 23 on 80% shooting. Trey Harris tallied 17 and Jacob Street contributed 12. Both Allie Freeman and Larenz Nero added eight each. For Southern Nazarene, Jhonathan Dunn was coming off National Player of the Week honors as he scored 31 points and never left the court. Karlyn Kenner and Ashton Charles both supplied 16.
second half minutes. Hall scored 10 of his 12 points and Freeman 11 of his 13 in the second half. The Tigers outscored the Bison 33-31 in the second half, but the first half deficit was too much to overcome. The Tigers struggled
from the field, shooting a mere 31.5%. Ouachita fought their way to the finish line but fell by 18. Ouachita dropped to 6-5, 3-3 in conference play, while Oklahoma Baptist improved to 8-4, 3-3 in conference.
Whaley leads Reddies to victory over OKBU
Antoine Palmer, a sophomore point guard for Arkadelphia, takes advantage of the situation to shoot an easy set shot against Gurdon on Friday. The Badgers downed the Go-Devils, 68-33.
By OBU Sports Information Ouachita Baptist University’s Tigers knocked down clutch shots in the final minutes on Thursday, Jan. 2 to capture an impressive win over Southern Nazarene, 84-78.
Bill Suitley/Dispatch photos
Ouachita’s Morris Talbert, a junior guard, launches a shot while trying to ignore an Oklahoma Baptist defender.
Southern Nazarene quickly amassed a large lead at 34-22 on consistent shooting and active hands-on defense. The Tigers began to gain momentum with two minutes to play as Eric Brown split the defense and put down an emphatic dunk between two defenders. The Tigers clamped down on defense and caught fire after Brown's dunk finishing the half 34-34. For the most of the second half, Southern Nazarene controlled the pace as they gained a 58-47 lead. The Tigers began their stretch run on a three pointer by Jacob Street to make it 58-50. With big buckets in the concluding minutes from Freeman, Talbert, Nero and Harris the Tigers finally began to control the game, holding off a Nazarene revival.
The Arkadelphia Dispatch
By HSU Sports Information Karrington Whaley's career-high of 22 points led four Reddies in double figures as Henderson State opened 2020 with an 84-73 victory over the Oklahoma Baptist Bison on Thursday, Jan. 2. Whaley was ultra-efficient for Henderson State (8-3, 3-2) and connected on 9-of-12 shots including her lone attempt from behind the arc. The junior also tallied her third double-double of the season after pulling down 10 rebounds. Hailey Estes joined Whaley in the double-double club with 13 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. It was the senior's fifth double-double of the 201920 campaign. Henderson has now won five-straight games against Oklahoma Baptist.. Oklahoma Baptist got off to an excellent start as the Reddies could not find an answer for the post play of OKBU. The Bison revolved around transfer Nwarie Ugochinyere early and often as she scored nine of OKBU's first 11 points to push Oklahoma Baptist to an 11-6 advantage. The Reddies answered quickly however, as a 3-point field goal from Maci Mains tied the score 11-11 with 3:21 to play in the first half. The Bison were able to reclaim the momentum at the end of the first frame when Charissa Price connected from 40 feet away as time expired to give OKBU a 20-17 advantage. The beginning of the second quarter saw Whaley begin to take over the ball game. Trailing 22-19, Whaley scored on three straight possessions to give HSU their largest lead 25-22. Minutes later, Whaley stepped behind the arc to knock
GAC honors HSU star RUSSELLVILLE — For the first time in her career, Henderson State forward Karrington Whaley has been named GAC Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday. Whaley, a junior from Springdale, Arkansas and Har-Ber High School, has played well all year for the Reddies and that strong play continued in two wins this week over Oklahoma Baptist and Southern NazareneWith the honor, Whaley becomes the third Reddie to garner GAC Player of the Week recognition this season, joining teammates Hailey Estes and Pink Jones. down a 3-pointer sent HSU to a 30-26 advantage. After trading runs, Henderson maintained their four point lead at the halftime break, 39-35. Henderson State took quick control after the intermission and began the third quarter on an 8-2 run with all four baskets coming from different players. Despite the double-digit deficit, OKBU refused to roll over, cutting HSU's lead to just two, 51-49 with 3:54 to play in the period. Two free throws from Pink Jones gave the Reddies some breathing room as Henderson took a 60-55 lead into the final frame. After OKBU cut HSU’s lead to five, 69-64, Snowden put the game on ice with three 3-pointers in less than 90 seconds, pushing HSU's lead to 12, 78-66. The Bison got no closer than nine points from the Reddies.
6 Sports
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020
HSU sets new record in SNU win
By HSU Sports Information Henderson State hit a school-record 16 3-pointers and used stifling defense on two of the conference's best players to defeat two-time defending GAC champion Southern Nazarene 74-55 on Saturday in the Duke Wells Center. It was a dream start for the Reddies (9-3, 4-2) as they jumped put to a quick 12-2 lead behind six early points from Chris Parker. SNU closed the gap to 15-9, but three-straight 3-pointers from Chris Owens swung momentum back in HSU's favor and gave the Reddies a 21-9 advantage at the 9:09 mark. The lead only grew from there for Henderson, as back-to-back threes from Tanner Hamilton minutes later lifted the Reddies to their largest lead of the game at that point, 35-18. The Crimson Storm used a 4-0 spurt to cut into the deficit before the half, but HSU took a comfortable 12-point cushion into the break. HSU was 9-of-14 from 3-point range in the first period and held SNU to 28% shooting from the floor. Things continued to roll HSU's way to start the second 20 minutes of play. Leading 48-32, the Reddies got a 3-pointer from Anthony Lupardus, a huge dunk from Jeremiah Toney and another 3-pointer from Rel Johnson to seize a 56-32 advantage with 9:14 remaining. The result was a formality from that point on, as SNU never trimmed the lead below 18 points again and Henderson cruised to its biggest victory of the season. Only two Reddies finished in double figures — Parker with 14 points and Owens with 12 — but 10 different players scored and eight scored six points or more for Henderson. HSU shot a torrid 16-of-26 (61.5%) from beyond the arc for the game and nearly hit as many 3-pointers as the Crimson Storm did shots from the floor (17). Henderson had previously broken the school record for 3-pointers twice this season with 15 against both Paul Quinn and Texas College. While the offense led the way for HSU, the defense proved spectacular in its own right, as the Reddies held
Arkadelphia Dispatch
HSU, OBU players among finalists for Cliff Harris Award
Bill Suitley/Dispatch photos
Henderson State’s junior guard, Quawn Marshall, finds a way to ignore his defenders and make the shot during HSU’s 74-55 win over Southern Nazarene Saturday at the Wells Center. two of the GAC's best players, Jhonathan Dunn and Micah Speight, to combined 9-for-33 shooting from the field. Dunn, who was third in all of NCAA DII in scoring with an average of 28.2 points per game coming into the contest, was held to just 21 and was 6-of-18 for the game. As a team, SNU shot just 30.4% on Saturday
and was held to a season-low 55 points. The Crimson Storm's previous season-low for points in a game was 67 in a win over No. 15 Northern State. Henderson returns to action Thursday, Jan. 9, when it travels to Alva, Okla., to face Northwestern Oklahoma State at 7:30 p.m.
Junior Chris Parker reaches over an Oklahoma Baptist player while lofting a ball toward the basket. Henderson defeated OKBU, 83-70, to start the new year.
college defensive player of the year representing Division II, Division III and NAIA colleges and universities. OBU’s Evans created issues for every offense the Tigers faced in 2019. He was third on the team with 68 tackles (53 solo). The junior also led the team in pass breakups (14) and interceptions (4). Evans, named a first team All-American by the D2CCA, led the Tigers’ defense, which only allowed 18 touchdowns and eight field goals in 2019. OBU’s secondary only allowed five passing touchdowns during 2019, and they recorded 19 interceptions and 49 pass breakups. HSU’s Anderson, a senior cornerback from Ashdown, finished the 2019 season with 85 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, four interceptions and four sacks to become Henderson State's first multi-publication AllAmerican since 2014. He was the only player from the Great American Conference this year to earn both AFCA and D2CCA AllAmerican recognition. Duggar, the Cliff Harris Award winner, will be honored Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Little Rock Touchdown Club's annual Awards Banquet, which will feature as a special guest two-time Heisman Trophy Winner Archie Griffin. In addition to a trophy, Duggar will receive $3,000. In addition to Duggar being honored, the top vote-getters from each division will also be announced.
HSU first career stop for new UA assistant coach
From Special Reports Derrick LeBlanc, a former position coach at Henderson State, will return to the state to join Sam Pittman’s new University of Arkansas coaching staff, his current employer, the University of Kentucky, of its own to tie the score confirmed Friday. 32-32 at the 2:54 mark, but LeBlanc, a Louisiana the Reddies finished the native, landed his first fullperiod with a flurry, and time college coaching posiended the half on a 13-4 tion with the Reddies, leadrun to carry a 45-36 advan- ing the defensive line and tage into the break. serving as HSU’s strength Henderson did nothing and conditioning coordinato relinquish its lead in tor from 2001-2004. the first 10 minutes of the Kentucky finished the second half, as a bucket 2019 season 8-5, but its from Owens and a free defense excelled, finishing throw from Xavier Daven- with 61 tackles for loss and port gave HSU its largest 27 sacks after recording lead of the night, 65-49 87 TFLs and 38 sacks in with 9:16 remaining. 2018. LeBlanc’s $325,000 The Bison continued to annual contract was set to claw back into the game, expire June 30. eventually trimming the Kentucky was among lead down to 70-62 with the nation’s top three scor4:19 left. Lupardus shut the door on an OKBU comeback, however, as he drilled a 3-pointer on the Reddies' next possession to restore the double digit-advantage. Oklahoma Baptist never got within eight points again. The Reddies shot 47.6% from the floor in the win and held Oklahoma Baptist to 8-for-28 shooting from the 3-point line.
Reddies kick of 2020 with win over OKBU Henderson State had four players score in double figures and held Oklahoma Baptist to 37.5% shooting to defeat the Bison, 83-70, at the Duke Wells Center on Thursday, Jan. 2, in the first contest of the new year. Mike Fofana led the Reddies with 18 points and was 10-of-12 at the free throw line. Chris Parker chipped in 16 points, while Anthony Lupardus and Chris Owens each had 12. The game was tightly contested early, but with the teams knotted at 18-18 and just under 10 minutes to play in the first half, Henderson put together the first run of the night. The Reddies used a 3-pointer from Lupardus and baskets from Owens and Raekwon Rogers to power an 11-3 spurt which gave them the game's largest lead at that point, 29-21. Oklahoma Baptist answered with an 11-3 run
From Special Reports A senior safety from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C., Kyle Dugger, was named on Dec. 27 the winner of the 2019 Cliff Harris Award, presented annually to the nation’s best small college defensive player, but two local players were also among the 35 NCAA Division II finalists. Defensive back Keandre Evans was Ouachita Baptist University’s first finalist even though the award was named after an OBU alum who played cornerback and safety for the Tigers from 1966-1969 before going on to fame as a Dallas Cowboy. Henderson State's Mercardo Anderson, already an All-American according to both the American College Football Association and the Division II Conference Commissioners Association, was also a finalist for Harris Award. As an undrafted rookie, Harris earned a starting spot with the Dallas Cowboys in 1970. He started at safety for the Cowboys for a decade (1970-1979). In his time with the Cowboys, he helped win two Super Bowls, was named All-Pro four times and played in six Pro Bowls. He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1985, and Ouachita Baptist's new stadium was named after Harris in 2014. The award sponsored by the Little Rock Touchdown Club and a major Little Rock law firm — Wright Lindsey Jennings, LLP — honors the nation’s small
ing defenses in 2018 and 2019. His Reddie defenses reflected his inexperience, LeBlanc giving up 35 points a game on average in the 2002-2004 seasons. LeBlanc moved from Arkadelphia to Russellville to become the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys’ defensive line coordinator in 2005. Jobs at six Division I schools followed. Arkansas will be his seventh, but his specific coaching responsibilities haven’t been announced. Other coaching stops were at Missouri State, Louisiana State, Wyoming, Southern Miss, North Texas and then Kentucky.