Arkadelphia Dispatch - July 02, 2020

Vol. 2, No. 23

Thursday, July 2, 2020

AHS to benefit from Road Runner’s Spirit gas pumps

Trooper identified in Sat. shooting incident Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office

LITTLE ROCK – Sergeant Marcus Daniels, a 13 year veteran of the Arkansas State Police, is identified as the Arkansas State Trooper who shot Aloysius Keaton Saturday evening, only seconds after Keaton stabbed an Arkansas Highway Police Officer while fleeing from police.

The shooting incident occurred outside a gas and convenience store at Roosevelt Road and the I-30 westbound access ramp.

Keaton was wanted in connection with an aggravated robbery (carjacking) that had occurred minutes earlier in southwest Little Rock.

After Keaton stabbed the highway police officer, still brandishing the weapon, he moved toward Sergeant Daniels who fired an electronic control

device (TASER) in an attempt to stop Keaton.

The ECD was ineffective, leading Sergeant Daniels to order Keaton to stop and drop the weapon. Keaton failed to comply with the order and charged toward the trooper leading Sergeant Daniels to shoot Keaton with a handgun.

Keaton was pronounced dead at a Little Rock hospital.

Sergeant Daniels, a Highway Patrol Division, Troop A post supervisor, remains on paid administrative leave while an investigation into the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer continues. The investigative case file will be reviewed by the Pulaski County prosecuting attorney who will decide whether the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer was consistent with Arkansas law.

Arkadelphia man facing charges for assault pregnant sister Ayanna Williams Crime Reporter Photo by Pete Tubbs Road Runner’s new Spirit Pumps, located at 3111 Pine St., will donate a portion of each sale to benefit Arkadelphia High School.

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. (June 29, 2020) – As part of its commitment to “Fuel Good, One Gallon at a Time” Road Runner is kicking off a new spirit pump initiative in Arkadelphia.

Beginning Thursday, July 2, Road Runner will donate a portion of each sale at its local convenience store’s branded pump to benefit the public high school.

“For more than 50 years, Coulson Oil has been proud to give back to the communities we serve,” said John Harris, president and CEO of Coulson Oil. “We’re

excited to build on the success of our spirit pumps initiative with this launch in support of the Arkadelphia High School Badgers.”

Arkadelphia High School supporters can visit the local Road Runner store, located at 3111 Pine St., and pump gas at the spirit pump, which will be decorated with the badger mascot and royal blue, red and white colors. Three cents of every gallon sold will be donated to support the school’s academic initiatives, athletic organizations and student projects. Since

the launch of the initiative in 2019, Road Runner has donated nearly $23,000 to local schools in Arkansas and Texas.

About Coulson Oil & Road Runner Since it got its start more than 50 years ago, North Little Rock-based Coulson Oil has grown into a multi-branded distributor of gasoline and diesel fuel.

Today it offers two of the top-branded fuels—Shell and Valero—services and products to more than 200 convenience stores and fuel outlets in Arkansas,

Tennessee, Texas and Oklahoma.

In 2012, Coulson Oil Company purchased two Road Runner convenience stores in Texarkana. Today, Coulson Oil also has Road Runner stores in Conway, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Heber Springs, Hot Springs and Little Rock. Each store prides itself on offering quality fuel at a value price, cold drinks and clean restrooms—all serviced by Road Runner’s friendly staff. For more information, visit roadrunnerstores.com.

Governor Hutchinson announces new Game and Fish Commissioner LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has appointed Mountain Home businessman Rob Finley as a member of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He replaces Chairman Ken Reeves.

Governor Hutchinson announced the appointment and introduced Mr. Finley today at the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center.

“Rob’s love of the outdoors is in his blood,” Governor Hutchinson said. “His grandfather owned a fishing and bait store on Portia Bay, and by the time he was four, Rob was fishing from his grandfather’s

boat launch. Rob and his cousins spent hours with their grandfather learning about fishing and hunting. His love of the outdoors inspired a passion for conservation.

He and his wife, Nicki, have been successful in a variety of businesses, including outdoor retreats and lodges. In Rob, I found the perfect mix of attributes that make him a logical pick to serve as a Game and Fish commissioner.”

Mr. Finley was born on Eaker Air Force Base in Mississippi County, graduated from Cotter High School in Baxter County, and followed in his fa-

ther’s footsteps to join the U.S. Air Force. After his service, he returned to Mountain Home, where he worked in the banking industry and developed a credit-insurance program for financial institutions.

They own Route 66 Warranty in Mountain Home and Cranor’s White River Lodge in Cotter.

“The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is a body of seven stewards of the people’s property,” Mr. Finley said. “I take that very seriously, and I will work diligently to protect it. If I could drop the gavel 84 months from now with an increase in hunter/fishing participa-

tion and youth involvement numbers on the rise, I would consider my term a success.”

He and Nicki live in Mountain Home and have a daughter and three sons.

Governor Hutchinson thanked outgoing Chair Ken Reeves for his service on the commission.

“Arkansas is a better place because of Ken Reeves’s work as a Game and Fish commissioner,” Governor Hutchinson said. “He has been steady at the helm and charted a good course for those who love and want to preserve Arkansas’s forests and waterways.”

On July 15, Steven Ellis will be answering to the charges of third degree domestic battery, and possession of an instrument of crime. The plea and arraignment hearing will be held in the Clark County Courthouse at 10:00 a.m..

These charges were filed after Arkadelphia police officers were dispatched to settle an altercation on June 23. One of the officers met Ellis outside of the residence and saw that Ellis’ hand was hiding in a bush.

Ellis explained to the officer that during a verbal dispute with his sister, Ellis struck her, causing

an injury to her mouth.

Other police officers who met with Ellis’ sister confirmed the story, as they saw the injury inflicted by Ellis. Ellis also acknowledged that he knew that his sister was pregnant when he struck her.

Police also surveyed the area in which Ellis hid his hand, and found a grinder with a small amount of marijuana in it, which called for the violation of possessing an instrument of crime.

That same day, a no contact order was issued for the protection of Ellis’ sister. On June 24, the plea and arraignment hearing was set for July 15.

Man wanted in connection with South Arkansas murder LITTLE ROCK – Lavern Blackmon, 57, of Conway is wanted in connection with the abduction and murder of a Desha County woman.

Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division were requested yesterday (Monday, June 29th) to lead the investigation after local law enforcement authorities were notified of a body being discovered along Kirtley Road northeast of Dumas. The body

was later identified as Viola Davis, 56, of Mitchellville (Desha County).

Davis’ body is being examined at the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to determine a manner and cause of death.

State police special agents have obtained arrest warrants for Blackmon, charging him with kidnapping and capital murder.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Blackmon is asked to contact the nearest Arkansas State Police office.

Clark County pre-trial dates set for Luke, Murray Ayanna Williams Crime Reporter The pretrial hearing date for the case against James Warren Luke will be held on July 7 at 9:00 a.m. in the Clark County Circuit Courtroom. Luke, originally from Gurdon, will be facing charges of five counts of sexual assault of a juvenile, all of which are class Y felonies.

These five counts of sexual assault were charged against Luke after a conducted Crimes Against Children interview with the juvenile

victim at the Percy and Donna Malone Child Safety Center in early Feb.. The juvenile victim stated that about two weeks prior to the interview, Luke had sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions.

In the following two months, Luke was served his arrest warrant, and no contact orders against Luke were served.

The jury trial hearing will be held a couple of weeks after the pretrial hearing, at 9:00 a.m. on July 20 in the Clark County Circuit Courtroom.

The pretrial date for the case against Nicole Murray is set to be on July 7 at 10:30 a.m.. Murray, originally from Bismarck, is facing charges of two counts of the delivery of controlled substances.

Murray was first charged after a sting operation held in early Jan. of this year.

A confidential informant notified police that Murray was involved in the distribution of illegal narcotics (specifically opioids and methamphetamine) in Hot Springs county.

In collaboration with the informant, the Group

Six Narcotics Agents of Clark County made a controlled purchase of the illegal narcotics in order to catch Murray. After the controlled transaction, it was shown on a recorded device that just over a gram of methamphetamine and twenty opioid tablets were purchased from Murray.

Murray’s bench warrant was served in Apr. of this year.

The pretrial for July 7 will be held at the Clark County Circuit Courthouse.

Photo courtesy of Arkansas State Police Lavern Blackmon of Conway is wanted in connection with the murder of a Desha County woman.

2 News

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Westerman: Should supreme court justices legislate from the bench?

U.S. Rep. (R-Ark.) Bruce Westerman On June 15, 2020, the Supreme Court handed down a ruling in the case of Bostock v. Clayton County. It’s a landmark decision, for several reasons. In their majority opinion, six justices wrote that sexual orientation and gender identity fell under the protections of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1975. These justices took a textualist approach in their decision, most notably Justice Neil Gorsuch, who had portrayed himself as an originalist who believed the law is based on the understanding of the language when it was written, and who had even written and

spoken extensively in the past about the dangers of a textualist approach.

“In Title VII, Congress adopted broad language making it illegal for an employer to rely on an employee’s sex when deciding to fire that employee,” Gorsuch wrote in the majority opinion. “We do not hesitate to recognize today a necessary consequence of that legislative choice: An employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender defies the law.”

Setting aside the details of the case for a moment, I believe this decision sets a dangerous precedent of the justices legislating from the

bench. Congress instituted Title VII – which prohibits employer discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin – as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1975. In order to change a law, Congress must pass a law. Nine unelected justices should not overstep into Congress’s jurisdiction.

I’m concerned to see the judicial branch overreaching into the legislative branch, and oftentimes the Court does this because Congress fails to act. However, in this instance, Congress had acted and was very clear in the language of the day with the term “sex” meaning biological gender, nothing more, nothing less.

Gov. Hutchinson’s weekly address LITTLE ROCK – We started reopening the economy in May, and today I’d like to talk about the encouraging numbers that we’re already seeing. More than 45,000 Arkansans are back at work. Our unemployment rate, which has remained below the national rate, dropped from 10.8 percent in April to 9.5 percent in May. More and more people are getting back on their feet. We know this because the number of first-time claims for unemployment has dropped by over 4,000.

Weekly claims are down by more than 13,000. Our civilian labor force in Arkansas increased by over 33,000; and our total number of jobs in May increased to 1.2 million.

Eight industries gained jobs that had been lost during the height of the pandemic unemployment. As restaurants, gyms, and recreation centers reopened, we added 13,400 jobs. Jobs in educational and health services increased by 9,100 as medical offices reopened.

Trade, transportation, and utilities gained 4,300 jobs, mostly in retail. This is all good news.

I am grateful for the spirit

and generosity of our business people during these difficult days, such as Bobby Fuller and his family, who own Fuller and Son Hardware. Their company will be 100 years old next year.

Walter Fuller opened the first store at 28th and Arch in Little Rock in 1921. The company endured the Great Depression, World War II, and now the COVID-19 pandemic. The fourth generation of Fullers is now involved in the company, which has six stores in Central Arkansas.

Bobby Fuller, who is the grandson of the founder, didn’t have to lay off any employees. Bobby rents space to two restaurants and a dentist, and he didn’t charge rent while they were closed.

Eric Buckner is another small business owner in Central Arkansas. He is the founder and owner of 10 Fitness gyms. Eric closed his gyms on March 17 and reopened under Department of Health guidelines on May 4. With the support of gym members and assistance through the federal Payroll Protection Plan, Eric paid his employees during the shutdown. The pandemic has inspired new ways to serve his members, such as

renting out exercise bikes, spin bikes, and rowing machines for use at home.

His trainers have produced workout videos. His biggest challenge is to make sure that his members wear their masks when they aren’t exercising.

Bobby and Eric share my conviction that masks are critical in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Eric tells of the two hairdressers in Springfield, Missouri, who were symptomatic but didn’t tell their customers, and they were also members of Eric’s gym in Springfield.

And they weren’t honest with the screeners at his gym when they asked about symptoms. Between them, they exposed more than 150 customers and gym members. But the hairdressers and their customers were wearing masks. And they wore masks at 10 Fitness. The health department found that no one who came in contact with the hairdressers at the salon or the gym contracted the virus.

So as we reopen the economy and people return to work, I urge you to wear a mask. This is critical as we continue to reopen our economy, and Arkansans return to work.

A thank you from CC NAACP President Henry Wilson (Retiring)Clark County NAACP President First I would like to thank GOD almighty for allowing us (NAACP) to be so successful with our Juneteenth Celebration. Thank you Mr. Jason Graham Walmart Manager and Mr. Jeremy Pilgreen, Brookshires man-

ager for all of the free food and drinks for our celebration also thanks to all of our panelists and the discussion we had about Juneteenth and the legacy of Feaster Park.

Also, thanks to Dr. Pat Wright for the use’s of the Family Enrichment kitchen to prepare the food. Thanks the young ladies (some were

newly NAACP members) for preparing and serving the food and drinks. Thanks to Mr. Doug Nelson and Mr. Andre Adams and Mr. Govan for cooking the chicken, hotdogs, hamburgers .

Thanks to all of you and may God continue to Bless all of you.

Upcoming Events >>> <<< Clark County Sanitation will be closed on Friday, July 3rd for Independence Day Holiday. If you are a Clark County Sanitation customer and your normal trash day is on Friday, then we will pick up your trash on Monday, July 6th If you have any questions, please call us at 870-2467602. >>> <<< Arkadelphia Bands had planned to host its first-ever Mattress Sale Fundraiser from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., April 18 at AHS, 401 High School Road, but that’s been postponed to Aug. 1. The fundraising sale will feature brands such as Simmons, Beautyrest, and more, with on-site mattresses priced up to 50% below retail. >>> <<< The Third Annual Comics Studies Society Conference will be hosted

by Henderson State University from Aug. 5 to Aug. 9. The conference exists to bring together “scolars, artists, and other members of the international Comics Studies community” to discuss topics within the area of comics. Matthew J. Smith from Radford University and Randy Duncan from HSU are the organizers. Those interested can register at comicssociety.org. >>> <<< Mena plans to stage its 45 Annual Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run from Aug. 28-29 as street rods and hot rods descend on the town. The twoday event features a street dance and three chances for entrants to put their cars through their paces. For more information, visit https://www. queenwilhelminarodrun.com/. >>> <<< 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. In previous years, the district has hosted two annual Household Hazardous Waste events to offer citizens of each county the opportunity to dispose of hazardous waste that sanitation departments cannot pick up as part of routine trash pick-up. Expect more details closer to the event.

Ongoing >>> <<< City Council meets every first and third Tues. of the month at 5:30 p.m. in Town Hall. >>> <<< 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. >>> <<< Al-Anon meetings, designed to help family and friends affected by alcohol, are held three days a week in the Arkadelphia area:

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

870-403-2019

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

870-403-2019

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

512-750-2292

Arkadelphia Dispatch

News 3

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Ouachita Baptist University announces more than 450 Arkansas students with 4.0 GPA’s for Spring 2020 President’s List ARKADELPHIA, Ark.— Ouachita Baptist University has named more than 450 students to its Spring 2020 President’s List.

To be named to the President’s List, a student must compile a 4.0 grade point average and be classified as a full-time student, with a minimum of 12 academic hours and have no incomplete or failing grade for the semester.

Ouachita Baptist University, a private liberal arts university in Arkadelphia, Ark., is entering its 134th year as a Christ-centered learning community. It is ranked the No. 1 “Best Value” college in Arkansas by Niche.com and the No. 2 “Regional College in the South” by U.S. News & World Report. The university has an average student/ faculty ratio of 13:1 and has a 99% career outcomes rate for its graduates. Its seven academic schools include business, Christian studies, education, fine arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. Learn more at www.obu.edu.

The following Arkansas students were named to the President’s List and are listed in order of hometown: Alexander, Ark. – Madison Draper, Matthew Mayfield, Mikaela Monahan, Luke Wagner A rk adelphia, A rk. – Caroline Derby, Nicholas Gerber, Allie Harris, John Michael McCollett, Johnathan Miles, Taylor Savage, Susanna Schleiff, Alexis Summerford, Abby Turner, Madeline Wallace, Emilee

Roberson Ash Flat, Ark. – Natalie Moore Austin, Ark. – Ryane Thurman Batesville, Ark. – Luke Livingston Bauxite, Ark. – Maddie Bailey, Matthew Branch Bee Branch, Ark. – Beau Pennington Beebe, Ark. – Erin McNully, Celeste Pinkerton Bella Vista, Ark. – Allison Martin Benton, Ark. – Laura Beth Warner, Julianne Weaver, Lila Buchanan, Kaitlyn Campbell, Jessica Daniell, Rylie Davis, Sydney Donaldson, Jade Dorman, Emme Edmondson, Sarah Freeze, Hunter Gautreaux, Gracen Goudy, Wes Guerra, Will Guerra, Caleb Harmon, Katie Harmon, Nicholas Herrington, Tehya Hinkson, Carlee Hutchins, Emily Johnson, Jenny Johnson, Gracie Jones, Tiffany Koba, Bryce Krisell, Justin McGee, Rio Quilao, Brooke Snyder, Sarah Spakes, Katelyn Still, Allie Studdard, Alex Terry, Ashlynn Walton, Caleb Webb Bentonville, Ark. – Kelsi Coleman, Emma Pitts, Emily Siemens Bismarck, Ark. – Markie Campbell, Allyson Oliver Bryant, Ark. – Tanner Caton, Jonah Mears Cabot, Ark. – Abigail Gaddis, Hannah Merrick, Cora Saddler, Allison Tubbs, Gracen Turner, Spencer Worth, Emily McGee, Ashly Stracener Camden, Ark. – Brooke Bearden, Drew Crutchfield, Kathryn Knight, Madeline Knight, Lucas McCann,

Stephanie McCann, Grace T idwel l, Noa h Worley, Thomas Worley Caraway, Ark. – Karlee Sanders Cherokee Village, Ark. – Joy Covington Clarksville, Ark. – Paige Vire Clinton, Ark. – Taylor Huggins Conway, Ark. – Taryn Bewley, Kara DeLaune, Harry Jeffrey, Candace Moix, Abby Morris, Miranda Pettit, Elizabeth Steely, Madeline Steely, Hope White Cove, Ark. – Harly Dearing Crossett, Ark. – Morgan Rainey Damascus, Ark. – Savannah Stacks De Queen, Ark. – Hannah Gallagher Dona ldson, A rk. – Karigan Beckwith, Dylan Clayton El Dorado, Ark. – Kinnon Dodson, Kate Vernon Emmet, Ark. – Anna McKinnon England, Ark. – Brayden Brazeal Fayetteville, Ark. – Mariel Van Horn Fordyce, Ark. – McKenzie Smith Fort Smith, Ark. – Michael Ward, Marly Welborn, Jenna Whitlow Garfield, Ark. – Cedar Valdez Glenwood, Ark. – Cammie York Greenwood, Ark. – Lexie Castillow, Hannah Johnston Hartman, Ark. – Savannah Hart Haskell, Ark. – Madelynn Wauters Holiday Island, Ark. –

Ashlynn Lockhart Hope, Ark. – Hannah Lloyd, Parker Madlock Hot Springs, Ark. – Crystal Brown, Dane Jester, Abby Leal, Megan Mosley, Zach Nance, Mady Cate Rottinghaus, Lauren Sims, Stuart Sowerbutts, Kyleigh Stevens Jonesboro, Ark. – Izzy Baughn, Bethany Crawley, Ashlyn Ham, Phoebe Huff, Ruthie Lenards, Molly Maddox, Noah McCallum, Isabella Owen, Aubrey Rogers, Kallen Smith Lamar, A rk. – Holly Ritchie Lavaca, Ark. – Zack Tomlinson Little Rock, Ark. – Addison Bates, Maddie Bayer, Abby Blankenship, Jordie Bone, Cross Brandon, Rebekah Chandler, Chris Cobb, Josie Collins, Ethan Dial, Gunner Dobbins, Katherine Fehlman, Rileigh Fielder, Taylor Fielder, Noah Fowler, Allie Freeman, Kacyn Hartley, David Hudson, Jessica Johnson, Zack Kelley, Katie Kumpuris, Julianna Mack, Andrew McDonald, Sean McKinney, John Peyton, Callie Rogers, Georgia Rogers, Sarah Rush, Noah Sanders, Allisan Sealy, Taryn Toles, Rebekah Van Namen, Carter Wade, Jennifer Wallace, Liam Wooten, Claire Seale, Grace Oliver L onoke, A rk. – Tor i Barnhill, Nathan Stewmon Lowell, Ark. – Emery Hartley Mabelvale, Ark. – Keller Smith, Allie Tarnowsky, Moriah Manchack Magazine, Ark. – Sabreena Alfaro

Magnolia, Ark. – Thomas Harrington, Gracen Seabaugh, Madison Williamson Malvern, Ark. – Kassidy Falco, Abby Holland, Josh Spiva, Timothy Spiva Marianna, Ark. – Faith Moore Marion, Ark. – Lexis Miller Maumelle, Ark. – Caden Pulliam McGehee, Ark. – Caroline Massey McRae, Ark. – Hannah Bridge Mena, Ark. – Jacklynn Minton Mineral Springs, Ark. – Taylor Harper Mountain Pine, Ark. – Steven Benson Murfreesboro, Ark. – Lexie Baxter Nashville, Ark. – Peyton Dodd, Sadie Prejean, Grace Talley North Little Rock, Ark. – Olivia Brown, Madison Cresswell, Dana Holley, Cailey Maples, Caroline Sweet, Kayla Whittington Ozark, Ark. – Hunter Jackson Pangburn, Ark. – Jasmine Baughman Paragould, Ark. – Isabella Wood Pearcy, Ark. – Jolie Crane Pottsville, Ark. – Emma Gregory Prairie Grove, Ark. – Danielle Hall, Elizabeth Hall Prattsville, Ark. – Anna Holiman Prescott, Ark. – Cade Haynie Rogers, Ark. – Spencer Briley, Chaney Campbell, Ali Chapman, Maggie Donnell, McKenzie Duncan, Faith Lymburner, Sarah

Rountree, Olivia Yarbrough Roland, Ark. – Hunter Jones, Rue Ragsdale Russellville, Ark. – Brady Barton, Seth Curl, Emmy Hipps Searcy, Ark. – Hayden Bowman, Kayla Churchwell, Meredith Parker, Julia Shands, Keleigh Shands Sheridan, Ark. – Luke Hill, Noah Pruitt, David Rainwater, Madeline Martin Sherwood, Ark. – Emily Horn Siloam Springs, Ark. – Sam Youmans Smackover, Ark. – Beau Burson Sparkman, Ark. – Sidney Pigott, Katie White Springdale, Ark. – Greg Bryant, Paige Williams, Wade W i l s on , Br o oke Woessner, Grant Allen Terrell, Ark. – Felicia Valdez Texarkana, Ark. – Melissa Brown, Reese Chesshir, Matt Day, Madison Goodman, Reid Jenkins, Emily McMaster Van Buren, Ark. – Aidan Doss, Ashton Hurst, Madison Shankle, Mitchell Waite Walnut Ridge, Ark. – Dylan Blackwood Ward, Ark. – Riley Elliott West Memphis, Ark. – Morgan Masengale White Hall, Ark. – Michaelyn Ferrell, Hunter Smith, Christina Beger Wooster, Ark. – Jacob Bowman Wynne, Ark. – Cannon Fisher

ARKADELPHIA, Ark.— The following Arkansas students are included in the Dean’s List and are listed in order of hometown: Alexander, Ark. – Faith Briggs, Hannah Hill, Kailee Morehart Alma, Ark. – Garrison Jensen Arkadelphia, Ark. – Jack Bennington, Dawson Bray, Preston Crowder, Samantha Dixon, Trace Fryar, Jared Garner, Keaton Goodrum, Anthony Jenkins, Donovan Kelly, Brandon Matros, Stephany Quintero, Madison Rawls, Emilee Roberson, Blanca Rodriguez, Denis Sullins, Maria Urbina, Drew Webb, Kiki Youmans, Josh Wallace Batesville, Ark. – Katelyn Langston Bauxite, Ark. – Libby Thompson Bearden, Ark. – Naya Young Beebe, Ark. – Madison Allen Bella Vista, Ark. – Victoria Martin, Rylie Slone Benton, Ark. – Ben Adair, Kelsey Archer, Madison Crow, Madi Esch, Jordan Ford, John Guttery, Griffin Hopkins, Gunner Hopman, Cloe Humphry, Broc Ingold, Andrew Johnson, Karlee Kindy, Catherine Lyp, Ansley McDonald, Jeremy McGee, Dawson Ramsey, Kinley Ritter, Gary Storment, Abbigale Sullins, Kaleigh Thomas, Dani Thompson, Laura Beth Warner Bentonville, Ark. – Mike

Andrus, Madison Brittain, Lindsey Crowder, Katelyn Harris, Natalie Helms, Cody Kehmeier, Hunter Swoboda, Kaitlyn Terry Blytheville, Ark. – Abigail Anderson B on ner d a le , A rk . – Corbin Bostian Brookland, Ark. – Bethany Colbert, Melody Stotts Br yant, A rk. – Zach Babb, Scarlett Castleberry, Erin Chappell, Katelin Cotton, Ellie Hooten, Ryan Lynch Cabot, Ark. – Mason Martin, Elizabeth Ring, Miya Tatum Camden, Ark. – Piper Fain, Sabrina Russell Casscoe, Ark. – Camryn Shelton Centerton, Ark. – Madeline McKay Clarksville, Ark. – Breanna Parker Clinton, Ark. – Hannah Adamson Conway, Ark. – Anna Lee Drennan, Ethan Gasaway, Spencer Greer, Lauren Kinley, Vanessa Magana, Hannah Martin, Abby Shourd Crossett, Ark. – Gregory Junior, Karis Staley Dardanelle, Ark. – Hannah George De Queen, Ark. – Grace Gallagher Delight, Ark. – Alex Harris Dermott, Ark. – Clara Stevens Des Arc, Ark. – Ontario Conway, Gracen Hambrick Donaldson, Ark. – Mikayla Buck

El Dorado, Ark. – Halley Bryant, Tyler Duncan, Madison Jackson, Jonathan Sandy, Jacob Street

Kate Lance, Ryan Phillips, Josie Pringle, Chloe Spraggins, Emily Trigg, Erica Wilmath, Franco Zuniga Hot Springs National Park, Ark. – Emma Lawyer Hot Springs Village, Ark. – Elysian Majeske Huntsville, Ark. – Taylor Allen Jacksonville, Ark. – Barrett Malone Jonesboro, Ark. – Camryn Brown, Braden Crawley, Ethan Elkins, Victoria Mayfield, Grace Roark Junction City, Ark. – Terrell Gibson Little Rock, Ark. – Madeline Babb, Chassidy Barnes, Caleb Byrd, Collier Byrd, Mary Grace Cahalan, Sean Carney, Cori Clower, Gabrielle Davis, Christy Dunavan, Spencer Ewing, Nery Flores, Austin Guymon, Caleb Henry, Seth Hernandez, Olivia Hibbard, Avery Jackson, Julianna Jones, Grace Oliver, Hannah Perkins, Glory Pinkerton, Luke Schmidt, Tanner Shipman, De’Ja Smiley, Gracie Stover, Tom Tran, Athen Wilkerson Lowell, Ark. – Faith Morgan Mabelvale, Ark. – Moriah Manchack Magnolia, Ark. – Elise McWilliams Malvern, Ark. – Brenna Kesterson, Anna Robinson Marion, Ark. – Makayla

Askins, Katlin Jacobs, Caleb West Maumelle, Ark. – Faith Melton, Abby Moore McGehee, Ark. – Dayja James Mineral Springs, Ark. – Katie Carroll Monticello, Ark. – Katelyn Bayless Mount Ida, Ark. – Bailey Martin, Caleb Woodfield, Paige Wright Mountain Home, Ark. – Dakota Flores Murfreesboro, Ark. – Jordan Gills Nashville, Ark. – Dalton Cherry, Alexa Copeland, Madi Miller North Little Rock, Ark. – Taylor Barnhart, Kristen Boatman, Austin Clements, Trey Lamb, Luke Lancaster, Chloe Lay, Ben Morris, Jake Morris, Grace Rew, Michal Vaden, Mary Charles West Paron, Ark. – Hannah Herrington, Matthew Howard Pea Ridge, Ark. – Zoe Jennings Pine Bluff, Ark. – Johnathon Callum Plumerville, Ark. – Jack Pillow Rison, Ark. – Sarah Orr, Emily Stover Rogers, Ark. – Erica Chapman, Jentry Lantzsch, Juliana Shaw Russellville, Ark. – Phillip Lebsack, Jenna Biggers,

Hannah Garner Searcy, Ark. – Savannah Edwards, Kristen Holeyfield, Anna Roussel Sheridan, Ark. – Brockton Brown, Anna Eggburn, Rachel Smith, Mallorie Svercauski, Ashley Sweeney Sherwood, Ark. – Sama nt ha Boyd, Madd ie Young Smackover, Ark. – Charissa Newton, Courtney Davis, Tessa Watson

Ouachita Baptist University announces Dean’s list for Spring 2020 England, Ark. – Bailey Webb Evening Shade, Ark. – Michaela Allen Fayetteville, Ark. – Elizabeth Costner, Carsten Johnson, Daniel Thomas, Mariel Van Horn, Sophia Ward, Bates Yoakum Fordyce, Ark. – Lauren Archer, Jack Brent Fort Smith, Ark. – Emily Bass, Bennett Hasley, Kelley Hayes, Zac Henson, Katie Moore, Ashley Reynolds, Eryn Riley, Lucas Riley Glenwood, Ark. – Tristyn Campbell, Haddon Smead Greenbrier, Ark. – Shelby Bradley, Carrie Jo Harville, Savannah Henthorne, Ethan Smith, Spencer Sutterfield Hamburg, Ark. – Selby Tucker Hampton, Ark. – Lauren Reams Harrisburg, Ark. – Kaylee Martin Harrison, Ark. – Natalie Ward Hensley, Ark. – Taylor Garner, Lauren Williams Hope, A rk. – Jillian Woodruff, Stephen Yates Hot Springs, Ark. – Kayla Brown, Brooke Horton,

Springdale, Ark. – Madi Darr, Katelyn Franzke, Caroline Johnson, Claire Sorg Stephens, Ark. – Colton Miller Stuttgart, Ark. – Ashley Simmons Texarkana, Ark. – Kat Allen, Jammie Cush, Kendall Jones, Makenna Schaeffer, Blake Waters Tontitown, Ark. – Hattie McDonald Van Buren, Ark. – Alexandra DuPree, Rebecca Hamby Warren, Ark. – Hayden Lassiter White Hall, Ark. – Kaleigh Casada, Clara Taylor Winthrop, Ark. – Jordan Izzo Wynne, Ark. – Josiah Elmore

4 News

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Visitor centers reopen Vicksburg District announces ARKANSAS– Travelers can now stop at an Arkansas Welcome Center for trip planning advice, tourism information and the opportunity to stretch their legs while on the road. After temporarily closing March 20 to prevent the spread of COVID-19, The Natural State’s Welcome Centers are once again open to the public.

“Arkansas is one of the nation’s most beautiful and inviting destinations,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “Arkansas Welcome Centers offer our guests a friendly entry to The Natural State, as well as a rest and information stop to gather travel planning materials and advice.”

To safely re-open, the

centers are monitoring the number of visitors inside the building at one time, frequently cleaning restrooms and common areas, and requiring the use of face masks when a safe physical distance cannot be achieved.

“Arkansas Welcome Centers serve as a onestop resource for travelers hoping to find information on the many attractions, restaurants and lodging options in the state, not to mention the many scenic trails, rivers and lakes that make The Natural State an appealing destination,” said Travis Napper, director of Arkansas Tourism.

The centers are located at strategic points of entry on major highways and interstates coming into the state. Twelve of the 14

are a partnership between the Arkansas Department of Transportation and the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. One center, Mammoth Spring, is a partnership with Arkansas State Parks.

All are staffed by certified U.S. Travel Association travel counselors.

Welcome center staff share their expertise of Arkansas with more than one million travelers annually.

Each center offers free WiFi as well as interesting exhibits spotlighting local history. Complimentary travel magazines and guides, various brochures and highway maps are available to guests. Arkansas Welcome Centers are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week and are closed on major holidays.

keep the roadways safe.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving accounted for 29% (10,511) of the total motor vehicle traffic deaths during 2018.

Additionally, drunk driving can be attributed to 40% (78) of the 193 traffic fatalities over the July 4th (2018) holiday period.

“Making the choice to drink and drive can be deadly. It’s irresponsible behavior, and we will be out in full force to put a stop to it,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “Make no mistake, if you’re caught drinking and driving, you will be arrested.”

If travelers plan to consume alcohol, the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office offers these reminders.

• Plan a safe way home before you leave. It’s never okay to drink and drive, even if you’ve had one alcoholic beverage. Designate a

sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get to your destination safely.

• If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi or someone who is sober to drive you home.

• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 9-1-1.

• If you know someone who is about to drive or operate a motorcycle or any other vehicle while impaired, take their keys and help make other arrangements to get the person safely to their destination.

• Always buckle up.

Your seat belt is the best defense against a drunk driver.

Safety tips for holiday weekend from Arkansas State Police Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office

(LITTLE ROCK) – As Arkansans prepare for the approaching July 4th Independence Day holiday weekend, many families will include plans to travel across the state for cookouts and the customary summer festivities. However, experience and records tell us, some drivers and their passengers won’t make it to their destinations or return home. Drunk or impaired driving will be to blame.

Arkansas law enforcement officers will be participating in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” operation. The mission will be devoted to stopping drunk drivers before tragedy strikes. State police, along with city officers and county deputies across Arkansas will increase their patrols along the roads and highways with zero tolerance for those who drive impaired. Motorists should expect to see more sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols involving a unified police force working to

For more information on the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136.

Information about Arkansas’ ongoing “Toward Zero Deaths” campaign to eliminate preventable traffic deaths can be found at www.TZDarkansas.org.

annual Engineer’s Day Awards

VICKSBURG, Miss. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District hosted its annual Engineer’s Day awards ceremony at the district’s headquarters building in Vicksburg, Mississippi, June 25.

Employees were recognized with a variety of honorary individual and team awards, and the ceremony was broadcast to the district’s teleworking personnel via YouTube Live in order to maintain safe social distancing measures.

“Engineer’s Day is a celebration of our people and the value they provide to our district,” said USACE Vicksburg District Commander Col. Robert A. Hilliard. “These awards recognize our personnel’s exceptional commitment to duty, service, and their personal sacrifices for the sake of our community and the USACE mission.

Our district relies on their determination and hard work each day, and we are proud to honor them.”

Presented for the first time this year was the Gregory C. Raimondo Public Affairs Award, named in honor of the district’s late public affairs chief who tragically passed in 2018.

As chief from 2012 to 2018, Raimondo demonstrated lasting dedication to the Army and USACE missions. His passion for service and extensive community outreach efforts made him a fixture in the Vicksburg community and a champion of the Vicksburg District.

The following employees were recognized with individual awards: Charles Allred, Jr., Operations Division, received the STEM Employee of the Year Award for his pattern of high achievement, excellence and leadership in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math for USACE. Vance Austin, Operations Division, received the Park Ranger Award for his professionalism and superb communication skills while performing his duties.

Robin Blake, Engineering and Construction Division, received the Emergency Management Award for her initiative, commitment and leadership in performing and completing specialized emergency mission assignments.

Sarah Breaux, Programs and Project Management Division, was the recipient of the Engineer Award for her dedication and expertise in the engineering field.

Matthew Christy, Operations Division, received the Wage Grade Leadership Award for his pattern of excellence as a supervisor, serving as a role model for other wage-system employees and leading his team to accomplish quality, productive and safe work.

Steven Finch, Office of Counsel, received the Employee of the Year Award for his extraordinary accomplishments and excellence in contributing to the district’s mission, his outstanding demonstration of Army and USACE values and his leadership and mentorship.

Dalton Hanley, Engineering and Construction Division, and David Sanders, Operations Division, each received the Student of the Year Award for their outstanding demonstration of initiative, commitment, competence and leadership while performing duties as students for their respective offices.

Lauren Harbin, Engineering and Construction Division, was the recipient of the Administrator Award for her exceptional administrative support to the district.

Paul McMaster, Operations Division, received the Paddle Wheel Award, which recognizes an employee for excellence in specific craft and trade skills, for his outstanding performance of duties and significant support to the district’s mission and goals.

Ellen McWhirter, Operations Division, was the recipient of the Volunteer Leadership Award her dedicated leadership in planning and coordinating

successful projects for the district.

Eli Polzer, Operations Division, received the Scientist Award for her outstanding performance and dedication to the USACE and district mission.

Nicholas Pritchett, Office of Counsel, was the recipient of the Professional Award for his outstanding performance of duties and dedication to the USACE and district mission.

Drew Smith, Engineering and Construction Division, received the Gregory C. Raimondo Public Affairs Award for his outstanding achievement in high-profile public service, including community relations and command information and media relations that enhance USACE’s image among partners, stakeholders and the public.

Robert Winders, Engineering and Construction, received the Commander’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). Winders received this award for his significant contribution to the EEO program, assuring full opportunity in employment for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age and physical or mental disability.

The following teams were recognized with awards for outstanding performance: The Arkabutla Lake Wage Grade Staff, Operations Division, received the Wage Grade Team Award.

tended Benefits will have enhanced work search requirements and must provide a written log of job contacts each week in order to receive benefits. Individuals receiving EB who live in larger metropolitan statistical areas (as listed above) must make four (4) job contacts a week while those in rural areas must make three (3).

Individuals with recall to work dates that are within 10 weeks of their initial or additional claim filing date are exempt from the work search require-

ments. If the recall to work date is more than 10 weeks, the individual must do the required work search. In order to receive the work search exemption, a claimant must provide DWS with a written letter from their employer that includes the claimant’s name, last four digits of the claimant’s SSN, their last day of work, and the date to be recalled to work. Claimants will need to mail or deliver the letter to their local Arkansas Workforce Center.

Job seekers are strongly encouraged to visit the

state’s online job portal Arkansas JobLink (AJL) at www.arjoblink.arkansas. gov. Create a Job Seeker account to add a resume, access thousands of jobs, connect with employers who are hiring, and learn about other resources and services. We also invite business owners, hiring managers, HR representatives and the like to create Employer accounts, browse resumes and connect with qualified job candidates.

Lock and Dam personnel of the Ouachita-Black River Navigation Project, Operations Division, represented by Matthew Christy, received the Team Safety Award.

The Vicksburg District Supplemental Program Project Delivery Team, Programs and Project Management Division, represented

by Dylan Jenkins, received the Team Award.

The district is engaged in hundreds of projects and employs approximately 1,100 personnel.

Arkansas Department of Commerce announces work search requirement returns for unemployment insurance benefits

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. June 24, 2020 - The Arkansas Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Services (DWS) announced today that the work search requirement for Unemployment Insurance will be back in effect beginning June 28, 2020.

When claiming benefits for the week ending July 4 and after, individuals will have to report the number of job contacts they made that week.

The number of contacts required is based on geographic location. Indi-

viduals receiving regular unemployment benefits or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) who live in larger metropolitan areas must make three (3) contacts a week. The larger metropolitan statistical areas include: Benton, Cleveland, Craighead, Crittenden, Faulkner, Garland, Grant, Jefferson, Lincoln, Lonoke, Madison, Miller, Perry, Poinsett, Pulaski, Saline, Sebastian, and Washington counties. Individuals residing in rural areas must make two (2)

job contacts each week.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claimants have the same requirements, except for those who are self-employed. Self-employed PUA claimants must be engaged in activities designed to resume their usual selfemployment, rather than making job contacts. Selfemployed PUA claimants should enter the number of days on which they were engaged in activities designed to resume their usual self-employment.

Those claiming Ex-

Jobs can also be found at jobsinclarkcounty.com.

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Thursday, July 2, 2020

UAMS House Call with Dr. Appathurai Balamurugan

Health 5

Dr. Appathurai Balamurugan is an assistant professor in the Department of Family and Preventitive Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Arkansas COVID-19 Update by Department of Health AR. Department of Health

According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, a total of 265 deaths have occurred in the state as of June 16. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 20,257 cases with 5,926 active and

14,066 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.

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.

6 Sports

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

80 days until Henderson football kickoff

By Hannah Hodge Sports Reporter

As the days until the beginning of the Fall semester near the anticipation for the sports seasons intrigues student-athletes with anxiousness and excitement.

Although, the recent spikes in cases of COVID-19 in 23 states does not bring much confidence to everyone in the sports industry as the safety of athletes is the utmost important factor.

Currently, there have not been any updates or schedule changes in the HSU football schedule as games are still planned to start in Sept. Previously, Henderson State’s football program has proved their talent and

teamwork ending the last season with a conference record of 9-2 and an overall record of 9-3.

An example of proving the Reddies progressed talent is during the season achieving a six-game winning streak until falling short at the end of the season to the infamous purple tigers, Ouachita Baptist University.

When asking a few questions to athletes that are playing their last season during the COVID-19 pandemic as seniors a few questions on the upcoming season, they had the following to say.

Do you think the football season will still happen?

Why or Why not?

Starting wide-receiver L’liott Curry commented on the following, “I believe we will end up having a season, or at least I hope we do! With this pandemic going on there is no telling what is going to happen honestly. All I can do is stay ready and prepare like there is going to be a season. Control what I can control, and that’s staying in shape being ready when my number gets called! I’m at a loss for words with everything going on. Just staying focused and being safe is all I can worry about right now.”

When thinking of which other senior to ask it would only be right to also ask the man himself who is starred on the poster of the 80 days

until kick-off, wide-receiver Braden Boykin who commented on the following.

“I sure hope the season will happen since for some of us it is the last one. If it were to not happen I would hope there would be some type of redshirt.”

In the next question going into the next season the possibility of a season is not technically concrete but in the next question was for both athletes to define how they would feel if the season does happen.

If the season is still happening are you nervous to play? Do you think it’s worth it or not?

Curry said, “Going against the GAC as a whole.

I can’t wait for me and my

teammates to take the field and prove what we got! I think it’s going to be a very special year for the Reddies!”

Boykin said, “I’m not nervous whatsoever. I’m more excited than anything.

I think the season will be worth it.”

Finally in the last question talking about the comparisons to the successful previous season and the upcoming season both players answered something that they will change or do better.

What is one technique or thing that you will change or make different about yourself from last year to the upcoming season?

Curry commented, “Cre-

ating separation and being more explosive! Me in the coaches made that a huge emphasis this off-season.

I’ve been focusing on the little details to improve my craft! I’d also like to take this opportunity and platform to say #BlackLivesMatter!

I believe America has been long overdue for change and now is the time to do it!”

Boykin commented, “One thing I will do differently this year is to take more chances since it is my last season.”

As the season approaches all that’s left to do is wait for the exciting day to arrive and the Reddies to be healthy and clean for kickoff.

take place in Lebanon, IL the opponents are McKendree University and William Jewell College. Both of the matches will be on Friday, Sept. 4 and the times for either matches are still to be determined. The last two matches in the two-day tournament are not scheduled yet.

In the next tournament called the Reddie-Tiger Invitational which takes place on both OBU and HSU campuses. Unlike the previous tournament, it is noteworthy to point out that the Reddie-Tiger Invitational

times have been selected.

The first opponents are Oklahoma Christian University and Rockhurst University which will take place at 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Fri., Sept. 11. The final two opponents on the last day of the invitational are St. Mary’s University and Missouri Southern. Both of the games will be played as the previous times listed.

As for the official start to the regular season, mark your calendar for Sept. 15 at 6:00 p.m. against OBU at the Sturgis Physical Education Center.

In the previous season, Henderson State played eight games in between the regular season that would not count on the conference record. In the 2018 season, the development of the Reddies conference record got to an all-time high achieving an outstanding 28-6 record.

Before the outstanding 2018 season in 2017 HSU finished with a conference record of 7-9 and overall 1415. Next, in 2016 which was similar finishing 8-8 in the conference and overall 1316. In going through each of these seasons one could un-

derstand where the Reddies were coming from in terms of a drought where winning used to be very scarce.

This previous season is where the drought began, the 2015 season. Although this season was a reconstructing and something to build wins on, Henderson State finished with a conference record 2-14 and overall 4-25.

Ever since the dim season in 2015, the Reddies kept improving every year until capitalizing in the 2018 season. After that uprising season, achieving wins and

getting into the playoffs is all that the HSU has set on in the upcoming season.

Hopefully, the coronavirus will allow a safe and positive experience for Henderson this upcoming season.

The NCAA still keeps in mind that the cure for the coronavirus has yet to be solved and that studentathletes are at risk if and or an outbreak happens inside the school’s campus or during a game that has an infected person. Then again, this virus can make changes in an instant when it comes to anyone’s plans.

Looking forward to 2020 HSU volleyball

By Hannah Hodge Sports Reporter

Sept. is a big month for volleyball college athletes who play during the fall semester, the cooler weather, the excitement that the school year is starting, and the most important, the season is beginning.

The Henderson State women’s volleyball team begins their pre-season on Sept. 4 and these invitational games do not count towards their conference record.

Beginning with the McKendree Invitational that will

Bagwell on becoming a fisherman at a young age

By Brian Bagwell Outdoors Columnist

From an early age, I have enjoyed fishing. An elderly neighbor once told me, “you would fish in a mud hole if you thought there were fish in it,” and he was right.

At the age of 5, my family moved to Arkadelphia. Having family living here was a plus. One of my uncles lived

close and had a pond that we would frequent often. Riding to his house in the back of my father’s old pickup truck was a special treat.

Pulling into his drive, I would bail out, grab my pole, and run towards the gate. From the top of the hill, I could see the shimmering water, and my excitement would grow.

I typically used an old

Zebco 33 baited with worms I had gathered from under leaf piles. Brim, Catfish, and Bass all seemed to like my offering. My dad would throw a red Ambassador 5000 open face reel rigged with a plastic worm.

He tended to always catch larger fish than me and I assumed it was his gear.

I remember the first time I tried to throw a lure on

that reel and it ended in a big mess of tangled line that had to be cut off with his Old Timer pocket knife.

Over the years, I learned to use that reel and my fishing skills grew with me.

My friends would come over and we would walk to neighboring farms to fish the numerous ponds and creeks. Growing up in the country had advantages.

Once I turned 16 and was able to drive, I spent most nights and weekends fishing the Lower Lake and DeGray creek with an old 12-foot V-bottom aluminum boat powered by a Clinton 5 HP motor. It was not much but it got me on the water. I would fish for Bass during the day, and run yo-yo’s and trotlines at night for Catfish.

Now at 49, I have a 20-

foot fiberglass bass boat with a 200 HP engine. We live in the country and have 2 ponds.

I still fish every chance I get including tournaments and being active in the Arkadelphia Bass Club, however, some of my favorite times are grabbing that old Zebco, digging worms, and waiting on the bobber to go down.