Arkadelphia Dispatch - July 16, 2020

Vol. 2, No. 25

Thursday, July 16, 2020

OBU professor’s new book releases in Sept.

Photo Courtesy of Leiden University An OBU professor’s new book covers decades of events in South Africa’s history and “provides a lens into the 20th century geopolitics tied to anti-apartheid, decolonization, Cold War and movements agitating against white supremacy.”

By Rachel Mareno OBU News Bureau Dr. Myra Ann Houser, assistant professor of history at Ouachita Baptist University, has authored “Bureaucrats of Liberation: Southern African and American Lawyers and Clients During the Apartheid Era,” to be released in September 2020. The book is published

by Leiden University Press as well as University of Chicago Press.

Built on research from Houser’s doctoral dissertation, “Bureaucrats of Liberation” details the history of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Right Under Law, an organization of lawyers founded at the request of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 to fight for public policy changes regarding civil rights in America. The book also covers the organization’s Southern Africa Project, an effort spanning three decades to provide support to Namibian and South African lawyers in their struggle against illegal occupation and apartheid.

According to Amazon. com, Houser’s documentation of the Lawyers’ Committee and the Southern Africa Project “provides a lens into 20th century geopolitics tied to anti-apartheid, decolonization, Cold War and movements agitating against white supremacy.

In doing so, it pays careful attention to the Project’s different eras, beginning with U.S. Executive Branch officials helming the effort and evolving into a space where more activist-oriented attorneys on both sides of the Atlantic drove its mission and politics.”

Houser’s research on the Southern Africa Project and global anti-apartheid movement spans a total of 13 years, as well as three countries on three continents. She studied the American Committee on Africa papers, which are

housed in New Orleans; the Lawyers’ Committee papers, housed in New York; the British Anti-Apartheid Papers, housed in Oxford, England; and South African Liberation Movement papers, housed in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Fort Hare, South Africa.

Houser also interviewed former staff of the Southern Africa Project.

“Any type of trans-national history is going to span several historiographies, and this project was no exception,” she said.

“In order for this book to work, it needed to speak to not just the Project’s story but also its context within U.S., South African and Namibian histories, as well as within studies of social change, anti-racism, decolonization and the Cold War, among other phenomena.”

Having personally spent her childhood in southern Africa and later transitioning to life in America as a high school student, Houser’s interests – in the apartheid and colonialism that had transpired in the country of her childhood, as well as in U.S. politics and society – also gave her insight to “see themes that connect them, especially the parallels in thinking about race, law and society,” she said.

“In terms of personal growth, I think this work taught me a lot about social change and how difficult but fulfilling that is,” Houser said. “I also think I had the opportunity to learn a lot about the U.S., where I hold a passport but did not live for my early life, and southern Africa, where I did live and go to school but did not hold a passport.

“We’re in this moment in the U.S. that I think we really will look at as a watershed, where many Americans – and particularly many white Americans – are grappling for the first time with the

inequities of our society and our own complicities within it,” she continued. “In part, I think that is because of this unique moment where we’ve all been in our houses for three months and had time to reflect on society and want to connect with something bigger than ourselves. But in part, it’s also because of the groundwork of many, many individuals and groups like the Project.

“I hope that folks will either learn or have re-iterated that social change is difficult and complicated and takes a long time, but is ultimately worth it,” Houser said. “Folks working for or with the Project toiled for decades, and they followed centuries’ worth of struggle, working beyond the more performative elements of protest. That they kept moving is something I hope folks

who are newer to these types of conversations can learn from.”

A 2007 Ouachita graduate, Houser received her M.A. from College of William & Mary in 2009 and her Ph.D. from Howard University in 2014. Dr. Houser joined the Ouachita faculty in 2014 as assistant professor of history and also coordinates Ouachita’s social justice studies program.

In addition to “Bureaucrats of Liberation,” Houser has published works in “Atlantic Studies,” “Critical Arts,” “History in Africa” and “Safundi: The Journal of South African and American Studies,” as well as within edited volumes.

For more information, contact Dr. Myra Houser at houserm@obu.edu or (870) 245-5547.

Jack Bonds said the group simply got too late a start in 2020 to gather the required petitions.

“At this point the only way we could accomplish the goal is to go door to door, and with COVID that’s simply not responsible,” Bonds said.

In the last few weeks the group made a push via drive-through sign-ups across the county, but the Aug. 5 deadline to turn the petitions in to Pike County Clerk Randee Reid loomed too close.

“It was a long shot [at this point], but we were all willing to try,” Bonds said of

plan started Mon. LITTLE ROCK – Law enforcement officers across Arkansas started a week-long concerted speed enforcement plan Monday.

The operation is publicized across the state using a public message headline, “Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine.”

The intensified enforcement plan involving both state and local departments began Monday, July 13th and continues through the following Sunday, July 19th.

Additionally throughout the month of July, the Arkansas State Police will contribute patrol resources in a Regional Speed Enforcement Plan that targets speeding violators on particular selected days of the week. The participating states include Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

“Speeding is synonymous with tragedy and death on our roadways,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “It’s a proven fact, higher speeds significantly reduce a driver’s reaction time and ability to steer safely around other vehicles, roadway hazards, and unexpected highway exits or detours in highway construction zones.”

Drivers who ignore the speed limit put themselves, their passengers, and others at tremendous risk. During calendar year 2018, speeding was a contributing factor in 26 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. and 9,378 people lost their lives in the crashes, according to data from the

Photo Courtesy of OBU Dr. Myra Ann Houser of OBU has a new novel out this Sept.

the committee.

The group had previously said the idea was born from the attempt to expand the economy in the predominately tourist based economy of the county.

“With the importance of tourism on our county -- in both ends of the county, Glenwood and Murfreesboro -- an upbeat economy will benefit us all,” Bonds said a month ago.

Having failed to gain a spot on the 2020 general election ballot, it is likely any effort to try again will have to wait until 2022, unless the group is willing to pay for a special election

next year.

Bonds said the committee thanked all the hardworking volunteers who helped the group get nearly a quarter of the number of petitions needed to qualify for the ballot.

In addition, the group thanked all who signed a petition and assured all the participants that the petitions would be properly destroyed and no record of signees would be kept.

“We plan to attempt this again in the future when we are not in pandemic mode,” Bonds said.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In Arkansas 131 deaths were attributed to speed related crashes during 2018.

Already this year, Arkansas traffic fatalities are on the rise. According to preliminary NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting data, fatalities in speeding related crashes are increasing at an alarming rate. Through the end of June (2020) 84 people have died in speed related crashes, compared to 63 at the same time last year which equates to a 33 percent increase.

“Driving above the posted speed limit or speeding during inclement weather conditions dramatically increases the probability that a motorist will be involved in a crash,” Colonel Bryant said. “State troopers want to be sure the highways are safe and stopping speeding drivers is a top priority.”

The goal of these enforcement efforts is to save lives and make drivers aware that no excuses for speeding are acceptable. When it comes to speeding; Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine.

More information on the “Obey the Sign, or Pay the Fine” mobilization can be found at www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136.

Additional information about Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths initiative to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities can be found at www.TZDarkansas.org

Baptist Health updated COVID screening sites

By Brandon Riddle Baptist Health Comm.

Specialist LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Baptist Health has updated its listing of screening sites in southwest Arkansas that evaluate people who are concerned about possible exposure to COVID-19. The Arkansas Department of Health recommends COVID-19 testing for those who think they have been exposed to COVID-19 or develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath.

Available locations set up by Baptist Health as of Friday, July 10, are below:

Pike County alcohol referendum grinds to a halt, not on ballot MURFREESBORO The attempt to place an alcohol referendum for Pike County on the upcoming general election in November has officially ground to a halt.

The Pike County Improvement Committee officially ceased operations last week in its attempt to obtain 1,959 signed petitions, which is 38% of the 5,154 registered voters in Pike County as of the June 2019 certification process by the Pike County Clerk.

Citing the prohibitions of the COVID-19 pandemic as the major reason for the halt, group spokesman

AR Speed enforcement

Arkadelphia: Parking lot of Baptist Health Family Clinic-Caddo Valley, 10 Montgomery Drive. The drive-thru clinic is an extension of the clinic and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice.

Those who have symptoms and need to be screened at the Clark County site should call ahead to (870) 245-2198 to schedule an appointment for the drive-thru clinic.

Please do not come to the drive-thru testing center without an appointment time.

Camden: COVID-19 acute care clinic set up at Ouachita Valley Family Clinic-A Baptist Health Affiliate, 353 Cash Road. The acute care clinic is an extension of the main clinic, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Those who have symptoms related to COVID-19 and wish to be seen or those who only wish to have a COVID-19 test are required to call the clinic office at (870) 836-8101 for more information.

Malvern: Behind Baptist Health-Hot Spring County, 1001 Schneider Drive. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice.

To access lab results including those from COVID-19 screenings, sign up for MyChart and download the MyChart app. It is the easy and secure way for patients to manage their health care and access much of their medical records online.

Baptist Health remains committed to its mission of providing quality patientcentered services and responding to the health needs of Arkansans with Christian compassion.

Visit baptist-health.com/ coronavirus for more details regarding the healthcare system’s response to COVID-19, including information about what to do while a test is pending, enhanced safety measures at Baptist Health facilities and inperson and virtual services from providers.

About Baptist Health Baptist Health is Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization with more than 200 points of access that include 11 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community and over 100 primary and specialty care clinics in Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.

The system additionally offers a college with studies in nursing and allied health; a graduate residency program; and access to virtual care anytime, anywhere.

Baptist Health, as the largest not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, provides care to patients wherever they are through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs.

For more information about Baptist Health, visit baptist-health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app. Find us on Facebook,

2 News

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Westerman, “A win for religious freedom”

By Bruce Westerman U.S. Representative “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” These opening words of the First Amendment are foundational to American law and society.

As a congressman, it’s my constitutional duty to oppose any law that would infringe on an American’s right to practice their religion. For this reason, I was pleased to see the Supreme Court rule in favor of religious liberty in the case of Little Sisters of the Poor vs.

Pennsylvania.

The facts of the case: under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Department

of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandated that employers must offer health insurance plans that cover at least some contraceptive costs. The only ones excluded from this rule were churches and nonprofit religious groups (for-profit religious groups and religious schools were still under the mandate). This led to the case of Burwell vs. Hobby Lobby, when the Supreme Court created a new exception to the ACA in which for-profit religious organizations could outline their moral objections to the mandate in a special form to HHS. The Little Sisters of the Poor later based their case on the Trump administration’s conscience-based objection rule, asking that

their moral and religious objections allow them to be exempted from the ACA mandate. On Wednesday, July 8, the Supreme Court ruled in their favor in a 7-2 decision.

At its core, this was a case about religious freedom. Should the federal government force a private, religious organization to provide a good or service that goes against their moral convictions? The answer is no, according to our Constitution. I signed on to an amicus brief earlier this year supporting the Little Sisters of the Poor and asking the Supreme Court to rule on their behalf, so I am glad to see the justices supporting the free exercise of religion.

Voting during the COVID-19 pandemic

By Asa Hutchinson Arkansas Gov. LITTLE ROCK – The leaders of the major political parties in Arkansas are united in their determination to assure everyone can cast their ballot in November safely and securely.

Under state law, a voter who can’t vote in person on Election Day because of travel, illness, or physical disability may cast an absentee ballot.

Secretary of State John Thurston has said a health concern because of COVID-19 is a qualifying reason to vote absentee. In other words, anyone who fears that going to a polling place on November 3rd will put his or her health at risk may request an absentee ballot.

In the midst of the national discussion about safely voting in the age of COVID-19, Secretary Thur-

ston, Democrat Party Chairman Michael John Gray, and Republican Party Chairman Doyle Webb joined me during a news conference in a show of unity. Many Arkansans wondered what the general election in Arkansas would look like this year. Secretary Thurston assured Arkansas that it will look like every other election except that voters may be wearing a mask and gloves.

Hand sanitizer will be at polls in abundance, paid for with money from the federal CARES Act, as well as disposable stylus pens for your signature and vote.

Information about absentee voting is on the Secretary of State’s website. The most important thing to know is that in order to vote, you must be a registered voter.

If you are registering to vote, you must submit your application at least thirty days before the election.

You may apply for an absentee ballot on line or in person. If you apply in person, you must apply by the close of business the day before the election. To apply by mail or online, your application must be submitted seven days before the election.

Early voting in person at designated polls is allowed two weeks before the election.

Election Day 2020 will be the same but a little bit different. Whether you vote in person, early, or absentee, vote. The leaders of Arkansas’s two primary political parties agree that every vote matters. They have shown that through their agreement on absentee voting. Whatever our disagreements, we find a way to the solution that is best for all Arkansans.

Festive Fourth passes, hot weather to continue

By Sherry Kelley Gurdon Mayor It was a safe and festive Fourth of July in Gurdon.

All evening you could see many fireworks from your front porch. Some of them were nearly as big as those you would watch at Lake DeGray. It was amazing and quite a celebration.

Are you watching the Governor’s Corona Virus updates? In the past few weeks, the numbers have been high and the trend generally upward. So far this

week it’s up and down. Due to these numbers and the Governor’s social distancing guidelines we have cancelled all scheduled events at The Market On Main. One family had planned for over a year to hold a double graduation party. It is with regret that we will not be able to let them have thier celebration at the venue, but a bigger regret would be an outbreak in Gurdon. So far, Gurdon and Clark County have been doing pretty good virus wise.

Let’s keep it that way. We

are all waiting on a vaccine.

Our sewer main replacement is nearly complete.

Waiting for the weather to clear and the soil to dry was the biggest challenge. Thank you to our understanding customers and to May Construction. It is good to have this job behind us.

Some of the hottest weather of the year may be upon us this weekend. Take care of yourself and others and the pets, too.

Two arrests follow in Dermott homicide and disturbance case AR State Police Public Affairs Office Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division, assisted by Dermott Police, late [Saturday] arrested Mario Milton, 27, and Alicia King, 24, both of Dermott.

Milton is charged with Murder (1st degree), and Battery (1st degree). King is charged with Hindering Apprehen-

sion or Prosecution.

Both were jailed in Chicot County and are scheduled for a first appearance hearing [Monday].

Dermott police received a telephone call about 12:22 AM [Thursday] reporting the shooting incident. Only 45 minutes earlier a local police officer had been sent to the Skipper Bridge Road address to quell a distur-

bance that had arisen out of an argument.

When police arrived at the residence a second time, Carolyn Hayes was seen walking in the front yard, but wounded. Her son was laying in the yard, unresponsive and was later declared dead at an area hospital.

Body discovered off of 322 Buck Fever Highway AR State Police Public Affairs Office Bradley County Sheriff’s Deputies discovered the body of Crissy Lee Jacks, 44, of 322 Buck Fever Highway (U.S. 278) in Banks Monday. Authorities later con-

tacted the Arkansas State Police requesting assistance.

Based on evidence found at the residence, Special Agents of the Criminal Investigation Division are treating the case as a homicide. Jacks’ body has been transported to the Arkan-

sas State Crime Laboratory where the manner and cause of death will be determined.

It’s believed Jacks was last seen alive late Sunday outside her home. Agents are continuing their investigation.

Arkadelphia Dispatch

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

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

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

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

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

870-403-2019

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

870-403-2019

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

512-750-2292

Arkadelphia Dispatch

News 3

Thursday, July 16, 2020

“The Old Guard” review plus other movies to stream at home

By Pete Tubbs Interim Editor in Chief

Charlize Theron is one of the most interesting leading ladies in Hollywood. With a career spanning for over two decades, she’s carved out a place in the pantheon of great movie actors.

Since her first role in 1995’s “Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest,” she’s been in all sorts of different genres. While perhaps now known best for her action roles because of her tour-deforce role in George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road,” Theron has proved herself to be much more than shoot ‘em up fodder. With three Oscar nominations under her belt and a win for playing serial killer Aileen Wuornos in “Monster,” she’s got the chops to do pretty much anything she wants.

Of course, with great power comes great responsibility, and her ability to draw a crowd with just her name means that she’s been apart of some less than stellar products. Movies like the “Huntsman” series, “A Million Ways to Die in the West,” and “Aeon Flux” show that even our best actors sometimes appear

in trash. While Netflix’s actioner “The Old Guard” isn’t trash, it’s certainly not a masterpiece.

Based on the comic of the same name by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernandez, “The Old Guard” finds a team of virtually immortal soldiers as they fight for survival (?) when a pharmacuetical magnate targets them for experimentation.

With a fantastic plot and a cast led by Theron, Netflix struck gold, right?

Well, yes. In terms of numbers, they have struck gold. While Netflix doesn’t release their exact streaming numbers, “The Old Guard” is seemingly doing quite well on the service.

Was it gold for me? I’d say it’s a little less than bronze.

With movies that feature healing heroes, there’s always a big flaw. How does the story stay interesting if we’re not scared for the protagonists?

While (spoiler alert) it’s revealed about halfway through that, at some point, these soldier’s powers eventually burn out, they’ve already lived thousands of years. Why should we care if they died at this point?

Photo Courtesy of Netflix Charlize Theron leads the cast in Netflix’s newest big-budget action picture.

Heck, it would probably even be a sort of a blessing for them to not have to keep getting shot in the face every day.

Of course with every problem there is a solution.

For me, the solution to this problem would be to write interesting characters that the audience can’t wait to spend more time with. Unfortunately, the characters in this movie are a bit too emotionally “guarded” to come off as anything but dull.

As I’ve previously stated, I’m a big fan of Theron.

When she’s on screen, it’s

hard not to watch her because of her sheer commitment to whatever goofy and self serious line she’s spouting. If you ask me now, though, I could only tell you one thing about her.

That one thing stems from the best scene of the movie in which the tragic fate of one of the old, old guards is revealed. I don’t want to spoil it here, but it’s wrenching and exceedingly well acted and it’s almost enough to make this movie worth watching.

Apart from the downfalls of the character arcs, there are actually some pretty

interesting fight scenes. One in particular features only Theron in a church with dozens of baddies swarming her. It’s in times like these that the movie comes alive. It makes me wish that the threads leading to and from the action scenes were as good.

As it stands, “The Old Guard” is a dull, sometimes stylish actioner that benefits from some good acting and fun action but too often is weighed down by somber realizations and forgettable characters. If you’re looking for a way to spend a couple of hours to watch an action scene every couple of minutes while spontaneously scrolling on your phone, I guess you could do worse.

While I can’t say I loved “The Old Guard,” there are plenty of other movies to watch on streaming services that are probably worth looking in to.

The first is Tom Hanks’ new WWII movie “Greyhound.” In it, Hanks plays a Navy Commander who must survive submarine attacks during the Battle of the Atlantic.

Co-written by Hanks and directed by Aaron Schnei-

der, this one looks to be solid entertainment. It is now streaming on Apple TV +.

The next major streaming release is the Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti rom-com “Palm Springs.”

This one finds two strangers who meet at a wedding and get stuck in a time loop.

While many movies use the patented “Groundhog Day” convention of time loops, it should be interesting to see how it works in the romantic comedy subgenre.

It’s received fantastic reviews from critics and is now streaming on Hulu.

Unless you’ve been living firmly under a rock for the last five or so years, you’ve probably heard the word “Hamilton” come out of many mouths. The Lin Manuel Miranda led broadway phenomenon has swept the country and been the talk of many towns for years now. The infamously “hard ticket to get” is now available for home viewing on Disney Plus.

For continuing entertainment reviews and coverage keep checking back with The Dispatch.

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

According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, a total of 323 deaths have occurred in the state as of June 16. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 28,939cases with 6,127 active and 17,834 recovered.

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

The Dispatch will post an updated version of this graph weekly according to what is available from the

Department of Health and state officials.

As the cases continue to rise, more and more states are reverting back to more strict quarantine and social distance rules.

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

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

Arkadelphia Dispatch

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

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

4 News

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Hooten’s Ark Football features II Top 30 Poll features HSU Badgers and Go-Devils

College football America Division

ARKADELPHIA — Henderson State received recognition from the College Football America Yearbook (CFAY) on Tuesday when the Reddies were slotted at No. 22 in the publication’s Preseason Top-30 poll for NCAA Division II. The Reddies, who went 9-3 last season and were the Great American Conference’s representative in the Live United Bowl, were one of three GAC teams to earn a Top-30 nod in the poll, joining Ouachita Baptist (No. 12) and Harding (No. 17).

Ten different teams from

BENTON — The cover story for the 28th annual Hooten’s Arkansas Football bookazine goes in-depth with 58-year old Sam Pittman, documenting his rise from nomadic college assistant to SEC head coach. In the extensive high school section, conference coaches voted Arkadelphia to finish third in the 7-4A and Gurdon to win the 5-2A. The book retails for $16.99 and is on sale locally at Brookshire’s, Walgreens and Wal-Mart.

The 416-page book, which takes six months to compile, offers the most comprehensive preseason

football coverage in Arkansas. Hooten’s picks the rebuilding Razorbacks to finish seventh in the SEC West.

In addition to providing extensive coverage of every high school team in the state, the book offers an in-depth preview on the Razorbacks and coverage on each Southeastern Conference school. Arkansas State and every state college are ranked as well as all 130 Division I college teams in America.

The national award-winning Hooten’s Arkansas Football features coaches’ polls for each high school conference, statewide rank-

ings for every team, super teams for each classification, the state’s Top 50 recruits, a national college poll and complete high school schedules.

Alabama is tabbed to win the SEC West, followed by LSU, Auburn, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Arkansas. Georgia is picked to win the SEC Eastern Division, followed by Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, Missouri and Vanderbilt.

Arkansas State is ranked third in the Sun Belt and 87th nationally. Appalachian State is picked to win the Sun Belt, followed by Louisiana-Fafayette.

Clemson is Hooten’s preseason No. 1 team, followed

by Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia and Penn State.

Ouachita Baptist is picked to win the Great American Conference, followed by Harding, Henderson, Southern Arkansas, UAM and Arkansas Tech.

Hooten’s high school favorites to win it all in 2020 are Bryant in Class 7A, Benton in Class 6A, Pulaski Academy in Class 5A, Joe T. Robinson in Class 4A, Harding Academy in Class 3A and Fordyce in Class 2A. The book is published annually by Hooten Publishing, Inc., of Benton.

NORTH LITTLE ROCK – July 12, 2020 – Pulaski, Saline, and Garland Counties, in coordination with the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), will conduct a virtual location public hearing to present the preferred alternative for the Southwest Trail (bicycle and pedestrian path) connecting the City of Hot Springs with the City of Little Rock.

The virtual location pub-

lic hearing will be hosted at SWTrail.TransportationPlanRoom.com beginning Sunday, July 12, 2020 and ending Wednesday, August 26, 2020. The public is invited and encouraged to visit the virtual site anytime during the scheduled dates to view the project information and offer comments.

Project information can be emailed or mailed upon request. The virtual location public hearing (no in-person meeting) will include a pre-

recorded presentation, the Environmental Assessment (EA), study information, exhibits, an interactive map, and comment form.

Anyone with limited internet access, wants to submit a recorded oral comment, or has general questions or comments regarding the study or virtual location public hearing may call (501) 823-0730.

For inquiries about agency notices of nondiscrimination, please contact Public-

Involvement@GarverUSA. com. Free language assistance for Limited English Proficient individuals is available upon request.

About Garver Founded in 1919, Garver is an employee-owned multi-disciplined engineering, planning, architectural, and environmental services firm with nearly 800 employees across the United States.

Virtual hearing for alt. for Southwest Trail

Super Region 3 appear in the preseason CFAY rankings.

Led by head coach Scott Maxfield, who will be entering his 16th year with the program and eclipsed 100 wins at the school last fall, Henderson returns key playmakers on both sides of the ball from a squad that was third in the league in both scoring offense and scoring defense in 2019.

Henderson opens the 10game 2020 regular season on Sept. 10 when it hosts East Central at 7 p.m. in Arkadelphia.