Arkadelphia Dispatch - May 21, 2020

Vol. 2, No. 18

Thursday, May 21, 2020

H end erson i ssues furl oug hs i n effort to c l ose bud g et g a p from p a nd em i c Henderson State University issued a furlough for 12-month employees for Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22.

In an e-mail to all employees late Tuesday, acting president Elaine Kneebone announced the furloughs are necessary to close an approximately $800,000 budget gap caused by the corona virus pandemic.

Arkansas State University System president Chuck Welch and Kneebone made several petitions to Gov. Asa Hutchinson and the state in recent weeks for funding to fill the shortfall, but as of Tuesday were unsuccessful.

Welch said Gov. Hutchison has been supportive of Henderson’s needs, but a three-member panel of legislators denied the most recent request for $825,000 late last week.

The Arkansas Legislative Council will reconsider HSU’s request at its meeting on Wednesday, May 27 at 9

a.m. in Little Rock.

“Pending the decision made next week, we will be able to make a decision about whether further furloughs will be necessary and, if so, to what extent,” Kneebone said in an e-mail to employees.

HSU has been struggling to overcome a budget deficit that grew to approximately $5 million under former president Glen Jones and former vice president of finance Brett Powell. Employees had already faced a 3% pay reduction and a reduction in retirement contributions.

In a public video conference meeting on Monday attended by more than 260 HSU employees, the media and members of the public, Welch said HSU was making great strides to balance its 2019-2020 fiscal year budget, but federal and state cuts due to the pandemic created a new shortfall.

HS employees affected

by the furloughs will be able to apply for unemployment benefits under Arkansas’ Shared Work Program.

Kneebone assured employees that health insurance and other benefits will continue.

Faculty teaching summer classes online will also see a pay reduction due directly to the pandemic-related shortfall.

All summer classes will continue to be offered through remote instruction, but Kneebone is preparing for four possible scenarios for the fall semester: Fall goes forward with in-person classes and students living on campus; Fall starts as planned but transitions online later in the term; Fall starts online but transitions to in-person instruction; Fall starts and finishes online.

Decisions regarding the fall semester will depend on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Arkansas Department of

Health, officials said.

On Monday following the public meeting, Welch confirmed in an e-mail to employees that former president Jones “verbally stated that he would not return to Henderson as a Professor of Accounting in the fall semester.” This came after many comments and questions about Jones’ status at the university and whether he would be receiving his contracted pay while others were furloughed.

“I am thankful to Dr. Jones for his recognition of our challenging situation,” Welch said, “and I wish him well in his future endeavors.”

After Jones’ departure in July 2019, Kneebone and Welch began working together to bring HSU into the Arkansas State University System. The process is ongoing and will not be concluded until 2021. The merger agreement gives the ASU system the right to retain a third party to review

Arkansas tate niversit ste resident h k el h Henderson’s operations and financial standing. The AS system has issued a request for proposals for third-party audit services. ones and owell testified before the state’s Legislative Joint Auditing Committee on Feb. 28.

The Arkansas Legisla-

enderson tate niversit A tin resident laine nee one ture’s review of Henderson’s finances continues with the Joint Performance Review Committee on Friday, May 22 at 9 a.m.

The committee will hear additional testimony regarding the university’s 2017and financial audits.

o n il a k at re lar site e ers fill ard position

By Pete Tubbs 10 years, Cummings went to rectors that include TayInterim Editor in Chief Henderson State and raised lor Chaney (Ward 1), Chris The Arkadelphia City a family here. He said, “it’s Porter (Ward 2), and David Council meets every first time to step up and serve the Goodman (Ward 3). and third Tuesday of the people in my ward.”

The next item on the bill month to discuss pressing The third applicant for was to accept a bid for a sicity matters and governmen- Ward 4 to speak was Zach ren replacement for one of tal duties. the city’s that was damaged Bledsoe.

As of late, the team has A two-time graduate of during a recent storm. The been meeting in one of the HSU, Zach returned to Arka- board voted unanimously fire houses in town, but delphia last year to be closer to accept the bid. One of Tuesday they finally re- to his sister and nephew and the most important develturned to their normal meet- believes that Arkadelphia opments of the night was ing place, Town Hall. is a superior town because the decision to lease Gum The meeting commenced of the “affordable housing Springs’ Fire Department at 5:30 p.m., and while the and quiet and peaceful com- which was also unanimously location was similar, the munity.” approved. gathering was unusual. City Two out of six water filBledsoe closed with sayleadership decided to fol- ing “if it weren’t for HSU ters at the water department Assistant rin ipal rent ith and perintendent arla eather pi t red handed o t low COVID-19 precaution and the people in this com- received bids to be cleaned diplo as alon ith rin ipal ikki ho as at rda at Arkadelphia i h hool guidelines which meant that munity, I wouldn’t be where that the Water and Sewer most of the attendees were I am today.”

Committee recommended wearing masks and none of After pausing for any to be voted on by the council them were within six feet of questions posed by the which warranted some disone another. board, the members went cussion but ultimately lead Director of Ward 4 has to executive session where to approval unanimously recently been left vacant and they spoke about the can- as well. the first item on the checklist didates and their spoken One of the most discussed

By Pete Tubbs for the night was to fill this words. When they returned, subjects of the night reInterim Editor in Chief position. each member voted on pa- volved around the implicaThe first half of 2020 Three men were in con- per ballots and there was tion and implementation has been a roller coaster tention for the job, and all a unanimous vote for Rio of citations and violations ride filled with more downs three were given the op- Cummings. on those who don’t take than ups. There aren’t portunity to provide short Cummings was sworn in care of their properties in many people that haven’t spoken testimonies.

by Honorable Judge Randy town. This was added to the had some sort of negative The first was James D. Hill. agenda to be discussed for effect extending from the Nelson, who worked for In what Mayor Byrd called the next meeting. coronavirus pandemic, and county roads for 25 years. a “first,” udge Hill and DiThe next gathering of high school students are no He said he wants to give back rector of Ward 4 Cummings city leadership will be on different. to the community by serving bumped elbows instead of June 2 at Town Hall. Until One of the largest downthe Ward he holds so dear. shaking hands to finish the further notice, precautions sides for students was unRio Cummings was sec- swearing in. pertaining to COVID-19 will doubtedly the prospect of ond up to the podium. An Cummings joins a crowd be adhered to during these not having a formal graduaArkadelphian for more than of three other Ward Di- meetings. tion. For Arkadelphia High School seniors, however, this problem was mostly solved when a private graduation ceremony was held last Saturday.

The ceremony was a drive through affair in which parents and family were instructed to watch from their car. Another precaution included not allowing escorts, who were 2020 juniors that had top grade points, to attend the ceremony. These honorary escorts included Caroline Bennington, Rachel Bosley, Carson Craft, Danny Curl, Taylor Dunkelgod, Kyla Elgas, Lily Kesterson, Haylee McClain, Shepherd Molinari, Madison Morris, Kerigan Overturf and Dave dne Marie Motl as hosen to deliver this ear s a Rohant. a de spee h This year, each recipient of Summa Cum Laude hon- Marie Motl had the talent who delivered the faculors had the option to turn and good fortune for her ty challenge, and senior class officers who directed Assistant Ma or oland ose ra ks a s ile at hat Ma or ott B rd alled a first in a recorded speech out of speech to be picked. onora le d e and ill ped el o s ith ne ire tor-ele t o ard io In addition to Motl, oth- the welcome, pledge of alwhich a special committee in s to adhere to - sa et re lations ill s ore in in s at esda chose one to air on gradua- er speakers for the event See G ra d s a e ni ht s eetin o the Arkadelphia it o n il tion day. This year, Sydney included: Ashley Wesley

Rol l er c oa ster ri d e A

lass o

t rns tassels

2 News

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

W e must not forget about v eterans from V ietnam era U .S R ep . Bru c e W esterm an ( R -Ark .)

With all eyes focused on COVID-19 relief efforts, it’s easy to lose sight of others in our health care system, those with chronic illnesses or underlying medical issues. One particular group in need of assistance is veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during the ietnam ar and are suffering from severe illnesses as a result. ven as we seek to repair the flaws in our medical system and protect Americans against the spread of CO ID , we must not forget about the men and women who served our country and yet can’t get the benefits they need. ust over a year ago, I introduced two bills in the House to address this issue. H.R. has cosponsors, and would add nine illnesses to the list of Agent Orange related diseases covered by the A. HR has

cosponsors, and expands the presumption that if members of the armed forces serving in Thailand during the ietnam ar are associated with herbicide exposures, that presumption extends to all members of the armed forces serving in Thailand at the time, regardless of rank or service on the base.

This bill is based on a constituent case from my district, Mr. Bill Rhodes, who has been denied A medical benefits even though he was exposed to Agent Orange.

It’s high time we keep our promises to these veterans and give them the benefits they deserve after exposure to toxic herbi cides.

We have bipartisan support for both bills, and I’ll continue advocating on their behalf in D.C. I urge the House Committee on eterans’ Affairs to bring this legislation up for consideration.

Testing a v ital component in state’s CO V ID- 19 battle

By Go v . Asa H u tc hi n so n Today I’d like to talk about our CO ID testing and a new partnership with the Ar kansas Community Health Centers.

In an effort to flatten the curve and in crease testing for CO ID , I have consis tently encouraged individuals with a simple message “If you think you have symptoms, don’t wait get tested.”

On April st, I created a Testing Advisory roup to expand and increase testing in the state. e have increased testing in high risk settings, such as long term care facilities. e have expanded testing to include all people who think they have been exposed to the virus, even if they aren’t showing symptoms.

At the beginning of this month, we set a goal of conducting , tests during the month of May. If we are able to do , tests, that’s of our state population and a key part of the hite House Coronavirus Task Force recommendations for ramping up states’ testing numbers.

Since we had the first positive case in Arkansas on March th, when we first de clared the emergency, we started increasing our testing. As of May th, we had a little over , this month. To put that in per spective, since March th, or over the last days we have done about , tests.

So even though we re not to our goal yet, the nearly , in the first two weeks in May alone shows we are on the right track, and we are optimistic about meeting our goal.

I announced a new partnership with the Community Health Centers across Ar kansas. hen C O, aShannon Spencer, called upon her community health centers and asked them what more they can do to support the testing initiative of our state. In response, they committed to provide over , test collections, per week, in May to add to this objective of reaching our ,

goal. Their health centers across the state are offering multiple testing sites, including drive thru screenings and testing tents, all free of charge.

I was delighted by a conversation that took place in my office between Ms. Spencer and Secretary of Health Nate Smith. hen aShannon said all we need are swabs and we might need some help with that, Dr. Smith responded, “Don t worry, we ve got plenty.” hen you are talking about and supply chain and working together for the health and safety of all Arkansans, that’s exactly what you want to hear. I applaud the leadership of the community health centers and our public health officials for working together in this critical partnership.

Another great partnership is with almart. They have partnered to provide approximately mobile testing units across the country. Currently, they have three operating in Bentonville, ittle Rock, and Fort Smith and jrecently announced additional sites in onesboro, Hot Springs, Texarkana and est Memphis.

During this hase One period of lifting restrictions, we must expand our economy, but we have to manage the expansion to minimi e the virus impact.

If we’re in a war, radar tells us where the enemy is on the hori on. Testing is our radar system and tracking is our first defense.

It gives us an early warning capability for where there s an increased potential of an outbreak so we can get a handle on it. And that is our objective. e have to learn to live and manage and work through the potential of CO ID in the next year until we get a vaccine. And to accomplish that, testing is a critical part having the proper infrastructure in place.

‘I f w e ’r e i n a w a r , r a d a r t e l l s u s w h e r e t h e e n e m y i s o n t h e h o r i z o n .

Testing is our radar system; and tracking is our first defense.’

G o v . A s a H u tc h in s o n

U p c om i ng E v ents Second B aptist Church in Amity will host the Nashvi llebased B obby B owen F amily B and in Concert, offering old and new Christian country favo rites, at 11 a. m. Sun. , May 3 1 at the church, 119 Elm St. , Amity. Tickets to the concert are free, but the church is asking interested persons to reserve a seat vi a Eve ntbrite; search for the band’s name. V isit https: / / www. bobbybowen. com/ for more information on the group. > > > < < < Arkadelphia Bands had planned to host its first-ever Mattress Sale F undraiser from 10 a. m. - 5 p. m. Sat. , April 18 at AHS, 4 01 High School R oad, but that’s been postponed to Aug. 1. The fundraising sale will feature brands such as Simmons, B eautyrest, and more, with on- site mattresses priced up to 5 0% below retail. > > > < < < Mena plans to stage its 4 5 Annual Q ueen W ilhelmina R od R un from Aug. 28 - 29 as street rods and hot rods descend on the town.

The two- day eve nt features a street dance and three chances for entrants to put their cars through their paces. F or more information, vi sit https: / / www. q ueenwilhelminarodrun. com/ . > > > < < < The Spring Haza rdous Household W aste eve nt that was scheduled for last Sat. was cancelled as a result of CO V ID- 19 precautions. The Southwest R egional Solid W aste Management District will continue with the F all Household Haza rdous W aste eve nt on O ct. 17 . The Southwest R egional Solid W aste Management District is the planning board that ove rsees solid waste management for Clark, G arland, and Hot Spring Counties.

In previ ous years, the district has hosted two annual Household Haza rdous W aste eve nts to offer citize ns of each county the opportunity to dispose of haza rdous waste that sanitation departments cannot pick up as part of routine trash pick- up.

Exp ect more details closer to the eve nt. > > > O ng oi ng < < < Alcoholics Anonymous hosts two meetings a week in Arkadelphia. The meetings are open to anyone interested in AA’s program of recove ry. The Arkadelphia G roup meets at 7 p. m. eve ry Tues. in the Sturgis B uilding at North 9 and Caddo Streets. F or more information on the Arkadelphia G roup Meetings, call 8 7 0- 4 03 - 3 001. The U - Turn G roup meets at 7 p. m. eve ry Thurs. on the front, upper leve l of P ark Hill B aptist Church, 3 16 3 Hollywood R oad. F or information on that group’s meetings, call 8 7 0- 23 0- 29 7 5 or 8 7 0- 26 0- 9 27 7 . > > > < < < 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 B uilding, corner of 9 and Caddo.

8 7 0- 4 03 - 2019 - Thurs. at 6 : 3 0 p. m. , P ark Hill B aptist Church.

8 7 0- 4 03 - 2019 - F ri. at noon, Clark County Library, 6 09 Caddo St. , side door.

5 12- 7 5 0- 229 2

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Thursday, May 21, 2020

F ormer editor: P aper plays v ital role

By Bi l l Sutl ey F ormer editor If you’re reading this, then it means there’s someone else trying to breathe new life into the A r k a d e l p h i a D i s p a t c h – and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

After nearly a year and a half as the founding editor of the D i s p a t c h , I decided early this year for a variety of reasons that it would be time in early May for me to step aside from this all-consuming role. Arkadelphia deserves its own newspaper to continue, and I hope to help in any way possible. But there needs to be younger hands at the helm working the occasional 27-hour shift as I retreat to an advisory role.

My old college friend, N a s h v ille N e w s - L e a d e r publisher John Schirmer, first talked to me in fall about starting a weekly Arkadelphia newspaper. About a month earlier, GateHouse Media had shut down the year old D a i l y S i f t i n g s H e r a l d , the first of several newspapers where I worked over four decades.

Of course, as most long-

time locals know, the S i f t i n g s was but a shadow of its former self — publishing only two days a week as fewer ad dollars arrived and more staffers departed. It took no genius to discern that a weekly could probably thrive as long as its content remained laser-focused on local news and sports. That’s been the case so far.

I’ve enjoyed renewing my love affair with my hometown since returning in 2014 after a year absence lived in seven other cities and towns as I moved from my initial newspapering career to work in university public relations and, finally, teaching at the university level. Editing the D i s p a t c h brought me full circle.

It was June 6, 1972, the first day I started working at age 17) at the D a i l y S i f t i n g s H e r a l d . President Nixon had met with China’s Chairman Mao a few months earlier, but the big story on the S i f t i n g s ’ Page 1 that day was the attempt to recover a fisherman’s body from the thennew Lake DeGray. I covered a couple of similar drowning stories in 2019. Arkadel-

phia’s a different town than it was then, and the Internet has transformed journalism, the world and our everyday lives, but there’s still a need for a local news source. A weekly newspaper makes the most sense.

Now, more than ever, Arkadelphians need to know how their tax dollars are being spent, what’s going on in terms of local events, who their local heroes and anti-heroes) are, why there are still unmet social needs and when to act on local opportunities. “Keep it simple,” I used to tell journalism students at Henderson State and elsewhere. The main questions to ask are: Who, what, when, where, why and how?

It’s good to know there will be new voices asking the questions and pressing for answers.

Support your local newspaper. Patronize its advertisers.

For some, the weekly newspaper might be a quaint artifact, but it still fills a need that’s not being truly met by any other single source of local news and information.

Grace Curtis, Olivia Christine Dixon, Aisha Faiq, Wyatt Dillon Forthman, Sawyer Continued James Goodrum, Madison from page 1 Kelli Green, McKinley Faith legiance, introduction of Green, Aryanna Nacole Motl and Wesley, and the Gutierrez, Patrick Timothy closing. Class officers in- Hayes, Lorenzo Jermaine clude President Patrick Lawson, Lynli Caroline LowTimothy Hayes, Vice Presi- ry, Hannah Kaitlyn More, dent Sawyer James Goo- Yebo Foti Moyo, Cannon drum, Secretary Gunner Russell Turner and Cole Fitch Johnson, Treasurer Daniel Turner. In order to Aisha Faiq and Reporter receive this merit, each stuOlivia Christine Dixon. dent earned a GPA of 4.001 In addition to Sydney or better and a composite the Henderson State UniMarie Motl, other Summa ACT score of 21 or better versity Oracle for three years Cum Laude recipients in- with no sub scores lower now, I’ve studied under the cluded Callaway Arnold than 19. most intelligent and comFor those unable to attend Batson, Brynn Elise Clark, passionate instructors this Caleb Ray Cornelius, Lun- by car, the entire graduation side of Harvard, and I’ve den Aaron Cotton, Kristen was streamed on the Arkaaccrued skills and insights that won’t leave me as long as I live. As I move into not only serving HSU’s campus, but the city around it, I will bring with me the lessons I’ve learned both good and bad throughout my years as a student.

If any one of you has any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I hope that together we can continue the goodwill that our city has already gained.

New editor: ‘No less than the truth’

By Pete Tubbs Interim Editor in Chief Hello, people of Arkadelphia. You may be wondering who I am and why my name is on this paper all of the sudden. Well, my name is Wade “Pete” Tubbs, and I’m the new Interim Editor P ete Tubbs in Chief of the A r k a d e l p h i a I’ll always have a loyalty D is p a tc h .

First off, it’s an honor to to my home town, but the even be considered for the people of Arkadelphia are position of bringing news now my family, and I can’t to the great people of this wait to serve them the best great town. When I moved I can with the words of this from Hamburg to here five paper. I can’t promise you all years ago, I never thought that I will always be perfect, I’d consider this place my but I can promise to always home. It’s wild to think be honest and report no less how the times have changed than the absolute truth.

I’ve been working with since then.

tor of philosophy, doctor of medicine, doctor of pharmacy, doctor of nursing practice, master of science, master of nursing science, bachelor of science in nursing, master of public health, doctor of public health, master of health administration, postbaccalaureate certificate in public health and a variety of degrees in allied health disciplines including certificates, associate and bachelor of science degrees, postbaccalaureate certificates, master of communication sciences and disorders, master of genetic counseling, master of physi-

in-law, Carolyn Bell of Arkadelphia four grandsons, Jeremy Bell of Arkadelphia, James Lewis and wife Sarah of Seattle WA, Thomas Lewis and wife Amanda of Boston MA, and William ewis of Albu uer ue NM one great-granddaughter, Charlotte Isabel Lewis of Boston MA. Due to the coronavirus pandemic the family will hold a private graveside service.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Humane Society of Clark County, 627 Walnut Street, Arkadelphia AR 71923 or Humane Society of Saline County 7600 Bauxite Highway Bauxite AR 72011. delphia Public Schools and Arkadelphia High School Facebook pages. While this most likely would not have been anyone’s preference when it came to 2020 high school graduation, at least some sort of tribute to the students took place.

Principal Nikki Thomas, Superintendent Dr. Karla Neathery, and Assistant Principal Trent Smith had the honor of handing out diplomas. In response to the success of the ceremony, Principal Thomas said, “[It] went very well giving the circumstances,” which included not only the COVID-19 restrictions but rainy weather as well.

News. Sports. F eatures.

K eep up with your community eve ry week in your local paper.

Ark a d el p hi a D i sp a tc h

Area stud ents ea rn U AM S d eg rees

Degrees and certificates were conferred to 914 graduates of the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences’ AMS five colleges and graduate school today. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, no commencement ceremony was held.

Degrees were awarded to 165 in the College of Medicine, 255 in the College of Nursing, 112 in the College of Pharmacy, 67 in the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, 257 in the College of Health Professions, and in the raduate School.

Degrees and certificates conferred include the doc-

Obituary

ary 3, 1929 in Nevada County to W.L. & Lillie Mae Glaze.

Flora enjoyed music, animals and cooking especially holidays making her family favorites, jam cake, dressing, pies and so much more.

She so loved her family and friends and they loved her.

She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone she met.

She is preceded in death by her first husband William Bill Bell son, illiam F lo ra E li z ab eth Glaz e Ronnie Bell brother, ClevBell C li n e and Glaze and two sisters, Flora Elizabeth Glaze Ina McKay and Ines Glaze.

Bell Cline age 91, of Benton She is survived by her passed away Sunday, May husband, Roy Cline of Ben17, 2020. ton son, Rex Bell and wife Flora was born on Janu- ane of Maumelle daughter

G ra d s

News 3

cian assistant studies, doctor of audiology and doctor of physical therapy.

The following are area graduates who authorized the release of their name and hometown.

C o lleg e o f N u rsi n g Amity - Brandi Jones Arkadelphia - Brittany Rogers Gurdon - Krista Harper Bac helo r o f S c i en c e i n C ardi o R esp i rato ry C are Maddie Taylor - Glenwood D o c to r o f P hy si c al T herap y Arkadelphia - Katherine Coggins

Arkadelphia Dispatch Editor: P ete Tubbs

ArkadelphiaDispatch@ gmail. com 8 7 0- 23 0- 5 221 (Leave a message; calls will be returned.)

The Arkadelphia Dispatch is published weekly

by Nashv ille Leader, Inc, 119 N. Main St. ; Nashv ille, Ark. 7 18 5 2.

4 News

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

The return of NASCAR Honor roll named at AHS

By Pete Tubbs Interim Editor in Chief For many, sports is one of the utmost joys of everyday life. It breaks up continuous monotony by allowing people to compete in events that are watched the world over.

Whether it be football, golf, baseball, or any other organized competitive event, humankind has always been interested in watching others either prevail or fail by way of superior or inferior gamesmanship.

In what seems to be a domino effect of cruelty, however, this past year has seen a significant drop in viewable sports with the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeing as no one could come in contact with anyone else, most sports

have been sidelined out of health concerns.

One sports has roared back to life, though, and that is NASCAR. Darlington Raceway was host of NASCAR’s first race in over two months. The race, which took place at the aforementioned track in S.C. on Sunday, was a 400 mile bolt that served as the first race in an 11 part Cup Series.

While the Cup Series continued on Wed. with a 500 mile race in Darlington and is scheduled to continue over may other locations in the next couple of weeks, the Xfinity Series was also kicked off at Darlington on Tues. The Xfinity series will continue in Charlotte, NC on Mon. at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1.

The next race in the Cup Series can be watched on Fox this coming Sun. at 6 p.m.

ET and will be followed with a 500 kilometer race on Fox Sports 1 at 8 p.m. ET next Wed. It’s unclear when other sporting events will continue as different organizations and state governments all have their own process in deciding when to continue.

Mayor of Boston, Mass.

Marty Walsh recently stated that he may be open to continuing professional sports events in the area while barring fan attendance, although there has been no confirmation of any such plans. While the opening of NASCAR is certainly a good sign, only time will tell when it comes to future sporting endeavors being reopened for public viewing.

By Pete Tubbs Interim Editor in Chief The world is changing. For the past couple of months, humankind has been witness to one of the most tumultuous times in recent memory.

Countless businesses have been hurt and even forced to shut down. People everywhere have scrambled to find ways to persevere in a flood of uncertainty.

One of the businesses that has been through significant change as of late is the film industry.

From cancelled movies to pushed back production schedules, millions upon millions of dollars have been lost by these gargantuan studios.

Perhaps the hardest hit to the industry, however, was the closure of movie theaters. Films that studios spent hundreds of millions of dollars on and planned to hopefully recoup on are just sitting idly on their proverbial shelves.

In a changing world, though, some studios found a way to change with it.

Films that were in theaters at the time of their closure such as “The Hunt” and “The Invisible Man” were released on Video on Demand weeks after their theatrical debut.

For major studio releases, this short time span was virtually unheard of.

This tactic has become more and more enticing to studios that are suffering from a lack of income, so many of them have decided to forego theatrical releases instead opting for immediate home releases. The most recent example of this is Warner Brother’s big budget animated film “Scoob!.”

The star studded revival of the titular animal and his gang of mystery solving friends was released last Friday with a rental price tag of $19.99 and an option to purchase for $24.99. Celebrity voices for this third theatrical “Scooby-Doo” film include Will Forte, Zac Efron, Jason Isaacs, Ken Jeong, Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried, and Frank Welker.

The kid-friendly film starts off on firm footing.

The first ten minutes or

so covers how Scooby and Shaggy met, and despite its zany tone, this segment is actually quite touching.

From there, it leads into the rest of the gang forming and solving their first mystery. Of course, in classic “Scooby-Doo” style, it’s in an old haunted house. Unfortunately, that’s where “classic Scooby-Doo style” stops.

It may have been a good idea for the studio to create an entire origin story film featuring the gang as kids.

It works surprisingly well in this iteration. In fact, it works so well that the rest of the film never catches up to its spirited beginning.

The filmmakers seem to have forgotten what made the cartoon and its characters so compelling in the first place. The “Scooby-Doo” gang has been around for decades now because of how reliable its formula is.

Each character has their own specific personality, and those personalities blend fantastically with one another. It’s always a joy watching the five team members solve mysteries.

“Scoob!” has virtually none of that. After the prologue ends, Scooby and Shaggy are immediately separated from the rest of Mystery Inc., and are sucked up into Blue Falcon’s ship.

Yes, there are superheroes in this.

From then on, “Scoob!” follows two groups: Daphne, Velma, Fred and Blue Falcon, Dynomutt, Dee Dee, Shaggy, Scooby. Each of the groups do eventually meet up for the last act, but so much of the middle of the film is spent with them trying to solve the main mystery apart that it turns into something akin to a Hannah-Barbara free for all that is just seeking to fit as many of that properties’ characters into one movie as possible.

Aside from the messy plot, which involves Dick Dastardly trying to open a portal to Hell (really), the voice cast is mostly fine. In fact, when it comes to the performances, I only have one complaint.

Will Forte was one of the brightest spots of Saturday

Night Live during his tenure.

He’s long since been a solid and consistent actor and creator with successes like “MacGruber,” “Last Man on Earth,” and “Nebraska” coloring his list of works.

That being said, he was woefully miscast as Shaggy Rogers. Matthew Lillard has been voicing this character for over a decade, and why anyone thought to replace him is beyond me.

To take someone away from the franchise that’s been involved in it for eighteen years is reprehensible.

I understand the want for a big cast, but there comes a point where one just has to use their mind a little bit to see that this was a mistake from the beginning.

Forte has the chops, certainly, but here he just doesn’t sound like Shaggy.

There are notes of the high pitched anxiety here, but that trademark zing that people like Lillard and Casey Kasem were able to bring to the character is sorely lacking.

WB clearly think they have something special on their hands, and they’re not wrong.

It wouldn’t be an unwise decision to map out a cinematic universe for all of these characters to play in.

For that to be successful, though, they’d have to be careful and precise with it.

As it stands, “Scoob!” is like what the Marvel Cinematic Universe would have been if the first film it made was “Avengers” instead of “Iron Man.” This movie is all introduction and no sincere interaction.

The kids will probably be entertained by this. It’s wild, colorful, and slightly spooky.

For fans of the Scooby gang, though, this is no more than a disappointment.

For a price tag of $20$25, stay at home and watch some of the classic shows.

Heck, “Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated” is on Netflix now and it has more heart in one episode than “Scoob!” does in its entire runtime.

‘Scoob!’ comes up short

Arkadelphia High School’s honor roll for the third nine weeks includes the following: All A’s 12th Grade - Cabb Batson, Josee Bebee, Caleb Cornelius. Lunden Cotton, Kristen Curtis, Jazmine Daniels, Olivia Dixon Aisha Faiq, Wyatt Forthman, Sawyer Goodrum, Madison Green, McKinley Green, Latron Gulley, Alexandria Gutierrez, Darbeigh Hale, Patrick Hayes, Aijah Jenkins, Sammy Kirksey, Lynli Lowry, Haley Loy, Hannah More, Sydney Motl, Jasmine Riley, Reagan Rorie, Cannon Turner, Cole Turner and Diamond White All A’s & B’s 12th Grade –Haden Campbell, Brynn Clark, Haven Cooper, Garrett Dickey, James Fitzgerald, Hesley Forthman, Aryanna Gutierrez, Sha’nautica Harris, Justin Jones, Lorenzo Lawson, Ian Manning, Dorothy McDuffie, Aiden McMurry, Macasha Morehead, September Moseley, Yebo Moyo, Charley Smyser, Destiny Thompson, Tyler Thompson, Malcolm Turner and Tyler Woodson 3.000+ 12th Grade – Anthony Bonner, Teddy Buckley, Jozie Burson, Jayson Campbell, Alexander Carter, Aaron Davis, Caleb Eddy, Tyler Green, Kyren Harrison, Trinity Harrison, Jalen Hunter, Gunner Johnson, Terra Johnson, Adala Jones, Jaslin Jones, Kristine Leguin, William Mauldin, Tajhanna McKenzie, Daniel McLane, Mercedes Mitchell, Jasmine Moreno, Kelton Newborn, Reece Nowlin, Matthew Parnham, Eli Perrin, Addisen Pollock, Jayden Quarles, Breanna Reed, Samuel Smith, Jaliyah Solomon, Destiny Spittler, Terrell Sumler, Terrell Summerville, Asa Whitten and Lucas Witherspoon ALL A’s 11th Grade Caroline Bennington, Rachel Bosley, Maegan Cooper, GraceAnn Covington, Carson Craft, Danny Curl, Taylor Dunkelgod, Kyla Elgas, Cydney Holmes, Haylee McClain, Shepherd Molinari, Madison Morris, Kerigan Overturf, Michael Rich, Andrew Rodgers, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Jenna Taylorand Roger Ward All A’s & B’s 11th Grade - Trey Bledsoe, Dazalyn Col-

vin, Gracie Dunaway, John Fairchild, Kennady Garrett, Nayan Ghodela, Aniyah Gulley, Adrien Hickson, Rocky Jughes JR, Lily Kesterson, Olivia Lock, La’mya Luster, Caitlyn Marshall, D’metria McDuffie, Colton Miller, Justin Miller, Hailey ix, Latanya Price, Dave Rohant, Zane Rosewell, Katelyn Scott, Emma Taylor, Rebecca Thomas, Benjamin Tibbs, Ke’asia Tilson, Ashari Whitaker, Katelyn Wilson and Logan Wilson 3.000+ 11th Grade Sara Allen, Desha Bivens, Hannah Calhoon, Eric Cervantes, Mauricio Cervantes, Victoria Cervantes, Kerrah Charles, Anna Cobb, Tyler Edwards, Anyah Evans, Jackson Forthman, Logan Garner, Tanner Garner, Khilah Gulley, Hayden Harris, Kalan Jones, Carson McAnally, Romeo McClure, Tristen Mench, Mikayla Middleton, Mary Morgan, Kelin Nelson, David Opiri, Kyler Phifer, Rey Rivera, Kailyn Rook-Sims, Octavia Saldana, Braeden Thomas and Gabriella Wempe All A’s 10 th Grade Colby Adair, Cahleel Campbell, Audrey Cordero, Taylor Echols, Mohammad Faiq, Tate Goodrum, Hayden Hardman, Colby Helms, James Jackson V, Joshua LeVar, Lori Maxey, Nancy Miller, Hannah Moss, Colin Phillips and Gracie Simpson All A’s & B’s 10th Grade – Spencer Allen, Derrion Beard, Ty Bearden, Jarrett Bell, Ta’Seliya Blanchett, Kobey Buckley, Kennedy Campbell, James Daniell, Breanna Edington, Mallery Gilbert, William Gover, Te’shanna Gordon, ryan H arris, Sierra Haynes, Terra Hembree, Katelyn Hunting, Latavia Johnson, Matyas, Tucker Johnson, Collin Jones, Asia Joseph, Landon Kuhn, Peyton Lowery, Sasha Maxey, Noah McAllister, Alissa McClure, Kayleigh McLane, Joshua Motl, Merrilee Parker, Matthew Porter, Kanen Rutledge, John Schaefer, Lilanna Simmons, Emily Smith, Lillian Trammel, Jhene Utley, Ollie Ware, Deshyra White and Jamelle Williams 3.000+ 10th Grade Haley Allen, Brayton Bailey, Savannah Beard-Miller, Brooklyn Buford, Evan Bur-

roughs, Baylee Burson, Mary Cain, Ethan Campbell, Kiyla Campbell, Teresa Cervantes, Bobby Charles III, Colin Conroy, Courlton Crow, Caroline Gables, Manadia Gardner, Colton Garner, Natasha Gomez, Jameeka Green, Ty’ron Hughes, Kaylen Hunter, Noah Kelly, Taylor Killackey, Kendrick Knox, Shelby Krantz, Jakob Krein, Kyle Matocha, Trinity McKenzie, Jasmine Newborn, Antoine Palmer JR, Raiden Seale, Chloe Smith, Astrid Statham and LaCoriyana Thomas All A’s Grade 9 – Camryn Allison, Carter Babb, Logan Barnett, Blaise Batson, Brooklyn Boyette, Bailey Boyles, Nathanael Campbell, Julia Carter, Calvin Clardy, Takylia Crawford, Anna Derby, Laila Dickerson, Olivia Fenocchi, Avery Garner, Makayla Gentry, Kevin Ghodela, Kirstin Hall, Julie Jones, Lauren Jones, Gray Manning, Isabel Martin-Tyler, Timothy organ, Mtenda Moyo, Madelyn Neel, Hailey O’Neal, Joy Opiri, Britzel Rivera, Liyah Smith, Sydney Trigg, Aliyah Ware and Savannah Zeiler All A’s & B’s 9th Grade – Alena Alcala, Marveon Berry, Christopher Campbell, Juden Coon, Stanley Cordero, Tifton Covington II, Magaenus Davis JR, Amaya Garrard, Hope Howerton, Cameron Jones, Spencer LaFont, A.J. Lambert, Samuel McAllister, Andrew McGlone, Caitlyn McGough, Skyler Mountz, Francisco Noriega, Cassidy Parker, Kathleen Ramirez, Emily Rivera, Connor Robbins, Nigel Robinson, Madison Runyan, Cayden Salinas, Jakyri Scott, Madison Trigg, Angelina Turner, Conner Vance, Conner Welch, Donovan Whitten and Taylor Woodson 3 . 0 0 0 + 9 th G r a d e – Shamiha Alam, Ismal Cervantes, Kayla Davis, Brandon Dickey, Felicia Dixson, Latrone Gossett JR, Haley Heard, Cheyenne Holmes, Latonnieo Hughes II, Jonathan McClain, Mikayla Perry, Mariah Rutherford, Dashawn Scott, Darrel Simpson JR, De’lion Summerville, Emily Talley, Haedyn Taylor, and Max Wilson

Loan program for small businesses opens LITTLE ROCK – In an effort to save as many Arkansas jobs as possible during the COVID-19 crisis, Sarah Huckabee Sanders and her husband, Bryan Sanders, launched the non-profit Arkansas 30 Day Fund to provide forgivable loans to struggling Arkansas-based small businesses.

The funds disbursed to small businesses by the Arkansas 30 Day Fund are intended to provide immediate financial assistance to meet payroll, preserve healthcare

coverage for employees, and save jobs.

The application process is quick, easy, and free of red tape. The loans do not need to be repaid. If businesses who receive the Fund’s assistance do, at a later date, wish to “pay it forward” to another Arkansas small business in need of assistance, they may do so by directing those dollars back to the Fund.

The Fund will then disburse that funding to another business in need.

Arkansas businesses that qualify for assistance are: • Small businesses that employ three to 30 people; • Based in Arkansas and have been operating for at least one year; • Owned and operated by an Arkansas resident.

The fund is accepting applications for forgivable loans at: https://www.Arkansas30DayFund.com “Our goal is to bridge that gap and help Arkansas small businesses save jobs now,” Sanders said.