Vol. 2, No. 32
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020
The virus center stage: COVID-19 affecting live theatre at HSU
Photo courtesy of Lance Brownfield Pictured from left to right is: Marie Simmons, freshman theatre arts major, Dela Moore, freshman theatre arts major, Dr. Beach, theatre director and Kylee Hancock, sophomore theatre arts major. Dr. Beach is leading her class.
Lance Brownfield Contributing Reporter
Shakespeare probably never envisioned Romeo and Juliet social distancing at least six feet apart or Hamlet wearing a face mask. Plays were never written to meet COVID-19 requirements and that puts the theatre department in an interesting position this year. According to Dr. Claudia Beach, director of theatre, the current auditorium used for plays has a reduced capacity of only 29 people due to social distancing rules. Arkansas Hall’s auditorium is an option, but the auditorium is not currently conducive for the plays they usually perform. There are several other factors that
require a rethinking of the performances. While the plan is susceptible to change, the first play is set to take place on the steps of Arkansas Hall, weather permitting, to ensure that even the actors can abide by social distancing guidelines. The play will take place at the end of September. The second show, which is slated for mid-November, was specifically rewritten by the playwright to be acted out over Zoom. “At least the Zoom performance in November, we know absolutely no matter what, can happen,” Beach said. The theatre department is still planning the spring semester, but Beach has
expressed her hopes for plays to return to normal. She even said that they will try again to perform Pippin, which was cancelled last spring. Ethan Schmidt, a sophomore communications and theatre arts major, talked about the difficulty to adjust but believes that actors are well suited to playing around the given circumstances. Schmidt admitted that the main challenge is a tendency to come towards each other as actors, but the program is finding ways around this issue. Schmidt is still looking forward to the season and onward to when things return to normal. “Normal is going to feel special,” Schmidt said, “a
very bright normal.” Early on, Schmidt’s improv club Delph made the most of the situation and did skits that mainly revolved around the premise of a Zoom conference call. After a while, the troupe embraced the fact that they can use the platform for other skits that they would usually perform in person. Covid-19 has certainly changed things on stage, but there are still stories to tell. While some aspects of the season are still up in the air, the students and faculty of the theatre department are hopeful and will do what it takes to continue their craft. After all, you know what they say: the show must go on.
slowly starting to build on the roads,” Dylan Daniels, commuter to Henderson from Bismarck, said. “It’s very important for students to drive carefully around campus and while driving home.” Many high schools in Western Arkansas closed or delayed there starts due to the rising flood waters. School boards still do not have a date to return to school. According to the National Weather Service at 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday the Red River’s water level in Fulton, was at 6.15ft. On the safe
side, many people did not believe the river would top its flood stage. “We aren’t expecting the Red River to top the flood stage,” Bob Harrison, Chief of Police in Texarkana, said. “We are in constant contact with our weather experts and are prepared to take serious actions if needed.” He quickly gave deep detail about how the Arkansas River was affecting many people in the Fort Smith area. Harrison also said that they were in constant contact with other police stations throughout Southern and Western Arkansas
and strongly believed they would be called if any help was needed. Friday the Arkansas River came to its crest. The water has slowly started to recede. According to the National Weather Service, as of Friday a cooler, drier Labor Day weekend was forecast, with highs in the mid-80s and lows in the 60’s. After Labor Day, Arkadelphia is expecting to have a break from rain and stormy conditions. The forecast calls for highs in the high-80s to low 90’s and lows in the high 60’s to low 70’s.
Heavy rain plagues Arkansas Andrew Cobb Contributing Reporter
Last week many parts of Arkansas were drenched by heavy rain. According to The National Weather Service Hot Springs and Arkadelphia saw close to two inches of rain with minor flooding. This rain affected many different people in many ways. Early on Wednesday, water slowly started to build up on the roads. This caused treacherous driving conditions for students commuting to campus. “Honestly, it doesn’t look like it’s going to rain that much, but water is
OBU Elrod Center recieves Celebrate Literacy Award Mindy Halbert Ouachita Baptist University
Ouachita Baptist University’s Elrod Center for Family and Community received the Arkansas Literacy Association’s (ALA) Celebrate Literacy Award this summer for its America Reads/ America Counts, Peake Partnership and Homeschool/ After-School tutoring programs in Arkadelphia. Leigh Anne McKinney, assistant director of the Elrod Center, attended a virtual ceremony in July hosted by the ALA Council Leadership Institute to accept the award. “The Elrod Center’s partnership with Arkadelphia Public Schools has been in place for over 23 years now,” McKinney said. “We are so thankful for the opportunity to work with administrators and teachers in order to identify children who qualify for our programs, to schedule tutoring sessions and to provide proper tutor training. The Elrod Center could not do the work it does through tutoring without the wonderful cooperation of our school district.” “When we started the America Reads/America Counts Program 23 years ago, we were uncertain as to its long-term sustainability,” said Ian Cosh, vice president for community and international relations. “Thanks to Jan Bass, who was involved in the early years, and to Leigh Anne McKinney’s strong leadership, it has grown into a valuable and enriching relationship with the Arkadelphia Public Schools.” While the ALA Celebrate Literacy Award usually is given to only one agency in the state of Arkansas, the Elrod Center and Goff Public Library in Searcy, Ark., both were chosen this year for championing literacy in their respective communities. The ALA is an affiliate of the International Literacy Association and, according to its website, is “a professional organization of individuals, institutions and councils dedicated to promoting reading and developing literacy.” Each year, about 100 Arkadelphia Public School children meet weekly with Ouachita students through the Elrod Center’s America Reads/America Counts, Peake Partnership and Homeschool/After-School
programs. Ouachita student tutors meet with elementary-age children on their public school campuses to offer convenience and consistency, and they meet with middle school, high school and homeschool youth at the Elrod Center in order to offer older students the opportunity to experience a college campus. “We are aware that any strong partnership must be mutually beneficial, and this program realizes that goal through its positive impact on both tutors and students,” Cosh said. “The give-and-take of the teaching experience is fulfilling for the college student and enriching for the student being taught.” McKinney noted that the stigma many children associate with tutoring is alleviated when they begin to meet regularly with and form a relationship with college students. “Although standardized test scores and a marked change in classroom performance indicate that our programs are very beneficial to the children we tutor, we believe that our greatest impact goes far beyond test scores alone,” she said. “What was once a negative now becomes a positive. We often have the joy of witnessing an increase in confidence, improvement in behavior and overall outlook toward school, as well as a new excitement about learning, in many of the children we tutor. Students who are excited about coming to school are more likely to stick with it.” “The Arkadelphia Area Reading Council felt the Elrod Center was more than deserving to nominate for the Celebrate Literacy Award because the center works so hard to help our community and support our schools with the many programs that are offered,” said Jodie Daniell, instructional facilitator at Peake Elementary. “Although we won’t be able to have student tutors in the building at this time due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Elrod Center is still supporting our students and staff with encouraging notes, treats and helping staff complete projects,” Daniell continued. “We are so grateful for this support and partnership in our district!”
Captain Express Hawaiian Barbeque & Japanese Opens
HSU Panhellenic Bid Day held virtually Julia Young Dispatch Reporter
Events on Henderson State University’s campus look a little different this year. Panhellenic Bid Day, which is normally held on the campus quad, took place virtually on Saturday, Sept. 5. In lieu of a traditional meeting, everyone joined together on a Zoom call. Current members kept their cameras off — in place their profile pictures showing off a logo of their sorority. When it was time for the big reveals, prospective members were let into the call in small groups of five or six. They opened cards to see who they got a bid from and were welcomed into the group by current members who turned their microphones and cameras on. Elizabeth Adair, junior
Vice President of Community Relations and Director of Philanthropy for Alpha Sigma Tau, promises that despite the less than usual circumstances, it was a success. “It was definitely different, but you could still feel all the excitement!” Adair said Like a lot of big events
in 2020, the original plan was to meet in person while wearing masks and social distancing. In an effort to maintain the safety of the students, though, sororities ultimately made the decision to move it online. “I know a lot of people in lower classes are really feeling like they’ve lost a lot of the college experience,”
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Adair. For the first time ever, HSU’s Panhellenic Bid Day was held virtually.
Adair said. “But I think as long as we keep maintaining the safety and abiding by guidelines we can get through it and hopefully have a more normal spring.” To ensure that the class of 2024 gets to experience as much as possible, it was important for this event to go smoothly. Beyond that, it was important that this event feel just as special for incoming members as it did for others in the past. “Bid day is always like a symbol for new beginnings,” Adair said. “My bid day was the day I ran home to the organization that made me feel more at home than ever before, and every bid day after I have gotten to meet new girls who feel the same way! It’s like growing our family every year, and it’s easily our favorite day!”
Haylee Dinger Dispatch Reporter
Near downtown Arkadelphia, the doors to Captain Express have opened. Owned by Rudy Bong, the Hawaiian barbecue and Japanese fusion restaurant is spreading its cultural influence by sharing its cuisine with the town. He sees opportunity here, in that there are little to no HawaiianJapanese restaurants in the area. The restaurant’s opening has been about two months in the making, and Bong has high hopes in what he can do to show appreciation to the community. “What we give to the com-
munity, we want to give back,” said Bong, “We want to support the community, the police and fire station, and especially the students.” Soon enough, Captain Express will be offering a 10% discount to Henderson and Ouachita students who present their student ID. Focusing on the “express” aspect of their name, Captain Express packages everything to-go, but there is a dine-in option. Menu favorites so far are shrimp yakisoba, fried mani-mani, and the seafood combo. For more information, you can find them on their Facebook page at “Captain Express”.
2 News
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020
Westerman: “Thank our everyday heroes.” Bruce Westerman AR Representative
When COVID-19 hit the U.S. early this year, about one-third of Americans began working from home to limit contact with others and slow the spread of the virus. However, many people still had to keep their businesses operating in order to keep essential infrastructure in place. Because of their work, we could consistently rely on stocked grocery store shelves and a functioning supply chain. During Congress’s annual August work period, I was able to travel around the
Fourth District and thank some of these everyday heroes in person. From grocery store clerks, to truck drivers, to PPE suppliers, to farm workers, thousands of people immediately shifted operations to meet an increased demand. Places like Tanner’s Sports and Crystal Ridge Distillery in Hot Springs began producing protective equipment like masks and hand sanitizer. First responders showed up to work every day to keep our communities safe. Community State Bank helped small businesses with the Paycheck Protection Pro-
gram and the Cup of Water Food Pantry provided food for people out of work. Across the state, trucking companies got food and other essential items where they needed to be. This is just a small sampling of the hundreds of thousands of business owners and workers who kept America running during a global pandemic. Without them, life as we know it would’ve ground to a halt. As always, Arkansans rose to meet a challenge head-on, and I’m so grateful for their service.
Mayor Kelley on the aftermath of Hurricane Laura in Gurdon Sherry Kelley Gurdon Mayor
Hurricane Laura blew through Gurdon last week. Flooding and tree damage were left in the wake of the storm. The wind was strong and sustained. The pelting rain flew sideways and the streets were covered in limbs and pine straw. It could have been much worse. I’m very thankful that we kept our power and only a couple of trees came down. U.S. Census workers are
in town trying to count those that failed to send in their report. If you see a Census worker at a vacant home, help them out. Give them any information that may be helpful. These workers have a challenge before them. Firstly, people don’t want to open their doors to strangers, especially during the pandemic. Secondly, they have less time than their predecessors to complete the count. We have made it to Sep-
tember, the summer of 2020 is behind us. Gurdon will play Prescott on the football field this Friday. The town is excited to see the match up. Back to school is going well and the weather is turning cooler. My mom, Mary Lewis is back at it, making signs. I am very proud that her Gurdon Go-Devils “G” sign (which hangs in front of the purple facade on Main Street) made it through the hurricane with flying colors, literally. Now she is working on some new signs for the Gurdon Light Parking Area. It is just about time for some spooky fun. Seeking a sighting of the Gurdon Light seems like a perfect outdoor activity during the Corona Virus. We should have all of our signs up and some markers on the trail very soon.
Arkadelphia Dispatch
Upcoming Events >>> <<< The Spring Hazardous Household Waste event that was scheduled for last Sat. was cancelled as a result of COVID-19 precautions. The Southwest Regional Solid Waste Management District will continue with the Fall Household Hazardous Waste event on Oct. 17. The Southwest Regional Solid Waste Management District is the planning board that oversees solid waste management for Clark, Garland, and Hot Spring Counties. Ongoing >>> <<< Alcoholics Anonymous hosts two meetings a week in Arkadelphia. The meetings are open to anyone interested in AA’s program of recovery. The Arkadelphia Group meets at 7 p.m. every Tues. in the Sturgis Building at North 9 and Caddo Streets. For more information on the Arkadelphia Group Meetings, call 870-403-3001. The U-Turn Group meets at 7 p.m. every Thurs. on the front, upper level of Park Hill Baptist Church, 3163 Hollywood Road. For information on that group’s meetings, call 870-2302975 or 870-260-9277. >>> <<< Through the summer the Arkadelphia Arts Center will have original art on display created by members of the Caddo River Art Guild. The window exhibits will vary through the weeks so check back often. The artists’ name and contact information are displayed next to each piece. For more information about the Arkadelphia Arts Center and the Caddo River Art Guild find their pages on Facebook or visit CaddoRiverArtGuild.com or CCAHC.org. >>> <<< Celebrations Fine Wine and Spirits will be having their monthly wine tasting the first Tuesday of every month from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. >>> <<< With Late ‘til 8, local businesses stay open to 8:00 pm so that customers can shop and also win door prizes! this is a monthly event that happens every first Thursday of every month. >>> <<< El Ranchito mexican restaurant in Arkadelphia is now serving alcohol along with their food. Come for taco Tuesday and happy hour and you can get tacos for $1 and margaritas for $2. >>> <<< Al-Anon meetings, designed to help family and friends affected by alcohol, are held three days a week in the Arkadelphia area: - Tues. at 7 p.m., Sturgis Building, corner of 9 and Caddo. 870-403-2019 - Thurs. at 6:30 p.m., Park Hill Baptist Church. 870-403-2019
Arkadelphia Dispatch
News 3
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020
The aftermath of Hurricane Laura For a fair, complete, and safe as felt by a college sudent election day: Hutchinson Kelly Stiles Dispatch Reporter
Category 4 hurricane Laura tore apart homes and businesses in Louisiana and Texas, killing six people in its wake. By the time Laura had traveled to Arkansas on July 27, the hurricane had dwindled to a Category 1 tropical storm, according to KARK news and weather station. The storm failed to cause massive damage compared to other severe weather outbreaks that have taken place in Arkansas this year, but did not leave without impacting the people of Arkadelphia, especially with the ongoing struggle of COVID-19. “On Wednesday when we found out that classes were cancelled, it felt similar to when school let out for COVID,” senior journalism major at Henderson State University Joshua Wiseman said. The faculty at HSU decided to close on-campus classes and activities on July 27 and 28 to prevent commuting students from braving flooded and hazardous roads. A sudden change in plans is something that Henderson students and faculty, along with most of the United States and even the world, have become accustomed with. Having left in-person classrooms near mid-semester last spring for quarantine from COVID-19, Wiseman relived the helplessness he felt when he could not go back to the school he loved. “It is dreadful to know that at the drop of a hat everything can change,” Wiseman said. In the midst of the storm while staying at his family’s house in Fordyce, AR, Wiseman felt that the stormy weather was symbolic of his feeling of gloom. Wiseman worried about his girlfriend,
Kelly Stiles Dispatch Reporter
Photo courtesy of Kelly Stiles, Dispatch Reporter. Senior journalism major at Henderson State University Joshua Wiseman shares his thoughts on the much-feared storm.
senior theatre major at HSU Hannah Mims, who dislikes rainstorms. He was nervous of the power going out for several days, believing that a storm from a hurricane must be catastrophic. While this storm resulted from the onslaught of hurricane Laura, the severe weather outbreak of April 12 and 13 resulted in far more power outages and property damage in Arkadelphia and surrounding areas. “This [latest] storm primarily affected the southern part of the state,” lineman for South Central Electric Cooperative in Arkadelphia Albert Cummings said. As a lineman, Cummings aids in providing power to homes in the counties of Clark, Nevada, Pike, Hot Springs, Hempstead, and others nearby. Among these counties, about 1,000 South Central Electric customers lost power during the tropical storm from hurricane Laura, while over 2,000 homes lost power during the storm of April 12 and 13.
“I have to travel a lot for my job,” Cummings said. “It helps me stay active.” Linemen often travel to other places that are experiencing an abundance of outages. He has traveled to various states such as Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. “My job is very dangerous,” Cummings said. “But we take special precautions.” High in the air mending a high voltage wire is common practice for Cummings. He and his colleagues often work in dangerous conditions, such as torrential rain, but never while there is lightning. To prepare for upcoming threatening weather, linemen top off their chainsaws and specialized vehicles with gas so they can arrive without delay when disaster appears. “I like meeting new people,” Cummings said. “I know I am helping people like the local chicken farmer - continue their life.”
LITTLE ROCK – This is Labor Day weekend, which means summer is over, and we’re heading into the election season. This election will be unlike any our nation has ever experienced, and today I’d like to talk about some of the things we are doing to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to safely cast a ballot during the pandemic. After consulting with Secretary of State John Thurston, I issued an executive order that clarifies questions about absentee voting. Anyone who is concerned that voting in person poses a risk of exposure to COVID-19 may request an absentee ballot. For those who choose to vote in person, the Secretary of State’s office has provided gloves, masks, and hand cleaner, which the office already has delivered to every county. Those who vote on touch screens will mark their ballot with a disposable stylus. Once you have voted,
you may throw the stylus away. But you might want to consider keeping it as a memento of this unusual election. Also, the stylus will show others that you voted. This year, in order to abide by social distancing rules, poll workers won’t give you an “I Voted” sticker. Instead, “I voted” is printed on the stylus. You can also use the stylus on any of your personal touch-screen devices. In order to prepare for the unexpected, the Secretary of State’s office has surveyed county officials for their needs. Perhaps the biggest difference this election year will be the number of requests for absentee ballots. Some counties are predicting an increase in requests of 500 percent or greater. The Secretary of State is allocating some of its CARES Act funds to help counties pay for the anticipated increase in the cost of mailing out that many ballots. We want to make sure that every eligible voter who requests an absentee ballot receives one.
For larger counties, the state is providing devices that will count absentee ballots more quickly so we don’t have to rely on a hand count for the thousands of absentee votes cast. We have made other exceptions to ensure a fair and complete election. My executive order gives counties an extra week to open the outer envelope of the absentee ballots, but they can’t start the count or open the ballot itself until Election Day. My hope is that every person who is eligible to vote will vote. This is one of the easiest yet most important ways to participate in democracy. As you prepare to celebrate the end of summer this Labor Day, I trust you will continue to take the precautions to minimize exposure to the coronavirus. I can’t say it too often: Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Keep your distance. COVID-19 won’t take the holiday off.
SAU recognizes 172 grads at Summer ceremony Jessica Williamson Videographer at SAU
Southern Arkansas University honored 172 graduates with undergraduate and graduate degrees at its Summer Commencement ceremonies on Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8, 2020. Braylon Dwight Samuels from Gurdon, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of
Continuing Arkansas COVID-19 case update from Arkansas Department of Health
Science degree in Human Performance, Recreation, and Community Service: Sport Management through the College of Education. Linetta Danielle Jackson from Arkadelphia, AR, graduated with a Master of Education degree in Library Media through the College of Education. Christon Faye Storment from Arkadelphia, AR, graduated with a Master of Education degree in Library Media through the College of Education. A total of 172 SAU graduates received degrees this summer. Of those, 109 candidates graduated from the School of Graduate Studies and 63 undergraduate candidates were recognized from SAU’s four academic colleges. Commencement ceremonies looked slightly different this summer, as SAU adapted to the changes that COVID-19 brought not only
to the SAU community, but the entire globe. As a result, all six commencement ceremonies were held at Wilkins Football Stadium on campus. In addition, a number of spring graduates who received their degrees in May 2020 also chose to walk in the summer commencement ceremonies, due to the spring commencement ceremonies being canceled. Southern Arkansas University has embraced its culture of caring for students, faculty, and staff for more than a century, dating back to the earliest years of the institution. The university is dedicated to student achievement and success, both in classes and online. With traditional and unique academic degree programs ranked nationally for quality and affordability, SAU offers the complete college experience to prepare students for success in the workforce.
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hsuoracle.com AR. Department of Health
According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, a total of 894 deaths have occurred in the state as of Aug. 10. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 65,377 cases with 6,188 active and 58,295 recovered. The counties are colored by light to dark in terms of density of cases. The Dispatch will post an updated version of this
graph weekly according to what is available from the Department of Health and state officials. As the cases continue to rise, more and more states are reverting back to more strict quarantine and social distance rules. Masks are nearly universally required to enter most businesses. They are available in most grocery and convenience stores. Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced in early August that contact sports
are expected to continue as planned in the fall. Football players may only practice in helmets, however. Schools have begun opening at both collegiate and pre-collegiate levels. They have many guidelines
in place that were recommended by the ADH. People are encouraged to continue social distancing and staying at least six feet away from others. Testing is widely available in most cities.
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.
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4 News
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020
Arkadelphia Dispatch
Arkadelphia Badgers Meeting at Mount Magazine: AR Tourism Football update
ARKADELPHIAArkadelphia Badgers (Arkadelphia, AR) fans left the game content Friday as they saw their football team gain a win over the visiting Hot Springs Trojans (Hot Springs, AR), 44-14 in a non-league test. With the triumph, Arkadelphia improves its record to 2-0 on the campaign. The Badgers host Greenbrier
(Greenbrier, AR) to battle the Panthers in a non-league test on Fri., Sept. 11. The Panthers come into the test with a record of 1-1. Greenbrier lost 31-19 in their recent non-league test against Batesville (Batesville, AR) With the loss, Hot Springs drops to 0-1 on the campaign. The Trojans travel to Mena (Mena, AR) to face the Bearcats in a
non-league bout on Friday, September 11. The Bearcats enter the bout with a record of 1-1. Mena lost 44-20 in their recent non-league bout against Harding Academy. Below is a schedule for all of the Arkadelphia Badgers’ upcoming games. Come back next week for an update on how the boys do against Greenbrier this Fri.
OBU announces Fall football schedule
Jill Rohrbach Travel Writer, AR Tourism
In late January, before COVID-19 hit, the Eden Isle Blue Chip Investment Club blocked rooms and booked a trip to Mount Magazine State Park near Paris for its June 2020 meeting. Fast forward to the trip dates of June 12-13 and the club, consisting of members mostly 65 years of age and older, had a decision to make - cancel or continue. “Some were apprehensive,” Mike Gibson, one of the 30 club members, said. “We decided to go ahead and do it and if anybody feels uncomfortable they can get in their car and leave.” Nobody left. “We were the first group to visit Mount Magazine State Park,” Gibson explained. “I was very impressed with the ingenuity of the young staff there and the methods they came up with to protect everyone.” Mount Magazine State Park is home to a 60-room lodge with a restaurant and conference center as well as 13 cabins, a visitor center, indoor swimming pool, exercise room and gift shop. The park also offers incredible views, primitive camping, RV hookups, rappelling, hang gliding and hiking trails. Gibson said individuals are reminded at the front doors to have their masks on. There are proper social distancing protocols in place at registration. No room service is provided to ensure the guest is the only one touching anything in the room. Gibson said fresh towels or
additional coffee and other items were easy to get from the front desk if needed. “If you were in the hall and did not have a mask on, you were cordially reminded to use your mask,” he added. “Even me.” Gibson is a commissioner on the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission, which oversees the parks and tourism divisions. When the club met for dining, Gibson said tables were set up for social distancing and in accordance with state mandated guidelines for groups. For example, the breakfast meeting consisted of round tables that normally accommodate eight, but instead were set for four. Additionally, the restaurant at Mount Magazine State Park has long been known for its buffet. Gibson said a staffed, L-shaped buffet has replaced the selfserve buffet. “One server would take a person down the line to the middle of the L, serving your food, and at the middle of the L they would hand you off to the next person,” Gibson explained. It ensured people were sufficiently spaced apart as they were served. “I thought that was pretty ingenious as well,” he said. He added, “If any group goes to Mount Magazine, be sure to request the cinnamon rolls made from scratch!” The club’s business meeting portion of the stay was impressive as well. “Everything was set up and very accommodating. Pencils, paper and the whole works. Things we didn’t really expect,” he said. This group was estab-
lished in the 50s as the Blue Chip Investment Club in the West Memphis area. Over time, several of its members migrated to the Heber Springs area of Arkansas and the group became the Eden Isle Blue Chip Investment Club, limited to a maximum of 30 and meeting quarterly. They occasionally make one of the meetings a bigger trip. As part of the Mount Magazine trip, one day on their own the club chartered a bus out of Fort Smith that had seating for 60 to give them ample space to spread out and took a tour of Arkansas Wine Country, located at the base of Mount Magazine. They toured Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, had a wine tasting, and ate lunch at Weinkeller Restaurant. Next they toured Post Winery and then Bethel Winery before returning to the state park. (There are several more wineries in the area for those that have more time.) Back at the park, some hiked to the mountain’s and state’s highest point of 2,753 feet above mean sea level. Gibson said he is 73 and 90 percent of the club members are now classified as elderly. While they are in the higher risk category for COVID-19, Gibson said there were no repercussions from the trip. No one got sick. “The staff there was just so courteous and so polite, it just made the trip,” Gibson added. “If anyone is thinking about taking a group to Mount Magazine, do not hesitate.” “We’ve already discussed going to Queen Wilhelmina next June,” Gibson said.
This week in Reddie sports
ARKADELPHIAOuachita football has announced its fall practice and scrimmage schedule. The Tigers fall slate features 15 practice days and three scrimmages. Practice begins Monday, September 7, with two days of helmets-only work. Head Coach Todd Knight’s team
will ramp up the intensity all week, culminating in the first scrimmage of the fall at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, at Cliff Harris Stadium. The Tigers will practice four more times over the next two weeks before the second fall scrimmage, which will be played under
the lights at Cliff Harris Stadium on Friday, September 25. The third and final scrimmage of the fall will be played on the evening of Wednesday, October 7. Practices will be open to the public. More details about scrimmages will be released closer to those dates.
ARKADELPHIAHenderson and Ouachita Revive Battle of the Ravine Rivalry | Sept. 7, 1996 After a three-year hiatus due to the two schools jumping into the NCAA DII ranks, Henderson State defeats Ouachita Baptist 21-17 in front of a record 10,691 fans at Carpenter-Haygood Stadium in the 72nd Battle of the Ravine. With HSU down 17-14, Bradford Bragg comes through with the deciding play for the Reddies as he breaks off a 73-yard, game-winning touchdown run in the fourth quarter. The victory is Henderson’s
fifth-straight in the series dating back to 1989. Reddies Shatter Offensive Records in Maxfield’s 50th Win | Sept. 7, 2013 Kevin Rodgers throws for 468 yards and six touchdowns, and the Reddies rack up a school-record 855 yards of total offense in an 82-10 thrashing of Southern Nazarene. The win is Maxfield’s 50th at Henderson State. It is the first time in 89 years that HSU has scored 80 or more points in a game and remains the only time in program history that the Reddies have eclipsed 800 or more yards of offense in
a single game. Volleyball Defeats Lane and Belmont Abbey, Extends Winning Streak | Sept. 7, 2019 The Reddies get 20 kills from Courtney Bolf and outlast Belmont Abbey 3-2 for their second victory of the day after sweeping Lane College. The two wins extend Henderson’s winning streak to seven-straight matches — a streak which will eventually hit 14-straight victories. Maxfield Records 100th Win at Henderson State | Sept. 7, 2019 Behind three receiving touchdowns from L’liott Curry, the Reddies go into Shawnee, Oklahoma and defeat Oklahoma Baptist 35-28 in the season opener for both teams. The victory is the 100th of head coach Scott Maxfield’s career at Henderson and puts him next to legend Sporty Carpenter as the only two coaches in program history to win 100 or more contests at the school.