Arkadelphia Dispatch - September 24, 2020

Vol. 2, No. 34

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020

Leading regional broadband provider Ritter Communications expands to Arkadelphia JONESBORO, Ark. – (September 2020) – Ritter Communications, a leading regional broadband provider headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas, announced the company has expanded service to Arkadelphia, bringing state-of-the-art communications technology and advanced business solutions to Arkadelphia businesses. Ritter’s advanced suite of telecommunications services now gives the business community access to high-speed, 100 percent fiber internet, voice, cloud solutions, networking and television services.

Ritter Communications is the first provider in the Arkadelphia market to offer XGS-PON services to business customers, which deliver up to 10 gigabits per second of 100 percent fiber connectivity to users.

Ritter’s full telecom service suite also offers custom cloud solutions, allowing businesses to protect, back up and store assets safely.

A specialized customer sup-

port team is available locally, assisting users with all Ritter Communications services and eliminating the need for third-party technical support.

“Ritter Communications is passionate about bringing robust and affordable 100 percent fiber broadband internet and cloud solutions to the business community in Arkadelphia.

We understand that now, more than ever, a business has to have confidence in their connectivity. We are pleased to be able to provide the businesses of Arkadelphia with Ritter’s secure connections, which bring the fastest speeds, most advanced capabilities and utmost dependability.

And we’ve seen the commercial community respond to this critical technology need with 28 Arkadelphia businesses to date, ready to connect,” said Alan Morse, Ritter Communications CEO. “With fiber services utilizing signals that travel at the speed of light, Ritter

Communications is redefining high-speed connectivity for businesses in the Texarkana region. We are a local company, and our Right by You pledge translates into superior service and solutions in every community we serve, giving our customers and their businesses a competitive edge.”

Ritter Communications began construction in Arkadelphia in January, and connected the first business customer in mid- August.

The telecommunications company will continue to turn business customers on in zones. Ritter Communications is donating $5,000 to the Arkadelphia Façade Program to commemorate their expansion into the community. The Façade Program was created by the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce to improve the appearance of commercial business properties in the city’s most visible areas.

“Access to high-speed

and reliable internet has always been essential for our businesses to succeed, but new ways of doing business brought on by COVID-19 have made it an operational necessity. Arkadelphia is pleased to welcome Ritter Communications as our new neighbor,” said Stephen Bell, Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce president.

“Ritter Communications $5,000 donation to the Chamber’s Façade Program will help us renovate Arkadelphia’s businesses, and we are grateful to have them as a community partner.”

Ritter Communications is a regional telecommunications provider, headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas, serving 93 communities in the region across four states with a full suite of innovative communications services. For additional information go to RitterCommunications.com.

Plea date set for Arkadelphia abuse case Ayanna Williams Crimes Reporter

As of Sept. 11, the plea and arraignment date for Justin L. Johnson has been pushed back and will be held on Oct. 6. Johnson, from Arkadelphia, is facing charges for the felony of first degree battery of a two year old child.

Reports of the child

abuse first occurred on Aug. 1, after a medical evaluation of the victim. After being transferred to Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, it was revealed that the child had suffered from numerous internal and external injuries, and that some of the acute injuries were recent.

When interviewing Johnson, he stated that he was in

custodial care of the victim as well as other older juveniles who witnessed the child abuse.

A Crimes Against Children Forensic interview was conducted for each juvenile witness. They stated that on the night of July 31, they observed Johnson strike the victim on multiple occasions, shake the victim, and

throw the victim.

Johnson made his first appearance in court on Aug. 14, and his arrest warrant was served on Sept. 4. The plea and arraignment for Oct. 6 will be held at 9:00 a.m. at the Clark County Circuit Courtroom.

Henderson State Greek Life braces after COVID scare Julie Young University Correspondant

Earlier this semester, a Henderson State University sorority held an off-campus party that changed the course of bid week.

As is the case of so many gatherings post-March 2020, members of the unnamed sorority who attended the party later tested positive for Covid-19.

As expected, the fraternities and sororities of Henderson, as well other campus organizations, have had to rethink the way they approach this semester.

Though many prepared for this situation, the offcampus party and resulting positive cases so early in the semester further pushed the point of safety for this college campus.

Large social gatherings are now moved online if they can’t be held in person, like Panhellenic Bid Day which Sorority members held over Zoom — a major change from previous years. Organization members wear masks during events they don’t hold virtually. Everyone is doing what they can by adjusting their safety measures to ensure

the health and wellness of everyone involved.

“The university continues to work in partnership with campus organizations to follow event guidelines from the Arkansas Department of Health,” Tina Hall, Henderson’s Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications, said.

For further information on how the school is handling Covid-19, Henderson State University’s website provides a resource. Every afternoon from Monday through Friday, the website’s Covid-19 Operational Plan page updates data on

a number of Covid-related issues to reflect the previous 24 hours. Here, anyone can find out the latest information: The number of student tests off-campus and at the campus clinic, positive and pending student tests, reported faculty/staff positive cases, and students in campus isolation or quarantine.

Additionally, Henderson provides a number of total positive cases since July 1 for both students and faculty/staff.

As of this Monday, there have been 54 positive student cases reported for Henderson State University.

Photo courtesy of Shelly Loe, Arkadelphia Chamber of Commerce

Ritter Communications has expanded its horizons to Arkadelphia. They began construction in Jan. and reached their first customer in August.

Warrant served to Bowers Ayanna Williams Crimes Reporter

As of Sept. 17, a warrant has been served to Gage Adam Bowers of Arkadelphia. Bowers is facing the felony and misdemeanor charge of theft by receiving items.

The thefts were first reported when officers were notified of Bowers having a stolen Honda four-wheeler and attempting to sell it at his residence. Officers later arrived at Bowers’ residence and located the four-wheeler.

The registered owner turned out to be someone other than Bowers. After the owner was contacted, it was determined by officers that the vehicle was stolen.

When Bowers was con16 students are currently in campus quarantine and three are in campus isolation.

Students who have tested positive or are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 can also find and fill out the self-reporting form on

fronted by officers, he stated that he acquired the vehicle from a friend, but made a confession to having other stolen items. These items were taken from Shiloh Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, and included televisions and blu-ray players.

Bowers also admitted to pawning a television and blu-ray player before coming in contact with the police. All items, including the pawned television and bluray player, were returned and identified by the church as stolen property.

Bowers first appeared in the Clark County Circuit Courthouse on Sept. 4, and no case events are scheduled at this time.

Henderson’s website.

“We encourage all Reddies to mask up, wash hands, and maintain social distancing. These steps are critical to help us stay on campus this fall,” Hall said.

Henderson State students “connect” with the South Central Connect team on their 80th anniversary drive thru celebration Kelly Stiles E.I.C of the HSU Oracle

The song “Galveston”

by Glen Campbell and the smell of freshly-popped popcorn filled the warm air as drivers-by smiled and waved. In celebration of their 80th anniversary, South Central Electric Cooperative and their 3-yearold partner fiber internet company South Central Connect hosted a COVID19-safe drive-thru celebration on Sept. 15.

“We want to bring quality-of-life to our community,” network engineering manager Robert Green said.

Customers drove around the companies’ headquarters as employees greeted and passed out logoed hats and cups as well as popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy. Among these employees were two Henderson State University junior computer science majors participating in this unique part of their internship.

“I’m a Henderson alumni,” South Central Connect broadband manager Marty

Allen said. “I want to give students real world experience.”

Allen once worked at Entergy’s Arkansas Nuclear One double unit power plant in Russellville, Ark. where computer science students from Arkansas Tech University were given internships.

The internship provided the power plant workers with needed assistance, and each intern found a successful job afterwards. Some interns were even offered jobs at Arkansas Nuclear One. Striving to create a similar experience for SCC, Allen contacted Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University. Since HSU responded first, Allen allowed director of computer science at HSU Jimmie Harper to provide SCC with applicants.

“Working with students is my favorite part of my job,” Harper said.

As a mentor who facilitates computer science internships, professor Harper informed interested students of the opportunity.

Five of these students applied to fill the two available positions. Having taught at Henderson for 33 years Harper enjoys facilitating internships as he is able to stay in contact with people working in the computer science industry and keep upto-date on what he should be teaching his students.

The professor was elated to hear from Allen who he had attended Henderson with.

“I love Henderson’s computer science program,” SCC intern Madison Rushing said. “Every teacher knows you by name.”

From childhood, Rushing has been influenced by someone she admires. Her parents’ friend who she lovingly refers to as “Uncle Steve” steered her toward computer science by the way he would excitedly discuss his career in cyber security.

“The team has made me feel very welcome,” SCC intern Phillip Heck said.

Growing up, Heck continuously found himself taking objects apart to figure out how they worked. As

his brother influenced him to play video games, the young man desired to build his own computer to game on. Upon building his first computer, Heck loved it and has not turned back since.

“It was unlike any interview I have had,” Heck said. “[The staff] felt like a family.”

During interviews, several members of the South Central Connect team were involved so the applicant could feel a sense of the family-oriented mindset that the small company strives for. The SCC team analyzed each student’s technical capabilities, professionalism, and people skills. It is more important to Green to have employees who work well with other team members and customers than who have someone with technical skills. One can be taught how to complete technical tasks, but soft skills are hard to instill in others.

“This is the first time I wanted to hire 100% of the applicants,” Green said.

Having two available po-

sitions and five perfect fits did not make the internship hiring process easy.

However, Allen and Green felt good knowing that all applicants obtained experience going through a job interview in their field of study. They hope to possibly hire the other applicants for a future internship as this partnership between SCC and HSU continues.

“I expect the program to grow,” Allen said.

This paid internship will allow Heck and Rushing to have hands-on experience regarding varying facets of South Central Connect while gaining college hours.

They will complete tasks involving software development, coding, hardware provisioning, troubleshooting, inventory, work management, and interfacing with customers and other organizations.

“They will learn basically every aspect you can think of,” Green said.

While students are gaining valuable exposure, this internship allows South

Central Connect to receive valuable assistance. These interns will complete tasks that relieve stress from other workers, creating a better work environment. Also, SCC can assess what is being taught now in colleges to prepare proper training for new employees.

“We are a small company with two universities nearby,” Allen said. “We can both benefit.”

As a young start-up company, Allen and Green point out that there is potential to hire interns as full-time employees in the future. Someone who already knows how the company runs could be a beneficial asset.

“They have something to put on their resume other than stuff they learned out of a book,” Allen said.

Through the course of the internship, Rushing and Heck will complete summaries of their time at SCC. In addition, SCC will evaluate the students’ performances on the job, and in return, the students will evaluate the work the company provided.

2 News

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Garvan Gardens reopens with new guidelines HOT SPRINGS, ARBeginning Thursday, October 1, the Gardens will be open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. The Chipmunk Cafe is open 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily.

Admission to the Gardens is by EXACT CASH or CREDIT CARD only. As always, members are admitted free. Please bring your membership card and photo ID for admission.

Golf Cart tours will be available on a limited basis beginning October 1, 2020.

Cost is $15 per person in addition to admission.

The Gardens continues to maintain social distancing rules and enhanced cleaning procedures throughout the property. Visitors are REQUIRED to wear face masks inside the restrooms and Welcome Center/Gift

Shop. While visitors are outdoors, masks should be worn where 6 foot distancing is not possible, such as standing in line at the cafe.

The interiors of Anthony Chapel and the Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Center remain closed to the public at this time. Restrooms at the Grooms Quarters and Brides Hall are also closed to the public.

Forest management and its impact on wildfires Bruce Westerman AR Representative

As wildfires burn across the West, many Americans have lost their loved ones, their homes and all their possessions. My prayers are with everyone who has been displaced or who is heroically fighting the fires, and I hope these blazes are quickly contained. Unfortunately, fires like this have become so common that we refer to this time of year as “wildfire season.” I don’t think we just have to accept this as the new normal. In all my years as a forester, I’ve

seen firsthand that scientific forest management works.

These are commonsense policies that we need now to prevent devastating fires like these in the future.

When I say “forest management,” it’s important to clarify that I’m not proposing clear cutting. Instead, we can use practices like thinning from below and removing lower-quality trees to make residual trees healthier and more resistant to fire and pests. Arkansas landowners have used tactics like these to make keep our forests thriving, not only

providing us with clean air and water but also improving our wildlife habitats.

I believe we can use our example as a model for the rest of the country to follow.

Each state will have different geographical requirements, but the basic principle remains: manage our forests well to prevent brush and dead trees from creating tinderboxes. The science supports this method. We have all the right tools at our disposal to prevent severe wildfires, now we just have to put them into action.

Updates on census and the Forestry Division Bruce Maloch AR Senator

LITTLE ROCK – Census workers across Arkansas will be knocking on doors until the end of September in a last-ditch effort to make sure that as many people as possible get counted in the 2020 U.S. Census.

Undercounting the population of a state or community has long-term negative consequences, because the benefits of so many government programs are allocated according to census data.

For example, an undercount of as little as one percent would mean the loss of a billion dollars in federal funding in Arkansas over the next ten years.

The potential loss of federal dollars would have a negative effect on Medicaid, food stamp programs, highway maintenance and construction, education and the availability of childcare subsidies.

Census workers are visiting homes in communities that traditionally have been hard to reach. Sometimes they leave packets on doorsteps if they are unable to contact anyone in the home.

However, it’s not necessary to wait for a census worker to visit your house.

You can fill out the census over the phone in about 10 minutes. Call 844-3302020. After you have completed the census, encourage everyone you know to complete it.

The census is conducted every 10 years, and this is

the first time that a majority of people will complete it online. You can fill out the form online by going to https://my2020census.gov Your personal information will be kept confidential. Also, you will not be asked financial questions, such as bank account numbers or credit card numbers.

You will not be asked for your Social Security number either. You will not be asked for money and you will not be questioned about your political opinions.

If you suspect that you have been contacted by a deceptive outfit that is trying to defraud you, check out the address of their website.

The address of a valid census web page will always have “gov” at the end.

Nationwide, 65.9 percent of the population have already responded to the census on their own volition. In Arkansas, 60 percent have responded by telephone, Internet or traditional mail.

Twenty firefighters from Arkansas, including five employees of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division, are fighting wildfires in Oregon.

Crews in California, Oregon and Washington have been pushed to the breaking point battling wildfires on more than 2 million acres this year.

In addition to the five employees of the state Forestry Division, the so-called “Razorback Crew” has eight Arkansas employees from the U.S Forest Service, two from the U.S. Fish and Wild-

Hutchinson on COVID-19 Asa Hutchinson AR Governor

“The increased use of antigen point-of-care testing is encouraging. This shows our investment in pointof-care testing is helping address the new demand for rapid tests on our K-12 and college campuses. Today’s report includes almost 10,000 tests between the PCR tests and the antigen

tests. Of course, this means we identified new cases, and this will allow our more than 770 contact tracers to do their work and reduce the spread of the virus. Right now, we are concentrating on identifying communities that have an increased level of spread and encouraging stricter compliance with our health guidelines.”

life Service, two from the National Parks Service, and three from of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Two other employees of the state Forestry Division recently returned from California, where they helped battle wildfires.

The legislature created the Forestry Division in 1931 to protect state woodlands from fire and other natural hazards. State forestry officials estimate that since 1935 they have helped put out more than 225,000 forest fires.

After tornadoes and ice storms, Forestry Division employees help clear roadways for emergency vehicles, and set up command centers for first responders.

It also has a nursery in North Little Rock, from which it provides low-costs seedlings to Arkansas residents for reforestation projects.

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. >>> <<< Garvan Gardens will be open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. The Chipmunk Cafe is open 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily.

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

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

512-750-2292

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Arkadelphia Dispatch

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020

AR woman shunned for promoting masks HSU theatre to after son diagnosed with COVID-19 Philis Wood Contributing Reporter

Lexi Gayle was punished for doing the right thing.

Lexi’s newborn son, Preston, was diagnosed with covid-19. Preston was only 2 months old when he got sick.

Hunter (Preston’s dad) contracted COVID-19 at work. The same day Hunter’s test results came back positive, baby Preston started having symptoms. Preston was tested and his test results came back positive the next morning. The following week—at the time of this interview—baby Preston was a little better, but still fighting the disease.

Lexi said, “When his fever comes back, his whole body starts aching again.”

Preston was discharged from the hospital after 3 days. Lexi was told by doctors that there was nothing else they could do; they just had to let the virus run its course. Lexi has been unable to sleep much since then: “I just lie there and listen, hoping he won’t stop breathing.”

Lexi wants other mothers to avoid what she has been through, so she asks people to wear masks, and to take all the precautions that they can, including social distancing. “We aren’t going to be around the public until all three of us test negative.”

The response from the public has been overwhelming—overwhelmingly negative, that is. In brief, there was some bullying and harassment online. Some people said that Preston’s positive test results were faked. Then of course, there were those who claimed that the whole pandemic is a huge hoax. Some of these people were so aggressive that they even criticized her newborn’s appearance.

As of Sept. 21 there have been 6.85 million cases of Covid-19 in the United States. There have been a total of 200 thousand deaths.

On Sept. 8 more than 500,000 children in the United States alone had been diagnosed with Covid-19 according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Photo courtesy of Lexi Gayle.

Hunter Gayle (left) was diagnosed with COVID-19 recently.

His mother, Lexi Gayle (right) has since faced backlash for her promotion of the public wearing of masks.

Continuing Arkansas COVID-19 case update from Arkansas Department of Health

News 3

return in Sept.

Steve Fellers Marketing and Comm. HSU

Henderson State University Theatre will present three performances of Welcome to the Moon and Other Plays Sept. 24, 25, and 26. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. outdoors at the entrance to Arkansas Hall.

From the mind of Pulitzer prize-winning playwright John Patrick Shanley comes a collection of six short plays with a perfect blend of humor and sincerity. The audience will experience love and fear, joy and pain, and a good old-fashion western gunfight.

Red Coat is directed by Hannah Mims of Fouke.

The cast includes Lucy Speer of Little Rock and Joshua Wiseman of Fordyce.

Down and Out is directed

by Adrian Hinojosa of Hot Springs. The cast includes Matthew Glover of Benton, Suzy Hill of Little Rock, Addison Smith of Texarkana, and Jessie Townzen of Mena.

Let Us Go Out into the Starry Night is directed

by Baleigh Almond of Hot Springs. The cast includes Sophie Burke of DeQueen, Camden Dalie Keech of Conway, Sarah Miller of Magnet

Cove, Elaine Willey of Hot Springs, and Savannah Price of Bryant.

Out West is directed by Claudia Beach. The cast includes Natalie Gray of Hot Springs, Matthew Glover of Benton, Adrian Hinojosa of Hot Springs, Jessica Smith of Cabot, and Garrett Talley of Nashville.

A Lonely Impulse of Delight is directed by Doug Gilpin. The cast includes Camden Dalie Keech of Conway, Ethan Schmidt of St. Louis, MO, and Emily Williams of Hot Springs.

Welcome to the Moon is directed by William Henshaw. The cast includes Zandora Chinwah of Hot Springs, Adrian Hinojosa of Hot Springs, Ethan Schmidt of St. Louis, MO, Jesse Townzen of Mena, and Joshua Wiseman of Fordyce.

The stage manager is Elizabeth Reaves of Cabot, assisted by Marie Simmons of Little Rock and Emily Williams of Hot Springs.

Welcome to the Moon and Other Plays is open to the public free of charge.

Seating is first come, first serve. Appropriate social distancing and masking protocols will be observed.

James charged with posession Ayanna Williams Crimes Reporter

As of Sept. 17, the arrest warrant for Donell James has been served. Originally from New Orleans, James is facing charges for possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

This violation happened on Sept. 4, when the deputy on patrol was notified of James driving erratically on Interstate 30. After a short pursuit, James was pulled over.

According to the affidavits, it was obvious to the deputy that James was under the influence of a narcotic while driving. During the traffic stop, James ran into the right lane of the interstate and attempted to flee the scene in his car. After failing to do so, James was retrieved from the vehicle.

James was placed under arrest, and he actively

resisted during the arrest.

Upon searching the vehicle, a bag of white substance that tested positive for cocaine was found. In addition, two small blue pills, a digital scale, a bag of herbal product and partially used marijuana were found. A total of seven hundred and five dollars of suspected drug money was also retrieved from the vehicle.It was also discovered that James has an extensive criminal history, including narcotic convictions.

At the Clark County Detention Center, a Drug Recognition Expert conducted an in-person evaluation of James. It concluded that James had been under the influence of multiple drugs, and was impaired while driving. James first appeared in court on Sept.

4, and no case events have been scheduled at this time.

Arkadelphia Dispatch

AR. Department of Health

According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, there are a total of 2,078 probable cases in the state as of Sept. 21. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 76,364 cases with 2,078 probable and 68,456 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.

Editor: Pete Tubbs Online Editor: Harley Whisenhunt Crimes Reporter: Ayanna Williams Sports Reporter: Hannah Hodge University Correspondant: Julie Young Staff Reporter: Lance Brownfield Staff Reporter: Philis Woods Staff Reporter: Rae Lynn Dinger Contributing Reporter: Kelly Stiles 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, Sept. 24, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Arkadelphia Badgers Arkansas Razorbacks Football update schedule update

The Arkadelphia Badgers football team is currently 3-0. While the boys did not have a game last week, they will this Fri. when they face off against Robinson at home.

While the Arkansas Razorback season has not yet officially begun, there is much hype and anticipation for the upcoming games. Below is an updated schedule of the team’s upcoming games.

Top 10 high school football teams in Arkansas

Following is the Overall Top 10 high school football teams in Arkansas and the top five in Classes 7A, 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A and 2A, as voted by a panel of sports media from around the state for the week ending September 19. Ranking is given with first-place votes received, records, total points and last week’s ranking: OVERALL Record Pts Prv 1. Bryant (25) 3-0 250 1 2. Bentonville 3-0 210 2 3. North Little Rock 3-0 200 3 4. Greenwood 3-0 142 4 5. Pulaski Academy 3-0 133 5 6. Conway 2-1 117 6 7. Cabot 3-0 105 6 8. Bentonville West 2-1 74 8 9. Joe T. Robinson 2-1 33 10 10. Lake Hamilton 3-0 31 NR Others receiving votes: Wynne 19, LR Parkview 17, Fayetteville 12, Harding Academy 10, FS Northside 6, Jonesboro 5, Arkadelphia 4, LR Christian 4, Benton 2, Van Buren 1.

CLASS 7A

Record Pts Prv 1. Bryant (25) 3-0 125 1 2. Bentonville 3-0 92 2 3. North Little Rock 3-0 82 3 4. Conway 2-1 35 4 5. Cabot 3-0 28 5 Others receiving votes: Bentonville West 11, Fayetteville 2.

CLASS 6A Record Pts Prv 1. Greenwood (25) 3-0 125 1 2. Lake Hamilton 3-0 86 3 3. LR Parkview 3-0 68 4 4. Benton 1-2 47 2 5. Jonesboro 1-2 25 5 Others receiving votes: Van Buren 8, Siloam Springs 7, Searcy 4, Mountain Home 2, West Memphis 2, Pine Bluff 1.

CLASS 5A Record Pts Prv 1. Pulaski Academy (25) 3-0 125 1 2. Wynne 3-0 88 2 3. LR Christian 2-1 52 3 4. Texarkana 1-0 37 4 5. Harrison 2-1 27 5 Others receiving votes: Magnolia 24, Maumelle 7, White Hall 6, Camden Fairview 5, Watson Chapel 4.

CLASS 4A Record Pts Prv 1. Joe T. Robinson (22) 2-1 122 1 2. Arkadelphia (2) 3-0 80 2 3. Nashville (1) 2-1 67 3 4. Shiloh Christian 2-1 35 4 5. Pocahontas 3-0 29 5 Others receiving votes: Stuttgart 17, Ozark 16, Rivercrest 9.

CLASS 3A Record Pts Prv 1. Harding Academy (22) 3-0 120 1 2. Prescott (2) 2-0 96 2 3. Newport 4-0 66 3 4. Booneville 3-0 33 4 5. Rison (1) 1-1 24 5 Others receiving votes: Hoxie 15, Osceola 13, McGehee 8.

CLASS 2A Record Pts Prv 1. Fordyce (20) 3-0 120 1 2. Junction City (4) 2-1 94 2 3. Gurdon 2-1 60 3 4. Des Arc (1) 4-0 58 4 5. Magnet Cove 3-1 20 5 Others receiving votes: Poyen 10, Clarendon 9, Foreman 2, Bigelow 1, Hazen 1.

More than $735,000 available for wildlife conservation education LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (September 21, 2020) – The Arkansas Economic Development Commission Division of Rural Services announced the Wildlife Conservation Education Grants Program application period is open now through Oct. 8. More than $735,000 is available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021.

Funds for these grants come from fines collected by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).

“Education is foundational for economic development,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “It leads to stronger communities, greater incomes, and more opportunities. These funds not only support enhanced educational opportunities, but they also help us to preserve our state’s

wildlife for future generations to enjoy. I encourage all of our school districts to apply.”

According to AGFC Chief of Education Tabbi Kinion, these grants go a long way in strengthening learning opportunities for youth, especially in rural areas of Arkansas where education dollars are at a premium.

“Many schools participating in our shooting sports, archery, and conservation education programs are able to keep the programs going thanks to this partnership,” Kinion said. “We also hear from many teachers who are able to make conservationoriented field trips possible thanks to the money we collect from wildlife fines.”

Programs eligible for funding include but are not limited to: the study

This week in Reddie sports

of general fish and wildlife conservation issues, Project WILD Workshops, Arkansas National Archery in the Schools Program, Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program, Fishing in the Natural State, Arkansas Stream Team, School Yard Habitat Site Development, and specialized AGFC conservation education/educator training workshops focused on the programs above. Funds may also be used for field trips to AGFC Nature Centers, Conservation Education Centers, and Wildlife Management Areas.

Reddies Down Tarleton State on the Road in Season Opener | Sept.

21, 1985 Henderson State opens its 1985 season in style on the road in Stephensville, Texas by defeating Tarleton State 26-6. Future Hall of Honor inductees play a big role for the Reddies as Kenny Fells rushes for 120 yards and two scores and Greg “Skip” Williams takes his lone carry of the game 56 yards for a touchdown.

Silveira’s Triple-Double Leads Volleyball to Sweep of SAU | Sept. 21, 2004 | Carla Silveira turns in a dazzling performance for the Reddies and finishes the match with 10 kills, 43 assists and 16 digs to lead HSU to a 3-0 win over Southern Arkansas at home. Henderson racks up a .287 attacking percentage in the win, which includes a mark of

.351 in the final set.

Henderson Rolls Through West Alabama, 31-10 | Sept. 21, 2006 | Knotted in a 3-3 game at the half in Livingston, Alabama, the Reddies outscore the Tigers 28-7 in the final two quarters of play to run away for a 31-10 victory on the road. Bernard Palmer scores twice on the road, quarterback Garett Manning throws for a touchdown and runs for one, and receiver Marques Clark hauls in five passes for 117 yards and a score.

HSU Survives Scare from SOSU with Big Fourth Quarter | Sept.

21, 2013 | Down 28-24 entering the final quarter on the

road in Durant, Oklahoma, the No. 9 Reddies outscore Southeastern Oklahoma State 20-7 in the last 15 minutes to rally for a 44-35 win. The Savage Storm steal all the momentum with a 100-yard interception return for a score with two minutes remaining in the third, but Henderson gets touchdowns from Darius Davis and Keaton Stigger, as well as two field goals from Charles Gonsalves, to hold on for the victory.

Fifth Set Rally Lifts Reddies Past Mississippi College | Sept. 21, 2019 | Trailing 10-5 in the final set on the road in Clinton, Mississippi, Henderson State digs deep and wins 11 of the next 15 points to stun the Lady Choctaws 16-14 in the fifth frame and leave town with a 3-2 win.

A 5-1 HSU runs trims the deficit to 11-10 but MC regroups and takes a 14-13 lead. Facing match-point, the Reddies get two kills from Sabrina Show and a Mississippi College attack error to score three-straight point and win it.