Arkadelphia Dispatch - December 17, 2020

Vol. 2, No. 45

Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020

Ouachita Baptist University honors 309 graduates during 133rd commencement

Photo courtesy of Andy Henderson, OBU Media.

Ouachita Baptist University’s socially distanced commencement ceremony which took place on Sat. celebrated more than 300 graduates.

Rachel Gaddis kinship with you because moment of your Ouachita business administration/ we began our Ouachita experience to consider the entrepreneurship double Ouachita Baptist Media

Ouachita Baptist University celebrated 309 graduates from the classes of 2019 and 2020 during its 133rd commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 5. The ceremony, which was rescheduled from its original date in May due to COVID-19, was held outdoors at Cliff Harris Stadium on Ouachita’s campus and followed Arkansas Department of Health protocols for guest and graduate safety.

University officials conferred Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. Dr. Ben Sells, Ouachita president, presided over the commencement exercises.

“Many of the graduates and their family members are in person, while other grads and their families needed to participate online.

To our graduates in-person and online, this ceremony is about you and celebrating your Ouachita degree,” Dr. Sells said as he opened the ceremony. “You’re surrounded by people who helped make this day possible, people who believe in you and will continue to be for you, people who are eager to see all that God will do in and through you.”

In his commencement address, Dr. Sells began on a personal note.

“Lisa and I arrived at Ouachita in 2016 like many of you. We feel a special

journey together,” he said.

“That kinship, however, isn’t based just on the years we’ve spent together but on what we’ve lived through together – a pandemic of great enduring consequence.

“Ouachita is a university that makes paramount a love of God and a love of learning. We aspire to help prepare you to serve the purposes of God in your generation. Therefore, I believe it’s important and timely that we reflect on this question: ‘How then shall we live, both in the shadow of a pandemic and in the light of eternity?’”

Dr. Sells remarked on the university’s shift from residential to remote learning in March 2020 in response to the pandemic, the efforts of faculty and staff to fulfill their commitment and calling to serve students, as well as the class of 2020’s “resilience to finish in the face of adversity.”

“I remember seniors departing from campus for the last time, some in tears, and some gathering for prayer in Berry Chapel,” Sells said with emotion in his voice. “I remember how you prayed for me.

“Crises and adversity reveal character, and experiences may also illuminate a truth – truth that changes our heart, our habits and our hopes for our future – truth that also forges character,” he continued. “It seems appropriate at this final

truths your Ouachita education has revealed to you and how those truths are changing your character for good.”

Dr. Sells then charged the class of 2020 with advice given to him by a mentor, a mentor who had been given the same advice 50 years prior: “If you can’t see very far ahead, go ahead as far as you can see.”

“Maybe 20 years from now, when one of my own grandchildren might be graduating from college or making a difficult career decision, they might ask me for some advice,” he said.

“I’ll likely use the moment to tell them about you and how we found our way forward together in the spring of 2020.”

“Every graduating class deserves heartfelt congratulations,” Sells said as he closed. “But this year, we feel it deeper when we say to you, ‘Congratulations; well done!’”

Senior Class President Maggie Donnell, a social justice studies and psychology double major from Rogers, Ark., led the commencement invocation.

The university’s vision and mission statements were read by Lori Motl, director of admissions counseling, and Rickey Rogers, dean of students. Scripture reading was led by the top graduate from the Pruet School of Christian Studies, Seigen Nichols, a Christian studies/Christian ministry and

major from Forest Hill, La. Dr. Kathy Collins, chair of the Department of Education, and Jim Rothwell, assistant dean of the Hickingbotham School of Business, served as commencement marshals.

Ouachita Baptist University, a private liberal arts university in Arkadelphia, Ark., is in its 135th year as a Christ-centered learning community. Its seven academic schools include business, Christian studies, education, fine arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences.

The recognized gradu-

Zoie Clift Travel Writer, AR Tourism

the spring of this year the LRCVB began to package area attractions into these new tourism amenities that people could experience from the safety and comfort of their homes or at their leisure via driving or walking tours. “We created virtual tours, mapped the sites and provided site information,” said Hall. “Should people want to safely venture out, they may do so in a variety of ways by driving, walking or even cycling to sites.”

Hall said the project had two goals, to remind and educate residents about the attractions in their own backyards and also to inspire individuals to make future trips to Little Rock to enjoy them in-person when they felt safe to do so.

On the Little Rock Mural Tour, you can see a variety of creative murals that showcases the vibrant art scene of the city. For instance you can see the Butterfly Mural at 400 President Clinton Avenue, which features a colorful scene of butterflies and moths native to Arkansas. A mural called Golden Harvest can be found at East 10th and Main St. and cel-

ebrates the state’s role as the nation’s top rice producer.

At Capitol Avenue and Main Street you’ll find a mural called Playtime, with its playful scene of a red wagon carrying various Little Rock landmarks inside it.

The Little Rock Sculpture Tour showcases pieces of art in the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden and Riverfront Park.

The Little Rock Historic Church Tour has 18 churches as part of the tour that stand out for their architecture and history. Thirteen are on the National Register of Historic Places and two are in a National Register Historic District.

The churches do not offer public tours but you can enjoy the outside of them.

Churches on the tour include the First Presbyterian Church, which was built in 1921 and designed by architect John Parks Almand.

Many of his commissions are on the National Register of Historic Places, including Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site. Another church on the tour is the First Missionary Baptist Church, which was

built in 1882 and known as a pioneering AfricanAmerican church in the city.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited the church in the early 1960s to deliver the church’s 118th anniversary sermon.

On the Little Rock Military History Tour you can see 14 attractions that range from monuments to museums. Some of the spots on the tour include the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, Mount Holly Cemetery, the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum in North Little Rock, the Arkansas National Guard Museum at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock, and the Jacksonville Museum of Military History in Jacksonville.

“I would invite people to visit our website and view the tour videos, then map their route should they choose to safely visit sites in-person,” said Hall.

“Along routes there are many great local eateries that offer take-out, curbside and dine-in options. I would encourage visiting a few and making your self-guided tours fun-filled adventures

ates featured 167 honor graduates, including 32 who graduated summa cum laude with a grade point average of 3.95 or higher, with 16 of those graduating with a 4.0 GPA; 71 who graduated magna cum laude (3.75 GPA); and 61 who graduated cum laude (3.5 GPA).

University officials also recognized 32 graduates who completed Ouachita’s Carl Goodson Honors Program.

Additionally, students who attended Ouachita from Fall 2016 to Spring 2020 represent the highest four-year graduation rate on record for the university at 60.5%, well surpassing the most recent state average of 32% published by the National Center for Education Statistics.

View the names of May 2020, August 2020, December 2019 and August 2019 graduates recognized on Dec. 5 here. Watch the full commencement video at vimeo.com/obu/2020grad and visit vimeo.com/ obu/2020slideshow to view the senior slideshow. See Dr. Sells’ full commencement address here.

These graduates were then recognized at the inperson ceremony held on Dec. 5, 2020, at Cliff Harris Stadium, along with these additional May and August 2020 graduates: Arkadelphia, Ark. – Mason Archer graduated May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology Bentonville, Ark. – Hannah Horner graduated August 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance and business administration/ management

Cabot, Ark. – Duel Cunningham II graduated May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics El Dorado, Ark. – Justin Trostle graduated May 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music industry Kirovograd, Ukraine – Emily Trigg graduated August 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance Little Rock, Ark. – Cori Gooseberry graduated May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering physics Manila, Ark. – Kelsea Moore graduated August 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in kinesiology & leisure studies Maumelle, Ark. – Kelcie Roberson graduated May 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology Nashville, Tenn. – Mandy Berry graduated May 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in studio art Sherrill, Ark. – Tyrik Harris graduated May 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in kinesiology & leisure studies Sherwood, Ark. – Mary Tingle graduated August 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration/management Tyler, Texas – Savannah Hogg graduated August 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communications Watch the full commencement video at vimeo.com/obu/2020grad and visit vimeo.com/ obu/2020slideshow to view the senior slideshow.

See Dr. Ben Sells’ full commencement address here.

Photo courtesy of Andy Henderson, OBU Media.

In addition to the December graduates, several students that graduated in May and August 2020 were recognized as well.

LRCVB unleashes self-guided tours to showcase Little Rock in a new way The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, LRCVB, has unleashed four new self-guided tours this year as an added way to experience the varied culture and history of the state and showcase Little Rock in a new way. The tours fall under the categories of murals, sculptures, historic churches, and military history.

“We’re fortunate here in Little Rock to have an array of attractions rich in history, arts and culture, many of which are completely free of charge,” said Gretchen Hall, president and CEO of the LRCVB. “Even better, many are also located outdoors for all to enjoy at any time. Our mural collection continues to grow, there are more than 140 sculptures on display in Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden and Riverfront Park alone, beautiful historic churches line the skyline, and military memorials and monuments can be found throughout the city.”

As for the motivation for creating the new tours, in

Photo courtesy of Arkansas Tourism.

With new self guided tours of Little Rock can now see things like these tulips in front of Macarthur Military Museum of Arkansas on their own.

in Arkansas’s capital city.

Many businesses have taken our Big on Safety pledge to publicly acknowledge they are following all safety guidelines and enforcing all local measures to provide the safest environment for guests and their employees.”

Audio tours are also available for people to download on the LRCVB site that cover political history and civil rights.

“We continue to look for ways to offer the best and safest experiences for our residents and visitors,” said Hall. “These new selfguided tours have been very popular, so be looking for more down the line.”

All of these insightful tours can be found at littlerock.com/experiencelittle-rock/tours.

2 News

Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Governor Hutchinson: Hope and a bright day ahead Asa Hutchinson AR Governor

On Thursday, the Advisory Committee of the Federal Drug Administration said “yes” to the emergency use authorization of the first Coronavirus vaccine in the United States, and today I’d like to talk about what that means for Arkansas.

This is a historic development in this pandemic. Now we can move forward with confidence and hope that we will win this fight. It’s only a matter of days until the Pfizer vaccine arrives in Arkansas. I have authorized the first dosages to be distributed to our health care workers. The next round of vaccine will be distributed to our nursing homes.

Although in the first delivery there will not be enough vaccine to cover every health care worker, the hospitals will prioritize the distribution. And then there will be second and continuing deliveries until everyone is covered.

It is essential that we provide the vaccine to our most vulnerable citizens in our long-term care facilities.

In Arkansas, 79.5 percent of our COVID deaths occur in those 65 years or older. I

expect the FDA to approve additional vaccines this month, which will accelerate our immunization program and increase the number of people we can vaccinate.

We will continue to prioritize the vaccine distribution until it is widely available and everyone is covered. It is my belief that the determination and ingenuity of our pharmaceutical industry combined with the support of our federal partners will result in universal distribution in historic and record time. It may be late spring before everyone in Arkansas has access to a vaccine, but we will get to that point, and if we all do our part, we will beat this silent killer together. There is hope and a bright day ahead.

The experts say that in order for the vaccine to defeat the virus that 70 percent of our population must take the shot. I have confidence in the vaccine.

In fact, Susan and I will be taking the vaccine when it is our turn. There will be no government directives to be vaccinated, but that should not be necessary when it is so important to our nation and state.

In the meantime, we

must be remain vigilant with the 3 Ws: Wash your hands. Wear your mask.

Watch your social distance.

We are just two weeks out from Thanksgiving, and we are seeing the predicted surge in the number of COVID-19 cases. Christmas is only two weeks away, and we must do everything we can to avoid a third surge.

I hope that everyone will find a safe way to celebrate Christmas and that this year will be better and brighter than ever. That means we need to think about out-ofstate travel and what is necessary to limit the size of our gatherings. I loved the idea of a family from Little Rock who said they are going to celebrate Christmas outside around a firepit. Be innovative. Figure out what we can do to have a meaningful holiday without spreading the virus.

Let’s team up as fellow Arkansans and slow the spread of COVID during Christmas. With the dawn of a New Year and the arrival of a vaccine, I am confident we are on the right path to shut down this pandemic and return to life without public health restrictions.

Importance of spending levels for state agencies Bruce Maloch AR Senator

One of the most important duties for legislators is to set spending levels for state agencies.

The level of state government spending determines how much of a surplus is left at the end of the fiscal year.

One of the legislature’s most important decisions is how much of a surplus to accumulate, and what to do with it. One option is to lower taxes, which lowers the available surplus because it decreases revenue for government. Another option is to spend the surplus on one-time capital projects.

It can also be transferred to programs that have been affected by spending cuts.

Another option is to place the surplus in a “rainy day” fund, to be available in periods of financial crisis. That option will be seriously considered by legislators during the 2021 regular session that begins in January.

The legislature has the constitutional authority to appropriate tax revenue and set government spending levels. That authority is often called “the power of the purse strings.” By designating where tax dollars are spent, the legislature officially determines the

state’s priorities on education, transportation, health care, tax rates and many other areas of public policy.

As the head of the executive branch, the governor presents a balanced budget plan to the legislature as a starting point. Legislators modify that budget plan to reflect their priorities. When the regular session is finished next spring the state will have an official budget for Fiscal Year 2022, which begins on July 1, 2021.

In a letter accompanying his presentation of a balanced budget, the governor proposed increasing the amount in the state’s longterm reserve fund from about $185 million now to about $420 million after the next two fiscal years.

General revenue from state taxes will amount to an estimated $5.68 billion this year. It is forecast to increase to $5.8 billion next fiscal and $6 billion the following fiscal year.

Larger reserve funds impove the state’s bond ratings, which saves agencies money on building projects.

It is well known in state government that Arkansas does not deficit spend, which means that unlike Washington we don’t used borrowed money to pay for ongoing operational costs.

However, universities and state agencies issue bonds for buildings and capital improvements. Issuing bonds is a way of borrowing money for one-time expenses. For example, last week the Arkansas Highway Commission voted to refinance a series of bonds in order to take advantage of low interest rates.

Over the past five years, tax cuts enacted by the legislature have slowed the growth of state revenue by several hundred million dollars a year.

The state is on pace to accumulate a healthy budget surplus, even after taking into account the loss of revenue from those tax reductions, and the drop in tax collections due to the economic effect of the pandemic.

Surpluses are created because Arkansas legislators consistently adopt very conservative budgets for state government. Also, Arkansas operates under a balanced budget law called the Revenue Stabilization Act, which requires state agencies to reduce spending if an economic downturn results in reduced revenue from sales and income taxes.

and ATVs. The Gurdon High School Band entertained the crowds and Main Street was lit up with new LED Christmas lights and blow-ups.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make it special.

Our Gurdon Go-Devils had a fantastic football season. It was a real thrill for the whole town to get behind the team. They can be proud

of their accomplishments.

It made for an exciting time for us all.

It seems that people are getting in the Christmas spirit. People are decorating their homes and businesses.

Remember to shop local.

There are many great places to find gifts for everyone on your list. Christmas will be here before you know it.

Upcoming Events

Experience the mind-blowing close-up magic, illusion, and mentalism of Jonathan Erlandson in the all new Malco Lounge and Theatre in early Dec. For ticket prices and exact dates, visit Maxwell Blade’s website. >>> <<< The Legendary Vapors will present their First Annual Christmas Extravaganza starting on Dec. 12. The event, which will include the area’s finest singers, entertainers, and musicians, will also be held on Dec. 18, 19, and 20. Tickets range from $25 to $45 and can be purchased on eventbrite.com. >>> <<< Clark County Sanitation will be closed on Thursday, December 24th & Friday, December 25th for the Christmas Holidays. If you are a Clark County Sanitation customer and your normal trash day is on Thursday, then we will pick up your trash on Wednesday, December 23rd & Monday, December 28th. And if your normal trash day is on Friday, then we will pick up your trash on Monday, December 28th. Also, we will be closed on Friday, January 1st for the New Year’s Holiday. If you are a Clark County Sanitation customer and your normal trash day is on Friday, then we will pick up your trash on Monday, January 4th. If you have any questions, please call Clark County Sanitation office at 870246-7602.

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. >>> <<< The Arkadelphia Arts Center directors are looking forward to the day when we can open the doors to the public. Meanwhile, enjoy our rotating exhibits that may be seen through the window and glass door. Now on display is an array of holiday and winter themed art. Some of the pieces are for sale and would make wonderful holiday gifts. Contact information is listed on identification cards near 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. >>> <<< 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. >>> <<< 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.

Celebrating Christmas in Gurdon amidst COVID-19 Sherry Kelley Gurdon Mayor

Despite the Corona Virus we had a beautiful Christmas Parade. Tuesday evening the lighted entries traveled the parade route lined with children, parents and townsfolk. It was great to see so many lighted floats, vehicles, motorcycles, bikes

Askins appointed director of Dept. of Transformation and SS LITTLE ROCK, ARGovernor Asa Hutchinson has appointed Jonathan Askins as the director of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services (TSS) Division of Information Systems (DIS). Askins will also serve as the state’s Chief Technology Officer.

“Jonathan Askins brings a wealth of experience in business and government,” Governor Hutchinson said.

“In his career, he has been a team builder, a business developer, a problem solver, and a crisis manager. He’s is everything you look for in a leader, and DIS has great days ahead.”

Mr. Askins comes to DIS from Acxiom, where as director of Expert Client

Management he guided new product strategy in the company’s government business sectors. From 1998 to 2000, Mr. Askins worked at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, where he led a cabinet-level task force to encourage investment into Arkansas’ tourism industry. In 2018, Governor Hutchinson appointed Mr. Askins to the state Data Transparency Commission, which he serves as vice chair.

“My wife, Leigh Anna, and I have been blessed by the State of Arkansas though a number of programs that have helped our children and I was thrilled for this opportunity to repay a State that has given us so much,” Mr. Askins said.

TSS Secretary Amy Fecher, who has worked previously with Mr. Askins, said: “The State of Arkansas is fortunate to have a person with Jonathan’s experience and qualifications join our Department. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Jonathan in the past and look forward to his leadership on the TSS team.”

Askins has more than twenty-five years of experience in business development, operations, contract negotiation, and management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications.

He and his wife, Leigh Anna, live in Scott.

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Arkadelphia Dispatch

News 3

Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020

Time Out for Tech 2021 preview Faculty honored at WBU for days planned for Feb. 11-13 100 years of service Sam Strasner Director of Univ. Relations

Arkansas Tech University is planning a pandemicaltered version of its largest annual preview event for high school seniors.

Time Out for Tech 2021 will provide prospective students with an opportunity to learn more about the academic and campus life opportunities available at Arkansas Tech University while adhering to the safety protocols spelled out in the ATU pandemic recovery framework.

“Even though we will be unable to host many of our signature Time Out for Tech events, including our large opening session at Tucker Coliseum, we believe it is important to provide this opportunity for high school seniors to visit Arkansas Tech in person,” said Jessica Brock, ATU director of admissions. “The groups will be smaller and additional safety precautions relative to the COVID-19 pandemic will be in place, but Time Out for Tech will remain a beneficial experience for any high school senior considering Arkansas Tech. We want them to experience ATU for themselves and discover

why our university is the right fit for a diverse community of almost 11,000 students.”

In-person groups will be organized based on academic interest. Rather than occurring on one day as is tradition, Time Out for Tech will be spread over three days in order to facilitate social distancing.

High school seniors interested in programs offered through the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of eTech and those who are undecided on their academic interest will visit ATU on Thursday, Feb. 11.

Those interested in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences as well as the College of Natural and Health Sciences will have their Time Out for Tech experience on Friday, Feb. 12, while the College of Education and the College of Business will welcome their prospective students to campus on Saturday, Feb. 13.

The daily in-person Time Out for Tech programs are scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 2:15 p.m. with an optional campus tour to follow.

High school seniors who opt to participate in Time

Out for Tech in a virtual environment will log in and learn about ATU on Saturday, Feb. 13.

Regardless of date or delivery method, all Time Out for Tech participants will learn more about scholarships and financial aid.

Faculty from each college will visit with Time Out for Tech attendees and provide them with insight on their academic programs. There will also be question and answer sessions with current students and representatives from the ATU Office of Admissions.

Attendance for the inperson Time Out for Tech sessions will be limited.

Each high school senior will be permitted to bring one guest. Participants at the in-person sessions will receive a commemorative Tshirt and a complimentary brunch or lunch.

“The Go 2 ATU app will be available to all attendees, in-person and online, with additional exclusive content available to connect students with areas of campus they’re unable to meet with, as well as to encourage peer interaction,” said Brock.

Advance registration for Time Out for Tech 2021 is required.

Photo courtesy of Williams Baptist University.

These honorees have served a combined 100 years at WBU.

WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. (12/10/20) - Williams Baptist University has honored nine of its employees for 100 years of combined service to the school and its Christcentered education.

“I am privileged and honored to work with everyone at this great university,” WBU President Dr. Stan Norman said. “Those honored for their work and sacrifice have given so much of their time and effort to this great school and it is because of their hard work and the work of all the school’s employees that our students are able to achieve all the great things they do.”

Dr. Bob Magee was recognized for his 35 years of service to the university.

Magee currently serves as chair of the Department of Fine Arts, professor of music and director of choral activities, as well as director of the Williams Singers. He also spent 13 years on the mission field before beginning work at WBU. Honored for 15 years of service was Dr. Walter Norvell, who is an associate professor of Christian ministries.

John Mayberry, Pamela Meridith and James Parsons were all honored for 10 years of service at WBU. Mayberry has served in a number of roles at WBU and is now the head women’s basketball coach of the Lady Eagles. Meridith serves as the director of the library

and has been a member of the State Library Board since January. Parsons is a member of the WBU Physical Plant staff.

Honored for five years of service were Amber Grady, Janna Himschoot, Dr. Chris Polachic and Max Rose.

Grady serves as the Dean of Students, while Himschoot is an assistant professor of business. Polachic is an assistant professor of natural sciences with an emphasis in physics. Rose serves as the gift account coordinator and as office manager for the Offices of Institutional Advancement and Public Relations.

The employees were honored at the WBU employee service luncheon on Dec. 10.

LITTLE ROCK, ARLaw enforcement agencies across Arkansas and the nation are prepared to launch a two-week long intensified enforcement plan aimed at drivers who choose to drive impaired. In advance of the holiday travel period state troopers, local police, and sheriff’s deputies want to remind drivers of their stepped-up patrols along U.S. and state highways, as well as local streets and county roads.

Beginning this Friday (December 18th) and continuing through January 1, 2021, motorists will witness an increased presence of state and local law enforcement whether they’re traveling across the state or across the country.

The national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over operation incorporates public service advertising and messaging coupled with assurances from law enforcement officers of zero tolerance for drunk driving. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is intended to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation’s roadways.

A look back at national fatality statistics sadly tells the story of tragic consequences from 2018 when one person every 50 minutes lost their life as the result of a drunk-driving motor vehicle crash. Reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that on average more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2014 through 2018 as

the result of drunk driving related crashes.

“The Christmas and New Year’s holiday period should be an enjoyable time for our Arkansas families, not a marker of death for a loved one who was involved in a drunk driving crash,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative.

“We need a commitment from everyone that they’ll drive sober so that everyone can have a safe holiday. This is a campaign to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and it claims far too many lives,” Colonel Bryant stated.

The Arkansas Highway Safety Office and NHTSA wants to remind everyone of the many resources available and the precautions to take, ensuring that everyone gets home safely.

Remember that it is nev-

er okay to drink and drive.

Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.

If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact the nearest law enforcement agency. Your actions could help save someone’s life.

Guard against allowing a friend who has been drinking to drive. Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

“Drunk driving is not acceptable behavior,” said Colonel Bill Bryant. “It is essential to plan a sober ride home before you ever leave for your destination. That’s why, during the holiday season, we will make zero exceptions and arrest all drunk drivers. There are no excuses,” he said.

Continuing COVID-19 tracking

by Arkansas Dept. of Health Drive merry, bright, and sober this holiday season

AR. Department of Health

According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, there are a total of 26,701 probable cases in the state as of Nov. 30. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 187,057 cases with 163,351 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.

With Joe Biden as the new Presidential Elect, many are expecting the nation to re-enter shutdown.

Schools will close to all virtual learning in the upcoming weeks as well.

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.

4 News

Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

2020 Farm Bureau Insurance Awards finalists announced: Winners follow on 21st LITTLE ROCK - Farm Bureau Insurance is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2020 Farm Bureau Insurance Awards.

The Farm Bureau Insurance Awards honor Arkansas’ top offensive player, defensive player and coach of the year for each classification. The veteran staff at Hooten’s Arkansas Football selects three finalists for each category, and those 45 finalists and their families are invited to attend the Farm Bureau Insurance Awards, being held virtually for the first time this year.

All are welcome to watch the event live at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21 on hootens.com.

Mack Wallace, Vice President of Sales for Farm Bureau Insurance in Arkansas said: “The student-athletes and coaches being honored here are some of the best from all around our great state. As the title sponsor of this event, Farm Bureau Insurance is proud to play a part in recognizing their accomplishments.”

Farm Bureau Insurance has supported education and community involvement in Arkansas for more than 70 years.

Josh Price, Stuttgart

7A/6A DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Jordan Hanna, Greenwood Cole Joyce, Bentonville Noah Perry, Little Rock Catholic

7A/6A OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Bryce Bohanon, Conway Austin Ledbetter, Bryant Hayden Schrader, Bryant

7A/6A COACH OF THE YEAR Chris Hill, Sylvan Hills Buck James, Bryant Chris Young, Greenwood

3A OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Jett Dennis, Greenland Jordan Owens, McGehee Caden Sipe, Harding Academy 3A DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Ty Dugger, Harding Academy Jacobi Nolen, Prescott Justin Wilson, Prescott 3A COACH OF THE YEAR Neil Evans, Harding Academy Marcus Haddock, McGehee Tom Sears, Hoxie 2A OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Jaheim Brown, Fordyce Jaxson Carter, Poyen Jameson Threadgill, Gurdon 5A OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Torie Blair, Texarkana Marterious Ross, Wynne Cooper White, Pulaski Academy 5A DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Corey Platt, Little Rock Christian Kam Robinson, White Hall Futa Shinkawa, Pulaski Academy

5A COACH OF THE YEAR Eric Cohu, LR Christian Kevin Kelley, Pulaski Academy Van Paschal, Wynne 4A OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Hunter Smith, Joe T. Robinson Buster Thomas, Arkadelphia Cam Wiedemann, Shiloh

Christian 4A DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Keystan Durning, Ozark James Jordan, Joe T. Robinson Kam Turner, Rivercrest

2A DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Armando Harper, Gurdon Josh Harrington, Fordyce Chris Haywood, Foreman

4A COACH OF THE YEAR Jeff Conaway, Shiloh Christian Johnny Fleming, Rivercrest

2A COACH OF THE YEAR B.J. Paschal, Des Arc Tim Rodgers, Fordyce Luke Starks, Bigelow

3. Jonesboro 2-1 48 2

Rivercrest (1) 16, Valley Springs 16, Bergman 15

Top 10 boys and girls high school basketball teams ranked by Arkansas sports media Following is the Overall Top 10 girls high school basketball teams in Arkansas and the top five in Classes 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A as voted by a panel of sports media from around the state for the week ending December 12. Ranking is given with first-place votes received, records, total points and previous rankings: GIRLS

ilton 1, Viola 1.

CLASS 6A 1. Bentonville (15) 4-1 87 1 2. Conway (1) 7-2 65 2 3. FS Northside (2) 5-1 64 2 4. North Little Rock 3-3 25 5 5. Fayetteville 3-3 19 4

OVERALL 1. Bentonville (13) 4-1 174 1

Others receiving votes: LR Central 6, Rogers 1.

2. Greenwood (2) 6-1 151 2

CLASS 5A 1. Greenwood (16) 6-1 87 1

3. Conway (1) 7-2 138 3 4. FS Northside (2) 5-1 112 5

2. Batesville (2) 6-0 66 3

Others receiving votes: Southside Batesville 6, Shiloh Christian 6.

CLASS 3A 1. Lamar (5) 6-0 64 2 2. Valley Springs (6) 10-4 61 1

5. Dover 9-0 22 NR Others receiving votes: Hoxie (1) 21, Cossatot River 13, Mayflower 4, Clinton 1, Manila 1, Osceola 1.

5. Paragould 5-1 14 4

2. Tuckerman 8-1 67 2

Others receiving votes: Star City 13, Vilonia 8, Jonesboro 6, Paragould 5, LR Central 3, Nettleton 2, Pulaski Academy 2, Harrison 2, Lamar 2, Lake Ham-

Others receiving votes: West Memphis 6, Jonesboro 5, Nettleton 4, Lake Hamilton 2.

3. Des Arc 5-0 59 2

CLASS 4A 1. Farmington (16) 7-1 88 1

BOYS

2. Star City (1) 7-1 62 2 3. Harrison (1) 5-0 56 3 4. Nashville 7-1 32 4

7. LR Parkview 3-1 53 NR 8. Jonesboro 2-1 52 6 9. Fayetteville 5-2 39 9 Others receiving votes: Fort Smith Northside 23, Little Rock Christian 20, Greene County Tech 16, Springdale Har-Ber 7, Blytheville 7, Southside Batesville 2, Berryville 1, Dumas 1.

6. Batesville 6-0 93 7

10. North Little Rock 3-3 18 10

6. Springdale 5-0 66 7

4. Mountain View (3) 2-2 34 4

4. Vilonia 6-1 26 NR

9. Fayetteville 3-3 19 9

5. LR Mills 3-0 107 5

10. Bentonville 5-0 27 NR

5. Melbourne 8-1 101 6

8. Farmington 7-1 54 8

4. LR Central (1) 4-2 117 2

3. Bergman (3) 15-1 48 3

CLASS 2A 1. Melbourne (18) 8-1 90 1

7. LR Christian 6-1 85 4

3. LR Christian 6-1 60 2

5. Pulaski Academy 3-1 20 5

4.

OVERALL 1. North Little Rock (13) 2-0 173 1 2. Magnolia (3) 3-0 141 3 3. Marion (1) 3-0 138 4

CLASS 6A 1. North Little Rock (17) 2-0 89 1 2. LR Central (1) 4-2 67 2 3. Springdale 5-0 45 3

4. LR Christian 4-1 31 NR 5. Greene Co. Tech (1) 7-1 22 4 Others receiving votes: Vilonia 7, Hot Springs 5, Maumelle 3, Sylvan Hills 3, Russellville 2, Van Buren 1, Lake Hamilton 1, Batesville 1, West Memphis 1.

CLASS 4A 1. Magnolia (17) 3-0 85 1 2. LR Mills 3-0 68 2 3. Blytheville 8-1 52 3 4. Brookland 5-1 22 4 5. Southside Batesville 7-0 14 NR Others receiving votes: Ozark 10, Morrilton 9, Berryville (1) 7, Dardanelle 2, Valley View 1.

4. Fayetteville 5-2 27 5

CLASS 3A

5. Bentonville 5-0 24 NR

1. Mayflower (11) 7-0 78 2

Others receiving votes: FS Northside 12, Springdale Har-Ber 6.

CLASS 5A 1. Marion (17) 3-0 88 1 2. LR Parkview 3-1 57 3

2. Dumas (5) 2-0 67 1 3. Osceola 2-1 27 NR 4. Manila 7-2 26 3 5. Pangburn (1) 10-4 25 NR Others receiving votes:

CLASS 2A 1. Caddo Hills (9) 11-1 73 2 2. England (5) 2-1 64 1 3. Marianna (3) 2-0 56 2 4. Earle (1) 1-0 36 4 5. Flippin 10-4 13 NR (tie) Tuckerman 9-3 13 NR Others receiving votes: Lavaca 8, Acorn 4, Riverside 1, Melbourne 1, Hector 1.

CLASS 1A 1. Viola (14) 14-1 86 1 2. Izard County (4) 9-1 76 2 3. Nevada 7-3 42 4 4. Bradley 7-1 24 3 5. West Side Greers Ferry 8-2 21 NR Others receiving votes: Kirby 10, Clarendon 6, Mammoth Spring 3, Concord 2.