Arkadelphia Dispatch - December 24, 2020

Vol. 2, No. 46

Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020

City considers several options for proposed bypass outside of Arkadelphia

Photo courtesy of Arkadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

Above are some of the options that the city is looking at for the bypass outside of Arkadelphia. Many aspects including environmental impacts, housing, and business restrictions are being taken into consideration.

Caroline Derby Administration in a part- bypass, the safety, mobil- 67. nership with the Arkansas ity, and connectivity within Those are roads frequentDispatch Reporter

With countless ideas, routes, meetings, and questions asked, the Arkadelphia Bypass is in the works. This project is partially funded by the Federal Highway

Department of Transportation who is using money allocated by the state to also fund this project.

By modifying existing roadways and creating the

Arkadelphia, Clark County, and surrounding areas will be improved. The Central Business District (CBD) serves as the crossroads for Highway 51 and Highway

ly used by logging trucks and other large trucks causing a halt to vehicular flow within town. Having the bypass will allow a way for the trucks to avoid going

COVID-19 update by the Arkansas Dept. of Health LITTLE ROCK, Ark.In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,457 new cases; 22,158 active cases; 1,078 hospitalized, which is up 21 from Sunday; 174 on ventilators, which is up 4 from Sunday; deaths added today, 58, for a total of 3,295; a total of 203,107 cases; 152,176 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,178; antigen tests, 1,013.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 200; Benton, 138; Washington, 101; Craighead, 93; and Faulkner, 69.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers: “Today we began receiving shipments of the Moderna vaccine (5,900 doses), with additional shipments expected tomorrow and Wednesday. We also received a second shipment of the Pfizer vaccine (18,575 doses). While this news

provides hope for many, it is a continued concern to see the loss of 58 additional

Arkansans (20 are delayed reports). We must steel our resolve to take every precau-

way for emergency vehicles to reach Baptist Health Hospital, once again improving the safety of Arkadelphia.

Another benefit of the bypass will be the projected economic growth for the city of Arkadelphia. Creating new roadways will allow for more businesses to come to Arkadelphia and contribute to the economy as a whole.

“Eventually, over time, this bypass would provide economic growth for the city and county,” Arkadelphia City Manager Gary Brinkley said.

Numerous routes are currently being considered for the bypass. These routes have to take into account environmental impacts and restrictions and also current housing and business restrictions that may arise.

As of right now, comments and concerns of Arkadelphia citizens are being taken into consideration after the Arkansas Department of Transportation allowed a comment section on their website for people to express their thoughts.

“We hope that the approval and funding continue on track so that they can start this sometime in 2022,” Brinkley said.

For more information about the bypass please visit, https://arkadelphiabypass. transportationplanroom. com. The Dispatch will continue to provide updates as this story develops.

Trail of Lights thru end of year

tion to keep everyone safe.”

Photo courtesy of Arkansas Tourism Department.

These Texarkana sights can be seen through the end of the year on the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights.

Above are this week’s COVID-19 statistics for Arkansas.

Photo courtesy of The State of Arkansas.

Heartland Pharmacy to open locally owned pharmacy in Clark County ARKADELPHIA, Ark.Heartland Pharmacy will open a pharmacy location in Arkadelphia, Arkansas in 2021. The location will be at 2503 Pine St. Heartland has hired Brian McGalliard and Theresa Thomas as pharmacists. Joining them as technicians are Ginia Yelverton, Rhonda Hall, and Stacy Arnold. The new Heartland Pharmacy will have a combined 100-year experience in the Arkadelphia area. The Arkadelphia location will be its 11th location.

Heartland can take transfers now from local residents through the Little Rock location and will de-

through city limits, and provide easier vehicular traffic flow to businesses in the city of Arkadelphia.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation planning studies investigated roadways in Arkadelphia. The Arkadelphia Bypass Traffic Study evaluated crash rates on the roads in question dealing with the proposed bypass.

They found that crash rates between 2015 - 2017 were above the statewide average. The crash rates are highest along Highway 51, which is filled with congested intersections and difficult turns. Difficult turns are also present within and around the Central Business District because the Highway 51 roadway is restrictive, and larger trucks have a harder time turning.

Sometimes trucks must pull into the opposing lane of traffic to complete turns, causing cars and other vehicles to back up to avoid a collision or another incident.

The bypass will provide a safe and effective way for log trucks and other larger trucks to avoid these problem areas.

The bypass would also allow for more rural and southern areas of Clark County to have easier access to Baptist Health Medical Center on Professional Park Drive. There has been a congested traffic flow while turning left onto Professional Park Drive, and with the bypass, larger trucks will be able to avoid that area as well. This provides an easier

liver all medication to Arkadelphia. A secured driver will promptly deliver prescriptions to patients “I’m beyond excited for the new opportunity Heartland has created to bring an independent pharmacy back to Arkadelphia and the surrounding areas. Our familiar staff has over 100 years of combined pharmacy experience in Arkadelphia alone,” said Pharmacy Manager Brian McGalliard. McGalliard continued “we’re counting the days to be back working with the patients we’ve known for years and appreciate all their support.”

Heartland Pharmacy responded to the Covid crisis by making their services available for all of their customers by offering curbside drop off and pickup, drive through service, and free delivery. The no-contact delivery option includes convenient sorted packaging that can be shipped directly from the pharmacy to their door in just a matter of days through its ClearMed pharmacy. With this option, patients’ medication is packaged in single disposable tear away pouches, eliminating the need for pill boxes or reminders.

Heartland is encouraging

its customers to utilize these services during these times.

Patients can refill prescriptions via their app, text, or through their website.

About Heartland Pharmacy Heartland Pharmacy is a locally owned community pharmacy offering a full range of pharmacy services to meet your needs. Our friendly pharmacists are dedicated to providing unparalleled, personal service to keep you and your family healthy all year long. Learn more at https://heartlandrx.com.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.The Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights continues now through the end of the year with a statewide celebration of the holiday season. Towns across The Natural State are taking part with events and activities modified to adhere to social distancing requirements.

Displays in many locations will be lit into the new year, offering a fun way to hit the road and spend time with friends and family in a safe way.

To view locations and events, go to Arkansas.com/ trailofholidaylights.

Arkansas residents and travelers have made the Trail of Holiday Lights an

annual holiday tradition for 25 years. Cities and towns across the state get into the spirit, decking the halls and bringing families together.

For trip planning ideas, go to this month’s edition of “Discover Arkansas” at www.arkansas.com/discover-arkansas. And, don’t forget to share your own holiday photos with us on Facebook (Arkansas State Tourism) or Instagram (@ Arkansas) using #ArkansasTrailofHolidayLights.

Now is the perfect time to start planning your own holiday light adventure.

Go to www.Arkansas.com/ TrailofHolidayLights to get started!

2 News

Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Governor Hutchinson: Vaccine to arrive soon Asa Hutchinson AR Governor

LITTLE ROCK – Sherian Kwanisai stepped into Arkansas history this week as the first person in the state to be vaccinated for COVID-19, and today I’d like to talk about the significance of this in our nine-month battle against the coronavirus.

Sherian is a 27-year employee of the Arkansas Department of Health. She is director of nursing for the Center for Local Public Health and works with approximately 400 public health nurses spread throughout all 75 counties.

She has been in the trenches since COVID-19 arrived in March. She coordinates testing, and she has swabbed a fair number of patients herself.

The immunization program is rapidly gaining momentum. The FDA authorized the Pfizer vaccine for emergency use last weekend. That is the medicine that arrived in Little Rock on Monday. Now, an FDA advisory council has endorsed a second vaccine, which is made by Moderna.

When the FDA authorizes it, we will quickly increase the number of people we can vaccinate, and we expect to

have the first Moderna shipments on Tuesday.

Arkansas received about 25,000 doses in its first shipment, and after four days of vaccinations, more than 4,000 Arkansas health care workers received a shot this week in the initial phase.

Pfizer shipped the initial doses to 18 larger hospitals, the Department of Health, and several pharmacies. The larger hospitals vaccinated staff members who are at the highest risk of exposure.

Pharmacies vaccinated staff at smaller hospitals that didn’t receive direct shipments. The Department of Health vaccinated staff, such as Sherian, who are at a high risk of exposure.

Sherian believes the vaccine is our light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. She was elated to be the first Arkansan to take the shot. She wanted to lead by example, especially for other African Americans, who historically have been skeptical about new or experimental medicine. Sherian volunteered to take the first shot.

When Sherian was young, she wanted to be an architect, but her grandmother persuaded her to become a nurse. She studied the prerequisite classes at the University of Arkansas

Little Rock and graduated from nursing school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. When she was considering a change in her career, a friend suggested public health. The only thing Sherian knew about the field was that public-health nurses gave a lot of shots. Nearly 30 years later, Sherian is one of the most experienced publichealth nurses in Arkansas, and she has given out a lot of shots. In the first week of COVID-19 vaccinations, Sherian has immunized about fifteen patients. We are well on our way to vaccinating thousands of Arkansans, which is the only way we are ever going to beat this virus.

The shot didn’t hurt, and the only aftereffect was a little soreness in her arm.

We are fortunate to have state employees such as Sherian on the front lines whose mission in life is to care for people. She has inspired us this week by stepping to the front of the line for a COVID shot and showing us it’s really not so bad. I join Sherian in encouraging everyone to get the vaccination when it comes your turn.

US Supreme Court upholds law regulating benefit managers Bruce Maloch AR Senator

The United States Supreme Court upheld an Arkansas law regulating pharmacy benefit managers, which negotiate agreements between health insurance companies and drug stores.

When people get prescriptions from their local drug store, in most cases they don’t pay the full cost.

They have insurance, or get help from a governmentsubsidized program.

Pharmacy benefit managers say that they negotiate discounts for health insurers. That promotes competition and encourages pharmacies to search for the lowest possible wholesale prices.

However, pharmacies told legislators that in many cases they were being reimbursed for less than the wholesale price of the prescriptions, or at such a low rate their profit margins were close to zero. Some pharmacists told of having to refuse to fill prescriptions because they would have lost hundreds of dollars.

The Arkansas legislature has enacted several laws over the years to level the playing field. In 2015 the legislature passed Act 900, which was quickly challenged in court by an association representing the pharmacy benefit managers.

Act 900 was the law that the U.S. Supreme Court upheld unanimously. Other state laws have been enacted since, such as legislation enacted during a 2018 special session that requires pharmacy benefit managers to be licensed by the state Insurance Department.

It also prohibits pharmacy benefits managers from writing gag rules into their contracts with pharmacists.

That means pharmacists will be able to advise customers on how to purchase alternative prescriptions that are equally effective but not as expensive.

Legislators had been told that pharmacy benefit managers were reimbursing independent drug stores at a lower rate than they reimbursed pharmacies with which they had a corporate affiliation. That is not allowed under Act 900 of 2015.

Arkansas became the first state to impose comprehensive regulations on pharmacy benefit managers, but many other states have followed suit and 45 states joined the Arkansas side in the lawsuit before the Supreme Court. The District of Columbia and the federal government also joined Arkansas.

Organizations of pharmacists and physicians filed legal briefs in support of the

Arkansas law. A national trucking company and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed legal briefs in support of the pharmacy benefit managers.

The latest piece of legislation regulating the industry is Act 994 of 2019, which sets out procedures for updating “maximum allowable cost lists.”

The lists are the basis of reimbursements that are paid to local pharmacies.

National averages for generics and wholesale drugs are factored in, and the process should be more transparent for everyone. One result should be the elimination of a practice that hurt local pharmacists, which was the retroactive collection of charges by benefit managers.

The Supreme Court ruling was celebrated by Arkansas pharmacists. Every sector in the industry is preparing for more changes in pricing and regulation, simply because prescription drugs account for such a large portion of the overall costs of health care.

For example, during legislative hearings a representative of pharmacy benefits managers told senators that the costs of drugs makes up 22 percent of the cost of health insurance premiums.

Christmastime in Gurdon Sherry Kelley Gurdon Mayor

This is the week of Christmas. All of us at Gurdon City Hall wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.

Celebrations are different for many this year but, the reason for the season remains the same. There are more Christmas decorations on homes this year. Every street has something festive to see. Many of our local

churches will have Christmas Eve Services. We trust that next Christmas things will be back to normal.

I hope that you were able to view the Christmas Star in the southwest horizon this week. The bright object was actually Jupiter and Saturn aligned as they are only every 800 years or so. After a warm and sunny beginning to our week, the weather has turned cool so bundle up and stay nice and warm.

Please celebrate safely and take time to reflect on the joy and peace of the season. From me, my mom Mary and my husband Bill, Merry Christmas.

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.

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020

New HSU scholarship

News 3

OBU partners with Leeds college

Photo courtesy of Ouachita Baptist University.

OBU has just announced that they will partner with Leeds College on many new exciting developments.

Photo courtesy of Arkadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Jim Borsig received a check for the new Davis Alumni Scholarship last week.

ARKADELPHIA, Ark.The Henderson Foundation is excited to announce the John and Melissa Davis Alumni Scholarship, a new $50,000 endowment for junior and senior students majoring in the liberal arts.

The endowment is made possible by a generous gift from Melissa and the late

John Davis, two 1972 graduates of Henderson State University.

Melissa and John had strong ties to the theatre department—spending many hours both onstage and backstage. John earned a BSE in English/philosophy and was the editor of the first Proscenium literary

magazine. Melissa earned a BA in history/library science. Influential professors were Dr. Bill Gentry, Bob Greene, John Barton and James Durham.

“We are grateful for this amazing new scholarship endowment, which will support students studying liberal arts for decades to come,”

Tina Hall, interim executive director of Henderson Foundation, said. “Melissa and John spent their careers teaching young people to think critically, and this gift is a lasting legacy to their life’s work.”

MAGNOLIA, AR (12/16/2020)-- Southern Arkansas University has announced that 426 students earned a 4.0 for the fall 2020 semester and have been named to its’ President’s List.

Duel Isaac Fendley is a freshman undecided major

from Amity, AR Ashlyn Rebecca Henry is a sophomore undecided major from Gurdon, AR Leslie Yanet Jimenez is a sophomore pre-nursing (BSN) major from Gurdon, AR Rebekah Dianne Leamons is a senior com-

puter science major from Gurdon, A A total of 426 students were honored on this semester’s President’s List.

SAU “feels like home” and continues to build on its dedication to student achievement and success in a caring atmosphere, both

on campus and online. With more than 80 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional trends of today.

SAU students named to Dean’s list for Fall 2020

Arkansas Department of Transp. COVID travel tips

LITTLE ROCK (12-18) The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) reminds drivers to “know before you go” and visit IDriveArkansas.com before traveling during the holiday season.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend you stay home as much as possible during the Coronavirus pandemic, but if you choose to travel there are several things to consider before you go. Please visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel in the US for their official guidance. If you do decide to travel during the Winter Holiday (Dec 24 –

Jan 4), ARDOT wishes you and your family a safe trip.

Extensive highway improvements continue throughout the state; with those improvements come work zones. To aid in your holiday travel, ARDOT has been working hard to open as many lanes as possible.

Still, travelers will likely face work zones and possible delays due to increased traffic volume.

In addition to the closures listed on the table below, there will be sporadic closures along Highway 65 in Pulaski County as contractors replace overhead signage. The work

is weather dependent, so we are unable to create a deliberate schedule for the work. Closures will be short, perhaps a quarter mile at most and are all scheduled

to occur during nighttime hours to have the smallest impact on traffic possible.

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.

ARKADELPHIA, Ark.Ouachita Baptist University has begun a working partnership with Leeds United College and Longford International College to explore collaborative educational opportunities ranging from guest speakers to internships to full degree programs. LUC and LIC are included in the educational division of Leeds United Football Club, which is based in Leeds, England.

“Ouachita has a long history of international engagement, including our first partnership with an overseas university in the 1970s,” said Dr. Stan Poole, Ouachita’s vice president for academic affairs. “We’re especially eager to explore how this partnership can provide access to exceptional high-impact learning experiences that deepen our students’ classroom knowledge and understanding.

The institutions anticipate a collaborative working partnership drawing on the strengths of each establishment for the benefit of students. Access to facilities and educational content are among the resources each institution brings to the relationship as future programs are considered.

Leeds partnership Ouachita’s working partnership with Leeds United College (LUC) and Longford International College (LIC), which are included in the educational division of Leeds United Football Club, will explore collaborative educational opportunities ranging from guest speakers to internships to full degree programs.

“We’re really pleased to

launch this new and exciting partnership,” said Spencer Taylor, director of education at Leeds United. “It will be great to see the relationship progress over time, with all parties working together to create opportunities for young students to study and learn whilst also developing important research and initiatives.”

“We believe in the power of [soccer] and education together and how it can break down cultural barriers, bring people together and make a positive difference to the lives of many,” added Professor Vincent English, president of Longford International College. “Longford College is also delighted to be part of an innovative approach to education where the rigor of academia is balanced against the practical approach.”

LIC and LUC currently offer accredited diplomas and master’s degrees in such fields as business leadership, football business and sports performance.

“We also look forward to collaborating with our partners to consider unique graduate-level programs that take advantage of the strengths of our diverse institutions,” Poole added.

“We are encouraged by the opportunity to partner in new, creative ways as we seek to expand the reach of our mission globally through unique partnerships and programs,” added Dr. Monica Hardin, associate vice president for graduate and professional studies. “As higher education continues to evolve in a globalized world, international partnerships are vital and we look towards a bright future with LUC and LIC.”

4 News

Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020

Reddies Basketball 2021 gameday guideline update ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Henderson State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams return to action after a 10-month hiatus on Thursday, Jan. 7 when they host Southern Arkansas at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, contests at the Duke Wells Center will look markedly different this year.

FAN ATTENDANCE - In accordance with the recommendations of the Great American Conference’s Return to Play subcommittee, fan attendance will not be permitted at any GAC contest through Jan. 16.

- This time frame includes five total basketball games for the Reddies, including two home games on Jan. 7 and Jan. 16. Follow-

ing the contests on Jan. 16, the GAC will reevaluate its attendance policies for the games taking place on Jan. 21 and beyond.

- Henderson State Athletics will provide up to date information on fan attendance policy updates as the year progresses. Fans can follow hsusports.com, Henderson State Athletics on Facebook or @ReddieAthletics on Twitter for the latest information on attendance.

LIVE VIDEO, RADIO, AND STATS - With no in-person attendance to begin the season, fans are encouraged to watch the Reddies play for free online via live stream or listen along with the action on the radio via 99.7 FM in Hot Springs, 104.1 FM and 1310 AM in Malvern,

100.9 FM and 1240 AM in Arkadelphia, 106.7 FM in Gurdon, and 98.9 FM and 1190 AM in Pine Bluff.

- Live video, radio and stats links for every game can be found at hsusports. com/coverage.

SCHEDULES - The full 20-game schedules for both the women’s and men’s basketball teams can be found at these links: 2020-21 Women’s Basketball Schedule | 2020-21 Men’s Basketball Schedule - Be sure to stay up to date on potential schedule alterations due to COVID-19 by checking hsusports.com, Henderson State Athletics on Facebook or following the Reddies on Twitter at @ ReddieAthletics.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS

HSU student athletes finish with 3.0 Grade Point ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Amid one of the most unprecedented semesters in school history, Henderson State’s student-athletes once again rose to the challenge this fall and delivered the department’s eighthstraight academic term with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The final combined GPA of Henderson’s 14 athletic teams in the fall was 3.02, which keeps alive a cumulative 3.0 GPA streak for the athletic department that dates back to the spring of

2017. Additionally, eight different programs finished the term with team GPAs of 3.0 or higher, 83 studentathletes turned in GPAs between 3.5 and 3.99, and 34 had perfect 4.0s.

“This fall semester has been challenging in a number of ways, but I am so proud of how our studentathletes have persevered academically,” athletic director Shawn Jones said.

“Despite being unable to compete in their respective sports and being tasked with handling COVID protocols

on a daily basis, they again showed the grit and determination in the classroom that we have come to expect.

I would like to thank all of our faculty and staff who have dedicated their time and energy to helping them along the way this semester, as well as our academic advisor for student-athletes, Chanda Hooten, who continues to be a superstar for our department.”

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Ouachita Baptist wrestling schedule

- To help fight the spread of COVID-19, heightened safety measures have been implemented inside the Duke Wells Center this season.

- Both the Reddies and our visiting opponent’s team bench chairs have been distanced six feet apart in an effort to minimize the contact between team individuals.

- In order to reduce the risk of surface contact spread, a thorough sanitizing process will take place between the women’s and men’s games. The court and team seating areas will be cleaned immediately following the conclusion of the first game and handrails on the walkways of the stands will be wiped down once fans are allowed to return. The men’s teams will not take the court until the between-game cleaning process is completed.

- All game day administrative personnel, such as scorer’s table workers, cleaning crews and medical staff, will be required to wear face coverings (cloth/ medical masks, neck gaiters, or face shields) at all times.

ARKADELPHIA, Ark.- Face coverings will also The 2021 Tiger wrestling be mandatory for fans when season kicks off January 8 attendance becomes avail- at the Central Baptist Duable and must be worn at als, followed by the only all times inside the facility. home matches of the year.

- Upon their return to Ouachita plays host to the games, fans will be required first GLVC weekend of the to sit a minimum of 12 feet season, as Indianapolis and from the playing court. Fans Drury come to Arkadelphia. will also be strongly encourThe Tigers then hit the aged to only sit with mem- road for five matches in 11 bers of their family unit or days, taking on Kentucky household and required Wesleyan in a neutral site to distance themselves six feet or more from those in clash in Memphis, Central attendance outside of their Oklahoma and Emmanuel in Edmond, Oklahoma, and family cluster.

Lindenwood and Maryville

in Springfield, Missouri for the second conference weekend of the year.

The regular season wraps up with neutral-site bouts with Huntingdon College in Bossier City, Louisiana and Williams Baptist in Jonesboro and the final GLVC matches against McKendree and Davenport in Lebanon, Illinois.

The NCAA Division II Super Regionals are scheduled for February 27 in Edmond, Oklahoma, and the NCAA Championships will be held March 12-13.

Top 10 overall high school football teams in Arkansas ranked by sports media

Arkansas Sports Media High School Football Poll

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 December 19. Ranking is given with first-place votes received, records, total points and last week’s ranking: OVERALL Record Pts Prv 1. Bryant (25) 13-0 250 1 2. North Little Rock 11-2 205 3

6. Cabot 8-4 125 9

(tie) Cabot 8-4 55 5

7. Conway 8-4 109 6

5. Conway 8-4 46 4

8. Lake Hamilton 11-2 93 8 9. Shiloh Christian 14-1 44 NR 10. Harding Academy 12-1 29 NR Others receiving votes: Sylvan Hills 22, Little Rock Christian 16, Wynne 10, Rivercrest 3, Fordyce 2, Benton 1, Harrison 1, Hoxie 1.

CLASS 6A Record Pts Prv 1. Greenwood (25) 14-0 125 1 2. Lake Hamilton 11-2 100 2 3. Sylvan Hills 9-4 72 4

CLASS 7A

4. LR Parkview 8-2 46 3

Record Pts Prv

5. Benton 8-5 22 NR

3. Greenwood 14-0 182 4

1. Bryant (25) 13-0 125 1

4. Pulaski Academy 13-0 156 5

2. North Little Rock 11-2 94 3

5. Bentonville 10-1 126 2

Others receiving votes: None.

3. Bentonville 10-1 55 2

Others receiving votes: Mountain Home 5, Marion 4, Jonesboro 1.

Record Pts Prv 1. Pulaski Academy (25) 13-0 125 1 2. LR Christian 9-3 99 4

Others receiving votes: Nashville 7, Ozark 7, Dumas 2, Arkadelphia 1.

3. Wynne 11-1 73 2

Others receiving votes: Booneville 13, Centerpoint 1.

CLASS 2A Record Pts Prv

4. Harrison 11-2 51 3

CLASS 3A

1. Fordyce (25) 15-0 125 1

5. Texarkana 7-1 13 5

Record Pts Prv

2. Des Arc 13-1 96 3

Others receiving votes: Magnolia 10, White Hall 3, Camden Fairview 1.

CLASS 4A Record Pts Prv 1. Shiloh Christian (25) 14-1 125 1 2. Rivercrest 13-1 98 4 3. Stuttgart 12-1 67 3

CLASS 5A

5. Joe T. Robinson 8-4 28 2

4. Warren 8-5 40 NR

1. Harding Academy (25) 12-1 125 1 2. McGehee 12-1 96 5 3. Hoxie 13-1 65 4 4. Prescott 10-1 51 2 5. Glen Rose 11-3 24 NR

3. Gurdon 10-2 79 2 4. Junction City 9-3 50 4 5. Bigelow 12-1 17 5 Others receiving votes: Poyen 8.