Arkadelphia Dispatch - December 31, 2020

Vol. 2, No. 47

Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020

Nestle to expand company Baptist Health production in Jonesboro classes offered

Photo courtesy of Nestle.

The food producing giant Nestle has announced plans that it will expand production in Jonesboro.

JONESBORO, Ark.Nestlé today unveiled that it will invest more than $100 million to expand the company’s production facility in Jonesboro, Ark., to include a new line to produce Hot Pockets® brand sandwiches. As part of the expansion, the company plans to hire at least 100 new employees over two years, as well as renovate and add 90,000 square feet to its facility.

“Consumers are embracing eating at home like never before and rediscovering the frozen category, an evolution brought on by the pandemic that is showing signs of taking hold for the long

term,” said Mike Mahon, Factory Manager. “As we embrace the trend and plan for the future, we’re excited to be investing in our Jonesboro factory to support our Hot Pockets business.”

Nestlé USA is the largest food and beverage company in the United States.

The company opened its Jonesboro facility in 2002 and has undergone several expansions over the years.

Nestlé Jonesboro currently has approximately 750 fulltime employees who produce frozen foods for the STOUFFER’S®, LEAN CUISINE®, DIGIORNO®, TOMBSTONE®, and SWEET EARTH® brands.

“Nestlé’s many successful years in Arkansas are a great testament to our business climate and the quality of our workforce, which has persuaded the company’s leaders that Jonesboro is the perfect location for this expansion,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “Success breeds success, which means we are going to see more great things from the Hot Pockets project.”

Hot Pockets debuted in 1983 and was acquired by Nestlé in 2002.

“Almost 20 years ago, Nestlé chose to locate in Jonesboro because their forward-thinking leaders knew that Jonesboro and

Nestlé were both primed to grow,” Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin said. “Together we have. Nestlé has shown they are more than a business; they are part of the Jonesboro family.”

“Arkansas continues its momentum of increasing good jobs and improving quality of life for our citizens,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston.

“Nestlé has been a valued community partner for decades, and I’m pleased that they have continued to place their trust in the Northeast Arkansas workforce.”

“Once again, Nestlé has shown how it continues to invest in the communities they call home,” Mark Young, president and CEO of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, said. “This expansion is the latest example of Nestlé’s commitment to Jonesboro.

The combination of Nestlé’s products and Jonesboro’s people is heading into its second generation together.

We are as excited about our future as we are proud of our history.”

The company plans to begin construction in January.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Join Baptist Health Community Outreach for a variety of free health and wellness classes in January being held from the convenience of your computer or mobile device. Classes typically last one hour.

The following courses can be accessed through Google Meet so that participants can watch the presentation and interact with the presenters: Jan. 5 at 11:30 a.m. – New Year, New Healthy You! Jan. 6, Jan. 13, Jan. 20 and Jan. 27 at 5:30 p.m. – Walking with Community Outreach Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. – Stages of Labor Jan. 7 at noon – How Sleep Can Affect Your Blood Pressure Jan. 8, Jan. 15, Jan. 22 and Jan. 29 at noon – Walking with Community Outreach Jan. 9 at 10 a.m. – Aim for a Healthy Weight (registration required; meets weekly until Jan. 30) Jan. 12 at noon – Diabetes Basics Jan. 12 at 5:30 p.m. – Simplifying Meal Planning

Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. – Boost Your Immunity!

Jan. 14 at 4 p.m. – Car Seat Basics Jan. 19 at noon – Diabetes and Prevention in Arkansas Jan. 21 at 5:15 p.m. – CSection Basics: What You Need to Know Jan. 21 at noon – Hypertension 101 Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m. – Cooking with Community Outreach Jan. 26 at 5:15 p.m. – Destress From Your Day with Chair Yoga Jan. 28 at noon – Diabetes and Complications Jan. 28 at 4 p.m. – Breastfeeding: Milk Production Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m. – Diabetes Support Group: New Year, New You! Jan. 29 at 11 a.m. – Lunchtime Cooking Demonstration A complete schedule with details on class topics and how to join classes can be found at baptist-health. com/community-outreach and through the Baptist Health Community Outreach Facebook page under the “Events” section.

David Davidson joins Camden L.E. Task Force report and action items affiliate of Baptist Health Brandon Riddle Baptist Health Media

David Davidson, PA-C, recently joined Ouachita Valley Family Clinic-A Baptist Health Affiliate in Camden.

Davidson, a native of Dover, Arkansas, received his medical education from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

“I want to partner with my patients in treating their illnesses to reach their individual goals all the while using an evidence-based medicine approach,” Davidson says of his approach to medicine. “I am also a big advocate for preventive medicine and adopting healthy rhythms in our lives as I believe it is necessary to live a long, happy, and healthy life.”

Davidson has a wife and two dogs. Together, they enjoy hiking, going for walks and sitting outside in hammocks. Davidson and his wife love spending time with their families and doing their best to assimilate to each other’s culture being that his wife is from Venezuela.

They are active in serving their church, where they spend time with their church family, growing closer to one another and to The Lord.

Ouachita Valley Family Clinic-A Baptist Health Affiliate, located at 353 Cash Road in Camden, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the clinic at (870) 8368101 or visit baptist-health.

com.

Photo courtesy of Baptist Health.

David Davidson recently joined Baptist Health-Camden.

Arrest warrant out in Marianna and woman found dead in Fayetteville Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office

off-ramp.

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Hutchinson received the final report from the Task Force to Advance the State of Law Enforcement in Arkansas today and shared its recommendations that the Governor intends to support during the 93rd General Assembly in January.

“I created the law-enforcement task force in the midst of the civil unrest and violence that arose across the country after the death of George Floyd,” Governor Hutchinson said. “That national crisis led us to assess the state of law enforcement in Arkansas. We want to ensure that we are providing our agencies with the equipment, guidance and training, support, and compensation, that will allow them to perform their jobs at the highest level. The law-enforcement officers, elected officials, and community activists on the task force surveyed a broad base of citizens and produced a report that is filled with substantive proposals.”

The proposals include 27 recommendation to increase accountability, training, and raise pay to a more competitive level.

at a Fayetteville apartment

apartment complex at 365

As state troopers be-

complex. It is believed to

California Street, but was

A 27 year-old Conyers,

gan to converge in the area

be the one seen by witnesses

able to drive a short distance

Georgia woman was found

searching for the car, a

on I-49. State police special

to a local residence where

dead along a Fayetteville

witness reported seeing a

agents are currently ques-

family members were gath-

exit ramp off Interstate 49

woman’s body fall from the

tioning one person.

on December 26th. Ar-

car. The driver then sped

Anyone who may have

kansas State Police Special

away. When troopers ar-

been traveling along I-49

Fred Weatherspoon, depered at 416 ER Gains Street. uty director of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Marianna police officers Academy, chaired the comresponded to the home and mittee.

Agents have identified the

rived at the scene, the victim

between Rogers and Fay-

rendered aid to Smith, who

victim as Shaletian Robin

was dead and the interstate

etteville Saturday afternoon

Zetta Larry. The case is

off-ramp was closed to traf-

and saw a black 2006 BMW

being investigated as a ho-

fic for several hours while

325i four door passenger se-

micide.

special agents processed the

dan, with a Georgia license

The other members of was later pronounced dead the task force are: at 9:30 PM. Secretary Jami Cook, A capital murder warrant Department of Public Safety for the arrest of Jalen Epps, (DPS)

State police received

crime scene. The manner

plate, is asked to contact

19, of Marianna has been

information about 3:53 PM

and cause of the woman’s

Arkansas State Police Troop

Saturday of a black 2006

death will be determined by

L by calling (479) 751-6663.

BMW 325i four-door pas-

the state medical examiner.

Arkansas State Police

senger sedan, displaying a

Working closely with

Special Agents are inves-

Georgia license plate, be-

local law enforcement agen-

tigating a homicide that

ing driven recklessly in the

cies overnight, state police

claimed the life of a Mari-

southbound lanes of I-49.

criminal investigation divi-

anna man December 24th.

The car was later seen exit-

sion special agents seized

Vincent Smith, 24, was

ing the highway at the 67A

as evidence a vehicle found

shot outside a Marianna

Sheriff Marty Boyd, issued and state police are Craighead County Sheriff’s continuing their search for Office Epps who has been identi-

Tim Campbell, Citizen fied as the gunman who shot Advocate, Little Rock Smith during an apparent Kendrell Collins, Assisrobbery. tant Federal Public Defender Emma Davis, Citizen Advocate, Van Buren

Lt. Col. Shawn Garner, Arkansas State Police Gina Gomez, El Centrano Hispano Sgt. Allen Hamby, Little Rock Police Department Scott Hamilton, Urban League Sheriff Tim Helder, Washington County Sheriff’s Office Layla Holloway, Citizen Advocate, Van Buren Mike Knoedl, Retired Law Enforcement Officer Daniel Martinez, Business Owner, De Queen Bob McMahan, Arkansas Officer of Prosecutor Coordinator Chief Mike Reynolds, Fayetteville Police Department Mayor James Sanders, Blytheville Geovanny Sarmiento, Rogers Chamber of Commerce Randy Shores, Arkansas Department of Corrections Steve Shults, Black River Law Enforcement Training Academy Jimmy Warren, Citizen Advocate, Conway Mayor Shirley Washington, Pine Bluff Chief Percy Wilburn, Lake Village Police Department Sgt. Coty Williams, Arkansas State Police Tomekia Williamson, Arkansas Community Corrections

2 News

Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Importance of Police and the communities they serve Asa Hutchinson AR Governor

The Task Force to Advance the State of Law Enforcement in Arkansas submitted its report to me last week, and today I’d like to talk about some of the action items the members recommended.

I created the task force in June in the midst of the civil unrest and violence across the country after the death of George Floyd. After listening to the concerns of community activists, I decided that as a state, we should pause and assess the state of law enforcement in Arkansas. So I invited lawenforcement officers, elected officials, and community activists to participate in the project.

Fred Weatherspoon, deputy director of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy, chaired the committee. Jami Cook, Secretary of the Department of Public Safety, was vice chair.

The members of the task force surveyed a broad base of citizens and studied best practices in other states and agencies. The report is filled with substantive proposals, and it addresses the concerns of both citizens and law-enforcement officers.

The task force recom-

mends that we increase salaries to the median average in a community, and that we reduced the number of years required to retire. The idea is to recruit and retain top quality police officers.

The task force also recommended additions to several laws with the aim of increasing accountability.

For instance, a community that wants to start a police department or reactivate one must register with the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training and meet all of the commission’s requirements.

Another proposal would require every department to employ a full-time chief.

This recommendation is critical for proper supervision and accountability.

Another proposal is that a department must limit the number of part-time officers to two for every full-time officer. Part-time officers have more than 100 hours of training, but they don’t train at the police academy. This requirement would limit to two the number of officers with less training who are supervised by a fully trained officer.

The task force als o strengthened its requirements for reporting disciplinary action to the com-

mission. It is important that anytime an officer resigns or is discharged, and the termination is because of excessive force or dishonesty or deceit, that this information be reported to the commission. That is an important recommendation.

My vision for this task force was to ensure that we are providing our lawenforcement agencies with the equipment, guidance and training, support, and compensation, that will allow them to perform their jobs at the highest level. I also want to help sharpen the communication skills that will lead to even better relations and more trust between officers and the people in the communities they serve.

Police officers put their lives on the line every time they go to work. I want to reduce the risk as much as possible. I fully support their work. Police officers and the rule of law are essential for public safety and our well-being. The task force’s recommendations give us the chance to create better communities for everyone and give us an opportunity to show respect and admiration to our officers.

On the Task Force to Advance Law Enforcement Bruce Maloch AR Senator

LITTLE ROCK – A task force on law enforcement recommended that police officers get more training, more pay and more opportunities for advanced education.

The Task Force to Advance the State of Law Enforcement was appointed by the governor last summer, when many American cities were experiencing protests sparked by the death of a Minneapolis man while being arrested.

The 25 members of the task force represent law enforcement, community advocates, civic organizations, businesses and locally-elected municipal leaders. Their list of recommendations include measures that can be implemented by local and state officials. Other measures would require the approval of new laws by the legislature.

The task force recommended that law enforcement agencies seek funding so that front-line duty officers can be equipped with state-of-the-art body cameras by 2026. Police departments also would need additional computer space to store the video footage.

The task force surveyed Arkansas police departments and learned that the cost of cameras, combined with insufficient funding for computers and staff to

manage the video footage, were the main reason for a lack of body cameras.

Entry salaries should be equivalent or higher than the average annual wage in Arkansas, the task force recommended. Raises should correspond to years of service, rank and responsibility. A portion of a police officer’s salary should be exempt from state income taxes. Retirement benefits of police officers should be partially exempted from state income taxes, and disability insurance should be more affordable.

Police officers should be able to attend local statesupported colleges free of tuition, in programs similar to those available for members of the armed forces.

The task force recommended restrictions on the number of part-time officers a department could hire.

The state has already made progress on one of the task force recommendations - to maintain and expand use of Crisis Stabilization Units. The state has opened four units, where police officers can take people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. They are in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro and Little Rock.

People who are brought to the units get treatment from trained professionals, whereas in the past they would likely have spent a night in jail and their condi-

tion could have worsened.

To best take advantage of the units, officers should be trained in how to recognize and respond to a mental health crisis.

The task force recommended more training in communications and ethics.

Officers should be trained to recognize any bias they may have, and how to inter-act with people from other cultures. That includes learning about customs, décor, religious practices and slang.

The legislature will consider a recommendation that a statewide data base keep a list of police officers who have been fired for excessive use of force or dishonesty.

Arkansas should participate in a national effort to compile data on the use of force by police officers, to provide a better understanding of overall trends.

Another recommendation is that recruits be required during training to spend time within observing and interacting with people in the community where they will work. Police departments should work with organizations in minority communities to learn how to build more trust in police officers.

Evaluations should include psychological assessments of aggression, bias and character, to assure that officers are emotionally fit to serve.

Westerman on 2020 Bruce Westerman US Representative

None of us could have foreseen what 2020 held.

It’s been a difficult year, filled with unexpected challenges. Yet through it all, I’ve been so impressed by the resilience of Arkansans and the ways we’ve come together and supported our communities. That is the beauty of America, and I believe it’s why we have reasons to be grateful even after a hard few months.

Any attempt to recap this year must first start with a “thank you” to all our essential workers. Health care professionals, first responders, grocery store clerks, farmers, truck drivers, mail carriers, processing plant workers, and many others – you all saved lives, kept our shelves stocked,

protected our neighborhoods, and kept showing up for your jobs day after day.

Thank you for your faithful service to millions of people throughout the year.

Even though the pandemic limited in-person visits, I was still able to meet and visit with many of you via Zoom or other online platforms. It’s a blessing to have this technology to still keep us connected! I also traveled around the district over the summer to thank some of the everyday heroes who kept us going during the shutdowns, and I got to hold my annual farm tour where I visited with some of our incredible agriculture workers.

Back in D.C., I got to work on some important legislation that directly impacts Arkansas. The Trillion Trees Act, which I introduced in

March, will incentivize the use of wood products as carbon sequestration devices, as well as plant 1 trillion trees globally by 2050. The Fair Care Act is another significant piece of legislation that I’ve been working on for several years, and I introduced the second version of the bill in October.

It draws on conversations that I’ve had with many of you, and would give Americans greater choice in their health care decisions at a lower cost. U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) introduced the same bill in the Senate.

As we look forward to 2021, I’m grateful for the promise of a vaccine and hope on the horizon. I hope you have a blessed Christmas season with friends and family.

Upcoming Events

Ouachita Baptist University Students & 2020 Grads career event will take place on Sunday, Jan. 3. Please visit the info session for program information and application assistance: https://ncccfema.videoshowcase.net/

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

News 3

Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020

Wonder Woman 1984 now streaming on HBO Max: a vibrant and controversial comic film for 2020 Pete Tubbs Editor in Chief

When Patty Jenkin’s first “Wonder Woman” film hit cinemas in 2017, it was a resounding success. After the dismal response to “Batman v. Superman,” and “Suicide Squad,” many expected another failure from the DC Universe.

The was-torn film was immediately beloved by critics and audiences alike. Gal Gadot became an overnight movie star, and people loved Chris Pine more than they had before.

It’d be hard to find someone that was surprised by the news that the team would reunite for a sequel.

What was surprising about that sequel, though, was that it was set in the 1980s and one (previously deceased) Chris Pine was returning.

What was even more surprising was when Warner Bros. announced that the film would stream simultaneously on HBO MAX as it played on theatre screens across the nation.

I don’t know about anyone else, but after this news came out I had a plan for Christmas day. Seeing as Disney released their much anticipated film “Soul” on

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

From the left to right: Patty Jenkins (director), Chris Pine (co-star), and Gal Gadot (star) all shined in front of and behind the camera in “WW84.”

their respective streaming service on the same day, Dec. 25 would feature a double feature in the Tubbs household.

I expected to love one and like another. I got what I expected, but in the opposite way.

I fully thought I’d love Disney’s “Soul.” It had a fantastic cast, a stellar idea, and a near-bulletproof studio to back it up. What ended up happening, however, was that I absolutely loved

“WW84,” and found “Soul” to be... fine.

This isn’t a “Soul” review, however, so let’s get to “Wonder Woman.”

As previously stated, Patty Jenkins returns once more to direct this candy -colored adventure, and she brings back Gal Gadot and Chris Pine back along with her.

My main concern with this sequel was undoubtedly Chris Pine’s return. His death in the first film was

one of the most surprising and emotionally devestating parts of the original.

To bring him back seemed like it would feel cheap and unearned.

The film’s justification of this resurrection, though, was unexpected and really worked for me. The fact that it had something to do with one of the film’s new villains helped the sequel’s story for me as well. It connected the old and the new in a way that felt fresh and exciting.

Speaking of the new villians, one is good and the other is great. Kristin Wiig gives her all as the kitschy Cheetah, but ends up a bit short when the credits roll.

The one that was the most magnetic and compulsively watchable was Pedro Pascal.

We all know him and love him from “The Mandalorian,” of course, but he delves into his charisma here like he’s never done before. As a washed up wannabe oil-man turned supervillain, Pascal nearly stole the movie.

While “84’s” plot could lean a bit too much into the ridiculous and fantastical if it wasn’t dealt with a very balanced hand. Thankful for this film, Patty Jenkin’s hands don’t shake.

As one fast paced, heart pounding scene followed another, I found myself in a different era. “Wonder Woman 1984” feels like a classic superhero film in the best way possible.

Like Christopher Reeve’s “Superman” films and Tim Burton’s “Batman” had in the past, this new superhero movie actually has fun.

The character of Wonder Woman doesn’t deserve to face her world-ending foes

with anything less than a smile and some confidence.

In this film, she learns the importance of these two things along with the audience.

Moreso than any other recent comic book movie, “WW84” actually feels like a goofy, wish fulfilling, action packed, and absolutely beautiful distillation of what the genre means to so many people. It’s as colorful as “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” and as fun as “Superman II.” It’s strange that this one has garnered so much hate.

For me, in this awful year, “WW84” acts as an antidote to all of the hate and darkness of the past twelve months.

If I watched this film in a vacuum and had no idea of the negative connotation surrounding it currently, I would say that Wonder Woman could save us all.

I guess only time will tell, though.

I will say that, if I were a betting man, this one will get a major critical reevalutation some time in the future. It’s a cult-classic in the making.

Obituary Continuing COVID-19 tracking James Cleo Echols, Jr.

by Arkansas Dept. of Health James (“Jim”) Cleo Echols, Jr. died peacefully

According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, there are a total of 35,350 probable cases in the state as of Dec. 28. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 192,134 cases with 216,528 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 upcom-

ing 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.

neering in 1956

December 13, 2020, sur-

from the University of

rounded by family. He was

Tulsa (OK). He moved to

born September 7,1934 in

Dallas, TX in 1957 We are

Little Rock, AR to James

blessed with many rich and

Cleo Echols, Sr. and his wife,

fond memories. A memo-

Miriam Allgood Echols of

rial service will be held at a

Arkadelphia. He is survived

later date.

by his wife of 65 years, Jane

Memorial gifts may be

Lecil Benedict, children

made to The Stewpot, First

James Cleo III, John Bene-

Presbyterian Church, 1835

dict, Joan Lecil, grandchil-

Young St., Dallas, TX, T.

dren

Boone Pickens Hospice and

Alex, Drew, Emilie

AR. Department of Health

a B.S. in Petroleum Engi-

Palliative Care Center,

(Jim’s), Julia, John (John’s),

12477 Merit Dr., Dallas,

and cousins. He gradu-

TX 75251, or the charity of

ated from Arkadelphia High

your choice.

School in 1951, and received

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. 31, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Ouachita Baptist University Tiger’s OBU and HSU Basketball Schedule head softball coach resigns Athletic Director David Sharp announced Sunday the resignation of head softball coach Leslie Dean.

Dean will be stepping down due to health and personal reasons.

“I want to thank Coach Dean for her service to Ouachita,” Sharp said. “We wish her nothing but the best and good health in the future.”

Dean took over the Ouachita softball program in 2019, leading the Tigers to the Great American Conference Tournament, where they upset top-seeded and nationally-ranked Southern Arkansas in the first round.

The search for the Tigers’ next softball coach will begin immediately. Those interested should contact Sharp at sharpd@obu.edu.

REDDIES MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

JAN 7. SAU - HOME JAN 9 ATU - AWAY JAN. 11 OBU - AWAY JAN. 14 HARDING - AWAY JAN. 16 UAM - HOME JAN. 21 ATU - HOME JAN. 23 SAU - AWAY JAN. 25 OBU - HOME JAN. 28 UAM - AWAY JAN. 30 HARDING - HOME

OBU MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE JAN. 7 HARDING - AWAY JAN. 9 SAU - AWAY Photo courtesy of Ouachita Baptist University Sports.

Leslie Dean, head softball coach of the Ouachita Baptist University Tigers has resigned due to health and personal reasons.

Herff Jones designated ring provider of the Great American Conference

JAN. 11 HSU - HOME JAN. 14 UAM - AWAY JAN. 16 ATU - HOME JAN. 21 SAU - HOME JAN. 23 HARDING - HOME JAN. 25 HSU - AWAY JAN. 28 ATU - AWAY JAN. 30 UAM - HOME

REDDIES WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE JAN. 7 SAU - HOME JAN. 9 ATU - AWAY JAN. 11 OBU - AWAY JAN. 14 HARDING - AWAY JAN. 16 UAM - HOME JAN. 21 ATU - HOME JAN. 23 SAU - AWAY JAN. 25 OBU - HOME JAN. 28 UAM - AWAY JAN. 30 HARDING - HOME

OBU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE JAN. 7 HARDING - AWAY JAN. 9 SAU - AWAY RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Great American Conference announced a multiyear agreement with Herff Jones that designates the ring provider as the official championship ring partner of the GAC. As part of the partnership, the GAC and Herff Jones will highlight key regular-season matchups and late-season standings updates on all of the league’s social media platforms.

“We are proud to partner with Herff Jones as the official championship ring provider of the Great American Conference, “ GAC Commissioner Will Prewitt said. “For 100 years, Herff Jones has recognized achievements with a highend product. Our championship student-athletes will greatly benefit from this agreement.”

Herff Jones crafted the look of the Harlon Hill Trophy – awarded annually to the top NCAA Division II football player - as well as the Heisman Trophy and the Medal of Honor. ““Herff Jones and its local teams are extremely excited and thankful to work closely with the Great American Conference as the exclusive championship ring provider,” said John Albrecht, Herff Jones Championship Manager of Business Development. “We think our values at Herff Jones align closely with the GAC mission statement.

And, being that the GAC is a younger conference, we view that as a great opportunity to grow together.”

About the Great American Conference The Great American Con-

ference became the 23rd NCAA Division II athletic conference in 2011 with nine charter members – Arkansas Tech University, the University of Arkansas at Monticello, East Central University, Harding University, Henderson State University, Ouachita Baptist University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Southern Arkansas University and Southwestern Oklahoma State. The GAC now features 12 members with the additions of Southern Nazarene University, Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma Baptist University and sponsors 15 sports.

About Herff Jones Indianapolis-based Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and

services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. A division of Varsity Brands, Herff Jones’ products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, yearbooks, diplomas, frames and announcements as well as motivation and recognition programs.

Focused on building longterm relationships through a nationwide network of over 2,000 employees and sales partners, the professionals at Herff Jones have been helping elevate the student experience throughout the lifelong journey of education for more than 100 years. For more information about Herff Jones or Varsity Brands, please visit www. herffjones.com or www. varsitybrands.com.

JAN. 11 HSU - HOME JAN. 14 UAM - AWAY JAN. 16 ATU - HOME JAN. 21 SAU - HOME JAN. 23 HARDING - HOME JAN. 25 HSU - AWAY JAN. 28 ATU - AWAY JAN. 30 UAM - HOME