Arkadelphia Dispatch - January 21, 2021

Vol. 2, No. 50

Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021

Mars Petcare expands manufacturing footprint $536,401.58 to support in Arkansas with $145 million investment wildlife education

FRANKLIN, Tenn., (Jan. 15, 2021) – Pet parents have spent more quality time than ever with their dogs and cats during the pandemic – including more than 11 million* households in the U.S. that welcomed a new pet this past year. The increased time spent together has led to shifts in pet parent behaviors, as noted in the Mars Petcare, Pets in a Pandemic: BETTER CITIES FOR PETS 2020 Report. Many pet parents have tried new types and varieties of food for their dogs and cats which has contributed to growth in the wet food category. To meet this growing demand, Mars Petcare will invest $145 million to expand its manufacturing facility located in Fort Smith, Ark. “At Mars Petcare, everything we do is in service of our purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS,” said Ikdeep Singh, Regional President of Mars Petcare North America. “The investment in our Fort Smith manufacturing facility enables us to continue to serve the ever-growing needs of

pets and pet parents and represents our commitment to our Associates and this community.”

Today’s announcement builds on a series of investments that Mars Petcare has made in its Fort Smith facility, totaling more than $420 million to date. This latest investment will create more than 120 new full-time jobs, with further expansion planned for the future, and also represents a continued commitment from Mars Petcare to manufacture its products where they’re sold and invest in the people and communities where the company operates. Mars Petcare Associates help improve the lives of pets and pet parents and will play a key role in the success of this expansion.

“The investment from Mars Petcare in their Fort Smith manufacturing facility will boost the economy at both the local and state level,” said Asa Hutchinson, Governor of Arkansas.

“Since the facility opened in 2009, it has become a hub of diverse and quality jobs, and we thank Mars Petcare

for continuing to grow and invest in the Fort Smith community.”

The facility expansion will begin this month and is scheduled for completion in 2022. With the investment, Mars Petcare will add more than 200,000 square-feet and two additional production lines, increasing production capacity by more than 40 percent, with room for growth in the future to continue meeting the growing demands of pet parents.

“The good news in Fort Smith just keeps coming,” Arkansas Commerce Secretary Mike Preston said.

“Mars Petcare is a growing company with strong customer loyalty. They had several options for this latest expansion, but they knew that Fort Smith has what it takes to help the company continue to prosper. I’m excited to continue our relationship and wish them great success here.”

“When a company expands operations time and time again because of its positive experience with a community, it’s extraordinary,” said Tim Allen, Presi-

dent and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Mars Petcare’s decision to expand its operation in Fort Smith again is wonderful news. In operation since 2009, Mars has shown its commitment to the region and strengthened their place as a true growth partner and world-class company.”

Since opening in September 2009, the Fort Smith facility, which is one of 14 Mars Petcare sites in the United States, has been a fundamental manufacturing hub for tray format foods, making brands like SHEBA®, CESAR®, IAMS® and NUTRO®. As pets play an increasing role in our lives, and pet parents try new feeding styles, Mars Petcare will continue to drive innovations across all of its brands. In early 2021, the industry leader will be announcing new products in the wet food category, including SHEBA Bistro cat food, a line of new chefinspired entrees, and new offerings from the CESAR Brand.

Arkadelphia Dispatch to shut down, Oracle: Community Edition to take its place Pete Tubbs Editor in Chief

Since its inception, the Arkadelphia Dispatch has been committed to bringing the area honest and informed news. It has been an honor being the editor in chief of something that means so much to so many.

When the incomparable Bill Sutley retired in May 2020, and the powers that be were looking for someone to fill his shoes, I couldn’t believe I was even in the conversation. As a member of the news community for five years and counting, I knew I had to do it.

Over the past several months that I’ve been involved with the Dispatch, I’ve learned more than I had even hoped to. I’ve become more involved with the com-

munity and those in it and I’ve been given incredible opportunities to put history in writing.

John Robert Schirmer, the publisher behind the Dispatch, has been the support for this whole endeavor.

The freedom and guidance he’s given me to work with will not soon leave me, and I value what he means to our community and myself.

While located in Nashville, JR has worked wonders for Arkadelphia. Without him and Bill Sutley, our town would be worse off.

It is today, though, that I must say that the Arkadelphia Dispatch is coming to an end. However, while the Dispatch will no longer be an entity, this is not the end of our community’s news Working with Steve Lis-

topad and the people at the Henderson State University Oracle, we have created the new Oracle: Community Edition newspaper. So while you’re out grocery shopping next week, it won’t be the Dispatch that you see on the racks, but the Oracle: Community Edition.

The Oracle has been the student newspaper at HSU for generations. We have already been incorporating student-produced journalism into The Dispatch, so the new paper will look pretty familiar. You can also find all the stories, photos, ads, and more on The Oracle’s website (hsuoracle. edu). The transition will be seamless.

But to keep community news alive, we need your help. We’re looking for

contributing writers and photographers from the community. We need advertising and sponsorship support to pay the bills. The Oracle: Community Edition will be the only news outlet preventing Arkadelphia from becoming a complete news desert. We can’t let that happen.

I’ll be editing the new paper through May, when I graduate from HSU. While this is my last issue as editor of The Dispatch, I hope next week will by first issue as editor of what the future will look like.

Thank you all for supporting us every week. It has been a joy to be a part of the Arkadelphia Dispatch, and I can safely say that it will probably be just as good working with the Oracle.

Cryptocurrency arbitarge company to stop fraudulent activity by comissioner order Little Rock, Ark. (January 13, 2021) – The Arkansas Securities Commissioner Eric P. Munson entered a Cease and Desist Order (“Order”) against Arbirate, LLC (“Arbirate”), an online cryptocurrency arbitrage company. The Order directed Arbirate to stop selling unregistered securities in Arkansas and to refrain from committing fraud or deceit in connection with the offer or sale of any securities in Arkansas.

The Order found that Arbirate was operating a cryptocurrency arbitrage website, www.arbirate.com, which claimed to “boost profits of investors by finding the most profitable cryptocurrency combinations on the exchanges.” To induce

investors, Arbirate purported to use a unique AI-based system that collects information from 20+ popular cryptocurrency exchanges.

In addition, Arbirate made claims that investors would receive a 6% daily profit and receive a profit immediately upon investing. The Order found that these representations of guaranteed, daily profits and proprietary AIbased algorithms were false.

In addition, the Arbirate website made claims that “since 2020, Arbirate has been conducting licensed activity…” The Order concluded that Arbirate did not hold securities registration with any regulatory agency, including the Arkansas Securities Department. Similarly, the Order determined

that Arbirate was not operating at the principal place of business listed on Arbirate’s website or its filing with the Arkansas Secretary of State.

“We are beginning to see more and more of these cryptocurrency websites pop up trying to entice Arkansas and the public to invest in their companies,” said Commissioner Eric Munson. “These companies are using websites that look legitimate and legal, while offering promises of high returns on your investment. Do not be afraid to ask questions regarding the legitimacy and registration of a company before you invest. When in doubt, call the Arkansas Securities Department.”

Investors are encouraged to investigate before they invest. Investors should contact the Arkansas Securities Department with questions about any investment opportunity or the persons offering it for sale before investing in the product.

Contact 1-800-981-4429 to report suspected fraud, inappropriate securities business practices or to obtain consumer information.

A copy of the Cease-andDesist Order is available on the Arkansas Securities Department’s website at www.securities.arkansas. gov. Contact Person for the case: Ryan J. Little. Direct Dial: 501-324-9266.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (January 13, 2021) – The Arkansas Economic Development Commission Division of Rural Services has awarded grants totaling $536,401.58 to promote wildlife education and improve school conservation programs to 150 schools, school districts, and conservation districts in 65 Arkansas counties. The grant program is funded by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) through fines collected from hunting and fishing violations. Only money collected in the county where the violation occurred may be used as grant funds for that county.

All schools in the state are eligible to participate in the program. The funding schools have received in previous years has helped create and maintain archery, fishing, and competitive shooting sports programs.

Schools also use the money to help improve wildlife education by purchasing educational materials, materials for the creation of indoor and outdoor habitats, lab supplies, and field trips to AGFC nature and education centers. Conservation districts use the funding to help promote wildlife conservation awareness in the communities by hosting environmental education days and fishing derbies for children of all ages.

“This year more than ever, we are seeing the benefits of getting out and

enjoying the wildlife that we often take for granted,” said Secretary of Commerce and AEDC Executive Director Mike Preston. “The Wildlife Education program enhances educational opportunities by getting kids out of the classroom and into the world in their own backyards. AEDC is excited to be part of this opportunity that not only enhances education and economic development, but also volunteerism and community involvement for Arkansans of all ages.”Outdoor education plays a vital role in understanding the need to encourage a more viable existence for Arkansas’ youth, according to AGFC Chief of Education Tabbi Kinion.

“By understanding habitat and resource management, we hope to develop a connection between the state’s youth and our wonderful natural resources,” she explained.

Some schools’ projects funded in part by the grant include gardening supplies and equipment, materials to build a beaver dam, birding supplies, recycling bins for recreational areas, and supplies for science labs and outdoor classrooms. For more information, including a complete list of award recipients and program narratives, visit https://www. arkansasedc.com/RuralServices/division/grants/ grant-recipients.

New AEDC resolution on hate crime legislation LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (January 14, 2021) – Members of the Arkansas Economic Development Council, a commission composed of business leaders and economic development advisers who represent each region of the state, today passed a resolution to express support for hate crimes legislation to provide enhanced penalties for acts of violence committed due to a victim’s race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, ancestry, service in the armed forces, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, homelessness, or disability. Currently, Arkansas is one of only three states (along with South Carolina and Wyoming) that has not passed such legislation.

The Council passed the resolution at its monthly board meeting today.

“Incredibly, and in spite of all the challenges of 2020, Arkansas has continued to grow economic benefits for our citizens by supporting the expansion of existing industries and the recruitment of new job creating industries,” said Arkansas Economic Development Council Chairman Rick Barrows. “As this resolution states, it is critical that we do not create any competitive disadvantages and that we affirm the value and dignity of all who work and live in Arkansas. Economic development is the mission of this Council.”

The Council drafted the resolution to express its view that the absence of hate crimes legislation could

hinder the recruitment of companies to Arkansas.

This in turn could put the state at a competitive disadvantage if Arkansas become the only state without such legislation.

The Council also said that the passage of hate crimes legislation would affirm the value of dignity of all who work and live in Arkansas.

“Arkansas is one of only of three states that does not have a hate crime bill in place,” said Council member Gina Radke. “With the exodus of companies from other states, Arkansas wants to be first on the list for relocation of valuable jobs. The passing of this bill removes any doubt that Arkansas is open for business to all.”

Gov. Asa Hutchison has requested that the Arkansas General Assembly pass hate crimes legislation in the current regular session of the General Assembly, and the Council urges the General Assembly to pass legislation at its earliest opportunity.

“I want to thank the Arkansas Economic Development Council for drafting this resolution,” said Secretary of Commerce and AEDC Executive Director Mike Preston. “I appreciate these business leaders for voicing their support for this issue that will help our economic development efforts in bringing better paying jobs to the state that will improve the lives of all Arkansans.”

2 News

Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Rep. Bruce Westerman: “Peace is possible” Bruce Westerman AR Representative

As I reflect on the past few weeks, the word “division” continually comes to my mind. Every American can sense the profound, deep division that separates our country. Divisions can be felt not only in Washington D.C., but also in our communities and places where division should not be, such as among churches, friends, and family.

We hear division repeated in the news and splashed across headlines, and it is easy to become discouraged.

We must work hard for civil discourse for the sake of our

nation. We must win with resolve, better ideas, strong messages, and demonstrated results.

Unity is a hard-won virtue that requires practice and discipline. We cannot believe that since the other side acts a certain way, it grants us the freedom to do so as well. Such logic will devolve our society into anarchy. I may never agree with my Democrat colleagues on some policies, but that does not give me the right to dehumanize them and their worth even if it’s not reciprocated.

We must independently determine within ourselves

to be different, regardless of the actions of others. Someone must break the cycle or this chaos will never end.

There will always be individuals on both sides who refuse to put away hatred and embrace understanding. We cannot allow them to break our resolve.

Let’s not choose to live in an echochamber, but rather, in discussion with our fellow citizens with a focus on the issues and a better future.

We will likely discover that on many issues we are not so different in our hopes and goals for this nation, but we have different approaches to get there.

Governor Hutchinson on his goals for the 93rd GA Asa Hutchinson AR Governor

The 93rd General Assembly convened this week, and today I’d like to talk about the goals that I shared with legislators in my State of the State address.

I expect legislation that will boost our economy from tax cuts to reduced regulations. We need laws that will assure that our police officers have the highest standards, and are fully trained, funded, and supported. We also want laws to increase accountability and oversight.

Two years ago, legislators raised the pay of our dedicated public-school teachers. I support another round of pay increases. My goal is to raise average teacher salaries by $2,000 over the next two years, and I expect there will be great legislative support for this effort.

During my time in office, we have become a national leader with our computer science initiative. But we can’t relax in our success.

This year, I am asking the general assembly to support

legislation that will require all students to take at least one computer science course in order to graduate, and to require all schools to employee at least one certified computer science teacher.

We will have to increase the training of our teachers even more, but we are ready to do it because this will give our young people even greater opportunities right here in Arkansas.

During each regular session while I have been governor, we have lowered taxes on hard-working Arkansans. As a result, we have moved $800 million from the government bank account into the hands of Arkansans.

This session, I am asking for two specific tax cuts. I would like to reduce the sales tax on used cars that sell between $4,000 and $10,000. The tax would be reduced from 6.5 percent to 3.5 percent. This would give relief to thousands of Arkansans who depend upon used vehicles for getting to work and to school.

To pay for tax cuts, we

need to continue to grow our economy and bring people to Arkansas. To help with that goal, I am recommending a second tax cut.

And that is that we lower our tax rate for new residents to 4.9 percent for the first five years they live in Arkansas. That will attract new Arkansans, who will spend money and pay taxes, and companies that will create jobs and contribute to our economy.

This year the individual income tax rate has been reduced to 5.9 percent, and I hope that within the next five years, Arkansas will reduce the rate to 4.9 percent for all residents.

We are entering 2021 with a balanced budget, a strong economy, and the strength of Arkansans to pull through these tough days. As I established my legislative goals for the 93rd General Assembly, I am mindful that the most urgent task is to respond and recover from the pandemic and to do everything needed to get our vaccines out to everyone in need.

Butterball to invest $8.7 mil in Arkansas facilities HUNTSVILLE and OZARK, Ark. – Butterball, one of the largest producers of turkey products in the United States, today announced that it is investing a combined $8.7 million and creating a total of 360 new jobs within three years in two processing facilities in Northwest Arkansas.

The expansion includes a $4.7 million investment in Ozark where the company will create 160 jobs and a $4 million investment in Huntsville where it will create 200 new jobs.

“Having been a longstanding employer in Arkansas through our feed mills, turkey growing operations and production facilities, Butterball appreciates the continued support from the state of Arkansas as we look to expand some of our processing operations at our Huntsville and Ozark, Arkansas facilities,” said Butterball President and CEO Jay Jandrain. “We are proud to continue to be vital contributors to and key supporters of the local communities in which we operate and we’re grateful for the hardworking people of Arkansas.”

Butterball’s Huntsville facility produces prepackaged fresh, frozen, and cooked whole turkeys; turkey breasts and roasts; and prepackaged bone-in tray pack turkey products. At the Ozark facility, Butterball produces pre-packaged fresh and frozen whole turkeys. In addition to the processing facilities in Ozark and Huntsville, Butterball has a third processing facility in Jonesboro as well as feed mills in Yellville and Alix.

“This is a great day for Northwest Arkansas,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson. “Butterball has chosen to expand

not just one – but two – Arkansas facilities. The trust that they have placed in our workforce and business climate is a great testament to the hard work and dedication of our state and these two communities.”

Butterball is one of the country’s most iconic turkey brands. Its “Traditions with Purpose” program emphasizes the company’s commitment to its four pillars of corporate citizenship – People, Plate, Planet, and Philanthropy. While Butterball is famous for its holiday Turkey Talk-Line, the company also aids communities by providing meals during natural disasters, sponsors American Heart Association Heart Walks, donates products to Feeding America, offers leadership development programs, and works to reduce the company’s environmental footprint.

“Communities are the foundation for economic development,” said Secretary of Commerce and Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Mike Preston. “Butterball does a lot for the communities in which they operate, and I am thrilled to see the investment the company is making in both Huntsville and Ozark.”

Butterball plans to upgrade processing equipment, expand cooler space, and implement production line modifications at its Huntsville facility. The existing facility will also be remodeled to include a new training area, team member welfare areas, and offices.

“The city of Huntsville is very excited at the prospect of adding so many jobs to our local economy,” Huntsville Mayor Darrell Trahan said. “The last statistical analysis of our workforce showed greater than 70

percent of our employed citizens were driving out of the county to work. We sincerely hope this will alleviate their need to drive.”

At its Ozark plant, the company plans to upgrade processing equipment and expand refrigeration capacity. Butterball will also remodel many of the team member welfare areas at the facility.

“The city of Ozark and the citizens of our area are extremely excited for the proposed investment in the local Butterball facility,” Ozark Mayor Roxie Hall stated. “The Butterball facility in Ozark has long been a primary employer in our area. This expansion will provide additional opportunities for those of our community to support their families as well as expand the economy of the area.”

Headquartered in Garner, N.C., Butterball is the largest producer of turkey products in the U.S. –producing more than 1 billion pounds of turkey each year.

For more than 60 years, the company has provided foodservice and retail products to customers and consumers around the world. As an industry leader in quality, food safety and animal wellbeing, the company employs numerous processes to ensure the health of flocks and implements recognized prevention measures to exceed food safety standards. Butterball products are currently distributed throughout the U.S. and in more than 45 countries.

Butterball operates six processing plants located in North Carolina, Arkansas and Missouri.

Upcoming Events The Annual Arkansas Auctioneers Association Annual Conference will take place on February 4-7, 2021 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. >>> <<< The “TUFF ON THA TURF” State Preview tournament is a preliminary event taking place Feb. 20 in Hot Springs, months before the actual State Championship Tournament and is broken down into divisions based upon age and competition. All divisions in tournament play allow co-ed competition but have no requirements on gender specific participation. Sign up on EventBrite.com. >>> <<< The Iron Mountain Legend trail run is held on the epic trails of Iron Mountain in the DeGray Lake State Park area. With 10K, 25K and 42K options...there is something for all types. Post-race food and drink, plus a unique finisher medal will make it a day to remember. The start/finish line will be the Iron Mountain Lodge & Marina on DeGray Lake. On course aid stations with lots of tasty treats to keep fueled for a day in the Ouachita Mountains. It will take place on March 13.

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 870-230-2975 or 870-260-9277. >>> <<< H& R Block has a new location at 2749 Pine St in Arkadelphia, AR! Visit their new office today to put their expertise to work on your refund. >>> <<< 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.

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. >>> <<< Pediatrics Plus is excited to announce that our brand new facility is now open. Our new facility is located at 702 Hickory Street. The new facility offers includes a Developmental Preschool and Therapy Services that include: ABA, Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy.

In addition, our brand new, state-of-the-art facilities include a House Next Door suite which offers a homey feel for children learning daily living activities like cooking, feeding therapy, making the bed, getting dressed, and more! Other features of the new facility include a new playground, gross motor gym, high stimulation and low stimulation gyms, and a library! Enroll Now to get a spot in our new location! >>> <<< 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

Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021

Enjoy birding at a national wildlife refuge in Arkansas Zoie Clift AR Tourism Travel Writer

National wildlife refuges, or NWRs, belong to the people and are entrusted to those who work for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to manage for the benefit of wildlife. There are 10 NWRs across Arkansas and they are great spots for outdoor endeavors like birding.

Three of them – Felsenthal, Overflow and Pond Creek NWRs – are under the reins of the South Arkansas Refuges Complex.

“Most national wildlife refuges focus on providing more opportunities for activities other than hunting,” said Amanda Wilkinson, visitor services specialist for the South Arkansas Refuges Complex. “Wildlife observation, photography and hiking, for example: they also protect and manage critical habitats for birds. Birding on refuges encourages participants to become aware of the needs and challenges birds face. Refuge paths and trails can lead to a greater understanding of conservation and restoration efforts, not to mention that you’re outside with nature.”

Felsenthal NWR is located around five miles west of Crossett. Established in 1975, it is crisscrossed by a system of lakes, rivers, creeks, bayous and sloughs.

These water resources are dominated by the Ouachita and Saline Rivers and the

Felsenthal Pool. Primarily the refuge was established for wintering waterfowl habitat, endangered species and outdoor recreation. But wildlife is key. Felsenthal NWR lies within the Mississippi Flyway so the potential for birding is big. Hundreds of species of birds are known to nest in the area. A famous one is the endangered redcockaded woodpecker and the refuge has one of the highest densities of this species in the state.

“Felsenthal NWR offers birding enthusiasts a diverse array of habitats to explore,” said Wilkinson.

“The upland pines serve as a permanent home for redcockaded woodpeckers, easily observed with intermediate skill level throughout the year. The open water of the Felsenthal Basin comes to life each winter with those weary fliers seeking refuge along the river banks. The bottomland hardwoods provide safe shelter and pristine foraging habitat for even the most songful travelers. Felsenthal NWR is far enough south to support many bird species through the winter, including pine warblers, yellow-rumped warblers and bald eagles.”

Birding can be done yearround in Arkansas and each season offers its own distinct flavor to savor. For those interested in a winter birding venture to Felsenthal, Wilkinson said that water levels of the Ouachita River

determine the ability, or lack thereof, to access certain areas during spring and winter months. The refuge is also open to public hunting beginning September 1 until the end of January. “Those interested in visiting should consider off-peak times and no-hunting zones,” she said.

“Contact the Refuge headquarters prior to planning a trip for the best up-to-date information. iNaturalist and eBird are social networking applications that are good to use while visiting too.”

Birding can also be done at NWRs across Arkansas including Pond Creek and Overflow NWRs. Overflow is located in southeast Arkansas and was established in 1980 to protect bottomland hardwood forests considered vital for waterfowl populations in the Mississippi Flyway. Located in an area where the Central and Mississippi flyways overlap, Pond Creek NWR is a bottomland, wetland ecosystem that lies between the towns of Ashdown and De Queen.

Overflow and Pond Creek NWRs provide their own distinct birding and wildlife observation opportunities, but as with Felsenthal, birders should be aware of the hunting season beginning September 1 and continuing until the end of January.

Across the U.S., national wildlife refuges teem with resident and migratory birds and those in Arkansas are no different. “Whether it is

the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker at Felsenthal NWR or the thousands of ducks on Bald Knob NWR, one fact remains constant: these refuges boast a diversity of birds and their habitats,” said Wilkinson.

Many of the refuges across the nation, and especially in Arkansas, were established due to the sale of duck stamps. “Around 98 cents of every duck stamp dollar goes directly to the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund to purchase wildlife habitat in the National Wildlife Refuge System,” said Wilkinson. “It all began in 1934. It required waterfowl hunters to purchase a federal duck stamp.

Since then, more than 5 million acres of habitat have been bought and protected through this program. Duck stamps are not just for hunters, though. Birders, conservationists, and stamp collectors have become great supporters of the duck stamp program. Their support helps ensure wildlife and habitat will be around for future generations.”

Other NWRs in Arkansas include Bald Knob NWR in Bald Knob; Big Lake NWR in Manila; Cache River NWR in Augusta; Holla Bend NWR in Dardanelle; Logan Cave NWR in Siloam Springs; Wapanocca NWR in Turrell and the Dale Bumpers White River NWR in DeWitt.

Continuing COVID-19 tracking

by Arkansas Dept. of Health

News 3

New Arkansas state broadband map

Photo courtesy of Arkansas State Broadband Map.

Above is the map of the entire state’s broadband avaliability.

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas State Broadband Map will allow Arkansans to pinpoint broadband providers in the state and will assist state agencies in developing broadband policy, Governor Asa Hutchinson said today in announcing the release of the map.

“This project puts Arkansas on the cutting edge of broadband mapping nationally,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Broadband delivery is a top priority, and long before the pandemic, I asked state agencies to accelerate the closing of the digital divide between our cities and less-populated rural communities. Our diligence and proactive efforts put us in position to utilize federal funds we have received during the pandemic to enhance our broadband system. Our map identifies broadband sources by structure, a level of detail that allows users to find exactly where broad-

band is available.”

The project is a partnership between the State Broadband Office through the Arkansas Department of Commerce and the Department of Education. The map will supplement the FCC’s broadband map and will provide a more thorough overview of broadband distribution in Arkansas.

Governor Hutchinson utilized money from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund to partner with CostQuest Associates, a national consulting firm, to perform the detailed analysis.

The map allows a user to supply an address in order to find nearby coverage. The map will show the number of providers in the area, the broadband companies that are providing service, and the speeds at which service is available. To see map: https://arkansas.vetro.io

Lieutenant David Williams now captain Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office

Arkansas State Police Lieutenant David Williams has been promoted to the rank captain and will assume troop commander duties of Highway Patrol Division, Troop E, headquartered at Pine Bluff.

Troop E encompasses Jefferson, Arkansas, Lincoln and Desha counties.

The promotion was recommended by Colonel Bill Bryant, state police director, and approved by the Arkansas State Police Commission meeting at Little Rock today.

Captain Williams, 46, of Prairie County, is a 23year veteran of the depart-

AR. Department of Health

According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, there are a total of 52,307 probable cases in the state as of Nov. 30. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 219,956 cases with 245,096 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.

Sports are in full swing, with the basketball season currently underway. That’s not to say that there aren’t precautions, however, as games are being cancelled left and right to coincide with regulations.

With Joe Biden as the new Presidential Elect, many are expecting the na-

tion to re-enter shutdown.

Schools are encouraging self checking and most offer virtual learning.

People are encouraged to continue social distancing and staying at least six feet away from others. Testing is widely available in most cities.

ment and most recently has served as assistant troop commander for Highway Patrol Division, Troop D, headquartered at Forrest City.

Colonel Bryant also recommended to the commissioners who approved the promotion of Sergeant Craig Teague to the rank of lieutenant. He will assume new supervisory duties within the department’s Administrative Services Division, Training Section.

Lieutenant Teague, 36, of Saline County, is an 11-year veteran of the department and has most recently been assigned within the state police training section.

Arkadelphia Dispatch Editor: Pete Tubbs oracle@hsu.edu 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, Jan. 21, 2021

HSU Reddies tripped up by hot-shooting UAM on Sat.

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Trio of freshman pace Henderson in season-opening Courtlin Haygarth HSU Sports

The Henderson State women’s cross country team marked its start of the 2021 season this afternoon at the Arkansas Tech Invitational.

The Reddies were one of three teams involved in the tournament, joined by the host team Golden Suns of Arkansas Tech and the Southeastern Savage Storm.

Three Henderson freshman saw top-25 finishes as HSU earned 95 points, finishing third for the tournament.

Freshman Tori Johnson started off her HSU career with a bang as she crossed the finish line with a time of 13:11, claiming the tenth spot and the highest finish-

ing Henderson runner.

Following Johnson was Kaylie Wheeless coming in at 16th with a time of 13:56.

Next for the Reddies was freshman Erica Jaggernauth with her own top-25 finish coming in at 14:27, followed

by Rebecca Niedzwiedz and fellow first-year Heidy Galvan one and four seconds later, respectively.

Rounding out the Reddies runners was Hannah Massey with a time of 14:43.

Massey bested the next place runner by 34 seconds.

Next up for the young Reddies is the Lois Davis Invitational hosted by Southern Arkansas January 30 in Magnolia, Arkansas.

Five HSU basketball games Photo courtesy of HSU Sports.

The Reddies took a loss Saturday after UAM took an early lead. Pictured is Malik Riddle whom HSU Sports called an “explosive athlete and big guard.”

David Salley HSU Sports

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Henderson State fell behind Arkansas-Monticello early on Saturday afternoon and was never able to recover, as UAM defeated the Reddies 87-74 at the Duke Wells Center.

Raekwon Rogers was a bright spot for HSU and finished with a season-high 22 points and eight rebounds.

Malik Riddle and Damian Dear, who each recorded their first starts of the year, added 16 and 15, respectively, while Jeremiah Toney chipped in 13.

It was a rocky start for

the Reddies (1-3) at home as UAM hit 11 of its first 17 shots from the floor and raced out to a 26-12 lead.

The lead grew as large as 3419 for UAM with 3:42 to go until halftime, but HSU refused to roll over, and used a 13-8 spurt down the stretch of the half to close the gap to 42-32 at the break.

Dear and Rogers helped keep the Reddies afloat in the opening 20 minutes.

The duo combined to make eight of Henderson’s nine field goals in the period and score 26 of its 32 points.

UAM shot a blistering 59% in the first half while HSU finished just 9-of-26 from the floor with 10 turnovers.

Despite a tough opening period, Henderson State came out with tons of energy to begin the second and scored the first two buckets of the half to close the deficit to 42-36 — the closest the game had been since the early going. The Weevils answered the HSU run with a spurt of their own, however, which extended their lead back out to 51-41 with 13:58 to go.

Although the Reddies scrapped, UAM was able to keep Henderson at an arm’s length over the next several minutes, and used a 3-pointer from Miles Daniels to take its largest lead of the second half, 69-55, with

just 5:57 remaining in the game. That deficit proved to be too much for HSU, who was never able to get within single digits down the stretch and fell to 1-3 on the year.

Henderson out-rebounded UAM 40-22 but shot just 41% from the floor compared to the Weevils’ 56%.

Monticello out-scored the Reddies 26-7 in points off of turnovers and 15-2 in bench scoring.

The Reddies return to action on Thursday when they host Arkansas Tech at 7 p.m. in the Duke Wells Center.

HSU Red Wave starts off season with multiple winners, to return Jan. 23 David Salley HSU Sports

The Henderson State Red Wave opened their 2021 season on Friday evening, as the men’s team dominated rival Ouachita Baptist 78-49 and the women fell in a tight meet, 79-69.

HSU was dominant in the men’s competition and won every event but one: the 200-meter freestyle relay, in which the Red Wave foursome took first-place

but was disqualified after the fact.

Individual winners on the men’s side included Marcus Hernandez in the 50-yard butterfly (24.05) and the 50-yard backstroke (25.63), Jaren Tippett in the 50-yard breaststroke (27.27), Patryk Dabrowski in the 100-yard free (47.17) and Stephen Jones in the 100-yard IM (52.66).

All four of the individual winners for the men also combined to take first-place

in the 200-yard medley relay (1:37.70) in the final event of the evening. The Red Wave took the top three spots in both the 100-yard IM and the 100-yard freestyle in the win.

The women’s team had four swimmers top the podium on the night: Isabelle Andrews in the 50-yard butterfly (26.95), Amy Brandenburg in the 100-yard freestyle (56.30), Mackenzie Kester in the 50-yard backstroke (28.69) and Aly

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Ouachita Baptist wrestling split a pair of dual matches Friday in Edmond, Oklahoma, defeating Emmanuel 38-4 and falling to No. 3 Central Oklahoma 44-0. The Tigers used pins

by Rey Reyes and Jackson Carter to distance themselves from the Lions and earn their second straight win in the first match of the day.

Freshman Brandon Anderson started the match off with a major-decision victory at 125, shutting out Emmanuel’s Anthony Cruz 13-0. Freshman Evan Kennedy defeated Martrez Huff 9-5 at 133. Jaylon Otero picked up a win at 149 over Dalton Flint by 5-2 decision.

At 157, Chase Howerton defeated Jesse Dejames by a 4-3 decision.

Carter recorded his first career pin Friday, taking Lion Jonathan Oldknow to the mat in 3:48 at 165. After William Martin defeated Myles Williams by 6-1 deci-

sion at 174, Reyes pinned Emmanuel’s Markis Hill in 4:59 at 184. Johnny Green won by forfeit at heavyweight to close out the dual.

Full Results Ouachita vs. Emmanuel 125: Brandon Anderson (OBU) over Anthony Cruz (EC) MD 13-0 133: Evan Kennedy (OBU) over Martrez Huff (EC) Dec. 9-5 141: Nicholas Volies (EC) over Jessie Hodge (OBU) MD 10-2 149: Jaylon Otero (OBU) over Dalton Flint (EC) Dec. 5-2 157: Chase Howerton (OBU) over Jesse Dejames (EC) Dec. 4-3 165: Jackson Carter (OBU) over Jonathan Oldknow (EC) Fall 3:48 174: William Martin (OBU) over Myles Williams (EC) Dec. 6-1 184: Rey Reyes (OBU) over Markis Hill (EC) Fall 4:59 197: Ryan Cochran (OBU) over Hayden Snowden (EC)

MD 9-1 285: Johnny Green (OBU) Forfeit

Voos in the 500-yard freestyle (5:26.30). Henderson went 1-2-3 in the 100-yard freestyle, as Salina Damas (56.85) and Lauren Evans finished second and third behind Brandenburg, respectively.

The Red Wave return to the pool on Jan. 23 when both teams face Ouachita Baptist again across the street on OBU’s campus.

David Salley HSU Sports

Due to a combination of contact tracing and subsequent quarantining of individuals within the Henderson State women’s basketball program, the Reddies have fallen below the Great American Conference minimum for healthy student-athletes, of seven, and will not be able to play in their next five conference games.

The Arkansas-Monticello at Henderson State game on Saturday, Jan. 16, the Arkansas Tech at Henderson

State game on Thursday, Jan. 21, the Henderson State at Southern Arkansas game on Saturday, Jan. 23, the Ouachita Baptist at Henderson State game on Monday, Jan. 25, and the Henderson State at Arkansas-Monticello game on Thursday, Jan. 28 have been canceled, consistent with Great American Conference COVID-19 management requirements.

Henderson State plans to resume play on Saturday, Jan. 30 at home against Harding.

OBU women’s swimming remains undefeated

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — In a late addition to the Ouachita swimming and diving schedule, the TigerSharks took on Henderson State on Friday after the Red Wave had a previouslyscheduled meet canceled.

The visiting TigerSharks prevailed 79-69 to remain undefeated on the 2020-21 season.

Junior Lilia Clark took home first place in the 50 yard breaststroke, and sophomore Kailtyn Mont157: #2 Ty Lucas (UCO) gomery won the 100 yard o v e r C h a s e H o w e r t o n individual medley for the (OBU) Fall 1:35 165: Anthony Des Vigne (UCO) over Jackson Carter (OBU) Dec. 14-7 174: Wyatt Jordan (UCO) over William Martin (OBU) TF 20-0 4:10 184: #1 Heath Grey (UCO) over Rey Reyes (OBU) TF 22-3 3:37 197: #3 Dalton Abney (UCO) over Ryan Cochran (OBU) TF 17-1 2:02 285: Christian Arriola (UCO) over Johnny Green (OBU) Dec. 2-0

OBU wrestling splits pair of duels Ouachita vs. #3 Central Oklahoma 125: Garrett Steidley (UCO) over Noah Yeaman (OBU) Dec. 6-1 133: Thaddeus Long (UCO) over Evan Kennedy (OBU) Fall 2:09 141: #10 Nate Keim (UCO) over Jessie Hodge (OBU) TF 17-0 5:58 149: Gabe Johnson (UCO) over Jaylon Otero (OBU) Dec. 5-2

cancelled after contact tracing

TigerSharks’ lone individual wins. Ouachita also took first in both the 200 yard freestyle relay and the 200 yard medley relay.

The TigerSharks added four second-place finishes and five third-place finishes on the night.

Ouachita will face a familiar opponent in its next two meets, as the TigerSharks and Red Wave are scheduled to go head-to-head on January 22 at Waggoner Pool and January 23 back on Henderson’s campus.

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