Arkadelphia Dispatch - January 7, 2021

Vol. 2, No. 48

Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021

Governor announces Webb Sworn in as Arkansas thirteen pardons Supreme Court Associate Justice

Photo courtesy of Arkansas Supreme Court.

Barbara Womack Webb, graduate of the Arkansas School of Law in Little Rock and Chief Law Judge at the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission, has just been sworn in as Arkansas Supreme Court Associate Justice.

LITTLE ROCK – Last week at the Arkansas Supreme Court, Barbara Womack Webb of Benton was officially sworn in as an Associate Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. The ceremony was conducted by Associate Justice Rhonda K. Wood. A small group of family, friends, and staff were in attendance, observing Arkansas Department of Health guidelines.

Webb issued the following statement: “Today is the greatest

honor of my life. As an Associate Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, I feel the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. The trust the voters of Arkansas instilled in me back in March of last year has only grown, and I am grateful for that confidence. The practice of law should be conducted without fear of favor, and I intend to do exactly that. I will continue to be a fair and independent voice that all Arkansans can trust.”

About Barbara Womack

Webb: Barbara Womack Webb is the Chief Law Judge at the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission and previously served for 12 years as a law judge, in both Democrat and Republican administrations. She recently served as Circuit Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit and formerly served as the elected Prosecuting Attorney for Saline, Hot Spring, and Grant Counties. Webb has also served as a special associate justice

of the Arkansas Supreme Court. Webb has also served with the Arkansas Ethics Commission, Arkansas State Crime Lab Board, Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice, and the U.S. Department of Justice AntiTerrorism Task Force.

She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law in Little Rock and has been a licensed attorney since 1982.

Hytrol to expand Arkansas operations, create 250 new jobs in Fort Smith

FORT SMITH, Ark. (January 4, 2021) – Hytrol, a world leader in the design and manufacturing of material handling systems for a variety of industries, today announced it will invest more than $20 million to open an advanced manufacturing operation in Fort Smith creating 250 new jobs within five years.

“Hytrol has been in Jonesboro, Arkansas since 1962,” Hytrol President David Peacock said. “We began with 28 employees and have grown to more than 1,200 employees in that location. When it came time to expand with an additional production facility, it was an easy decision to stay in Arkansas. The workforce in Arkansas is second to none; the business climate supports our growth; and our values of faith, family, gratitude, empathy, commitment, and community align perfectly with Arkansas.”

Phillip Poston, Director of Fort Smith Site Operations and grandson of Hytrol founder Tom Loberg, also praised the expansion.

“The material handling industry is growing at a re-

markable pace, and we are excited to invest in this new production facility to continue to support our customers,” Poston said. “Hytrol is proud to be joining the Fort Smith community, and we look forward to developing valuable relationships here that will help us continue to move the world.”

Today, Hytrol has more than 700,000 square feet of production space and 48,000 square feet of research-and-development space in two facilities in Jonesboro that employ a combined total of more than 1,200 Arkansans.

“In the nearly fifty years since Hytrol moved to Jonesboro, the company’s equipment has conveyed millions of boxes and bottles along thousands of miles of the company’s material handling systems all over the nation,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “Hytrol’s equipment assists industries from food and beverage to pharmaceutical to package handlers move their products efficiently and safely from the point of production to the customer. Hytrol is a great company for Arkansas, and I am elated they are

expanding to Fort Smith.”

After evaluating multiple locations in Arkansas and surrounding states, Hytrol selected an existing 300,000-square-foot facility in Fort Smith as the site for its new operations.

Hytrol has signed a longterm lease with the owner of Spartan Logistics. The facility is located at 6500 Jenny Lind Road.

“Fort Smith has long attracted companies looking for quality workers,” Secretary of Commerce and Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Mike Preston said. “For years, Hytrol has worked with the local industry and educational partners in Northeast Arkansas, and I look forward to working with them in similar endeavors in the western part of the state.”

Hytrol sought to geographically diversify its operations, and Fort Smith was at the top of the list. The company cited community support, the local workforce, and the availability of a facility that suits its needs among its reasons for selecting Fort Smith.

“Fort Smith is extremely

excited to welcome Hytrol Conveyor Company to the region,” said Tim Allen, President and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“Having another legacy Arkansas company choosing to expand here is proof that business understands what we have to offer. When they needed the right facility, the right workforce and the right environment, their first call was to Fort Smith.

That endorsement speaks volumes about what we can bring to the table.”

For more information about employment opportunities at Hytrol, visit www. careers.hytrol.com or send an email to fortsmith@hytrol.com.

About Hytrol: Hytrol Conveyor Company Inc. is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of material handling systems for a variety of industries. Since its founding, the company has been dedicated to pushing forward the material handling industry. Hytrol is the largest conveyor manufacturer in the United States.

It designs, develops, and delivers the most advanced material handling systems and includes a network of more than 150 independent businesses worldwide.

The company also develops software for conveyors and warehouse management.

For more information about Hytrol, visit www.hytrol. com.

Woman killed in Independence County and man arrested in Cave City Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office

Danny Day, 50, of Cave City, was arrested Tuesday, December 29th by Arkansas State Police and is charged with leaving the scene of an accident with injury or death (Class D felony).

Day was arrested in connection with the December 28th hit and run crash that claimed the life of Rita J. Brooks, 64, of 6220 North St. Louis, Batesville.

Brooks’ body was found

near her home along the east shoulder of the northbound lane of U.S. Highway 167 about halfway between Batesville and Cave City.

An investigation of the crash and death is continuing.

The Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division is continuing its investigation of an overnight hit and run pedestrian death that occurred in Independence County along U.S. Highway 167 about 8:15 on Monday,

December 28th.

The body of Rita J. Brooks, 64, of 6220 North St. Louis, Batesville, was found near the east shoulder of the northbound traffic lane. A state trooper investigating the death suspects Ms. Brooks was moving a trash receptacle from the edge of the highway near her home when she was struck by a vehicle that fled from the scene.

Evidence collected from

the scene is being examined in an attempt to identify the particular make and model of the vehicle that struck Ms. Brooks.

Anyone who may have seen Ms. Brooks on the highway between 8 – 8:15 last night or who may know anything about a vehicle or driver involved in the crash is asked to contact Arkansas State Police, Troop B, by calling (870) 523-2702.

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced his intent to grant 13 pardons, two restorations of firearm rights only, and one commutation. An additional 21 clemency requests were denied and two had no action taken upon them. These include requests from both inmates and non-inmates.

The applicants intended for pardons have completed all jail time, fulfilled all parole and probationary requirements and paid all fines related to their sentences. There is a 30-day waiting period to receive public feedback on the notices before final action is taken.

Governor Hutchinson intends to grant pardons to the following people: John H. Allen (Chidester): Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Deliver, 2 counts (Y Felony) and Delivery of Cocaine, 2 counts (Y Felony) (CR 91-220).

This notice is issued based on the dates of conviction (1992 – Ouachita County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Tamara Billings (Bismarck): Criminal Attempt to Manufacture Methamphetamine (A Felony) (CR 2007-110-1) and Forgery II-2 counts (C Felony) (CR 2007-0013).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2007 – Hot Spring County and 2007 – Clark County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. The Hot Spring County Sheriff has raised objections.

Melinda Burns (Bentonville): Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine)-2 Counts (Y Felony) (CR 2005-508-1).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2005 – Benton County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Jacque Casement (Pearcy): Criminal Conspiracy to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) (C Felony) (CR 92-2829).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1994 – Pulaski County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Brian A. Frye (Forrest City): Terroristic Threatening (A Misdemeanor) (CR 94-558); Burglary (B Felony) (CR 95-384); Criminal Use of a Prohibited Weapon (B Felony) (CR 95-23); Battery III (Misdemeanor) (CR-08-8850); and Battery III (Misdemeanor) (CR-088850).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1995 – St. Francis County, 1996 – St. Francis County, 1996 – St. Francis County, 2008 – St. Francis County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Robert W. Griffin (Mayflower): Criminal AttemptDelivery of Controlled Substance (D Felony) and Use of a Communication Device (C Felony) (CR 2011-1202).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2011 – Pulaski County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations.

There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Gregory D. Jones (Sherwood): Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent-Marijuana (C Felony) (CR 2002-001206).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2002 – Pualski County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Chad Kelley (Greenbrier): Drug Paraphernalia (C Felony) (CR 2005-63) This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2005 – Faulkner County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law

violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Coachie Kincaid (Forsyth, MO): Possession of a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine (C Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Felony) (CR 2004-35); Criminal Attempt to Manufacture a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine (A Felony) (CR 2004-108); Possession of a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine (C Felony) (CR 2004-08), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Felony), and Possession of Controlled Substance, Marijuana (A Misdemeanor) (CR 200639); Criminal Attempt to Manufacture a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine (Revocation) (A Felony) (CR 2004-108); and Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree (A Misdemeanor) (CR 2007-179).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2004 – Baxter County, 2004 – Baxter County, 2006 – Baxter County, 2006 – Baxter County, and 2007 – Baxter County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminallaw violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application Edward L. Lovell (Hackett): Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver (C Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Felony) (CR-89-196).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1989 – Sebastian County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Dennis Price (Conway): Theft by Receiving (B Felony) (CR 00-186-3).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2000 – Saline County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Gregory Shehane (Emerson): Possession of a Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine (C Felony) (CR 97-59-3).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1998 – Nevada County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Mike Sitmac (Bokoshe, OK): Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (B Felony) (CR-88-362) and Delivery of a Controlled Substance (B Felony) (CR-88-364).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1988 – Sebastian County and 1988 – Sebastian County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further felony criminallaw violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Governor Hutchinson intends to grant the restoration of firearm rights only to the following person: Loy Cross (Camden): Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) (C Felony) (CR-95-242) and Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) (C Felony) (CR-95-242).

This notice is issued based on the date of convictions (1996 – Ouachita County and 1996 – Ouachita County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. The Sheriff of Ouachita County has signed the Recommendation of the Chief Law Enforcement Officer as required by law.

There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Aaron B. Lovelady (Smithville): Theft by Receiving ($500) (C Felony) (CR 2007-0327).

This notice is issued based on the date of convictions (2007 – Craighead County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations.

The Sheriff of Lawrence County has signed the Recommendation of the Chief Law Enforcement Officer as required by law. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Governor Hutchinson intends to grant a commutation of sentence to the following people: Tommy L. Hilburn: Possession of Controlled Substance (Meth) w/Intent to Deliver (Y Felony) (2002324) (Jury Trial).

2 News

Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Rep. Westerman on Looking ahead to 2021 Bruce Westerman U.S. Representative

I don’t think any of us are sad to see 2020 in the past.

Now that the COVID-19 vaccine has already been distributed to millions of Americans, we have hope for an exciting year ahead.

I am eager to get back to Washington, D.C. and carry on important work that affects Arkansans and all Americans.

One of the things I’m most looking forward to in this new Congress is taking on the lead Republican role on the House Committee

on Natural Resources. A lifetime spent in the Natural State has uniquely equipped me for this role, and we’re blessed with a rich variety of wildlife and public land here in Arkansas. I can’t wait to take the lessons we’ve learned about how to steward our resources well and apply them to the country.

This year, I’ll continue working on legislation that directly impacts Arkansas, like the Fair Care Act and the Trillion Trees Act. I also learned a lot on my 2020 district visits and I want to take these conversations and turn them into

actionable bills we can pass through the House.

Ultimately, though, this year I’m here to serve you in Congress. Even though COVID-19 restrictions aren’t allowing my offices to be physically open, we are always available to take your calls, listen to your concerns, and help any way we can. I’m looking forward to the day when I can invite you back to D.C. to tour our Capitol and sit down with me for an in-person meeting. Here’s to a blessed year ahead!

try of Arkansas. I love the hills. But there is a certain beauty of a cold-morning sunrise over flooded timber in the Delta as ducks are flying in that you don’t see in other parts of the state.

When you see that greenhead mallard coming in, pulling its webbed feet up, ready to land, the beauty of that moment is unmatched.

One of my greatest joys as a father and grandfather has been to pass that tradition along to my sons, my son-inlaw, and my grandchildren.

My grandson had the thrill of taking his first banded duck last season.

My daughter loves to watch the dogs work. The beauty of those black labs as they retrieve the ducks is a scene you won’t see in the mountains.

Of course, you’ve got to follow up with the duck recipes. My family and friends love the jalapeno duck poppers that I make for the holidays.

Bryan Hendricks, the outdoors writer for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, captured the essence of duck hunting in a column he wrote in November.

“Stars mottle a moonless sky as a squad of duck hunters count the minutes to dawn. The temperature is in the low 40s, but the edge of a sharp breeze seeps through insulated layers of modern fabrics. It stings the cheeks, but it feels different in the dark woods than it does in a parking lot. It’s a sensation that I have associated with duck hunting since I first felt it as a child.

“There’s much huffing as over-clad bodies squeeze into neoprene waders. Shotgun actions open and close with metallic clanks. Duck calls on neck lanyards sound like plastic wind chimes as they collide with every move. It is the sound of duck season in Arkansas.”

Thanks, Bryan Hendricks, for sharing that memory with us.

One of the missions of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is to spread the word about the joys of duck hunting. We want a new generation of hunters to experience the thrill and learn to love the outdoors.

Today, I’m doing my part.

Hutchinson: Duck hunting is an Arkansas tradition Asa Hutchinson AR Governor

LITTLE ROCK – Duck hunting is one of the great cultural traditions of Arkansas, and it also pumps a lot of money into our economy.

Stuttgart and Arkansas County are known as the duck-hunting capital of the world. Every Thanksgiving, Stuttgart hosts the Wings Over the Prairie Festival and the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest, which attract thousands of duck hunters. But duck hunting is special in hundreds of camps and bayous across the state, from Alicia to Des Arc to Dumas.

The late Pat Peacock of Stuttgart, the first woman to serve on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission when she was appointed to fill an unexpired term, was an avid duck hunter. She is the only woman to win the duck-calling contest twice.

Ann Marie Doramus, whom I appointed as the first woman to a full term on the Game and Fish Commission, was eight when she killed her first duck.

I come from the hill coun-

Mayor Sherry Kelley on ending 2020 and starting 2021 Sherry Kelley Gurdon Mayor

This year’s holidays are nearly behind us. Some people changed their plans due to the Corona Virus and others didn’t. Either way I hope that you made some good memories. This year has been different in many

ways and I think that we can all agree that we hope to get past this pandemic in 2021.

2020 has been a challenging year for the City of Gurdon. We have had to repair a lot of aging infrastructure. Our antiquated clay tile sewer mains are showing their age and we have replaced hundreds and

hundreds of feet. It is costly but, good to get the old out and the new in.

All in all, things are going well and we look forward to the new year. Please stay safe and take good care of each other. Happy New Year.

Upcoming Events

HSU men & women vs NWOSU men & women basketball game is Jan. 7 at the Duke Wells Center. It starts at 4:00 p.m.

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, Jan. 7, 2021

21 A&Ps and CVBs receive Ark. sports media HS basketball poll $3.5 million in grants Arkansas Sports Media Boys High School Basketball Poll

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) – The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism announced today 21 Advertising and Promotion Commissions and Convention and Visitor Bureaus received more than $3.5 million in grants supported by funding from the federal CARES Act. “The people and agencies that promote our state parks and other tourist attractions to the rest of the world are essential to a robust state economy,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “Their campaigns to spread the word about our museums, bike trails, hunting and fishing, and all the other family friendly opportunities in Arkansas entice tourists by the tens of thousands, which supports jobs and brings in millions of dollars to support our state. The CARES Act funds are a bridge to normalcy after the harm to our tourism industry from COVID-19.”

The grant provided reimbursement to Advertising and Promotion Commis-

sions and Convention and Visitor Bureaus and other quasi-governmental entities for eligible expenditures related to the public health emergency incurred between March 1 and Nov. 15, 2020.

“Our A&Ps and CVBs have been among those hardest hit by this pandemic,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “These entities are central to the success of our tourism industry, which is the second-largest sector of our economy in Arkansas.

I want to thank Governor Hutchinson for his leadership in finding a way to get this crucial support to these organizations.”

Entities received funds Dec. 30, 2020.

“We have worked diligently as a Department to find ways to support these partners,” said Travis Napper, director of Arkansas Tourism. “These grants will go a long way to benefit tourism in Arkansas and although 2020 has presented

significant setbacks, we’re on the right track to come back stronger than before.”

The Arkansas CARES Act Steering Committee in November approved funding the grants using the remaining portion of the funds set aside for municipalities and counties through the program administered by the Department of Finance and Administration.

Grant recipients are: City of Batesville Advertising and Promotion Commission, $3,118.80 Benton Advertising & Promotion Commission, $1,339.30 Bentonville Advertising & Promotion Commission, $97,947.87 City of Brinkley Advertising & Promotion, $13,424.57 Conway A&P Commission, $12,677.82 El Dorado A&P Commission, $17,596.09 City of Eureka Springs, $73,707.45 Fayetteville Advertising & Promotion Commission, $146,683.52 City of Fort Smith / Fort

Following is the Overall Top 10 boys high school basketball teams in Arkansas and the top five in Classes 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A as voted by a panel of sports media from around the state for the week endingJanuary 2. Ranking is given with Smith A & P, $53,612.90 City of Greenwood A&P first-place votes received, Commission, $2,000.00 records, total points and last Harrison Convention and week’s rankings: Visitors Bureau, $23,756.18 Hot Springs Advertising & Promotion Commission / Hot Springs Convention OVERALL Center, $736,824.92 Little Rock A&P Com1. North Little Rock (15) mission (Little Rock CVB), 6-0 177 1 $1,197,155.86 Multi-Purpose Civic Center Facilities Board for 2. Magnolia (3) 7-0 155 2 Pulaski County (Simmons Bank Arena), $938,482.27 3. LR Central 9-3 120 4 North Little Rock Advertising and Promotion, 4. Marion 7-1 118 3 $18,329.78 Ozark Area Chamber of 5. LR Parkview 5-1 96 7 Commerce, $370.08 Pine Bluff Advertising 6. LR Mills 4-2 74 5 and Promotion Commission, $16,949.61 Rogers A & P Commis7. Bryant 8-0 64 NR sion, $100,434.42 City of Texarkana, 8. Bentonville 6-1 60 10 AR A&P Commission, $16,244.66 9. Fayetteville 9-2 50 9 Van Buren Advertising & Promotion Commission, 10. Springdale 7-1 28 10 $41,459.69 West Memphis AdvertisOthers receiving votes: ing & Promotion CommisJonesboro 23, Sylvan Hills sion, $7,064.08 12, LR Christian 7, Blytheville 2, Maumelle 2, Morrilton 1.

Continuing COVID-19 tracking

by Arkansas Dept. of Health

NR

Others receiving votes: Greene County Tech 6, Vilonia 2.

CLASS 4A 1. Magnolia (18) 7-0 90 1 2. LR Mills 4-2 71 2 3. Blytheville 12-2 51 3 4. Morrilton 4-3 17 NR 5. Southside Batesville 9-0 14 5 Others receiving votes: Brrokland 13, Monticello 8, Ozark 6.

CLASS 3A 1. Mayflower (16) 7-0 86 1 2. Dumas (1) 5-1 70 2 3. Manila 8-3 37 4 4. Pangburn (1) 13-4 31 5 5. Osceola 3-3 22 3 Others receiving votes: Valley Springs 12, Bergman 6, Rivercrest 3, Booneville 1, Corning 1, Waldron 1.

CLASS 2A 1. Marianna (8) 3-0 68 3

CLASS 6A 1. North Little Rock (18) 6-0 90 1 2. LR Central 9-3 64 2 3. Bryant 8-0 36 NR 4. Bentonville 6-1 33 5 5. Fayetteville 9-2 30 4 Others receiving votes: Springdale 16, FS Northside 1.

2. Caddo Hills (6) 15-2 65 1 3. England (3) 2-1 55 2 4. Tuckerman (1) 11-3 30 5 5. Flippin 13-4 27 5 Others receiving votes: Earle 22, Acorn 2.

CLASS 1A 1. Viola (17) 17-2 89 1

CLASS 5A 1. Marion (14) 7-1 85 1 2. LR Parkview (4) 5-1 74 2 3. Jonesboro 5-3 33 3 4. Maumelle 8-2 24 NR 5. LR Christian 7-2 23 5 AR. Department of Health

According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, there are a total of 41,126 probable cases in the state as of Dec. 28. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 193,655 cases with 234,781 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.

The state has made many changes to the Spring sports schedule with games regu-

larly being postponed due to COVID outbreaks.

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

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

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

2. Izard County 12-3 56 2 3. West Side Greers Ferry 10-3 49 5 4. Nevada 7-3 41 4 5. Bradley 9-1 20 3 Others receiving votes: New School 8, Marvell (1), 5, Clarendon 4.

(tie) Sylvan Hills 8-2 23

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, Jan. 7, 2021

Arkadelphia Dispatch

OBU Women’s Soccer This week’s high school schedule announced basketball rankings

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Ouachita Baptist women’s soccer has rounded out its complete 2020-21 schedule with the addition of four nonconference games and a second contest with Great American Conference opponent Harding. The additions include matchups with two Division I opponents and four home games on top of

the original GAC schedule released in November.

The Lady Tigers will take on the University of the Ozarks to kick off the season at Kluck Field on January 31. Ouachita plays host to Texas A&M-Texarkana on February 5 before heading to Pine Bluff to face UAPB on February 7.

Harding comes to Arka-

delphia on February 11 for the first leg of a home-andhome season series between the conference rivals, in addition to the matchup originally scheduled for February 27.

The fourth and final nonconference game of the year will take place March 17 against Little Rock at Kluck Field.

Jan. 11 Reddies women’s basketball postponed

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Due to a combination of positive tests, contact tracing and subsequent quarantining of individuals within the Ouachita Baptist women’s basketball program, the game between Henderson State and Ouachita Baptist at Bill Vining Arena scheduled for Monday, Jan. 11 has been postponed. The Lady Tigers first five games have been postponed and the team plans to resume play on Jan. 21.

Henderson State’s men’s game with Ouachita Baptist is set to be played as scheduled on Monday, Jan. 11. The game will be played without fans per GAC rules, but it will stream live on hsusports.com/coverage.

Both Reddie basketball teams will open their seasons at home on Thursday, Jan. 7 when the women face Southern Arkansas at 5:30 p.m. and the men at 7:30 p.m.

The GAC will announce

rescheduled games at a later date.