Arkadelphia Dispatch - November 12, 2020

Vol. 2, No. 41

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020

Voting issues on Issue Two Julie Young University Correspondant

On and before Nov. 3, people all across Ark. exercised their right to elect the President of the United States. Elsewhere on the ballot was a race for State Senator between Ricky Harrington and incumbent Tom Cotton, which Tom Cotton won, and a race for US Representative of Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District between incumbent Bruce Westerman and Democrat William Hanson, which went to Bruce Westerman. Beyond this was a list of amendments ranging in focus from making permanent a temporary sales tax to changing both the initiative process and requirements for legislative referral.

Term limits were the sub-

Baptist Health to celebrate centennial in Feb.

ject of the second of these issues. According to the website ballotpedia.org, “A “yes” vote supports this measure to impose term limits of twelve consecutive years for state legislators with the opportunity to return after a four-year break.”

As of now, 55.3 percent of Arkansans voted for this amendment. However, not all Arkansans were aware of what they were voting for.

“I didn’t understand it,” said Henderson State University student Tessa Walthour, who likened the wording of the ballot measures to “a language I didn’t understand.”

The ballot measure “regarding term limits” made voters who hadn’t done their pre-election research, and even those who had, confused as to whether they were voting in favor of term

Brandon Riddle Marketing Baptist Health

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stiles.

Arkansans everywhere seemingly had trouble voting on Issue Two on ballot boxes just like these.

Photo courtesy of Kelly Stiles.

Last Tues. was election day in America. Millions of people flocked to locations across the nation to utilize their power to vote.

limits or against them. The ballot measure does not impose stricter term limits on elected officials, but instead allows them to return after a four year break, something which wasn’t clear for some.

“My mom, my friend, and I all voted yes on issue two, but if we’d understood what it meant we would have voted no,” Walthour said.

If you are in favor of term limits, you would have wanted to vote no to this issue. If you are against term limits, you would have wanted to vote yes. The confusing and ultimately misleading wording of issue 2 led Arkansans to vote differently than they maybe would have had the implications of the amendment been more clear.

Baptist Health is counting down the days until its 100th anniversary in February 2021 and inviting the public to join in the preparations by sharing memories of how the health care organization has made an impact in their lives for the better.

While the official anniversary will be commemorated on Feb. 16, 2021, work on what Baptist Health would eventually become largely started 100 years ago this month. In November 1920, Baptist State Hospital began operations temporarily in the former Little Rock Sanitarium building at 13th and Marshall streets. Baptist Health was incorporated three months later on Feb. 16, 1921.

From humble beginnings of Baptist State Hospital nearly 100 years ago to more than 250 points of access across the state that include 11 hospitals, Baptist Health’s purpose has remained the same – to create a healthier community through Christian compassion and innovative services.

Throughout 2021, Baptist Health plans to celebrate its 100th anniversary via a special website, social media, events and other activities that will reflect on how the health care organization

has remained committed to delivering All Our Best for residents in Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.

If you are interested in sharing your story of how Baptist Health has positively impacted you, visit baptisthealth.com/100thstories.

For nearly 100 years, Baptist Health has delivered All Our Best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services.

Baptist Health is Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization with more than 250 points of access that include 11 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 100 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; a graduate residency program; and access to virtual care anytime, anywhere. It is also the largest private notfor-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. For more information about Baptist Health, visit baptist-health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Can we stimulate the American economy post COVID-19?

Philis Wood Staff Reporter

The job market and the overall economy remain under intense pressure from the rapidly accelerating COVID-19 pandemic. Almost routinely now, daily new cases exceed 100,000, with surging numbers reported all around the country.

In addition, there are many clear signs that U.S. businesses remain cautious about the economy’s future as the pandemic worsens.

The current pace of hiring simply isn’t enough to help the millions of Americans who were thrown out of work by the pandemic recession.

As a sign of the deep uncertainty hobbling the economy as the virus rages, companies have added more than 100,000 temporary workers. This indicates they are seeing more demand but are still unable to make permanent job offers. The length of the average work week also rose, which means that employers pushed their workers to work longer hours rather than hire new employees.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has recently urged Congress to approve another stimulus package, this time one that actually helps small businesses and families. But the possibility of a truly effective stimulus has been sidelined by the election, which appears likely to preserve a Republican majority in the Senate.

That might mean any effective aid for working people will be postponed until next year at least.

The nation still has at least 10.1 million fewer jobs than it did before the pandemic intensified last March. Moreover, businesses will struggle as the weather turns colder. Consumers will likely be reluctant to shop, travel, and congregate in order to avoid contracting the virus.

Millions remain jobless as more layoffs are becoming permanent. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve says that factory output has dropped. Clearly, Joe Biden will inherit a wrecked U.S. economy.

Parents cannot return to work as childcare centers remain closed, many

permanently. Restaurants and small businesses have used up cash reserves, with many local employers anxiously expecting each new next week to be their last.

According to an industry survey, one in six restaurants was already closed in September.

Biden will also face an American population with opposed financial prospects, insofar as wealthy families have been weathering the pandemic well, while low income families face increasingly dire circumstances.

It’s unclear whether Biden’s victory was enough to tip the balance of power in the Senate to Democrats and create the possibility of effective stimulus package.

The longer that aid to workers is delayed, the greater the lasting damage to the economy will be. Gregory Daco—an economist for the consultancy Oxford Economics—has recently said that “The risk is that the recovery goes into reverse.” said. All of this could make the difference between an ineffective presidency and a successful one.

Many voters in house-

holds earning less than $50,000 annually have reluctantly admitted that they’re drowning financially. Their misfortune is in sharp contrast to what’s occurring those with annual incomes above $100,000.

Higher-earners are not only not struggling, but many have revealed that their finances have actually been improving.

This is the kind of recovery economists have feared. Amanda Fischer, policy director at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth—a neoliberal think tank—said “It’s the Kshaped recovery—we see a divide between the wealthiest and everyone else.”

The economy was hurting even as ballots were cast.

Retail sales dropped at least 0.8% since the start of 2020, thanks largely to a steep drop-off in business for restaurants, as well as clothing and furniture shops. But it gets worse: “Employment is down in almost all industries,” said Jed Kolko, chief economist at the job posting firm Indeed.

The nation’s top public health officials are warning

Higher Learning Commission approval moves Henderson closer to ASU System affiliation Steve Fellers Creative Services Manager Henderson State

Henderson State University is one step closer to becoming a member institution of the Arkansas State University System following approval by the Higher Learning Commission.

On Nov. 5, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) approved a Change of Control application and the continuation of Henderson’s accreditation as a future member of the ASU System. HLC accredits colleges and universities in a 19- state region of the United States, including all public higher education institutions in Arkansas.

Previously approved by the Henderson Board of Trustees on Nov. 21, 2019, and the ASU System Board of Trustees on Dec. 6, 2019, the affiliation agreement is now subject to action by the Arkansas General Assembly. ASU System President Chuck Welch said the target for completing the transition is January 2021.

According to HLC, Hen-

derson “will remain a separately accredited institution as part of the System.” Henderson’s next reaffirmation of Higher Learning Commission accreditation is scheduled for 2021-2022, and a focused visit will occur within six months of the merger date.

“We look forward to continuing Henderson’s rich traditions and mission of service to students as a member of the ASU System,” Dr. Jim Borsig, Henderson State University Chancellor, said. “I am confident that this affiliation will continue to strengthen Henderson, and I am grateful to the Higher Learning Commission for confirming this important step in the process.”

“We appreciate the final review and approval of the Higher Learning Commission,” Welch said. “We will ask the General Assembly to dissolve the Henderson board while expanding the ASU System board from five to seven members so we can immediately include Henderson representation.

Our hope is that the legis-

lation will be considered early in the session so we can complete the merger in January.”

Henderson would become the second four-year institution in the ASU System and the third higher education institution to join the system in five years. MidSouth Community College in West Memphis became Arkansas State University Mid-South in July 2015, and College of the Ouachitas in Malvern became Arkansas State University Three Rivers in January 2020.

Founded as a private institution in 1890, Henderson has a strong liberal arts heritage with more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs. It became a public institution in 1929 and is the second oldest university in Arkansas under state control. Henderson, which competes in NCAA Division II sports, would become the third ASU System institution with an intercollegiate athletics program.

Arkansas State University has an NCAA FBS Division I program, and ASU MidSouth competes in NJCAA

Division II men’s and women’s basketball.

The ASU System, based in Little Rock, currently serves almost 34,000 students annually on campuses in Arkansas and Queretaro, Mexico, and globally online with a total operating budget of $280 million.

The ASU System includes Arkansas State University, a four-year Carnegie R2 Doctoral research institution in Jonesboro with degree centers in Beebe, Mountain Home, Blytheville, Forrest City, and West Memphis.

Arkansas State University Campus Queretaro opened in September 2017. The system’s two-year college institutions include ASUBeebe, with additional campuses in Heber Springs and Searcy and an instructional site at Little Rock Air Force Base; ASU-Newport, with additional campuses in Jonesboro and Marked Tree; ASU-Mountain Home; ASU Mid-South in West Memphis; and ASU Three Rivers in Malvern.

that the virus is escalating and are beseeching Americans to maintain social distance, wear masks, and avoid large groups. It is likely that the worsening pandemic will force even more businesses to close permanently.

Control of the Senate will certainly determine how much additional aid gets approved. It is likely that Republican control will mean a stimulus package of under $1 trillion. However, a Senate Democratic majority would probably mean somewhere between $2.5 trillion to $3 trillion.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said at a Thursday news conference that economic recovery depends on approving more aid: “We’ll have a stronger recovery if we can just get at least some more fiscal support.”

The challenge involves not just the amount of the aid package, but whether it helps state and local governments that have lost tax revenues, and also whether it is passed promptly enough to help workers rather than high-income individuals.

The working class will certainly suffer the most as a result of a Senate stalemate. We can only hope that our representatives in the Senate—on both sides of the aisle—will remember the economic reforms carried out by the administration of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. From 1933 until his death in 1945, FDR’s economic programs brought relief for the poor and the unemployed, recovery of the US economy back to pre-depression levels and reform of the entire financial system in order to prevent another depression in the future. The New Deal restored confidence in the economy, and allowed Americans to return to work. It created a regulatory framework that—for over four decades—would protect the interests of all Americans. In fact, this regulatory framework successfully protected the US against a financial crisis until it was dismantled in the 1980s by the Reagan administration.

Arrest made in case; homicide case leads to Oregon Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office

A Texas man visiting Izard County in 2004 has been arrested and charged with murder (1st) degree in connection with the death of Rebekah Christian Gould, whose body was discovered 16 years ago on a hillside off Arkansas Highway 9 south of Melbourne.

William Alama Miller, 44, now a resident of Cottage Grove, Oregon was arrested Saturday night (November 7th) by a Special Agent of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division. The arrest occurred in Lane County Oregon after the state police special agent assigned to the case learned Miller had returned to his home following an extended stay in the Philippines.

Miller will remain in the Lane County Jail in Eugene, Oregon pending an extradition hearing.

Ms. Gould was 22 yearsold when she was murdered.

In the days leading up to the

discovery of her body on September 27, 2004, family members had reported Ms. Gould missing, leading to a community based search across Melbourne and much of Izard County.

Izard county law enforcement authorities handed-off the criminal investigation to Arkansas State Police immediately while the search was underway. Special Agents of the Criminal Investigation Division have devoted hundreds of hours to the case which was never classified as a cold case.

Upon learning of the arrest, Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police stated, “The special agents assigned to this case never abandoned any hope of finding the necessary evidence and facts to lead them to a suspect and an arrest.

This case is a testament to the Criminal Investigation Division and the devotion the special agents assigned to the division possess in helping police and sheriff’s department across Arkansas with their toughest cases.”

2 News

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Westerman on National Adoption Month, Ewanda Baker Bruce Westerman U.S Representative

LITTLE ROCK – November is National Adoption Month in Arkansas, and November 21st is National Adoption Day. Today I’d like to share the story of an amazing employee of the Division of Children and Family Services, which is a part of our state Department of Human Services, or DHS. This employee is typical of the hundreds of DHS employees who care for our most vulnerable children all over Arkansas.

But first, let me start with some good news on our state foster-care and adoption programs. During the last fiscal year, Children and Family Services finalized 872 adoptions, and thirtysix percent of those children went to live with relatives.

Of the over 4,300 children in foster care, fifty-five percent were in the system less than a year. Eighty-four percent of the children statewide received a face-to-face monthly visit from a caseworker, and ninety-three percent of those children met face-to-face with a staff member, even those who aren’t a caseworker.

And now to the story.

Ewonda Baker, a twentyseven-year program assistant for the agency, is one of those employees whose concern for the children extends beyond her duties.

Ewonda was helping to

look after two boys – one six and the other eleven.

She took the younger boy to school every day. On October 12th, she arrived as usual at 6:45 at the foster home. When the boys didn’t come out, she called the foster mother, only to learn she was in the hospital with COVID-19; the boys were quarantining with the foster father.

The next morning, Ewonda called to check on the foster mother, and learned that the foster father was now sick and likely needed to be hospitalized. Ewonda volunteered to care for the boys until Family Services could find a place for them.

She put on her mask, shield, gloves, and rolled down the windows in her van.

The boys climbed into the back seat, and she drove to a testing site. Guess what, both boys tested positive.

As Family Services staff searched for a placement to take the boys temporarily, Ewonda stayed in the vehicle with the boys for hours.

When Family Services couldn’t find a family that could take the boys, Ewonda volunteered. She already had been with the boys.

Family Services accepted Ewonda’s offer and sent the trio to a quarantine house in Searcy that one of the Division’s partners, Methodist Family Health, provided.

Ewonda, who has five grown children, said the decision wasn’t difficult. Someone

had to take care of the kids.

They were the only occupants of the fully furnished quarantine house. For fourteen days, Ewonda checked the boys’ temperature twice a day and helped them stay on track with their schoolwork. They never developed symptoms. The boys, who aren’t brothers, have been placed with other families.

The foster father remains in the hospital but is improving.

Health Department guidelines required Ewonda to quarantine for another fourteen days. She can return to work after November 6. She is also back at home with her husband, Brian, who is pastor of St. Mark Community Church in Jacksonville.

Ewonda says her job is more than a job. It’s a ministry. “These kids are more than a file folder,” she says.

“These are people who need our help, our love, and compassion.”

Thank you, Ewonda, and all the other employees of DHS who have chosen to help other Arkansans, often at great inconvenience and sometimes at the risk to their own health. I am always amazed by stories such as Ewonda’s but never surprised. That’s who Arkansans are. Many of you have accepted the call to foster or adopt children. Because of you, our foster children have a better life now and a bright future.

through the Fresh Start program would benefit both renters and landlords.

A recent survey by the United States Census Bureau estimated that as many as 139,000 Arkansas households are in danger of not being able to pay rent, specifically because of financial hardships created by the pandemic.

If you’re interested in applying for rental assistance, a list of community action agencies and their contact information is available on the ACAA website. It is at acaa.org.

Click on the tab first tab on the front page of the site, which is labeled “Emergency Services.” It opens to a new page, and Rent Payment Assistance Information is the top tab on the new page. If you click on it, you will see a list of the 15 community action agencies in Arkansas and their contact information. It also lists the counties that each agency serves.

College Athletics State-supported colleges and universities spent $191.5 million last year on athletics, which was 4.8 percent below the amount they spent the previous year.

State law requires the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board to set uniform standards for institutions to report athletic expenditures, so that

comparisons are fair.

The bulk of the money spent on athletics was generated by income from athletic events, such as ticket sales and souvenir sales.

That category generated $115 million, or more than 59 percent of the total.

Student fees for athletics generated more than $26 million, which amounted to 13.5 percent of the total spent on sports.

The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville accounted for the lion’s share of athletic spending, about $117 million. Arkansas State University at Jonesboro was second, spending about $21 million on athletics last year.

The University of Central Arkansas at Conway spent about $13 million on athletics, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock spent $9 million, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff spent $7.8 million and Arkansas Tech University in Russellville spent about $6 million.

Seven of the state’s twoyear colleges spent $1.7 million on athletics.

About 8 percent of athletic department spending came from transfers from colleges and universities’ education and general accounts. That amounted to $15.7 million.

Maloch on state funding for people with COVID related struggles Bruce Maloch AR Senator

The state is helping people who have trouble paying their rent because of the coronavirus pandemic.

People affected by the pandemic are eligible for help if their household income is less than 80 percent of the median income in their area. They can qualify for two-and-a-half months of rent under the newly created Fresh Start program.

Money comes from about $10 million in relief grants received by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Arkansas CARES Act Steering Committee. It will be administered by the Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association (ACAA).

To get help, apply to your local Community Action Agency, which are nonprofit organizations. There are 15 in Arkansas and they serve all 75 counties in the state.

The CARES Act Steering Committee comprises top state officials appointed by the governor. The group considers how best to allocate about $1.25 billion in federal relief funds approved by Congress at the beginning of the pandemic.

The state Secretary of Commerce, who is over the AEDC, said that short-term rental assistance provided

Gurdon Mayor Sherry Kelley on GoDevils, Gurdon Forest Festival Sherry Kelley Gurdon Mayor

The Gurdon Go-Devils remain undefeated in conference action. This Friday they travel to Cutter Morning Star to play the Eagles. It looks like we will be headed to the play-offs.

It is time to call 245-2579 to reserve a time for your dog or cat to be spayed or neutered at the Clark County Humane Society. Not only will you help control the pet population; you will save money. This is a low cost spay and neuter clinic.

From November 16 through

18 the price will be $80 for dogs and $50 for cats and that includes a rabis vaccine.

Do you know that there are many unwanted cats and kittens and dogs and puppies in Clark County? It is impossible to find homes for them all. Adoptions are way down. Don’t contribute to the problem. Call 245-2579 today. If you don’t have a pet that needs a procedure, why don’t you sponsor a shelter dog by donating money to have one fixed. Call the humane society or me at 406-1396.

It was a beautiful Gurdon

Forrest Festival. Thank you, to Heather Nolen, Angela Harper and former Mayor Clayton Franklin for all of their hard work. It paid off.

We appreciate them and everyone had a great time.

I have never seen so many mosquitos, have you? They are everywhere that I go.

It is amazing.​A November cold snap should take care of them all soon.

Thank you, to all of those who have served in the armed forces. Veterans Day will be observed on Wednesday, November 11.

Arkansas State Police Special Agents investigating homicide in Carroll County Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office

Arkansas State Police Special Agents are investigating a Carroll County homicide.

Anthony DeAlmedia, 42, was shot yesterday (Friday, November 6, 2020) outside a residence located at 840 County Road 533 south of Berryville. He was prounced dead at the scene.

Authorities of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department requested the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division to lead the case.

Deputies were sent to the location where the shooting occurred when a woman called the sheriff’s department to report the threat of a disturbance that might occur at the residence.

When deputies outside the home about 3:40 PM,

they found DeAlmedia’s body and evidence that he had been shot.

A woman who is a suspect in the case was taken from the scene and later released while the investigation continues.

DeAlmedia’s body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory where a manner and cause of death will be determined.

Upcoming Events >>> <<< The Spring Hazardous Household Waste event that was scheduled for last Sat. was cancelled as a result of COVID-19 precautions. The Southwest Regional Solid Waste Management District will continue with the Fall Household Hazardous Waste event on Oct. 17.

The Southwest Regional Solid Waste Management District is the planning board that oversees solid waste management for Clark, Garland, and Hot Spring Counties. >>> <<< Garvan Gardens will be open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. The Chipmunk Cafe is open 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily.

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. >>> <<< Now on display through the Arkadelphia Arts Center window is a colorful display of handmade quilts by several members of the Clark County Quilters Guild and a handmade reed basket by Regina Weiner. Several pieces are for sale. 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

Election day trip to Harrison RaeLynn Dinger University Correspondant

This past election day, myself, fellow HSU student Walker Walthall, and UCA student Logan Wright took a three and a half hour drive to Harrison, Arkansas, a town that has been called the “KKK capital of the South.” It also holds a place among the US’ many sundown towns, where it is unsafe for people of color to be out past dark for fear of having hate crimes committed against them. While preconceived notions of the town are plenty, we did not visit to cause trouble. Simply, we wanted to interview voters who were exiting the polls to try and get a better grasp on the political climate of the area.

Admittedly, we did have a few preconceived notions ourselves, especially after watching the video of white filmmaker, Rob Bliss, where he held up a Black Lives Matter sign in the Walmart parking lot, all the while getting insane amounts of vitriol thrown his way. At first, our notions were apparently correct: one of the first big billboards you see driving off the highway is an advertisement for “White Pride Radio” and “Alt Right TV”. It was almost scary how blatant the bigotry was, that something like that could exist in plain sight so proudly. However, that was the only expressly bigoted sign we saw (unless you count the many, many, many “back the blue” and

“TRUMP 2020” signs that dotted the roadsides).

Before we set up our camera, we first stopped by the local Walmart to grab a few necessities. Upon entering and exiting the parking lot, we were met with a digital billboard bearing several messages of support for the Black Lives Matter movement: “BLACK LIVES MATTER” on a simple black background changed into “Hate has no home here”, changed into “RACISM IS TAUGHT, NOT LEARNED.” Considering what we had seen driving in, it was a comforting sight, and we all released a tense breath we didn’t know we’d been holding since we arrived. We began our drive to the local polling center.

So, saddled with a camera, a microphone, and a flimsy press badge, we set up near the exit of the polling place, hoping to get enough footage to make a nice video out of.

Our first interviewee was a woman who had brought along her daughter, eager to let her see democracy in action. It was definitely heartwarming, but the thing that struck me as odd was how vaguely the woman was answering her questions.

When asked what the biggest issue of importance was for her, she simply answered that of the President, but didn’t go on to say or imply anything to which candidate she voted for. She did seem very interested in getting her daughter interested in politics, which was com-

mendable, and at the end of the interview we thanked them both for their time.

Our second interviewee nearly had the potential to be cut short. By this time, several poll workers had walked past us with a smile, politely asked what we were doing, and when we gave them the seemingly satisfactory answer of “a school project” and explained that we were with the Arkadelphia Dispatch, they nodded and went on.

However, before we could even begin questioning our second interviewee, another poll worker came out of the building and began to demand if we had permission to be there.

We had done some cursory Internet searching to check up on the rules of news media presence at a polling place before arriving in Harrison, and found nothing that forbade us from being there. We already knew we weren’t going to ask accusatory questions, or try to catch people before they had voted to try and sway their opinion. We weren’t there for that. We simply wanted to get the perspective of people who were exiting the polls.

When we told the poll worker what we were doing-”a school project with the Arkadelphia Dispatch!”-she told us that if we wanted to film her, we would need permission of the polling workers, and that we should have asked ahead of time.

After that, she left, but did not tell us to leave. Slightly

confused, we conducted our second and final interview, the subject of which told us to not let the poll worker “get us down” before he left.

However, it was starting to get dark in Harrison, and despite the privilege of all of our skin tones, we didn’t want to be caught there after dark, just in case. So, slightly defeated, we packed up our things and headed out. It was on the road out that, after doing some more Internet searching, that we could find nothing needing permission from poll workers on reporting outside of a polling place. Had we been lied to? Had the way people refused to make eye contact with us or even listen to us been a result of the poll worker warning the people inside of us? Even now, we’re still not sure, but we have a few ideas of our own.

Overall, even if we didn’t get exactly what we were coming for, I would say our trip to Harrison was worth it. While the town definitely has a long way to go in the realm of progressiveness, the simple fact of a digital billboard displaying messages of kindness and understanding shows that it is capable of such change if its people are willing. It might not be now, it might not even be this decade, but I feel like the only way to go from here is up--digging deeper into the soil of prejudice and racism does nothing to better a community, only deadens the chance of change.

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.

Schools have begun opening at both collegiate and pre-collegiate levels.

They have many guidelines in place that were recommended by the ADH. People are encouraged to continue social distancing and staying at least six feet

away from others. Testing is widely available in most

cities.

Continuing COVID-19 tracking

by Arkansas Dept. of Health

AR. Department of Health

According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, there are a total of 11,499 probable cases in the state as of Nov. 3. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 124,235 cases with 109,235 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

News 3

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020

Holly Shipp OBU Queen ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Holly Shipp, a senior Christian studies/Biblical studies, Christian missions and Christian ministries triple major from Arlington, Texas, was crowned Ouachita Baptist University’s 2020 Homecoming Queen on Thursday morning in Evans Student Center surrounded by her peers. Shipp represented the Pruet Sisterhood.

She is a member of Tri Chi women’s social club and involved in Campus Ministries.

“I cannot even fully describe just how much it means to be the Homecoming Queen this year at Ouachita,” Shipp said.

“Ouachita is such a special place to me, and it is an honor to be recognized in this way.”

Shipp was crowned

by Miss Ouachita Baptist University 2020, Caroline Derby, a sophomore communications & media and political science double major from Arkadelphia, Ark. “I am grateful for Ouachita – the safe space it has been to learn and grow, the rich community I have been able to acquire during my time here and all the fun memories I have been able to make – so, being honored in this way, by a place that means so much to me, is truly so special,” Shipp added.

First runner-up was Lindsey Crowder, a senior psychology and sociology double major from Bentonville, Ark. Crowder represented the Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club. Crowder is a sweetheart for the club and also is a member of Tri Chi women’s social club, which she has served as assistant Tiger Tunes director.

Second runner-up was Jorie Beaumont, a senior nutrition & dietetics major from Lockport, Ill. Beaumont represented Gamma Phi women’s social club. She is a member of Ouachita’s cross country and track teams and is an Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club sweetheart.

Third runner-up was Natalie Ward, a senior accounting and finance double major from Harrison, Ark. Ward represented the senior class. She is a member of EEE women’s social club and involved in Enactus and the Hickingbotham School of Business Student Advisory Board.

Fourth runner-up was Bethany Crawley, a senior instrumental music education major from Jonesboro, Ark. Crawley represented Chi Mu women’s social club. She is involved in the Ouachita marching band and Kappa Delta Pi honor society for education.

Other top 20 Homecoming Court nominees included: Brady Barton, a senior political science and graphic design double major from Russellville, Ark., represented the Ouachita Student Foundation, which she serves as special events chair. Barton is a member of EEE women’s social club and the Ouachita Tiger cheer team.

Addison Bates, a senior kinesiology & leisure studies/pre-professional studies major from Little Rock, Ark., represented Beta Beta men’s social club. Bates is a member of EEE women’s social club and the Carl Goodson Honors Program and is involved in the Fit5 Group Living Exercise Program.

Khennedy Brunson, a junior communication sciences and disorders major from Arkadelphia, Ark., represented Multicultural Organization for Reach Equality (MORE), which she serves as events committee chair. Brunson is a member of EEE women’s social club.

Ali Chapman, a senior business administration/

management and marketing double major from Rogers, Ark., represented EEE women’s social club, which she serves as fall vice president. Chapman is a member of the Tiger Serve Day Leadership Team and the Hickingbotham School of Business Student Advisory Board.

Sarah Collins, a sophomore communications & media major from Lucas, Texas, represented Tri Chi women’s social club. Collins is involved in Gridiron Girls and the Ouachita Student Foundation.

Gracen Goudy, a junior communications & media/ communication studies major from Bryant, Ark., represented the junior class.

Goudy is a member of EEE women’s social club, the Ouachita Student Foundation and Ouachitonian yearbook staff, which she serves as assistant editor.

Molly Maddox, a junior communication sciences and disorders major from Jonesboro, Ark., represented College Republicans.

Maddox is a member of EEE women’s social club, the Ouachita Student Foundation and Alpha Chi national honor society.

Ansley McDonald, a senior choral music education major from Benton, Ark., represented Ouachita Singers, which she serves as president. McDonald is an Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club sweetheart and a Tiger Tunes director for Campus Ministries.

Breanna Parker, a senior elementary education major from Clarksville, Ark., represented the Carl Goodson Honors Program. Parker is a member of EEE women’s social club, Kappa Delta Pi honor society for education and is an Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club sweetheart.

Jazmyn Parker, a junior elementary education major from White Hall, Ark., represented Kappa Delta Pi honor society for education, which she serves as president. Parker is a member of EEE women’s social club and serves as a student assistant in the Office of the President.

Paige Price, a senior musical theatre major from Plano, Texas, represented the Eta Alpha Omega men’s social club. Price is a sweetheart for the club, is a member of Tri Chi women’s social club and is involved in Ouachita’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society, which she serves as vice president.

Mady Cate Rottinghaus, a senior biology and Spanish double major from Hot Springs, Ark., represented EEE women’s social club, which she serves as fall president. Rottinghaus is a Student Senate senior representative and a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation, which she serves as student recruitment cochair.

Julianna Weaver, a senior biology major from Benton, Ark., represented Beta Beta men’s social club.

Weaver is a member of EEE women’s social club, the Carl Goodson Honors Program and the Ouachita Tiger cheer team.

Mary Charles West, a sophomore business administration/management and political science double major from North Little Rock, Ark., represented the sophomore class. West is a member of EEE women’s social club and the Ouachita Student Foundation and is a Student Senate sophomore representative.

Jenna Whitlow, a senior studio art and history double major from Fort Smith, Ark., represented the Art Club. Whitlow is a member of EEE women’s social club and Young Democrats.

4 News

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

“Attention to detail:” Captain of HSU Red Hot Springs taken down

by Arkadelphia Badgers Wave Stephen Jones a force of nature

Photo courtesy of HSU Sports.

HSU Red Wave Swimming and Diving Team Captain Stephen Jones is a symbol of success.

Teuana Smith Staff Reporter

“If you want to be as good as you can be, you definitely have to pay attention to detail,” said Coach Matthews, Head Coach of Swimming and Diving at Henderson State University.

When finding someone who is goal-oriented, motivated, and fun look no further than Stephen Jones.

Jones is a senior health and human performance major who is also the captain of the HSU Red Wave Team.

On November 13, he will be competing in the 2020 U.S. Open swim meet alongside hundreds of other nationally ranked competitors.

Stephen Jones was raised in Ocean Springs, Mississippi by his parents, Hugh and Glenda Jones, with a sibling named Spencer. He attended Biloxi High School becoming a multi-sport athlete. He competed in basketball, cross country, track, and swimming. Coached by Megan Taylor, he currently holds the high school’s record for 100 backstroke, 100 freestyle, and 200 individual medley.

“He’s very talented just as an athlete in general”, said

Coach Wally Senter, Assistant Head Coach. “Coming out of high school, Stephen still had inner drive and determination.”

Jones was recommended by a former student swimmer, Samantha Harris, to be recruited for the team.

Coming to college, he also joined ROTC and will be commissioned after graduating in the spring. Over the years since attending college, Jones has grown immensely in his sport and personally.

“He’s made improvements in form, skill, technique, turns, and just in speed”, said Coach Matthews. “ He’s reached a pretty elite level.”

He has seen a complete change in himself seeing where he started as a freshman. He takes each race with a new mindset and is thankful for the experiences he’s had over the years. Jones has applied advice from the coaches and training partners to “elevate his swimming” to becoming a faster swimmer. He’s wiser and has grown from good and bad experiences.

Through time management, Jones has learned to juggle

being an athlete, an ROTC member, and having a fulltime schedule. He has become open with his goals outside and inside of the pool.

“My coaches work with my ROTC, and my ROTC works with my coaches so I’m able to balance it out and I thank them for that,” said Jones, student-athlete.

“In college, you’re surrounded by great swimmers from all over the place, along with the coaches is the biggest difference in helping me out to where I am today,” said Stephen Jones.

In any given week, Jones and many other swimmers put in about 17-20 hours per week towards the sport.

When swimming, they train their aerobics system, antiaerobics systems, speed, breath control, and technique. On a typical Monday, he gets up at 5:15 a.m. to start his morning practice.

Then gets breakfast before his 10 a.m. ROTC class.

After ROTC, he spends his downtime working on his online classes. Around 3:30, he arrives back at the gym to practice for two more hours before having dinner and enjoying the rest of his day.

In his free time, he enjoys watching movies with his roommate. He recommends watching the Insidious series.

“Swimming is a very hard, strenuous sport,” said Coach Matthews. “ It’s not like playing in a game and someone hits you, you have to put yourself through selfinduced pain every day to get better.”

In order to compete in the U.S. Open, you have to meet specific time standards at other meets. For this year, they collected times from July 1, 2019, until the registration deadline. Jones met two of the time standards in a conference back in February of this year.

Jones and the team medaled in three relay events: 800 free, 400 free, and 200 free.

Individually, he met the 100 backstroke time standard with 29.69 seconds and the 100 butterfly with 48.99 seconds. He met the 50 freestyle time standard with 23.99 in the summer of 2019.

“Due to Covid-19, the competition will be split into nine different locations across the nation to reduce the number of people who will be there with a cap of 200 people per site,” said Senter.

This Thursday, Jones will be heading to the Alabama location to prepare.

He trusts his training and coaches. He feels well prepared for the event and is excited to see how he performs. His future plans include qualifying for the U.S. Olympics trials. We wish him the best of luck!

“I want to end on a good note,” said Jones.

“He’s super focused and does not stray away from his goals,” said Senter. “ When it’s time to swim or workout he’s ready to go…there’s no-nonsense and I really appreciate that as a coach.”

“This time Covid-19 worked in his favor since it didn’t clash with final exams,” said Coach Matthews.

Arkansas Sports Media High School Football Poll Arkansas Sports Media High School Football Poll Following is the Overall Top 10 high school football teams in Arkansas and the top five in Classes 7A, 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A and 2A, as voted by a panel of sports media from around the state for the week ending November 7. Ranking is given with first-place votes received, records, total points and last week’s ranking: OVERALL Record Pts Prv 1. Bryant (25) 9-0 250 1 2. Bentonville 10-0 223 2 3. North Little Rock 8-1 184 3 4. Greenwood 10-0 171 4 5. Pulaski Academy 9-0 162 5 6. Conway 6-3 111 6 7. Wynne 9-0 68 8 8. Lake Hamilton 8-1 65 7 9. Cabot 6-3 63 9 10. LR Parkview 7-1 18 10 Others receiving votes: Benton 10, Harding Acade-

my 10, Fort Smith Northside 7, Sylvan Hills 7, Arkadelphia 5, Prescott 4, Fordyce 3, Stuttgart 3, Texarkana 3, Fayetteville 2, Rivercrest 2, Rogers 2, Harrison 1, Shiloh Christian 1.

CLASS 7A Record Pts Prv 1. Bryant (25) 9-0 125 1 2. Bentonville 10-0 100 2 3. North Little Rock 8-1 75 3 4. Conway 6-3 50 4 5. Cabot 6-3 23 5 Others receiving votes: Rogers 2.

CLASS 6A Record Pts Prv 1. Greenwood (25) 10-0 125 1 2. Lake Hamilton 8-1 99 2 3. LR Parkview 7-1 54 3 4. Benton 6-4 44 4 5. Sylvan Hills 7-3 41 5 Others receiving votes: Jonesboro 12.

CLASS 5A Record Pts Prv 1. Pulaski Academy (25) 9-0 125 1 2. Wynne 9-0 93 2 3. Harrison 9-1 62 3 4. LR Christian 6-2 48 5 5. Texarkana 5-0 43 4 Others receiving votes: Batesville 3, Camden Fairview 1.

CLASS 4A Record Pts Prv 1. Shiloh Christian (12) 9-1 84 2 2. Joe T. Robinson (3) 7-3 71 3 3. Rivercrest (4) 9-0 64 5 4. Stuttgart (5) 9-0 54 NR 5. Arkadelphia (1) 6-1 50 1 (tie) Nashville 7-2 50 4

Others receiving votes: Ashdown 1, Prairie Grove 1.

CLASS 3A Record Pts Prv 1. Harding Academy (24) 7-1 123 1 2. Prescott (1) 8-0 97 2 3. Newport 8-1 54 3 4. Hoxie 9-0 43 4 5. McGehee 8-0 39 5 Others receiving votes: Booneville 10, Rison 9.

CLASS 2A Record Pts Prv 1. Fordyce (24) 10-0 124 1 2. Gurdon (1) 8-1 89 2 3. Des Arc 10-0 80 3 4. Junction City 6-2 49 4 5. Bigelow 10-0 24 5 Others receiving votes: Poyen 8.

Badgers Game Story Courtesy of MaxPreps

Arkadelphia Badgers (Arkadelphia, AR) fans left the game content Friday as they saw their football team gain a win over the visiting Hot Springs Trojans (Hot Springs, AR), 44-14 in a nonleague test.

With the triumph, Arkadelphia improves its record to 2-0 on the campaign. The Badgers host Greenbrier (Greenbrier, AR) to battle the Panthers in a non-league test on Friday, September 11. The Panthers come into

the test with a record of 1-1. Greenbrier lost 31-19 in their recent non-league test against Batesville (Batesville, AR) With the loss, Hot Springs drops to 0-1 on the campaign. The Trojans travel to Mena (Mena, AR) to face the Bearcats in a non-league bout on Friday, September 11. The Bearcats enter the bout with a record of 1-1. Mena lost 44-20 in their recent non-league bout against Harding Academy (Searcy, AR)

Razorbacks No. 3 Donovan Lee Contributing Reporter

After their Halloween heroics fall short to the Aggies of Texas A&M, the Arkansas Razorbacks (3-3) look to rebound with a win by way of the Tennessee Volunteers (2-4). The Vols traveled to Fayetteville for a battle on The Hill as both teams looked to break even for their records’ sakes.

Tennessee scored the sole points of the first quarter off a field goal by kicker Brent Cimaglia from 50 yards out.

To the dismay of the Hogs, they never got going in the first thirty minutes of play, punting on three of four of their first-half possessions and the other resulting in a missed field goal attempt.

The Volunteers expanded upon their lead in the second quarter with an additional 10 points with no response from the Hogs. The game went into halftime with a demanding Tennessee lead over the Razorbacks, 10-0.

A halftime pep talk and water break sparked a fire under the Razorbacks. A third-quarter effort, spurred on by senior quarterback Feleipe Franks (18-24, 215

yds, 3 TD), gave signs of hope to the Hogs as they would go on a 24-0 run to put them on the board and propel them into a lead that would become insurmountable for the Knoxville combatants as they lose 24-13.

Arkansas was able to seal their third victory of the season in a matter of fifteen minutes of play.

Razorback receiver Treylon Burks finished the game with five receptions for 95 yards, one of those receptions resulting in six points.

Trelon Smith led the ground game for the Hogs with 72 yards off of nine carries, followed by Rakeem Boyd’s 65 yards in 19 touches.

The Hogs will travel to “The Swamp” to face off against the SEC West’s division-leading Florida Gators.

The No. 6-ranked Gators are coming off of their biggest game of the season after defeating divisional rival Georgia in what may be considered their side of the conference’s deciding game as to who will represent the West in the SEC championship. The game will be played and televised on Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. on ESPN.