Arkadelphia Dispatch - November 19, 2020

Vol. 2, No. 42

Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020

Seniors from local high schools Clark County receive Good Citizen Awards crimes update Ayanna Williams Crimes Reporter

Jamie Ward Local Contributer

Five seniors from local high schools received Good Citizen awards from the Arkadelphia Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution at a tea and chapter meeting Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Dawson Cooperative in Arkadelphia.

Those receiving awards were: Jackson Forthman, Arkadelphia High School; Connor Corley, Bismarck High; Vivian Angeles, Centerpoint High; Madison Bailey, Gurdon High; and McKenna Taylor, Ouachita High.

High school faculty members and students chose each school’s Good Citizen by vote. Selection was based on leadership, dependability, service and patriotism.

Each winner received a lapel pin and a certificate from the Arkadelphia chapter.

Arkadelphia’s Good Citizen, Jackson Forthman is the son of David and Janell Forthman. A cadet lieutenant colonel in the Arkadelphia High Junior ROTC program, he serves as battalion commander and is a private first class in the Arkansas National Guard.

He is also a member of the

Photo courtesy of Jamie Ward.

Local high school seniors receiving Good Citizen awards from the Arkadelphia Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Tuesday were: (Left to right) Madison Bailey, Gurdon High School; Connor Corley, Bismarck High; Vivian Angeles, Centerpoint High; McKenna Taylor, Ouachita High; and Jackson Forthman, Arkadelphia High.

school’s debate team.

At Bismarck High, Connor Corley is member of the football and basketball teams, band, student council and Beta Club. He served as a member of John Boozman’s Youth Congressional Cabinet. His parents are Shawna and Blake Corley.

Vivian Angeles is a member of the yearbook staff, student council, Quiz Bowl

team and Beta Club at Centerpoint High School. Her parents are Alma Angeles and Roberto Angeles.

Gurdon High’s Good Citizen, Madison Bailey is the daughter of Shanta and Ralph Bailey. She serves as varsity cheer captain, student council president and a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club.

McKenna Taylor is an executive member of Ouachita High School’s student council, a Beta Club officer and a member of FBLA and the Gifted and Talented program. The daughter of of Caroline and Doug Taylor, she was selected as a Girls State delegate, a Duke TIP scholar and a member of the All Region Choir.

Silverado’s Bar brings music, drinks, and fun to Arkadelphia Pete Tubbs Editor in Chief

In June of 2020, a new bar opened just outside of Caddo Valley. Silverado’s Bar and Grill, formerly the old VFW, welcomes any and all customers. “We want everybody to come here,” says Loren Khoury, co-owner.

A family owned business, Khoury operates Silverado’s with her husband and his father. “We cater to the college kids, the older crowd… we just want everybody to have a good time,” Khoury said.

A native of Chicago, Khoury found herself relocating to Vernon, TX, and then to Arkadelphia.

“My father-in-law opened the bar, and he needed the right people to get it going,” Khoury said.

While the bar scene is slightly different than what Khoury is used to, she has

twenty years of experience in the restaurant industry ranging from Arizona to Chicago. “Advertising is the hardest part,” she said.

Although Khoury is no stranger to the business, there are still struggles to be had. “With social media posts and everything, we just don’t know how to attract the crowds.”

“It’s hard to get through to college kids,” she said.

“They’re closer to The Ravine, but they have a good time here just like anywhere else. Plus, our drinks are cheaper.” Khoury, in the end, feels right at home at Silverado’s. The bar, located at 295 Malvern Rd., is open until 10 p.m. on weeknights and until midnight on weekends.

Apart from daily drink specials and a bar-food menu, those who enjoy sing-

As the holidays grow closer, so does the chance of spreading Covid-19. It’s been a hard year for a lot of us--having to stay home, losing a job, or being unable to see family members. It’s even harder around the holidays, when you would normally be around said family.

The Arkansas Department of Health released a three page document outlining a safe way to proceed with the holidays, and I’m here to give you the rundown.

Their first bit of advice is this: people who have tested positive for the virus and is still in their isolation period, anyone who was recently exposed to someone who tested positive, and anyone experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 should not participate in in-person holiday festivities. In doing so, you

put more than just yourself at risk. If you’ve tested positive, are experiencing symptoms, or have been around someone who is, and you still decide to attend the family gathering, you’re ensuring that you might not see those same people next year. Think smart, think safely, and follow the guidelines to keep your loved ones healthy.

The ADH also asks that you be socially responsible when planning holiday festivities, going on to list activities from the lowest risk to the highest in terms of contracting the virus.

Low Risk Stuff like having holiday dinners with just your household members, hosting virtual dinners with extended family, live streaming your favourite holiday movies or watching them from your vehicle, and par-

Police Investigating shooting of Cordera Jackson Arkansas State Police Public Affairs

Cordera Jackson, 33, of Lake Village, was shot and later died last Wednesday.

The incident began as a domestic disturbance that occurred at 2217 Roosevelt Street in Eudora.

Eudora police officers responded to the residence about 2:20 PM where they found Jackson outside the house. He was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead at 4:10 PM. Photo courtesy of Fred Searcy.

A search for the shooting The next event at Silverado’s is on Nov. 20 when Fred Searcy will suspect has continued into unlease his brand of country music on Clark County. the night after Arkansas ing and dancing are wel- “We’re good people and we State Police Special Agents come as well. With a state- welcome everyone.” of-the-art sound system On Nov. 20, the bar will and lights that would make be holding its next event Tony Manero blush, their when Fred Searcy is set to “available upon request” play. The event begins at Clark County NAACP karaoke night is something 8 p.m. they have that most other For more information President Henry Wilson places do not. on Silverado’s, contact 870- (right in both photos) pre“Our message is, if you 260-1349 or visit them on sented Mr. Charles Newborn (top photo) and Mr. want to have a good time, their Facebook page.

James “Doug” Nelson (botcome here,” said Khoury. tom photo) their Lifetime Membership Plaque and Pin at our regular meeting last month. The award is

assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division spotted the suspect who fled into a wooded area near the crime scene. The suspect is believed to still be armed.

Jackson’s body is being transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory where a manner and cause of death will be determined.

State police special agents are continuing their investigation of the shooting and will submit an investigative file to the 10th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney seeking a warrant for arrest.

Clark County NAACP presents two Lifetime Plaques

How to survive the holidays in the middle of a pandemic RaeLynn Dinger Dispatch Staff

The pretrial hearing has been scheduled for the case against Rodney Harrison.

This hearing will be held on Dec. 1 at 9:00 a.m.. Harrison, originally from Sparkman, is facing the felony charges of fleeing, and the possession of illegal narcotics with the purpose of delivery.

The arrest had been made after police received information from a confidential source identifying Harrison as being involved with the distribution of crack cocaine in Clark Co..

The confidential source advised that Harrison drove to Clark County from Sparkman, kept the crack cocaine in certain areas of his vehicle, and distributed the drugs almost daily.

On Oct. 27, police spotted his vehicle, and after turning on the police lights, a pursuit occurred. The chase for Harrison continued through Ouachita Baptist University’s campus, where nearby he threw two clear plastic bags out of the window.

Shortly after the pursuit, Harrison was taken into custody for fleeing.

Harrison first appeared in court on Oct. 29, and his plea and arraignment was held on Nov. 3 in the Clark County Circuit Courtroom.

The jury trial hearings will be held the week of Dec. 14, and both the pretrial and

jury trial hearings will be held in the same location.

The pretrial and jury trial hearings for the case against Gregory Gordon have been recently set to occur in Dec..

The pretrial hearing will be held on Dec. 1 in the Clark County Circuit Courtroom.

Gordon is facing the felony charge of third degree domestic battering at his residence in Amity.

The violation happened on Oct. 27 when police were made aware of an altercation between Gordon and his girlfriend. During this altercation, it was said according to the affidavit that Gordon threw a bottle at his girlfriend’s legs, and then proceeded to grab her by the foot causing her to fall.

He also was said to have grabbed her by her neck and her shoulder. The victim needed medical attention for the injuries inflicted that day.

It was found by police that this is a repeat offense, as Gordon has been convicted for the same crime in 2017.

Gordon first appeared on Oct. 29, and his plea and arraignment was held on Nov. 3. A restraining order has also been served to Gordon for the protection of the victim.

The pretrial hearing will take place at 9:00 a.m., and the jury trial hearings are scheduled for the week of Dec. 14.

ticipating in online Black Friday events instead of going in person are all ways to still celebrate the holidays.

It may not feel the same, but 2020 has been such a wild year that anything that was once unordinary can now become commonplace to keep our loved ones safe.

Medium Risk If you feel like walking the line a little bit, events like small group dinners (less than ten people) outdoors while maintaining a six foot distance from non-household members could work. Even going to large outdoor venues such as pumpkin patches, Christmas tree farms, or walk-through light displays could work. Remember, it’s important to still wear a mask however, even in open spaces.

High Risk The ADH warns that you

should avoid high risk situations and events, like traveling outside your local area, especially to ones with higher infection rates, as well as in-person shopping during Black Friday. Large indoor gatherings with people outside of your household or attending office or community holiday parties, a movie, or other indoor events where people are likely to attend.

All of these ideas have the potential to become super spreader events, so it is highly recommended that you avoid them if possible.

Overall, it’s very important to maintain proper Covid-19 precautions, now more than it has been due to the holiday season. It’s hard not seeing your family during times like these, but it’s much more preferable to see their face on a screen than it is not seeing them at all. Stay safe this holiday season!

traditionally presented at the annual Freedom Fund Banquet, but COVID-19 restrictions cauased the cancellation of the event.

Photos and details courtesy of the Clark County NAACP and President Henry Wilson.

2 News

Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020

Conservation depends on outdoor recreation Bruce Westerman U.S. Representative

Ever since I was elected to Congress, I’ve served on the House Committee on Natural Resources. This committee oversees public land management, water resources, critical minerals and more. It also has jurisdiction over wildlife management, something that I am particularly interested in as an avid sportsman.

When I get on a flight home to Hot Springs from D.C., I’m usually looking forward to fishing in Lake Ouachita or hunting in the woods, depending on the season. I’ve

been to all 50 U.S. states and territories and I still don’t think there’s a better place for outdoor activities than Arkansas.

What you may not realize is that hunters and outdoor sportsmen and women are often the most committed conservationists. These are people whose passions and interests are dependent on the health and long-term sustainability of wildlife populations and habitats. For example, hunting seasons and bag limits, as determined by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, ensure the state’s wildlife populations

do not exceed their natural carrying capacity and ensure we live side-by-side with nature.

Now more than ever, I believe Arkansas can lead the way in showing the world what healthy stewardship of our resources looks like. It doesn’t mean we lock up millions of acres and prohibit recreation opportunities; on the contrary, it means we incentivize hunting and land usage in a way that leaves the environment in better condition than we inherited it. I’m proud to be a sportsman and advocate for these issues in Congress.

Governor presents budget proposal for fiscal year Bruce Maloch State Senator

The governor presented a balanced budget proposal to the legislature for next fiscal year. It would authorize about $5.8 billion next year in spending from the state’s general revenue fund, about three percent more than this year.

The legislature has been working on balancing the budgets of state agencies since mid-October. The final spending plan for Arkansas state government will be set when the legislature adjourns the 2021 regular session. It begins in January.

The governor’s plan would reduce taxes by $50 million a year for people in low and middle income brackets.

Under the governor’s plan, the sales tax would go down on purchases of used cars that cost less than $10,000. Now, used cars sold for less than $4,000 are exempt from the sales tax. The new rate would reduce the state sales tax from 6.5 percent to 3.5 percent on used vehicles sold for $4,000 to $9,999.

The proposal would encourage upper income families to establish a residence in Arkansas. The top income tax bracket for new residents would be reduced from 5.9 percent to 4.9 percent for the first five years

they live in Arkansas.

Legislators questioned the fairness of creating a different income bracket for new residents, when people who have always lived in Arkansas would pay a higher rate although their income is the same.

Spokesmen for the governor responded by saying that limiting the top bracket at 4.9 percent for new residents would create a clear goal for future reductions for people who have always lived in Arkansas.

When the pandemic hit earlier this year, state budget officials reduced the official forecast, in anticipation of an economic slowdown.

Under our balanced budget law, when the economy slows and tax revenue drops off, spending is reduced accordingly. In April the forecast was lowered by more than $200 million.

The governor’s proposed budget would restore many of the spending cuts made necessary in April. Categories that would get funding increases include higher education, health care and human services.

Law enforcement categories scheduled to see increased funding include the state Crime Lab, reimbursements to county jails and crisis stabilization units.

The budget for state prisons would increase next fiscal year by 3.9 percent under

the governor’s proposal, to $375 million. It has more than 16,000 in custody, with 3,658 staff positions currently filled.

Community Corrections would get an increase of 6 percent, to $97 million a year. Its officers supervise offenders on parole and probation. It operates drug courts and six residential treatment facilities. It has 1,304 staff positions now filled. More than 60,000 adult offenders are under the Department’s supervision.

Under the governor’s recommendation, the Public School Fund, from which state aid is distributed to local school districts, would increase by 1.4 percent, to $2.25 billion.

The Human Services Department would get a funding increase of 4.8 percent.

It administers Medicaid, services for people with disabilities, long-term care facilities, drug treatment programs and benefits for low-income families such as food stamps.

State support of four-year universities would increase to $612 million, from $575 million this year. Support for two-year colleges would increase from $112 million to $118 million. In addition, five technical colleges would get a funding increase from $31 million to $32 million.

Nice-Pak announces new jobs in Jonesboro JONESBORO, ARK. (November 16, 2020) -Nice-Pak, a pioneer and the leading global producer of wet wipes, today announced plans to expand its manufacturing capacity at the company’s Jonesboro facility, increasing employment by adding more than 300 associates by the end of 2021. The expansion is expected to more than double the company’s capacity to produce disinfecting wipes and significantly increase capacity for other product groups.

Nice-Pak’s project will begin in January 2021 in a phased approach that will be completed in August 2021 and entail multiple upgrades, including the extension of existing lines and the addition of a new manufacturing line that will create 176 new jobs. Earlier this year, Nice-Pak increased its household disinfectant manufacturing production to 24/7 operations in response to increased demand and is on track to add more than 130 additional associate positions by the end of 2020.

“Our products are essential for consumers to help stay healthy and well amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Robert Julius, Chairman and CEO of Nice-Pak. “We have been working non-stop to produce more wipes than ever before, and we commend the tremendous performance of our Jonesboro associates, who have been terrific in rising to the challenge.”

“For more than ten years, Nice-Pak’s Jonesboro facility has served its customers and its community by manufacturing essential products for our day-to-day lives,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nice-Pak has worked harder

than ever to provide essential resources to help people through this difficult time. I appreciate the value that this company places on the health and wellbeing of its customers and its employees, and I’m pleased that Nice-Pak will continue growing its operations in Jonesboro.”

Nice-Pak continues to respond to the unprecedented need for wipes -- essential in battling the COVID-19 pandemic. The company recently generated independent clinical data showing that its disinfectant wipes demonstrate efficacy against the virus that causes COVID-19. The company also introduced a new graphics and branding strategy for its Nice ‘N CLEAN® wipes, covering the baby, hand, flushable, and surface categories. The program supports market-leading performance products with a comprehensive wellbeing and sustainability platform.

“Nice-Pak’s expansion shows not only growth but strategic planning and foresight. The way Nice-Pak adapted to current economic pressures caused by the pandemic, increased production, and hired more people is the definition of an essential business,” noted Mark Young, President, Jonesboro Unlimited. “We take a lot of pride in NicePak being part of Jonesboro.”

“Nice-Pak has done a tremendous job of regrouping to meet consumer demands during unexpected times,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston.

“They are a great example of how Arkansans rise up to meet challenges head on.

It’s great to see the company planning for its future, and we are extremely glad that they continue to call Jonesboro home.”

For more than 10 years, Nice-Pak’s Jonesboro facility has been a manufacturing center of excellence, producing an innovative portfolio of wet wipes for the consumer market. The Jonesboro operation comprises more than one million square feet of manufacturing and distribution and is a state-of-the-art, EPA registered, ISO 9001 certified and audited facility. The company is currently hiring, offering highly-competitive compensation and benefits packages, and encourages all who are interested to apply at www.nicepak.com/ careers.

“When Nice-Pak announced they were coming to Jonesboro in 2009, we knew it was a company that was going to continue to grow right along with us.

From day one, Nice-Pak has continually fulfilled its commitment to Jonesboro by bringing good-paying jobs to our city,” said Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin.

“This new expansion is the latest chapter in Nice-Pak’s growing presence in Jonesboro. We are confident that Nice-Pak and Jonesboro will continue to grow together.”

The facility boasts worldclass safety performance that underscores Nice-Pak’s commitment to health and wellbeing at their production facilities. In addition, the company has targeted the Jonesboro facility to obtain zero-landfill status as part of the ’war on waste” that includes more efficient energy and water use, and a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Nice-Pak’s facilities reused more than 16 tons of scrap nonwoven material in 2019 through partnerships with local packaging material suppliers at its worldwide locations.

Arkadelphia Dispatch

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

Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020

As winter approaches, schools head to virtual learning

As temperatures fall, classes wind down, and we enter the last weeks of 2020, the health and well-being of everyone is more important than ever. In addition to a deadly pandemic, we are now faced with a cold and flu season as well, and Covid-19 cases only continue to spike, trending upward each week. On Mon. Nov 16, Ark. reported over 1,300 new cases of the coronavirus and 42 deaths. This information comes from the Arkansas Department of Health less than two weeks

before Thanksgiving. Many are urging those intending to travel home for the holiday to cancel their plans to limit the risk of unnecessary exposure of the virus to friends and family.

With the spike in cases across the country and added risk this time of year brings, schools are faced with difficult decisions on how to continue the remainder of the semester after Thanksgiving break.

For schools like Henderson State University, the transition from on-campus learning to online classes is made easier by early plan-

LITTLE ROCK (11-16) The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) reminds drivers to “know before you go” and visit IDriveArkansas.com before traveling during the holiday season.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend you stay home as much as possible during the Coronavirus pandemic, but if you choose to travel there are several things to consider before you go.

Please visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel in the US for their official guidance. If you do decide to travel during the Thanksgiving Holiday (Nov 25 – Nov 29), ARDOT wishes you and your family a safe trip.

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

Julie Young University Correspondant

ning. On July 2, Henderson announced their Fall 2020 Covid-19 Operational Plan. On June 12, a month earlier, they released their 2020 schedule. Where other schools chose to keep their schedules the same or start remote learning from the beginning, Henderson opted to hold classes on Labor Day and switch their typical fall break to the week of Thanksgiving before completely switching to remote/ online instruction for Nov. 30-Dec. 4 and remote/online finals Dec. 7-11.

The decision to move online after Thanksgiving

was made before the impact of Henderson’s campus was known. As of Tues. Nov. 17, Henderson State University has recorded 121 known positive student cases since July 1. Across the street, Ouachita Baptist University has recorded 183 positive cases since June 1. There are 19 total active cases — 13 students and 6 employees — as of Nov. 16. Their last day of on-campus instruction will be Nov. 24, with online finals held after the break on Mon. Nov. 30.

Thanksgiving travel information

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

Traffic will be controlled by traffic cones and signage.

Drivers should exercise caution when approaching and traveling through all

highway work zones. Additional travel information can be found at IDriveArkansas.com or ARDOT.gov. You can also follow us on Twitter @ myARDOT.

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 14,340 probable cases in the state as of Nov. 17. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 134,348 cases with 115,625 recovered.

The counties are colored by light to dark in terms of density of cases.

The Dispatch will post

an updated version of this graph weekly according to what is available from the Department of Health and state officials.

As the cases continue to rise, more and more states are reverting back to more strict quarantine and social distance rules.

Masks are nearly universally required to enter most businesses. They are available in most grocery and convenience stores.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson

announced in early August that contact sports are expected to continue as planned in the fall. Football players may only practice in helmets, however.

With Joe Biden as the presumed Presidential Elect, many are expecting the nation to re-enter shut-

down. 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.

Obituary

News 3

Raymond Chambers

Raymond Chambers age 80 passed away on November 16, 2020. He was born December 4, 1939, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to the late Clarence Chambers Sr and Colonel Lee Mays Chambers. He was a resident of Conway County for forty-four years. He was a member of First United Methodist Church (FUMC) Morrilton.

Raymond has worked as a Social Studies teacher and Coach at Peake High School in Arkadelphia; a Venture Analyst with West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District, in Hot Springs; a Desegregation Consultant with ATAAC Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia; Elected Superintendent of East Side School District in Menifee, AR. He was very instrumental in the smooth transition of the court ordered consolidation of the three school districts; Menifee, Plumerville and Morrilton, which was named South Conway County School District (SCCSD), of which he became Assistant Superintendent. In 1989 Raymond was elected Superintendent of SCCSD where he remained in that position until he retired in 2003.

After retiring he served on a Bias and Sensitivity Committee for the Pennsylvania School System.

Raymond has done a lot of volunteer work in his community, because he believed in giving back. His volunteer work was cited in the Arkansas DemocratGazette News Paper on 09/20/2015 under the title Retired Superintendent has done “world of good”. The Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce voted Raymond as 2015 Morrilton Citizen of The Year. The Conway County NAACP presented him with their 2015 Presidential Award.

Earlier in that same year he received the Prestigious Human Rights Award from the Conway County Church Women United and the Martin Luther King Jr Committee. He was a member of the Community Service Youth Foundation Board of Directors; At FUMC Morrilton he was a member of the Upper Room Sunday

School Class, served as an usher and several other committees; A Morrilton Rotary Club Member and the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award; South Conway County School District Foundation Board; Conway County Care Center Board of Directors; CHI St Vincent Morrilton Hospital Advisory Board; President of Conway County Retired Teachers Association and numerous other Committees in Morrilton and Hot Springs.

A graduate of the historic Langston High School in Hot Springs; A bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Texas Southern University; A Master of Science Degree in Social Studies from Henderson State University; A Master Of Educational Specialist Degree in Administration from University of Arkansas Fayetteville and a Master Degree in Administration from the University of Arkansas Fayetteville.

Other than his parents Raymond was preceded in death by his son, Eric “Ricky” Chambers; brother Clarence (Vhaness) Chambers Jr. Raymond leaves to cherish his memories, his loving devoted and supporting wife Willye of 57 years; son Ivan (Nadine) Chambers Sr. of Aurora, Illinois; Four grandchildren; Ivan Chambers, Jr of Los Angeles, California; Kara (Anthony) Granville of Tucson, Arizona; Erika (Jarrod) Black of Conway, AR; Airelle Chambers of Garland, TX. One Goddaughter; Cristye James Walker of Little Rock, AR and one niece; Anita Renee (Augusta) Farver; of Sherwood, AR; and four Greatgrandchildren. He leaves very dear friends Vernon and Consevella James of Little Rock.

Due to COVID-19 memorial services will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First United Methodist Church Morrilton 201 S. Chestnut St. Morrilton AR 72110 or Conway County Care Center, P.O. Box 494, Morrilton AR 72110. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhome. net

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, Nov. 19, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Great American Conference announces new dates for spring sports amidst COVID-19 RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – On Monday, the Great American Conference announced second-semester start dates for basketball, volleyball, and women’s soccer.

The league’s basketball season will feature a 20game divisional schedule with an opening night slated for Thursday, January 7 with six doubleheaders – Arkansas Tech at ArkansasMonticello, Southwestern Oklahoma State at East Central, Ouachita at Harding, Southern Arkansas at Henderson State, Northwestern Oklahoma State at Southern Nazarene and Southeastern Oklahoma State at Oklahoma Baptist.

Volleyball features a

10-week, 10-match divisional schedule that opens on Tuesday, January 26 and runs through Tuesday, March 30. In the opening slate, UAM visits Harding, Ouachita hosts Arkansas Tech, East Central faces Northwestern Oklahoma State Southern Arkansas travels to Henderson State, defending champion Oklahoma Baptist welcomes in Southeastern Oklahoma State and SWOSU ventures to Southern Nazarene.

Women’s soccer gets underway on Saturday, February 20 with three league contests – Southern Nazarene at Ouachita, Oklahoma Baptist at Harding and East Central at Northwestern Oklahoma State. Defending champion Southwestern Oklahoma State hits the field for the first time one

week later.

“I can’t say enough about the work done by our presidents and administrators to place the GAC in a position to safely resume competition,” GAC Commissioner Will Prewitt said. There’s a lot of work to be done, and we are keeping our fingers crossed regarding public health conditions across Arkansas and Oklahoma, but we are hopeful to see the lights go back on for games on January 7.”

The conference office also released a fall 2021 football schedule that kicks off a full 11-game round-robin on Thursday, September 2.

Southwestern Oklahoma State hosts the GAC Cross Country Championships on Saturday, February 27. Formats and dates for the men’s soccer regular season as well

Photo courtesy of OBU Sports.

The GAC announced dates for Spring sports this week.

as the championships for

Arkadelphia starts with Star City in 4A playoff bracket

basketball, volleyball, and soccer will be determined at a later date.

Members will play spring sports schedules as previously approved by the conference’s Council of Athletic Administrators and Council of Presidents.

The GAC will continue to evaluate NCAA, federal, state, and local developments and provide updated revisions as further information becomes available.

Waldron bows out of football playoffs NORTH LITTLE ROCK The administration from Waldron High School has informed the AAA that they will have to forfeit their football game against Nashville next Friday night due to COVID-19. Nashville will advance to the next round.

Forfeits Bentonville West (For-

Arkansas Sports Media high school football rankings 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 14. Ranking is given with first-place votes received, records, total points and last week’s ranking: OVERALL Record Pts Prv 1. Bryant (23) 10-0 230 1 2. Bentonville 10-0 206 2 3. North Little Rock 9-1 169 3 4. Greenwood 11-0 156 4 5. Pulaski Academy 9-0 146 5 6. Conway 7-3 116 6 7. Wynne 9-0 57 7 8. Lake Hamilton 9-1 55 8 9. Cabot 7-3 50 9

10

10. LR Parkview 8-1 30

Others receiving votes: Harding Academy 16, Sylvan Hills 8, Prescott 8, Stuttgart 4, Fordyce 4, Harrison 3, Texarkana 3, Rivercrest 2, Shiloh Christian 1.

4. Sylvan Hills 8-3 54 5 5. Mountain Home 6-5 11 NR Others receiving votes: Benton 9, Jonesboro 2, El Dorado 1, Marion 1, Van Buren 1.

CLASS 7A Record Pts Prv 1. Bryant (23) 10-0 115 1 2. Bentonville 10-0 92 2 3. North Little Rock 9-1 69 3 4. Conway 7-3 46 4 5. Cabot 7-3 23 5 Others receiving votes: None.

CLASS 5A Record Pts Prv 1. Pulaski Academy (23) 9-0 115 1 2. Wynne 9-0 88 2 3. Harrison 9-1 60 3 4. LR Christian 6-2 42 4 5. Texarkana 6-0 34 5 Others receiving votes: Batesville 4, Camden Fairview 1, Maumelle 1.

CLASS 6A Record Pts Prv 1. Greenwood (23) 11-0 115 1 2. Lake Hamilton 9-1 86 2 3. LR Parkview 8-1 65 3

CLASS 4A Record Pts Prv 1. Shiloh Christian (12) 9-1 75 1 2. Joe T. Robinson (2) 7-3 65 2 3. Stuttgart (5) 9-0 63 4

4. Rivercrest (4) 9-0 64 3 5. Arkadelphia 7-1 43 5 Others receiving votes: Nashville 38, Ashdown 1, Prairie Grove 1.

CLASS 3A Record Pts Prv 1. Harding Academy (20) 7-1 111 1 2. Prescott (3) 8-0 92 2 3. Newport 8-1 49 3 4. Hoxie 9-0 44 4 5. McGehee 8-0 33 5 Others receiving votes: Rison 9, Booneville 7.

CLASS 2A Record Pts Prv 1. Fordyce (23) 10-0 115 1 2. Gurdon 8-1 84 2 3. Des Arc 10-0 68 3 4. Junction City 7-2 50 4 5. Bigelow 11-0 21 5 Others receiving votes: Poyen 6.

feit) vs Little Rock Catholic - 11/13 Fordyce vs Earle (Forfeit) - 11/13 East Poinsett County vs Westside-Johnson County (Forfeit) - 11/13 Benton (Forfeit) vs Marion - 11/13 Waldron (Forfeit) vs Nashville - 11/20

Arkadelphia Badgers football update

Badgers Game Story by Max Preps

Arkadelphia Badgers (Arkadelphia, AR) fans left the game satisfied Friday as they observed their football team run past the visiting Star City Bulldogs (Star City, AR), 42-20 in a non-league test.

With the win, Arkadelphia improves its record to

7-1 on the season. The Badgers travel to Mena (Mena, AR) to confront the Bearcats in a non-league test on Friday, November 20. The Bearcats go into the test with a record of 6-3. Mena won 35-24 in their recent league test against Lamar (Lamar, AR) With the loss, Star City moves to 4-6 on the season.