Vol. 2, No. 42
Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020
Longtime Arkadelphia business Clark County crimes update Two Rivers promotes two
ARKADELPHIA, ARK – Two Rivers Federal Credit Union announces the recent promotions of Beverly Johnson to vice president of operations and Tara Rollins to vice president of lending and business development, according to the board chairman, Dr. Ron
Photo courtesy of Two Rivers Federal Credit Union.
Tara Rollins was promoted to Vice President of Lending and Business Development at Two Rivers Federal Credit Union.
Addington. Beverly Johnson is a graduate of Arkadelphia High School and resides in Arkadelphia. Johnson has over 30 years of experience in banking and finance, the last 12 years with Two Rivers. She also holds the titles of loan officer II and member service representative. In her new role, Johnson will preside over Two Rivers’ teller line and manage its daily operations. She and her husband, Robert, have four children. Johnson says, “I love working at Two Rivers because they are memberoriented, which means we provide a one-on-one experience for every person who decides to come through our doors.” Tara Rollins holds a bachelor of business administration in management with minors in marketing and accounting from Henderson State University and resides in Arkadelphia. Rollins has 20 years of ex-
perience in financial institutions, two of those years are with Two Rivers. In addition to her new position, Rollins serves as a member service representative and loan officer. Her responsibilities include marketing, processing loans, opening new accounts, helping tellers, and managing internet banking, debit cards, and ACH transactions. Rollins and her husband, James, have two sons. “I have a background in community service and helping others, which taught me integrity, ethics, and how to treat your neighbor,” says Rollins. “I am excited to have this opportunity to grow our credit union by making our relationships with our members personable and knowing their first name.” Two Rivers Federal Credit Union was chartered with the National Credit Union Administration in June of 1970 by a few of Henderson State University’s faculty
and staff. Its growth to 1650 members and an increase of assets of over $13.5 million allows Two Rivers’ “people helping people” philosophy to reach many in the community. Contact Two Rivers at 870-210-7222 or visit www.tworiversfcu.com.
Photo courtesy of Two Rivers Federal Credit Union.
Beverly Johnson, AHS graduate, was promoted to Vice President of Operations at Two Rivers Federal Credit Union.
OBU receives gift from Morrison family for research laboratory ARKADELPHIA, Ark.— Ouachita Baptist University has received a gift from Russell and Patti Morrison in memory of their daughter, Charlee Morrison, a former Ouachita student who passed away in 2000 during her senior year at Ouachita. The gift will be used to enhance Ouachita’s first undergraduate research laboratory dedicated to cancer cell biology. Last month marked the 20th anniversary of Morrison’s passing. Originally from Benton, Ark., she battled cancer from the young age of 13 and passed away due to complications on Oct. 30, 2000, in Little Rock. Morrison was a sociology major, a member of Tri Chi women’s social club and respected by her Ouachita professors and peers. “She was always happy, even when she was hurting, and had the most positive outlook possible for her life,” said Emily Goode, a fellow Ouachita senior and friend, in a tribute to Morrison in the 2000 Ouachita Circle alumni magazine. The same tribute reads, “Students at Ouachita will not likely remember the way that Morrison died, but the way that Morrison lived.” “I immediately remem-
bered the story about Charlee when I was informed of the Morrisons’ gift,” said Dr. Tim Knight, dean of the Patterson School of Natural Sciences. “Though I did not know Charlee personally, we are a small campus family, and we consider all students as ‘our own.’” The monetary gift by the Morrisons will allow the Patterson School of Natural Sciences to create a cancer cell culture research experience for Ouachita students, a first for the university. This includes augmenting Ouachita’s existing molecular biology research facility and expanding the quality and quantity of research opportunities for students. “Several hundred students will benefit, as well as several faculty members,” Knight said. “We have a small cohort of faculty already working in canceror cell biology-related research.” “We have been working on this concept for a while,” said Nathan Reyna, associate professor of biology. “However, the gift has given us the leverage to enhance a facility that will ensure a large portion of our students will be able to participate in unique, class-based research experience.”
Photo courtesy of OBU.
Charlee Morrison was an OBU student that tragically passed away in 2000 during her senior year of college at Ouachita.
“Charlee would have been delighted to see this used toward an educational program,” said her father, Russell Morrison of Benton. “We’re fully aware of the importance of medical equipment and training which saves lives. Excellent medical training and equipment equals better outcomes for those that are struggling with life threatening diseases such as adult leukemia that threatened and finally took Charlee’s life. “Charlee loved Ouachita Baptist and was so happy to be a student there,” he added. “I know she would be honored to share this gift.” In 2018, Reyna led a team to create Ouachita’s Cell Biology Education Con-
sortium (CBEC), a National Science Foundation-funded consortium that focuses on the development and modification of cell culture techniques that can be incorporated in the undergraduate classroom. Since that time, Reyna said the “development of novel research methods and the student demand for participation in these projects outpaced our resources and facilities.” With the help of the Charlee Morrison memorial gift, the adaptation of Ouachita’s current research facility will allow for more Ouachita students to be involved in the research, Reyna explained, as well as “strengthen critical thinking skills in the classroom, facilitating the transition from student to scientist.” “Ouachita is committed to undergraduate education through an active, inquirybased, hands-on approach to learning in the classroom,” said Reyna. “The opportunity for students to conduct mammalian cell culture and cancer biology research using this new facility with current molecular techniques in class is consistent with our goal to integrate research into the classroom.”
Post-Thanksgiving virtual learning Julie Young University Correspondant
The Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,352 new coronavirus cases and 20 new deaths on Sun., Nov. 22. With the rapidly increasing cases of Covid-19, schools are beginning the transition to virtual learning for the end of — or the
remainder of, in Henderson State University’s case — the semester. Arkadelphia Public Schools will go online from Dec. 21-23 with no onsite classes. After three days of virtual learning, the school district will take a break for Christmas from Dec. 24 through Jan. 4. The current plan is to return for in-
person classes on Jan. 5, the first day of the new quarter. The Arkadelphia School District, like other school districts in the state, has consistently provided online Covid-19 updates throughout the Fall semester. This includes the number of active Covid-19 cases for both students and staff and reflects the information re-
ported to the District Point of Contact by 9 A.M. on the Friday for the week reporting. As of Friday, Nov. 20, there are four active total cases and 98 individuals quarantined. The schools affected are Arkadelphia High School, Goza Middle School, Peake Elementary School, and Perrier Primary School.
permits. The directive is effective on Friday, November 20, 2020, and remains in effect through January 3, 2021. “In an effort to reduce the spread of the virus as a result of prolonged social interaction in group settings, I am accepting the recommendation of the Winter COVID Task Force to require bars, restaurants, and clubs that sell alcohol for consumption in their establishment to
close at 11 p.m.,” Governor Hutchinson said. “This is a balanced approach that is limited and targeted as we work to reduce new COVID cases in our state.” The Arkansas Health Department’s directive follows: Directive for hours of operation to Alcoholic Beverage Control on-premise permitted locations Issued November 19, 2020 Effective November 20,
2020 until January 3, 2021 The Secretary of Health, in consultation with the Governor, has sole authority over all instances of quarantine, isolation, and restrictions on commerce and travel throughout Arkansas, as necessary and appropriate to control disease in the state of Arkansas as authorized by Ark. Code Ann. §207-101 et seq., and the Rules Pertaining to Reportable Disease (2019). Based on
Ayanna Williams Crimes Reporter
As of Nov. 19, an arrest warrant has been issued concerning a car wreck that occurred at the beginning of 2020. The warrant is issued for Bob Sutton of Delight, who is facing charges for negligent homicide of his wife while intoxicated. The wreck occurred on Jan. 24, when police responded to the one vehicle crash on Hwy. 26. According to the affidavit, Bob Sutton and his wife Kellie Sutton were in the vehicle when it exited the highway and traveled through a ditch. Kellie Sutton was pronounced deceased at the scene, and Bob Sutton was treated at the Baptist Health Medical Center in Arkadelphia. At the hospital, Sutton voluntarily gave a blood sample to submit to the Arkansas State Crime Lab.
A search of the involved vehicle was conducted on Feb. 4. It was found that seconds before the wreck, the vehicle was traveling at 76 miles per hour. On Feb. 19, the blood sample results were returned by the Arkansas State Crime Lab, indicating that Sutton’s sample tested positive for cocaine and benzodiazepines. When interviewed regarding this information, Sutton advised that he was driving the vehicle at the time of the wreck, and was trying to avoid deer that were in the middle of the road. Sutton denied using any drugs, and instead suggested that he was very tired at the time of the wreck. There are no case events scheduled at this time, and the arrest warrant has not been served since it has been issued.
AR and computer science education Asa Hutchinson Arkansas Governor
This year for the first time, enrollment in computer science courses topped 10,000, the sixth straight year enrollment has increased, and today I’d like to talk about what’s happening and what’s down the road. To be exact, the number of Arkansas high school students taking at least one computer science course is 10,450. That is an increase of six-and-a-half percent over the last school year and nearly 850 percent increase over the 1,100 students who were enrolled six years ago. We showed improvement in other areas as well. For the first time in Arkansas, the percentage of African American students who are taking a computer science class exceeds the percentage of all African American students enrolled in Arkansas high schools. Also for the first time, the percentage of all minority students taking a high school computer science course exceeds the percentage of all minority students enrolled in our high schools. In addition, we continue to show tremendous growth in the number of girls who are taking computer science. When we started this initiative, 223 girls were enrolled in a computer science class. This year, the Arkansas Department of Education reports that the number
has jumped to 3,135. That is a 1,300 percent increase over 2014. Many publications and tech organizations, such as Code.org, have recognized Arkansas as a leader in computer science education. But we can’t rest on our success, which is why I’m working with the Arkansas General Assembly to open up more opportunities for our young people. Last year, I created the Computer Science and Cybersecurity Task Force, and one of its recommendations is to require a computer science course to be taken for graduation. I am grateful to Senator Jane English for sponsoring this legislation and recognizing its importance. And, by the school year 2022-2023, every high school in the state must employ at least one teacher who is certified to teach computer science. When we became the first state in the nation to require all high schools to teach computer science, our goal was to increase enrollment to 7,500 by the 2019-2020 school year. We surpassed that goal a year early. This year, even with COVID-19, we topped over 10,000. We have done that because educators and students embraced the initiative. We have enhanced our education system, strengthened our workforce, and we are continuing to set the pace.
Madison arrested, charged with homocide Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office
Anthony Madison, 20, of Pine Bluff has been arrested and charged in connection with the September 3, 2020 homicide and attempted murder of three others individuals that occurred along Interstate 530 south of Little Rock. A copy of the original Arkansas State Police news release reporting the incident can be found at: https://www.dps.ar-
kansas.gov/news/gunfirealong-i-530-claims-onedeath-three-injured/ Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division have been the lead investigators assigned to the case. Madison appeared in Saline County court today and is currently being held in the Saline County Detention Center without bond. He is charged with Capital Murder, and three counts of Attempted Capital Murder.
Gov. Hutchinson announces new forced closures LITTLE ROCK – In the continuing effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Arkansas Health Department has issued a directive that Arkansas businesses that are licensed to sell and allow consumption of alcohol on their premises must close by 11 p.m., Governor Asa Hutchinson announced today. The directive covers restaurants, bars, and private clubs with “on-premise”
available scientific evidence, and in order to encourage the use of face coverings and social distancing, it is necessary and appropriate to take further action to ensure that COVID-19 remains controlled and that residents and visitors in Arkansas remain safe. The Secretary of Health issues this Directive in conjunction with Executive Order 20-48. Pursuant to Ark. Code
Ann. § 20-7-101, any person violating a directive from the Secretary of Health during this public health emergency may be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment not exceeding one (1) month, or both.
2 News
Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020
Holiday lights brighten up the state this season
Arkadelphia Dispatch
Upcoming Events >>> <<< Experience the mind-blowing close-up magic, illusion, and mentalism of Jonathan Erlandson in the all new Malco Lounge and Theatre in Hot Springs on Nov. 28. >>> <<< 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. >>> <<< Cruise by 7 Elf Tents & Santa’s very own Home, during an hour booking of your choice, that will provide passenger side window service, while listening to live Christmas music, and your kids safely enjoying this Christmas magic, from the comfort of your car in their PJ’s! This event will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hot Springs various dates thru Dec. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism.
Christmas lights can be seen all throughout Arkansas. These can be found in Magnolia.
ARKANSASThe Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights returns this week with a statewide celebration of the holiday season. Towns across The Natural State will take part with events and activities modified to adhere to social distancing requirements. Displays in many locations will be lit into the new year, offering a fun way to hit the road and spend time with friends and family in a safe way. To view locations and events, go to Arkansas.com/ trailofholidaylights. Arkansas residents and travelers have made the Trail of Holiday Lights an annual holiday tradition for 25 years. Cities and towns across the state get into the spirit, decking the halls and bringing people together. For those wanting to emphasize the “distance” part of social distancing this year, there are plenty of outdoor winter activities to enjoy, including hiking, bik-
ing, horseback riding, golf, wildlife watching, worldclass trout fishing and much more. For trip planning ideas, go to this month’s edition of “Discover Arkansas” at www.arkansas.com/discover-arkansas. And, don’t forget to share your own holiday photos with us on
Facebook (Arkansas State Tourism) or Instagram (@ Arkansas) using #ArkansasTrailofHolidayLights. Now is the perfect time to start planning your own holiday light adventure. Go to www.Arkansas.com/ TrailofHolidayLights to get started!
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism.
Arlington Lane in Hot Springs is also a perfect destination for the whole family to see some lights and sights. Locations for other lights around the state can be found at arkansas.
Drop in enrollment for Arkansas schools Bruce Maloch State Senator
LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas schools this fall have seen a drop in enrollment of about 6,428 students. The good news is that the number of students in computer science courses is more than 10,000, which is a record high. The number of children being home schooled has gone up by 3,888 compared to last year. The total number of children in Arkansas being home schooled this year is 26,039. The total enrollment in Arkansas public schools this year is 473,004, based on a count done in October by state education officials and reported to the state Board of Education. This year’s enrollment is down more than 1 percent compared with October of 2019, when it was 479,432. The change in enrollment from public schools to home schools can be attributed to parents’ concerns about the safety of their children during the coronavirus pandemic. The younger the age group, the more remarkable is the increase in home schooling this year. For example, there has been a
72 percent increase in the number of kindergarten students being home schooled. For first graders the increase was more than 55 percent and for third graders the increase in home schooled children was more than 51 percent. Public education is high among the priorities of the Arkansas legislature, and state aid provides more than half of local school district revenue. Funding is based on enrollment, so financial consequences follow any changes in the number of children in the classroom. In the proposed budget for state government for next fiscal year, the general revenue fund would be about $5.8 billion. Of that amount, more than $2.5 billion would go into the state’s Public School Fund. During the interim between legislation sessions, the Senate and House Education Committees work at length on the school funding formula, in order to recommend the amount that will adequately fund public schools. The Arkansas Constitution makes it the state’s duty to provide an equal and adequate education for all children, and the state has lost school funding lawsuits when it failed to do so.
The number of students in computer science classes rose by 6.5 percent over last year, according to the recent enrollment reports. The Education Department reported that more girls than ever are taking at least one computer science class. The number of female students rose to 3,135, which is 28 percent more than last year and 1,300 percent more than in 2014, when 223 girls were enrolled in computer science classes. When the legislature convenes in January, it will consider a bill that would require all students to pass a computer science class to graduate. It also would require all high schools to hire at least one certified computer science teacher. Enrollment has been dramatically increasing since 2015, when the legislature approved Act 187 to require all Arkansas high schools to offer at least one computer science course. Since then, the state also has increased opportunities for teachers to become certified in computer sciences. There were 274 teachers certified in computer science last year, compared to only six when Act 187 was passed.
Free entrance to our national parks for veterans Bruce Westerman U.S. Representative
I am pleased to inform you that starting this Veterans Day on Nov. 11, and lasting indefinitely, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has granted military veterans and Gold Star families free access to national parks and wildlife refuges, as well as lands and waters managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. We will never be able to repay servicemen and women for their sacrifice, but this program is a way to thank America’s veterans and Gold
Star families for their sacrifice for our country and to encourage them to explore the recreational opportunities on our public lands and waters. Arkansas’ natural beauty is on full display at our national parks and national forests. Several of these are already free, such as the natural springs in Hot Springs National Park or the bluff-lined Buffalo National River. However, the parks that do charge entrance fees, such as the Fort Smith National Historic Site and Pea Ridge National Military Park, will be more accessible through this program. To receive free entrance
to national parks and wildlife refuges, veterans will need to present their Department of Defense ID Card (CAC Card), Veteran Health ID Card (VHIC), Veteran ID Card, or their veteran designation on a driver’s license. And Gold Star family members will need to download and print the voucher located on the National Park Service (NPS) website. I encourage you to visit the NPS website at nps. gov to learn more about this program.
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, Nov. 26, 2020
Arkadelphia High School $500,000 raised first nine weeks honor roll for Bates, Cash ARKADELPHIA, ARAll A’s 12th Grade – Caroline Bennington, Rachel Bosley, Maegan Cooper, GraceAnn Covington, Carson Craft, Danny Curl, Taylor Dunkelgod, Kyla Elgas, Logan Garner, Kennady Garrett, Nayan Ghodela, Lily Kesterson, La’mya Luster, Haylee McClain, Shepherd Molinari, Mary Morgan, Madison Morris, Kerigan Overturf, Andrew Rodgers, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Dave Rohant, Emma Taylor, Jenna Taylor, Braeden Thomas, Rebecca Thomas, Benjamin Tibbs, Roger Ward and Ashari Whitaker All A’s & B’s 12th Grade Trey Bledsoe, Mauricio Cervantes, Kerrah Charles, Deneasha Dangerfield, Preston Demorrow, Gracie Dunaway, Emma Durand, Tyler Edwards, Anyah Evans, John Fairchild, Khilah Gulley, Hayden Harris, Rocky Hughes Jr, Olivia Lock, Mikayla Middleton, Kelin Nelson, Kyler Phifer, Latanya Price, Michael Rich, Corbin Saldana, Katelyn Scott, Ke’asia Tilson and Logan Wilson 3.000+ 12th Grade – Aliyah Arnold, Hannah Calhoon, Victoria Cervantes, Anna Cobb, Dazalyn Colvin, Isaac Conant, Jackson Forthman, Tanner Garner, Marquisa Gentry, Kyler Hayes, Adrien Hickson, Cydney Holmes, Justin
Miller, David Opiri, Octavio Saldana, Gabriella Wempe and Katelyn Wilson
Taylor Killackey, Kendrick Knox, Timothy Rushing and Alex Turley
All A’s Grade 11 – Kennedy Campbell, Audrey Cordero, Taylor Echols, Breanna Edington, Mohammad Faiq, Tate Goodrum, Sierra Haynes, Colby Helms, Katelyn Hunting, James Jackson V, Tucker Johnson, Joshua LeVar, Peyton Lowery, Lori Maxey, Nancy Miller, Hannah Moss, Colin Phillips, Gracie Simpson and Lillian Trammel
All A’s 10th Grade Logan Barnett, Manning Batson, Brooklynn Boyette, Bailey Boyles, Nathanael Campbell, Calvin Clardy, Anna Derby, Olivia Fenocchi, Makayla Gentry, Kirstin Hall, Julia Jones, Gray Manning, Mtende Moyo, Madelyn Neel, Conner Welcher and Savannah Zeiler
All A’s and B’s 11th Grade – Colby Adair, Jarrett Bell, Kobey Buckley, Courtlon Crow, James Daniell, Jaishon Davis, Mallery Gilbert, Jason Haddox, Ryan Harris, Kaylen Hunter, Landon Kuhn, Kyle Matocha, Noah McAllister, Trinity McKenzie, Joshua Motl, Wynn Pentecost, Matthew Porter, Kanen Rutledge, Emily Smith, LaCoriyana Thomas, Jhene Utley and Jamelle Williams 3.000+ 11th Grade – Spencer Allen, Braylon Bailey, Savannah Beard-Miller, Ty Bearden, John Black, Ta’Seliya Blanchett, Mary Cain, Cahleel Campbell, Ethan Campbell, Colin Conroy, Kade Ferguson, Emilee Fritts, Te’shanna Gordon, Jameeka Green, Lovell Hayes, Terra Hembree, Ty’ron Hughes, Latavia Johnson, Matyas Johnson, Collin Jones, Asia Joseph,
All A’s & B’s 10th Grade – Carter Babb, Julia Carter, Judsen Coon,Laila Dickerson, Avery Garner, Amaya Garrard, Kevin Ghodela, Latore Gossett JR, Hope Howerton, Lauren Jones, Alana Lynders-Gonzalez, Andrew McGlone, Timothy Morgan, Hailey O’Neal, Joy Opiri, Kathleen Ramirez, Landon Ratliff, Britzel Rivera, Mariah Rutherford, Liyah Smith, Emily Talley, Madison Trigg, Aliyah Ware, Gabrielle Williams, Max Wilson and Taylor Woodson 3.000+ 10th Grade Alena Alcala, Camryn Allison, Christopher Campbell, Ismal Cervantes, Stanley Cordero, Tifton Covington II, Leslie Dennis, Brandon Dickey, Felicia Dixon, Rylee Evans, Hayden Harper, Latonnieo Hughes II, Cameron Jones, Spencer LaFont, Isabel Martin-Tyler, Samuel McAllister, Caitlyn McGough, Skyler Mountz,
Francisco Noriega, Connor Robbins, Nigel Robinson, Madison Runyan, Jakyri Scott, Darrell Simpson JR, Lamar Smith, Ja’lyus Solomon, Haedyn Taylor, Thomas Thacker, Angelina Turner and Donovan Whitten All A’s 9th Grade – Kennedi Arnold, Lydia Benjamin, Hunter Blakeney, Tanner Cotton, Kourtni Foster, Bret McDill, Summersky Molinari, Isabel Rodgers, Catherine Turner and Kahlea Wilson All A’s & B’s 9th Grade – Evan Bailey, Savannah Currey, Lexus Diehl, Kennedy Gentry, Samara Hammack, Noah Heard, Phillip Hill, Avery Hrabal, Miles Jones, Jacob Lewis, Lexie Miller, Zachary Miller, Tori Millerd, Kate Perrin, J’layiah Perry, Rowan Phelps, Angela Rosas, Chase Rutledge, Tristan Smith, Sydney Tatum, Ariana Toler, Kevin Williams, Nicholas Williams and Emilee Young 3.0000+ 9th Grade – Maddox Atkins, Ava Beck, Nakia Box, Shelby Burris, Ethan Burton, Zoe Davis, Anaiya Ford, Landon Gladstone, Madison Hill, Zachery Johnson, Daniel Kesterson, Aiden Killackey, Mychia Leatherwood, Jayme Melugin, Yharely Ramirez, Parker Schaeffer, Adrian Smith, Hunter Thompson, Chase Vantilborg and Annabeth Wyatt
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 17,486 probable cases in the state as of Nov. 24. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 148,312 cases with 128,831 recovered. The counties are colored by light to dark in terms of density of cases.
The Dispatch will post an updated version of this graph weekly according to what is available from the Department of Health and state officials. As the cases continue to rise, more and more states are reverting back to more strict quarantine and social distance rules. Masks are nearly universally required to enter most businesses. They are available in most grocery and convenience stores.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced in early August that contact sports are expected to continue as planned in the fall. Football players may only practice in helmets, however. With Joe Biden as the new Presidential Elect, many are expecting the na-
tion 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.
LITTLE ROCK – Charter donors have contributed $510,000 of the $1 million needed to replace Arkansas’s statues in National Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C., with statues of Daisy Gatson Bates and Johnny Cash, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced at a news conference today. The Foundation for Arkansas Heritage and History has launched a website for those who would like to donate. The website is https:// arkansasheritagefoundation.org/donate/ “I started calling potential contributors several months ago, and the initial phase of our fundraising campaign has been very successful,” Governor Hutchinson said. “We’re more than halfway to our goal. Now we enter the public phase of our campaign. We want Arkansans to participate, whether they can give $5 or $50. In the past 100 years, Arkansas has changed, but our visitors in Washington do not see the changes. This is an opportunity for Arkansans to help tell our story to the rest of the world. “These two historic figures represent equally important aspects of the lives of Arkansas. Daisy Bates was a woman of principle and courage who changed Arkansas for the better. Johnny Cash elevated everyday hard-working people by telling their stories in his songs. “My goal is to have Daisy Gatson Bates and Johnny Cash in place in Washington by the time I leave office.” The top donors include Steuart & Kelly Walton; Wal-Mart Corporate; Tyson Family Foundation; the City of Little Rock; Sony Music; Crown Merchandise; Simmons Bank; Murphy Family Foundation; and Murphy USA Charitable Foundation. Arkansas’s first sculpture in Statuary Hall, a statue of attorney Uriah Milton Rose, was installed in 1917. The statue of James Paul Clark, the eighteenth governor of Arkansas and a United States senator, was installed in 1921.
The General Assembly accepted nominations for statues and selected Daisy Bates, a civil rights activist who mentored the Little Rock Nine in 1957, and Johnny Cash, world-renowned singer and songwriter, who sold 90 million records during his career. With the selection of Daisy Bates, Arkansas is one of the first states to choose an African American to represent it in Statuary Hall. Johnny Cash will be the first musician with a statue there. The official move to replace those statues began during the 92nd General Assembly when Senator Dave Wallace and Representative Jeff Wardlaw sponsored House Bill 1969, which authorized the change. Governor Hutchinson signed the bill on April 11, 2019. Organizers estimated the entire project would cost about $1 million. That includes creating the statues, shipping them to Washington, and installing them. The cost also included returning the originals to Arkansas and installing them in their new places. The leadership and members of the Foundation for Arkansas Heritage and History have agreed to accept and handle the donations. The National Statuary Hall Steering Committee and the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission are overseeing this endeavor. The members are reviewing 33 Requests For Quote (RFQ) as they begin the search for sculptors. Secretary of State John Thurston and his team helped with the bid proposals and are handling much of the administrative work. Others whose work has brought the project to this point include Stacy Hurst, Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism; Shane Broadway, Chair, National Statuary Hall Steering Committee; and Charles King, President of the Daisy Bates House Museum Foundation.
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. 26, 2020
Arkadelphia Dispatch
OBU Cross Country signs seven
ARKADELPHIA, ARHead coach Steve Guymon and Ouachita cross country are pleased to announce the signing of seven student-athletes to National Letters of Intent, including the first men’s cross country signees in more than 20 years. The Tigers are adding several athletes who have had success at the highest levels of high school cross country and will look to help the program take its next steps. Grayson Geasland Grayson Geasland, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, on November 11 became the first signee to Ouachita’s recently-revived varsity men’s cross country program. The son of Lindsey Geasland, he is a senior at Keller Central High School. “We are excited to announce our first male cross country signing in over 20 years at Ouachita,” Guymon said. “We welcome Grayson to our family. He is a strong competitor and will be an asset to our new team. Looking forward to watching him and our team succeed over the next few years” Ethan Kailey Ethan Kailey of Conway adds to the growing core of the first signing class for Tiger men’s cross country in over 20 years. He is a senior at Conway High School, where he helped the Wampus Cats to seventh place at the state meet earlier this month. The son of Scott and
Jenni Kailey, he has finished in the top 60 at the state meet each year of his high school career, reaching as high as 27th. “Ethan is the type of runner and person we need on our new and young men’s team to bring it back to what it was in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s here,” Guymon said. “His energy and positive will be contagious. Ethan is a hard worker who will succeed at the college level.”
Cade Swindle Cade Swindle joins Kailey as Conway Wampus Cats joining the Tigers for 202122. Swindle is fresh off helping Conway to seventh place at state in 2020. He has also raced at state each year, finishing as high as 12th in 2019. The son of Riley and Mary Swindle, his mother was an All-Conference performer at Central Arkansas. “We are extremely happy to announce that Cade Swindle will be a Tiger next fall,” Guymon said. “He is the type of runner that we can build around to bring men’s cross country back to what it was in Coach [Bob] Gravett’s years here at Ouachita. Cade is a strong runner and an outstanding Christian man. He comes from a tremendous family.” Hannah Bailey
Hannah Bailey hails from Sunnyvale, Texas. The daughter of Ouachita alumni John and Jill Bailey, she is a two-time state qualifier and was named Academic All-State in 2020. Her father played football for the Tigers in the ‘90s. “Hannah Bailey is going to be a great addition to our program,” Guymon said. “She is a very talented athlete and will cover multiple events in track as well as helping us in cross country. Her parents are proud Ouachita Alums and we are excited that Hannah is continuing the tradition.” Izzi Breaux Izzi Breaux joins the Tigers from Longview, Texas. The daughter of Andy and Whitney Breaux and Lena Ogilvie, she is a senior at Longview High School. “We are so excited to have Izzi be a part of our Ouachita Family,” Guymon said. “She is a driven young lady and has accomplished so much in her young career. We are blessed to have such a great athlete and a terrific person. Her work ethic will be contagious on our team next fall.” Macie Cash Macie Cash is an AllState performer out of Fort Smith, having finished in
Photo courtesy of Ouachita Baptist University.
OBU’s initial signing class includes the first men’s signees in more than 20 years.
the top 10 at the state meet each year of her career. She finished runner-up at the 2020 5A state championships for the second year in a row. Cash led Greenwood High School to the state title in 2019, placing second with a time of 19:18.2 She also finished sixth in the 2018 state meet and eighth in 2017. Macie is the daughter of Mike and Chrissy Cash. “Macie will make a huge impact on our program,” Guymon said. “She is a tremendous leader in her school and on her team and will be an ambassador for Ouachita Baptist University. Macie comes from a very good running program at Greenwood under Coach
Jim Andrews, and she will be prepared and ready to make the transition to college.” MacKenzie Davis MacKenzie Davis hails from Frisco, Texas. The son of Aaron and Jason Davis, she is a senior at Wakeland High School. Davis is a fourtime state cross country qualifier who has finished as high as 23rd at the state meet. “MacKenzie is an extremely tough competitor, a fighter who just refuses to quit,” Guymon said. “She will make an impact on our program immediately. She comes from an outstanding cross country and track
program at Wakeland High School.” Megan Monk Megan Monk joins the Tigers from Sheridan, Arkansas. Raised by her grandparents, Tony and Pauline Ausbrooks, she helped Sheridan to the state championships each of her first three years of high school. “”We are thrilled to welcome Megan Monk to our team,” Guymon said. “She brings a great attitude and will be a perfect fit for us. She has a good work ethic on the course and the classroom. Her smile is contagious. Always great to have another athlete from Sheridan High School.”
Reddies National Signing Day 2020 ARKADELPHIA, ARSoftball Erika Bittinger | IF/P | 5’3 | Lakeside HS | Bismarck, Arkansas Three-year letterwinner in basketball and four-year in softball . . . Hit .700 as a junior . . . Named AllConference and All-Garland County as a freshman and sophomore. Justine Burch | OF/UT | 5’2 | Beebe HS | Romance, Arkansas Lettered in softball (4), volleyball (3), and golf (1) . . . Competed in 5A . . . Won the conference in softball as a freshman . . . Second-Team All-Conference in softball and Most Improved in volleyball as a sophomore. Corley Carr | OF | 5’6 | Bushland HS | Amarillo, Texas Lettered in softball (4), track (2), and basketball (1) . . . Hit .474 as a junior . . . AllDistrict her freshman and sophomore year, along with being awarded the Silver Slugger award with six home runs in her first season . . . Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore . . . Texas Sports Writers Association First-Team Outfielder as a freshman and Second-Team as a sophomore. Jordyn Holland | 1B | 5’10 | Flower Mound HS | Flower Mound, Texas A four-year starter in softball . . . All-Academic her freshman, sophomore, and junior year . . . Defensive Player of the Year her junior season.
Savannah Hughes | 3B/ OF | 5’5 | Forney HS | Forney, Texas Played varsity softball all four year . . . 5A state champion as a freshman . . . Second-Team All-District outfielder as a sophomore. Miyah Jackson | 3B/OF | 5’9 | Mansfield HS | Mansfield, Texas Lettered in softball and basketball . . . Competed at the 6A level . . . Academic All-District her freshman and sophomore year. Brooke Johnson | 1B/P | 5’8 | Royse City HS | Rockwell, Texas Lettered all four years in softball . . . Hit .560 as a junior . . . First-Team AllDistrict (5A) and All-State Honorable Mention her sophomore year. Kenzie Stotts | OF/C/UT | 5’6 | Godley HS | Joshua, Texas All-County co-catcher as a sophomore . . . Academic All-District in each of her freshman and sophomore seasons . . . First-Team AllDistrict and Godley MVP as a sophomore. Addison Tidwell | Catcher | 5’8 | Weatherford HS | Weatherford, Texas Lettered in softball . . . Academic All-District as a sophomore . . . SecondTeam All-District as a freshman. Reagan Torres | 1B/OF | 5’8 | Chisholm Trail HS | Rhome, Texas Three-year letterman in softball . . . Competed in 6A . . . Led her team in singles,
doubles, triples, and stolen bases as a freshman. Madison Treutlein | OF | 5’4 | Rick Reedy HS | Frisco, Texas Named the Player to Watch in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as a junior . . . Golden Glove winner, Sports Day High School RBI leader, and Dallas-Fort Worth leader in hits during her junior season . . . Second-Team All-District as freshman and sophomore. Men’s Swimming Maddox Tidwell | Fly/ Free | 5’10 | 176 | Grand Oaks HS | Spring, Texas Four-year swimming letterman . . . Competed in 6A . . . All-State his sophomore and junior year. Women’s Swimming Hania Bandzou-Pedila | Fly/Free | 5’7 | Bartlett HS | Bartlett, Illinois Four-year letterwinner in swimming . . . All-Conference and All-Academic each of her junior and senior seasons. Jessica Bongfeldt | Breast/IM | 6’2 | Cabot HS | Cabot, Arkansas Four-year letterwinner in swimming . . . All-State in the 100 backstroke as a freshman, 100 breaststroke as a sophomore, and 100 fly and breast as a junior . . . Set the school-record in the 200 IM, 100 fly, and 100 breast as a junior. Jaynie Ferguson | Fly/ Free/Back | 5’6 | Belton HS | Temple, Texas Four-year letterwinner in swimming . . . First-Team
All-District each of her first three seasons . . . Set the Belton High School record in the 100 fly . . . Earned the BHS Fighting Heart Award as a sophomore and the Perseverance Award as a junior . . . BHS Newcomer of the Year as a freshman. Valerie Grigar | Sprint Free | 5’5 | East Bernard HS | East Bernard, Texas Lettered in swimming all four years and track and field one year . . . District champion in the 100 and 200 freestyle as a freshman . . . Placed first in the 100 free at Regionals her sophomore year . . . Pair of Top-3 finishes at Regionals her junior year. Pearl Himelick | Breast/ IM | 5’9 | Flagstaff HS | Flagstaff, Arizona Varsity swimmer all four years . . . Qualified for State in several events as a freshman and sophomore . . . Awarded Most Improved Swimmer her junior year . . . Set the school-record in the 200 and 400 relay as a senior . . . Placed in the Top8 at State in the 200 IM her final year. Charlotte Langdon | Fly | 5’5 | Tom Glenn HS | Leander, Texas Three-year letterman in swimming and two-year letterman in volleyball . . . First Team All-Region in Texas 5A her sophomore and junior year . . . Second Team All-State her junior season. Kylie McCarty | Fly/Free | 5’4 | Hudson HS | Apple
Springs, Texas Swam varsity all four years . . . District Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, along with Regional finalist and State qualifier . . . District Champ each of her freshman and sophomore seasons. Lexi Petsch | Fly/Free/ IM | 5’9 | Homeschool | Spring, Texas Four-year letterman in swimming . . . Region finalist each of her first two years . . . All-State swimmer in the 100, 200, 500 freestyle her junior season . . . Team Captain as a senior. Mackenzie Swope | Free | 5’4 | Eureka HS | Eureka, Missouri Lettered in swimming and diving . . . Qualified for State in the 200 and 500 freestyle . . . Placed third as a team at State her junior season. Men’s Golf Simon McBride | 5’8 | 125 | Paragould HS | Paragould, Arkansas Lettered in baseball and golf . . . All-State and AllConference all four years of his high school career . . . Tied for third at the ASGA match play as a sophomore and tied for fifth at the Texas Master IMG world match play as a junior. Baseball Jackson Brooks | IF | 6’1 | 195 | Alton HS | Godfrey, Illinois Played varsity baseball all four years . . . ThirdTeam All-Conference his freshman and sophomore
seasons . . . Academic AllConference selection as a freshman and sophomore. Daniel Cunningham | Pitcher | 6’1 | 188 | Rockwall HS | Rockwall, Texas Two-year letterman in baseball . . . Played for Jeff Payne and Barry Rose at Rockwall High School. Whit Davenport | INF | 5’10 | 158 | Fayetteville HS | Fayetteville, Arkansas Lettered one year in baseball . . . Competed at the 6A level for Fayetteville High School. Caleb White | Pitcher | 6’8 | 180 | Van HS | Van, Texas Lettered in baseball and basketball . . . Held a 3-0 record with a 1.14 ERA as a junior . . . 5-1 as a sophomore with a 2.20 ERA. Women’s Basketball Eryka Patton | SG/SF | 5’9 | Guyer HS | Denton, Texas Lettered in basketball and track . . . Played for Sally Allsbrook and Amy Kilgore at Guyer High School. Bethany Richardson | G/F | 5’10 | Valley Springs HS | Western Grove, Arkansas Lettered in volleyball, basketball, softball, and track . . . Averaged 14.3 points per game as a sophomore and 17 points per game as a junior . . . NAC All-Tournament Team and Offensive MVP her junior year . . . 3A State Champions her junior season.