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.