Vol. 2, No. 35
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020
OBU named Second Best Regional College in South Rachel Moreno Ouachita Baptist Comm. and Marketing
ARKADELPHIA, Ark.— Ouachita Baptist University has been named “#2 Best Regional College in the South” for the second consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. The university landed high honors in other categories in the region, as well, including #4 rankings for “Most Innovative” and “Best Undergraduate Teaching” and #5 for “Best Value.” The U.S. News rankings come as Ouachita has its highest fall enrollment in 20 years and the highest fouryear graduate rate on record for the institution. “It’s exciting and gratifying to see this affirmation of the innovative educational models Ouachita has developed over the last several years,” said Dr. Stan Poole, Ouachita’s vice president of academic affairs. “From embedding undergraduate research into the curriculum to pioneering online and graduate programs that address critical needs for our state and region, we have
expanded the university’s reach by capitalizing on the expertise and creativity of our faculty.” The “Most Innovative” ranking is defined by U.S. News as “schools the public should be watching because of the cutting-edge changes the colleges are making on their campuses.” This ranking was determined by peer nomination. College presidents, provosts and admissions deans may nominate up to 15 schools already listed in the “Best College” rankings who they consider have a particular strength in the area. To be selected, a college also had to receive seven or more nominations. “I’m especially pleased that Ouachita earned this distinction while simultaneously being recognized for outstanding undergraduate teaching,” Poole added. “Year after year our students affirm the quality of our faculty and the strong tradition of teaching excellence, grounded in personal relationships, that distinguishes their Ouachita educational experience.” The “Best Undergraduate Teaching” ranking “focuses
on schools where faculty and administrators are committed to teaching undergraduate students in a high-quality manner,” said U.S. News. It also is chosen by peer nomination. Additionally, Ouachita’s Hickingbotham School of Business was listed in the U.S. News “Best Undergraduate Business Programs” nationwide. The ranking is based solely on the judgments of deans and senior faculty members at peer institutions accredited by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB); Ouachita is one of only nine private, undergraduate-only schools in the world to be accredited by AACSB. A school or program had to receive seven or more top15 nominations to be listed. The “#2 Best Regional College in the South” ranking includes both public and private colleges and considers peer assessment and average first year retention rate. In the South region, Ouachita trails only High Point University, a college in North Carolina with an enrollment of 4,590.
“These recognitions come as we begin the fall semester with the highest enrollment the university has seen in 20 years and are further evidence that Ouachita is rising,” said Dr. Ben Sells, Ouachita president. “They speak to distinctive qualities we are proud of – providing an excellent and affordable education, embracing innovation, and supporting our students in the classroom and beyond to meet their educational and career goals.” The “#5 Best Value Col-
lege in the South” ranking weighs academic quality and cost after accounting for total expenses and financial aid. Schools were scored based on factors including average discount and percentage of students awarded aid. Ouachita also was included in U.S. News’ “A+ Schools for B Students” list, which recognizes schools with an environment where students of all levels are likely to succeed. Ouachita is one of only three colleges in the South and one of 17
regional colleges nationwide to be listed. The ranking considers, among other things, student GPA and the university’s freshman-tosophomore retention rate. Ouachita Baptist University, a private liberal arts university in Arkadelphia, Ark., is in its 135th year as a Christ-centered learning community. Its seven academic schools include business, Christian studies, education, fine arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. For more information, visit obu.edu.
Photo courtesy of Ouachita Baptist University.
OBU has now been named the Second Best Regional College in the South for the second year in a row.
HSU financial update
Payne in court Oct. 6
On Thurs., Sept. 24, Henderson State University’s Board of Trustees held a meeting over Cisco Webex. Outsiders wishing to attend were granted access to the virtual meeting through a link on Henderson’s website. The video conference attendees resided mostly in the ASU Executive Conference Room in Little Rock. Amid audio and video troubles, they discussed a plethora of topics regarding this fiscal year. On the agenda were action items like the surplus land sale and title ix resolution as well as a few key updates including the higher learning commission update and financial report. However, review of the budget and the pandemic took a significant amount of the focus. Trustees discussed the ways in which the pandemic has impacted the university this fall semester. With 12 percent of all students totally online, it has affected the school’s residence hall occupancy rate. More students have chosen to live at home or change meal plans, which is expected under the current circumstances. In turn, this has affected issues like student tuition, student
On Oct. 6, Cameron B. Payne will be appearing in court to answer to burglary charges being pressed against him. Payne, residing in the Northern Little Rock Area, is facing charges for two counts of commercial burglary, and the misdemeanor charge of escaping in the third degree. Before the suspect was caught on Aug.31, there were also two previous burglaries occurring on Aug. 19 and Aug. 28. There were reports of someone breaking into the Russell Fine Arts building on Henderson’s
Julie Young University Correspondant
fees, and scholarships. Henderson is reducing student tuition by about $1.8 million and student fees by $224,000. With the current decline in enrollment, the school is also not rewarding as many scholarships, reducing that number by $653,000. In addition to these reductions, they will reduce travel expenses by $100,000 due to the pandemic, as there is very little traveling this year and meetings can be held virtually. The school expects a second federal stimulus, something Henderson State University’s Interim Chancellor Jim Borsig claims has already been confirmed by the ASU system representatives in Washington, DC. While the timing of a second stimulus is uncertain at this time, Chancellor Borsig already knows that the school has no plans to spend it all covering holes and expenses in the current budget and leaving the university operating as it is today. As he explained, they will instead use the money to manage multiple financial issues. “In all of these adjustments, and the ones that you’ll see in the auxiliaries, we are being very conservative. We probably will realize a little bit more revenue and we probably will realize a
little bit less in the way of expenditures, but we are going with the conservative slightly higher estimate on expenses and we are not budgeting all of the revenues that we think we might end up receiving in this fiscal year,” Chancellor Borsig said. In the midst of previous shortfalls and a global pandemic with no end in sight, there will continue to be virtual meetings to discuss these issues.
“I have absolute confidence in the faculty and staff of Henderson State University.”
-Interim Chancellor Dr. Jim Borsig “I have absolute confidence in the faculty and staff of Henderson State University. I am absolutely confident that we are going to find this path forward, and we are not going to compromise on the quality of the education that we deliver to our students,” Chancellor Borsig said.
Johnson County woman found dead in home
ARKANSASThe Johnson County Sheriff’s Department has requested Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division to lead an investigation into the death of a woman found outside a residence earlier today. Melinda Walker, 65,
was found dead at her home shortly after 8 AM. Sheriff’s deputies responded to 146 Private Road 2257 near Hartman, west of Clarksville, after receiving a report from an acquaintance of Walker’s that her body was lying in the yard. The body has been transported to the Arkansas State
Crime Laboratory where a manner and cause of death will be determined. While awaiting the autopsy findings, state police special agents will continue their investigation keeping local authorities apprised whether they find any evidence of a criminal act that resulted in Walker’s death.
Ayanna Williams Crimes Reporter
campus, and items were reported as stolen. However, on the morning of the third robbery, Payne was found hiding in a closet in the building, holding the burglary tools in hand. Payne was transferred to Henderson’s police department. While being interrogated, Payne gave officers a fictitious name. While an officer was turned away, Payne escaped from the police department while in handcuffs. Students all over Henderson’s campus received text message alerts that morning with a description of Payne, alerting them of the escape. Payne was apprehended
forty-five minutes after the escape, and was located about five blocks from the Henderson police department. Payne later signed a consent form to let officers search his residence for evidence. However, only a desktop computer from the Russell Fine Arts building was found. The computer was taken by authorities as evidence. Payne first appeared in court on Sept. 2, and was summoned to appear again on the morning of Oct. 6 at the Clark County Circuit Court.
Performing during COVID Rae Lynn Dinger Dispatch Reporter
Ever since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been many hoops to jump through concerning the precautions we have to take to remain healthy. Washing our hands as often as we can, wearing a mask correctly, using hand sanitizer, just to name a few. For the HSU Theatre program, however, they have to jump through those hoops and then some. “We all just want to do theater again and understand that in order to do that we need to follow the rules,” said Sophie Burke, a sophomore theatre major whose main stage debut was “Let Us Go Out into the Starry Night” in the “Welcome to the Moon and Other Plays” this past week. As an actress for the theatre program, Burke has had to adapt to an altered style of acting to remain in conjunction with pandemic guidelines. Every actor, stage hand, or tech crew mate is required to wear a
mask and remain six feet apart—even if they’re on stage, in the case of the actors. Other such alterations include dressing rooms that enforce social distancing, as well as a cap to how many people can be inside at a time. Gone are the days of old when those involved in a production could bring their friends or family backstage for a glimpse of the magic. “We kind of feel alienated [on stage], but it gets the point across that we’re taking it seriously,” Burke said, “We’re supposed to be talking to someone beside us, but they’re far away, so we have to make sure our body language reflects it.” “We want to keep all our cast and crew along with the audience and keep their safety in mind,” said Kylee Hancock, a sophomore theatre major and stagehand for the theatre program. Pandemic rules aren’t just for the actors and stagehands, as the audience is required to wear masks and sit in designated
seats that keep up with the six-foot guideline. Moving from the studio theatre to the Arkansas Hall auditorium has made following these rules all the more easy for everyone involved. Even with spaced out seating, the performances have still had a full house. “We’ve had a full house with limited seating, and have had to turn people away,” Hancock continued, “Having an activity to go to is something people would like because of quarantine, and they’re also curious to see how we’re handling it.” It’s safe to say that interest in the arts hasn’t gone down due to Covid, but is something people are still actively seeking out. Even with all the new hurdles, HSU Theatre is a beacon of safe, socially-distanced activities we can still enjoy in our current times. “It feels really good to be performing even if we are in masks, to just to be doing something,” said Burke.
2 News
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020
Arkadelphia Dispatch
Authorities unable to recover man in DeGray Jason Watson Clark County Sheriff
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office received an emergency 911 call on Sunday, September, 20 at 2:55 pm reporting a possible drowning occurring on Lake DeGray. Investigation revealed that Courtland Matthew McDonald, 24, of Jacksonville was attending a church outing with family and friends at a location southwest of the Caddo Bend Recreational Area. Witnesses reported that Matthew was swimming and began to call for assistance as it was apparent that he was in distress. Individuals attempted to rescue Matthew and return him to the safety of the boat but were unsuccessful. Matthew subsequently sumberged
Photo courtesy of Arkansas State Parks.com
Courtland Matthew McDonald, 24, of Jacksonville went missing last week on Lake DeGray. Many agencies and volunteers have attempted to find him, but so far none have been able to.
and has not been seen since. Multiple public safety agencies responded to the scene, but were not able to locate and recover Matthew. Search and recovery operations have been in progress since the incident was reported. Agencies involved in the initial response and ongoing recovery efforts include: Clark County Sheriff’s Of-
fice; Caddo Valley Fire and Rescue; Arkansas Game and Fish; Arkansas State Parks; U.S. Corps of Engineers; Amity Fire and Rescue; Arkansas State Police; Arkadelphia Fire and Rescue; Arkadelphia Police Department; and other volunteers. Our thoughts and prayers are with Matthew’s family and friends in this tragic event.
Westerman on National Small Business Week Bruce Westerman AR Representative
President Donald Trump issued a proclamation declaring Sept. 20-26, 2020 as National Small Business Week. “Our nation’s more than 30 million small businesses, which employ nearly half the private-sector workforce and create two-thirds of all net new jobs, are the key to propelling our economy to the prosperity levels America has enjoyed over the past three years,” the president wrote. As many of these small businesses struggle to stay open after COVID-19, this national
declaration is an important reminder to support our community-owned businesses. Arkansas alone has almost 245,000 small businesses that make up approximately 99.3 percent of the total businesses in the state. The people who own and operate these businesses are our friends and neighbors, and our communities wouldn’t be the same without them. Even the smallest purchase can make a huge difference to a small business owner, and following their social media pages and telling your friends about your favorite
stores can increase their sales as well. As I’ve traveled around the Fourth District this year thanking those who kept us going during COVID-19, I got to visit some small businesses that adapted to safety requirements and other pandemic restrictions and continued serving their communities. The men and women behind these stores are a cornerstone of American infrastructure, and I’m so glad to give them my full support. During Small Business Week – and every week – we stand behind our local shops!
a 7 a.m. socially distanced briefing, which incorporates public-address speakers and televisions. They cut and remove trees and other sources of fuel for the fire. They guide the helicopter pilots who drop water and fire-retardant. At least four members of the Razorback crew spend their days digging fire breaks. They come off the fire about 6:30 p.m. out of a concern for safety at the site as well as the real possibility of colliding with one of the multitude of elk, deer, and other wildlife that roam the roads at night. The work doesn’t end at dark. After supper at the camp, they refuel the trucks and clean up the dozers; they sharpen and fuel up the chain saws; they clean the shovels, axes, and Pulaskis – that’s the firefighter’s best friend, a tool with an axe blade on one side of the handle and a sharp grubbing hoe on the other. A frequent topic among firefighters is the value of prescribed burns, a fire that is set intentionally to consume underbrush and dead wood, which reduces the risk of a wildfire. Even as Josh is fighting the Thielsen Fire, he is thinking ahead to February in Arkansas when the Forest Service plans to work with the Arkansas Division of Forestry on multiple prescribed burns that could total 250,000 acres. These controlled fires are set when conditions are right to reduce the impact of wildfires and make the state and federal forests healthier. It was reassuring to hear
that even as our firefighters battle a 10,000-acre fire in the Oregon wilderness, they also are taking precautions against COVID-19. I hope they’ll find some time for another preventative action – a flu shot. I’ve had mine, and I’m encouraging everyone who will listen to me to get one. Anytime we can reduce risk in life – whether it’s with a prescribed burn or a vaccination – we ought to do it.
Hutchinson: Arkansans on the frontlines of wildfires Asa Hutchinson AR Governor
LITTLE ROCK – Wildfires out west have been in the headlines for weeks, and today I’d like to share some news about state and federal responders from Arkansas who are out there fighting them. These firefighters are among Arkansans (and Oklahomans) who have deployed to at least ten states this year to fight fires. This cooperation among states is essential to recovery from disasters of all sorts – Arkansas power companies sent scores of linemen to Louisiana to assist in the restoration of electricity after Hurricane Laura. Josh Graham, an employee of the U.S. Forest Service from Hot Springs, and Les Miller, an employee of the Arkansas Division of Forestry, are two of the leaders from Arkansas who have been in Oregon for nearly two weeks fighting the 10,000-acre Thielsen Fire, which started on September 8th. Les is the boss of the Razorback Crew, a 20-person fire-attack crew that actually includes three Oklahomans. Two of the firefighters are women. Josh, a smokejumper who has made 160 jumps from planes and helicopters into fire sites, is in charge of two divisions of firefighters, including the Razorbacks. The crews generally work for 14 days but their assignment can go for 21. The Razorbacks are sleeping in tents and sleeping bags at a ranger district near the fire. Their days begin with
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. >>> <<< Through the summer the Arkadelphia Arts Center will have original art on display created by members of the Caddo River Art Guild. The window exhibits will vary through the weeks so check back often. The artists’ name and contact information are displayed next to 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. >>> <<< Celebrations Fine Wine and Spirits will be having their monthly wine tasting the first Tuesday of every month from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. >>> <<< 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. >>> <<< El Ranchito mexican restaurant in Arkadelphia is now serving alcohol along with their food. Come for taco Tuesday and happy hour and you can get tacos for $1 and margaritas for $2. >>> <<< 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
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Arkadelphia Dispatch
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020
Voting information for Arkansans Pete Tubbs Interim Editor in Chief
Many are counting down the days until the polls open for voting. The general election is on Nov. 3. In terms of local elections, Bruce Westerman is running against Camden Democrat William Hanson for re-election for the fourth congressional district. Republican U.S. Senator Tom Cotton is running against
Libertarian Ricky Harrington Jr. for re-election. Senator Bruce Maloch is also running for re-election against Charles Beckham for his re-election while Chase McDowell (R) is going against David Fielding (D) for the state house district 5 seat. There are also many issues that will require attention come election day. These are issues 1, 2, 3, and 6.
Issue one is a constitutional amendment issue that will decide whether the .5 sales tax for transportation stays in place. Issue two will move term limits to twelve years for state legislatiors with an option for them to return after four years. Issue three will be over changes to state legislators initiative processes and legislative referrals. Issue six will seek to amend Maintains Act 579 to allow
optometrists to perform surgery. For Arkansas, the deadline to register for voting is Oct. 5, 30 days before the election. One can register for voting at voterview. ar-nova.org and there are choices for mail in or in person voting. For in person, the polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m..
Nicole McGough receives Lions Club Award Travis Burton Lions Club Secretary
Lion Nicole McGough received the Edwin Dalstrom Distinguished Service Award from Arkadelphia Lions Club and Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing. This Humanitarian award is named in honor of Edwin Dalstrom, the first President of Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing, and is presented only by Lions Clubs, Districts & Multiple Districts. Lion Nicole clearly meets the definition of a Humanitarian through her efforts with various service orginizations in our community, and she exemplifies the
Lions’ Motto “We Serve”. Serving the states of Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee since 1942, Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing in Memphis (a 501c3 nonprofit) works with Lions Clubs, medical facilities and healthcare profesionals to provide surgical procedures and other related services to indigent individuals throught the Mid-South that are Blind, Deaf, vision or hearing impaired. If you would like to make a donation or get involved with Mid-South or Lions Club, contact any Lions Club member.
Photo courtesy of Ron Doe, Lion Member.
Lion Nicole McGough and Brad Baker, CEO of Mid-South Sight and Hearing.
Continuing Arkansas COVID-19 case update from Arkansas Department of Health
Obituary
Dr. Cecil Sutley 1920-2020
ARKADELPHIA — Cecil Calvin Sutley, 100, a retired professor, died Sept. 23 at a local nursing home. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at First Baptist Church here, with the Rev. Lee McGlone officiating. Visitation will be at RugglesWilcox Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. Born Sept. 7, 1920, in DeFuniak Springs, Fla., Sutley was the youngest of nine children for Daniel Franklin and Salona Kyle Durden Sutley. Sutley spent 33 years as a professor of religion at Ouachita Baptist University. After Sutley retired from OBU, he and his late wife, Ellajane, served as volunteer Baptist missionaries in Liberia for 17 months and Niger for six months. Back home, they spent 17 years as Meals on Wheels volunteers, and he was a volunteer hospice chaplain for 20 years. Before completing his doctorate and arriving at Ouachita in 1954, Sutley was a chaplain’s assistant in the Army Air Corps during World War II and served as pastor of churches in Mississippi, Florida and Oklahoma while attending Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss.,
News 3
and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. While at OBU, he filled in as a “supply pastor” at Baptist churches throughout Arkansas. He served as interim pastor at churches in the communities of Hagler (Arkansas County), Canfield (Lafayette County) and DeGray (Clark County). Sutley enjoyed an interest in travel that prompted him to organize and lead 53 tour groups to 85 countries. On many trips, he took the love of his life, Ellajane, or one of their five children. He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 75 years, Ellajane Inman Sutley, and one daughter, Susan Reed of North Little Rock. Survivors include three daughters, Marie Dallas and Jeanne Hanson, both of Arkadelphia, and Jacque Goble (Elmer) of Johns Creek, Ga.; one son, Bill Sutley (Brenda) of Arkadelphia; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. During retirement, Sutley circulated “Cecil’s Scribblings” via email to hundreds of friends and family. Those were recently compiled as a book, “Every Good Gift: Cecil’s Scribblings and Other Thoughts,” which is available through the OBU Bookstore. The book was unveiled at his 100th birthday celebration, which included a Zoom call from many in his family. Memorials may be made to the Ellajane and Cecil Sutley Scholarship Fund at OBU, Slot 3754-Development Office, 410 Ouachita St., Arkadelphia, AR, 719239961, or FBC Arkadelphia at 116 N. 7th St., Arkadelphia, AR 71923.
Hutchinson COVID update and response to state LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today’s update on Arkansas’s COVID-19 response. In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 807 new cases; 7,142 active cases; 496 hospitalized, which is up 35 from Sunday; 99 on ventilators, which is up 13 from Sunday; deaths added today, 21, for a total of 1,329; a total of 82,049 cases; 71,509 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,056; antigen tests, 9. The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pu-
AR. Department of Health
According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, there are a total of 2,528 probable cases in the state as of Sept. 28. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 82,049 cases with 2,528 probable and 73,573 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. Schools have begun
opening at both collegiate and pre-collegiate levels. They have many guidelines in place that were recommended by the ADH. People are encouraged to continue social distancing and staying at least six feet away from others. Testing is widely available in most cities.
laski, 74; Sebastian, 37; Craighead, 29; Garland, 26; and Faulkner, 25. Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers: “There are 807 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases in Arkansas. It’s critical that we all continue following the guidance of our public health officials to slow the spread of this virus. I will have updates on our testing efforts and the White House Task Force report at tomorrow’s weekly briefing.”
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, Oct. 1, 2020
Kourtney Chumbley new Head Women’s Tennis Coach at OBU
Photo courtesy of OBU.
Kourtney Chumbley (above) has been named as OBU’s new Head Women’s Tennis Coach.
ARKADELPHIA, AR.Ouachita women’s tennis has found its next leader. Kourtney Chumbley returns to Arkadelphia to take the position of Head Women’s Tennis Coach, starting October 1. “This is an exciting time for our tennis program, with Kourtney Chumbley coming
back to her alma mater to lead our women’s team,” Director of Athletics David Sharp said. “Her experience as a former tennis studentathlete here along with the experience she has gained coaching tennis at the Division II level will enhance our efforts as we continue to move forward into the future.” Chumbley, who was a three-time All-Conference selection as a Tiger, is coming off a three-year stint at the University of Mount Olive as Assistant Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach and, more recently, Director of Student-Athlete Development. The Trojan men’s and women’s tennis teams were a combined 55-43 in dual matches during Chumbley’s time there. The women’s team was 18-11 from 2019 to 2020. “What a privilege to return back to Ouachita,” Chumbley said. “I am thank-
ful for an opportunity to give back to the university that gave so much to me during my time as a student-athlete. I am looking forward to working with this team and being a part of their OBU journey. Ouachita is truly a special place for studentathletes to flourish on and off the court” Prior to Mount Olive, Chumbley served as an assistant tennis professional at Huffhines Tennis Center for two years and a tennis professional at Canyon Creek Country Club for three years in Richardson, Texas. She also coached all ages at the Ward Tennis Center from 2010-2015. As a player for the Tigers, Chumbley was named First Team All-Conference in 2012 and Second Team All-Conference in 2011 and 2013, as well as the team MVP in 2013.
Arkadelphia Dispatch
Arkansas Razorbacks schedule update The Arkansas Razorback football season has officially begun. The men played last Sat. in a bout that at first seemed positive for the team. By the end, however, the Georgia Bulldogs came out with the win at a score of 37-10. This weekend, the men face off against Miss. State.
Plan Continued from page 1
Top 10 high school football teams in Arkansas as voted by sports media
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 September 26. Ranking is given with first-place votes received, records, total points and last week’s ranking: OVERALL Record Pts Prv 1. Bryant (25) 4-0 250 1 2. Bentonville 4-0 210 2 3. North Little Rock 4-0 197 3 4. Greenwood 4-0 161 4 5. Pulaski Academy 4-0 149 5 6. Conway 2-1 112 6 7. Cabot 4-0 104 7 8. Lake Hamilton 4-0 38 10 9. Bentonville West 2-2 34 8 10. Joe T. Robinson 2-1 32 9 (tie) LR Parkview 3-0 32 NR Others receiving votes: Wynne 25, Fayetteville 12, Jonesboro 5, Arkadelphia 4, LR Christian 4, Benton 2, Harding Academy 2, Fort Smith Northside 1, Rogers 1, Siloam Springs.
CLASS 7A Record Pts Prv 1. Bryant (25) 4-0 125 1 2. Bentonville 4-0 93 2 3. North Little Rock 4-0 81 3 4. Conway 2-1 35 4 5. Cabot 4-0 33 5 Others receiving votes: Bentonville West 6, Fayetteville 1, Rogers. CLASS 6A Record Pts Prv 1. Greenwood (25) 4-0 125 1 2. Lake Hamilton 4-0 92 2 3. LR Parkview 3-0 70 3 4. Benton 2-2 38 4 5.Siloam Springs 3-1 25 NR Others receiving votes: Jonesboro 15, Sylvan Hills 4, Searcy 2, Van Buren 2, West Memphis 2. CLASS 5A Record Pts Prv 1. Pulaski Academy (25) 4-0 125 1 2. Wynne 4-0 96 2 3. Texarkana 2-0 48 4 4. LR Christian 3-1 40 3 5. Harrison 3-1 35 5 Others receiving votes: Magnolia 18, White Hall 9, Morrilton 4.
CLASS 4A Record Pts Prv 1. Joe T. Robinson (24) 3-1 124 1 2. Arkadelphia (1) 3-0 82 2 3. Nashville 2-1 74 3 4. Shiloh Christian 3-1 35 4 5. Rivercrest 4-0 30 NR Others receiving votes: Stuttgart 25, Pocahontas 3, Central Arkansas Christian 1, Ozark 1. CLASS 3A Record Pts Prv 1. Harding Academy (18) 3-1 114 1 2. Prescott (4) 2-0 92 2 3. Newport (2) 5-0 75 3 4. Booneville (1) 4-0 44 4 5. Hoxie 4-0 15 NR (tie). McGehee 3-0 15 NR Others receiving votes: Rison 12, Osceola 10.. CLASS 2A Record Pts Prv 1. Fordyce (22) 4-0 122 1 2. Junction City (2) 2-1 93 2 3. Gurdon 3-1 67 3 4. Des Arc (1) 4-0 56 4 5. Poyen 4-0 18 NR Others receiving votes: Magnet Cove 8, Dierks 5, Bigelow 2, Hazen, Foreman 2.
COVID-19 effectively put a lid on the rim for professional basketball Donovan Lee Contributing Reporter
It’s springtime, and sports are at its peak. The NBA is going into its final stretch of the regular season. College football and the NFL season had just come to an end a few weeks back. One of the greatest things to ever grace the sports world was upon us: March Madness. Anyone who had their head in a phone had heard of this “thing” before, but probably disregarded it (as some are still doing to this day). Then all of a sudden, the world stopped, for the second time this year might I add. I can only imagine what those who were midgame thought when officials came out onto the fields of play and told them the game
was being cut short. The common name was being thrown around jokingly, but then officials began addressing it more professionally by its scientific name, COVID-19. From Jan. to the presentday, we have witnessed the unimaginable. The Black Mamba has become a memory, March was definitely Madness but not the kind we wanted. People living in a “Bubble” became a real thing as if the movie wasn’t bad enough. However, more importantly to me, COVID stopped basketball. Thanks to the powers that be in the NBA offices and the NBPA, the game has made its return but with a twist. The NBA Bubble has changed the way we experi-
ence sports. Fans are virtually present, and the league has created a lifestyle that we had only seen in video games and science fiction television and film. The plus side of this experience has been the increased level of competition, but the officiating hasn’t been up to par. Nevertheless, they are giving us hope in discouraging times in our society. COVID May have gotten to the rim, but everyone knows defense wins championships.
Series Continued from page 1
This week in Reddie sports soms 3-2. Tatiana Kuhn finishes with 29 kills on 72 attacks to lead HSU. The Reddies rack up an attacking percentage of .538 in the fifth set and limit UAM to a percentage of -.095.
HSU Wears Out Ouachita in 3-0 Sweep | Sept. 24, 1996 Henderson gets 13 kills from Erica Donovan and crushes rival Ouachita Baptist 3-0 in the volleyball edition of the Battle of the Ravine. The Reddies outscore the Lady Tigers 60-14 overall in the match and win the first two sets by scores of 15-1 and 15-4. Ground Attack Carries Henderson Over SAU, 51-17 | Sept. 24, 2009 | The Reddies rush for 322 yards and out-gain Southern Arkansas in total offense 470-265 to defeat the Muleriders 51-17 in Arka-
delphia. HSU leads 21-10 at the half and scores 20 third quarter points to break the game open. Stefon Ceaser finishes with 171 rushing yards on just 12 carries and four different Reddies have rushing touchdowns to their credit on the day. Reddies Fight Past UAM in Five Sets | Sept. 24, 2009 | After splitting the first two sets at neutral site in Magnolia, Arkansas, Henderson State hammers UAM 15-5 in the fifth and final frame to defeat the Blos-
Big Third Quarter Lifts HSU Past SWOSU 45-17 in Wild Weather | Sept. 24, 2016 | In a contest that is delayed two-and-a-half hours due to torrential downpours and lightning, Henderson scores 21 points in the third period to open the floodgates on Southwestern Oklahoma State and run away for a 45-17 win. A 31-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass on the final play of the first half gives the Reddies a 17-10 lead and a 74-yard interception return for a score highlights the big third quarter.