Oracle CE April 1, 2021

Vol. 1

No. 11

April 1, 2021

Caddo Valley McDonald’s in the FiberPro brings 70 process of remodeling, opens in April jobs to Hot Springs

See Center • Page 4

Photo courtesy of Kelly Currington, Oracle Editor in Chief.

The McDonald’s in Caddo Valley will debut its new look on April 12. The restaurant is located on Valley Street.

Kelly Currington Oracle Editor in Chief “It’s definitely what McDonald’s would call a major renovation,” Tim, supervisor of the Caddo Valley McDonald’s said.

The McDonald’s restaurant on Valley St. in Caddo Valley is undergoing renovations to the exterior and interior of the building. Other than offering a modern look, the changes to the parking lot will provide more handicapped parking closer to the building’s entrance. These alterations are in accordance

with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Outdoor construction began Feb. 22. Both the inside and outside of the establishment are projected to be completed in early April.

“I love interacting with people - employees and customers,” Steve Montgomery, McDonald’s franchise owner said.

Having been a franchise owner since 1987, Montgomery has endured a lot of change.

He owns 10 McDonald’s restaurants in Ark., including one in Arkadelphia, Malvern,

Hope, Magnolia, and DeQueen.

Seven of these restaurants have already received similar improvements.

“Unfortunately, customers haven’t really been able to see the new insides,” Montgomery said. “I hope that changes soon.”

McDonald’s lobbies are closed to stop the spread of COVID. Montgomery is concerned about travelers who cannot sit down and eat. Fortunately for him and other franchisees and employees, however, 75% of business is from drive-thru

anyway. Focusing all efforts on the drive-thru has made the service more efficient.

“It has its challenges from time to time,” Tim said. “But we take care of our guests as best we can.”

Despite disruptions from ongoing construction, the drive-thru remains open. Only one of the two ordering lanes is available in order to provide more space for construction workers to stay safe from moving cars. In addition, there is a chain link fence border enveloping construction zones.

OBU’s Patterson School of Natural Science hosts Women in STEM Conference Abby Turner Ouachita Baptist University Ouachita Baptist University’s Patterson School of Natural Sciences hosted the inaugural Arkansas Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Conference on Saturday, March 20, for college students across the state. The virtual event was conducted entirely over Zoom and featured a keynote address by chemist Dr. E. Ann Nalley, seven concurrent panel discussions with 31 professional women in STEM fields and two sessions of poster presentations highlighting woman-led research and honoring notable women’s contributions to STEM. According to the conference’s website, the goal of the event was “to recognize the significant contributions by women in STEM fields while educating young women about the potential of their STEM degrees.” More than 40 Arkansas undergraduate or graduate students and faculty members representing five universities from around the state were in attendance; several out-of-state participants also joined the conference.

“To our knowledge, there has never been a Women in STEM conference held in Arkansas,” said Dr. Sharon Hamilton, director of the event and assistant professor of chemistry at Ouachita, “and we decided to take advantage of Zoom to encourage attendance across the state. This also allowed us to bring in a variety of professionals for our panel and keynote speakers from across the U.S.” Dr. Nalley, the keynote speaker for the conference, became the first female faculty member of Cameron University in 1978 and served on the board of directors as well as president of Phi Kappa Phi national honor society and also as president of the American Chemical Society (ACS). In 2015, Nalley was recognized with the ACS Award for Encouraging Women into Careers in the Chemical Sciences. She also holds a Ph.D. in radiation chemistry from Texas Woman’s University.

“Ouachita hosting an event with a prominent and nationally recognized keynote speaker like Dr. Ann Nalley is truly a treat for all of the attendees and

Photo provided by Sharon Hamilton.

In addition to keynote speaker Dr. E. Ann Nalley and seven concurrent panel discussions with 31 professional women in STEM fields, Ouachita’s inaugural Women in STEM Conference on March 20 featured poster presentations of woman-led research and notable women’s contributions to STEM. speaks to the size of the professional network that Ouachita faculty maintain,” Hamilton said. “When I think about all the panelists, our keynote speaker and volunteers we had for the conference, I am humbled that they chose to walk beside us in creating a Women in STEM conference that not only benefited students in Arkansas but across the region thanks to technology.”

In addition to Hamilton, Ouachita’s Dr. Sara Hubbard, associate professor of chemistry and holder of the Nell I. Mondy Chair of Chemistry, helped spearhead the conference with assistance from other faculty members in the Patterson School of Natural Sciences.

“While so much progress has been made toward workplace equity for women and men, there is still work to be done,” Hubbard said. “Showing our students that there are other women out there who have dealt with the same struggles, questions and challenges is important – especially to see that these women have emerged from their experiences as talented women at the tops of their fields.”

“Our faculty really want to encourage young women to

major in and work in a science field,” said Dr. Tim Knight, dean of Ouachita’s School of Natural Sciences and professor of biology. “We currently have more young ladies than young men majoring in the sciences at Ouachita!”

Students in Ouachita’s School of Natural Sciences, particularly students in the ACS and Gamma Sigma Epsilon chemistry honor society chapters, also were heavily involved with planning the conference, from contacting panelists to applying for grants.

Kayla Churchwell, president of Ouachita’s chapter of ACS and a senior chemistry, biology and Spanish triple major from Searcy, Ark., coordinated much of the ACS chapter’s efforts. To provide monetary winnings for poster awards, Taylor Barnhart and Caroline Cole co-wrote a 2020 ACS virtual programming grant, and Jasmine Baughman wrote a special project grant; both were selected for funding. Barnhart is a sophomore biology major from North Little Rock, Ark.; Cole is a freshman biology major from Benton, Ark.; and Baughman is a senior biology major from Pangburn, Ark. “Our students and faculty

taking the initiative to create an event with the goal of connecting and inspiring college-aged women in STEM sends a message to others that Ouachita continues to push forward and meet the needs of students locally and statewide,” Hamilton said.

Aiiryel McCoy, a junior chemistry major from Shannon Hills, Ark., and member of Ouachita’s ACS student chapter, moderated the morning session of the chemistry panel as well as the afternoon session of the allied health panel. McCoy plans to attend medical school upon graduation with hopes of becoming a dermatologist and one day to pursue her Ph.D. and conduct her own research.

“This event is what girls and women in Arkansas need,” McCoy said. “I was able to walk away with resources – people, places and potent truths – that I can use in the future.”

For more information about the J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences, visit obu.edu/ natsci. For more information about the Women in STEM Conference, contact Dr. Sharon Hamilton at hamiltons@obu. edu or (870) 245-5092.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – FiberPro, a leader in state-of-the-art design and next-generation technology manufacturing of custom log and lumber equipment, today announced that it is expanding its manufacturing facility in Hot Springs, investing more than $3.1 million and creating 69 new jobs over three years.

“FiberPro’s commitment to individualized solutions for each of our clients has led to outstanding growth for the company,” said FiberPro founder and CEO Josh Krauss. “We are excited to continue the momentum through this expansion, which will benefit both FiberPro and the state by bringing additional manufacturing jobs and opportunities to Hot Springs.”

Founded in 2019, FiberPro utilizes 3D technology to engineer innovative machinery for sawmills, engineered wood products plants, pulp and paper plants, and biomass energy plants. The company currently employs several product and design engineers and design fabrication consultants across North America. The expansion will allow the company to continue manufacturing woodyard and sawmill equipment while adding a team of forestry product experts focused on consulting, planning, engineering, and manufacturing.

FiberPro has stated that one of its goals is to bring as many of these high-paying and skilled positions to Hot Springs as possible.

Governor Asa Hutchinson, Congressman Bruce Westerman, Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston, Garland County Judge Darryl Mahoney, and Hot Springs Mayor Pat McCabe joined FiberPro executives for the announcement.

“FiberPro’s decision to expand in the Natural State is good news for Arkansas,” Gov. Hutchinson said. “At its facility in Hot Springs, FiberPro manufactures log buckers, log cranes, and other equipment that help keep the timber industry in Arkansas and around the nation healthy. We are fortunate that a quality company such as FiberPro recognizes the quality of our industry and our workforce.”

“The technology and economic impact by FiberPro’s investment is an exciting opportunity for Hot Springs,” Congressman Westerman said. “The timber industry is a vital resource for the United States and the

lifeblood of Arkansas. Hot Springs is an incredible choice to host cutting-edge research, development, and manufacturing.”

“With 19 million acres of forestland covering more than half the acreage in the state, Arkansas’ timber industry is attracting more and more timber companies,” Secretary Preston said. “Our thriving timber industry throws the door wide open for companies like FiberPro to offer custom solutions to help these companies succeed.”

FiberPro serves several top-tier clients, including some of the most renowned lumber producers in the U.S. and Canada. From design to production to installation, FiberPro’s proficient team of engineers, manufacturers, and forestry experts provides innovative solutions to meet the unique equipment needs of each of its customers. The company expects to complete this expansion by summer 2021.

“We are excited about the new opportunities that FiberPro will offer to our community, with the cutting-edge technology they bring forward in sawmill and forest product handling equipment,” Judge Mahoney said. “We welcome their investment in Garland County and look forward to the skilled high paying jobs they will bring to the area over the coming Years.

The timber industry thrives in our region and FiberPro could not be more a fitting company to locate a facility in our area.”

“Hot Springs is thrilled that FiberPro is expanding its manufacturing and bringing more high-paying and skilled jobs to our area,” said Mayor McCabe. “With the timber industry being so prevalent in our region, FiberPro’s new investment is suited well for success and we are excited to see this company’s continued growth. This FiberPro announcement joins a list of other current and upcoming economic expansions and developments that, along with our vibrant downtown and centennial celebration for our Hot Springs National Park, makes it an exciting time for our community.”

FiberPro intends to fill several positions in operations to support its continued growth. Those interested in employment opportunities at FiberPro can visit www.fiberprollc. com for more information.

Asa Hutchinson on Law SB354 “Today, I have signed

says that female athletes

into law SB354 called the

should not have to compete

‘Fairness in Women’s Sports

in a sport against a student

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of the male sex when the

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sue. I signed the law as a

stated previously, I agree

fan of women’s sports from

with the intention of this

basketball to soccer and

law. This will help promote

including many others in

and maintain fairness in

which women compete suc-

women’s sporting events.”

cessfully. This law simply

2 News

Thursday, April 1, 2021

AEDC partners with colleges Upcoming to promote industry skills Chelsea O’Kelley AR Dept. of Commerce

The Arkansas Department of Commerce today launched a new initiative to designate high-achieving state college workforce training programs that meet specific regional workforce needs in high-demand fields as “Centers of Excellence.”

The initiative, implemented through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), was recommended by several two-year colleges throughout the state last year and is intended to strengthen partnerships between colleges and industry.

To achieve designation as a Center of Excellence, participating colleges must undergo a rigorous certification process that will strengthen already existing partnerships between local colleges and industry. Colleges that attain this designation will not only create a brand that students will recognize as a trusted pathway to quality employment but will also signal to businesses that program graduates have the skills required of specific industries in their communities.

“When several two-year colleges from different regions across the state approached us about launching this initiative, we immediately saw the value,” Governor Asa Hutchinson said. “Employers deciding whether to expand or relocate their businesses almost always make their decisions based on access to talented, skilled labor. The initiative to designate qualifying two-

year colleges as Centers of Excellence creates pathways for role-model institutions to affirmatively respond to local and regional workforce demand.”

To ensure that the evaluations are conducted objectively and measured against the highest standards, the Center of Excellence examination and assessment process will utilize criteria established by the Baldrige Excellence Framework, a trusted and comprehensive assessment standard created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

“This initiative benefits businesses, students, and educational institutions,” Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston said. “With the implementation of this initiative, colleges and workforce centers will receive recognition for their efforts to design and deliver training for a high-demand skill specific to industry needs; students will be able to identify which school is best equipped to provide training specific to their desired career path; and businesses seeking to expand or relocate will be able to determine which regions and communities will be best equipped to address their targeted workforce needs. This initiative is a win-win for all parties and will ultimately help drive our economy by better meeting industry demand.”

This initiative will be implemented in partnership with the Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence (AIPE), a branch of the Arkansas State Chamber

of Commerce. The AIPE provides training and assessments for businesses that wish to improve their organizational performance.

Annually, representatives of more than 60 businesses across the state participate in AIPE examiner training to learn how to identify key practices for business excellence.

“At the request of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the recommending two-year institutions, we were happy to make available concepts from the nationally recognized Baldrige Excellence Framework,” Trish Villines, Executive Director of the AIPE said. “The Framework is a proven tool in assessing the quality of processes, programs, and businesses.

We are pleased to partner in the assessment process for designating Centers of Excellence.”

The Center of Excellence designation process will require that applying colleges align with program credentials required by the Department of Commerce Office of Skills Development under Act 1079. Each institution that seeks designation as a Center of Excellence must also show proof of outstanding ongoing workforce training unique to the industry needs of its community.

Colleges that apply will be evaluated by independent industry specialists, a panel of public- and private-sector manufacturing, workforce, and business specialists, and the Department of Commerce.

Governor Asa Hutchinson’s weekly state address Asa Hutchinson AR Governor

This week I signed Senate Bill 107, which requires high school students to take at least one computer science course in order to graduate.

This is a gigantic step forward among many steps that we’ve taken to advance computer science education in Arkansas.

For six years, we have led the nation in computer coding. This bill takes our programs up another notch.

I’m proud of the leadership in the General Assembly, which has been key to ensuring that all of our students have access to computer science education.

I am particularly grateful to Senator Jane English and Representative Deann Vaught, who sponsored this bill, which they named the Computer Science Education Advancement Act. The law will become effective for freshmen in the fall of 2022. The bill also requires that by the fall of 2023, every public high school must employ a certified computer science teacher.

Senate Bill 107 will keep Arkansas in the forefront of computer science education in the nation. South Carolina is the only other state that’s done anything close to this.

We started this journey

when I became governor in 2015, and we became the first state to require every high school to offer a computer science course.

The growth of the computer science programs has surpassed even my most optimistic projections.

I have spoken with teachers who told me the chance to teach computer science has opened opportunities they never imagined. Gerri McCann, who taught French in the Manila Public School District, recognized the importance of coding and became certified to teach it. Eventually, she earned a master’s degree in Information Systems so that she could prepare her students for a high-tech world where computers seem to run everything.

To support teachers who want to be certified, the Arkansas Department of Education developed a bonus program that will pay up to $10,000 over five years to teachers who are certified to teach computer science.

Since 2015, we have added 550 fully certified computer science teachers and awarded over $200,000 in bonuses directly to high school teachers.

National organizations such as code.org have recognized our progress. One of the most satisfying endorsements came last fall in an editorial in the Arkan-

sas Democrat-Gazette, the state’s largest newspaper, as we began discussions about the computer-science graduation requirement.

The editorial began: “When you ask most people where the technology hubs are in America, their minds probably go to Silicon Valley, New York City, or maybe Austin. [Not] many people [will] say Arkansas. Give it a few more years. Arkansas is giving students opportunities to grow their interests in computer science.”

As the editorial notes, in the day when typewriters were the thing, schools required students to learn how to type. Generations of students could type before they earned a diploma. Now computer coding is our new keyboard.

The editorial pointed out that Arkansas students already are required to take things outside the English, science, math, and history core curriculum, as well as health and physical education. To require a computer science class is a great investment in the future.

The editorialist is correct when he wrote that our “hope is Arkansas students who love their home state will start building the Silicon South right here. That brings jobs. That brings revenue. That brings the future to Arkansas.”

Waterways Grant announces Public Port Awards recipients J.M. Misenheimer AR Waterways Commission

The Arkansas Waterways Commission’s Arkansas Port, Intermodal, and Waterway Development Grant Program benefits the public ports by reinvesting the ad valorem taxes paid by barge lines on the value of the barges traversing Arkansas’ navigable waterways. This grant provides funds for public ports and intermodal authorities to make capital improvements and facilitates much needed dredging projects.

Three projects were awarded grant funding as follows: Helena Harbor received $287,800.00 for the Helena Harbor 2021 Port Development Project in preparations for container on barge operations by 2023.

The Port of Yellow Bend received $72,274.00 for structural painting of the facility crane and building repairs.

The Port of Crossett received $38,692.00 for liquid product tank cleaning and

inspection.

This grant program increases Arkansas’ competitive advantage on the nation’s inland river system to entice increased waterborne commerce for the navigable rivers in Arkansas. The waterways are an economic driver for the state and water transportation is the most cost-effective, safe, and environmentally friendly mode of shipping bulk and oversized cargo.

“I’m delighted to see funds awarded to Ports across the state,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “The Arkansas Port, Intermodal, and Waterway Development Grant Program plays an integral role in growing the economy and increases Arkansas’s competitive advantage in the global marketplace.”

“Our state’s waterways provide a substantial economic impact and are vital to our efforts to export Arkansas-made products to markets throughout the world,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston.

“These grants will go a long

way in making the necessary improvements to ensure trade continues in a timely and efficient manner.”

“Since 2016, the Arkansas Port, Intermodal, and Waterway Development Grant Program has awarded over $5 million in grants to Arkansas ports, intermodal authorities and public entities,” said Arkansas Waterways Commission Director Cassandra Caldwell. “The Commission is very pleased to see the funds from the ad valorem taxes collected on barge transportation being allocated to further develop Arkansas port infrastructure, encourage freight movement, and promote economic development along Arkansas’ commercially navigable waterways.”

The grant was established by Act 1483 of the 89th General Assembly. A copy of the grant rules and application can be obtained in the news section of the Commission’s website, waterways.arkansas.gov, or by calling (501) 682-2322.

Oracle: CE

Events Upcoming Events Disaster Response Training for National Park College students & 2020 graduates is free and available for sign up now. Go to EventBrite. com for more details. >>> <<< Showing at the Arkadelphia Arts Center, “Springtime! Window Exhibit”, a collection of Spring-themed art by several members of the Caddo River Art Guild. Contact information for each of the artists is listed on ID cards on the art.

For more information about the Caddo River Art Guild and the Arkadelphia Arts Center go to Facebook, or visit CaddoRiverArtGuild.com or CCAHC.org. >>> <<< Clark County Sanitation will be closed on Friday, April 2nd for Good Friday. If you are a Clark County Sanitation customer and your normal trash day is on Friday, then we will pick up your trash on Monday, April 5th. If you have any questions, please call the Clark County Sanitation office at 870-246-7602.

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 870-230-2975 or 870-260-9277. >>> <<< H& R Block has a new location at 2749 Pine St in Arkadelphia, AR! Visit their new office today to put their expertise to work on your refund. >>> <<< 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.

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. >>> <<< Pediatrics Plus is excited to announce that our brand new facility is now open. Our new facility is located at 702 Hickory Street. The new facility offers includes a Developmental Preschool and Therapy Services that include: ABA, Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy.

In addition, our brand new, state-of-the-art facilities include a House Next Door suite which offers a homey feel for children learning daily living activities like cooking, feeding therapy, making the bed, getting dressed, and more! Other features of the new facility include a new playground, gross motor gym, high stimulation and low stimulation gyms, and a library! Enroll Now to get a spot in our new location! >>> <<< 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.

Oracle:CE

Thursday, April 1, 2020

“Lifting Restrictions”

by Blanton Matthews

Page 3

Four OBU students perform at conference

Photo courtesy of Ouachita Baptist University.

Warren to give out free COVID-19 vaccinations this week only WARREN, Ark. – Bap-

that qualify.

ister by calling (501) 202-

top medical experts to be

1540.

safe and effective.

tist Health Community

Johnson & Johnson’s

Outreach is holding a free

one-dose Janssen COV-

By taking action and get-

For more information

COVID-19 vaccine clinic

ID-19 vaccine will be ad-

ting the vaccine, you are

about the COVID-19 vac-

Friday, April 2, from 2 p.m.

ministered.

helping protect your family,

cine, visit BaptistHealthCovidVaccine.com.

to 7 p.m. at St. James AME

Please bring a photo ID.

friends, coworkers, and fel-

Church, 915 Saint James St.

Supply is limited, and all

low Arkansans. The vaccine

in Warren, for individuals

participants must pre-reg-

is validated by the nation’s

Arkansas Department of Health

a total of 70,888 probable cases in the state as of April 1. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 330,008 cases with 322,590 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.

Vaccines are now available for a limited amount of people. Baptist Health in Arkadelphia has been supplying shots for weeks for selected employees across town.

Golf, softball, women’s volleyball, and basketball are in full swing, so sports teams are keeping an eye on COVID guidelines. That’s

Arkansas Department of Health COVID-19 Update

According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, there are

Crites & Tackett Tree Service

Tree removal, trimming, topping and stump removal.

Free estimates, worker’s comp, and liability insurance.

501-337-1565 or 501-337-9094

not to say that there aren’t precautions, however, as games are being cancelled left and right to coincide with regulations.

With Joe Biden as the new President of the United States and vaccines being given to those that meet the needed qualifications, things are changing week by week.

People are encouraged to continue social distancing and staying at least six feet away from others. Testing is widely available in most cities.

Pictured from left to right: Katelyn Still, Graham Scarborough, Cross Brandon, and Craig Crawford performed at the Region IV Conference of the North American Saxaphone Alliance from March 12 - March 14.

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. Ouachita’s Saxophone – Ouachita’s student Saxo- Quartet performed “Anphone Quartet was selected dante et Scherzo” by Eugene to perform at the Region Bozza, and “Tapas” by Marc IV Conference of the North Mellits and arranged by American Saxophone Al- Dannel Espinoza. In adliance that was held virtu- dition to performing as a ally on Friday, March 12, quartet, Brandon, Crawford through Sunday, March and Still also were selected 14. Members of the Saxo- to play solo pieces at the phone Quartet include Cross conference.

Brandon on baritone, Craig Brandon, a senior muCrawford on soprano saxo- sic industry major from phone, Graham Scarbor- Little Rock, Ark., performed ough on tenor and Katelyn “Rhapsody for Baritone Still on alto.

Saxophone” by Mark Wat“I am so proud of these ters, and Ouachita’s Krisstudents and their dedica- ten La Madrid was his coltion to pursuing the highest laborative pianist. Crawpossible standards of excel- ford, a junior instrumental lence,” said Dr. Caroline music performance major Taylor, professor of music from Texarkana, Texas, at Ouachita, “especially with performed “Dialogue” by all of the COVID restrictions Phillip Parker, and Ouachiin place limiting rehearsals ta’s Elsen Portugal was his and performance opportu- collaborative pianist. Still, nities.” a senior instrumental muThe Region IV confer- sic education major from ence, which is held every Benton, Ark., performed two years, includes partici- “Concerto for Saxophones” pants from Arkansas, Mis- by Lucas Garner, with La souri, Oklahoma and Texas. Madrid as her collaborative Performers were selected pianist. through proposals submitWhile the conference was ted to a programming com- virtual this year, Still said it mittee. “was a valuable experience.”

“It was a huge privilege “I learned a lot of interto get to listen to so many esting information from talented saxophone play- great people, and I listened ers,” said Scarborough, a to talented saxophonists,” junior instrumental music she said. “I hope everyone education major from West enjoyed our performances!”

Monroe, La. “Craig, Katelyn, For more information, Cross and I have been in this contact Dr. Caroline Tayquartet since last year in the lor, professor of music at fall. Playing with them is so taylorc@obu.edu or (870) wonderful as they are fan- 245-5139. tastic musicians who push me to be a better musician myself.”

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Ads Manager: Harley Whisenhunt

Oracle Editor: Kelly Currington Sports Editor: Donovan Lee

Staff Reporter: Lance Brownfield

Staff Reporter: Caroline Derby Adviser: Steve Listopad

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4 Sports

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Oracle: CE

Reddie Joe Myers named Tigers clench five GAC Player of the Week top three finishes OBU Sports

THE RUNDOWN Ouachita Baptist women’s track and field picked up five top-three finishes at Southern Arkansas’ Dan Veach Invitational this weekend before weather brought the meet to a premature end. The Tigers recorded two second-place finishes and two third-place showings.

“The team performed really well today,” team captain Jorie Beaumont said.

“The weather conditions were not ideal, but I’m really proud of how these women battled it out and ran with their hearts regardless.”

Beaumont started the track events with a secondplace finish in the 3000 meter steeplechase, crossing

Photo courtesy of HSUSports.com.

Little Rock native Joe Myers was named the Great American Conference’s Player of the Week on Monday.

David Salley HSU Sports

ADELPHIA, Ark. — Henderson State shortstop Joe Myers was named Great American Conference Player of the Week, the league office announced on Monday.

The Little Rock native and Catholic High School graduate was sensational

for the Reddies last week and finished 8-for-14 at the plate with seven RBIs, six runs scored, two doubles, two home runs and a triple in just four games. He had three multi-hit games in the week and recorded at least one extra-base hit in every contest.

Myers, who is already

Henderson’s program leader in walks drawn (110), is just two runs away from moving into first all-time at HSU in career runs scored (124). He currently leads the GAC in RBIs (28) and runs scored (26), and is second in the conference with six home runs this season.

The GAC weekly award

is the first of Myers’ career and marks the first time this season a Reddie has earned Player of the Week honors.

The Reddies (12-8, 9-6) return to action tomorrow night at 6 p.m. when they host Harding in a non-conference game at Clyde Berry Field.

Reddies Roll to third-straight win as they sweep SWOSU David Salley HSU Sports

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Henderson State finished off its three-game set with Southwestern Oklahoma State in style on Saturday, as the Reddies used strong pitching to defeat the Bulldogs 5-1 and sweep the GAC weekend series.

The three victories over SWOSU improve the Reddies to 12-8 on the year and 9-6 in conference play.

HSU is tied for fourth in the league standings through five weekends.

Spencer Taack was the story for Henderson on Saturday, as the junior from Dallas earned his fourth win of the season on the mound.

The right hander pitched 5.1 innings and allowed one unearned run on just five hits. Taack struck out four Bulldog batters and walked none.

Joe Myers, who finished the three-game series 6-for9 at the plate, was 3-for-4 in the sweep-clinching contest and scored two runs. Myers has now scored 125 runs in his career at HSU and is two away from becoming the all-time runs scored leader in program history.

Henderson went in front 2-0 in the first inning on an RBI double from Myers and a ground out from Alec Lewis which drove in one.

The Reddies did not score again until the eighth, but the lead held up regardless

thanks to Taack, who allowed just three hits in the first five innings.

SWOSU’s biggest threat came in the sixth, when they loaded the bases with just one out. Brayden Bebee helped HSU avoid the big inning from the Bulldogs, and used two strikeouts and a line out to hold Southwestern to just one run.

Leading 2-1, HSU got the insurance it needed in the eighth when Josh Aguilar finished off a terrific at-bat with a two-RBI double into left field to make it 4-1.

A passed ball and a perfectly executed bunt single from Nick Butler tacked on one more, as Aguilar came around to score and increase the lead to 5-1.

Cade Tucker, who entered in the seventh, closed it out for HSU and earned his second save of the season by pitching a nearly spotless final 2.2 frames. Tucker gave up just one hit, struck out two and sat down the final three SWOSU batters in order in the ninth inning.

The Bulldogs, who entered the weekend leading the GAC in team batting average, were held to just six total runs in the three-game series by the Henderson pitching staff.

HSU returns to the field on Tuesday night when it hosts Harding in a nonconference game at 6 p.m. in Arkadelphia.

HSU wins second GAC series of the season David Salley HSU Sports

Henderson State won its second Great American Conference series of the season after taking the rubber match against SWOSU on Saturday afternoon, 2-1.

After dropping 10 of their first 11 games, the Reddies have now seven of their last eight contests, including back-to-back GAC series.

One day after moving into sixth place on the alltime strikeout list in HSU history, Mallory Brewer cracked the Top-5 with six strikeouts in her second appearance of the weekend series. With twelve strikeouts on the weekend, the

Smackover High School product has 169 strikeouts in her career.

The game started off with each team bringing in one run in their respective first at-bats as a Taylor Sledd single scored Czoey White for the Reddies’ first run. A pitching duel commenced the rest of the way as SWOSU only mustered four hits to Henderson’s two through the next five innings as the score remained tied, 1-1.

With the Reddies facing their potential final at-bat in the top of the seventh, HSU broke its five-inning dry spell with back-to-back hits from Ashlyn Taylor and Morgan Reeve, yielding a

Madison Banister run to go ahead, 2-1, with the bottom of the seventh coming up.

In a similar position to yesterday’s second game of the doubleheader where HSU held a one-run lead heading into Southwestern’s final at-bat, only to have the Bulldogs bring in two runs to take the contest, 6-5, HSU was hoping to flip the script in the final game of the series.

Brewer registered two of the final three outs, though not in the fashion the junior pitcher was accustomed to on the day as two groundballs hit towards the circle spelled the two put-outs.

With a ground-out to the shortstop to split Brewer’s

outs, HSU escaped with the 2-1 victory and the series win.

The win improves Brewer’s season record to 4-7 as the junior saw two wins on the weekend. Abbie Moore led the way on the other side of the ball, registering two hits while five other Reddies claimed single hits.

Henderson State (10-17, 7-10) will return to the natural state for a weekend series with GAC-foe Southern Arkansas in Magnolia, Arkansas, with a single game on Friday, April 2 and a doubleheader on Saturday, April 3.

Below is an updated schedule of their upcoming games.

the finish line in 12:46.7.

In the 1500 meters, Becca Beard and Sara Holman finished second and third, respectively. Beard set a personal best with a time of 5:08.75, while Holman finished in 5:17.87.

Jessi Bennett placed second in the 400 meters in her first collegiate track meet.

The three-time basketball letterwinner was less than a second behind the winner with a time of 1:01.66.

The 4x100 relay team of Lauren Williams, Bennett, Grace Pickelman and Rebekah Wendt finished third with a time of 51.96.

Lightning in the area, combined with a tornado warning, precluded the 200, 5000, and 4x400 from being run.

Tigers complete series sweep OBU Sports

THE RUNDOWN Ouachita Baptist softball put the finishing touches on a three-game sweep of Northwestern Oklahoma State with a 4-1 win in Alva, Oklahoma. A three-run third-inning made the difference as Nikki Schneider went the distance for the second straight game.

Ouachita struck first, as Hope Waid tripled to lead off the game and scored on a Ranger error. Northwestern answered with a solo home run in the bottom of the frame to tie the score.

Callie Jourdan’s two-run double broke that tie in the third. Jourdan came around to score on Madison Miller’s RBI single to add an insurance run.

Schneider held the Rangers to just three hits in the ballgame. After their firstinning homer, the Rangers managed just two singles, two walks and two hit bat-

ters. One runner made it past second over the final six innings.

THREE THINGS TO KNOW - Ouachita earned its first three-game series sweep since April 2019 - Schneider improved to 5-1 on the year, winning her fifth straight decision - Seven different Tigers collected base hits in the game

BY THE NUMBERS 1.10 - Schneider has allowed just six earned runs in 38.0 innings over her last four starts, good for a 1.10 earned run average .125 - NWOSU batted .125 against Schneider on Saturday 5 - Ouachita’s Nos. 1-4 hitters combined for five hits in 16 at-bats (.313) UP NEXT The Tigers take on Arkansas Tech in Russellville for three games next weekend.

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