Vol. 1
No. 12
April 8, 2021
Recycling and garbage mixup Hundred year old find on Henderson State campus points to El Dorado heritage Zoie Clift Travel Writer
Photo courtesy of Kelly Currington, Oracle Editor in Chief.
Products placed in recycling bins across the Henderson campus are simply mixed with the rest of the garbage. Kelly Currington Oracle Editor in Chief The average college student produces about 640 pounds of trash each year, according to Planet Aid. Nearly 3,600 students attend Henderson State University, indicating that the HSU campus accumulates about 2,304,000 pounds of waste annually. This does not include garbage from faculty, either. HSU used to recycle plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and paper. Now, Henderson only recycles cardboard boxes-about 700 a year. While there are plastic bottle and aluminum can recycling bins sprinkled around campus, everything placed in them is simply mixed with the rest of the garbage. “We are trying to donate plastic waste,” said Brandie Benton, associate provost of
enrollment services and admissions. “But the center will no longer take it.” The Arkadelphia Human Development center--where HSU donates their recyclables-accepted plastics up until 2018 when China banned plastic trade, according to Amy L. Brooks, environmental expert from the University of Georgia. Much of the plastic that Americans donate to recycling centers would eventually be shipped across the sea. The country banned the trade of recycled products because they were receiving too much of the waste to keep up with. “That stuff going on with China has messed a lot of things up,” said Eric Davis, Arkadelphia Human Development rehabilitation and structure supervisor. The Hot Springs Solid Waste Department is a 50-minute
drive from Henderson, yet the closest recycling location that accepts boxes, paper, plastics and aluminum--all of the materials that HSU donated before the ban. The department will make house calls to pick up recyclable products upon request, but only within the Hot Springs city limits. The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 75% of all waste can be recycled. Unfortunately, the average American only recycles about 30% of it. Currently, 10 cities in Arkansas employ weekly curbside recycle pickup along with trash pickup--Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville and Pine Bluff. Waste donation centers across the state can be found by location and products recycled at ADEQ.state.ar.us.
As HSU is recovering from financial struggles resulting from past years of mismanaged funds, expenditures related to services that are not essential to the functionality of the university are now set aside. This includes recycling. There are a few possible solutions to see that Henderson’s recyclables end up where they belong. The college could charge a fee to all students which will pay for transportation of gathered products to the Hot Springs Solid Waste Department. Or, student organizations on campus could share the responsibility of gathering and transporting recyclables. Many clubs and Greek groups priorities philanthropy--this would be an excellent venture to aid our campus and environment.
Law enforcement operation reminds drivers: you text, you drive, you pay Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office
Distracted driving is on the rise and leaving a deadly wake across the nation’s roads and highways. Beginning next week Arkansas law enforcement officers will join other police and sheriff’s authorities across the nation to stop drivers who exhibit the telltale signs of driving while distracted. A nationwide steppedup enforcement operation begins April 5th and continues through the following Monday (April 12th). The U Drive. U Text. U Pay is an annual high visibility effort led by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Using a phone or other device to send text messages or post social media comments are among the leading causes of distracted driving and a violation of Arkansas law. However, anything that might cause a driver to take their eyes off the road and veer into another traffic lane or off the roadway could result in a traffic stop by a law enforcement officer. During an eight year span between 2012 – 2019,
NHTSA officials reported 26,004 people died in motor vehicle crashes that involved distracted drivers. While motor vehicle crash fatalities nationally decreased slightly during 2019, there was a 10 percent increase in crashes involving drivers who had been distracted. Nine percent of all traffic fatalities were linked to distracted driving. The figures represent a 10% increase, 284 deaths, over the previous year and accounts for the largest increase among contributing factors in traffic crash deaths reported. “Typing a text message or reading one while driving and all the other distractions occurring inside a moving vehicle have become lifestyle practices leading to life threatening consequences,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “A driver taking their eyes off the road for five seconds while traveling at 55 miles per hour covers the length of a football field,” Colonel Bryant stated. “The time and distance factors create a deadly formula, leaving a driver with little if any time to safely avoid a
collision.” Colonel Bryant has pledged the concerted effort of every Arkansas State Trooper patrolling the highways to take enforcement action when they witness distracted driving violations. Millennials and Gen Z drivers are statistically more prone to talk, text and scroll through social media posts on their phones while operating a motor vehicle. According to a NHTSA study, drivers 16 to 24 years old, were observed using handheld electronic devices more frequently than older drivers. During 2019, drivers 15 – 19 years old comprised 9% of those killed in vehicle crashes while driving distracted. The Arkansas Highway Safety Office and NHTSA urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the steering wheel. Whether traveling across town or cross country, drivers are encouraged to practice these tips when it comes to electronic messaging: • If you’re expecting a text message or need to send one, get off the road or highway. Pull into a safe location away from traffic, then
handle your messaging. • Ask a passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow the passenger to access to your phone for calls or messages. • Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving. • Cell phone use is habit forming. If you struggle with the practice of avoiding text messaging while driving, activate the device “Do Not Disturb” feature, or place the phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of the vehicle until arriving at your destination. Texting while driving is not only dangerous, it’s illegal. No text or social media post is worth ruining someone’s day — or taking a life. Always remember, U Drive. U Text. U Pay. For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. For more on Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDArkansas.org .
When the famous BuseyArmstrong No. 1 well near El Dorado gushed oil in 1921, the town’s story would be linked to oil evermore. El Dorado has a vibrant heritage as an oil boomtown of the 1920s. The town lived up to its name when this famous well was discovered a mere mile from the city a century ago. This led to an instant population and prosperity spike as well as an architectural renaissance that can still be seen in the city’s downtown, now known for its many historic buildings on the National Register. Today, downtown El Dorado is home to shops, stores, restaurants, and even the oldest pool hall in the state, all located near the historic 1928 Union County Courthouse. Eye-catching architecture and storefronts connect a diverse mix of specialty shops that sell everything from antiques to art. All of this though, has roots in the city’s boomtown history. According to Richard Mason, who is from El Dorado and is a downtown developer and author of books about the boom including The Queen of Hamburger Row, the mostly timber harvesting and farming community had a population of around 3,500 back in 1920. That all changed overnight with the discovery of oil near town. “It changed El Dorado unbelievably,” said Mason. When the historic 1921 well, which was located where the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission’s local headquarter building is now, gushed oil it became the state’s first commercial oil well and the population of the town soared. The news about the well hit all across the U.S. and trains came to town packed with people that followed booms. “There were oil field workers, oil field promoters who would come in and buy land and lease and drill wells, there were prostitutes and there were criminals, they got the whole bunch,” said Mason. A mere two years after the famous gusher, it was estimated the town’s population had grown to around 40,000 people. The oil from the famous well lasted 59 days. And then it was gone. “It had created so much excitement though that there were 120 wells drilled that year in south Arkansas,” Mason said. “And some of those found other oil fields which kicked the boom off. After two years they found what is known today as the Smackover field and it was a huge field. It was at that time the largest field in the U.S. The Smackover field in 1923 put the boom into high gear. It was a huge thing.” During the first five years of the boom, the financial worth of the oil produced had more value than all of the appraised property in the entire state. However these years didn’t come without a price. “It was a lawless time,” said Mason. “I estimate in Union County there were at least 30 brothels. The last of these were closed in the 1960s. They were up and down the street...And you can imagine with that many people coming in law enforcement was essentially nil. It was also during Prohibition. As soon as you left the square you had this row of barrel houses full of gambling, prostitutes and whisky everywhere.” A central part of town was called Hamburger Row, which went from the railroad station up to Main Street, which today is Washington Avenue. The city council had passed an ordinance that allowed people to put hamburger stands on the street, which had wooden sidewalks, because there were not enough restaurants to serve all the people. These streets were also used to transport oil field equip-
ment. Along with not being easy to navigate due to the muddy messes they became following rain, the oil field equipment itself was also very heavy. Trucks couldn’t handle the transportation feat so mules and oxen had to be used for the tough job instead. Mason said the townspeople eventually got the city back under rein from the lawlessness though. And a distinct occurrence impacted the town immensely. The several hundred local young men that had gone off to World War 1 started to return to their hometown and also to their families, some of which had become quite wealthy due to the boom. These families contributed money and completely remade downtown, which at the time was mostly wood framed buildings around the downtown square and Courthouse. This entailed essentially replacing everything downtown, including the Courthouse, and building new buildings to reflect the memorable architecture they had been inspired by while overseas in Europe during the war. “So the core of downtown is strictly oil related,” said Mason. “And the three downtown churches were all built with oil boom money.” Mason said the best examples of this architecture can still be seen in town in what have been deemed oil boom mansions. The largest that remains is the McKinney-O’Connor House, which was built in 1928. Today when you visit El Dorado you can learn about the oil heritage of town at Oil Heritage Park, which Mason helped build. Here you will find memorable 9-foot bronze sculptures of oil men and several plaques that tell the story of the boom. The historic Hamburger Row of that era is down to three buildings now. You can go down Washington Street and with a little understanding of the history of what was there, you can still see these buildings as they have 1925 embedded into the masonry work. The buildings are right across from the Presbyterian Cemetery and a block off downtown square. As you go toward Hamburger Row you are also right in the middle of the Murphy Arts District, a new entertainment district in town. There is a replica oil derrick there that lights up at night. And there are plans to renovate the Rialto Theater in town, which was also built during the oil boom. “Almost anything you see downtown in El Dorado is directly related to the oil industry,” said Mason. The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources in nearby Smackover is also an intriguing state park and a must visit spot to learn more about the region’s interesting oil heritage. The museum is located in the midst of the historic 60 square mile Smackover oil field. Outside is a 112-foot replica of a wooden derrick and inside you will find a re-created, boom-era street scene. Exhibits throughout the building explain the era in detail. Along with its heritage, El Dorado’s festivals have earned it a reputation as an entertainment capital for the region. Popular events include Showdown at Sunset, an annual historical reenactment of the infamous Parnell-Tucker gunfight. Other festivals include a Mayhaw Festival that takes place in May and MusicFest in October. The city is also home to cultural offerings like the South Arkansas Arts Center, the South Arkansas Symphony and the Newton House Museum. A new 70 room hotel called the Haywood has just been built in the Murphy Arts District and the Union Square Guest Quarters can be found right in the heart of downtown. For more details on downtown El Dorado, visit mainstreeteldorado.org.
2 News
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Rounding the bend with COVID-19 in Arkansas Asa Hutchinson AR Governor
This time last year, I knew COVID-19 was a serious threat, but I was confident if we pulled together as a state and nation, then we could over time defeat the virus. Now we seem to have rounded the bend with the development of three effective vaccines. I am thankful to see the dramatic decline in the number of deaths, the number of new and active COVID-19 cases, and the number of those in a hospital. I’m also grateful that more than 250,000 Arkansans have recovered. The pandemic isn’t over, but I am hopeful that the worst of it has passed. To be cautious, we have extended the emergency declaration for Arkansas for sixty more days. I have lifted the mask mandate, but businesses still may require employees and customers to mask up, and I encourage you to respect others. Arkansans have responded well to our vaccination program, but we need even more of you to
get a vaccination. That is our path out of the pandemic. Today, I’d like to share the story of 23-year-old Maleek Caton, one of the many Arkansans who has survived COVID-19. Maleek had just started his senior year at Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge when he tested positive for COVID on Labor Day weekend. He was a member of Williams’ wrestling team and was ranked 7th nationally in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. He had spent the summer of 2019 working construction and was in the best condition of his life. He went home to North Little Rock on Tuesday after Labor Day, and by Wednesday, he was in intensive care on onehundred-percent oxygen. He felt as if had glue in his lungs when he breathed. He refused the doctors’ recommendation to go on a ventilator. He was in the hospital for a week and a half and went home with oxygen. In that short time, he had lost the bulk and strength he had added over the summer. Doctors told his mother,
Glenda, that Maleek came as close to dying as possible without actually dying. Maleek returned to school in November to finish the semester and resume training. In January and February, he won most of his matches and tournaments on his way to the national tournament in Park City, Kansas, where he won three matches and lost three to finish in eighth place. Although he didn’t win the tournament, Maleek did enjoy a sweet moment on the mat in Kansas. His opponent was Ethan Bunch, a wrestler who had beaten him in each of their three previous college matches. But in their fourth meeting, which was his last match of the tournament as well as the last match of his career, Maleek beat Ethan seventeen-to-nothing. Maleek’s story is miraculous, and so is the story of every person who recovered. And as spring arrives, I ask everyone over 16 to get their vaccination. This is how we turn spring into a wonderful summer and fall.
Ouachita Student Found. recieves award for Rewind Mandy Halbert Ouachita Baptist University
Ouachita Baptist University’s Ouachita Student Foundation (OSF) has received the Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s Affiliated Student Advancement Program (CASE ASAP) District 4 Pivot Award for its work to create Tiger Tunes REWIND in order to continue to raise money for student scholarships in the 2020-2021 academic year. The Pivot Award is a new category introduced by CASE ASAP this year to acknowledge changes made to programming during the COVID-19 pandemic; OSF’s District 4 win puts Tunes REWIND in the running for the national Pivot Award. CASE is an international association that serves educational institutions in the areas of communications, marketing, alumni relations and development. ASAP is an organization within CASE that helps organizations such as OSF elevate their programs and learn best practices. Since joining ASAP in 2017, OSF has received two national recognitions, including being named one of three Outstanding Student Advancement Organizations in the nation in 2019 and Outstanding Student Advancement Program for Tiger Tunes in 2018, as well as a District 4 recognition for Selby Tucker, a 2020 graduate from Hamburg, Ark., being named the Outstanding Student Leader in 2019. And for 2021, OSF’s District 4 recognition by CASE ASAP is Tunes REWIND. An adaptation of OSF’s annual flagship event of themed shows produced by Ouachita student organizations each fall, Tunes REWIND showcased recordings of favorite shows from years
past in a single virtual event. The fundraiser was available for viewers to watch online, and winners were chosen by donations in a “give to vote” format, which OSF typically uses each year for the event’s People’s Choice Award. Tiger Tunes attracts thousands of spectators and raises more than $100,000 in student scholarships each year. Within days of its premiere, Tunes REWIND raised over $65,000. Through other efforts throughout the year, OSF is within striking distance of their $100,000 goal. “I think many of us were pleasantly surprised at the way our campus, alumni and friends embraced Tiger Tunes REWIND and the opportunity to support student scholarships,” said Jon Merriman, director of alumni relations and OSF. “With gifts from REWIND, our fall Tiger Traks event, Tiger for Life month activities like percentage day at the Nutrition Den, our Hurt’s Donuts fundraiser and gifts from OSF alumni, we’re just $500 away from reaching our $100,000 goal even without an in-person Tiger Tunes weekend. We agree with CASE ASAP – this calls for a celebration.” With OSF’s other usual activities placed on hold due to the pandemic, such as guided tours for prospective students and hosting events for alumni and donors, members shifted their work to continue its primary mission of “students helping students.” “During the pandemic, the way we do things changed completely,” said Mason Woolbright, OSF president and a senior business administration/management and entrepreneurship double major from Benton, Ark. “Even so, OSF is closing in on their annual goal of $100,000 – all
amidst a pandemic. OSF’s 113-strong member body has done a great job of seeking new ways to bring in revenue so that our classmates can return to campus in the fall. “We all want what is best for Ouachita and its students, and we understand the legacy that OSF leaves, Woolbright added. “That it is so much bigger than a single president, or a single leadership committee or even one OSF membership body.” Created in 1974, the Ouachita Student Foundation is a student organization that oversees fundraising efforts for student scholarships, serves as ambassadors for the university president and works closely with the university’s admissions and recruitment process. To date, OSF has raised $1.8 million for students to continue their Ouachita education. “Getting to lead OSF as vice president this year has been one of my highest honors and such a humbling experience,” said Anna Roussel, OSF vice president and a senior communications & media/strategic communications and political science double major from Searcy, Ark. “I learn so much from our members every day and have been introduced to so many amazing campus leaders through this organization. Knowing I played a part in raising the funds that help so many friends who impact Ouachita in a big way stay on campus another year is a huge blessing that I never want to take for granted.” Due to COVID-19 precautions, the CASE ASAP district conferences have been cancelled for 2021. It is likely that the national awards ceremony will be held virtually in August or September of this year.
City of Gurdon update by Mayor Sherry Kelley Sherry Kelley Gurdon Mayor
Insurance inspectors, roofers and autobody repair people are working non-stop in Gurdon. Our late March hailstorm was a doozey. One homeowner said that the insurance company told them that they had over 50 dents just on the roof of their car alone. Not to mention the hood, trunk and sides. The estimate for repair was nearly $5,000, and that without any sunroofs or other windows broken. Ap-
pointments for someone to come and look at your roof can be at least two weeks out. There are a lot of windows broken in buildings, including one downtown on Main Street. I for one, am getting a little jumpy when severe weather is in the forecast. The February record cold and snow storm and the March hail storm have made me that way. What a nice Easter. We went to church for the first time in a year. Everyone was social distancing and
wearing masks. It was hard to sing in a mask, but I don’t sing that well anyway. I will tell you who does, Harry Blanton. He sang an Easter song for us. I remember when he used to sing on my radio show and he still sounds that good. Our curbside pick-up of household junk continues in town. People are beginning to set out piles and junk collectors are busy, too. No need to call us. We will be picking up throughout the month.
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Upcoming 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.
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 8, 2021
Page 3
“Mask Season” by Blanton Matthews
Jeremy Wilson of Bentonville appointed Missouri suspect to the University of AR Board of Trustees wounded by police Office of the Governor of Arkansas
Governor Asa Hutchinson has appointed Jeremy Wilson of Bentonville to the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas. Wilson replaces John Goodson, who has served since 2011. Wilson’s term will expire March 1, 2031. Wilson has over 25 years of business experience in the state and has founded or cofounded 10 companies in the past seven years. He is the founder of NOWDiagnostics, a leader in innovative diagnostic health testing. He currently serves as chairman of its
board of directors. In 2012, he cofounded NewRoad Capital Partners, one of Northwest Arkansas’s largest private equity firms. Wilson has been recognized as one of Arkansas’s 250 Most Influential Leaders for the past three years by Arkansas Business Publishing Group. He is a graduate of the Walton College of Business and attended postgraduate studies through the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program. “I am delighted to appoint Jeremy Wilson to the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas. Jeremy recognizes the
role the University currently plays in the region and throughout the state,” Governor Hutchinson said. “With his experience, from the ground floor of several startups to multinational companies, he will bring an entrepreneurial mindset and innovative approach to the Board for the next decade and beyond.” “As a proud Razorback, I’m honored to be appointed to the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees and have the opportunity to serve my alma mater and the entire University of Arkansas System,” Wilson added. “The UA System is foundational to the culture
and economics of the state of Arkansas and helping the University continue to grow this amazing legacy and its commitment to educational excellence is the honor of a lifetime. I thank Governor Hutchinson for the appointment.” The Governor added his appreciation to John Goodson for his service to the Board of Trustees. “I want to thank John for his decade of service to the UA System and his tenure as chair. He has left an indelible mark on the University of Arkansas, and I am grateful for his service.”
a total of 71,240 probable cases in the state as of April 8. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 331,098 cases with 323,797 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
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.
Arkansas Department of Health COVID-19 Update
Arkansas Department of Health
According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, there are
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Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office
A man wanted by Missouri law enforcement officers was shot and wounded by a Mountain Home police officer late yesterday (Tuesday, March 30th) after the suspect is said to have pointed a gun and fired at a bail bondsman. The incident occurred outside two Mountain Home businesses in the 800 block of U.S. Highway 62. Kevin Lee Donovan, 41, of Adrian, Missouri remains hospitalized in Springfield, Missouri and is reported to be in critical condition. Neither the Mountain Home police officer nor the bail bondsman were injured. Mountain Home police authorities have requested the Arkansas State Police to investigate the incident. Donovan was wanted in Missouri on charges of possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful use of a weapon. A bail bondsman had located Donovan in Mountain Home and called local police to assist him in taking Donovan into custody.
When the bondsman and police officer confronted Donovan about 7:30 PM outside a convenience store, Donovan brandished a gun and began to back away. As the standoff moved off the store parking lot, Donovan raised the gun and fired at the bondsman. The Mountain Home officer then fired, wounding Donovan. Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division will continue their work today questioning witnesses and submitting evidence to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory. An investigative case file will be prepared by state police special agents and turned-over to the Baxter County prosecuting attorney who will consider the findings to determine whether the officer’s use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas laws. Questions relating to the identity of the Mountain Home police officer or the administrative status of the officer should be directed to the Mountain Home Police Department.
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4 Sports
Thursday, April 8, 2021
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Coak Matthews to retire Taak earns GAC after 39 years at Henderson pitcher of the week David Salley HSU Sports
Henderson State’s Spencer Taack was named Great American Conference Pitcher of the Week on Monday. Taack, from Dallas, Texas, put together arguably the best start of his career on Saturday in the Reddies’ 3-2 win over Southern Arkansas. The junior right-hander went 6.2 innings, allowed just two runs on three hits, and struck out a career-high nine Mulerider batters to earn a no-decision. Taack’s efforts helped Henderson snap SAU’s nine-game winning streak. On the year, Taack boasts a 4.11 ERA in 35 innings pitched. He has a 4-1 rePhoto courtesy of HSUSports.com.
Coach Coak Matthews has been a part of the Reddie family for nearly four decades. He announced his retirement this week. David Salley HSU Sports
ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — After nearly four decades at the helm of Henderson State’s swimming and diving programs, head coach Coak Matthews has announced his retirement. Matthews will stay on staff at Henderson State in a part-time role as the Director of Aquatics and Operations. One of the most decorated coaches in Henderson State history, Matthews’ first season with the Red Wave came in 1982-83 and his coaching tenure has spanned 39 years. During his illustrious run as the front man for the men’s and women’s programs, Matthews led HSU to a remarkable 24 AIC and NSISC conference championships and was named conference coach of the year 15 times. “Coak Matthews has dedicated his professional life to the Henderson State swimming and diving programs, and has mentored thousands of student-athletes during his decorated career,” Director of Athletics Shawn Jones said. “His list of accolades and accomplishments is staggering, but as impressive as his results in the pool are, equally as important to his legacy is what an incredible mentor, role model and teacher he has been for his teams. His service to not just Henderson State, but to this community, is remarkable. I’m so thrilled that Coak is going to continue to assist the program and the new head coach in his part-time role as Director of Aquatics and Operations. I’m also happy for his family, which has played such a big part in his career, to get to enjoy some well-earned time together away from the rigors of competition. We look forward to celebrating coach Matthews and his hall of fame career in the fall during alumni weekend, when we are hopeful that many of the countless alumni he has coached can celebrate with us.” A certified master level coach by the College Swimming Coaches Association, Matthews has coached over 200 All-Americans, four individuals who won national championships and has led both the men’s and women’s programs at Henderson State to numerous Top10 national finishes at the NAIA and NCAA II levels of competition. Matthews, who was named the CSCAA National Diving Coach of the Year in 1990 and the NAIA National Men’s Swimming and Diving Coach of the Year in 1994, was inducted into the Arkansas Swimming Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Henderson State Athletic Hall of Honor
in 2003. “Who could have imagined in 1982 when I was put in contact with Mickey O’Quinn, the athletic director at Henderson State — a school I had never heard of — that almost 39 remarkable years later I would now be looking back with fond memories as I retire. It has been a wild and glorious ride. During my tenure, I’ve been blessed to work with so many wonderful people; from coaches, to seven different presidents and athletic directors, to our marvelous student-athletes. I’m very appreciative of Shawn Jones for his incredible leadership and support over the last seven years. I would also like to thank Shawn, along with Dr. Jim Borsig and Rita Fleming, for providing me the opportunity to continue serving in a part-time capacity as the Director of Aquatics and Operations. Prior to coming to Henderson, I had several different coaching opportunities in front of me, but after 39 years of being able to work for this university and in this community, I believe with all my heart that I made the right choice. I always recruited and coached as if the results depended on me and how hard I worked, but through prayer and His wisdom, Jesus blessed me with an amazing, successful career coaching our student-athletes in the pool. It was important to me that I taught them life lessons and helped prepare them to make a difference in the world once they left our campus. I pray these goals have been achieved for all the amazing young people who crossed paths with me. The biggest blessing of coming to Arkadelphia was meeting my wonderful, supportive wife, Mary, and raising our three beautiful children, who are all now Reddies, in this great place to call home. I am very grateful to The Lord Jesus for allowing me this incredible opportunity at ‘The School with a Heart.’” A 1973 graduate of Memorial High School in Houston, Texas and a 1977 graduate of the University of Arkansas, Matthews got his start as the head coach of the Houston Swim Club in 1978. After serving as the head coach of the Quail Valley Athletic Club from 1979-1982, Matthews came to Henderson State and has been a fixture in the athletic department ever since. Matthews’ positive impact on the program was felt almost instantly upon his arrival, as the Red Wave men won five AIC championships between 1983 and 1988. In 1989, Matthews restarted the women’s program at Henderson and from 1989
to 1997, the men’s team won nine-consecutive league titles, while the women won conference championships in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1998. The most recent titles for Matthews and HSU came as a member of the NSISC, which the men won in 2005 and the women clinched in 2012. Individually, Matthews coached Henderson State’s first ever diving All-American, Don Mixon, and the first swimming All-American, David Haynes. Under Matthews’ tutelage, Mixon earned All-American honors in the 1-meter and 3-meter events at the 1983 NAIA national championships and was an Honorable Mention All-American again in 1984. Haynes was named a First Team All-American in the pool in 1986, becoming the first individual in program history to earn First Team honors in both the 200-yard individual medley and 200yard breaststroke. Matthews also coached the two most decorated swimmers in program history, Bobby Cullen and Scott Hanshaw, who were both four-time NAIA All-Americans. Cullen and Hanshaw combined to win eight individual national championships from 1989-1992 and helped lead the Red Wave to the program’s highestever national ranking of No. 3 in 1991. Mixon, Cullen and Hanshaw are all in HSU’s Athletic Hall of Honor alongside Matthews. In the NCAA era, which began in 1993, Matthews was responsible for the program’s first two national champions when Emre Celik won the 200-yard backstroke in both 2005 and 2006, and Zach Interrante won the 100-yard butterfly title in 2010. The excellence in the pool for Henderson State during Matthews’ tenure is perhaps only overshadowed by its success in the classroom. Under his steady hand, the Red Wave men and women combined to earn nearly 100 CSCAA All-Academic Team awards and produce hundreds of Academic AllAmericans. An icon of the sport in the state of Arkansas, Matthews’ impact exceeded far beyond the walls of the Wells Natatorium. In addition to his work at HSU, Matthews served as the swim coach at Arkadelphia High School from 1983 to 2005, where he led the Lady Badgers to state titles in 1986 and 1987. While at Arkadelphia High, Matthews helped develop Lady Badger-great Nancy Duncan, who went on to be named a three-time NCAA All-American at the University of Arkansas and competed in the 1988 Olympic Trials in the 50-yard
freestyle. Outside of competition, Matthews has dedicated much of his time to advancing the sport of swimming in Arkadelphia and the surrounding community. Throughout his career, Matthews has taught and organized swimming lessons, summer All-Star clinics, and camps in Southwest Arkansas. Plans to celebrate Matthews have been set for alumni weekend on Oct. 2223 in the Garrison Center grand ballroom. Details on the event will be released at a later date. Those who would like to make a donation to the swimming and diving programs in honor of Matthews are encouraged to go to hsusports.com/donate and select “Coak Matthews Swim Scoreboard Fund.” All proceeds will go towards a new scoreboard in the Wells Natatorium that will be named in Matthews’ honor. “The scoreboard project is very near and dear to my heart,” Matthews said. “This is something that will really benefit the program. I am so honored and appreciative of the recognition it will include and I hope the alumni and friends of Red Wave swimming and diving will feel led to support this need as a way of celebrating the past, present and future of the Red Wave.” A national search for the next head coach of the Henderson State swimming and diving programs will begin immediately. Statement from Dr. Charles Welch, Arkansas State University System President and Former President of Henderson State University: “It’s hard to imagine Henderson athletics without the legendary Coak Matthews. His commitment to the Reddies through the years has been extraordinary, and he has positively impacted the lives of so many student-athletes over the past four decades. We appreciate his leadership in Henderson athletics, and his part-time role will be invaluable during the aquatics program transition.” Statement from Dr. Jim Borsig, Chancellor of Henderson State University: “Coak Matthews is an icon of Henderson State and a true Reddie legend. Coak’s well-earned legacy of excellence both in and out of the pool is a testament to his character and enduring commitment to the Red Wave and the university. We are so grateful for his nearly four decades of exemplary service and look forward to seeing him continue with us in his part-time role as the Director of Aquatics and Operations.”
cord in seven starts and has pitched five or more innings on five different occasions. Taack leads HSU with 34 strikeouts this season and has walked just nine batters. The Pitcher of the Week honor is the first of Taack’s career and the first for a Henderson State pitcher this spring. The Reddies have had a GAC weekly honoree in back-to-back weeks after Joe Myers was named the league’s Player of the Week last Monday. The Reddies return to action on Friday when they travel to Russellville, Arkansas to face Arkansas Tech at 6 p.m. in the first game of a three-game weekend series.
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