To speak .
INDEX Feature Opinion Events Obits Sports Arkadelphian
No. 17
Vol. 3
December 9, 2021
Bateman's battle Lance Brownfield
OCE Editor-In-Chief
Photo by Lance Brownfield
Still image from an upcoming documentary about the "Breaking Bad" case by Lance Brownfield.
After two years of legal troubles and his name cleared in court, Terry David Bateman sees a semi-certain future for himself and his family for the first time in a long time. The 47-year-old former HSU chemistry professor of 10 years with a Ph.D. in synthetic chemistry has found himself spending more time in antique shops than labs these days. "The first year I was on house arrest," said Bateman. "Couldn't leave the house. And after that, I was not allowed to leave the county. So it restricted where I could go, what I could do."
Bateman actually began antiquing before he was ever arrested, starting a business with his wife and former friend Bradley Rowland (who was also arrested alongside Bateman.) According to Bateman, the relationship between Rowland and Bateman soured about a year before the chemical spill occurred in an HSU lab that Rowland used to teach in that led to their arrest for the manufacturing of methamphetamine. When Rowland came to Henderson, Bateman was part of the committee to hire him in 2014. The two did not have that much to do with each other the first year. He had issues with faculty evaluations and getting along with other faculty members. Bateman was unofficially made a mentor to Rowland and helped him to adjust to life in Arkadelphia, where he had no family or friends. "Really until about a year, or so, before we were arrested," Bateman said. "We were pretty good friends. We had a falling out. He'd had, what I felt, was an improper relationship with a student. He acknowledged that and broke that off. Then shortly thereafter engaged in another relationship with an underage student that we had a major falling out over and never really recovered from." As several former students testified last month, on the
night of the spill, Oct. 8, 2019, a strong chemical odor filled the third floor of the Donald W. Reynolds Science Center, making several people sick. Bateman was getting ready for bed when his son Jason received a Snapchat from a friend and fellow chemistry major reporting the smell coming from a lab. Smells coming from labs are not that uncommon. When Bateman arrived, Rowland was already there. He'd put activated charcoal down to absorb the chemical, which is standard protocol for most spills. Rowland claimed to have everything under control, so Bateman went home unaware that the spill was far more dangerous than what usually takes place in an average university classroom. "That was all I knew about that spill until our trial when Brad testified in court that he'd been making benzyl cyanide in the lab," Bateman said. "I'd never heard that version of events. I was never asked a single question by university police. At my trial, the prosecutor said that I refused to talk to university police, but the university police never said that. It's never in any transcript. That was a complete fabrication on the part of the prosecuting attorney." Bateman retains that he did speak with Norman Kemper with the Arkansas State Crime Lab but that he
was never interrogated by any agency like Rowland was. "It was made very clear to me early on," Bateman said. "That the prosecutor was not in a hurry to try the case." After less than an hour of deliberation, the jury found Bateman not guilty on all counts. Little Rock attorney Bill Jame s re p re se nte d Bateman in the two-day trial. He believes that his former friendship with Rowland may have been the reason that he was suspected to be involved but that there may have been more behind the motivations of the then-new prosecuting attorney Dan Turner. "First and foremost, I was innocent," said Bateman. "And the prosecution, the case that they put forward, was based largely on another person's testimony that had admittedly lied on numerous occasions. The last version of events that he eventually told in court, he'd never told anyone until the Tuesday before court. So I think that the jury saw the case in its entirety and felt that I was innocent." Chief of University Police Johnnie Campbell, Rowland's lawyer Clint Mathis and Prosecuting Attorney Dan Turner have no comment while Sheriff Jason Watson and then Interim Henderson President Elaine Kneebone have not responded to attempts at contact.
and Visqueen keep the heat from escaping too quickly. Because the supplies that HSCC uses weather easily, the shelter usually needs donations of these materials often. “We always love to have hay donated. We have plenty now but as the month ends we’ll probably need some more,” said Allen, “Donations of tarps are also important because they deteriorate over time and we have to replace them periodically.” But winter brings more than just the cold, it can also bring a change in the types of volunteers the shelter sees. Allen points out that HSCC receives a lot of volunteering from local students, but when these students leave town for winter break, the amount of people volunteering can drop. “During the break, we really depend on the locals who are out of school or have teenagers who are out of school.” HSCC has also set up donation trees to help get the animals during the holiday season. In town, places like Adorn Boutique, Hardman Interiors, The Farmhouse, and Caddo Valley Flea Market have all set up the HSCC’s donation trees inside their business. The trees are decorated with ornaments that each detail a donation the shelter needs, like dog and cat chow. Speaking of the
donation trees, Allen said “We’ve had a really good response from the community, we’ve had a lot of businesses that have requested to have a tree.” The shelter also offers wreaths and mini Christmas trees so smaller businesses can join in. It’s not just businesses that can pitch in to help during the winter. Community members can help out by fostering animals from the shelter. Allen mentions that fostering during the cold months is ideal for the shelter “It gets the dog in the household where it's warm. Most of these dogs have not been in inside environments, and fostering can also help them learn manners by being indoors with a
family.” Allen stresses the importance of taking care of animals when the weather begins to chill; not just at the shelter, but in community members' homes as well. “I would like to encourage people to have a practical approach to taking care of their animals,” she said. “If your dog has to stay outside, add hay in their pins, and if you can’t get hay come see me, and I can make that arrangement.” Allen also points out the value of making sure your pets have fresh water. “Water freezes in the wintertime, so it's best to go out everyday with a fresh bowl of water.”
Prepping for the pups Emberlynn Pendergraft
Contributing Reporter
Many people are starting to tackle the negative effects of winter as frigid weather begins to settle in, but people aren’t the only ones having to deal with the cold. Animals from the Humane Society of Clark County (HSCC) are starting to feel the effects too. Every year, HSCC prepares their animals for the cold by winterizing the shelter. One way they winterize is by adding hay to the inside of the dog pins and throughout the yard to keep the dogs off the ground when it freezes. “Hay inside the dogs' houses will give them a little bit of warmth and put something between them and the cold plastic,” said HSCC’s president Jamie Allen. “I like to put extra hay on the ground because the ground freezes and conducts chill, and keeping a good layer of hay helps with that.” It doesn’t stop with hay though. HSCC goes through a hefty number of tarps and Visqueen every winter to try and keep the dogs warm. “What we do is we try to wrap the cages in the Visqueen and tarps, and the only spot we leave open would be the door. That creates a greenhouse effect. The sun will shine in the morning and warm up the insides of the pins,” said Allen. After the pins warm up, the plastic tarps
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Photo by Emberlynn Pendergraft
The Humane Society of clark County is located at 627 Walnut Street in Arkadelphia.
Merry Grinchmas from ArkaWHOville
Photo by Kolby Reck
Arkadelphia Fire Department rides through town with jolly dancers aboard. Kolby Reck Contributing Reporter
After taking a year off due to Covid-19, the streets of downtown Arkadelphia were filled for the annual Christmas parade on Dec. 2. The event was held on Main street from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Joy was in the air as the community gathered to celebrate the festivities that the month of December brings. The parade brought out the Arkadelphia High School Marching Band, the high school cheerleaders, and Christmas floats full of jolly children. Anyone was allowed to sign up to ride in the parade whether it was on a float or vehicles decked out with Christmas
spirit. Joining the fun were also locals riding on ATVs and side-by-sides. Police officers and the fire department joined in on the fun as well, along with local churches and the high school JROTC program. To top the festivities off, local pageant winners showed off their crowns as they cruised through the parade. This year marked yet another successful Christmas parade for the City of Arkadelphia. If you missed out on this year's event, you had a second chance to catch Santa Clause before Christmas at the meet and greet with Santa on Dec. 6 from 4:30 to 7:30 in the evening at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Arkadelphia.
The festival of lights Emberlynn Pendergraft
Contributing Reporter
With the holiday season now in full swing, Hanukkah has officially come and gone once again. The festival began Sunday, Nov. 28, and was celebrated for eight days -ending Monday, Dec. 6. However, while Hanukkah is widely celebrated in other parts of the country, Hanukkah is a lesser-known holiday in Arkansas. In fact, according to the Jewish Virtual Library, only about 0.1% of the state’s population is Jewish. There are only a handful of substantial congregations in Arkansas and even fewer public Hanukkah celebrations throughout the state. Though they are few and far between, Jewish communities across the state persevere and continue to hold public menorah lightings in celebration. The state’s biggest menorah is currently located in Little Rock, and it was used for the Lubavitch of Arkansas’ annual public Hanukkah Celebration. State officials like Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin, and Mayor Frank Scott were all in attendance and the
director of Lubavitch of Arkansas, Rabbi Pinchus Ciment. Hot Springs also saw a small Hanukkah Celebration, including the lighting of the city’s largest menorah with Mayor Pat McCabe on Monday, Nov. 29, to celebrate the festival’s second night. Both events also included other Hanukkah traditions, such as the serving of latkes and doughnuts (fried foods used to commemorate the miracle of the cruse of oil) and the gifting of Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins given to children in celebration). While Hanukkah may not be the most widely celebrated holiday in Arkansas, it continues to bring light and fellowship to Jewish communities across the state. “We have been a small number throughout the ages, even here in Arkansas,” said Ciment to Fox 16 KLRT, “but we have always committed ourselves to helping grow and develop the betterment of our community.” For more information, visit https://www. conghouseofisrael.org (Hot Springs) or https:// www.arjewishcenter.com/ (Little Rock).
Info from Weather.com
FRI - Dec. 10 thunderstorms
SAT - Dec. 11 rain
SUN - Dec. 12 sunny
MON - Dec. 13 sunny
TUE - Dec. 14 mostly sunny
WED - Dec. 15 partly cloudy
THU - Dec. 16 partly cloudy
78o 54
59o 31
56o 27
60o 31
65o 40
69o 44
72o 49
Precipitation: 66% Wind: SSW 12 mph Humidity: 86%
Precipitation: 64% Wind: NW 10 mph Humidity: 70%
Precipitation: 6% Wind: WSW 5 mph Humidity 48%
Precipitation: 5% Wind: SSE 6 mph Humidity: 58%
Precipitation: 7% Wind: SSE 6 mph Humidity: 58%
Precipitation: 7% Wind: S 8 mph Humidity: 70%
Precipitation: 24% Wind: SSW 9 mph Humidty: 75%
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2 News
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Reddie Radar: The Dentonweaver
J.T. Dickens Contributing Reporter
After countless years of waiting and plenty of memes about it never coming out, Youtuber Nate Burr, also known by his channel name NateIsLame, has finally released the album that he’s said he’s been working on since high school. This album has a vibe to it, and it manages to sell that vibe to its listeners very well. It’s chock full of teenage angst, a little bit of property damage, and just running around at night with good friends. The title track also
Now that the holiday season is over, as far as video game releases go, most video game producers are getting ready to showcase their new titles in 2022. So far, next year is looking promising, with both original games and long-awaited sequels coming out. Here are five games to look forward to within the next year. A truly open-world "Pokémon" title had been a dream for most fans since the franchise's inception in the 90s. "Pokémon Legends: Arceus" is that dream coming true and is set to release Jan. 28, 2022, for the Nintendo Switch. Players will be able to traverse a "Breath of the Wild" style world, and uncover the story of the "Pokémon" world that predates any of the previous games in the timeline. "Saints Row" is a series
features Nate talking about the band name and its origin. While the album does feature what I would call a ukulelefolk sound, the album features some synths as well like on the track “Mt. Hekla,” which depicts a teenage romance complete with the typical melodrama and angst that comes with being a teenager. However, I feel that the best track on this whole thing is “Sofarinrunning.” While this one has been out the longest out of any Raccoon Tour related thing, the version featured on this album really shows how far the project has come
now that it’s been fully realized. The ukulele and group vocals bring more emotion to the lyrics, and although I don’t bring up mixing in these reviews, the mix feels so much better than previous releases of this track. Overall, if you’re looking for an album to listen to while walking around the neighborhood in Halloween masks with baseball bats or just driving around with old friends you haven't seen in a while, this is definitely one to check out. I can’t wait to see where this group goes from here.
known for guns, shenanigans and things that can’t be talked about in the newspaper. Deep Silver has decided to completely reboot the franchise after a nine-yearlong hiatus with "Saints Row (2022)." Based on the trailer released it looks to be a completely different game, stylistically, compared to previous entries. It will be available for purchase on all modern platforms, excluding the Switch, on Aug. 23, 2022. Gaming giant, Bethesda, has not released a new, original franchise in over 20 years. That will all change with the release of "Starfield" on Nov. 11, 2022, exclusive to Xbox Series X/S and PC. It looks to be similar to their other franchises, "The Elder Scrolls" and "Fallout," but this time set completely in space. It will be exciting to see what will make this game stand out compared to its predecessors. "Kerbal Space Program 2"
is the longawaited sequel to the original space simulator that was released a whole 11 years before this upcoming title. The whole game is set around learning how to build spaceships and then using them to traverse the solar system. The new title will add even more customization and space to explore. The release date has not been announced yet, but it will blast into orbit sometime next year. "The Legend of Zelda: Breath" is practically the example of what a modern open-world role-playing game should aspire to be. It has always been known that a sequel was in the works, but we officially know that it is coming in 2022. Players are anticipating getting another story-filled "Zelda" title that will unveil even more history of Hyrule. The game will be released exclusively to the Nintendo Switch. Check back for reviews of these titles and more.
"Arctic Arkansas" Emberlynn Pendergraft
Contributing Reporter
“Arctic Arkansas” is what KFSM in Fort Smith is calling this winter season. The United States is experiencing another La Niña winter. This is unique because since 1950 it has only happened four other times. In most cases, La Niña lasts only a year at a time. Considering this has happened before, meteorologists can compare the weather from those years to determine what our winter season is likely to look like. A La Niña winter is when the sea surface temperature of the Eastern Pacific is cooler than normal. This causes wet and cooler weather in the northern states and dryer and warmer weather in the southern states. The opposite of this is called El Niño, where the southern states are wet and cooler. This holiday season, the afternoon high will have an average of between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. While there may be 20 percent of days lower than
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image: Freepik.com
Fall Events
Art by Lance Brownfield
Grab your controllers Brett Thompson Contributing Reporter
normal, there will be more before leaving to and from warmer days than cold. your destinations. Watch However, there will still the weather forecast and be a handful of below c h e c k i d r i v e a r k a n s a s freezing temperatures that because no one wants to should only last a few get caught in an ice storm days. or tornado. Snow is more difficult to predict, considering the amount of snow Arkansas received last year. Last season, the state was covered in snow. This is not likely to happen again. The average snowfall for the state is between five and seven inches, and during La Niña winters, we have received snow 60 percent of the time. Most often, the natural state sees two to four days of freezing rain during this time; the most ice storms have been during La Niña winters. This means there is a higher chance for icy roads leading to worrisome driving conditions. Considering Arkansas will be seeing a warmer winter with more wind, there is also a good chance for tornadoes. Photo by Emily Henderson While you may need La Niña is a weather pheyour puffy winter coat only a few times, it is nomenon that occurs once vital to check the weather every two to seven years.
Dec. 9 Arkadelphia Downtown Network & Southwest Auto Collection's Movie Downtown. The feature film for the evening will be "The Grinch." First National Title will provide chocolate fixings.
Dec. 9 - 10 Legislative Reception/ Overnight Stay in Little Rock
Dec. 20 - Dec. 23 The Farmhouse Special Event hosts Cookies for Santa. Located at 636 Main St. Arkadelphia, AR
Dec. 28 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EDCCC Public Board Meetings. Please call 870-246-1460 for location.
Recurring Friday Night Magic The Gathering - Atlas Gaming ♦♦♦ 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 870-4033001. 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 870-2609277. ♦♦♦ 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.
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Thursday, December 9, 2021
Obituaries
Sheri Elaine Moore 6/12/55 - 10/26/21
Sheri Elaine Moore, age 66, of Arkadelphia passed away October 26, 2021. She was born June 12, 1955, to Carroll D. Thomason and Emma Nell Voss Thomason in Arkadelphia. Sheri is preceded in death by her father; and her husband, James Larry Moore. Sheri never met a
Doris F. (Scantlen) Mohlenhoff 2/16/42 - 11/27/21
Doris F. Mohlenhoff, age 79, of Arkadelphia, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 27, 2021. She was born
Carl Erskine Quarles, Sr. 1/28/58 - 11/27/21
Carl Erskine Quarles, Sr. was born January 28, 1958 in Dalark, Arkansas. His mother Bennie Jean Quarles taught her sons the value of hard work. He accepted Christ at a young age and was a lifelong member of Mt. Olive AME Church. He graduated from Sparkman High School in 1976. Carl married his wife of 41 years, Gearnis Harris on February 22, 1980. His
Charles Ray Summerford 7/25/38 - 12/4/21
C h a r l e s R a y Summerford, age 83, of DeGray, passed from this life on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at his home. He was born July 25, 1938, in Persons Bridge, AR, the son of the late Benjamin Franklin and Novie Robertson Summerford.
February 16, 1942, to the late Dan Murry Scantlen and Edith Muriel Carrall Scantlen in Princeton, Texas. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Theodore Mohlenhoff, Jr.; daughter, Cheryl Mohlenhoff; and sister, Elvina Heavener. Never meeting a stranger, Doris, loved working in retail, Big Lots and Burger King, so she could be around people. Bowling was another way Doris was able to spend time with friends. She and Theodore were both active members in the Deaf Club
stranger and loved everyone. She had a green thumb and was very artistic. Sheri is survived by her mother; sons, Jonathan Arndt of Hot Springs, and Jeremy Edwin Arndt (Jennifer) of Arkadelphia; brother, David K. Thomason (Patricia) of Friendship; sister, Marilyn Thomason Morrison (Donald) of Bismarck; four grandchildren; and
many friends. Graveside service will be 9:00 AM, Monday, December 6, 2021, at Oak bower Cemetery. Arrangements by the direction of RugglesWilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sheri Elaine Moore, please visit our floral store.
in Little Rock. Doris was Sr. Mrs. Caddo River in Pike County and Valentine Queen at Twin Rivers Healthcare and Rehab in Arkadelphia. Survivors include one son, Richard Mohlenhoff and wife, Connie of Kirby, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Stefani Tucker and husband, Darren of Dierks, Arkansas, Jessica Franks and husband, Dexter of Glenwood, Arkansas, and Cassie Elizondo of Glenwood, Arkansas; and four great-grandchildren, Adrian, Liliana, Jocelyn,
and Issac. The family would like to extend special thanks and gratitude to Twin Rivers Healthcare for their excellent care. Graveside service will be 2:00 PM, Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Arkadelphia. The Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay St., Arkadelphia, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www. ruggleswilcox.com.
proudest moments were the births of CJ and Sheri. Being taught the value of hard work, Carl worked at Brickyard, HG Tolen, and Anthony Timberlands. He retired from Anthony Timberlands on February 28, 2020, after twenty years of dedicated service to the company. Carl enjoyed fishing, dancing, working on cars, and had a love for lottery scratch off tickets. Carl was a caring and giving man who always made himself available. Being a family man, Carl mostly enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandkids. Most often he could be found with his legs crossed sitting in his favorite spot in the yard. He was a motivator and encourager. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bennie Jean
Quarles (June 10, 1926 - May 17, 2011); his brothers, Larry Quarles and Stanley Dean “Jim” Quarles (June 08, 1947 - July 27, 2019). He leaves his beautiful wife, Gearnis; his children, Carl Erksine Quarles, Jr. and Sheri Nicole Quarles; four adorable grandchildren, Trey, Paris, Kaillah, and Karlie; two brothers, Robert Starks (Flora) of St. Louis, MO, Kenneth Quarles (Oleather) of Dalark, AR, and Ronald Quarles of Dalark, AR. He also leaves his aunt Shevie Quarles, bothers and sisters-in-law, Michael Brim, Sandra (Dennis) Johnson, Charlotte Quarles, Bertha (John Thomas) McGhee, Yvonne (Kendrick) Nolen, and Carol Faye Harris; special friends Herbert (Lanita) Beard, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous other friends.
His loving memory will live on in their hearts. A service of celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Mt. Olive AME Church in Dalark where Rev. TheResa Ngantchie is the pastor and Rev. Linda Butler will render the eulogy. The interment will be at Piney Grove Cemetery. Public viewing will be Friday, December 3, 3021 from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be Brandon Johnson, Joseph Newborn, Chris Harris Kendall Quarles, Nicholas Quarles, Rodney Brown and Keyon Starks. Honorable to mention are Dennis Johnson, Felix Newburn, Kendrick Nolan, Michael Brim and Billy Newborn.
Charles was a 1956 graduate of Star City High School. He received his BSCE from the University of Arkansas in January of 1960 and his MSCE from Mississippi State in January of 1969. Charles was the President of Summerford Engineering, Inc. in Arkadelphia. He was a member of Third Street Baptist Church. Charles enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free time. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Ginger Kay Summerford, one brother and sister in law, James and Nancy Summerford. Charles is survived by his wife of fifty-
nine years, Martha Richenback Summerford of Arkadelphia, one son, Thomas Ray Summerford of Arkadelphia, one daughter, Amy Jo Williams (Andy) of Arkadelphia, and one granddaughter, Alexis Margaret Summerford of Arkadelphia. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, December 9, 2021, at Third Street Baptist Church with Bro. Greg Lathem officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until service time at the church. Interment will be in DeGray Cemetery. Pallbearers are Harley
Hillary, Bill Wright, Andy Stricklin, Mike Miley, Charlie Williams and Irwin Seale. Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Mack Holloway, Crandall Duncan, Joey Smith, David Holcomb, Jason Jackson and Keith Daniels. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society of Arkansas, P.O. Box 16328, Little Rock, AR 72231. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www. welchfh.net to sign the guest book.
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
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HOW TO REACH YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Arkadelphia Mayor Scott Byrd 700 Clay Street Arkadelphia, AR 71923 (870) 246-6745 Arkadelphia Treasurer Shacresha Wilson (870) 246-9864 shacresha.wilson@ arkadelphia.gov Prosecuting Attorney Dan Turner 414 Court Street Arkadelphia, AR 71923 (870) 246-9868 dan.turner@ClarkAR.us Clark County Judge Troy Tucker 401 Clay Street Arkadelphia, AR 71923 (870) 246-5847 Clark County Sheriff Jason Watson 406 South 5th Street Arkadelphia, AR 71923 (870) 246-8859 Governor Asa Hutchinson 250 State Capital Bldg. Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 682-2345
Attorney General Leslie Rutledge 323 Center Street, Suite 200 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 682-2007 State Senator Alan Clark P.O. Box 211 Lonsdale, AR 72087 (501) 844-6800 Congressman Bruce Westerman 130 Cannon House Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-3772 U.S. Senator Tom Cotton B33 Russell Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-3772 U.S. Senator John Boozman 1 Russell Courtyard Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-4843
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4 Sports
7-4A Football Conference Standings Week 15
1. Robinson 13-1
2. Arkadelphia 10-4
3. Ashdown 9-3
4. Malvern 6-6
Thursday, December 9, 2021
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Badgers get busted in semifinals Aaron Weatherford Contributing Reporter
One win away from the state title game, the Arkadelphia Badgers could taste the smell of a championship appearance. Shiloh Christian, however, had other plans. Last Friday's semifinal game, now almost a week old, has come to be considered one of the most high scoring high school football games in Arkansas High School Football history. If Arkadelphia scored, Shiloh Christian would score. Then if Shiloh Christian scored, Arkadelphia would score. It was a back and forth battle all night until the final horn. Quarterback Donovan Whitten and Jaishon Davis would both have a pair of touchdowns when halftime arrived. A late second quarter pick-six by the Badgers gave them a 35-28 lead at halftime. The offensive firepower from both teams continued in the second half. Davis
would, unfortunately, suffer an injury during the third quarter and would not return. Whitten then put the team on his back, scoring the Badgers’ last three touchdowns in the game. Shiloh Christian got the ball with two minutes to go in the game, and two plays later, the Saints punched it into the endzone, giving them a 57-54 lead. This would prove to be the final blow that was just too much for Arkadelphia, as the Badgers turned the ball over on fourth down with just under a minute to go. Arkadelphia would fall 5754 in an amazing semifinal game. The Badgers end their season at (10-4) overall and Photo by Donovan Lee earn a second-place finish in the 4A-7 conference. Their Quarterback Donovan Whitten hands the ball off to running back Jaishon Davis while playing only conference loss was against the Bauxite Miners. to Joe T. Robinson, who will be playing in the state championship Saturday night. It was a great season for a team that wasn’t expected to go as far as they did.
5. Fountain Lake 5-6
6. Nashville 4-6 Photo courtesy of Shawna Childs
Senior linebacker Landon Kuhn celebrates on the sideline after a big play against Clinton in the first round of the playoffs.
7. Haskell Harmony Grove 2-7
8. Bauxite 2-8 Photo by Aaron Weatherford
Badger offensive lineman works on his foot and hand work at practice before the 2021 season.
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www.arkadelphian.com
Fish Net owner dies in rollover accident Joel Phelps The Arkadelphian
The owner of a staple Caddo Valley eatery was killed Thursday evening in a one-vehicle rollover accident. Ronald Joe “Ronnie” O’Keefe, 72, died at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, on Small Dike Road in Hot Spring County. Ronnie O’Keefe was
known statewide for his catfish restaurant, Fish Net. Courtesy photo/ Arkadelphia Life According to a fatal crash summary filed by the Arkansas State Police, O’Keefe was traveling northbound in a 2021 Toyota and crossed the southbound lane, then reentered the roadway and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle “rolled
several times” before coming to a final rest in the southbound lane, ejecting O’Keefe from the vehicle in the process. O’Keefe was pronounced dead at the scene by Hot Spring County Coroner Jason Chenault. Weather and road conditions were clear and dry, respectively, according to Trooper Don Moreland. O’Keefe’s body was transported to the Hot
Spring County Coroner’s Office. O’Keefe’s Fish Net restaurant, located at the junction of Highway 7 and 283, is a popular eatery. The restaurant was under O’Keefe’s ownership for more than 35 years. He was profiled in the 2021 Arkadelphia Life magazine and relocation guide. Longtime friend Vickie
Egleston, who co-owns Iron Mountain Marina with her husband David, called O’Keefe a “wonderful businessman” who was devoted to his community. The Eglestons became friends with the O’Keefes when Fish Net opened, and their children grew up together, Vickie said. “He put his heart into everything he did,” she said. “He was a friend,
someone that would help anybody anyway he could.” O’Keefe was a supporter of all activities associated with DeGray Lake, from Keep DeGray Lake Beautiful to the annual Fourth of July Fireworks show. Vickie likened O’Keefe’s death to losing a relative. “You become friends with someone, and friends become family,” she said.
incurred. Another resolution is a follow-up to a Sept. 7 board action to approve 1.5 acres in the Clark County Industrial Park for a water utilities operating facility. The $10,000 purchase from the Clark County Industrial Council requires a city board resolution as part of title insurance company requirements. A similar resolution will be on the table for the $350,000 purchase of 801 Main St., which the city plans to convert into a facility housing the Arkadelphia Police Department. Next, Assistant Mayor Roland Gosey will update
fellow directors on the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park. Directors are expected to hear monthly updates on that project. A memo from City Manager Gary Brinkley has notified directors that bids will be opened on the morning of Dec. 7 for a Feaster Trail sidewalk rehabilitation project near Baptist Health Medical Center. Brinkley and Treasurer Shacresha Wilson will then present directors with a proposed budget for 2022. Directors are then expected to convene in executive session to
discuss the city manager’s performance; that portion of the meeting will be held privately among board directors. Following the executive session, directors will reconvene in public to consider any actions taken during their private meeting. While the meetings are open to the public, city officials encourage the public to practice social distancing by viewing the meeting on Suddenlink Channel 9 or via the livestream.
Divorces filed City board to hear 2022 budget in November proposal, hold executive session Joel Phelps The Arkadelphian
Joel Phelps The Arkadelphian
The Arkadelphia Board The following divorces, filed in November, were of Directors awaits a full obtained from the Clark County Circuit Clerk’s Office. agenda when it meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, in the Town Hall Boardroom. Lisa Hardage-Wade vs. Doyle Wade. Filed Nov. 8. The first item of new business is a resolution that would authorize the city to Judy Anderson vs. Robert Anderson. Filed Nov. 10. enter into a grant agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration to accept Audra Smith vs. Jeremy Smith. Filed Nov. 18. operating funds at Dexter B. Florence Memorial Field through the Airport Rescue Sherry Hughes vs. Richard Green Jr. Filed Nov. 22. Grant Act. The resolution states the grant is valued at Tamala Luebbers vs. Howard Staggs Jr. Filed Nov. 24. $32,000 from federal funds for operational expenses