Oracle CE - February 18, 2021

Vol. 1

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ACLE No. 4

Feb. 18, 2021

Senior recitals at OBU Claire Phillips Ouachita Baptist University

Photo courtesy of Pete Tubbs, Editor in Chief.

Zachary Wentworth, graduate assistant for fraternity and sorority life at HSU (left) and Nicholas Robertson, graduate assistant for the school of business at HSU relaxed in the snow this week while following safety guidelines.

Surviving the elements: how to have fun and be safe with snow Lance Brownfield Dispatch Staff This past week, Arkadelphia and surrounding areas have been hit with some of the most intense snow on record.

Heights of over one foot have been recorded, and people everywhere have been awestruck with the sheer volume of white powder.

While the snow will soon be gone, there is certainly fun to be had. Here are some tips for braving the weather this week and in years to come.

1. Eat regularly

It seems like an obvious one, but it’s still worth mentioning.

Eating food not only gives you enough energy to make it through a harsh winter storm, it also produces its own heat. As our metabolism burns calories, it creates body heat and keeps you warm. Not to mention, foods like chili and chicken noodle soup can help to keep

your temperature up and raise your spirits as well.

2. Preparedness Kit

If you must drive somewhere while the roads are still bad, the Red Cross suggests putting together an emergency preparedness kit that includes a cell phone with portable charger, personal hygiene items and extra cash. You should avoid going out if at all possible, but if you must leave your home, you should carry one of these kits with you. Plan to have a three day supply of food and water for everyone in your party.

3. Drip, drip, drip

To prevent your pipes from freezing and busting, leave your faucets dripping. The flow of water, even if it is a trickle, will help to keep the pipes from freezing. Additionally, you can open your kitchen and bath-

room cabinets to allow warmer air around the pipes in these rooms. If you have to thaw a pipe, you can use a blowdryer, an electric heating pad, a warm wash rag or a space heater. Do not use any open flame to heat a pipe, such as a blowtorch or propane heater.

4. Dress in layers

You may be tempted to just reach for a heavy coat or sweater if you start to feel cold, but it is actually best in subzero temperatures to dress in multiple layers that you can easily take off or maneuver in. If you wear a thick sweater, you may start to sweat and this is not good in temperatures below freezing, as you may develop a fever. Start with a well-fitting base layer that wicks away moisture. Wool and polyester are both common materials for a good base layer.

The middle layer should be insulating. Depending on how

much activity you plan to do, either heavyweight fleece or a down puffer jacket are good options. For the outer layer, you’ll want something to protect you from the elements and something that breathes. Any waterproof shell should do the trick, just know that there is a difference between waterproof and water resistant.

5. 55° and above

If you plan to leave your house for an extended period of time during the winter weather, it’s best to set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent pipes from busting and help to ensure your house is in the same condition as when you left it.

Be on the lookout for more weather coverage plus slideshows and videos of different winter activities from across Arkadelphia on hsuoracle. com. If you have any awesome weather photos, send them in to oracle@hsu.edu

Veteran police officer Chuck Lewis run off interstate after cruiser struck Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office

An Arkansas State Trooper narrowly escaped serious injury this morning when the trailer of a commercial carrier jackknifed and struck the rear of an Arkansas State Police patrol car with a trooper inside the vehicle. The incident occurred about 9 AM along Interstate 40 west of Lonoke.

Using his patrol car emergency blue lights, Sergeant Chuck Lewis, a 25year state police veteran, was attempting to warn westbound I-40 motorists of congested traffic ahead of his location. A vehicle crash with no injuries had begun to slow traffic 200 yards ahead of Sergeant Lewis, but traffic approaching the area was moving at speeds in excess of 50 to 60 miles per hour across ice covered traffic lanes.

Joe A. Barbosa, 54, of San Antonio, Texas, the driver of a tractor-trailer truck approaching the area, lost control of his vehicle as he began to brake, causing the trailer to jackknife and impact the rear of the patrol car occupied by Sergeant Lewis. The state police patrol car was spun into a tree line north of the interstate.

Barbosa regained control

Ouachita Baptist University will host Danielle Hall and Elizabeth Ring in their senior musical theatre recitals on Friday, Feb. 26, at 11 a.m. Due to COVID-19 physical distancing guidelines, the recitals will be livestreamed for the public at livestream.com/obu, and there is limited seating for Ouachita students, faculty and staff in McBeth Recital Hall.

Hall is a senior musical theatre major from Prairie Grove, Ark. She is a state National Association of the Teachers of Singing (NATS) semifinalist, has participated in the Opera in Concert Italy Program and is a member of Ouachita Singers, Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society and Chi Mu women’s social club.

She also has performed in Ouachita’s productions of Junie B. Jones The Musical as Jean Piper and Hay Fever as Judith Bliss, and she will play Anne Steele in Ouachita’s upcoming spring musical, Sense & Sensibility.

Hall is a student of Dr. Maggie Garrett, associate professor of music, and Stephanie Murry, assistant professor of theatre arts.

“It really has been a coming together of everything that we’ve learned the past four years,” Hall said in reference to the recital.

“There’s so much more that I know about music and performing now, and I think that gets to be shown off in this recital. I think it will be a fun journey that the audience gets to take with us.”

Ring is a senior musical theatre major from Cabot, Ark. She is a state NATS semifinalist, a participant of the Opera in Concert Italy Program and a member of Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society and Tri Chi women’s social club, where she has served as a song leader. She also has performed in Ouachita’s

Photo courtesy of Ouachita Baptist University.

Danielle Hall (left) and Elizabeth Ring (right) will perform their senior recitals next Friday at OBU.

Marking a centinnial with Baptist Health Brandon Riddle Comm. Specialist Baptist Health

Photo courtesy of Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office.

Police veteran of 25 years, Chuck Lewis’ police cruiser was struck in the back by another vehicle on I-40.

of the truck and trailer and left the scene of the crash, but was later apprehended in the North Little Rock area where he was charged with careless and prohibited driving and leaving the scene of a property damage crash. Barbosa was released and was given a Lonoke County court date to answer the charges.

Sergeant Lewis did not sustain any serious injuries.

Barbosa was not injured.

The first crash that occurred shortly before 9 AM, along with the crash involving Sergeant Lewis began to cause multiple crashes in a slow chain reaction stretching east of the first crash scene by more than 30 miles.

State Troopers are reminding motorists to significantly reduce their vehicle speed while driving during the current weather conditions, double or triple the

usual safe distance when following another vehicle, and use gentle repetitive brake control to slow their vehicle should an emergency stop become necessary. If you are involved in a property damage crash, if possible, move your vehicle off the highway and if it becomes necessary to exit the vehicle stay as far away from the roadway as practical.

production of Auferstehungshistorie: Historia der Auferstehung Jesu Christi as Mary Magdalene and in the ensembles of Junie B. Jones The Musical and Oklahoma!. Ring also is a student of Dr. Garrett and Professor Murry.

“My theatre teachers have helped me to grow and have been so supportive throughout my college experience,” said Ring. “I am hoping the audience leaves our performance with a little more joy in their life!”

Hall and Ring will begin their recital with a joint performance of Tom Higgenson’s “BFF” from SpongeBob Squarepants: The Broadway Musical. Next, Ring will perform Joe Iconis’ “Blue Hair” from The Black Suits, followed by a performance from Hall of Alan Menken’s “Wind in My Hair” from Tangled: Before Ever After with assistance from Payton Mixon. Hall then will perform Frank Wildhorn’s “Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad” from Bonnie and Clyde and Frederick Loewe’s “Show Me” from My Fair Lady.

Next, Ring will perform Richard Rodgers’ “Impossible” from Cinderella with assistance from Sara Kate Cole, followed by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” from Phantom of the Opera. Hall will then perform Jeff Richmond’s “It Roars” from Mean Girls: The Musical, and Hall and Ring will conclude the recital together with a performance of Stephen Schwartz’s “For Good” from Wicked.

Mixon is a junior musical theatre major from New Caney, Texas, and Cole is a sophomore musical theatre major from Fort Smith, Ark. Elizabeth Dawson, a senior musical theatre major from Little Rock, Ark., is serving as Hall and Ring’s choreographer, and Kristen La Madrid, Ouachita staff accompanist, will accompany them on piano.

Today, Baptist Health officially celebrates 100 years of operation since it began serving its first patients in a small wood-frame building in downtown Little Rock.

The raising of new flags this morning at hospital campuses within the system marked the occasion a century after Baptist State Hospital, which grew into the Baptist Health system, became a legal entity on Feb. 16, 1921.

The event also kicked off a year-long commemoration that, out of concern for health and safety amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, will initially be conducted virtually through social media and via a special website section.

“When the Arkansas Baptist State Convention incorporated Baptist State Hospital in 1921, it made a commitment to provide quality, faith-based care that continues today,” said Troy Wells, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “Through 100 years, we have stayed true to that original mission and remain committed to delivering on that promise into the next 100 years.”

“Our 100-year anniversary represents a century of responding to health needs with Christian compassion and personal concern. The story of Baptist Health is the story of people working to advance quality health care for the communities we serve, overcoming challenges to achieve significant developments in health care and being there for every

single patient who needs us.”

Baptist Health plans to host public and employee events to celebrate its 100th anniversary at a later date, dependent on the prevalence of COVID-19 as well as federal, state and local guidance.

For more information about Baptist Health’s 100th anniversary or to share a story about how the health care organization has positively impacted you, visit BaptistHealth100.com.

For 100 years, Baptist Health has delivered All Our Best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health is Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization with more than 250 points of access that include 11 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 100 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; a graduate residency program; and access to virtual care anytime, anywhere. It is also the largest private notfor-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. For more information about Baptist Health, visit baptist-health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

2 News

Wood pellet industry on fire in Arkansas Asa Hutchinson AR Governor

A company that produces wood pellets for grilling has announced it will open a plant in Hope this year, and today I’d like to talk about the wood-pellet industry in Arkansas and what it means for this state.

Wood pellets are manufactured from sawdust, shavings, and other sweepings from sawmill floors as well as from timber that is too small or otherwise not suitable for milling. Initially, the pellets were used for heating and producing energy, but some companies, such as Fiber Energy Products in Mountain View, produce food-grade pellets for grilling.

Wood pellets are a sustainable fuel and produce fewer carbons, which makes the pellets a clean source of energy; and the temperature of a pellet fire is easier to control than a log fire.

The pellets resemble rabbit food. The manufacturing process begins with hammermilling, which pul-

verizes the wood scraps, which are then dried, hammermilled again, and then pressed into molds to form the pellets.

Highland Pellets, a company in Pine Bluff, began producing wood pellets in December 2016. Brian Reed, manager for fiber procurement, said Highland ships its pellets to the United Kingdom, which has required all its coal-fired power plants to convert to cleaner, sustainable fuels.

Fiber Energy, which produces pellets for the outdoor grill, sells pellets made from hickory, apple, cherry, mesquite, oak, and pecan.

On Wednesday, the family owned Dansons company announced it will open a plant to produce food-grade wood pellets in Hope. Dan Thiessen founded Dansons with his sons in 1999 to convert sawmill waste into animal bedding and woodpellet fuel. The company also builds pellet-burning barbecue pits, which it will distribute from its plant in Hope. Dansons will produce pellets made from

Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021

cherry, maple, white oak, elm, sweet gum, sassafras, and mesquite.

Dansons estimates that over the next three years, it will create fifty to one hundred jobs in Hope, which has a population of 10,000 and an unemployment rate of about 4.6 percent.

At least two other Arkansas companies produce wood pellets – Fiber Resource in Pine Bluff and Biomass in Monticello.

The wood-pellet industry is a perfect fit for Arkansas.

It’s another tool for managing our forests. It reduces sawmill waste by creating another product from the scraps. It creates another market that allows landowners to sell small diameter trees that generally aren’t valuable. The pellet plants need wood. Arkansas has wood. The plants need employees. Arkansas offers a solid workforce. The top reason it’s a good fit, perhaps, is that pelleters are producing wood pellets for grilling, and we Arkansans love our barbecue.

Light at the end of the tunnel: Representative Westerman Bruce Westerman AR Representative

The tourism industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Creativity has helped many industry members weather the storm and succeed during this difficult time.

Some new ideas were born of the pandemic, while others were adapted to help businesses and life carry on, safely, as much as possible.

Not all of these changes will be abandoned when the crisis is over. Some were so successful they are here to stay.

Here is a list of some of the successes the tourism industry has come up with over the last year.

— Eureka Springs, known for its many festivals, events and parades, held a reverse parade for Christmas. Instead of people crowding the street to watch floats go by, leaders turned the event into a “Twist in Tradition, Giving Back” drive-by, stationary Christmas parade.

Floats and displays were spread around town at various locations for individuals to visit. Additionally, musicians played in a number of natural spring locations in town. The response was great, and money for more than 10 different area charities was raised. Festival planners may add it to the normal Christmas parade weekend next year as a second night event.

— At the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa and the 1905 Basin Park Hotel, both in Eureka Springs, management felt from the beginning of the pandemic that a focus on safety protocols would equal more travel. It established strict protocols, spaced people out on its premises, extended hours and rolled with the punches.

With the lack of group travel during COVID-19, it took meeting rooms and created game rooms to be able to spread out gatherings.

Management also developed aggressive resort programming with reservation and single party usage with a focus on the outdoors and outdoor activity.

— The catering company Noble Graze in Fayetteville is known for its outstanding charcuterie trays. It began serving Jarcuterie, individual “boards” in a jar during the pandemic to keep people safe from sharing food and utensils. It received some

national media attention for its creations.

— The Museum of Native American History in Bentonville took to online platforms to stay relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff adapted by creating an online gift shop, virtual tours and programming. Online platforms have given the museum a wider reach to schools through virtual presentations. “We’ve needed to do the online gift shop for a long time,” says Charlotte Buchannan-Yale, director of MONAH. “We have a small staff so it’s a slow process, but every day we add to it and it’s really starting to get responses now.”

MONAH also produced a hybrid exhibit with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, also in Bentonville.

Additionally, the museum is engaging with the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville for a series called “Indiginuity.” “[COVID’s] really kicked us into creative mode,” Buchannan-Yale adds. “The last 10 months has helped us lay a permanent foundation that will continue into the future with hybrid programming and educational opportunities.”

— Beth Bobbitt of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary says, “I think one of the most wonderful silver linings for the museum has been the way we’ve mobilized alongside our community partners to address the pandemic-related needs in our region. In total, more than 85,700 food, personal care, and art kits and boxes were distributed in 2020 to schools, individuals, and community organizations across Northwest Arkansas.”

— Just after the shutdown, the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville launched “heARTs to homes,” a free weekly webcast with the goal of creating an arts night in for families by showcasing local artists and arts organizations and supporting local restaurants. Over the last 10 weeks more than 30 local artists and arts organizations, four national artists and 30 restaurants were featured as part of heARTs to homes. heARTs to homes episodes averaged 1,200 unique views a week during its 48-hour viewing window.

That is equivalent to a sold out performance in Walton

Arts Center’s Baum Walker Hall.

— 2020 was the first season with the expanded renovations to Walmart AMP. The AMP did a small preview of the new spaces to media and sponsors and to the public via social media in August, but wanted to find other ways for people to get to see the space and support local musicians. In September, it started AMP Happy Hours on the new Choctaw Plaza with free live music in a socially distanced space (15,000 square feet) with a bar and full menu. The AMP offered happy hours through Oct. 30 and more than 4,000 people attended throughout the run with an average of more than 200 people a night.

— The Amazeum in Bentonville continues to engage with its guests through the channels created when the museum was temporarily closed between March and July. The number of virtual visits is growing for school groups. Amazeum opened a new experience recently in its Traveling Exhibits Gallery that elevates block playing to an art form. Creativity Cubed: Think Outside the Blocks is a curated collection of 16,000 blocks. The experience is designed for playful exploration of creativity by all ages using the block as the medium.

— The Natural State, Natural Art mural project in Harrison continued during the pandemic with the approval of three additional murals in the downtown.

The city’s newest murals were approved in 2020 despite the impact of COVID on the offices: https://exploreharrison.com/pages/ attractions/natural-statenatural-art-mural-tour/.

— In Fayetteville, TheatreSquared’s pioneering streaming work has been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, NPR’s All Things Considered — and the list goes on. More than 10,000 students have joined the theatre company for virtual educational programming.

For the streaming performances, thousands of audience members have not only joined TheatreSquared from throughout Northwest Arkansas—but also from 17 countries and 47 states.

Wow, is it cold! As I write this, we have just experienced the coldest night ever in Clark County, minus 9 degrees, and we have more snow on the way. An amazing winter experience. I hope that you are all doing well. Areas of Gurdon lost power on Monday morning before dawn. It was restored about 4 hours later. That was scary. The house got really cold, really quick. I’m hoping we keep our power

while the temperatures are so low, it’s dangerous.

Thank you to our City of Gurdon workers including; police, fire and sanitation.

Many vehicles needed help getting down the icy and snowy road ways and we were glad to assist. Fire Chief Mitch Nolan took me back and forth to the Animal Shelter in his four-wheel drive truck. The dogs are warm and happy, I’m glad to say. Our sanitation crew ran thier usual route on Tuesday, no small task. At this point with more snow

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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. >>> <<< The “TUFF ON THA TURF” State Preview tournament is a preliminary event taking place Feb. 20 in Hot Springs, months before the actual State Championship Tournament and is broken down into divisions based upon age and competition. All divisions in tournament play allow co-ed competition but have no requirements on gender specific participation. Sign up on EventBrite.com. >>> <<< The Iron Mountain Legend trail run is held on the epic trails of Iron Mountain in the DeGray Lake State Park area. With 10K, 25K and 42K options...there is something for all types. Post-race food and drink, plus a unique finisher medal will make it a day to remember. The start/finish line will be the Iron Mountain Lodge & Marina on DeGray Lake. On course aid stations with lots of tasty treats to keep fueled for a day in the Ouachita Mountains. It will take place on March 13.

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

Current happenings in Gurdon with Mayor Sherry Kelley Sherry Kelley Gurdon Mayor

on the way it remains to be seen for Wednesday. We appreciate them and all our other folks that go above and beyond.

It is good to say that things are getting easier with the Covid Vaccine. Thank you to Linda Franklin and others for reaching out with solutions. I hope that the over 70’s in my family get a vaccine at the Arkadelphia Walmart on Friday as scheduled, weather permitting.

And I pray that everyone in the 1B group who wants the vaccine can get it.

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, Feb. 18, 2021

Page 3

HS county man dies in shooting ASU Three Rivers announces new Assistant Vice Chancellor Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office

A Hot Spring County man, armed with a shotgun, who fired the gun on local sheriff’s deputies was shot and killed this afternoon.

Jacob Aaron Thomas, 29, died at the scene of the shooting near his residence at 1374 Two Rivers Trail, southwest of Malvern (Hot Spring County).

Hot Spring County sheriff’s deputies had been sent to the location about 1:30 this afternoon following the report of a domestic distur-

bance at Thomas’ home.

After arriving in the area, deputies saw Thomas, armed with what was later identified as a shotgun, walking from a pasture toward the front of the residence. As Thomas approached closer, he reportedly opened fire on the deputies who returned gunfire killing Thomas. The deputies were not injured.

The Hot Spring County Sheriff’s Department has requested the assistance of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division to conduct an investiga-

tion of the incident.

Special Agents will present an investigative case file to the Hot Spring County Prosecuting Attorney who will determine whether the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer was consistent with Arkansas laws.

Questions that may relate to the identity of the sheriff’s deputies and their administrative duty status should be directed to the Hot Spring County Sheriff’s Department.

“Snow Days” by Blanton Matthews

MALVERN, AR -Arkansas State University Three Rivers announced the appointment of Scott Kuttenkuler this week as the new Assistant Vice Chancellor for the Saline County Career and Technical Campus.

Kuttenkuler will oversee all operations of the Saline County Campus.

Kuttenkuler will assume the position on March 1, 2021. He has been in Arkansas higher education in a variety of roles for the past 18 years, and currently serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Southeast Arkansas College in Pine Bluff. In this capacity he provides administrative oversight of the college’s efforts in Recruitment, Admissions, Registrar/Student Record Management, Retention, Concurrent Enrollment, Student Conduct, Early Alert Intervention Program, Testing, Student Activities, Veteran Affairs, Disability Services, Career Services, TRIO Student Support Services and Campus Security. In addition, he serves as the campus liaison to the Jefferson Area Technical Career Center (JATCC) and provides administrative support of five career coaches that are located in high schools throughout Southeast Arkansas.

Prior to Seark College, Scott was with the University of Arkansas at Monticello for 13 years serving in different roles including the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs/ Dean of Students/Director of Residence Life, Director of Governmental Relations, Director of Advancement/ University Relations and initially as a Debate Coach/ Speech Instructor.

Kuttenkuler shared.

“This is a project like no other in Arkansas. The vision and commitment of

Continuing COVID-19 tracking

by Arkansas Dept. of Health

the citizens of Saline County to make this investment is amazing.

“I am excited to get started and to do all that I can to foster the development of skill-sets, mindsets and opportunities for the future students of the Saline County Career and Technical Campus.”

The Campus will serve students from Bauxite, Benton, Bryant, Glen Rose, Harmony Grove, and Sheridan school districts. Students will be able to take classes related to careers while they are enrolled in high school. Jerrod Williams, Superintendent of Sheridan School District, expressed his enthusiasm in the hiring of Mr. Kuttenkuler.

“The Yellowjacket Nation is looking forward to working with Mr. Kuttenkuler in his new role [at] the Saline County Campus.

“His wealth of experience in higher education and strong leadership skills make him an excellent choice to oversee the operations of the new Campus,” Williams added.

The Saline County Career and Technical Campus is the product of an innovative partnership involving six area school districts, Saline County municipalities, the Saline County Judge, state legislators, the Saline County Economic Development Corporation, and Arkansas State University Three Rivers. Students will have the opportunity to take classes in 10 pathways.

Bryant Superintendent, Karen Walters, shared that the Campus “will provide our local high school students with job training and technical knowledge for careers in skilled trades after graduation. The students

will gain career preparation and employability training to prepare them for a successful future. They can directly enter the workforce with the ability to earn a high wage or with the skills needed to continue their education.

“The [campus] is not only a direct benefit to students, but also local industry. Having a high skilled workforce that starts their careers prepared, increases productivity and decreases training costs,” Williams added.

Lamont Cornwell, Executive Director of the Saline County Economic Development Commission, expressed his confidence in the hire, “From the beginning of our dream to build the Saline County Career and Technical Campus, I knew we had to have the right person to not only work with our six school districts and ASU Three Rivers, but be able to communicate our vision to the citizens of our county. We had to have the right person that would fulfill the dream of ‘Together we can make a difference.’

Scott Kuttenkuler is that person.”

The position is being funded by the six Saline County school districts attending the secondary career center.

Scott graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Masters Degree in Communications with a concentration in Training and Seminar Development and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communications. He has been married to Amanda Kuttenkuler for 19 years and they have two sons, Beau (18) and Gabe (15).

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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Editor in Chief: Pete Tubbs

Ads Manager: Harley Whisenhunt

Oracle Editor: Kelly Currington Sports Editor: Donovan Lee

Staff Reporter: Lance Brownfield

Staff Reporter: Caroline Derby Adviser: Steve Listopad

Arkansas Department of Health

According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, there are a total of 65,337 probable cases in the state as of Feb. 18. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 314,192 cases with 300,613 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

not to say that there aren’t

the needed qualifications,

what is available from the

precautions, however, as

things are changing week

Department of Health and

games are being cancelled

by week.

state officials.

left and right to coincide

As the cases continue to

with regulations.

People are encouraged to continue social distancing

rise, more and more states

With Joe Biden as the

and staying at least six feet

are reverting back to more

new President of the United

away from others. Testing

strict quarantine and social

States and vaccines being

is widely available in most

distance rules.

given to those that meet

cities.

Masks are nearly universally required to enter most businesses. They are available in most grocery and convenience stores.

Sports are in full swing, with the basketball season currently underway. That’s

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Mailed subscriptions now offered -$60 for 6 months -$100 a year All views and opinions are those of Oracle writers and editors and they do not represent the beliefs of Henderson State University. The Oracle: CE is printed by the Nashville Leader in Nashville, AR*

4 News

Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021

GAC announces baseball Henderson on the mat scheduling change Donovan Lee Sports Editor

Photo courtesy of OBU Sports.

The Great American Conference announced postponements for baseball this week. All six of the weekend’s slated conference baseball series were moved.

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – On Thursday, the Great American Conference’s Council of Presidents approved changes to the league’s conference baseball schedule.

In lieu of the weather across Arkansas and Oklahoma, all six of this weekend’s slated conference baseball series – Arkansas-Monticel-

lo at Southwestern Oklahoma State, Southern Arkansas at Northwestern Oklahoma State, Henderson State at Oklahoma Baptist, Southeastern Oklahoma State at Arkansas Tech, East Central at Harding and Ouachita at Harding - will be moved to Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8. The original locations remain the same.

As a result of this scheduling change, the GAC also moved its championship dates to Friday, May 14 through Sunday, May 16.

“I appreciate the flexibility shown by our leadership councils to help our baseball student-athletes,” GAC Commissioner Will Prewitt said. “The shifting of this weekend’s games to

Arkansas Sports Media High School Boys Basketball Poll

2. LR Central (5) 18-4 75 1

(tie) Bergman (1) 25-4 48 4

May should allow for more optimal playing conditions.

Changing the tournament date allows our postseason qualifiers a better chance to compete as it removes a long layoff created by the recent Division II baseball format change that delayed selections until May 23.”

When it comes to playing sports, social distancing can be a difficult feat to accomplish. In one sport, this mandate is nonexistent. The Arkadelphia Badgers boys and girls’ wrestling teams stepped on the mats back in December, beginning their quest for the hardware in 2021.

From their first weigh-in to now, the wrestlers have been, pound-for-pound, one of the best teams in the state, with the boys defeating the likes of Greenbrier 34-30, dismantling CAC 54-9, and winning against Batesville Southside 48-30 on their way to a 4-A Dual State Tournament appearance.

The Badgers, led by seniors Logan Wilson and Ouachita Baptist track commit Reyna Rodgers, competed in the dual state tournament in Bauxite on Feb. 6. They advanced to the second round by winning over Ashdown in round one. Arkadelphia then faced Gentry in the semifinals, resulting in a Badgers triumph. The championship pitted Arkadelphia versus the multitime state champion Pulaski Academy Bruins. Maddox

Oracle: CE

Atkins secured the winning pin, claiming the dual state title for Arkadelphia.

Badgers head coach Dustin Grimmett said on social media after the victory: “So proud of our team today! We fought our way to a Dual State Title! These kids never quit and continue to get better!” Coach Grimmett would cement the post with the team’s mantra, #HardWorkPays.

The Badgers’ season continued at the 4-A West tournament last weekend. The Badgers wrapped up the event having four conference champions across the weight classes, including Rodgers, Nick Williams, Ross Womack, and Tanner Cotton. Arkadelphia also had three second-place finishers and two wrestlers take third place. Collectively, Arkadelphia finished fourth overall.

The Badgers look forward to the 4-A Individual State Tournament. The tournament has been moved from its original date to March 4-6, due to the inclement weather. It will be hosted on the UALR campus.

Updated Arkansas Sports Media High School Boys and Girls Basketball Rankings for Feb. 18 Following is the Overall Top 10 high school boys basketball teams in Arkansas and the top five in Classes 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A as voted by a panel of sports media from around the state for the week ending February 13. Ranking is given with first-place votes received, records, total points and last week’s rankings:

3. North Little Rock (3) 16-2 60 3 4. Bryant 15-4 37 4 5. Fayetteville 18-5 18 5 Others receiving votes: Springdale Har-Ber 2.

CLASS 5A 1. Jonesboro (9) 16-3 77 2

GIRLS OVERALL

2. LR Parkview (5) 15-2 65 2

1. Magnolia (11) 17-0 165

3. Sylvan Hills (2) 18-3 59 5

2. Bentonville (5) 18-1 148 3

4. Maumelle (2) 15-3 33 1

1

3. LR Central (1) 18-4 141 2 4. North Little Rock 16-2 133 4

5. Marion 16-2 30 4 Others receiving votes: Pine Bluff 4, Russellville 2.

CLASS 4A

5. Bryant 15-4 87 5

1. Magnolia (18) 17-0 90 1

6. Jonesboro 16-3 82 7

2. Blytheville 22-2 70 2

7. LR Parkview (1) 15-2 73 7 8. Sylvan Hills 18-3 53 10 9. Maumelle 15-3 36 6 10. Marion 16-2 34 9 Others receiving votes: Blytheville 17, Fayetteville 11, Springdale Har-Ber 3, Bergman 1, LR Mills 1, Pine Bluff 1.

CLASS 6A 1. Bentonville (10) 18-1 78 2

3. LR Mills 17-4 50 3 4. Farmington 17-4 34 4 5. Fountain Lake 22-2 17 5 6. Others receiving votes: Morrilton 4, Brookland 2, Southside-Batesville 2, Berryville 1.

CLASS 3A 1. Osceola (15) 16-2 87 2 2. Dumas (2) 12-2 59 1 3. Mayflower 17-2 48 3

4. Waldron 20-5 13 5 Others receiving votes: Manila 11, Baptist Prep 2, Newport 2.

CLASS 2A 1. Marianna (16) 11-1 86 1 2. Earle 14-1 57 2

BOYS OVERALL 1. Melbourne (9) 23-1 154 3 2. Greenwood (2) 18-3 133 4 3. FS Northside (3) 21-2 120 2 4. Batesville (2) 19-1 118 5

3. Dierks (1) 21-2 46 3

5. Bentonville (1) 14-3 115 1

4. Flippin (1) 27-4 41 4

6. Conway 17-4 114 7

5. Caddo Hills 24-3 34 5 Others receiving votes: Melbourne 2, Fordyce 1, Junction City 1, Tuckerman.

CLASS 1A 1. West Side Greers Ferry (15) 21-4 84 1 2. Nevada 15-4 47 2 3. Izard County 22-5 40 3 (tie) Bradley (1) 16-2 40 4 5. Marvel (2) 17-1 31 4 Others receiving votes: Viola 23, Ridgefield Christian 5.

7. LR Christian (1) 18-1 102 6 8. Harrison 16-0 51 8

69 2 3. Conway (4) 17-4 68 3 4. North Little Rock 175 35 4 5. Fayetteville 13-6 22 5 Others receiving votes: Rogers 1.

CLASS 5A 1. Greenwood (10) 18-3 78 1 2. Batesville (6) 19-1 73 2 3. LR Christian (2) 18-1 61 3 4. Vilonia 20-2 27 4

9. North Little Rock 17-5 40 9

5. Lake Hamilton 19-3 18 5

10. Vilonia 20-2 14 10

Others receiving votes: Paragould 9, Nettleton 3, Jonesboro 1.

Others receiving votes: Star City 8, Bergman 6, Lake Hamilton 4, Fayetteville 4, Paragould 3, Nettleton 3, Mountain View 1.

CLASS 6A 1. FS Northside (8) 21-2 75 1 2. Bentonville (6) 14-3

CLASS 4A 1. Harrison (17) 16-0 89 1 2. Star City (1) 24-3 70 2 3. Nashville 23-4 35 3 4. Brookland 15-4 26 4

5. Pea Ridge 18-4 19 5 Others receiving votes: Mena 14, Farmington 10, Pulaski Academy 3, Morrilton 2, Southside Batesville 1, Valley View 1.

CLASS 3A 1. Bergman (12) 30-1 80 1 2. Central Ark. Christian (4) 17-0 60 3 3. Mountain View (2) 15-3 59 2 4. Valley Springs 22-6 24 5 5. Hoxie 20-2 23 – Others receiving votes: Ashdown 12, Mayflower 9, Danville 3.

CLASS 2A 1. Melbourne (18) 23-1 90 1 2. Des Arc 15-0 66 2 3. Marmaduke 24-5 49 3 4. Salem 16-5