to speak.
INDEX Events Opinion Obituaries COVID Update Sports
No. 9
Vol. 2
2 2 3 3 4
July 8, 2021
Outdoor adventures in Arkansas Tierra McCraney Staff Reporter
The Ouachita National Forest covers 1.8 million acres of land in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. The forest (headquartered in Hot Springs, Arkansas) has an abundance of uses, such as timber and wood production,
watershed protection and improvement, habitat for wildlife and fish species, wilderness area management, minerals leasing, and outdoor recreation. With summer in fullswing, below are six outdoor adventures available in the Natural State’s Ouachita National Forest.
1. Flatside Wilderness 2. Ouachita National Recreation Trail 3. Camp Clearfork 4. Iron Springs Recreation Trail 5. Scenic 7 Byway 6. Lake Sylvia Recreation Area
Photo courtesy of Arkadelphia Baseball Commission
Arkadelphia’s 10U team became state champs at the Cal Ripken State Tournament Sunday at Volz Sports Complex
A republic, if you can keep it Bruce Westerman AR State Representative
Photo courtesy of Arkadelphia Baseball Commission
The Arkadelphia 12U baseball team won the state championship Sunday at the Cal Ripken State Tournament at the Volz Sports Complex.
Photo by Lance Brownfield
The Arkadelphia Rec Center hosts free drive-in movies throughout the summer. They play family-friendly films and the audio transmits directly to your car radio if you tune in to the designated frequency. The next screening will be Thursday, July 15 at 9 p.m.
This Fourth of July, I find myself recalling the story of Nathan Hale, an American patriot during the American Revolution who, at the young age of 21-years-old, served his nation by spying on the British. Hale posed as a Dutch schoolmaster while gathering information, but was later captured while trying to return to the Americans and sentenced to be hanged. On September 22, 1776, Nathan Hale reportedly delivered his famous last words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” On Independence Day, I am reminded how the promise of democracy and freedom inspired so many to give anything and everything they had, and wish they could do it all over again. The American Experiment has changed the world in the last 245 years in ways our Founding Fathers could never have imagined. Years after Nathan Hale’s martyrdom, the
U.S. had won the war and the architects of our Constitution assembled at the Second Constitutional Convention to create the framework of government we enjoy today. After months of debate, the founders emerged to meet the Americans who had gathered on the steps of Independence Hall to deliver the news of what they had accomplished. As history notes, a lady asked Benjamin Franklin, “What do we have, a republic or a monarchy?” And Franklin answered, “A republic, if you can keep it.” The people and values of this nation are exceptional, and I am confident in our resolve to keep this Republic. The United States has been a beacon of light to the oppressed, sparking waves of democracy that have led nations to freedom and prosperity rarely seen throughout history. I am incredibly proud to be a part of it, and I will play whatever part I can to defend it. Our Republic is worth protecting, no matter the cost.
From Weather.com
FRI - July 9
mostly sunny
SAT - July 10 partly cloudy
SUN - July 11 scattered thunderstorms
MON - July 12 isolated thunderstorms
TUE - July 13 mostly cloudy
WED - July 14 partly cloudy
THU - July 15
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Precipitation: 24% Wind: SW 8 mph Humidity: 71%
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2 News
Thursday, July 8, 2021
“Fast Nine” is doing fine Jaylon McEwen Staff Reporter
Movie goers everywhere can practically hear the engines revving this summer as the long-awaited installment of the Fast and Furious series finally hits the streets. This marks the ninth installment of the series and the biggest cast of characters to date. Nostalgia really takes the time to set in with the reappearance of familiar faces from past Fast and Furious movies. Lucas Black, Shad “Bow Wow” Moss, and Jason Tobin all take to the silver screen once again to
reprise their Tokyo Drift roles. However, alongside the faces of the past emerges the new faces of the present. Long time WWE star John Cena enters the Fast Family as main character Dominic Toretto’s (Vin Diesel) younger brother Jakob. Rapper Cardi B also makes her debut as a new character in the film alongside the original cast. Each Character whether they be old or new all hold their individual place within the stories grand scheme. Filming started on June 24, 2019. The process took the crew to sites such as
Los Angeles, Georgia, Edinburgh, London, and Thailand. Filming finally wrapped November 11, 2019, after a small setback due to a serious head injury sustained on set by Vin Diesel’s stunt double Joe Watts. Fast Nine since its June 25 release has received its share of mixed reviews from fans. It scored a grade of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 percent on Metacritic. It grossed a total of $292 million off a $200 million budget. Those that missed the debut can still catch it while it shows in theaters.
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Events Upcoming Events July 15 9 p.m. Arkadelphia Rec Center Drive-In Movie Nights July 23 9 a.m. Willie Tate Golf Tournament Classic July 30 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Arkadelphia Area Chamber of Commerce Taco Lot Fiesta August 5 8:30 p.m. Arkadelphia Rec Center Drive-In Movie Nights
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 870-403-3001. 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. ♦♦♦
“The Forever Purge” clumsily brings a famous horror franchise to a close Sydney Bowman Contributing Reporter “The Purge” franchise will likely go down in history as one of the largest missed opportunities in the world of film. With each entry, the series consistently falls halfway between meaningless blockbuster and cinematic art. The films are a strange algamanation of violent thrills and political commentary that never seems to land quite correctly. The franchise saw its inception in 2013 with “The Purge,” followed by sequels “The Purge: Anarchy” and “The Purge: Election Year” in 2014 and 2016, respectively. A prequel, “The First Purge,” was released in 2018 with a two-season television series (also titled “The Purge”) premiering later that same year. Now, in 2021, the series has supposedly come to a close with the “The Forever Purge.” Like its predecessors, “The Forever Purge” centers around the annual holiday known as the Purge when all crime, including murder, is legal for twelve hours. As its title suggests, “The Forever Purge” tells the story of a small group of ranch hands who flee to Mexico after a nationwide organization of insurgents continue purging after the event has ended in the hopes of ridding the United States of immigrants. From the beginning of the film, there is a noticeable decrease in gore compared to the other four films in the series. In fact, simple removal of the movie’s strong language and one or two close-up shots would likely
warrant a PG-13 rating. This decision is sure to be a controversial one among fans of the franchise, but the toned-down violence in turn lets the movie focus on its central characters at a level not seen in any “Purge” film since Frank Grillo’s surprisingly complex lead in “The Purge: Anarchy.” The film’s political themes also take complete forefront in “The Forever Purge.” While the first two movies of the franchise focused primarily on classism, each film starting with “The Purge: Election Year” has had inklings of commentary against right-wing radicalism. “The Forever Purge” takes this to a whole new level, depicting everything from anti-immigration attitudes, to racism and white supremacy, to domestic terrorist groups. In fact, the central conflict of an uprising in the name of a certain political belief is eerily similar to the January 6 Capitol siege, though this script would have been written far before those events. While it is admirable for “The Forever Purge” to attempt commentary of current issues in the United States, it ultimately fails in saying anything meaningful. The plotline of the film seems like a blunt exaggeration of real-life problems, but it fails to actually comment on the matter. There is also virtually no artistic nuance, resulting in a bloated feeling when it comes to the movie’s themes. This is the same mistake that every film in the franchise has made (with the somewhat exception of “The Purge:
Anarchy”), which is disappointing. Another plot point that will surely be controversial is the film’s decision to not directly pick up from the ending of “The Purge: Election Year,” which sees the defeat of the New Founding Fathers and therefore the abolition of the Purge. Instead, a monologue in the opening credits tells the audience that the New Founding Fathers have been reinstated and the Purge is once again practiced. This strange choice makes “The Forever Purge” really feel like a project produced only for financial gain and unnecessary for the overall story. Apart from the film’s messy screenplay, “The Forever Purge” succeeds in being an entertaining “guiltypleasure” movie. As with all “Purge” movies, the actors are all relatively unknown to most viewers yet give effective performances. The direction, while not Oscarworthy, is miles better than in most horror films, and the concept of the Purge in a post apocalyptic United States is as interesting as ever. All in all, “The Forever Purge” is a sloppy but entertaining and mostly satisfying maybe-end to “The Purge” franchise. It is indeed disappointing that the films could never find a perfect balance between their unique ideas, horror conventions, and deeper themes. However, the film is a fun moviegoing experience, even if it does play it extremely safe. “The Forever Purge” is now in theaters.
The current Arkadelphia Arts Center exhibit, “Handmade Baskets,” includes wonderful creations by several members of the Caddo River Art Guild. For more information visit theww Arkadelphia Arts Center Facebook page. ♦♦♦ 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, July 8, 2021
June Obituaries
William Coak Matthews Born: 20 Feb. 1955 Died: 27 June 2021
William Coakley “Coak” Matthews was born to William Armond Matthews and Shirley Brooks Matthews on February 20, 1955 in Cleveland, Texas. Matthews was the second of three children, between his older sister Linda and his younger brother Eddie. Coak’s idyllic childhood was characterized by the tight knit community of Circle Drive. Coak began swimming competitively at a very early age starting his career in summer Junior Olympics in Cleveland, Texas. That is where his passion for swimming began. He excelled in youth baseball as a second baseman, pitcher. He played high school football at the quarterback position, made varsity basketball team as a sophomore, ran track , while all the time continuing his swimming career in the Houston Swim Club where he was coached by
Phil Hansel. After school, his mother would drive him to Houston to work out with the team. Coak made the choice to focus on swimming alone his junior year in high school. He spent his senior year at Memorial High School in Houston and was offered a swimming scholarship to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. As a senior in high school on his 18th birthday he was diagnosed with Type I juvenile diabetes and placed on Insulin which he was on for the rest of his life. This never slowed Coak down. It was just another challenge. He swam for the University of Arkansas, competing in the historic Southwest Conference. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration, he returned to Texas to coach the Quail Valley Aquatics Team, launching a long, storied career in swim coaching. In 1982, he moved to Arkadelphia to coach the Henderson State University men’s swim team, alongside the F.A.S.T. year-round age group team and Arkadelphia High School team, leading the Lady Badgers to state championships in 1986 and 1987. He quickly caught the Reddie Spirit and remained as the head swim coach at Henderson State until May 2021. While coaching at Henderson, Coak added a women’s team alongside the men’s program he was originally hired to coach. Matthews was one of the most decorated coaches in Henderson history and was
at the helm of the swimming and diving programs he named the Red Wave for 39 years. In Arkadelphia, Coak met Mary O’Neal, whom he would marry on May 25, 1985. Together they created a loving family; daughter Sallie and sons Blanton and William, all born on December 27, 1999. A certified master level coach by the College Swimming Coaches Association, Matthews coached over 200 All-Americans, four individuals who won national championships and led both the men’s and women’s programs at Henderson State to numerous Top-10 national finishes at the NAIA and NCAA II levels of competition during his time at HSU. He was named the CSCAA National Diving Coach of the Year in 1990, 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. An icon of the sport in the state of Arkansas, Matthews’ impact extended far beyond the campus of Henderson State. Outside of competition, Coak dedicated much of his time to advancing the sport of swimming in Arkadelphia and the surrounding community. Throughout his career, Matthews taught and organized swimming lessons, summer All Star clinics, and camps in Southwest Arkansas. Coak loved recreational activity and the outdoors. He could
often be found biking and running all across Clark County, competing in triathlon races, enjoying time with his family on trips to theme parks and scenic natural vistas, or gardening at home. Above all, he loved Jesus, and sought to share his gospel whenever and wherever he was able. Coak is preceded in death by his father William “Bill” Matthews, and survived by his wife Mary, children Sallie, Blanton, and William, mother Shirley Manaski, sister Linda Cordell (Neal), brother Charles Edward “Eddie” Matthews, and niece Lindsay Cordell Fichter (Todd). Visitation was at Second Baptist Church in Arkadelphia on Thursday, July 1 from 4-6 p.m. A memorial service was held the following day, Friday, July 2, at Second Baptist Church at 11 a.m. At the family’s request, memorial gifts may be made to the HSU Foundation designated to the Coak Matthews Scoreboard Fund. HSU Foundation, Box 7550, 1100 Henderson Street, Arkadelphia, AR 71999-0001 Gifts to this fund may be made at HSUsports.com/donate, select Coak Matthews Scoreboard Fund under Designation. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7 To submit obituaries to Oracle: Community Edition, email oraclecommunityedition@gmail.com.
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4 Sports
UPCOMING EVENTS
7/13 AHS football team camp @ Pulaski Academy
Thursday, July 8, 2021
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Bismarck football looking to turn heads in 2021 Aaron Weatherford Staff Reporter
For the past two decades, the Bismarck Lion football program has had some trouble getting traction. A five win season hasn’t been recorded since the late 90’s and Bismarck’s last outright conference title came back in 1994. All of this looks to change within the next couple of years. Head coach Daniel Keithley enters his fifth year as the head Lion of the pride and he is slowly changing a once dormant program. “It is definitely still a work in progress, but our
younger groups are at the point where they expect to be successful,” Keithley said. “My first few years at Bismarck, there was a problem with the joking from players about not winning at Bismarck. It may still occur from those outside the program, but those within the program have bought in that we plan to compete.” Last season ended with their first playoff appearance since 2014, where they were only down to eventual state runner up McGehee Owls 20-14 at half. The Lions’ motto this summer has been “Show Up.” Bismarck has long had a history of players
not buying into the program but also not having the leadership that Keithley helps bring to the table. “When we say show up, we don’t just mean in the body,” Keithley said. “We don’t have the luxury of out athleting anyone we play. We have to bring everything we have on every play, whether it is a game or practice.” Last season, Bismarck won three games against Horatio, Cutter Morning Star, and Fouke, giving the chance at a 5 seed in the playoffs. Bismarck also brings back much needed talent at quarterback and linebacker with Ian Smith and Barret Schultz.
“Ian Smith should have a good season as the returning QB.” Keithley said. “Barret Schultz has looked really good this summer as well as Joseph Billinings who we have moved inside to join Schultz. Xander Talbert and Dylan Hart will be tough on the offensive and defensive lines.” Bismarck also brought back Braden Efird who led the team in receiving yards and tackles a year ago. This coming season could possibly be the Lions’ toughest opening schedule in years, opening with growing power class 2A Dierks in week zero, and then taking on Hot Spring County rivals Magnet Cove and Poyen in
weeks one and two before a bye. “We are fully aware of Bismarck’s reputation in football, and we are looking to put that mentality and opinion of Bismarck to rest,” Keithley said. “This conference is loaded and we understand how difficult it is to make the playoffs out of this conference. In the fall, we fully intend on being in the conversation and upsetting a few teams that may look past us.” Keithley and his team will hit the gridiron August 19 with a benefit game against Murfreesboro at Henderson Field before making the trip to Dierks in Week Zero.
7/20 AHS football team camp @ Lake Hamilton
7/29 AHS football team camp @ Prescott
8/2 - 8/6 AHS football Fall camp
Photo courtesy of Bismarck School District
Bismarck Lions 2021 Football Schedule
8/9 - 8/13 AHS football Fall camp
TigerSharks Earn Academic Recognition OBU Tigers
8/16 AHS football benefit game vs. Lake Hamilton
8/27 AHS football vs. Camden Fairview (non-conference) Photo courtesy of OBU Tigers
OBU’s TigerSharks have been awarded Scholar All-America honors by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America.
Cagle Earns GLVC Council of Presidents’ Academic Excellence Award
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Photo courtesy of OBU Tigers
OBU wrestler Cody Cagle receives award for academic excellence from Great Lakes Valley Conference’s Council of Presidents.
OBU Tigers Ouachita Baptist wrestler Cody Cagle is among a league-record 434 student-athletes across 15 member institutions who have earned the Great Lakes Valley Conference Council of Presidents’ Academic Excellence Award,
as announced Thursday. This year’s total marks the second time more than 400 honorees have been recognized since the award was first inaugurated in the spring of 2010 and breaks last year’s record of 420 from 16 schools. The previous sub-400 league record of
355 from 16 schools was set in 2015-16. The recipients of the GLVC Council of Presidents’ Academic Excellence Award exemplify the outstanding studentathletes in the GLVC. Each honoree has ex hausted his or her eligibility in the intercollegiate sport in which they participated and maintained at least a 3.5 grade point average throughout their academic career. In addition, to be eligible for the award, the student-athlete must have competed in the GLVC for a minimum of two years and completed 96 credit hours. A student-athlete can only earn the distinguished honor one time in his or her career.
The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) have announced that the Ouachita Baptist University men’s and women’s swimming teams have earned Scholar All-America honors for their efforts in the classroom last semester. The teams earned the honor after posting GPAs of 3.42 and 3.79 respectively. The women’s team GPA is the highest in Division II. “Coach Bostick has got Ouachita pointed in the right direction both in the pool and the classroom,” noted CSCAA Executive Director Greg Earhart. “These are some of the best ambas-
sadors of Ouachita Baptist and Athletic Director Sharp, President Sells, and Dr. Jim Rothwell (Faculty Athletic Representative) can and should be proud of these 39 men & women.” In total, 721 programs from 426 institutions earned the honor. CSCAA will name its individual Scholar All-America team next week. Founded in 1922, the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA), is the nation’s first organization of college coaches. The mission of the CSCAA is to advance the sport of swimming and diving with coaches at the epicenter of leadership, advocacy, and professional development.