to speak.
INDEX Opinion Events COVID Update Sports
No. 10
Vol. 2
1 2 3 4
July 15, 2021
Comic by Blanton Matthews
Celebrating Independence as a nation Juliann Reaper Contributing Reporter
Independence day, or the Fourth of July, is a national holiday my family celebrates every year. We have cookouts and do fireworks and even pool parties. Some years, such as this year, fireworks are few, but we always celebrate. Part of the reason for this is that my family teaches us to appreciate the freedoms we have from a young age. We may have had to fight to abolish slavery and give women the rights they have today, but we would not be here if not for that day. I have grown up with a love and respect for both my nation and those who fight to protect these freedoms. My great grandfather, uncle, cousins, and other relatives have served in the military. While none of them specifically fought for our freedom, many soldiers did. Many sol-
diers sacrificed everything so that they could form this nation. Some people feel that this day does not represent their freedom. I can see that. I will be the first to admit that, in the beginning, the United States was far from perfect. It was a flawed and underdeveloped nation. We had slaves, women had no rights, and even those of color who were not slaves did not have the same rights as white men. I understand that people of color’s ancestors were not free, and I will not downplay this fact. If they so choose, I will not judge them for not celebrating this day as their Independence day. They have the right to decide not to celebrate because it is a free nation. However, would they be free as they are now if the United States were not a free and independent country?
The people in the north that fought to abolish slavery would have had absolutely no say had we still been under the control of Great Britain. So, while I see where this holiday does not mark the day all individual people became independent and free, I want to point out that it is the day that their country became independent from Great Britain. It is the day that The United States of America was formed. The United States of America belongs to everyone. It belongs to white and colored, men, women, and children. It belongs to the straight and the LGBTQ+ or whatever and whoever a person might be. It belongs to all of these people equally. They may see themselves as separate communities, but that does not change the fact that they all live in one nation. A nation that, before the war for independence, did not exist. Despite the flaws and the
struggles that the nation has faced, it is free. That freedom came at a price. The people who fought for this freedom would not want us to be divided. They fought for the freedom of any who came to seek safety from oppressing nations. So, with respect for the decisions others will make, I will celebrate. Not only that, but I encourage everyone around me to celebrate. It doesn’t just have to be on the Fourth of July either. Americans should celebrate and enjoy this freedom every day because there is no way to know what the future holds. One day, our children or their children may have to fight again for this freedom. Let us leave them with memories of what this nation grew into and not just the flaws that it used to have. The United States of America has come a long way from where it was as a nation.
Courtesy of the City of Arkadelphia
Why is housing so expensive in Arkadelphia? Lance Brownfield Editor-in-Chief
According to bestplaces.net, Arkadelphia’s median home cost is 60% higher than nearby Malvern. College students may have to deal with expensive housing for a few years while they study here, but for long term residents there is no end in sight. “Property conditions are better here,” said Kim Byrd, a realtor at Crye-Leike Realty.
“We have two colleges which keep our demand greater and I think the community has more to offer. That always correlates with the prices of property.” Cory and Kelly Styles have lived in Arkadelphia for two years while Kelly finished her studies at Henderson (and worked at the Oracle) and they now pay $625 monthly for a 890 square foot apartment. Before moving to Matt Stone Apartments, they lived in a 450 square foot rental house
and paid $500 per month in rent. That is over a dollar per square foot. It is typically cheaper to buy a house than to rent an apartment and doing so helps to build equity whereas renting does not. While some areas are cheaper than others in Arkadelphia, the town is generally consistent in prices with a median home price of around $140 thousand. “It all comes down to the price per square foot when
buying a home,” said Byrd. “With the pandemic, it created a shortage on housing and that created a demand for housing. So right now property values are really really good.” Since the pandemic began, there has been a sharp increase in out-of-staters moving to the town. Byrd says that she sees the trend slowing down as more homes go on the market and the demand reaches a plateau. People from California,
Michigan and every corner of the country have flocked to the town because their work has become remote. They can buy a home in Arkadelphia for much cheaper than other parts of the country and it offers so much with the universities, recreation and its proximity to Hot Springs. Arkadelphia is slightly cheaper than Benton/Bryant and Hot Springs, which are significantly bigger areas. On a housing prices index by
bestplaces.net, Arkadelphia comes in at a 60.8, while Hot Springs scores a 62.2 with 100 being the national average. On the horizon is a new subdivision on Malone Drive to accommodate Arkadelphia’s new citizens as the town continues to grow. The groundbreaking is set for the end of July or the beginning of August. This may help stabilize housing prices, but is unlikely to bring them down.
From Weather.com
FRI - July 16 scattered thunderstorm
SAT - July 17 scattered thunderstorms
SUN - July 18 scattered thunderstorms
MON - July 19 scattered thunderstorms
TUE - July 13 scattered thunderstorms
WED - July 14 partly cloudy
THU - July 15
90o 69
90o 72
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89o 68
Precipitation: 36% Wind: SSW 7 mph Humidity: 76%
Precipitation: 17% Wind: SW 5 mph Humidity: 75%
Precipitation: 38% Wind: SW 5 mph Humidity: 79%
Precipitation: 36% Wind: WSW 6 mph Humidity: 78%
Precipitation: 36% Wind: NNE 6 mph Humidity: 72%
Precipitation: 24% Wind: ene 6 mph Humidity: 64%
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Precipitation: 24% Wind: WSW 5 mph Humidity: 66%
2 News
Thursday, July 15, 2021
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Events
Governor’s Launches Statewide Community COVID Conversations Tour LITTLE ROCK – Nearly 100 people attended Governor Asa Hutchinson’s first Community COVID Conversation, which he held in the Veterans Park Events Center in Cabot on Thursday night. Governor Hutchinson launched the statewide “listening” tour in response to the recent dramatic increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases in Arkansas and the low vaccination rate. He will lead four more events next week. “This is a chance for me to hear your concerns and ideas,” the Governor said. “It’s a chance for me to continue to encourage people to get vaccinated. This is the challenge we face. A month ago, the number of our active COVID cases and our hospitalizations had declined. We were
increasing our vaccinations across the state. We were very optimistic about the return to normalcy. “Then over the past month, our vaccination rate stalled at about 40 percent, and the Delta variant showed up. This right-left punch has sidetracked our return to normalcy.” The Delta variant is more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus, and the symptoms are worse. All three of the available vaccines will protect against COVID. The antibodies from a previous case of COVID do not protect against the variant, and health experts advise those who have contracted COVID get a vaccine. The vaccine reduces the symptoms in those who do catch it, and 90 percent of those aren’t hospitalized. The vaccine
cuts the chance of death to almost zero. Arkansas has chosen the path of personal responsibility over government rules, Governor Hutchinson told the audience. “The state is wide open. We aren’t mandating masks or vaccinations. We know what we must do, and for the most part, Arkansans have done the hard. work. The big task before us now is to vaccinate more Arkansans.” Next week, Governor Hutchinson will hold Community COVID Conversations on Monday in Batesville; on Tuesday in Blytheville and Forrest City; and Thursday in Texarkana. He also will address the need for vaccinations at previously scheduled events in Northwest Arkansas.
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 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.
Photo by Lance Brownfield
“You broke me.” reads spray paint in a vandalized house on 10th Street. Three buildings including the old Reddie or Not Bookstore are in the process of being demolished and rezoned to educational district. The property, which belongs to OBU, has been vandalized in the process of tear down.
Steak Soiree fundraiser returns curbside this August at Baptist Health Medical Center-Arkadelphia Brandon Riddle Baptist Health Tickets are now available for Baptist Health Foundation’s sixth annual Steak Soiree fundraiser presented by Dr. David and Lisa Jaskey in Arkadelphia, which will be held Thursday, Aug. 5. This year’s dinner will again be presented curbside
at the Baptist Health Medical Center-Arkadelphia main entrance. The dinner features a steak grilled by David Nelson’s World Championship Steak Grilling Team. Pickup on Thursday, Aug. 5, will be between 5 to 6 p.m. for sponsors and 6 to 6:45 p.m. for general ticket holders. Proceeds raised from this year’s Steak Soiree
fundraiser will support Baptist Health Medical Center-Arkadelphia. Baptist Health Medical CenterArkadelphia has been serving Clark County and surrounding areas for nearly 40 years. To purchase tickets as either a sponsor or individual, visit the Baptist Health Foundation website at baptisthealthfoundation.org.
Photo courtesy of Courtesy of the City of Arkadelphia
♦♦♦ Pediatrics Plus is excited to announce that our brand new facility is now open. Our new facility is located at 702 Hickory Street. The new facility offers includes a Developmental Preschool and Therapy Services that include: ABA, Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy. In addition, our brand new, state-of-the-art facilities include a House Next Door suite which offers a homey feel for children learning daily living activities like cooking, feeding therapy, making the bed, getting dressed, and more! Other features of the new facility include a new playground, gross motor gym, high stimulation and low stimulation gyms, and a library! Enroll Now to get a spot in our new location! ♦♦♦ Al-Anon meetings, designed to help family and friends affected by alcohol, are held three days a week in the Arkadelphia area: - Tues. at 7 p.m., Sturgis Building, corner of 9 and Caddo. 870-403-2019; Thurs. at 6:30 p.m., Park Hill Baptist Church. 870-403-2019; Fri. at noon, Clark County Library, 609 Caddo St., side door. 512-750-2292.
Oracle:CE
Thursday, July 15, 2021
“Black Widow” thrills Marvel fans after a year of delays Sydney Bowman Contributing Reporter The long-awaited solo film for beloved Marvel heroine Natasha Romanoff has finally arrived more than a year after its original slated release on May 1, 2020. With the idea of a Black Widow film being discussed with actress Scarlett Johansson since Romanoff’s Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) debut in “Iron Man 2,” the character’s backstory has been left somewhat cryptic throughout the series of movies. Now, fans are given a deep-dive into Romanoff’s characterization and origin. “Black Widow” is somewhat of an anomaly in the MCU in that, at first glance, it seemingly has no relevance to the current storyline of Phase Four. Instead, the film is set directly after “Captain America: Civil War” and details the now-deceased (as of “Avengers: Endgame”) Romanoff’s mission to destroy the Red Room, an organization devoted to training a band of female assassins in order to control world governments. Audiences are also introduced to Yelena Belova, Romanoff’s adoptive sister and fellow Black Widow, and their adopted parents, Alexei Shostakov and Melina Vostokoff. Immediate praise must be directed toward the family dynamic present in the film. Belova (who is portrayed by “Midsommar” star Florence Pugh) is the standout character of the movie. Her humorous yet complex characterization allows her to be a distinct individual that stands equal to Romanoff. This is partially owed to the superb on screen chemistry between Johansson and Pugh, who play off of each other quite well, especially in comedic deliveries. Belova is also the key to the film’s connection to the current MCU plot as the character will undoubtedly return in the future.
Other new characters include Shostakov (played by David Harbour), Romanoff and Belova’s adoptive father and the famed super soldier, Red Guardian. Vostokoff (portrayed by Rachel Weisz), his ex-wife, is a seasoned Black Widow and inventor of the mind control technology used on all Black Widows in the Red Room. These two characters, though part of the supporting cast, are also important components of the movie’s themes. Shostakov’s selfishness and Vostokoff’s service to the Red Room are major points of conflict between Romanoff and Belova and their parents. Complementing the emotional core is the spectacular action present all throughout. “Black Widow” features some of the most brutal, exciting, and well-choreographed fight sequences in the entire MCU, arguably on par with those in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” Other than Shostakov, none of the characters in the film have any sort of superpowers, resulting in significantly less CGI injected into the fight choreography. This works to the film’s advantage as audiences experience multiple moments in the movie that are likely to make them wince. The film is also surprisingly humorous throughout its entire runtime. From Belova’s snarkiness to Shostakov’s bumbling idiocy, fans are likely to audibly chuckle at several points in the movie. For the most part, these comedic moments do not offset the tone of the film at all, but the jokes do become slightly tiresome in the third act of the film when the atmosphere is otherwise
highly dramatic. Most of this comes from Shostakov and does unfortunately break the tension a bit when he is on screen. All of these aspects lend themselves to a strong central plot. Romanoff and Belova, with the help of their parents, aim to destroy the Red Room and prevent the torture of any more young girls. However, the true journey of the film is the family coming to terms with whether their love for each other is truly real or just part of their turmoil caused by the Red Room. Like the vast majority of MCU films, “Black Widow” is a superhero film that contains deeper themes that comment on the human condition, this time the nature of surrogate family, love, and loyalty. Along the way, they are pursued by a ruthless mercenary known as Taskmaster. This character will undoubtedly be the largest controversy to come out of “Black Widow,”
as this portrayal is a far cry from the character’s story in the original comics. This new Taskmaster does fit into Romanoff’s own arc, but the decision to radically alter the character ultimately does nothing to impact the film’s overall plot. In fact, this situation is quite comparable to the infamous Mandarin fakeout in “Iron Man 3.” Though somewhat detached from the rest of the MCU’s storyline, the film is deeply character-driven and inspires intrigue of the post-Avengers Civil War era of the MCU. Romanoff is a veteran character in the MCU, yet she was also one of the more underdeveloped heroes before “Black Widow.” Now, her personality and inner workings are much more fleshed out. Indeed, the film does such a magnificent job at exploring Romanoff’s character that it is easy to forget that she is dead in the present time of the MCU. The audience becomes so much more acquainted with the character that the end of the film brings an emotional gut punch as the reality of her eventual fate sinks back in. This is actually a positive point for the film; her self-sacrifice in Endgame is made all the more tragic and emotional with the context of her life introduced in “Black Widow.” Like the rest of Phase Four thus far, “Black Widow” is a welcome addition to the MCU that takes a beloved, yet mysterious, character and expands upon her story. While mostly serving to provide context for Romanoff’s life and bid the character farewell, the film introduces several new characters and a few teases for storylines to come. “Black Widow” is now in theaters and streaming on Disney+ with Premier Access.
Arkansas Department of Health COVID-19 update
News 3
The Humane Society of Clark County wishes to thank the Jackson family for their generous donation made in memory of Walter H. Jackson and Patricia D. Jackson. We are grateful for the opportunity to use this substantial donation to the benefit of as many animals as possible. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson got involved with the Humane Society of Clark County through their daughter Valerie, now deceased, who many years ago served as the president of the Humane Society of Clark County. The family’s generous gift has made it possible for the Humane Society to begin plans for a new shelter facility as part of our continued efforts to provide help to the homeless animals of Clark County.
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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Editor in Chief: Lance Brownfield General Manager: Keyuna Thrower Oracle Editor: Kaela McKim Sports Editor: Donovan Lee Staff Reporters: Phoebe Darley, Blanton Matthews, Tierra McCraney, Juliann Reaper, Aaron Weatherford, Jaylon McKewen, Madison Hardcastle, Haven Hughes Adviser: Steve Listopad
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4 Sports
UPCOMING EVENTS
7/20 AHS football team camp @ Lake Hamilton
7/29 AHS football team camp @ Prescott
Thursday, July 15, 2021
Knights aiming for conference title in 2021 Aaron Weatherford Staff Reporter It has been 43 years since anyone apart of the Centerpoint community has seen a conference title in football. In 1978, Glenwood was able to hoist the last conference title before they would consolidate with Amity in 1995, forming Centerpoint. Up until 2015, the Knights were
never considered a threat in Class 3A. 2015 witnessed the program’s most wins with eight since a seven win campaign in 2001. This fall could be a breakthrough for the program. The Knights bring back its most starters and experience in program history. Led by senior quarterback Josh Lawson, lineman Garrett Alexander, and wide receiver Kaden Owens, the 5-3A conference could be Centerpoints to lose. Lawson went wild in 2021, throwing just shy of 2,000 yards and 27 touchdowns. He’ll have plenty of time to throw too with an experienced offensive line that is led by Alexander.
The Knights also bring back their leading receiver from a year ago in C.J Fox, who caught the ball 46 times for 875 yards. Fox and Owens were the two most reliable receivers Lawson threw to. Owens will be the leader of this Knights defense in his third year starting at safety. The senior had his own island in the secondary, intercepting 7 passes in 2020. Classmate Carlos Ponce emerged big time at linebacker as well and should add some much needed muscle. With former running back Houston Way departing for Henderson State football, Centerpoint will have to find their next guy at running back. Ponce could be the leading candidate, as he rushed
for 103 yards last year behind Lawson and Way. The road to the rock won’t be an easy one. Prescott and Glen Rose have now been a thorn in Centerpoint’s side for some time now. Centerpoint last beat the Beavers in 2014 but have never beaten the Curley Wolves, something Head Coach Cary Rogers would love to do. Centerpoint kept up with Prescott in the first half of their game last year, but didn’t have the juice to keep up with the athletes Prescott possessed. Centerpoint played Glen Rose twice last year and lost both times. In the regular season matchup, the Beavers would go on to win 7-6 after a penalty ridden game.
The stars aligned perfectly when the playoffs were
set, as the Beavers and Knights clashed in the quarterfinals. Glen Rose would again win, this time 34-21, ending Centerpoint’s season. Coach Rogers and company feel confident going into 2021 with a program that has new life. The Centerpoint Knights will begin their 2021 campaign at Diamond Bank Stadium August 27 as they host the Hampton Bulldogs.
Bianchi and Ford earn Academic All-District honors
8/2 - 8/6 AHS football Fall camp
8/9 - 8/13 AHS football Fall camp
8/16 AHS football benefit game vs. Lake Hamilton
8/27 AHS football vs. Camden Fairview (non-conference)
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Photo courtesy of HSU Sports HSU Golf’s Allie Bianchi and Mitchell Ford were recognized for academic acheivement with Acadmic All-District honors last Thursday.
Courtlin Haygarth HSU Sports GREENWOOD, Indiana – Last Thursday after-
noon, Henderson State golfers Allie Bianchi and Mitchell Ford were recognized as NCAA Division II-District 7 CoSI-
DA 2020-21 First Team Academic All-District recipients. Academic All-District teams are selected by
CoSIDA and recognize the nation’s top studentathletes for their combined performances in academics and athletics.
Days after being named an All-American Scholar by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association, Bianchi, a sophomore Finance major, sees her second academic honor of the 2020-21 season after sustaining a 4.0 GPA for her collegiate career. The Allen, Texas, native led the defending GAC Champion Henderson State women’s golf team with four Top5 finishes on the year while also becoming the second Reddie ever to qualify as an individual for Nationals. Ford, a graduate student out of Little Rock, Arkansas, earned a 3.72 GPA as an Accounting major during his undergrad and holds a 3.50 GPA as a graduate student receiving his MBA. Along with his work in the classroom, Ford led his Reddies squad with five Top-10 finishes, including a first-place finish in the season-opening Rattler Invitational. Both Bianchi and Ford will advance to the CoSIDA Academic All-America ballot, with the first-, second- and third-team honorees to be announced in early August.
Quartet of Reddies named WGCA All-American Scholars
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Four Reddies golfers were named All-American Scholars by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association last Tuesday.
Courtlin Haygarth HSU Sports CORAL SPRINGS, Florida – Henderson State’s Karen Lee (upper left), Taylor Loeb (bottom left),
Allie Bianchi (upper right) and Gracen Blount (bottom right) were recognized by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association as All-American Scholars Tuesday morning.
With a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 needed, a total of 1,432 women’s collegiate golfers across all divisions were recognized with this prestigious honor.
Henderson State was only one of three Great American Conference schools to have four or more players named to the All-American squad. After claiming the 2021
Photo courtesy of HSU Sports
GAC Championship, Lee, Bianchi, and Blount cap off their All-GAC seasons with this honor while the redshirt senior Loeb ends her Reddie career with the academic nod.