To speak.
INDEX Events COVID Update Sports
No. 12
Vol. 2
Facelift at AHS gym
2 3 4
July 29, 2021
Photo by Blanton Matthews
The gym at Arkadelphia High School has recently undergone an extensive renovation just in time for classes to begin again.
Blanton Matthews Staff Reporter
The Arkadelphia High School gym has been undergoing renovations this month. The work began the week of July 14 with the floor being replaced, resurfaced and repainted. Rails along the bleachers have been repainted, new wall padding has been put in place, a shiny new scoring table has been added, and a new Alma Mater sign has been installed in place of a decades old one. Coach Donald Williams, athletic director of Arkadel-
phia Public Schools, said on Thursday that the work was “long overdue.” Prior to this, the most recent addition to the gymnasium was a new scoreboard that was installed in 2019. “The fans and the kids are going to be really excited,” said Williams. “It adds a whole new dimension to the gym. Coach Klein has been instrumental. He’s been acting as my foreman on the project.” In response to the compliment, Coach Johnathan Klein chucked in humility. Klein is the head girls’ basketball coach at Arka-
delphia High School. Klein also rolled out a long Badger blue mat along the gym floor sideline shortly before Williams entered the gym like a Hollywood red carpet. In the next few weeks, the old basketball goals will be replaced with new ones that include shot clocks, new banners will be installed commemorating championship years, and even more Badger-head logo decals will be placed. No precise figure was given Photo by Lance Brownfield for the total cost of the Three buildings on 10th street, including the old Reddie or Not Bookstore were renovations, but Williams demolished this week and the plot is being rezoned to educational district after and Klein estimated close the property was bought by OBU. to six digits.
It’s gettin’ hot in here Phoebe Darley Staff Reporter
Although Arkadelphia has received plenty of rain this summer, residents still need to take precautions for when the driest days of summer are upon us.
city, AFD responds to the occasional yard fire. Luckily, Arkadelphia’s abundance of roads make it easy to gain access to the fire on most calls. During the winter the fire station responds to more house fires, “the
Some tips for having a safe fire include: - Keep an eye on the fire until it is done. - Have a bucket of water around just in case . - Rake the ground and surrounding area before burning. - Make sure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving. Lack of rain in heavily vegetated areas can lead to dryness of the ground and plant life. The plant life then becomes the perfect kindling for a wildfire. This is concerning because a large part of Arkansas is covered with trees and vegetation. “In Arkadelphia limits people are only allowed to burn tree limbs and other landscaping scraps,” Fire Captain Marty Adair of Arkadelphia Fire Station One said.” “But occasionally we do have some folks who start burning a mattress or couch. Which is not allowed.” Although they do not see many wildfires in the
biggest one we see is people leaving space heaters on and catching fire,” said Captain Adair. “Or they will have multiple cheap extension cords plugged up to the heater and they melt and catch fire.” Captain Adair stresses the most important prevention measure to have in your home or business is a smoke detector. If you live in Arkadelphia city limits and your home does not have smoke detectors. The fire department will install them in your home for free. “If you plan on burning something,” Captain Adair said. “Call the fire Photo by Lance Brownfield department and let us know, The Arkadelphia Fire Department recommends calling before starting a fire so they are aware of where to respond if needed. just so we know where to go
Info from Weather.com
FRI - July 30 mostly sunny
SAT - July 31 mostly sunny
SUN - Aug 01 mostly sunny
MON - Aug 02 partly cloudy
TUE - Aug 03 mostly sunny
WED - Aug 05
THU - Aug 04
95o 72
partly cloudy
102o 76
101o 72
100o 73
95o 73
94o 73
95o 74
Precipitation: 12% Wind: WSW 5 mph Humidity: 55%
Precipitation: 24% Wind: W 5 mph Humidity: 55%
Precipitation: 17% Wind: W 6 mph Humidity: 55%
Precipitation: 15% Wind: WSW 7 mph Humidity: 66%
Precipitation: 11% Wind: WNW 7 mph Humidity: 62%
Precipitation: 10% Wind: SSW 7 mph Humidity: 60%
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Precipitation: 22% Wind: SSW 7 mph Humidity: 60%
2 News
Thursday, July 29, 2021
Oracle: CE
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Events Upcoming Events
Summer reading list: History, biography, and a novel Asa Hutchinson AR Governor LITTLE ROCK – Since the days I was taking out Hardy Boys mysteries from the Gravette School Library, I have always been in the middle of reading a book or two. The First Lady and I read to our children and our grandchildren. I encourage families to keep books at home to read aloud and to encourage children to read on their own. A primary education goal for my administration has been to raise the level of literacy in Arkansas, which is why in 2017 we launched the Reading Initiative for Student Excellence or R.I.S.E. The goal of R.I.S.E. is to create a culture of reading in our state. Our reading initiative also focuses on the science of reading, which is phonics, and making sure every child reads at grade level, and if they fall behind, to help them catch up. When it comes to books, biographies and
books of history are my favorites, and today I’d like to mention the books that are on my short list to read this summer. And so the first on my list is a book about Harry Truman. It is called Dewey Defeats Truman. In his book, the author, A.J. Baime, notes at least one similarity between the elections of 1948 and 2016. I will let you read and figure out the similarity. The second book is included on the list since this is the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attack on the United States. It is called The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett Graff. It is a book I wanted to read as we should never forget the attack and the resiliency of Americans. My list also includes books by a couple of Arkansans. The Long Shadow of Little Rock, Daisy Bates’s memoir, which is her account of the events that we know as the Little Rock Crisis. Daisy Bates’s story and courage should inspire us all.
The one book of fiction on my list is a novel titled A Noble Calling by Rhona Weaver, who lives in West Little Rock. Her husband is retired FBI agent Bill Temple. The story is a characterdriven mystery that Rhona set in Yellowstone National Park. The star of the story is a young man from Heber Springs who played football at the University of Arkansas before he became an FBI agent. Rhona has named him Win Tyler, and the books involves intrigue that goes all the way to Russia. And then I recommend the book called The Man Who Ran Washington by Peter Baker. It is about the life of former Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury James Baker. If you like the inside story of the White House during the Reagan and Bush years, this is a must-read. That’s enough reading to occupy me at least until Labor Day.
Hyde saves lives Bruce Westerman AR Representative For 45 years, Democrats and Republicans have come together to protect the consciences of Americans who believe that unborn children are human beings worthy of life. The Hyde Amendment, which was first introduced by Republican Congressman Henry Hyde in 1976, prevents federal tax dollars from being used to fund abortions within the Medicaid program. Estimates today find this law has saved nearly 2.5 million children from the
horrors of abortion. Recently, Democrats stripped the Hyde Amendment from the annual Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill, paving the way for taxpayers to be forced to fund the act of abortion. It’s disturbing that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has made ending the Hyde Amendment a top priority for her party. This must not be allowed to happen. The good news is that some Democrats in the Senate have crossed party lines, calling the Hyde Amendment a long-
standing compromise, and I am grateful for their support. I call on my friends across the aisle to find the courage to respect the American taxpayer and stop forcing us to pay for something approximately 50% of Americans are morally against. I am committed to saving the Hyde Amendment however I can. I strongly believe in the humanity of the unborn and the dignity of all human life. I know many Arkansans agree with me. Americans should never be forced to pay for abortions.
Photo by Lance Brownfield
The Chick-fil-A in HSU’s Garrison building undergoes a small improvement project on Monday, July 26, just weeks before the fall semester starts.
July 6-31 “Christmas in July” sale at The Beehive Thrift Store in Arkadelphia July 20 - August 26 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Now showing at the Arkadelphia Arts Center, “Dog Days of Summer,” a collection of dog themed art and objects. Cat art is also included in this fun exhibit. Some of the proceeds from sales will go to the Humane Society of Clark County. Visitors may bring Purina dog and cat food to the center during this show, which will then be donated to the humane society at the exhibit’s conclusion. Other items needed at the shelter include bleach, cat litter, laundry soap, and old towels. Tue, Wed, Thur. (870-245-7982) July 30 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Arkadelphia Area Chamber of Commerce Taco Lot Fiesta August 3 8:30 p.m. National Night Out 2021 at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park (1420 Pine St.) August 5 8:30 p.m. Arkadelphia Rec Center Drive-In Movie Nights August 5 8:30 p.m. Arkadelphia Steak Soiree 2021 hosted by hosted by Baptist Health Foundation August 13 Badger Fest
5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
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. ♦♦♦ 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 29, 2021
News 3
Movie night for World Series opportunity Aaron Weatherford Sports Reporter After winning the Dixie League state title three weekends ago, The Hot Spring County Highlighters, as they call themselves, qualified for the Dixie League World Series that is currently going on as we speak. The Highlighters are composed of players from the schools of Haskell Harmony Grove, Bismarck, and Ouachita.
“When we started earlier this summer,” Head Coach Anthony Nail said, “we knew we could bring some kids over from those schools. Every one of these players have either played against or played with one another. So it was easy for our team to mesh back in June.” Last Tuesday night was a great night for fans and even spectators who wanted to go out and have some fun. Coach Nail and his staff offered an outdoor movie experience to watch the legendary baseball
movie, “The Sandlot”, at Warrior Field. “We thought that it was a great idea for the community over here as well as the surrounding areas,” Coach Nail said. There were games and other activities for kids and even adults to have some fun. Some of the players got together and started a wiffle ball game within the actual base lines at Warrior Field before the movie began. While people waited for the movie to begin,
spectators feasted on a well known backyard menu, Burgers and Hot Dogs. The assistant coaches and even Head Coach Anthony Nail helped prepare the meals. “Tuesday was a really fun night,” said Bismarck Senior Grady Howell. “Playing with these guys during the summer is an experience I won’t forget.” The Highlighters are currently 1-1 in the World Series and will play Virginia in an elimination game Tuesday.
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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
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Hathcock
Highlighters after winning the Arkansas 17U Dixie League title.
Photo courtesy of Amy Hixon Fulmer
“The Sandlot” shown on the Ouachita High School Baseball Field.
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
Photo courtesy of Amy Hixon Fulmer
Players and young adults play a game of air four square at the movie night at Ouachita High School.
Arkansas Department of Health COVID-19 update
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
UPCOMING EVENTS
7/29 AHS football team camp @ Prescott
8/2 - 8/6 AHS football Fall camp
8/9 - 8/13 AHS football Fall camp
Thursday, July 29, 2021
Oracle: CE
Reddies ranked No. 28 in preseason DII yearbook David Salley HSU Sports
Henderson State was ranked No. 28 in College Football America Yearbook’s Division II Preseason Top-30 rankings on Sunday afternoon. The Reddies were one of just three teams from the Great American Conference to crack the preseason rankings, joining rival Ouachita Baptist (No. 12) and Harding (No. 22). HSU enters the fall looking to improve on a 9-3 campaign back in 2019 which saw the Reddies finish 9-2 in the GAC and make an appearance in the Live United Bowl. Henderson’s two GAC losses came on the road by a combined four points. The Reddies report for fall camp on Thursday, Aug. 5 and will kick off the 2021 season on Thursday, Sept. 2 against Southwestern Oklahoma State at 6 p.m. in Weatherford, Oklahoma. HSU’s home opener comes the following Saturday on Sept. 11 when it hosts Northwestern Oklahoma State at 6 p.m. inside Carpenter-Haygood Stadium and Ruggles Field.
2021 College Football America Division II Preseason Top 30 1. West Florida 2. Minnesota State 3. Slippery Rock 4. Ferris State 5. Notre Dame (OH) 6. Northwest Missouri State 7. Lenoir-Rhyne 8. Texas A&MCommerce 9. Valdosta State 10. Kutztown 11. Central Missouri 12. Ouachita Baptist 13. Indiana (PA) 14. Carson-Newman 15. CSU-Pueblo 16. Shepherd 17. Colorado Mines 18. Bowie State 19. Wingate 20. Indianapolis 21. Lindenwood 22. Harding 23. West Chester 24. Miles 25. Tiffin 26. Sioux Falls 27. Augustana (SD) 28. Henderson State 29. Truman State 30. Ohio Dominican
Photo courtesy of HSU Sports
HSU football has been named 28th in country in DII by College Football America Yearbook.
Reddies earn second ever AVCA Team Academic Award
8/16 AHS football benefit game vs. Lake Hamilton
8/27 AHS football vs. Camden Fairview (non-conference)
Photo courtesy of HSU Sports
The American Volleyball Coaches Association and the United States Marine Corps have awarded the HSU Volleyball the Team Academic Award for the 2020-21 season.
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Courtlin Haygarth HSU Sports LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Henderson State women’s volleyball team earned the 2020-21 United State Marine Corps and the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award in spite of the Covid-19-stricken season. The award, initiated in the 1992-93 academic year, honors volleyball
teams that maintain a year-long grade-point average of 3.30 on a 4.0 scale or 4.10 on a 5.0 scale. The Reddies were one of 1,275 collegiate and high school teams across the all divisions to be named as recipients. “Even though teams might not have played during their usual season or may not have competed at all during the past year, coaches still found ways to lead their players to
academic excellence,” said AVCA Executive Director Kathy DeBoer in a release sent out yesterday. “This is a testament to the important role volleyball coaches play in their players success both on and off the court.” Continued success in the classroom has been the trend under head coach Phil McDaniel, as 201920 saw HSU receive the AVCA Team Academic Award for the first time
Women’s track and field ranked third in team GPA OBU Tigers The Ouachita Baptist women’s track and field team finished the 2020-21 season with the No. 3 team grade point average in the country, according to the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association. The Tigers, in just the program’s second season, tied with West Chester University of Pennsylvania at 3.71 for the third-highest team GPA among NCAA Division II women’s programs. Only Truman State (3.75) and Florida Southern (3.73) per-
formed better in the classroom than Steve Guymon’s squad. Ouachita was among the top 30 programs across all levels of
the NCAA in terms of team GPA. For all the latest on Ouachita track and field and cross country, follow @
OuachitaXC on Twitter and @ouachitacc on Instagram and stay tuned to obutigers.com.
Photo courtesy of OBU Tigers
OBU’s women’s track & field earned the No. 3 team GPA in DII in the nation with an average 3.71. The Tigers tied for third with West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
in program history, with this now being the second recognition. “First and foremost, it shows all the dedication and hard work of all our players and coaches to get us to this point,” McDaniel said. “Our goal since I have been here has always been to get a 3.3 team GPA and we’ve been able to do that for the past two seasons now. Hoping we can do it again for the third year in a row, but it
takes that effort and that focus on academics to make that happen.” The 2021 season begins for Henderson State with an exhibition match against Central Baptist on August 28 inside the Duke Wells Center before the Reddies’ home opener on Tuesday, Sept. 7 against Christian Brothers.
Down, set, hike Tierra McCraney Staff Reporter The Gurdon Go-Devil football program is hosting a free youth football camp for athletes entering grades 1-7. This program takes place on August 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Here, students will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of football and the basics involved in the Gurdon football program. The event will take place at the Go-Devil
Practice Field, and will be led by the Go-Devil football staff and current players. Registration forms must be turned in at the field house. The preferred dress is a t-shirt, athletic shorts, and football cleats. For more information, contact Coach Jackson at 870-353-4454 EXT. 145 or 903-748-4071.