Oracle CE March 11, 2021

Vol. 1

O

ACLE No. 7

March 11, 2021

Anchor Packaging to break ground on $21.5 million expansion to Paragould facility Paragould, Ark. (March 2021) – Anchor Packaging LLC, a leading U.S. manufacturer of foodservice packaging, together with Paragould Mayor Josh Agee, community leaders, and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, celebrated the groundbreaking of a 90,000-square-foot, $21.5 million expansion to its Paragould manufacturing facility, which will create 45 new jobs over the next 30 months.

Since opening its first Arkansas production plant in 1985, Anchor has continued its rapid growth into multiple locations with several new

product line expansions and hiring more local residents.

Today, Anchor employs over 1,000 people and operates two million square feet of production and distribution across six facilities in Paragould, Marmaduke, and Jonesboro.

In 2019, Anchor became the first packaging company in Arkansas to be recognized for excellence in on-the-job safety after reaching five million consecutive hours without a lost-time, work-related injury, or illness. Anchor Packaging has never had a layoff and the commitment to the employees has never wavered.

“Anchor’s packaging is

just one more way Arkansas touches lives all over the United States,” Governor Asa Hutchinson said. “Most Americans probably don’t know they take their take-out restaurant food home in a container made in the Natural State. Since 1987, when Anchor opened its first facility in Marmaduke, the company has been a worldclass member of our business community. Anchor’s decision to expand in Paragould gives us another opportunity to spread the news that Arkansas’s workforce is first-rate, our business climate is second to none, and Arkansas businesses make life

better for millions of people.”

“I applaud Anchor Packaging for their commitment to their employees and the community,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston.

“They have risen to the top of their industry through innovation and quality while creating a positive environment that continues to draw a dedicated workforce.”

“Anchor Packaging has been an excellent partner of the Paragould industrial community since expanding to Paragould in the 1990s. We are thrilled that Anchor has decided to expand here once again. Our workforce has time and time again met the needs of expanding and new industries.

The city of Paragould has long been a proponent of partnering with our local industries for job retention and expansion. The Anchor Packaging expansion

is a proud product of those efforts,” said Mayor Agee.

“Anchor Packaging has a rich 58-year history protecting food, including moving its manufacturing operations to Northeast Arkansas communities over 35 years ago. I am proud to say we have never had a lay-off. Re-investing in the region comes naturally as we have outstanding employees, many second and third generation, coupled with an evergrowing business focused on sustainable food packaging solutions,” said Jeff Wolff, CEO and President, Anchor Packaging. “Our safety accomplishments and consecutive record production levels over the past several years are evidence of the pride and ownership every Anchor team member takes in producing high-quality packaging that best meets the evolving needs of our customers.”

Founded in 1963, Anchor Packaging LLC is one of North America’s largest thermoformers and is best-known for its award-winning product designs and custom package capabilities. Restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores use Anchor Packaging’s products to serve the growing consumer demand for takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery of prepared meals. Anchor Packaging products include the award-winning Crisp Food Technologies® containers, Safe Pinch® Tamper-Evident containers, and a unique stock product line of over 450 rigid containers and foodservice cling films.

Anchor is actively hiring to fill several positions in operations to support their continued growth. Anyone interested can apply at www.anchorpackaging.com/careers.

Local business Lazer-Lawn Care Westerman’s new VOTER ID Act helps out HSU Softball team Cullen Smith OCE Reporter Beginning this past Valentine’s Day, Arkansas received a record-breaking amount of snow, exceeding the top five amounts of snowfall on record in the state. The snow fell periodically throughout the week of Feb 15., resulting in HSU’s closure of in-person classes and activities for the week and then some. For the most part, the campus was snowed-in.

While all of Henderson felt the effects of the winter weather, the HSU softball team was hit particularly hard as February is the primary month during its season. Their field was buried under several inches of snow, rendering virtually unusable.

Henderson reached out to Nicholas Robertson of LazerLawn Care for assistance. Initially, HSU wanted to see if Robertson had any wheelbarrows that they could borrow from him in order to clear off the softball field, but he graciously offered to meet with staff at the softball field with all of his equipment in tow.

“I said, you know what,

I’ll come out there tomorrow morning and meet you out there,” Robertson said. “I’ll take all my equipment out there and just help you clear all the snow off free of charge.”

When Robertson arrived, he got to work on his lawn mower.

“I lowered the deck down and I used it as a snow plow,” Robertson said. “That’s how I cleared off the outfield, and then we shoveled off the whole infield with wheelbarrows and snow shovels. I used the leaf blower and blew a lot of the snow off the field.”

Robertson was the only representative from Lazer-Lawn Care to come out to the softball field, but grateful Reddies showed up to help.

“The head softball coach came out there for a couple of hours,” Robertson said. “Then some of the softball girls came out and shoveled, too.”

They made relatively quick work of the formerly white field. The process took about five hours total. Putting in the time to do this, free of charge no less, is altruism that embodies the Reddie Spirit.

Photo by Nicholas Robertson.

Nicholas Robertson, graduate student at Henderson State, helped out the softball team last week with his lawn skills.

New concentration added to MBA program at Henderson State

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. Henderson State University’s School of Business has added three new concentrations to its MBA program, including aviation management, data science, and engineering management.

The proposals were approved by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education Coordinating Board in January, and will be offered beginning this summer.

The Coordinating Board also approved Henderson’s proposal for an M.S.E. in Teacher Leadership, which gives educators an opportunity to earn a degree that prepares them to provide leadership and mentorship to other classroom teachers.

All of the MBA concentrations at Henderson can be completed online. They will help match the needs of employers with the skill sets that Henderson delivers, said Dr. Marc Miller, School of Business dean.

“Prior to this change, our MBA was for general managers, and provided a wide variety of tools for future business

leaders,” Miller said. “We still have the high quality MBA that prepares our graduates for multiple career paths, but we are now adding new focus areas.”

The engineering management focus is a collaboration with the Department of Engineering.

“Rick McDaniel, chair of the engineering and physics department, helped us create the curriculum that will add the management element to the engineering curriculum,” Miller said. “In a little more than five years, a student can leave Henderson with a degree in engineering and an MBA. The aviation management concentration adds courses in aviation management and trends, as well as airport management.

Miller said the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that employment of administrative service managers, such as those found in aviation administration, was expected to grow six percent between 2019 and 2029.

The data science concentra-

tion was added to help meet the growing demand for analysts.

“The need for data scientists and data analysts within the state and nation is growing extremely fast,” Miller said. “At this time, the focus consists of two courses in data visualization and data analytics, but will expand over the next year to four courses in the concentration.”

All of the courses are designed to be completed in seven-week terms, and the entire MBA can be done in 14 months, Miller said.

Go to hsu.edu/mba for more information about the program.

The Master of Science in Teacher Leadership is based on a previous degree, but the core courses have been enhanced based on feedback from school district partners.

“This updated degree gives those with leadership aspirations a path to advance into teacher leadership roles,” said Dr. Celya Taylor, dean of Teachers College Henderson.

“Teachers can expand their leadership potential beyond the

classroom while maintaining their instructional impact and student connections within their own classrooms.”

The teacher leadership degree is built around an updated online core of 18 hours that can be used to obtain the instructional facilitator licensure endorsement and teacher leadership licensure designation.

The remainder of the 3036 hour degree includes an emphasis area selected by the teacher. Providing even greater flexibility, the degree plan allows teachers to select an interdisciplinary option and create their own emphasis area based upon their leadership goals.

For more information about all the degrees offered in the Department of Advanced Instructional Studies and Special Education, go to hsu.edu/ teacher-leadership, or contact Dr. Charlotte Wright, department chair, at wrightc@hsu. edu.

Registration begins in April for summer and fall courses.

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (RAR) introduced the Verification and Oversight for Transparent Elections, Registration, and Identification (VOTER ID) Act. U.S. Reps. Mike Rogers (R-AL), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Brian Mast (R-FL), Randy Weber (R-TX), and Rick Crawford (RAR) joined the bill as original cosponsors.

“The right to vote is a hardwon freedom that must be protected at all costs. The American people deserve to be confident in their election systems and assured that their votes count,” Westerman said.

“The VOTER ID Act ensures states run transparent, fair elections, abiding by all applicable state and federal election laws, and empowers residents of each state to hold their elected leaders accountable. Every American has a vested interest in election security, regardless of political affiliation. I am confident that increased election transparency will help heal today’s partisan climate.”

“I am proud to cosponsor this important bill,” Rogers said. “While House Democrats try and take over our elections federally, we’ve introduced a bill to actually solve problems with our elections. States should be empowered to continue our American tradition of free and fair elections.”

“The VOTER ID Act is a commonsense solution that will provide transparency in federal elections, instill confidence in voters and hold states accountable to their citizens so we can bring back voter confidence in our elections,” said Mast.

“The legitimacy of our republic—soon to celebrate two and a half centuries as a beacon of freedom—rests on the foundation that our elections are transparent, fairly administered, and above board,” said Weber. “Just as Americans from either side of the aisle are losing faith in our electoral process, the VOTER ID Act imple-

ments transparency and audit procedures that aim to restore the trust of our citizens in the integrity of THEIR ballots while honoring the constitution.”

“The 2020 election demonstrated that our electoral system needs reform to ensure fairness and transparency, with each person having the right to cast their ballot as they choose,” said Crawford. “As it stands, the Democrats’ plan is unconstitutional and would permit the federal government to hijack our current electoral system.

In contrast, the VOTER ID Act upholds our Constitution by requiring standardized postelection audits in each state - a measure that would instill confidence in the outcome of all federal elections.”

Background: The VOTER ID Act requires states to conduct post-election audits and publicly share the results before key election certification dates. Currently, only 38 states conduct audits, and there is large variation in practice and accountability. The VOTER ID Act also requires states to submit attestations ensuring the integrity and security of their voter identification methods and maintenance of voter rolls.

States shall submit the audit to the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) as part of the Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS) and post on states’ websites. The audit shall include information about the accuracy of voting systems and the extent to which states complied with applicable laws, rules, and procedures related to administering an election.

To help states conduct these audits, the VOTER ID Act instructs the EAC to develop a list of best practices – including recommendations that the audits are bipartisan and completed within 30 days following an election.

Dallas County officer involved shooting Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department has requested the Arkansas State Police to investigate a law enforcement officer involved shooting that resulted in the death of an area resident.

Two sheriff’s deputies on patrol in Sparkman at 8:50 last night (Sunday, March 7th) initiated a traffic stop involving a truck driven by Joel R. Weldon, 43, of Hot Spring County. During the course of the traffic stop, Weldon fled from deputies who pursued the truck north from Sparkman along County Road 232. During the pursuit, Weldon reportedly stopped and began firing a gun at the deputies leading to an exchange of gunfire with one deputy.

The pursuit resumed along the county road with Weldon driving toward County Road 235, where he later stopped and was ordered by the deputies to show his hands. Weldon did not comply with the order and one deputy fired into the truck.

Weldon then stepped from the truck, still armed, began walking away, and collapsed.

The deputies began to render medical aid to Weldon while awaiting the arrival of an ambulance. Weldon was pronounced dead at the scene.

Neither sheriff’s deputy was injured during the incident.

Weldon’s body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory where the manner and cause of death will be determined.

Questions relating to the identity of the deputies and their administrative status should be directed to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department.

Special Agents of the state police Criminal Investigation Division are continuing their investigation and will submit an investigative file to the Dallas County Prosecuting Attorney who will determine whether the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer was consistent with Arkansas laws.

2 News

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Asa Hutchinson on easing COVID-19 restrictions Asa Hutchinson AR Governor

In a news conference last week, I announced that I was renewing the state of emergency through March 31. I also announced that we would be keeping the mask mandate through March 31, as well.

In the days before March 31, we will consider whether we can convert the mask directive to a guidance, which is just that – guidance. Adherence is voluntary, and there is no penalty for a violation. We must meet one of two benchmarks in order to lift the mask mandate. If we are testing an average of 7,500 a day with PCR and antigen tests and have a daily positivity rate of less than 10 percent, we will convert from a mask directive to guidance that strongly encourages masks but doesn’t require them. At the end of the month, if we haven’t met the threshold of 7,500 tests, then we can look at the number of hospitalizations. If the number of COVID patients in hospitals is less than 750 statewide,

that will allow us to lift the mask mandate.

I also announced that since our COVID-19 numbers have been moving in the right direction, the secretary of health and I decided we could safely take some steps toward more normal lives. This includes converting all restrictions on businesses to less-restrictive guidance.

I have heard good reports since our announcement.

Eric Buckner, who owns 10 Fitness gyms, said older clients have been returning. He said, “It’s nice to see some of our long-time members we haven’t seen in a while.” Eric also said the mask mandate has been helpful because it gave small businesses authority to enforce it. He said, “We wouldn’t have been able to stay in business without the mandate. It was a common-sense directive to keep people safe without destroying a business.”

Since the announcement, some restaurants have seen their business pick up overnight. Candy Wilkerson, owner of Capitol Smokehouse in downtown

Little Rock, closed for seven weeks in the spring. She has chosen to remain at 66 percent capacity for now.

She said the pandemic has been a struggle but that the Smokehouse is starting to come back.

We can’t keep the directives in place forever, and this cautious approach offers flexibility for our small businesses. We are able to loosen up a bit because Arkansans have followed the directives. We have vaccinated nearly 10 percent of our 3 million population, and as more people get the vaccine, our number of cases will continue to fall.

We are not in the end zone.

I encourage you to follow the Health Department guidelines and get your vaccine as soon as you can.

If the numbers start to rise again, we may have to renew the state of emergency on March 31. I encourage you to continue all the things you’ve done to put us at this point so we don’t have to go back. Let’s keep working together to push the pandemic out of the Natural State.

interesting discovery of Cosmic Cavern, Arkansas’s largest, privately-owned show cave containing the Ozarks’ largest underground lake.

You can also find a great piece about Arkansas’s section of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, which has been designated the state’s first All-American Road. Also highlighted this month is a piece spotlighting enchanting ways to see Arkansas from the water or rail. The issue also has a piece on the Esse Purse Museum in Little Rock, the only purse museum in the

nation, as well as an article on the Hoo-Hoo International and Forestry Museum in Gurdon. For more travel inspiration, visit www.arkansas.com/things-to-do/.

You can also view previous editions of “Discover Arkansas,” order print publications to help plan your next vacation and sign up for monthly emails that feature deals and coupons for attractions across The Natural State.

For more information, visit www.arkansas.com.

March edition of “Discover Arkansas” online now LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The March edition of “Discover Arkansas” is now available at www.arkansas. com/discover-arkansas.

Published by Arkansas Tourism, the monthly digital publication highlights events, activities and trip ideas in The Natural State.

You have one-of-a-kind interests. Arkansas has oneof-a-kind offerings. From the exceptional to the peculiar, Arkansas is full of unique attractions and historical sites and activities.

In this month’s “Discover Arkansas”, learn about the

23rd Shambarger Competition

Photo by John Secrest.

(From left) Angela Collier, David A. Glaze and Dr. Susan E. Shirel served as judges for Ouachita’s 2021 Shambarger Competition for Singers.

Ana Weyenberg Ouachita Baptist

Danielle Hall, a senior musical theatre major from Prairie Grove, Ark., won first place in Ouachita Baptist University’s 23rd annual Mary Shambarger Competition for Singers on Tuesday, Feb. 23. This year’s competition repertoire featured art songs.

“Everyone simply astounded me, which is why I was surprised to hear my own name called,” Hall said, reflecting on being selected as the competition winner.

“I’m not sure I’ve ever been more impressed by the talent here at Ouachita.”

Hall will receive $500 for her winning performance of “Why do they shut me out of Heaven?” by Aaron Copland. Hall is a student of Dr. Maggie Garrett, associate professor of music, and Kristen La Madrid was her collaborative pianist.

Hannah Anderson, a senior musical theatre major from Austin, Texas, won second place and a prize of $300 for her performance of “Dreaming” by Lori Laitman. She is a student of Dr.

Glenda Secrest, professor of music, and Susan Monroe was her collaborative pianist.

Briana Penn, a senior music major from Benton, Ark., won third place and a prize of $200 for her performance of “Psyche” by Émile Paladilhe. She is a student of Dr. Maggie Garrett, and Susan Monroe was her collaborative pianist.

Sammy Campione and Melodie DuBose tied for fourth place, with each receiving $100. Campione, a junior musical theatre major from Waxahachie, Texas, sang “Of Bronze and Blaze” by J. Jay Berthume.

He is a student of Dr. Jon Secrest, Addie Mae Maddox Professor of Music, and Susan Monroe was his collaborative pianist. DuBose, a senior musical theatre major from Laurel, Miss., sang “Fleur jetée” by Gabriel Fauré. She is a student of Dr. Glenda Secrest, and Phyllis Walker was her collaborative pianist.

Hannah Gothard, Isabella Owen and Paige Price each received honorable mention and a prize of $50. Gothard, a senior musical theatre ma-

jor from Cleveland, Texas, sang “St. Ita’s Vision” by Samuel Barber. She is a student of Dr. Jon Secrest, and Susan Monroe was her collaborative pianist. Owen, a junior musical theatre major from Jonesboro, Ark., sang “Come Ready and See Me” by Richard Hundley.

She is a student of Dr. Natilan Crutcher, visiting assistant professor of music, and Susan Monroe was her collaborative pianist. Price, a senior musical theatre major from Plano, Texas, sang “Poor Wayfaring Stranger”

by Steven Mark Kohn. She is a student of Dr. Jon Secrest, and Kristen La Madrid was her collaborative pianist.

The judges for this year’s competition included Angela Collier, David A. Glaze and Dr. Susan E. Shirel.

Collier, a Ouachita graduate, teaches voice and theatre lessons through AKCollier Studio LLC. Glaze, also a Ouachita graduate, is director of music ministries at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, Ark. Shirel is assistant professor of music at Harding University.

The Mary Shambarger Competition for Singers is held annually to provide Ouachita students an opportunity to expand their musical repertoire while gaining experience performing and auditioning in a professional setting; the competition repertoire rotates each year among musical theatre, arias and art songs. The competition was created in honor of Mary Shambarger, professor emerita of music, who served as a voice instructor at Ouachita for 32 years and worked with the university’s choral groups, including what is now Ouachita Sounds.

Oracle: CE

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. >>> <<< First United Methodist Church - Arkadelphia will hold their Annual Fat Tuesday Fundraiser on Wednesday, March 17th (re-scheduled due to Winter Storm). A meal of Gumbo, Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice, Bread, Salad and Dessert will be available for $10 per meal, drivethrough only. Line up along 8th St to Barkman St. Do not stop on Pine and back traffic. Proceeds benefit the Food Pantry and Arms Around Arkadelphia. Cash or check accepted. Tickets now available through the church office or at the time of the event. >>> <<< The Henderson State University Fine Art Department is proud to present Dancers of Derision by our graduating BFA studio candidate Miss Samantha Cox. Samantha Cox came to Henderson State University in 2017 from Texarkana, Texas. While enrolled at Henderson State University, she has studied under the tutelage of David Warren and Margo Duval. Dancers of Derision is a culmination of these studies’ printmaking and mixed media. According to Samantha Cox, “My work expresses the battle between anxiety and overcoming that battle through my use of narrative within my work.”

The student gallery is located on the second floor of the Henderson State University’s Huie Library and the exhibit will be open for public view from February 28th through March 8th. >>> <<< 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 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, March 11, 2021

Page 3

Hot Springs National Park enjoys centennial Zoie Clift Travel Writer

A century ago, people traveled from across the nation to enjoy the thermal waters of Hot Springs National Park. All the bathhouses on Bathhouse Row were open and many were coming in care of doctor’s orders to seek relief from various health issues by soaking in and drinking the thermal waters. Today, 100 hundred years later, two of the bathhouses on Bathhouse Row continue to offer thermal baths and visitors continue to come to this national park to relax and soak in the famous thermal waters and enjoy the surrounding beauty of the Ouachita Mountains.

This year, Hot Springs National Park is celebrating its centennial year as a national park. It was first protected when Congress declared the area a reservation in 1832, around 40 years before Yellowstone landed the title as the nation’s first national park in 1872. The reservation was designated a national park in 1921 and is among the oldest federally protected areas in the NPS system. It is also the second smallest national park in the system after Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri.

Hot Springs National Park’s namesake attractions are the reason the park was first set aside for protection in the first place. The park’s 47 protected springs, whose water is a truly hot 143 degrees (F), were the

first and continue to be the only federally controlled hot springs in the nation that are managed for both public health and consumptive use.

Visitors can taste the water at one of the various jug fountains located around the park. Every year, nearly 1.5 million visitors have the opportunity to fill vessels with the hot spring water to take home.

Along with these features, Hot Springs National Park, which does not have an entrance fee, has 5,500 acres to explore including over 25 miles of hiking trails that lead to scenic vistas and to destinations like the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which provides an aerial view of downtown Hot Springs and the surrounding Ouachita National Forest. Pets are allowed throughout the park and on all trails, but not in federal buildings.

The park is also still known for Bathhouse Row, which is now a National Historic Landmark District and home to eight picturesque bathhouses, most built in the early 1900s.

The Fordyce Bathhouse serves as the park’s visitor center. The Fordyce opened in 1915 and owner Colonel Samuel Fordyce spent over $200,000 dollars to build the facility, which became known as the most luxurious bathhouse in the city at the time and a beacon of prestige in town. President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited the Fordyce in 1936 when he came to Hot Springs to celebrate the Arkansas

Photo courtesy of Arkansas Tourism Department.

The Hot Springs National Park area is host to many different businesses. In addition to the 8 historic bathhouses, there are dozens of different businesses to check out.

Centennial.

The Buckstaff Bathhouse, which has operated continuously since it first opened in 1912, and the Quapaw still operate in their original capacity as bathhouses and have thermal spa treatments available.

The Superior Bathhouse Brewery currently makes its own brew on site and aside from standing out for using thermal spring water as the main ingredient, it also lays title to being the first brewery inside a national park.

The Hale is now a boutique hotel called Hotel Hale; the Lamar Bathhouse is the Bathhouse Row Emporium; and the Ozark Bathhouse is now the Hot Springs National Park Cultural Center.

The Maurice Bathhouse is the only bathhouse on the Row that is vacant. When touring Bathhouse Row, one should be sure to see the park’s namesake attraction.

However, it should be noted that these are not thermal springs that you can jump into as they are 143 degrees

Continuing COVID-19 tracking

by Arkansas Dept. of Health

(F), thus very hot.

Thermal springs occur elsewhere in the U.S., particularly where there has been recent volcanic activity. However, the water of Hot Springs National Park is quite rare and an unusual set of geologic conditions of the Ouachita Mountains created and maintained the flow of hot waters here.

The spring water starts out as rain falling on nearby mountains and takes about 4,400 years to travel roughly 6,000 feet deep into the

Arkadelphia Badgers upcoming events Arkadelphia Public School System It’s an extremely busy week for APSD Athletics with the championship seasons for our winter sports in full swing and spring sports beginning this week as well.

Follow these links to watch this week’s state championship and post-season events: MONDAY - SWIMMING AND DIVING STATE CHAMPIONSHIP - Diving at 11:00; swimming approx. 12:45: https://m.youtube.com/wa tch?v=4Ek6pMWzoZk&feature =youtu.be WEDNESDAY - BOYS’ BASKETBALL at 4A SOUTH REGIONAL vs.

CAMDEN-FAIRVIEW 1:00: www.arkadelphiabadgertv. com/broadcasts THURSDAY - GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at 4A

Arkansas Department of Health

According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, there are a total of 69,115 probable cases in the state as of March 8. In reference to ADH’s

graph, there are a total of

graph weekly according to

precautions, however, as

324,951 cases with 316,000

what is available from the

games are being cancelled

recovered.

Department of Health and

left and right to coincide

state officials.

with regulations.

The counties are colored by light to dark in terms of

Vaccines are now avail-

With Joe Biden as the

able for a limited amount

new President of the United

The Dispatch will post

of people. Baptist Health in

States and vaccines being

an updated version of this

Arkadelphia has been sup-

given to those that meet

plying shots for weeks for

the needed qualifications,

selected employees across

things are changing week

town.

by week.

density of cases.

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

O

ACLE

Golf, softball, women’s

People are encouraged to

volleyball, and basketball

continue social distancing

are in full swing, so sports

and staying at least six feet

teams are keeping an eye

away from others. Testing

on COVID guidelines. That’s

is widely available in most

not to say that there aren’t

cities.

Oracle Online Want all the Oracle with less of the hassle?

Catch up with the times and read the Oracle Online.

hsuoracle.com

Earth before reemerging at more than 40 springs.

Hot Springs National Park is an urban park located in the city of Hot Springs, so places to stay are plentiful as are the many shops, restaurants, and other attractions you will find that are all within walking distance while downtown. Places to stay at the national park are also available at Gulpha Gorge campground which operates on a first come first serve basis.

O

SOUTH REGIONAL vs.

WATSON CHAPEL - 10:00 am: www.arkadelphiabadgertv. com/broadcasts THURSDAY AND FRIDAY - STATE WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS - link posted on APSD Athletics social media outlets later this week When you see the “This Week in Badger Athletics” weekly schedule either here on the Badger Blast or on social media, please know that it is what is scheduled as of Sunday afternoon of the coming week.

For the most up-to-date information on schedule changes, make sure you and your child are signed up for the preferred method of communications for your child’s coach.

Visit APSD Athletics social media outlets including Badger Athletics on Facebook and the APSD Athletics Twitter Account.

ACLE

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

oracle@hsu.edu

870-230-5221 1100 Henderson Street, Arkadelphia, AR - 71923 Calls will be returned.

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

Oracle: CE

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Reddies softball gets Eden Crow first GAC win against UAM All-GAC

Photo courtesy of OBU Tigers.

Pictured: Senior Eden Crow. Last week, the GAC honored Eden Crow.

Ouachita Baptist University Sports

Photo courtesy of HSU Sports.

Pictured: Senior pitcher Mallory Brewer. HSU softball clenched its first GAC win this season against UAM in a 4-2 game.

Courtlin Haygarth HSU Sports

Henderson State claimed its first Great American Conference win this season after a 4-2 triumph over Arkansas-Monticello Sunday afternoon. It was HSU’s first conference win since Mar. 7, 2020 when Covid-19 shut down the 2020 season.

Kaitlyn O’Quinn registered a team-high three hits and one RBI while both Kailey Reese and Monica Monreal saw two hits and one RBI

each. Addi Jordan came through with two runs and one hit.

Arkansas-Monticello got on the board first in its first at-bat, going up 1-0 after the first frame. Henderson State then responded with its highest scoring inning of its season, piling on three runs in the top of the second.

Runs from Jordan, Reese, and Monreal had the Reddies up 3-1 heading into the third.

After UAM scored a lone run in the bottom of the

second, the game stayed at 3-2 through innings three, four, and five. Henderson gave itself the bit of breathing room it needed in the top of the sixth with a onerun Reese double, bringing in Jordan for her second run of the game. That lead sustained HSU the rest of the way as the Reddies left Monticello with its first GAC win of the season, 4-2.

Leann Beasley got the win, bringing her season record to 2-1 as the freshman pitcher threw four innings

for two strikeouts while only giving up two runs. Mallory Brewer played reliever as she pitched three innings and only gave up two hits and three strikeouts.

Henderson State (2-10, 1-5) returns to Dee White Field for a double-header edition of the Battle of the Ravine Tuesday, Mar. 9 at 4 p.m. The last matchup, Henderson State defeated Ouachita Baptist nearly two years ago, 1-0.

HSU Reddie Baseball wins 3 game series with 5-1 final win

Photo courtesy of HSU Sports.

Pictured: Junior pitcher Spencer Taak. The Reddies “salvaged [a] three-game series with a 5-1 win at Clyde Berry Field,” last weekend.

David Salley HSU Sports

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Henderson State’s pitching slowed Arkansas-Monticello on Sunday, as the Reddies salvaged the three-game series with a 5-1 win at Clyde Berry Field.

After UAM scored in the top of the first inning, HSU

did not allow the Weevils to score again and got great performances on the mound from starter Spencer Taack and relievers Cade Tucker and Taylor Langston.

Taack earned his second win and gave up just one run on six hits in five innings of work. The junior from Dallas struck out two batters and walked one. Tucker and

Langston combined to pitch four scoreless frames to end it for the Reddies. Both relievers struck out two batters and two of the three hits given up between them did not leave the infield.

Greyson Stevens had another big day for Henderson and finished 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. Stevens was 5-for-11

in the series with five RBIs, a double, a triple and a home run. Daniel Colasanto also had a good showing at the plate and went 3-for-3 with an RBI. Colasanto reached base four times on the day.

UAM’s 1-0 lead in the first was short-lived, as Stevens quickly put the Reddies on top for the first time in the series with a two-run shot over the right field wall in the bottom half of the first inning. HSU hung two more on the board in the second on an RBI double from Bryson Haskins and an RBI single from Stevens.

Henderson nursed a 4-1 advantage for the next two innings before extending its lead to 5-1 on Colasanto’s RBI single through the right side in the fifth. Tucker shut UAM down quickly in the sixth and seventh, while Langston rolled through a speedy eighth inning.

The Weevils put some pressure on the Reddies late by loading the bases with one out in the bottom of the ninth after two infield hits and a walk. Langston got out of it, however, and rolled a 6-4-3 double play to eliminate the threat and give HSU the win.

The Reddies return to action next weekend when they travel to Searcy, Arkansas to face Harding in a three-game series. Henderson meets the Bisons in a single game at 6 p.m. on Friday and a doubleheader at noon on Saturday.

Ouachita Baptist senior forward Eden Crow added All-Great American Conference Tournament honors to her list of accolades this season. Crow was among eight players honored Sunday for their performances in the GAC postseason.

Crow averaged 20.5 points and shot 70.4 percent from the floor during the tourna-

ment. She made the gamewinning buzzer-beater in the first round to come from behind to defeat Southern Arkansas.

The Texarkana native adds All-Tournament honors to a list of accolades that includes Second Team All-GAC and a GAC Player of the Week award this season. She also entered the top 10 in program history in career rebounds.

OBU Men’s Tennis wins ARKADELPHIA, Ark. Ouachita Baptist men’s tennis picked up its third straight win Monday, defeating Mississippi College 6-1 in Clinton, Mississippi. The Tigers earned wins on five of six singles courts, all in straight sets.

Ouachita kicked off the match with a sweep of doubles. Carlos Solorzano and Matias Parzajuk picked up a 6-2 win at No. 1, Francisco Oliveira and Santiago Kearney won 6-2 at No. 2, and Tobias Fuerschuss and Fernando Docters won 6-2

at No. 3.

Fuerschuss was the first Tiger to clinch his singles match, defeating Shane Samyn, who withdrew due to injury, on Court 3. Fernando Docters beat Greyson Black 6-1, 6-2 on Court 6. Alex Blanchar clinched the match with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Carlos Trujillo on Court 4.

Santiago Kearney defeated Joe Jarvis 6-1, 6-1 on Court 2, and Francisco Oliveira earned a 6-3, 6-4 win at No. 1 over Matias Ballatore.

HSU Golf in Bushnell Poll NORMAN, Okla. — On the heels of two strong finishes at the Rattler Invitational and the Natural State Classic, the Henderson State men’s golf team cracked the Top-25 in the latest Bushnell Golfweek Coaches Poll on Friday morning.

After being unranked to start the year, the Reddies were voted No. 25 in nation

by NCAA DII coaches in the most recent poll. HSU is one of just two GAC programs listed in the Top-25. Henderson also broke into the Top-25 this week in the latest GolfStat.com poll at No. 18.

The Reddies opened their 2021 season by placing fourth out of 12 teams in a loaded field at the Rattler

Invitational in San Antonio.

Henderson’s Mitchell Ford won the event individually while the team shot 887 for three rounds.

HSU followed it up this week with a third-place result at the 19-team Natural State Classic in Cabot, Arkansas. Once again it was a Reddie who claimed individual medalist honors, as freshman Josh McNulty shot 5-under 67 on Tuesday to earn the first win of his career.

Henderson will look to build on its No. 25 ranking when it hosts the Battle for the Belt on Mar. 8-9 at Hot Springs Country Club.

Sloane Precure named GAC Player of the Week OBU Baseball Sloane Precure has been named the Great American Conference Softball Player of the Week, as announced by the conference today.

Precure batted .700 in the Tigers’ three-game series victory at Harding over the weekend.

The Canyon, Texas, native was 7-10 with a walk and a double and scored four runs in three games in Searcy. She also handled 15 chances at third base without an error as Ouachita earned its firstever series victory over the Bisons.

Precure and the Tigers are back in action Tuesday for a doubleheader at Henderson State starting at 4:00 p.m.

schedule