INDEX Feature Events Obits Sports Arkadelphian
No. 13
Vol. 3
Veteran's Day in Arkadelphia Emily Henderson Contributing Reporter
“Adapt and Overcome,” is the Marine Corps' motto and something Gunnery Sgt. Charles Ragsdale lives by. Ragsdale comes from a family where service runs deep. At a young age, he knew there was no question what he wanted to do: follow in their footsteps and serve our country. According to Ragsdale, to understand Veterans Day, one has to know what being a veteran means. To him, a veteran is not just a title and a discount at Starbucks, it means a person takes the oath and signs a “check” to the United States with the payable amount of their life. At any moment they could be called for the service of this nation. They possess a willingness to leave behind their whole life and comfort zone and “that’s what makes them special.” Veteran’s Day is to honor the ones that were and are brave enough to put on the uniform and serve in whatever capacity they asked of them. There are no unimportant roles, it is a team effort and without everyone involved it would not persevere. This is why he believes Veteran’s Day is for all those in service, past and present. “It does matter if you were a door kicker, trig-
November 11, 2021
HSU Theatre presents "Men on Boats" Jose Santana Contributing Reporter
Photo by Emily Henderson
Veterans Upward Bound provides services such as tutoring, financial counseling, FAFSA assistance and much more.
ger puller, infantry, or drove trucks,” said Ragsdale. “It’s all hands that take to make the military go forward and support this country.” Ragsdale understands the holidays are special, but there is not a day that goes by that he does not wake up and think about the brothers and sisters that were lost. While he honors those who serve, he does not forget about his family. Leaving a wife and kids at home was hard, but he said he had the easy part. “My wife took care of herself and three kids
for eight months and I couldn’t even take care of them for 45 minutes while she went to the grocery store,” he said. Ragsdale never forgets to make sure his family knows how much they mean to him and how strong they are. He honors them as well as all the other families in the same situation. After 20 years of being a part of the Marine Corps, he retired and currently works for Veterans Upward Bound. Ragsdale is excited to be helping those who served. He is home with his family and
does not regret anything, no matter how difficult it was at times. His hope is that those willing to go into service in the future enjoy it and not rush it because “life moves quickly.” Those 20 years he spent in the service flew by and did not hit him until the last week of his service. His wish for everyone on Veterans Day is to take 10-30 seconds of their day to think about everyone who has or is still serving, and think about all they have given so that we can be free.
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Men on Boats is an upcoming play by the Henderson Theatre production with five scheduled shows this November. When one thinks of a play about Men on Boats, they would imagine a simple play about heterosexual men pirating the ocean. But that is not the case for this production of Men on Boats directed by Lacy Klinger and produced by Henderson Theatre. According to Jessica Smith, who is one of the cast members of the upcoming play, the men will be played by an all women and nonbinary cast. The play is going to be very different, even for the non-men cast to take the challenge to learn how to play twenty to thirty years old, cisgendered, heterosexual white men in the 1800s. But the challenges are what make the play so enjoyable, because it is not every day a woman or a non-binary cast member gets to play a such role. The play, written by Jaclyn Backhaus, is scheduled for five performances this season at Henderson’s Arkansas Hall. “One of the best shows
that Henderson State has ever put on,” said Smith. “Anyone would enjoy the show, it is a show for all ages. It is definitely one of my favorite plays I have already performed here at Henderson.” She also assured that the audience will be amazed and should be prepared for many surprises. This will be the second play by Henderson Theatre that will be performed without masks since the COVID outbreak. Smith said she is excited to finally show emotion through facial expressions and that it is long-awaited to perform maskless. The show will also be nearly 2 hours long, and is set for Nov. 18, 19, 20, and 22 at 7:30 pm and also a second show for Nov. 20 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are sold through Henderson’s Theatre Box Office. “Theatre is one the most important things someone can familiarize themselves with, it has a rich history that is rooted in pleasure, art, and self-expression,” said Smith. “I would like the theatre to grow at Henderson, to be bigger than it's ever been, and I hope more people get more interested and enjoy the theatre at Henderson State University.”
HSU Clery Report published Emberlynn Pendergraft
Contributing Reporter
According to the Clery Center, the Clery Act requires colleges and universities to report campus crime data, support victims of violence, and publicly outline the policies and procedures they have put into place to improve campus safety.
Henderson recently released its 2021 Clery Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, detailing all crime and fire-related incidents that occurred within the university’s crime reporting geography in 2020. The report also includes past incidents from 2018 and 2019, revealing changes in crime statistics over the past few years.
Photo by Emberlynn Pendergraft
If you're in an emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies, call the Campus Police Department at 870-230-5098.
The 2021 Clery Report revealed a total of 78 offenses on its main campus in 2020, documenting eight more offenses than what occurred in 2019 when a total of only 70 offenses. In contrast, the 2018 Clery Report revealed a total of 74 offenses. Henderson reported one case of Arson in 2020, something that has not been recorded since 2017 when two cases occurred. It was also reported that the campus saw a total of 12 more occasions of Liquor Law Violations Referred for Disciplinary Action, and 10 more occasions of Drug Law Violations Referred for Disciplinary Action than in 2019. The report also documents sexual assault and domestic abuse cases on and off campus. These include one case of stalking, two cases of dating violence, one case of domestic violence, and one case of rape. According to the Chief of University Police & Director of Emergency Management, Johnny Campbell, Henderson’s historically low enrollment has created a problem for campus safety. “Higher enrollment would mean a requirement for more officers, but because our enrollment is so low at the moment, we only have a few officers,” said Campbell. “If we
could get our enrollment back up, maybe get our staff back up, we might have more resources to work with,” That’s not the only reason Henderson is low on officers though. “This isn’t just Henderson,” Campbell said. “We’re experiencing a statewide shortage of officers, too. We’re recruiting right now, but all across Arkansas officers are being recruited and then moving on to different organizations shortly after.” Henderson also saw one case of burglary and two cases of motor vehicle theft, which has statistically remained about the same the past three years. “There’s definitely a learning curve in students after they commit an offense,” Campbell said, “There’s a process they go through in order to hopefully keep them from committing more offenses that helps us from seeing repeat offenders here on campus.” For more information on campus safety, visit https://www.hsu.edu/ pages/campus-safety/. If you are placed in an emergency situation, call 911, and for nonemergencies call the Campus Police Department at 870-2305098 or visit them at their office in the Meeks house.
Photo courtesy of Lacy Klinger
From left to right, Savannah Price, Sophie Burke, and Suzy Hill make up part of an all female and non-binary cast of "Men on Boats."
Gurdon Marching Band puts four on the floor at state competition J.T. Dickens Contributing Reporter
The Gurdon GoDevil Marching Band have become the state marching champions in classification 2A once again at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock Nov. 1. This comes after an impressive four year winning streak, starting back in 2018 with their show “Angels and Demons.” The band is currently under the direction of Christopher Elliott II, who graduated from Henderson in 2018
with a degree in music education. Other bands that won throughout the day included Fouke High School in class 3A and Arkadelphia High School in class 4A, who also have Henderson alumni that are involved with their band programs. This year marks the sixth win for the Arkadelphia program. The next day, Paragould won in class 5A, Van Buren took the title in 6A and 7A went to Bentonville.
Info from Weather.com
FRI - Nov. 12 partly cloudy
SAT - Nov. 13 partly cloudy
SUN - Nov. 14 mostly sunny
MON - Nov. 15 sunny
TUE - Nov. 16 mostly sunny
WED - Nov. 17 partly cloudy
THU - Nov. 18 mostly cloudy
62o 33
60o 39
66o 35
61o 31
64o 39
70o 46
68o 42
Precipitation: 13% Wind: WNW 9 mph Humidity: 58%
Precipitation: 2% Wind: W 8 mph Humidity: 51%
Precipitation: 21% Wind: W 10 mph Humidity 55%
Precipitation: 1% Wind: NW 8 mph Humidity: 48%
Precipitation: 3% Wind: S 8 mph Humidity: 56%
Precipitation: 19% Wind: S 10 mph Humidity: 62%
Precipitation: 24% Wind: SW 9 mph Humidty: 65%
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2 News
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Paid public notice
Oracle: CE
image: Freepik.com
Fall Events Upcoming Events
Nov. 11 Leadership Clark County Sessions. Nov. 11 Veterans Day Celebration hosted by Veterans Upward Bound at 1020 Hickory Street. There will be food, a guest speaker and the opening of a new veteran lounge. Nov. 13 1 p.m. Battle of the Ravine at Cliff Harris Stadium. Nov. 18-20 & 22
7:30 p.m. & 20th at 2 p.m.
Men on Boats by Jaclyn Backhaus presented by Henderson Theatre. Nov. 30
noon - 1 p.m.
Economic Development Council of Clark County Board Meeting.
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 870-4033001. 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 870-2609277. ♦♦♦ 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
Avis Arlette "Cookie" Wilson 11/28/44 - 11/7/21
Bessie Marie White 9/28/25 - 11/5/21
Judy Beth Hutcherson 11/28/44 - 11/7/21
Judy Beth Hutcherson, age 76, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at Arkansas Hospice Center in Hot Springs. She was born November 28, 1944, in Arkadelphia, the daughter of the late Alvin E. and Lorine
Sheri Elaine Moore 6/12/55 - 10/28/21
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Obituaries Avis Arletta "Cookie" Wilson, age 71, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Monday, November 1, 2021, at Baptist Medical Center in Arkadelphia. She was born January 5, 1950, in Arkadelphia, the daughter of the late AB and Maxine Davis Cox. Cookie was a graduate of Delight High School. She attended Cornerstone Baptist Church
Bessie Marie White, age 96, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Arkansas Hospice in Hot Springs. She was born August 28, 1925, in Clark County, the daughter of the late Jess and Bessie Pullen Duke. Marie was retired from Levi Strauss as a seamstress. She was a member of Third Street Baptist Church. Marie enjoyed sewing, tending
and a member of Rocking U Riding Club. Cookie enjoyed gardening, painting, drawing and riding horses in her free time. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, James Cox, two sisters, Lola Cox and Debbie Hightower. Cookie is survived by her husband, William Wilson of Arkadelphia, four daughters, Christie Wilson (Tom) of Memphis, AR, Patricia Wolfe (Steve) of Sandy, OR, Wendy Stewart (David) of Marietta, OK, and Chassidy Tucker (Brian) of Arkadelphia,
to her flowers and playing chicken foot in her free time. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Charlie White and her son, Charles Larry White. Survivors are her daughter, Cathy Hathcoat of Arkadelphia, four grandchildren, Amanda Ronan, Becky Selle (Jason), Cliff and Corey White, five great grandchildren, Rachel and Reed Ronan, Avery and Eliza Selle and Hayley White and several nieces and nephews.
one sister, Patsy Hill (Dale) of Prescott, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Smyrna Cemetery with Bro. Larry Newsome officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00 Noon to 1:30 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www. welchfh.net to sign the guest book.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, November 8, 2021, with Bro. Greg Lathem officiating. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 2:00 PM Monday at Richland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Third Street Baptist Church, P.O. Box 763, Arkadelphia, AR 71923. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www. welchfh.net to sign the guest book.
Glover Clark. Judy Beth served in the United States Army Reserves in the 1st Battalion, 95th Division, in Arkadelphia for eight years. She enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing, hunting, playing Bunko with her friends, crocheting and spending time with her puppies. Judy Beth was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Don Clark. Her life centered around public service to the city of Arkadelphia and Clark County. She served as City Clerk and Treasurer for ten years for the city of Arkadelphia. Judy Beth met and married Elven Hutcherson and they worked together as owners of JBH Logging, Inc. She later went to work for then Clark County Sheriff Troy Tucker as a secretary in May of 1994.
Judy Beth successfully campaigned for Clark County Treasurer and served the county from 1997 until her retirement in 2017. During her tenure, she served on numerous committees and boards representing her community. She was well respected and highly regarded within the Arkansas political arena and was elected the first female President of the Association of Arkansas Counties, where she served from 2015 through 2017, at which time she retired. Judy Beth was the only non county judge to ever hold this position. Survivors are her husband of forty-two years, Elven Hutcherson, one son, Michael Saunders, daughters, Sharon Denise Kuhn (Tracy), Dena Jones and Leia Cast, eight grandchildren, Derrick Currey, Clay Currey (Nora
Kate), Rebecca Fellers, Taelor and Josh Jones, Cason, Alyssa and Bailey Cast, six great grandchildren, three brothers, Jimmy Clark (Karen), John Clark (Karen) and Wallis Clark. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, November 12, 2021 at Third Street Baptist Church with Rev. John McCallum officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Humane Society of Clark County, P.O. Box 435, Arkadelphia, AR 71923. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www. welchfh.net to sign the guest book.
Sheri Elaine Moore, age 66, of Arkadelphia passed away October 28, 2021. She was born June 12, 1955, to Carroll D. Thomason and Emma Nell Voss Thomason in Arkadelphia. Sheri is preceded in death by her father; and her husband, James Larry Moore. Sheri never met a
stranger and loved everyone. She had a green thumb and was very artistic. Sheri is survived by her mother; sons, Jonathan Arndt of Hot Springs, and Jeremy Edwin Arndt (Jennifer) of Arkadelphia; brother, David K. Thomason (Patricia) of Friendship; sister, Marilyn Thomason Morrison (Donald) of Bismarck; four
grandchildren; and many friends. Private cremation services under the direction of Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sheri Elaine Moore, please visit our floral store.
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
How to place Classified Ads in the
Send an ad with payment addressed to “Oracle” to 1100 Henderson Street Box 7693. Tell us how often the ad should run. Deadline for ads: For ad changes, to cancel ads; tell us by Thursday. The week before publication. No extra charge for bold or caps. Phone number and full name are one word. Cost: 25¢/word “$7/photo.” Call Reddie Media Group (RMG) at 870230-5220 or rmg@hsu.edu for a detailed rate card or any other questions. Ask us about our duration packages.
Obits 3
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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 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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4 Sports
7-4A Football Conference Standings Week 10
1. Robinson 9-1
2. Ashdown 8-2
3. Arkadelphia 7-3
4. Malvern 5-5
5. Fountain Lake 5-5
6. Nashville 4-6
7. Haskell Harmony Grove 2-7
8. Bauxite 2-8
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Oracle: CE
The Brief of the Ravine William Matthews Contributing Reporter
The annual Arkadelphia showdown approaches once again. This Saturday marks another Battle of the Ravine game for the Henderson and Ouachita football teams. It’s an event that puts a special spotlight on the schools and the town. Cars line highway 67 on both sides with the stands overflowing with red and purple. But how did this all start? The first Battle of the Ravine, named after the ravine that runs
through both campuses, was first held in 1895 on Thanksgiving day with Ouachita beating Henderson (named Arkadelphia Methodist College at the time) 8-0. However, despite the loss, Thanksgiving was still a great day to bring the local community together. A parade and several parties would be thrown to celebrate the game and the holidays. Remnants of it can still be seen today in the tailgates that take place all across the ravine. In its history, this sporting event was
suspended two major times. Once due to the start of World War II, and another between 1951 and 1963. The week leading up to the game was usually filled with banter and pranks from both schools. However, the excessive vandalism of school property forced both schools to halt the game until things were better under control. Now, signs are covered in bags, stadium lights are left on at night, and students patrol their respective campuses watching for suspicious activity.
The
Photo by William Matthews
Henderson State and Ouachita Baptist to face off in yet another Battle of the Ravine Saturday, Nov. 13.
Battle of the Ravine is now held on Saturdays like most scheduled conference games, and pranks are still anticipated by each side. The pranks might cause
trouble for the schools and students for a time, but it all comes together on game day. And this Saturday’s game might be another for the history books.
Braves win first World Series title in 26 years Kolby Reck Contributing Reporter
The Atlanta Braves won Major League Baseball’s World Series for the first time since 1995. They beat the Houston Astros 7-0 on Tuesday, Nov. 2 to win the best-of-seven championship series, four games to two. This was the second World Series title for the Braves since moving to Atlanta from Milwaukee in 1966. They managed to deny the Astros a second championship in five years. The Braves’ playoff run included victories over the Milwaukee Brewers and the defending champion team, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Braves made five appearances in the World Series during the 1990s, with a collection of Hall of Fame players and a Hall of Fame Manager Bobby Cox. Only winning one title in 1995, they were expected to win multiple rings. This was not the case this year. The Braves were not expected to make a World Series
appearance, let alone win it. After losing their best player in July, outfielder Ronald Acuña, Jr, to a torn knee ligament, all seemed lost. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos made moves to acquire Jorge Soler, Eddie Rosario, and Adam Duval. Soler was named the most valuable player of the World Series, and Rosario was the M.V.P. of the National League Championship Series. Going into the playoffs, the Braves had the fewest regular season game wins out of the 10 teams in the playoffs. In their division series, Soler tested positive for Covid-19 and missed several games. The team’s veteran starting pitcher, Charlie Morton, suffered from a broken leg in Game one against the Astros. The Braves won 6-2 in game one, but fell short in game two by losing 7-2. Games three and four both went to the Braves by a score of 2-0 and 3-2 respectively. The Astros bounced back in game five
by winning 9-5. In game six, with the Braves having the chance to clinch the World Series, Jorge Soler got it started with a three-run-homerun in the third inning. Braves’ short-stop Dansby Swanson
Arkadelphia Badgers 7-3 6-1 N/A 8-2 38-27 2020
and first-baseman Freddie Freeman tacked on insurance runs with homeruns of their own. Freeman’s RBI double in the fifth was the only run that did not score on a homer. Despite all of the adversity
vs. Current record Current conference 2020 game score 2020 record playoff record last playoff appearance
that the Braves had to battle through, they came out on top as champions. The Braves are scheduled to play the Boston Red Sox Feb. 26, 2022 at home to open the next season.
Clinton Yellowjackets 5-5 4-3 N/A 2-9 9-18 2020
www.arkadelphian.com
Local businesses plan Arkadelphia Thanksgiving, aim to feed all walks of life Joel Phelps The Arkadelphian
With Thanksgiving just three weeks away, two local business agents are pairing up with hopes to feed as many mouths as possible. In order to make Arkadelphia Community Thanksgiving a success and perhaps an annual event, monetary contributions are needed. The idea stemmed from talks between Ishrael Wordlaw Insurance AgencyFarmers Insurance and
Falicia Samuels, real estate agent at United Country Real Estate. Having witnessed firsthand the rising number of evictions in Clark County — 30 in one month alone — Samuels wanted to see to it that people from all walks of life are fed a warm meal. The two brainstormed on ways to give back to the community, and the idea of Arkadelphia Thanksgiving was born. Loren Wheatley, who works with Wordlaw’s firm, was tasked with fundraising and organizing
Mr. Goodtime’s Hearsay Fishing (and hunting) report Lee Seale Mr. Goodtime Hey y’all back yet again. I guess The Arkadelphian likes my material. Who would have thought that! Well, y’all, I have had a little trouble this week coming up with fresh material, but today an old memory popped into my head and I thought I would share it. I remember one day several years ago right after we had moved to Sparkman my dad decided to take me and my brother squirrel hunting.
I’m guessing he did not give it much thought beforehand seeing as how my pops was not necessarily the most patient person. Well to my knowledge it was my first time ever going squirrel hunting, and I had no idea what to expect. At first everything was going good and we were enjoying ourselves. We were just walking through the woods not seeing anything. And as always it was my fault because I was breathing too hard or I was walking Visit arkadelphian. com to read more.
the event. “With the wage and income disparity in Arkadelphia, there are people who may not have a quality Thanksgiving meal,” Wheatley said. “We just want to make sure that everyone who wants to have a warm Thanksgiving meal is welcome.” Arkadelphia Community Thanksgiving isn’t meant to be the typical “soup kitchen” dinner many associate with feeding the homeless, but rather to feed people from all
walks of life. “You don’t have to be poor, you don’t have to be rich,” Wheatley said. “We’re a community. Let’s have some good talks, have a meal and foster fellowship and community.” The event is planned for Tuesday, Nov. 23, at 5 p.m. in Henderson State University’s Garrison Center. Sudexo will be catering the meal, which will include turkey, dressing, green bean casserole, candied yams and sweet potato pie. With a goal of $5,000
to ascertain all mouths are fed, sponsorships are still needed. Donations will cover meal costs, with any surplus funds benefiting the Community Family Enrichment Center, CADC and the Ecunumerical Food Pantry, Wheatley said. There are three sponsorship tiers: $50 or more for two tickets; $150 or more for four tickets and banner recognition; and $250 or more for six tickets, banner recognition and a sponsorship table. All sponsors who donate
$50 or more will receive social media recognition for helping the cause. So far, First National Title and Celebrations have shown support in addition to the two businesses spearheading the event. Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and the Little Rock-based Views Organization, Inc., have also helped as volunteers. All donations are beneficial, Wheatley said, “even if it’s just a dollar.” Those looking to help
Badgers Cornhole team heading to Myrtle Beach for nationals Joel Phelps The Arkadelphian Four students from Arkadelphia High School will be heading to Myrtle Beach, S.C., to compete against some 250 other teams who have become involved in a backyard sport that has swept the nation. The four members of the Arkadelphia Badgers Cornhole team headed to South Carolina for a national competition are Tucker Johnson, Matthew Porter, Tate Goodrum and Gray Manning. The nationals will be held from Dec. 31 through Jan. 2.
Corn hole teams popped up all across the U.S. during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when sports arenas and live sports broadcasts were nil. Because corn hole — or bean bag toss — can be played by social distancing, teams took the backyard sport indoors and began broadcasting it live. “When Covid came about it just exploded in popularity across the nation,” said Jason Hunt, who was integral in the formation of the A-Town Baggerz team two years ago. “It was the only sport allowed to be played at the national level because you could social
distance while you play. It was the only sport we could watch.” Since starting A-Town Baggerz, Hunt has been named Arkansas state director for the ACL. When Hunt isn’t busy heading the Arkadelphia Fire Department as its fire chief, he’s got his hands full with bag toss. A-Town Baggerz has grown to include about 50 players who compete regularly against other teams in the American Cornhole League. Members of the team compete nearly every weekend, traveling as far away as neighboring
states for competitions. ACL has a high school series that allows schools to participate and earn scholarships. Two months ago, Hunt approached AHS principal Callie Hunley about the idea of forming a local high school team, and with Hunley’s support the team started. This Saturday, several AHS students competed at Henderson State University in a qualifier to send four students to nationals. The AHS Badgers Cornhole team will compete in singles, doubles and four-player team events when they head to Myrtle Beach.