To speak .
INDEX Feature Opinion Events Obits Sports Arkadelphian
No. 14
Vol. 3
November 18, 2021
BOTR: Defending the campus Blanton Matthews Staff Reporter
A week ago, students did not know that the Reddies would face an embarrassing Battle of the Ravine loss to that school across the street for the fifth year in a row, but even if they did, it would not matter as students such as those of Kappa Kappa Psi (KKΨ) had important structures to defend on the campus of Henderson State. Yes, it was that time of year again when half of the campus--if not half of the city of Arkadelphia itself--is at once encased under the dark plasticine shine of garbage bags as the rival schools protect sacred spaces from the would-be vandals at the opposite side of the ravine. The night of Thursday, November 10 was a brief moment of celebration and fellowship as KKΨ and the Student Activities Board offered s’mores and hot cocoa next to the iconic Centurium on the south lawn.
Unfortunately, the hot water for the cocoa mix was not the only water around that night, as rain began to fall and the event came to a sudden end quite early in the night. Still, despite the rain a group of KKΨ got in a quick “stroll”, a dancelike walk set to music, before Photo by Blanton Matthews grabbing their Centurion covered in protective plastic to prevent vandalism. things and leaving. place, [such as at] the gel beads and silly string S c o t t H o l b r o o k , a stadium, the fountain. I to more serious material senior of KKΨ armed was surprised [students l i k e n a i l s . W i l l i a m w i t h a r a d i o w a l k i e - a t t h a t o t h e r s c h o o l ] Martin of Housing and t a l k i e , s p o k e t o T h e d i d n ’ t h i t t h e b r i d g e Community Standards O r a c l e o n T h u r s d a y [over 12th street]”. In s e n t a n e m a i l t o o n night at the event and the past, the kitties have c a m p u s r e s i d e n t s o n again on Saturday at the dumped poorly-mixed F r i d a y w a r n i n g t h e m game. Kool-Aid, which cleaned of nails in at least one “ I d i d n ’ t g e t m u c h up easily. parking lot. At the time sleep this week,” he W h i l e H e n d e r s o n ’ s of writing, no other areas s a i d a s h e d e s c r i b e d l a n d m a r k s w e r e are known to have been guarding different parts p r o t e c t e d , t h e s a m e affected nor has anyone of campus throughout c a n n o t b e s a i d f o r in particular been found the week leading up to residential parking lots, in connection with the the heartbreaking game. which were defaced with incident. “I’ve been all over the mundane litter such as
Local high school seniors receive Good Citizen Award Daughters of the American Revolution
Three seniors from local high schools received Good Citizen awards from the Arkadelphia Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution at a tea and chapter meeting Tuesday, Nov. 9, at Dawson Cooperative in Arkadelphia. Those receiving awards were: Jenna Payne, Bismarck High School; Blaine Deaton, Gurdon High; and Julianne Chastain, Ouachita High School. James Eric Jackson, Arkadelphia High, and Monika Flores, Centerpoint High, also earned the awards but were unable to attend the ceremony. High school faculty members and
Reddie Radar: Silk Sonic & Dijon J.T. Dickens Reddie Radar
An Evening With Silk Sonic - Silk Sonic After the pandemic canceled their tour together, Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak are back with a soulful tinge on this collaboration, and it’s absolutely incredible. While most of the lyrics are the typical R&B and soul you would expect from the genre, it also has bits of comedy, such as the single “Smokin Out The Window.” Of course, the project’s instrumentals are great, too, with a classic 70s/80s R&B, disco, soul sound that can be heard throughout the entire project. One of the more powerful tracks, “Put On A Smile,” has a beautiful and well-earned key change along with some interesting callbacks in the instrumentals, specifically in the drums, as the duo talks about having to pretend to be happy after
a breakup. Overall, if you’re a big fan of old school R&B and soul or just want to see what Mars and Paak got up to during the pandemic, definitely check this one out. Absolutely - Dijon After releasing two EPs and a plethora of singles in the past four years, Dijon has finally put out his debut album. Something most will find interesting (if this is the first thing you’ve ever heard from Dijon) is the sound. The sound of this album feels like it’s in a live setting, almost like a jam session, and a fair amount of his stuff sounds like this. Some vocals and drums will feel like they’re just in a regular room in a house, while some strings will feel like they were recorded in a studio. The ambient noises and voices add further to the “jam session” vibe that this album gives off, like on the opening track “Big Mike’s,” which really
showcases this feature off. Now don’t let this quality fool you because there are some things that seem like they were recorded in the studio, but they still retain some of that ambiance of people talking or even someone sneezing in the background like on the track “End of Record.” The lyrics on this album also go into themes of heartbreak,
1 1 2 3 4 4
like on the track “Rodeo Clown,” which has Dijon singing like these words are very hard for him to say, as he ultimately breaks down crying after the last chorus right before the outro. If you’re looking for an interesting take on R&B with mixes of folk and bedroom pop, this is definitely one to listen to.
students chose each school’s Good Citizen by vote. Selection was based on leadership, dependability, service and patriotism. Each winner received a lapel pin and a certificate from the Arkadelphia chapter. Bismarck’s Good Citizen, Jenna Payne, is the daughter of John and Karen Payne. She is vice president of the senior class at Bismarck High and a member of the golf team, band, Beta Club and the student council. Blaine Deaton is a member of the Gurdon High band and FCA. His parents are Donnie and Brandi Deaton. At Ouachita High, Julianne Chastain serves as a cheerleader and is a member of the Beta Club. She is the daughter of Jamie Draper.
Photo Courtesy of Daughters of the American Revoution
Local high school seniors receiving Good Citizen awards from the Arkadelphia Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution on Tuesday were: (Left to right) Blaine Deaton, Gurdon High School; Jenna Payne, Bismarck High; and Julianne Chastain, Ouachita High. Arkadelphia High’s Good Citizen, James Eric Jackson, and Centerpoint High’s Good Citizen, Monika Flores, also earned the honor but did not attend the event.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Rutledge's exit from Governor's race Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Little Rock, AR — Sarah Huckabee Sanders today released the following statement in response to Attorney General Leslie Rutledge's announcement that she'll exit the race for Governor and instead run for Lieutenant Governor:
"I want to thank Leslie Rutledge for her leadership. I look forward to uniting Arkansans behind my vision to grow our economy and create high-paying jobs, increase access to quality education, and deliver bold, conservative reforms that take our state to the top."
Graphic by Lance Brownfield
Photo by Lance Brownfield
Comic by Blanton Matthews
Sarah Huckabee Sanders gives a speech at the Hamburger Barn the last time she came to Arkadelphia in September. Later that night, she spoke at the Clark County Republican Party's Lincoln Day Dinner at Henderson.
Info from Weather.com
FRI - Nov. 19 mostly sunny
SAT - Nov. 20 partly cloudy
SUN - Nov. 21 cloudy
MON - Nov. 22 partly cloudy
TUE - Nov. 23 partly cloudy
WED - Nov. 24
THU - Nov. 25 showers
showers
57o 30
63o 41
64o 37
61o 30
58o 41
62o 39
58o 33
Precipitation: 1% Wind: E 6 mph Humidity: 44%
Precipitation: 5% Wind: SSE 7 mph Humidity: 54%
Precipitation: 24% Wind: NNW 6 mph Humidity 70%
Precipitation: 24% Wind: NNW 8 mph Humidity: 53%
Precipitation: 24% Wind: SSE 7 mph Humidity: 50%
Precipitation: 47% Wind: SSW 8 mph Humidity: 75%
Precipitation: 35% Wind: NNW 8 mph Humidty: 73%
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Thursday, November 18, 2021
Paid public notice
Oracle: CE
image: Freepik.com
Fall Events Nov. 18-20 + 22
7:30 p.m. (20th at 2 p.m.)
Men on Boats by Jaclyn Backhaus presented by Henderson Theatre. Nov. 19 10:30 a.m. North Ridge Estates Groundbreaking off of Country Club on Gorman Loop Nov. 27 Shop Small Saturday We are expecting a delivery of promotional items since we were selected as a Neighborhood Champion for Shop Small Saturday by American Express, but they haven't arrived yet! As soon as they do we will be promoting that as well. Nov. 30
noon - 1 p.m.
Economic Development Council of Clark County Board Meeting. Clark County Sanitation will be closed on Thursday, November 25th & Friday, November, 26 for the Thanksgiving Holidays. If you are a Clark County Sanitation customer and your regular trash day is on Thursday, then we will pick up your trash on Wednesday, November 24th & Monday, November 29th , and if your normal trash is on Friday, then we will pick up your trash on Monday, November 29th. If you have any questions, please call us at 870-246-7602.
Dec. 2 5 p.m. Arkadelphia Christmas Parade brought to you by Herman Thomas, Wilma Gill & Committee. It will start at 5pm with the same Grinchmas theme.
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.
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Bonita Aileen Hatfield 6/28/31 - 11/12/21
Bonita Aileen Hatfield Estes died November 12, 2021, in Nashville, Arkansas, where she was living with her daughter Julia and son-in-law Dan Carter. Retired from Malvern High School, Bonnie taught American and World history, sociology, Arkansas history, and computer science. She directed European travel for high school students with fellow teachers, Vonda Cranford and Olivia Pierce. Mrs. Estes also taught at National Park Community College, Hot Springs. A graduate of Ouachita Baptist
John Warren Kelley 11/9/35 - 11/13/21
John Warren Kelley,
Col (Ret.) Charles Newton Bullard 1/1/27 - 10/17/21
Col (Ret.) Charles Newton Bullard, age 84, of Gurdon, passed from this life on Monday, November 8, 2021, at Twin Rivers Health and Rehabilitation Center in Arkadelphia. He was born September 7, 1937, in Gurdon, the son
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Obituaries University, receiving the BA in English and history in three years and the MSE in history. Served on the state standard for social studies with Hillary Rodham Clinton. She participated in a teacher exchange with Denmark. Bonnie recruited for the first integrated PTA in Arkadelphia. Bonnie was committed to justice and fairness in her profession and her daily life, holding herself and others to high standards. The first born of Catherine and Harold Hatfield of Valley Falls, Kansas, she is survived by her siblings, Paul Hatfield, Daryl Hatfield, and Nancy Gay. She was born June 28, 1931. She married her sweetheart August 22, 1949, at First Baptist Church, Valley Falls. Her children are son Mark Ernest Estes and his wife Elizabeth Wrenn-Estes, their daughter Whitney Wrenn Deuel and her daughters, Lorelei Elizabeth and Tabitha Lucile Deuel; daughter the Reverend Pamela Jean Estes; and
age 86, of Delight, passed from this life on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at the John L. McClellan Veterans Hospital in Little Rock. He was born November 9, 1935, in Shawmutt, AR, the son of the late Warren Anderson and Lemmie Mae Harris Kelley. John was a United States Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He was of the Baptist faith. John was a very gifted carpenter, building many homes from the ground up. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and
of the late John William (Tobe) and Delma Faye Wood Bullard. Charles was a 1956 graduate of Gurdon High School and a 1964 graduate of Henderson State University. He held a Master's degree from Shippensberg College in Pennsylvania and was a graduate of the United States Army War College. Charles was a retired Colonel in the United States Army having served two tours in Vietnam. He was instrumental in forming the 911 emergency system in Clark County. Charles was a devoted family man to his wife, family and friends. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Gurdon. Charles enjoyed fishing, football, spending time on his property at White Oak
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
daughter Dr. Julia Marie Carter and her husband Dan, their children, son John Thomas (J. T.) and his wife Erin, their sons, Jackson Tyler, Samuel Edward, Derryk Wayne, and Dalton Howard Carter; and daughter Jessica Raye Carter, her daughter, Adreanne Danielle and her son, Douglas Eugene Runyan. Extended family includes Dr. Nancy and Darrell Cartwright and their children, Sally Epps and Ben Cartwright; Ricardo and Cesar Galligani; Tom and Chris Ludwig, their children, Matthew and his wife, Amy, and Sarah, and her husband, Michael and her children, Luna Aurelia and Elena Mae Risch; and Becky Dugan. Bonnie is preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Jack E. Estes. She and Jack were faithful members of First United Methodist Church, Arkadelphia, and its Upper Room Sunday School class. Active in RAIN, she was a Stephen minister. Like her husband, she was a Paul
frog gigging in his free time. John was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Carl Kelley, two sisters, Betty Franks and Corine Russell. Survivors are his wife, Maria Kelley of Delight, one son, John W. Kelley, II, of Delight, one daughter, Holly Gentle (Eddie) of Donaldson, one sister, Lois Paul of Hot Springs, three grandchildren, Chris Gibson, John Sorter and Crystal Gibson, and five great grandchildren. Graveside services with military honors will be held
Lake, and telling stories of his time in the Army and Vietnam. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Eva Robbs Bullard, one granddaughter, Cassie Carter, three sisters, Billie Faye Bullard, Anna Lou Bloomfield and Adajean West, and two brothers, John William Bullard, Jr. and Bobby Joe Bullard. Charles is survived by two daughters, Kim King (Mark) of Gurdon and Stacey Bullard of Arkadelphia, one brother, Henry David Bullard (Linda) of Gurdon, two sisters, Marian Claire McCants (Charles) of Gurdon and Barbara Sue Mathis (Jack) of Hot Springs, two grandchildren, Charles Carter of Little Rock and Callie Clark of Gurdon,
Harris Fellow. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, professional education sorority, Sigma Alpha Iota, the women’s music fraternity, NEA/ AEA, and UMW. Bonnie was an accomplished seamstress and host. The table was open to all and every language necessary was spoken. Most important was love. She was faithful to husband, family, and friends, and to the spirit of Jesus who welcomed all. Visitation will be held at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923. Monday, November 15 from 6:30PM to 8:00PM. Service will be Tuesday, November 16 at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 107 N 9th St, Arkadelphia. Internment in Valley Falls, Kansas, Friday, November 19, 2021. Memorials may be made for missions through the United Methodist Women of any United Methodist Church.
at 2:00 PM Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at Delight Cemetery with Leon McKinnon officiating. Viewing will be at the Delight Cemetery from 1:30 to 2:00 PM Wednesday. Pallbearers are James Nolan, Mike Henderson, Jerry Hendrix, Chris Gibson, Mike Avery, Danny Happy, Chuck Holcomb and Jay Henderson. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www. welchfh.net to sign the guest book.
eight great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, November 15, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church of Gurdon with Bro. David Graves officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Monday at the church. Interment with full military honors will be at Decipher Cemetery at Gurdon. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 206 E. Main St, Gurdon, AR 71743. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www. welchfh.net to sign the guest book.
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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 12
1. Robinson 10-1
2. Ashdown 9-2
3. Arkadelphia 8-3
4. Malvern 6-5
5. Fountain Lake 5-6
6. Nashville 4-6
7. Haskell Harmony Grove 2-7
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Oracle: CE
Badgers clean up Clinton in round one Aaron Weatherford Contributing Reporter
Arkadelphia finished the regular season with only one loss in conference play, giving them the second seed in the Class 4A state playoffs. The Badgers have become very used to playing in playoff games, seeing that they won the 2017 and 2018 state titles. Last week, their matchup with Clinton was viewed as some would say a “tune up”. Clinton finished as the fourth seed in the 4A-2 conference with a 4-3 conference record.
It was also the first time Clinton and Arkadelphia had ever played against each other in football. The game started out as a slugfest between the two teams. At one point in the game, the Badgers were possibly on upset alert, only up 21-20. Things soon changed in the second half as Arkadelphia’s offense exploded. Clinton could not hold on as the Badgers throttled the Yellowjackets 56-26. Junior quarterback Donovan Whitten had a marvelous game, going 13 of 20
Photo by Shawna Childs
The Badger defense rallies for a big tackle in the backfield.
through the air for 179 passing yards and scoring two touchdowns. However, it was Jaishon Davis who really stole the spotlight in this game.
Photo by Shawna Childs
Senior linebacker Landon Kuhn celebrates on the sideline after a big play.
The Badgers head to The senior ran 12 times for 152 yards while scoring five Batesville tomorrow night for touchdowns. Wide receiver a second-round battle with Tripp Cannon also helped out, Southside Batesville. scoring twice on four catches.
Reddies and Lady Reddies back on the hardwood in 2021-22 Aaron Weatherford Contributing Reporter The Battle of the Ravine had many eyes that day on Henderson State Football. On the other side of the street, however, both Reddie basketball squads have begun their seasons. The women’s team took on Missouri Southern Friday afternoon in Joplin, Missouri. The Lady Reddies started hot in the first quarter putting up 24 points. In the fourth, Henderson again got hot and dropped 26 points en route to a season-opening, 81-74 victory over the Lions in the Great American Conference/ Mid-America Intercollegiate Challenge. It was a different story the next day, though. The Lady Hornets of Emporia State came to play, and it showed.
Henderson would have a 2624 lead at the end of the first quarter, but it all fell apart, unfortunately. A 28-point fourth quarter would lift Emporia State over the Lady Reddies 84-66. As for the men’s team, it was a similar weekend as they split games in the Central Region Challenge. The Reddies faced Winona State in the first matchup Saturday afternoon. Henderson dug themselves a deep hole in the first half, falling behind 51-33. The hole was just too deep to climb out of in the second half, as the Reddies fell 79-62. The Reddies, though, would come back to Arkadelphia with a win, as HSU would take down Missouri Western in an overtime thriller, 81-77. Last night, both teams were again in action in “The Duke.” The Lady Reddies took on
Christian Brothers, while the Reddies hosted Texas College in non-conference matchups. For more info on those games, head to hsusports.com. This up-coming weekend, the Lady Reddies head to Tyler, Texas for another nonconference matchup with UTTyler, while the Reddies take a trip to Fort Smith for their non-conference matchup with Arkansas-Fort Smith.
Arkadelphia Badgers 8-3 6-1 42-8 8-2 38-27 2020
8. Bauxite 2-8
Photo by David Salley of HSU Sports
The Lady Reddies huddle during a foul.
at
Batesville Southside Southerners
Current record Current conference 2017 game score 2020 record playoff record last playoff appearance
9-2 6-1 8-42 2-8 2-4 2019
Photo by David Salley of HSU Sports
Senior Quawn Marshall looks for an open player during an exhibition game.
www.arkadelphian.com
City to consider buying Sav U Mor building, hear audit report Joel Phelps The Arkadelphian The Arkadelphia City Board of Directors will convene for its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Boardroom. After handling some routine business, directors will be presented with the 2020 Legislative Audit and hear from City Manager Gary Brinkley and Treasurer Shacresha Wilson. A memo sent to directors from Brinkley quotes positive feedback
from the deputy legislative auditor who conducted the audit: “No issues came to our attention that we consider necessary to report to management.” Brinkley added in the memo that he is “not sure we have ever had an audit this clean” and recognized Wilson for her “dedication in keeping the city financially moving forward and accountability at the highest level.” Brinkley also thanks departments heads and administration staff. The 32-page audit
report will be included in the packet for board directors to review. The board will also consider additional pay for full-time and parttime city employees, a customary practice each year near the holiday season. In a memo to directors, Brinkley called 2021 a year of “continued growth and perseverance.” If approved, full-time city employees will be given an additional $500 compensation check, and part-time employees — those who work fewer
than 30 hours per week on a consistent basis — will be given a $250 check. Volunteer firemen in good standing fall under the part-time category. The amounts Brinkley is proposing are the same as last year’s compensation. The cost to the city will be $65,130; of that, the general fund cost will be $46,830, the street fund will be $3,230 and the water/sewer department cost will be $15,070. Unallocated funds will be used to meet the request should directors give approval.
Also up for discussion is the potential purchase of the property at 801 Main St., the present location of the old Sav U Mor grocery store building. In a brief memo, Brinkley noted he is in the process of gathering more information and reviewing documentation in regards to the purchase. “I anticipate having all the information and a recommendation for [the board’s] consideration at the meeting on Tuesday night,” Brinkley said. The last item of new business will be the
swearing in of Matt Johnson to the city’s planning commission. Finally, Brinkley will deliver his report, and directors will each have their turn to discuss city matters in routine business. While the meetings are open to the public, the city is encouraging social distancing and urges residents to watch the meeting on Suddenlink Channel 9 or via the livestream. Visit arkadelphian. com to read more.
City awarded $119K for street, safety improvements Mandy Halbert and Felley Lawson OBU News Bureau The City of Arkadelphia has been awarded a $119,000 grant from the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) for street improvement and pedestrian safety projects. The grant is funded through ARDOT’S T r a n s p o r t a t i o n Alternatives Program
(TAP). Also known as the “Safe Routes To Schools” program, TAP provides funding to “transportation alternative” projects, or projects focusing on creating safe transportation methods for pedestrians, bicyclists and other nonmotorized travelers. City officials plan to use the grant to address areas of concern around local school areas, in-
cluding: • Completing significant work at the intersection of North 12th Street and Caddo Street • Making improvements around the Peake Rosenwald facilities at North 16th Street and Caddo Street • Constructing a sidewalk from Crittenden to the Department of Human Services facility on South 10th Street T A P i s a reimbursement-type
grant. ARDOT will provide an 80 percent federal share, and the City of Arkadelphia will fund the remaining 20 percent, made possible by the “Moving Arkadelphia Forward” tax initiative. “When the citizens passed the ‘Moving Arkadelphia Forward’ initiative, we promised to leverage their money, and this is a prime example of that,” Arkadelphia
City Manager Gary Brinkley says. “With this approval, we will begin to finalize the drawings and bid packages.” Arkadelphia Police Chief Jason Jackson has long been concerned about pedestrian safety on South 10th Street. “The hill on South 10th Street makes it hard to see pedestrians at certain points in the road,” Chief Jackson says. “We are excited to hear it is
getting addressed, and for the safe access it will create for everyone in that area.” 89 cities and towns across the state applied for a TAP grant. Arkadelphia was one of 47 selected. City officials anticipate work will begin in the summer of 2022. Visit arkadelphian. com to read more.