To speak .
INDEX Features Events Obits Sports Arkadelphian
No. 12
Vol. 4
1 2 3 4 4
April 7 , 2022
Taylor, Bowman, Robles assist in Missouri bat census Ty Gibbs Contributing Reporter Michael Taylor, head of the Communications department, Sydney Bowman, a junior in communications media department, and Maya Robles, a sophomore representing the biology department, took a weekend trip to Branson, Missouri. They assisted Kirsten Alvey-Mudd, Missouri Bat Census, in counting bats and other cave fauna in a cave near Branson. The Ozarks are a cave-rich area, but in recent years, their bat populations have taken a hit from White Nose Syndrome (WNS). According to the official website of White Nose Syndrome, WNS is a disease that affects hibernating bats and is caused by a fungus that looks like a white fuzz on bats faces. This causes them to be more active and usually burn up the fat they need to survive the winter. Why care? Bats are almost
nowhere to be seen in our daily lives but have so many advantages to our lives and areas around us. Bats are known for eating almost up to $4 billion worth of insects that would be put towards pesticide in farming. Bats also provide natural pollination with their droppings to areas where sunlight and nutrients are scarce, like caves (whitenosesymdrome.org). Luckily, the numbers have increased since last year, according to Mudd. Sydney Bowman was filming for an educational grant on bats and WNS from the Arkansas Game and Fish commission, and Maya Robles assisted with bat counts, helped carry filming equipment, and to get some more caving in. Mr. Taylor is also an experienced caver, with two books published about his experience and findings. Kristen Alvey-Mudd says last year alone during bat season, she went into about 300 caves in a span of a few months to count bats.
Notes from survey: Hootentown 3/13/22 Mike Taylor, Sydney Bowman, Maya Robles, Kirsten Alvey-Mudd 17 tricolor bats (pipistrellus subflavus) 5 sick WNS tricolor 4 big brown bats (eptesicus fuscus) 1 bat bug (Cimex pilosellus) 6 juvenile grotto salamander (Eurycea spelaea) 2 cave salamander (Eurycea lucifuga) 2 pickerel frogs (Lithobates palustris) 11 salamander larvae (various species) 42 meta ovalis spiders 50 +/- cave cricket 100 +/- Heleomyzidae flies 100 +/- fungus gnats 100 +/- mosquitoes
Photo courtesy of Michael Taylor, Sydney Bowman, Maya Robles, and Kirsten Alvey-Mudd
Bye-bye Brownfield Lance Brownfield OCE Editor-In-Chief Bye-bye Brownfield After almost a year as Editor-in-Chief of the Oracle Community Edition (OCE,) it’s time for me to say goodbye. During my time at the OCE, I’ve learned so much about the community of Arkadelphia and the great people of Clark County. I’ve gotten to dig into what makes Henderson “The School With a Heart.” The reason for my departure is that I have taken another job just down the road. I’ll be taking over as Editor-in-Chief of the Malvern Daily Record. Funny enough, I’ll be filling in where Pete Tubbs leaves off once again. I was born and raised in Malvern, and the Malvern Daily Record is where I got my first taste of journalism way back in 2017, so it seems like a fitting role for me at this time of my life. Just because I’m starting this new chapter in my life does not mean you won’t see me around. I plan to graduate in December, and since I’m already making the short drive from Malvern for classes, you can still expect to see me on campus. I just won’t be wearing my reporter’s hat. Times are tough for the Oracle right now and the Henderson community as a whole. Because of all the
changes in leadership and the end of the semester approaching, it is with a heavy heart that we inform you that the Oracle Community Edition will not publish any more issues this semester. Hopefully, by this summer, the paper will resume making weekly issues on the website, but there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the future of the Oracle and the OCE. Let alone how long it will be until you, the reader, can expect another print issue. I want to personally thank everyone who has supported this organization and me through these trying times. The readers of this paper have been very understanding about the trials we’ve faced in the last few years as a team and as students. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my adviser Steve Listopad, who has guided me, mentored me and even reigned me in during my time at the Oracle. I have learned many valuable lessons in journalism from him, and I hope to meet him again in the professional world in the coming years. Next, I’d like to thank the other professors of the communications department. My Innovative Media professors, David Stoddard and Scott McKinnon, who’ve helped me not only navigate the hectic experience of college
but also pushed me and motivated me to be a better writer, journalist, creative and student. Professor Michael Taylor, who I deeply admire as a writer. Professor Glover, who is a truly knowledgeable and experienced craftsman in the world of film and radio. Outside of my field, there are several other professors that have made quite an impact on me. Professor Charles Rook of the aviation department, for example. I highly respect Professor Rook, and in another life, I would have signed up to become a pilot instead of a journalist. Doctor Fred Worth, who is a man of the faith and displays it proudly, but without dealing any harm to those with different beliefs. There are so many others on the faculty and staff that have helped me with my academic journey, and I simply don’t have enough room to mention them all, but I’m hoping they’ll know that they are very much appreciated and I could not have gotten to where I am without your support and efforts. Of course, I also want to thank the student journalists that I’ve worked with along the way. Kelly Styles, who was Editor-inChief of the Oracle when I arrived, has become a great personal friend of mine. Kaela McKim, the
Arkansas Port, Intermodal, and Waterway Development grant applications are now available for calender year 2022 Arkansas Waterways Commission
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 4, 2022)– The Arkansas Waterways Commission (AWC) announced today that the Arkansas Port, Intermodal, and Waterway Development Grant Program is accepting applications for the 2022 grant season. $1,952,102.55 in funding is available. The Arkansas Port, Intermodal, and Waterway Development Grant Program is open to Arkansas public port or intermodal authorities (Continue on page 2) or facilities located along
the Mississippi, Ouachita, Red, and White Rivers. The program provides public funds for projects such as construction, improvement, capital facility rehabilitation and expansion of public port and intermodal facilities, including maritime-related industrial park infrastructure developments. The program can fund up to 90% of the project cost. Dredging projects are also eligible with a 50% match. “Commercially navigable waterways are an economic driver for Arkansas. Barge transportation is the most cost-effective, safe, and eco-
friendly mode of shipping bulk and oversized freight,” says AWC Director Cassandra Caldwell. “Industries pay an ad valorem tax on the value of barges traversing Arkansas’ navigable rivers. This grant program boosts Arkansas’ competitive advantage by reinvesting those ad valorem taxes in our public port infrastructure.” Applications are available on our website at www. waterways.arkansas. gov. All applications and supplemental documentation must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on Sunday, May 15, 2022.
Info from Weather.com
FRI - Apr. 8 partly cloudy
SAT - Apr. 9 sunny
SUN - Apr. 10 mostly sunny
MON - Apr. 11 Isolated thunderstorms
TUE - Apr. 12
scattered thunderstorms
WED - Apr. 13
THU - Apr. 14
scattered thunderstorms
scattered thunderstorms
62o 34
69o 42
80o 57
79o 62
80o 62
77o 57
75o 48
Precipitation: 0% Wind: WNW 15 mph Humidity: 38%
Precipitation: 4% Wind: WNW 8 mph Humidity: 43%
Precipitation: 3% Wind: S 12 mph Humidity: 43%
Precipitation: 33% Wind: S 12 mph Humidity: 67%
Precipitation: 40% Wind: SE 11 mph Humidity: 75%
Precipitation: 45% Wind: S 10 mph Humidity: 81%
Precipitation: 43% Wind: SSW 11 mph Humidty: 68%
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2 News
Bye-bye Brownfield (cont.) current Oracle Editor, is also a talented writer and a close friend. Nguyen Duong is the powerhouse of the Oracle as General Manager of Reddie Media Group. Harley Whisenhunt also was an unstoppable machine when she was General Manager. Aaron Weatherford, our Sports Editor, will drive all over the country to report on the local teams. I want to thank the layout team, photographers, sportswriters, copy editor, contributing reporters and all the other people who’ve made this paper happen during my time. Each and every one of you possess your own set of strengths
Oracle: CE
Thursday, April 7, 2022
and skills that makes local coverage possible. While I’m not leaving Henderson just yet, I don’t believe I’ll get another chance to publicly thank and celebrate all the people I’ve met here at Henderson. It saddens me that while I’m thinking about my transition from the university to the next thing, many of Henderson’s employees are doing the same. Personally, I believe that the next few years might get hard for Henderson and for the Oracle. But, I believe that those that persevere will come out better on the other side. The university isn’t going
Graphic by pikisuperstar on Freekpik
anywhere, and I doubt that the student newspaper is either. There are few institutions on campus as old as the Oracle, which is over 100 years old. I’m hopeful for the future. For mine. For those leaving with me. For the Oracle and for the rest of Henderson. I’ve learned a lot during my time here. That’s what college is for, right? I want to encourage whoever takes over the Oracle after Kaela and me to hold on and roll with the punches. Know that there will be punches. But, nothing you can’t handle. I wish you all the best. Thank you and goodbye.
Pinnacle of The Natural State Ty Gibbs Contributing Reporter Hiking is the staple of adventure for lots of Arkansans. The student rec center of Henderson hosted a Pinnacle Mountain hike, located in Little Rock, April 2 with those in attendance headed out to the trails near Maumelle, and experienced the nature while still getting in some fitness. It was a way for adventure loving individuals to gather and connect with other adventure lovers. Here are some reasons that you should consider hiking Pinnacle Mountain in the near future: Hiking could only be the start, or something to add, in your fitness journey. Too many times I have heard
people complain about starting their journey or getting bored with what they are already doing. There are always options other than going to a gym. The world is full of wonders and experiences for you to conquer and explore. Hiking is more than just exercise, it is a chance to explore nature and parts of the world that you have never seen before. Hiking can promote lower levels of stress, which can ultimately lead to higher satisfaction in the workplace. In a 2013 study conducted by Mark A. Ellison concluded that the more participants hiked in their free and leisure time, the more satisfied they were at their place of work. This points to lower stress levels while caught up in
the midst of all that work. Hiking gives you a reason to go out with friends or significant others. If you are having trouble finding a place to hang out with a group of friends, or your significant other is complaining that you are not creative when planning dates, hiking is the perfect answer for both of those. Not only do you reap the benefits but your close family and friends can as well. Pinnacle isn’t going anywhere, so it’s time to go out there and seize the opportunity. April 2 may have passed, but you still have a chance to go hike and have a little fun. Invite your friends, invite your family, and just enjoy nature.
Apr. 7 All Day Reddie Day at Henderson State University Apr. 16 9 a.m. - noon Easter Egg Hunt at the Arkadelphia Youth Sports Complex. Apr. 14 12 p.m. Leadership Clark County Session Apr. 26 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. EDCCC Public Board Meetings May 5 5 - 9 p.m. Cinco de Mayo fiesta in downtown Arkadelphia hosted by the Arkadelphia Alliance & Chamber of Commerce. May 12 Dinner OFF Main
5 - 8 p.m.
Recurring Highest point of the Pinnacle mountain located in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Photo by Kaela McKim
Ouachita's Elrod Center hosts 50th Tiger Serve Day MacKenzie Hall OBU News Bureau ARKADELPHIA, Ark.—The Ben M. Elrod Center for Family and Community at Ouachita Baptist University held its 50th Tiger Serve Day on Saturday, April 2, when more than 730 Ouachita students, faculty and staff gathered to complete 91 service projects at homes, nonprofits and churches across Arkadelphia. “One of my favorite things about Tiger Serve Day is the relational aspect of it. You might think our teams are in and out one day during the semester without further contact with our projects. In reality, we go to the same homes, nonprofits and organizations every semester,” said Leigh Anne McKinney, associate director of the Elrod Center. “Our senior adults look forward to seeing us, and this semester we got to be back in their homes faceto-face. The relationship aspect is critical in what we do.”
Tiger Serve Day brings the campus together for a morning of volunteer service once during the fall semester and once in the spring. “I just love Tiger Serve Day, and I’m so thankful that Ouachita provides us this opportunity to go out into the community. I think it’s important for us to go out and serve the elderly and find projects around town to make our community better,” said Bethany LaTurno, a junior Christian studies major from Tulsa, Okla. “I think that is really what Ouachita is about: making yourself and others better while living a life that is honoring to God. This a great opportunity to show what it looks like to serve God and others.” This spring, the Tiger Serve Day leadership team chose the theme “Be the Light,” based on Matthew 5:14. The theme encouraged volunteers to live a life that reflects hope. “I was super excited about this semester’s Tiger Serve Day theme because I
think it is a good reminder that not everyone is coming from the same situation,” noted leadership team member Kallen Smith, a junior biomedical sciences major from Jonesboro, Ark. “It’s important that we are a light not only during Tiger Serve Day, but in all aspects of life because someone might be walking through darkness. We can directly affect people by the light we give.” Tiger Serve Day has been mobilizing Ouachita volunteers in Arkadelphia since spring 1997, when a scheduled campus-wide service day in March turned into cleaning up tornado damage after a devastating EF4 tornado ripped through the area. “How wonderful that on our 50th Tiger Serve Day, Ouachita continues this rich tradition of being a shining light to our community,” said Judy Duvall, director of the Elrod Center. “For 25 years, Ouachita students, faculty and staff have served our community faithfully. I am so incredibly proud of our campus.”
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. ♦♦♦ 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
Marlion Wayne Moore 7/20/30 - 4/1/22
Marlion Wayne Moore
Carmen Jean Epley 12/23/35 - 3/27/22
Carmen was born in Wauwatosa, WI to Beulah Bates. She was adopted at a very young age by Arch and Mildred Hatman, who preceded her in death. She was blessed to learn about Jesus early in life and she received the gift of the Holy Ghost and was baptized in Jesus name when she was a teenager. She graduated from
Wanda Grace Bennett 8/24/34 - 3/26/22
Wanda Grace Atkins Bennett age 87, of Arkadelphia, went to
Richard Neil "Dickie" Williams 6/6/54 - 3/26/22
Obits 3
Thursday, April 7, 2022
Obituaries age 91, of Bismarck, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2022 in Hot Springs. He was born July 20, 1930 to James Oliver and Zellar Prince Moore. Marlion was a member of Bismarck Pentecostal Church. He was retired from International Paper Company. Marlion loved being outdoors where he enjoyed working on cars, gardening, kids and taking care of animals. He was preceded in death
by his parents, his wife, Ozee Moore; his son, Steve Moore; five brothers and six sisters. Survivors include one daughter-in-law, Dyanne Moore Huffstutler of Benton, Arkansas; two grandsons, Jason and wife, Tori and their kids, Alexis and Cameron of Jackson, Missouri, Brian and wife, Jessica and their kids, Ian and Raylee of Hot Springs, Arkansas; one sister-in-law, Billie Ann Moore of Hot
Springs, Arkansas; several nieces, nephews and many friends. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, April 5th at Bismarck Pentecostal Church. Services will follow at 11:00 AM with Rev. Van Glidewell officiating. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marlion Wayne Moore, please visit our flower store.
Mountain Home High School in 1955 and left home to work in Harrison, where she met Jimmy Joe Epley, who captured her heart. They married on February 2nd, 1958 in Harrison, AR. They were married almost 58 years when he preceded her in death. She and Jim had two sons, Steve, wife Sandra, and Greg, wife Sandie, who survive her in death, along with two grandsons, Chad, Amy, and unborn son Taysom, and Jeremy, wife Ange and greatgranddaughter, Shelby. When Carmen married, she became a pastor’s wife. They spent a lifetime of serving and enjoyed attending services in various places, especially at the Arkansas District UPC Campground in Redfield AR. She loved to fellowship, especially after their retirement, when they began
attending First Pentecostals of Arkadelphia. Much later in life, Carmen was able to successfully locate her biological brothers, Jim and Jerry Stone, who preceded her in death. She developed a close relationship with many of them, especially Frank and Sherry. She is survived by her immediate family, many nieces, nephews, cousins, her sister, Fern Brown, husband James, her “Golden Girl” troublemaker, Peggy Lormand, her friends, Georganne Stallings, Kathy Loden, Sheila Russell, Betty Patton, and her “adopted son”, Barry Jones and wife Janice, her pastor and wife, Rev. Richard and Debbie Price and all of her church family at First Pentecostals of Arkadelphia, who has taken special care of her since she became a widow in 2016.
Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m., Thursday, March 31, 2022 at The Pentecostal Church of Arkadelphia, with a meal provided for everyone. Service will immediately follow, at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Service will be LIVE on Facebook at The Pentecostal Church of Arkadelphia or the funeral home website. Burial will be on Saturday, April 2nd, 2022 at Farewell Cemetery, near Green Forest AR at 12:00 p.m. Honorary pallbearers: Greg Baskin, Frank Fay, Barry Jones, Rev. Russell Lormand, Sam Marriott, and Mark Price. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carmen Jean Epley, please visit our flower store.
her heavenly home on Saturday, March 26, 2022. She was born August 24, 1934 in Arkadelphia to Lewell Earl and Bessie Margaret Leath Atkins. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Don Earl Atkins, Howard Wayne Atkins and Mary Frances Atkins Garrett. Wanda and Billy Bennett were high school sweethearts and married on December 6, 1953. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in 2021.
Wanda was a daughter, wife, mother and wonderful homemaker. She worked various jobs including being a hospital volunteer, fireworks for her church, bookkeeper, and at CADC. She was a member of Trinity Temple Assembly of God Church. Wanda enjoyed playing the piano and had a full-time job raising two boys. Survivors are her husband, Billy Bennett; sons, Rodney Bennett and wife, Samantha, and Randall Bennett; three grandchildren; five great-
grandchildren; and many much-loved nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 6-8 PM Wednesday, March 30th at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home. Service will be 2:00 PM Thursday, March 31st at Trinity Temple Assembly of God Church. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wanda Grace Bennett, please visit our flower store.
Richard Neil “Dickie” Williams age 67 of Delight, passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2022. He was born June 6, 1954 in Arkadelphia to Charles Neil and Frankie Jane Faulkner Williams. Dickie was a paramedic, volunteer fireman and 1st responder for many years. He was a member of K9 search and rescue team. He truly enjoyed helping people in their time of need. Dickie most recently was a railroad engineer with the
Caddo Valley Railroad and was an avid outdoorsman. Dickie was preceded in death by his father, Charles Neil Williams; maternal grandparents, Gussie and Hardy Faulkner, and his paternal grandparents, Audie and Junius Williams. Survivors are one son, Josh Williams and wife, Brandi of Murfreesboro; his mother, Frankie Williams of Delight; two brothers, Jimmy Williams of Lawton, Oklahoma and Patrick Williams and
wife, Nellia of Nashville; grandchildre n, Colton Cox, Tyler Cox and Holdon Williams; a special friend and caregiver, Shirley Johnson of Murfreesboro; and a host of nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at a later date by the family. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Neil "Dickie" Williams, please visit our flower 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
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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.
Want all the Oracle with less of the hassle? Catch up with the times and read the Oracle Online.
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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
Oracle: CE
Thursday, April 7, 2022
Local teams take down top ranked opponents Aaron Weatherford Sports Editor
Arkadelphia and Bismarck both came into last week unranked. At the start of this week, that completely changed. Last Tuesday, the Badgers headed down to Southwest Arkansas to face the Nashville Scrappers in a big conference matchup. Nashville is coming off of three straight state titles from 2017 to 2019. They entered the week ranked in the top five in Class 4A. Despite all of this, Arkadelphia showed no mercy. From the first pitch to the last, it was all Arkadelphia in a 12-1 beat down. Tripp Campbell had himself a day. He pitched five innings allowing no hits. His plate appearance was stellar as well, as he hit for the cycle. The Badgers are now 4-0 in conference play and sit atop the 4A-7 conference. Bismarck also shocked the state at the end of last week. They too traveled to deep Southwest Arkansas to face the number one team in Class 3A. Ashdown had lost a conference game and had only lost one game inside Arkansas. The Lions came back home with a 3-0 shutout win over the Panthers. It was their first win over a number one ranked team in a few years. Ian Smith was sensational, going 2-3 at the plate, which included a home run. He also pitched all seven
innings, only allowing three hits. The Bismarck defense played a great game as well. After their wins, both teams are now in the top
ten or just outside. The Badgers sit at number six in Class 4A, while the Lions are likely one more big win away from jumping into the rankings.
Photo courtesy of Angela Smith
Lion batter Ian Smith focuses in on a pitch.
Badger Tripp Campbell takes a swing at a pitch last season.
Photo from Tripp Campbell
www.arkadelphian.com
Have springtime fun with these 10 Water tower painting, Gum Springs water plant up for talks things to do in Arkadelphia Joel Phelps The Arkadelphian The Arkadelphia Board of Directors will hold its first of two scheduled April meetings on Tuesday, with several items up for discussion. Following a proclamation by Mayor Scott Byrd for Delta Sigma Theta, directors are likely to OK a trio of ordinances pertaining to plumbing, mechanical and fuel/gas codes; those ordinances are all on their third and final readings. Arkadelphia Housing Authority Directors are being asked to waive outstanding payments from the Arkadelphia Housing Authority’s PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) program. City Manager Gary Brinkley met with the AHA’s executive director, Richard Herrington, requested the waiver of $14,114 in outstanding payments from 2015, part of 2016 and 2019. According to a memo from Brinkley to directors, the AHA came up with that
figure “after much work recreating the books from the previous administration, who was terminated for cause.” A resolution will be on the table for board approval. If approved, it will be the final issue between the city and AHA regarding its PILOT payments. Brinkley pointed out in the memo that Herrington provided the city with AHA’s 2021 PILOT funds with a $9,060 check. The board will also consider a resolution naming Gary Hunter to the AHA Commission, with a term expiring May 1, 2025. Hunter would fill the unexpired term of Reggie Porchia. 16th Street water tower paint Brinkley is requesting approval from the board to accept a $313,777 bid to paint the city water tower on 16th Street. The project would include the painting of both the exterior and interior of the facility. “It is a very technical process — which it should be — as this is 300,000 gallons of drinking water,” Brinkley informed the board in a memo.
Homes and vehicles should be safe from overspray, he pointed out, as there will be a large painting apron installed to thwart overspray, which he said has occurred in the past with water tower paint projects. The lowest qualified bidder was Leher Painting of Arkansas. Building the Gum Springs maintenance facility The lowest qualified bidder on construction at a water plant at Gum Springs has some unfinished projects to complete for the city before he can begin this new project. Deaton Construction offered to take on the project for a $305,578 price tag, outbidding Rogers Construction, Inc., who offered a $389,231 bid for the same work. However, Deaton has a “few remaining items from the corporate hanger installation that need to be addressed” before he’s recognized as a qualified bidder. He’s been given an April 22 deadline to wrap up work at the airport before he can begin
Visit www.arkadelphian.com to read more
ADC: 5 Clark County inmates eligible for parole in April Joel Phelps The Arkadelphian
There are five Arkansas Department of Correction inmates with felony convictions in Clark County who are eligible for parole in April 2022. They are: Willie L. Barton Jr. The 30-year-old is serving a 15-year sentence for charges of first-degree sexual assault. He is being held at the Cummins unit. With an initial receipt date of Aug. 20, 2018, Barton is eligible for parole on April 20. Tina L. Dorris The 54-year-old is serving
a three-year sentence for theft of property. Dorris is being held at the McPherson unit. With an initial receipt date of Nov. 24, 2021, Dorris is eligible for parole on April 16. Jessica Eddy Eddy, 42, is serving a three-year sentence for two counts of possession of a controlled substance. Eddy is being held at the McPherson unit. With an initial receipt date of Nov. 12, 2021, she is eligible for parole on April 7. Joseph A. Pumilia Jr. Pumilia, 41, is serving an eight-year sentence for various convictions in several counties, among them being
a 2003 theft of property conviction in Clark County. With an initial receipt date of June 30, 1998, he is eligible for parole on April 17. He is currently being held at the Maximum Security unit. Rudishia V. Williams No photo available Williams, 34, is serving a 54-month sentence for convictions of possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Sentenced on Jan. 11, 2022, with an initial receipt date of March 24, Williams will be eligible for parole on April 25. She is currently being held at the McPherson unit.
Joel Phelps The Arkadelphian
Now that the cold weather has passed, the warm season of spring brings with it vibrant colors and comfortable, sunny days (with the occasional thunderstorm, but hey — April showers bring May flowers, right?). Before spring turns to summer, be sure and check off several, if not all, of the activities included on this list. Find fresh food at the Farmer’s Market Early to bed, early to rise; buy fresh fruit, bake great pies. Open seasonally from 7 a.m. until noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Clark County Farmer’s Market is the place to find locally grown produce and crafts. The vendors here grow 100 percent of the items they sell, so you’re sure to reap the benefits of produce that has been handled with care. Be sure and keep in mind you’ll need side items to go with what you decide to grill later in the day. Located in Central Park, the Farmer’s Market is near a playground for the young ones, and picnic tables if you can’t wait until you get back home to snack on the goodies you’ve found. Play a lawn game at River Park Looking for both shade and sunlight? Look no further than the Ouachita River Park. Located at 1st and Main streets, this is a jewel of a park nestled on a bluff that overlooks the Ouachita River. Pack up your favorite lawn game — ours happens to be Bocce — and pick any spot to set up. This park is well suited for Bocce because of its varying terrain. Other fun options include croquet,
giant Jenga, ladder toss or Frisbee. Picnic at DeSoto Bluff Pack a light lunch for everyone and head out to DeSoto Bluff. Park at the trailhead on North 10th Street, just south of KidSource Therapy, and take a brief, easy walk along the 1/4-mile paved path to a newly built pavilion at the locally famous overlook of the Ouachita River. Set up shop at one of several picnic tables available, and prepare lunch. Burgers and hot dogs on the menu? Not a problem, as there are grills available at this park. Go junk shopping The Caddo Valley Flea Market is a great place to wander through countless booths of general or themed merchandise. Rummage through antiques, vintage items, boutique clothing and thrift store finds. For some unbelievable deals visit the Bee Hive, where one person’s donations await new life. The Bee Hive is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and carries various items from upscale, vintage clothing to used and new furniture and household items. Or, find a garage sale! For the tech savvy, use Facebook Marketplace and search the garage sale category. Another option is to make an adventure of driving around town in search of signs pointing in the direction of the nearest garage or estate sale. Shop and dine downtown Dotted with boutiques and gift shops — all within walking distance — shopping in downtown Arkadelphia is a must to complete a spring day. Spring is the perfect time to shop for a new
Easter Sunday outfit, try on a prom dress or freshen up your wardrobe. At Young Forever, you can mark all three off your to-do list. Keep the beat at Shuffield Music Company, have jewelry repaired (or shop for new) at KelZek Fine Jewelry, browse an array of fun gifts while sipping coffee at JavaPrimo, learn needlework at Knit Unto Others, or check out an assortment of gifts at either The Farmhouse or Christie’s Gifts and Consignment. Grab a smoothie or juice at The Nutrition Den. Got a sweet tooth? Check out the baked goods made from scratch at Samantha’s Bakery & Cafe. Take in the sunshine on the patio at Slim & Shorty’s with food and drink. Treat yourself to one of many burger options at Highway 67 Grill. Stick around to catch live music at one or both of the aforementioned restaurants. Grill and chill at Lower Lake Whether you’re alone or have a large group to entertain, spend an afternoon at the Lower Lake Recreation Area in Caddo Valley. Listen as water from Lower DeGray Lake spills over the dam into the Caddo River. Take your fishing tackle and reel in perch or bass from below the dam. Let the kids spend some energy at the large playground area as the adults prepare food at the covered pavilion or at one of the many outdoor grilling areas. To get there: from Highway 7, turn south onto Lower Dam Pike (state Highway 390) and drive 2
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