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INDEX Features Opinions Events Obits Sports Arkadelphian
No. 8
Vol. 4
1 2 2 3 4 4
March 3, 2022
Summer in the spotlight Blanton Matthews Opinion Reporter
Many students in Henderson State’s theatre department are getting exciting jobs all across the United States thanks to the connections and encouragement of their professors. This semester, the department announced on Instagram six students getting work in four states. “Our professors really encourage the theatre department to get internships or summer jobs working somewhere in the theatre world,” said Kylee Hancock, who landed a summer job as a scenic carpenter for the Texas Shakespeare Festival in Kilgore, Texas. ”So we can make connections early on.” Sophie Burke, a Patron Services intern also at Texas
Shakespeare Festival and star of the department’s last production of “The Revolutionists,” attributed her internship-seeking success specifically to Professor and Department Director Lacy Klinger as well as the work she has already been doing as a student. At the festival, she says she will be selling tickets, gifts, and concessions. “It’s basically what I do now in the HSU box office,” said Burke. “But with a bit more added on.” Hancock also thanked Klinger specifically, saying she “informed the theatre majors of potential job opportunities early last semester.” The department currently only has four professors, and students like Burke do not worry much about their roles on the performing side,
but with Henderson’s increasing financial grief, they are concerned for upcoming students passionate about becoming backstage craftspeople, which requires equipment and work that Henderson may not be able to afford going forward. Between the school’s debt and shrinking class sizes in the department, there is a lot of uncertainty. Other students with new jobs and internships this semester include Natalie Gray and Zandora Chinwah—the latter also starring in “The Revolutionists”—at Lyric Repertory Company in Logan, Utah, Savannah Price at the Berkshire Theatre Group in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and Jessica Smith in the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Photo by Blanton Matthews
HSU's theatre students are encouraged to seek summer work in the field to gain experience and bolster their portfolio. This gives them an edge as they graduate and enter a highly competitive job market.
Davis & family win big on "Family Feud" Lance Brownfield
Editor-in-Chief
The winning streak has come to an end for Arkadelphia native Vernon Davis and his wife, two stepsons and sister in law, playing under the Simpson name, on “Family Feud.” Their third and final appearance came down to a sudden death round, in which their competitors, the Warf family, had the better answer. On the second day appearing on the hit TV show, “Family Feud,” the Simpson family won the $20 thousand prize with a final score of 266. Their first episode,
Photo courtesy of Vernon Davis
Arkadelphia native Vernon Davis and his wife's family from Kentucky, the Simpsons, won the hit TV show "Family Feud." The family appeared on three episodes before falling to the Warf family.
they fell just short of the prize money, earning only $745. Davis’s wife Daphne and stepson Sage answered the questions in the Fast Money segment of the game show on both the first two episodes. Vernon graduated from Henderson in 1992 and joined the military, climbing to the rank of Colonel in the Army, while Daphne is a General. Davis even created a family tradition revolving around the school with a heart. W h e n e v e r t h e family passes by the university, the first one of his children to say “That’s Henderson
State University. My dad graduated from there,” gets a dollar from Davis. On one occasion, his son (not featured on the episode) sent him a video driving under the pedestrian bridge on 10th Street saying this line in hopes of earning a dollar. “It felt like icing on the cake,” said Davis. “It was such an amazing experience to share with my family. We created a memory that will be cherished for a lifetime.” Although their time on the show is over, the family walked away with $20,745 in prize money. Their original plan to save the money remains.
"A college that works for all students" Lance Brownfield
Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Chuck Ambrose held a student forum Tuesday, Feb. 15, in the ballroom in Henderson’s Garrison Center. Over 80 people attended the meeting in person and via zoom. He started off the meeting with a question to the students. “If you could be chancellor for a day: What would be the one thing you’d change about Henderson?” Students brought up all kinds of concerns, including making living
quarters safer and cleaner, reallocating resources from recruiting and making the campus more friendly for non-native English speakers. Several in attendance fielded their own questions about what’s happening with the financial situation. At the meeting, Ambrose hit upon some of the major changes that students can maybe expect while alleviating some worries and fears. His goal for the university is to see an expansion of work-study positions.
Up to 30 to 40% of work done on campus could be done as part of a student job in the coming years. In the more immediate, federal HEERF funding is set to expire on June 30 as the pandemic winds to an end. “Next year,” said Ambrose. “Which really begins right now, is about reimagining Henderson. We’ve placed a real high priority in restoring the financial integrity of Henderson. We’re going to have a college that works for all students.”
Photo by Lance Brownfield
A student asks Dr. Ambrose a question at the student forum last Tuesday.
Info from Weather.com
FRI - Mar. 04 mostly cloudy
SAT - Mar. 05 cloudy
SUN - Mar. 06
MON - Mar. 07 showers
scattered thunderstorms
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WED - Mar. 09 AM showers
THU - Mar. 10 showers
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2 News
Behind The Revolutionists Emberlynn Pendergraft Features Reporter
Even though last week’s icy weather led to the cancellation of its opening night, the Henderson theater department’s production of The Revolutionist successfully ran from Feb. 4 to Feb. 28. The cast included Zandora Chinwah, Suzy Hill, Natalie Gray, Sophie Burke, and was directed by Professor of Theater Arts, William Henshaw. The Revolutionist revolves around four women in eighteenthcentury France during the Reign of Terror. Three of these women are based on actual historical figures, including Burke’s character, Marie Antoinette. “[Playing a character based on a real historical figure] is all about balance, and it can be really difficult, especially when your character is so well known,” said Burke, who mentioned she struggled to play a role of such importance, “However, it can be really
Oracle: CE
Thursday, March 3, 2022
cool because a lot of your character is already there. You get a base to build your performance on instead of creating a fictional character.” However, the fourth character, played by Chinwah, stands out from the other three in origin. Her name is Marianne Angelle, and she holds a more representational role in the production’s plot. “Marianne is the only character who is not one singular person,” said Chinwah. “Marianne is real, but she’s an amalgamation of a bunch of people who fought for freedom and equality for Caribbean slaves. With her character there is so much to be found because she is made up of so many different people … I was kind of spoiled for choice when it came to finding those elements of Marianne that I wanted to utilize for my character.” Though the characters lived over 200 years ago, the actresses worked hard to translate their characters to today’s audience, especially considering its
persistent relevance. “The irony of the show is that it was written in 2012, about the French Revolution, and in 2022 it's all still relevant,” said Chinwah. “We’re still fighting all the same battles for freedom and equality, maybe not with a guillotine, but it’s all still there.” The final performance of the Revolutionist was held on Monday and left a lot of the cast and crew feeling proud. While it was sad to see them go, Gray mentions, “It's nice to just wrap [the characters] up and put them away nicely. This show will always be in this space, the memories of it will always be here. We paint over the stage after every production, so even after we are all gone, this floor will still be here under a coat of paint.” All four actresses will star in the theater department’s upcoming production of Antigone, which is set to run from April 14 to 18. To learn more about the production, visit hsutheater.com.
image: Freepik.com
Winter Events Mar. 3-4 9:30 p.m. + 3 p.m. Arkansas Chapter of The Wildlife Society annual meeting at DeGray Lake Resort State Park. Mar. 7 6 - 8 p.m. Huie and HSU eSports Game Night - Mario Party
Photo by Emberlynn Pendergraft
The stars of Henderson theatre's presentation of "The Revolutionists" pose in costume (from left to right:) Suzy Hill, Sophie Burke, Zandora Chinwah and Natalie Gray.
Mar. 17 Chamber banquet at HSU’s Garrison Ballroom World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Hot Springs
Governor Hutchinson condemns Russia’s attack on Ukraine; Calls for 3 days of prayer, review of Arkansas business ties Asa Hutchinson AR Governor LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson declared his unambiguous condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine today with a directive to determine whether Arkansas has business contracts with Russia and a call for “Special Days of Prayer for Ukraine.” In a letter to his 15 cabinet secretaries, Governor Hutchinson called for a review of all of the state’s departments to see if “any contracts or agreements between Arkansas, the Russian Federation, or other Russian entities exist.” He condemned Russian attacks “on civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as plans for the assassination of Ukrainian leaders.” “These actions are not
only illegal but are wholly unacceptable,” the Governor wrote. “Although Arkansas’s economic ties with Russia are limited, I want to make sure that we as a state are not indirectly supporting Russian aggression through its economy. I am transparent and unequivocal in my condemnation of these actions.” The Governor praised the courage of Ukrainians and called for continued “economic and political pressure” from the international community. “The people of Ukraine are proving to the world that they are willing to do whatever is necessary to defend their country, their families, and their liberties from Russian aggression. We must do everything we can to ensure that (Vladimir) Putin and his enablers pay for their actions.”
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission reports that there are no Russian-owned or Ukrainian-owned companies in Arkansas. In 2021, Arkansas imports from Russia totaled $8.1 million and exports totaled $64 million. In 2021, Arkansas imports from Ukraine totaled $2 million and exports totaled $455,361. Governor Hutchinson has declared March 1 through March 3 as “Special Days of Prayer for Ukraine in Arkansas” that will include prayer dedicated to the citizens of Ukraine at the Arkansas Leadership Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, March 3. The proclamation can be found here. The letter to Cabinet Secretaries can be found here.
Recurring 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.
Cartoon by Blanton Matthews
Oracle:CE
Jerry Lyn Wingfield 9/09/38 - 2/27/22
Jerry Lyn Wingfield age 83, of Caddo Valley, passed away
Martin A. Schweitzer 10/17/54 - 2/24/22
Wayne Anderson 6/10/41 - 2/22/22
Sarah Ann Plyler 11/27/49 - 2/21/22
Sarah Ann Wingfield Plyler age 72, of Arkadelphia, passed away on Monday, February 21, 2022 at her home. Sarah was born November 27, 1949 to James William and Reva Tarpley Wingfield. She was
Dorothea Annette Martin 4/10/26 - 2/23/22
Obits 3
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Obituaries
Sunday, February 27, 2022 at his home. Jerry was born September 9, 1938 in Gurdon, Arkansas to Glenn E. and Jewel Mae Trout Wingfield. Jerry was a truck driver for Antoine Hardwood for several years. He previously was with Capitol Manufacturing and was recognized for thirty-five years of service. Jerry was a family man and enjoyed his weekly breakfasts at South Fork Truck Stop. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Vaughn
Cell Wingfield; a sister, Dorothy Scott; three brothers, Glen A. Wingfield, Jim Wingfield and Joe Wingfield. Survivors are three children, Vickie Morrison and husband, Tim of Friendship, Marty Wingfield of Caddo Valley and Candy Ainsworth and husband, Jeff of Gowan, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Mandy Jester and husband, Brandon, Amy Jenkins and husband, James, Chris Ainsworth and wife, Liz, Jesse Ainsworth and Lina Ainsworth; five great-
grandchildren, Jaxon Jester, Jordan Jester, Charlee Jenkins, Jonathan Jenkins and Ellie Jenkins; four sisters, Lois Wingfield, Margaret Miracle, Rita Magness and Sarah Elieff all of Arizona. Visitation will 12 noon on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home. Services will follow at 1:00 PM with Rev. Nathan Rogers and Rev. Jeff Ainsworth officiating. Burial will be In Richland Cemetery near Arkadelphia.
Martin A. Schweitzer age 67, of Donaldson, passed away Thursday, February 24. 2022 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 17, 1954 to Jesse and Irene Martin Schweitzer. Marty was a veteran of the U. S. Army. He worked at Anthony Timberland for twentyseven years. Marty enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching Westerns. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors are his wife, Trina Schweitzer; three daughters, Kay Caddy and husband, Joe, Brandi Crawford and Kimberly Morrison and husband, Spencer all of Malvern; one brother, Rick Schweitzer and wife, Ellen; three sisters, Peggy Walker, Linda Kerrigan and husband, Warren, and Beverly Krey and husband, Scott; six grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 10:00 AM until noon Monday, February 28th at RugglesWilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Graveside service will follow at 1:00 P.M. at DeLamar Cemetery near Manning with Bro. Rick Poyner officiating. Burial will be with military honors. Pallbearers will be Spencer Morrison, Payton Morrison, Steven Kirkpatrick, Jeremiah Schweitzer, Jeremy McInroe, Chris Hall and Bud Fite.
Wayne Anderson age 80, of Arkadelphia, passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at his home. He was born June 10, 1941 in Prescott, Arkansas to Rev. Loyd Leslie and Ruth Norton Anderson. Wayne was a member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church. In 1967, James Harrington started Harrington Construction Company where Wayne was general superintendent for fifty years. Mr. H and Wayne were known for the development of residential neighborhoods and apartment communities
throughout Arkadelphia. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Belva Anderson Jones. Survivors are his wife, Virginia Stevenson Anderson, one daughter, Kellye Wood and husband, Stan; one son, Duane Green; four grandchildren, Kathryn Halaby and husband, Ryan, Kelsey Wood, Katherine Kirby and Luke Green; one great-grandson, Paxton Wood; two brothers, Kenneth Anderson and wife, Nona, and Edward Anderson and wife, Kathy; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be 5-7 PM Thursday, February 24th at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home. Service will be 10:00 AM Friday, February 25th at Faith Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Robbie Horne officiating. Burial will follow at Macedonia Cemetery near Dalark. The family would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to Kindred Hospice of Hot Springs and caregivers, Frances Kesterson, Mary Lowery and Brenda Stevenson for their excellent care.
a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church. Sarah taught school with the Gurdon School System. She and her husband were missionaries, serving in Guatemala for several years. She enjoyed reading, especially her Bible and was a devoted prayer warrior. She ran the race set before her with endurance and grace. Sarah was every aspect of a Proverbs 31 woman. She loved her family fiercely and prayed for them fervently. She had the most beautiful soul and pursued righteousness every day of her life. The world was a better place because of her. She touched countless lives and will be missed by many. She was preceded in death
by her parents and a greatnephew, Luke Baker. Survivors are her loving husband of fifty-three years, Larry Plyler; three sons, Dr. Michael Plyler and wife, Sharon of Hot Springs, Mark Plyler and wife, Mandy of Glen Rose and Mitch Plyler and wife, Lynsey of Gurdon; six grandchildren, Lawson Plyler and wife, Madison, Cole Plyler, Peyton Plyler, Noah Plyler, Tessa Plyler and K. K. Plyler; a greatgrandson, Shepherd Plyler; one sister, Mary Beth Downey and husband, Dennis of Conway; brother-in-law, Gary Plyler and wife, Wendy of Gurdon; nephews, Dennie Downey, Joe Plyler and wife, Kayla, Jake Plyler and wife, Rebecca
and nieces, Gena Downey and Jill Jester and husband, Jon, several other great nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 5-7 PM Thursday, February 24th at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home. Service will be 2:00 PM Friday, February 25th at Third Street Baptist Church with Bro. David Dillard and Bro. James Guthrie officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Joe Plyler, Jake Plyler. Jon Jester, Dennie Downey, Jay Downey, Rusty Ross and Kerry Baker. Memorials may be made to International Mission Board Lottie Moon at www.imb.org.
Dorothea Annette Martin, age 95, of Gurdon, passed from this life on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at Arkansas Hospice in Little Rock. She was born April 10, 1926, in Okolona, the daughter of the late Bob Stell and Sally Ethel Winfield Wingfield. Dorothea worked for Montgomery Ward for seventeen years and then Economy Drug Store for twenty-seven years. She
was a member of Henderson Methodist Church. Dorothea was a volunteer with Southwest Hospital for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Porter Etheridge Martin, two brothers, Clinton Wingfield and Bob Stell Wingfield, Jr. Survivors are her dear friend, Tom Bray of Gurdon, nephews, Mark and David Wingfield both of Little Rock, Keith Wingfield
of Mabelvale, Chuck Martin of Dallas, and niece, Beverly Martin of Little Rock. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Little Rock with Doyle Sharp officiating. No Visitation is planned. Memorials may be made to UMW at Henderson Methodist Church, 13000 W. Baseline Rd, Little Rock, AR 72210.
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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, March 3, 2022
Badgers headed to State Tournament Aaron Weatherford Sports Editor
Badger Basketball made its way back to regionals last weekend in Nashville for a chance to head to the state tournament. After winter weather postponed the tournament back a day, Arkadelphia faced the three seeded Monticello Billies in round one. The Badgers got out front first before Monticello ended the first half on a last second three point buzzer beater as Monticello took a 26-24 lead at the half. Arkadelphia answered in the third quarter putting up 10 points and taking a 36-30 lead. The scoring continued into the fourth and Arkadelphia ended up taking down the Billies 48-36. The Badgers also moved on and secured a spot in the state tournament. In round two, Arkadelphia was matched up against its toughest opponent of the season, taking on the Magnolia Panthers, who are the number one team in Class 4A.
The Badgers were down one after the first quarter, and went into halftime down 32-26. Magnolia, though, exploded in the second half and defeated Arkadelphia 67-32. After the Badgers defeat, there was still another game to be played. The game to decide third and fourth place was played against conference rival Fountain Lake. The Cobras have had Arkadelphia’s number as of late, beating Arkadelphia twice within a month. This time, the Badgers flipped the script in another hard fought game. Arkadelphia came out on top 33-30, achieving the three seed in the 4A State Tournament. The Badgers will play in the first round of the state tournament tomorrow night at 8:30 in Magnolia against the three seed from the 4A North. State tournament brackets are available on the Arkansas Activities Association website.
Photo by Aaron Weatherford
Arkadelphia's basketball is entering the 4A state tournament in the 3S seed with their first game in Magnolia.
www.arkadelphian.com
February marriage licenses filed
February divorces filed, decrees granted
The following marriage licenses were filed in the Clark County Clerk’s Office for the month of February: Madison Dale Barnum to Jennifer Marie Slaughter. Issued Feb. 14. Reece Adrian Bell to Lakensha Shonte Singleton. Issued Feb. 22.a John Thomas Carter to Cambria Quay Dear. Issued Feb. 22. Robert Keith Curry to Shelby Lane Norman. Filed Feb. 8. Kory Adam Kirby to Shannon Christine Michelle. Filed Feb. 22. Marquis Alonzo Lewis to Alexis Lashea Dixon. Filed Feb. 22. Keonta Deshawn McClelland to Martha Lynn Ortiz. Filed Feb. 23. Christopher James Mitchell to Rebecca Larese Jackson. Filed Feb. 23. Bradley Ryan Neighbors to Brittany Estelle Palmer. Filed Feb. 11. Thomas Wayne Overbey to Jackie Lynn Wrinkle. Filed Feb. 22. Joeby Lynn Reynolds to Crystal Dean Smith. Filed Feb. 1. Richard Starlee Ross to Porchia Renae Jamerson. Filed Feb. 23. Taylor Ray Smith to Rebecca Jane Launius. Filed Feb. 25. Kenneth Robert Spencer to Alisa Carol Pirkey. Filed Feb. 22. Jeremy Forrest Talley to Kaylee Danielle Marsha. Filed Feb. 16.
The following divorces were filed in the Clark County Circuit Clerk’s Office for the month of February: Gregory Lamond Hunter vs. Charlotte Kaye Hunter. Filed Feb. 1. James Richards vs. Michelle Richards. Filed Feb. 2. Melissa Kimsey vs. Robert Kimsey. Filed Feb. 11. Leslie Holloway vs. John Holloway. Filed Feb. 11. Robert Breazeale vs. Melissa Breazeale. Filed Feb. 18. The following divorce decrees were granted in February: Donna Rhodius vs. Paul Alexander. Originally filed Oct. 1, 2021. Judy Anderson vs. Robert Anderson. Originally filed Nov. 10, 2021. Audra Smith vs. Jeremy Smith. Originally filed Nov. 18, 2021.
Manchester UMC: Small church doing big things Amy Azell Special to The Arkadelphian Founded in 1836, Manchester United Methodist Church was one of the first Methodist churches established in southwest Arkansas. Sitting in Clark county about 9 miles from Arkadelphia, today’s Manchester UMC is different from yesterday’s church in many ways, but it still serves as a farming community hub and continues to be the hands and feet of Jesus. “I’ve never served a small country church before,” shared Dr. Russell Breshears, who was appointed by Bishop Gary Mueller to Manchester and HSU Wesley in June 2021. “Manchester is out in the middle of the country – in the pine woods, and especially since Covid hit Arkansas, the people are so hungry for connection and opportunities to serve. The hospitality and service to others here is just unreal, as they learned from their ancestors before them.”
Today’s Manchester is made up of generations of farm families from this area, including some who work as EMTs and volunteer firefighters. Manchester UMC has a long history of being a hands-on mission church, while working hard is not a new concept for them. “It was a little disconcerting one time, when several members got up in the middle of my sermon and left,” shared Breshears. “But I found out later that they were all answering a call for an emergency.” A familiar story in rural churches, the members of Manchester never fail when it comes to helping a neighbor. Casseroles are delivered within an hour of finding out someone is sick. Chickens are fed when owners are sick or on vacation. Decks are built, yard work is done, and now you can add trash pickup to the list of service to community by the good people of Manchester. Lately, when passing
through Manchester, you will have most certainly seen church members, Les Kent, Danny McClain, John Haltom and Rodney Grant picking up litter alongside Manchester Road. Approximately 50 bags of trash were picked up last week along this highway and Mr. McClain picked up more than 30 bags of the littered trash all by himself. On Facebook, Mr. Kent shared, “At least for now Manchester Road is clean from its beginning all the way to the church! Mission accomplished! A small church doing big things!” Indeed, Mr. Kent, you all are doing big things, indeed. To learn more about Manchester UMC, you may join their Facebook group found here. Rev. Russell Breshears is the pastor and the church is located at 898 Manchester Road, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, 71923. Sunday School classes begin at 10am and Worship begins at 11 a.m on Sundays. All are welcome to be part of this church family!
City Board to consider Fire Station slab work, hire new sanitation head Joel Phelps The Arkadelphian
The Arkadelphia City Board of Directors on Tuesday will have a light agenda that includes a $55,300 bid for a driveway at Arkadelphia Fire Department’s Station 1 on Caddo Street and be introduced to the city’s new sanitation department supervisor. The time of Tuesday’s meeting has been changed to 7 p.m. so city officials can take part in the 25th anniversary ceremony commemorating the March 1, 1997, tornado that ripped through Arkadelphia, leveling residential areas, commercial districts and taking six lives in its wake. Sanitation Department head City Manager Gary Brinkley will recognize Daymond House as the sanitation department supervisor. House has been employed at the sanitation department for a decade and serves as the transfer station operator. “ We are e xc it e d and looking forward to good things to come under Daymond,” Brinkley wrote in a memorandum
to directors, “and are extremely thankful for the 45 years of service [previous supervisor] Donny Manning has provided in our sanitation department.” Concrete work at Fire Station 1 The board approved upgrades for AFD’s Fire Station 1 when it OK’d the 2022 budget. That work includes the removal of the former Chamber of Commerce building (which has been completed), installing a concrete driveway off 6th Street, replacing the asphalt pad with concrete behind the station, and installing a perimeter privacy fence. The entrance off 6th Street will become the “primary entryway for fire apparatus to the station,” Brinkley informed directors. The city placed an advertisement in the Feb. 10 edition of the Southern Standard for bids to install a concrete pad, with specifications provided by B&F Engineering. Staff opened the bids for the work on Feb. 23. They are as follows: Adair Construction: $55,300
Escamilla Excavating LLC: $57,638 Mar-Von Construction: $66,500 B r i n k l e y i s recommending Mark Adair’s bid. “He has done a significant amount of work within the city, and we have been pleased with that work,” Brinkley wrote. Adair’s bid keeps the city within its total budget expense of $75,000. Notification to destroy documents In keeping with a city ordinance on document retention and codes from the State of Arkansas, city staff is requesting the approval to destroy certain documents dating from 2011 to 2014. “The documents will be posted at Town Hall for 30 days, then the mayor and city clerk will sign an affidavit to proceed with disposal,” Brinkley noted. The documents that would be destroyed include invoices, receipts and bank statements. City Board meetings are open to the public. The meetings are held in the Town Hall Boardroom and may also be viewed via livestream.