Oracle CE - February 4, 2021

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Vol. 1

ACLE No. 2

Hardman reflects after seven years on HSU Board of Trustees

Photo courtesy of Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance

Brown Hardman is an Arkadelphia native and lifetime Reddie.

Kelly Currington Oracle Editor in Chief

“I was born a Reddie and I will always be a Reddie,” former Henderson State University Board of Trustees member Brown Hardman Jr. said.

Having finished his seven-year term about a year ago, Hardman reflects on the joy it brought him to give back to the college that meant so much to him and his family.

“We fought hard for Henderson, I’ll tell you that.”

Hardman said.

Due to the transition of HSU into the Arkansas State University school system, Henderson’s Board of

Trustees was dissolved to welcome a new Board of Trustees which is meant to take into account the specializations of both Henderson and Arkansas State. Two members of the dissolved committee are set to join the new one.

“My momma and my daddy both are Henderson graduates.” Hardman said.

Hardman grew up in Arkadelphia and attended the Arkadelphia School District.

He was brought up by his father Olin Brown Hardman who was a disabled war veteran and his mother Loise Hardman who was a school teacher, both of which are HSU graduates. His father played football with for-

mer basketball and football coach Duke Wells, who is the namesake of the Duke Wells Center for sports on the Reddie campus. His mother was the salutatorian of her graduating class, right behind her brother who was valedictorian.

“I grew up on Henderson’s campus.” Hardman said.

As a child, Hardman would play with Wells’ son and get in trouble for trying to catch goldfish from Henderson’s fish pond. Hardman knew all the football players on the HSU team from the time he was nineyears-old. When he was around the age of 12, he received his first football uniform. Young Hardman refused to wear it, however, until his mom dyed it Henderson colors.

“I wasn’t going to have a football uniform if it wasn’t Henderson colors.” Hardman said.

By the time he was in highschool, Hardman had become a skilled football player. The year he graduated, HSU started awarding sports scholarships, and Hardman was among the first to receive one. Even though Ouachita Baptist University offered him a scholarship as well, there was no doubt that Hardman was going to be a Reddie.

“I am 39-years-old,” Hardman said. “But, I have celebrated 42 years of being 39-years-old.”

After he graduated from HSU, Hardman married his wife of 59 years Carolyn Sue, and went on to spend two years in the Army where he was second lieutenant.

When he would spend six months at a time away from Arkadelphia, Hardman longed for his hometown.

Following his service in the military, Hardman

began working as a real estate broker. He was on the Arkadelphia City Board for 12 years, and went on to become assistant mayor.

Hardman considered running for mayor at one time, but decided against it because he would have had to give up his real estate business United Country Real Estate, where he works to this day.

Former Governor of Arkansas Mike Beebe appointed Hardman to be a Board of Trustee member for HSU in 2013. Since Hardman was friends with the rest of the members and much of Henderson’s faculty, it was difficult at times to make decisions that did not align with theirs.

“It was one of the toughest jobs I have had in my life,” Hardman said. “I would always vote for what I thought was best for Henderson State University.”

Now, when he attends parades in downtown Arkadelphia with his wife, Hardman eagerly awaits hearing the Henderson marching band.

“When the band starts playing that old Reddie Spirit, I start crying,” Hardman said.

Hardman believes that Henderson is like no other university; the professors and faculty care for their students in a way that sets the school apart.

“That is what the Reddie Spirit is,” Hardman said.

Hardman encourages the people of Henderson to embrace what sets the university apart. After all, the college is not coined “school with a heart” for no reason.

“Dare to be different,” Hardman said. “Nobody should want to be like everybody else.”

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed Act 18 of the 93rd General Assembly of Arkansas, which officially makes Henderson State University the seventh institution of the Arkansas State University System.

Act 18 also expands the ASU System Board of Trustees from five members to seven. The additional members will be appointed by the governor.

The transition was previously approved by the Henderson Board of Trustees on Nov. 21, 2019, the ASU System Board of Trustees on Dec. 6, 2019, and the Higher Learning Commission on Nov. 5. Henderson, founded in 1890, will remain a separately accredited institution and becomes the second four-year institution in the ASU System.

“While we have previously welcomed Henderson as a member of the ASU System family and worked closely with the institution for a year and a half, we’re thrilled for this partnership to be finalized,” said Dr. Chuck Welch, president of the ASU System. “It’s been a

long process, and we appreciate the rapid action of the General Assembly and Governor Hutchinson to bring it to a close. We’re grateful to have interim Chancellor Jim Borsig in place to lead Henderson through this transition and couldn’t be happier about this partner in the ASU System’s ongoing expansion.

“The growth of the ASU System has already delivered significant efficiencies, financial savings and services to our member institutions, and the addition of Henderson will further enhance these initiatives,” Welch added. “Our recent additions of information technology and strategic research expertise at the system level bring even more benefit as our institutions work together on challenges and opportunities in higher education.”

Henderson is the third higher education institution to join the system in five years. Mid-South Community College in West Memphis became Arkansas State University Mid-South in July 2015, and College of the Ouachitas in Mal-

vern became Arkansas State University Three Rivers in January 2020.

“We are excited to officially become a member of the Arkansas State University System,” Borsig said. “Henderson State has worked with the ASU System for more than a year on the transition plan, and we are happy to finally have all approvals in place. I would like to thank Dr. Welch and his amazing team for their support and expertise as we worked together toward this goal. We look forward to continuing Henderson’s rich traditions and mission of service to students as a member of the ASU System.”

Founded as a private institution, Henderson today offers more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs. It became a public institution in 1929 and is the second oldest university in Arkansas under state control. Henderson, which competes in NCAA Division II sports, would become the third ASU System institution with an intercollegiate athletics program. Arkansas State University has an

Arkansas unemployment rate dropped to 4.2 percent in December 2020 LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas’s unemployment rate dropped by 2.1 percent to 4.2 percent in December, which is 2.5 percent lower than the national average of 6.7 percent, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced today.

“The coronavirus knocked the wind out of our sails for a moment, but the strong economic foundation we had built before

the pandemic held firm, as I knew it would, and now a robust recovery is in sight,” Governor Hutchinson said.

“The falling unemployment rate combined with the $319 million more than we expected in state revenue for fiscal year 2021 are signs that we have taken the right steps to limit the economic damage of COVID-19. This news does not soften the blow of the human toll on

our state. We must continue to do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus and to come to the aid of the thousands of Arkansans who have lost loved ones to this disease.”

Arkansas’ civilian labor force increased by 38,904, a result of 65,543 more employed and 26,639 fewer unemployed Arkansans, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau

New MWOBE director

Photo courtesy of the AEDC.

The AEDC has named Esperanza Massana-Crane as the new director of the MWOBE division.

Little Rock, Ark.– The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has named Esperanza Massana-Crane as the new director of the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWOBE) Division, commission officials announced today.

Massana-Crane will replace Patricia Brown, who retired from the position in December 2020.

Massana-Crane currently serves as the director of marketing for AEDC. She previously worked to recruit businesses to Arkansas as a project manager within AEDC’s Business Development Division. She will assume her new role with the MWOBE Division on February 1, 2021.

“In her various roles at AEDC over the past seven years, Esperanza has demonstrated outstanding leadership, professionalism, and dedication to whatever task she has been given,” Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston said. “We conducted a thorough search for the next person to fill this position, and we are confident that Esperanza’s diverse professional portfolio and experience will be an incredible asset to the state as she steps into her new role as director of the MWOBE Division. Pat Brown dedicated many years to improving the lives of Arkansans as director, and I have no doubt that Esperanza will continue to lead the division with excellence and demonstrate commitment to the business communities it serves.

I look forward to seeing the MWOBE Division thrive under Esperanza’s leadership.”

The MWOBE Division within AEDC promotes the growth and sustainability of such businesses by providing technical and proNCAA FBS Division I pro- fessional assistance, state gram, and ASU Mid-South vendor certification, and competes in NJCAA Division II men’s and women’s basketball.

With the addition of HenARKADELPHIA, Ark.— derson, the Little Rock- Ouachita Baptist Univerbased ASU System now sity’s School of Fine Arts will serves 37,465 students an- release an adapted version nually on campuses in Ar- of the opera Gianni Schicchi Giacomo Puccini in an kansas and Queretaro, Mex- by online, pre-recorded format ico, and globally online with beginning Sunday, Jan. 31, a total operating budget of which can be viewed for free $348 million. The ASU Sys- at obu.edu/opera2021.

While typically a fall protem also includes Arkansas State University, a four-year duction, Ouachita’s opera to be reimagined for Carnegie R2 Doctoral re- had both the cast and audiences search institution in Jones- due to COVID-19. Students boro with degree centers in and faculty began preparing Beebe, Mountain Home, in Spring 2020 and finished Blytheville, Forrest City, and recording in late Fall 2020. and post production West Memphis. Arkansas Editing then began and continued State University Campus through January 2021.

Queretaro opened in Sep“This process has pushed tember 2017. The system’s us beyond the norm and two-year college institutions forced us to grow, and our include ASU-Beebe, with students are going to be by that,” said the additional campuses in He- benefitted opera’s music director Dr. ber Springs and Searcy and Joshua Brown, assistant an instructional site at Little professor of music and diRock Air Force Base; ASU- rector of choral activities.

Newport, with additional “In terms of Ouachita, this campuses in Jonesboro and has opened the possibilities continue doing our proMarked Tree; ASU-Moun- to ductions in this way. Who tain Home; ASU Mid-South knows what kind of creative in West Memphis; and ASU abilities this may give us for the future, but we have Three Rivers in Malvern. certainly made the most of this season.”

Ouachita’s production of Gianni Schicchi entails the roughly one-hour opera, interviews with the cast and crew and a behind-thescenes look at the rehearsal, staging and recording process. Due to Arkansas Department of Health guidethe cast rehearsed and of Labor Statistics. The lines, later performed on stage for Arkansas Division of Work- no more than 30-minutes at force Services released the a time and in small groups.

The cast also pre-recorded report today. music and vocal perforThe unemployment rate the mances, which later were was 3.5 percent in February edited together with their and jumped to 5 percent on-stage performances.

“At first, we recorded in March when the state half the scenes with recorded its first COVID- about the piano, organ and percus19-related death. Arkansas’s sion without the singers,” unemployment rate peaked Brown said. “Then the singat 10.8 percent in April and ers were able to listen and has declined every month record themselves over the tracks of the instruments. but one since.

The phases were tracks,

Henderson officially made the seventh institution of the ASU system

Feb. 4, 2021

opportunities for networking and doing business with AEDC partners in state and federal government, higher education, lending institutions, and the private sector.

“My goal and passion in economic development is to create opportunities,” Massana-Crane said. “I look forward to elevating our women and minority-owned businesses and the significant role they play in our diverse economy. It is an honor and a privilege to follow in Pat Brown’s footsteps and build upon her legacy.”

Prior to her time at AEDC, Massana-Crane spent seven years as an account executive and research manager at CJRW. She also served as assistant to the general manager of Nine West Group in El Salvador, where she was responsible for product merchandising and oversight of marketing activities for six Nine West stores across five different countries in Central America.

Driven by her commitment to education and community involvement, Massana-Crane currently serves on the board of directors for the Girl Scouts - Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas and is a member of the Little Rock Sister Cities Commission. She is a graduate of the Greater Little Rock Class XXX and Leadership Arkansas Class XII. In 2018, Massana-Crane was recognized in Arkansas Business’ “40 Under 40” list.

Originally from El Salvador, Massana-Crane earned her bachelor’s degree and MBA degree from Harding University, where she also served as adjunct professor for international business.

She speaks fluent Spanish and German, as well as intermediate French. She lives in Little Rock with her husband Christopher, son Sebastián, and their three furry rescue pets.

“Gianni Schicchi” online Jan. 31 tracks and live singers and finally singers performing over the piano and organ.”

“Once the recording process was done, we began staging and filming,” said John Alec Briggs, lecturer of music, who directed the production and serves as the director of Ouachita’s opera program. “Our students are accustomed to spending several weeks carefully working out staging, but they quickly adapted to what we fondly called ‘the soap opera method’ where we walked through blocking a few times and then immediately filmed, moving on section by section. It was a learning experience for us all.”

A comic opera, Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi is inspired by a passage from “Dante’s Inferno” and first premiered at New York’s Metropolitan Opera in 1918. Ouachita’s production premieres a commissioned reduction of Puccini’s orchestra score, created by Jason Saugey.

Saugey also was the organist for the recording.

Alongside Briggs, senior Kailee Morehart, a music and nursing double major from Alexander, Ark., served as the opera’s student director. Lexi Reimer, a senior choral music education major from Wylie, Texas, served as the assistant music director. Susan Monroe, staff accompanist for the School of Fine Arts, served as a music coach and rehearsal accompanist.

Mark Garrett of Arkadelphia produced both the video and audio for the opera.

Karlee Sanders, a senior choral music education major from Caraway, Ark., served as a diction coach, and production assistants included Megan Schulz, a freshman vocal performance major from Houston, Texas, and Kyleigh Stevens, a sophomore vocal performance major from Hot Springs, Ark.

2 News

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

Gov. Hutchinson on the other side of COVID-19 Asa Hutchinson AR Governor

We are in our second month of inoculating Arkansans against COVID-19, and today I’d like to talk about the progress we are making.

We have received nearly 473,000 doses of the vaccine, and we have administered right at 252,000 of the first dose. Arkansas ranks in the Top 15 states in the number of doses administered, and we are also giving out the second dose of the vaccine on schedule with a separate supply for the second dose.

Our goal is to vaccinate all those who are eligible in the 1-A category by the end of January. This includes health care workers, nursing home residents and staff, and first responders. We expect to meet that objective. We also added to the mix some elements of Phase 1-B, which includes people older than seventy, teachers and school staff, and daycare workers. Once we complete these categories, we will go into other essential workers.

Those are identified on our Arkansas Department of Health website. You should remember that this is subject to adjustment as we receive additional information and different CDC guidance.

I have designated Colonel

Robert Ator to coordinate and oversee the distribution of the vaccine.

Colonel Ator, whose friends call him Gator, is a retired wing commander of the 189th Airlift Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard.

With his experience in logistics and supply-chain, Colonel Ator is the perfect person to oversee this mission.

As part of our distribution plan, we are working with pharmacies and with state hospitals and other providers to streamline the administration of the vaccines. Our Department of Health team is tracking the supply and redistributing excess vaccine to ensure that the doses are at the sites where they are most needed.

The team also is attempting to increase the supply of vaccine and to improve communication with the public and our medical providers.

The vaccine is our best hope for containing COVID-19, and while the number of new COVID cases are gradually trending down, this is no time to let up.

Bryan Duffie, who is superintendent of the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, reports that about 55 percent of the district’s staff has received the vaccine. We do hope that

number increases.

The district partnered with Baptist Hospital North Little Rock, and on the first day, 115 staff members took the vaccine.

Danyelle Musselman, wife of Razorbacks basketball coach Eric Musselman, wants the vaccine so that she can safely visit her sister, who had a heart transplant and is in the high-risk category. She said she has studied vaccines. She said she likes to read and know things for herself rather than listen to opinions.

Danyelle said that “it’s time to get to the other side of this, and the vaccine is the way to do it. We all want to spend time with our friends and family. We want to have birthday parties. We want to have dinners out. We want to have fans at Razorback games.”

Now that we have vaccines, and we have folks such as Colonel Ator and the incredible team at the Department of Health, Superintendent Duffie, and Danyelle Musselman leading the way, we are going to beat this. The First Lady and I have had our vaccine, and there were no side effects. I encourage all of you to get the vaccine at your first opportunity. We’re all ready to get to the other side of this pandemic.

Current happenings in Gurdon

by Mayor Sherry Kelley Sherry Kelley Gurdon Mayor

It’s wintertime and that means potholes. We are filling them as we go but, if you would like to report one give us a call and we will put it on a list.

Speaking of lists, The City of Gurdon has some outdated equipment on which we are accepting bids for two

weeks. Those items include; 2002 Dodge 4-wheel drive Pickup Truck, 1995 GMC Pickup Truck, 1986 For Flatbed Dump Truck, 1964 Ford Flatbed Dump Truck, Street Roller, Fuel Tanks, and Sewer Jetter. All will need some repair or may be used for parts. Bids may be dropped off at the Gurdon Water Department drive-

thru window.

The Southwest Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority met this week via zoom due to Covid-19. The multi county and city agency works to improve existing business and create new job opportunities through transportation. To learn more visit swaria.org.

Deputies request ASP/CID assistance in homicide case Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office

Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division have responded to a call from Independence County Sheriff’s Deputies requesting assistance in a murder

investigation that local authorities initiated yesterday (Monday, January 25th).

The body of Adam Lowery, 30, was discovered inside a residence at 1320 Rounds Road, east of Batesville. The state medical examiner will determine the manner and cause of death.

Meanwhile state police CID agents have begun documenting the crime scene and assisting local authorities in the search for a suspect.500-yard free with a second-place time of 5:32.82.

stranded 11 batters and led just 1-0 with four outs left to get. Trailing by a run with two outs in the sixth, White stepped to the plate and gave HSU new life with a monster home run well over the left field fence. The solo blast tied it up for Henderson and the contest moved into extra innings following a scoreless seventh.

With the international tie-breaker rules coming into play in the eighth, it was Delta State who struck first.

The Lady Statesmen used a double to plate the go-ahead run, but were unable to take advantage of a bases loaded situation with just one out, as Beasley got a strikeout and fly out to end the frame.

Again down by a run, the Reddies struck back quickly, as Reese ripped a double down the right field line to score Alyssa Dixon and tie the game. After a misplayed fielder’s choice and an error allowed HSU to advance Reese and Kaitlyn O’Quinn to second and third, it was Moore who cashed in the win for Henderson. With two strikes against her, Moore floated a base hit into the corner in deep right field to bring home Reese and win it for HSU in walkoff fashion.

GAME TWO: Delta State 5, Henderson State 3 An early lead in the second game of the doubleheader did not hold up for the Reddies, as Delta State

used a big fifth inning to rally, defeat HSU 5-3 and split the two games at Dee White Field.

Five Reddies finished with hits, including Moore and Reese, who each had an RBI as well. Becca Almond took the loss in the circle after pitching five innings and allowing five runs on seven hits. Freshman Krystal Lindsey pitched a strong last two frames for HSU and gave up no hits and just one walk with two strikeouts.

Henderson opened up a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on a single and three-base error from O’Quinn and a solo home run from Moore. The two sides traded runs in the second frame which allowed the Reddies to maintain their two-run advantage.

DSU got a run back on an RBI single in the fourth, but truly turned the tide in the fifth. The Lady Statesmen plated three runs in the inning off of two home runs from Summer Cryder and Olivia Burns. The two jacks helped Delta State seize a 5-3 lead after trailing for much of the contest.

The Reddies went down in order in the fifth and stranded a runner after a single from Brooke Arnold in the sixth inning. Down to its final three outs, Henderson came up wanting, and went down 1-2-3 to end the game.

HSU softball split DH with Delta State at Dee White Field ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Henderson State began the 2021 season and the David Martinez era in style on Friday afternoon, as the Reddies earned a walk-off 3-2 win in the first game of opening day to split a doubleheader with Delta State at Dee White Field.

HSU (1-1) returns to action on Feb. 12-14 when it co-hosts the McGheeHawkins Invitational in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

GAME ONE: Henderson State 3, Delta State 2 Henderson State got a big solo home run from Czoey White in the sixth, then plated two runs in the bottom of the eighth, to rally and defeat Delta State 3-2 on opening day at Dee White Field.

Freshman Leeann Beasley got the win in the circle for the Reddies in her first college game by pitching the last 2.2 innings and allowing just one hit. Beasley struck out four of the 11 batters she faced, including the first two back-to-back in the fifth inning to get HSU out of a bases loaded jam.

Mallory Brewer earned a no-decision after starting and pitching 5.1 innings and giving up one run on four hits. White, Abbie Moore and Kailey Reese each had a hit and an RBI in the win.

The Reddies managed just two hits through the first 5.2 innings on Friday afternoon, but DSU

Oracle: CE

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

The Annual Arkansas Auctioneers Association Annual Conference will take place on February 4-7, 2021 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. >>> <<< The “TUFF ON THA TURF” State Preview tournament is a preliminary event taking place Feb. 20 in Hot Springs, months before the actual State Championship Tournament and is broken down into divisions based upon age and competition. All divisions in tournament play allow co-ed competition but have no requirements on gender specific participation. Sign up on EventBrite.com. >>> <<< Clark County Sanitation will be closed on Monday, February 15th.

If you are a Clark County Sanitation Customer and your normal trash day is on Monday, then we will pick up your trash on Tuesday, February 16th. If you have any questions, please call our office at 870-246-7602. >>> <<< The Iron Mountain Legend trail run is held on the epic trails of Iron Mountain in the DeGray Lake State Park area. With 10K, 25K and 42K options...there is something for all types. Post-race food and drink, plus a unique finisher medal will make it a day to remember. The start/finish line will be the Iron Mountain Lodge & Marina on DeGray Lake. On course aid stations with lots of tasty treats to keep fueled for a day in the Ouachita Mountains. It will take place on March 13.

Ongoing

>>> <<< Alcoholics Anonymous hosts two meetings a week in Arkadelphia.

The meetings are open to anyone interested in AA’s program of recovery. The Arkadelphia Group meets at 7 p.m. every Tues. in the Sturgis Building at North 9 and Caddo Streets. For more information on the Arkadelphia Group Meetings, call 870-403-3001. The U-Turn Group meets at 7 p.m. every Thurs. on the front, upper level of Park Hill Baptist Church, 3163 Hollywood Road. For information on that group’s meetings, call 870-230-2975 or 870-260-9277. >>> <<< H& R Block has a new location at 2749 Pine St in Arkadelphia, AR! Visit their new office today to put their expertise to work on your refund. >>> <<< The Arkadelphia Arts Center directors are looking forward to the day when we can open the doors to the public. Meanwhile, enjoy our rotating exhibits that may be seen through the window and glass door.

Contact information is listed on identification cards near each piece.

For more information about the Arkadelphia Arts Center and the Caddo River Art Guild find their pages on Facebook or visit CaddoRiverArtGuild.com or CCAHC.org. >>> <<< With Late ‘til 8, local businesses stay open to 8:00 pm so that customers can shop and also win door prizes! this is a monthly event that happens every first Thursday of every month. >>> <<< Gurdon 1st United Methodist has in-person service at 10 50 each Sunday, along with virtual for those who cannot attend. Mike Proctor is pastor, with soul-stiring messages, Seth Daniells serves as technician and soloist, and Dr. John Crawford plays the organ and piano. alternately, and often sings. Good preaching and inspirational music. >>> <<< 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

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Oracle:CE

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2021

Page 3

MASM uses creative means to connect to community during COVID-19 pandemic Zoie Clift Travel Writer

The Mid-American Science Museum in Hot Springs is Arkansas’s largest hands-on science center and first Smithsonian affiliate.

There are more than 100 exhibits and workstations to explore at the museum, which opened in 1979. The museum, which sits on 21 wooded acres, is also home to features such as the Bob Wheeler Science Skywalk, the world’s largest conical Tesla coil, and DinoTrek, the state’s first permanent outdoor dinosaur exhibit.

The museum has found innovative ways to stay connected to the community during COVID-19. The museum is known for both its STEM education offerings and hands-on science learning. Even while the museum was closed for COVID-19, they delivered online science lessons to supplement classroom curriculum and created Science To-Go kits that offered both lessons and materials to families in need.

“We have fully embraced digital education,” said Diane LaFollette, executive director of the Mid-America Science Museum. “Our early childhood science literacy program, Scientots, still occurs within the museum, but we also offer a Facebook version entitled Scientots Live where we have had over 1000 views in the last several weeks. The iconic Tesla Shows have been streamed directly into classrooms around the state thanks to Zoom. We have also done other virtual field trips with schools such as Henderson State University and the Russellville School District.

We even did a virtual summer camp in 2020 and had one child from Australia join us. We were thrilled to offer the third annual DinoLites, the outdoor holiday light display, by monitoring the number of visitors on the Dino Trek at any one time and ensuring social distancing.”

The museum has over 70,000 square feet of exhibit space situated on 21 acres adjacent to a national forest. The museum typically welcomes around 110,000 visitors annually from all 75 counties in Arkansas and all 50 states. The museum serves as an economic engine for the community, responsible for an overall annual economic impact of $4.9 million, and they have a special connection to the community. “We are closely tied with those we serve and strive every day to grow those connections by working to develop educational programming that is targeted toward our audience,” LaFollette said. “As a result, the museum received incredible support from the community in many ways.

LaFollette said the exhibit experience at the museum has remained relatively unchanged, thanks to extensive cleaning practices. “We did repurpose two exhibits so they are more hands-free learning opportunities,” she said. “Our ever-popular block pit has been turned into a walking tour of the solar system and our resident Albert Einstein statue now occupies the space where the Bernoulli Blower was. He accompanies a video that teaches how to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic. The Underground Arkansas cave

Photo courtesy of Arkansas Tourism.

During the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, the MidAmerica Science Museum has been trying to stay connected.

exhibit required extensive regular cleaning even before the virus, so we decided to close it temporarily to ensure the safety of our guests.

We still have over 90 indoor exhibits that our visitors can enjoy and exhibits and trails on our 21-acre wooded campus. We continue to have our Tesla Theater Shows

and have recently re-opened our hands-on Tinkering Studio with carefully curated activities that are safe for our guests.”

The museum reopened to the public on May 18 and the museum implemented the requirements for reopening set by the Arkansas Department of Health and

Continuing COVID-19 tracking

by Arkansas Dept. of Health

the CDC. “This, for example, involved advanced cleaning protocols, installation of 13 hand sanitizing stations throughout the museum, social distancing indicators on the floors where lines form, Plexiglas barriers at registers, online ticket purchasing and a touchless payment system,” LaFollette said. “We continue to require that guests over age 10 wear masks while visiting the museum and ask for contact information to assist with tracing should the need arise. Each day we take staff temperatures and require that masks be worn at all times and practice social distancing.”

LaFollette said for the first part of the year, the museum will be open Thursdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Once more people are vaccinated and the pandemic begins to recede, they will open Tuesdays and Wednesday too. They don’t have a specific timeline on that just yet, but they plan to make announcements on their digital platforms once they do.

“Our plan for Mid-America Science Museum for the next several months is to understand how we can better serve our families and schools in light of what we have experienced during the pandemic,” said LaFollette.

“We are asking ourselves questions such as: What can we learn from this to deepen our impact? How can we integrate the new strategies we have adopted during this time into our post-pandemic programs?

What are our new goals and how can we get there? How big can we dream? We have altogether stopped providing some of our programs and are reimagining others so we will have exciting new initiatives, backed by research, that are more effective in reaching the needs of our families, teachers, and students.”

The museum had intended to update their strategic plan in 2020, but when the pandemic hit, they postponed it until 2021. Now, using the lessons learned from this past year, LaFol-

O

lette said they have a unique vantage point to create a new strategic plan to ensure the museum is strong and sustainable for years to come. They hope to be back to being open 6 days a week by this summer and look forward to resuming programs like field trips, summer camps and Tesla Fest.

They also plan to integrate digital programming, such as virtual field trips, into the mix and expanding their reach to schools and museums across the country.

“Once we are on the other side of this, I know the MidAmerica Science Museum will be stronger for it,” said LaFollette. “Because of the work we are doing now, I know we will have a closer connection with our audience, deeper relationships with our funders and new expertise in serving our mission. It’s very helpful that museums across the country have been regularly checking in with each other so that we can share ideas and offer feedback. I’ve been talking to several colleagues from other states and we agreed that this time, though extremely tragic and difficult for us all, may ultimately usher in a new era for science centers. Historically, we have been following a well-proven model shaped in the 1960s by the Exploratorium in San Francisco.

This adversity is causing us all to rethink and improve the way museums support science education.”

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ACLE

Editor in Chief: Pete Tubbs Ads Manager: Harley Whisenhunt

Oracle Editor: Kelly Currington Sports Editor: Donovan Lee Staff Reporter: Lance Brownfield Arkansas Department of Health

According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, there are a total of 59,954 probable cases in the state as of Feb. 1. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 296,494 cases with 236,540 recovered.

The counties are colored by light to dark in terms of density of cases.

The Dispatch will post an updated version of this

graph weekly according to

not to say that there aren’t

are encouraging self check-

what is available from the

precautions, however, as

ing and most offer virtual

Department of Health and

games are being cancelled

learning.

state officials.

left and right to coincide

As the cases continue to

with regulations.

continue social distancing

With Joe Biden as the

and staying at least six feet

are reverting back to more

new Presidential, many

away from others. Testing

strict quarantine and social

are expecting the nation to

is widely available in most

distance rules.

re-enter shutdown. Schools

cities.

sally required to enter most businesses. They are available in most grocery and convenience stores.

Sports are in full swing, with the basketball season currently underway. That’s

O

ACLE

Adviser: Steve Listopad

People are encouraged to

rise, more and more states

Masks are nearly univer-

Staff Reporter: Caroline Derby

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

4 News

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2021

Oracle: CE

Tiger Sharks Add Six to 2021 Signing Class

Tori Blum Tori Blum is a butterfly, backstroke, and individual medley swimmer from McKinney, Texas. Blum, who swims for Texas Ford Aquatics carries a personalbest time of 57.84 in the 100 yard butterfly, which would be second-fastest on the TigerSharks’ current roster.

“The first thing you notice about Tori is the intangibles,” Bostick said. “She is personable, creative and confident. Her growth outside of the pool is a priority, which is why I believe Ouachita is a great fit. It’s fun to work with athletes who want to excel in all aspects of their lives. I’m looking forward to helping her reach goals both in and out of the water.”

Tristan Richert Tristan Richert joins the TigerSharks from Magnolia, Texas, where he is a senior at Magnolia West High School and competes for Magnolia Aquatic Club. A freestyle and individual medley swimmer, he carries personal bests of 1:43.37 in the 200 yard freestyle and 4:42.01 in the 500 yard freestyle.

“We discovered Tristan a few years back while recruiting his older brother,” Pritchard said. “He has a great club coach and an insane work ethic. His distance per stroke is scary good, and he is strong. Very few athletes are as hungry or as disciplined as Tristan. I am particularly thankful to the swim families from Magnolia, Texas, over the last few years as they have been an amazing asset to our program.”

Parker Nelson Parker Nelson joins Ouachita from Alexander, Arkansas, where he is homeschooled. A member of the Central Arkansas Racers Swim Club, Nelson competes in the butterfly and individual medley. His best time in the 100 yard butterfly is 54.45.

“We’re super excited to have Parker joining us from the Racers,” Pritchard said. “He comes highly recommended from his club team and coaches. He’s super versatile, which will make him a great asset for dual meets.”

Jaxon Stevens Jaxon Stevens joins the TigerSharks from Kingwood, Texas, where he is a senior at Kingwood High School and swims for Blue Tide Aquatics. His personal bests time in the 100 yard backstroke.

“We’re very excited about Jax,” Pritchard said. “He is newer to the sport but has an excitement and a competitive drive that is absolutely contagious. Jax is eager to learn and wants to be part of the winning culture that the rest of this freshman class is bringing with them.”

Superbowl preview Bucs vs. Chiefs Haley Spicer Contributing Reporter

The Super Bowl LIV champions Kansas City Chiefs look to repeat when they battle the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2021 Lombardi Trophy. With the Chiefs’ team being familiar to the big stage, the Tampa Bay quarterback has taken part in the season-ending game before, as he is competing for his seventh ring.

Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes have met in the playoffs before, battling it out in the American Football Conference title game when Tom Brady played for the New England Patriots.

When Brady and Mahomes are compared against each other, the only thing that they have in common is that they both have two wins against each other.

Brady has more total team points at 121 to Mahomes 120. However, Mahomes

has more yards per attempt at 8.9 to Brady’s 7.6. Mahomes has 11 touchdowns with 3 interceptions, while Brady has 6 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.

This edition of the NFL’s biggest game is set to be played in Tampa, Florida at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday February 7,2021, giving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers home field advantage. This is the first time a team has gotten to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium.

The matchup between these two is being labeled as the goat versus the mvp and the older goat versus the younger goat. When Mahomes got asked about playing against Brady, he said: “To go up against one of the greatest, if not the greatest quarterback of all-time in his 150th Super Bowl is gonna be a great experience”.

Brady has had a great career, and the past five seasons have been nothing short of it, considering his age. He has thrown just under 22,000 passing yards, 153 touchdowns, and has appeared in 4 Super Bowls and won one Super Bowl MVP award. He has nothing but respect for the young spectacular quarterback.

Ahead of the Super Bowl, ESPN host Mike Greenberg said “This is the best quarterback matchup in

Superbowl history. This is like if Michael Jordan got to play Lebron James in the Finals!”

There is high praise for both of these quarterbacks, with Mahomes just getting started and Brady still going strong. Both teams have elite scoring playmakers on their offenses and the game will be one for the ages, regardless of whether it is a high scoring or low scoring occasion.

Torrie Weems Torrie Weems is a breaststroke and individual medley competitor from Lumberton, Texas, where she is a senior at Lumberton High School and swims for Swim Houston Aquatic Club.

Her personal best time in the 100 yard breaststroke is 1:15.56.

“I feel very blessed we were able to pick up Torrie,” Bostick said. “She is an athlete who has amazing potential and has the personality and beliefs of a Ouachita swimmer. She is super positive, and I know Coach Pritchard will get the very best out of her in the weight room and breaststroke group.”

Elijah Christensen Elijah Christensen hails from Saint Michael, Minnesota, where he is a senior at Saint Michael Albertville High School and swims for the Sea Devils Swim Club. Christenson is a butterfly sprint specialist with personal bests of 50.49 in the 100 yard butterfly and 1:52.39 in the 200 yard butterfly.

“Elijah is a class act and a perfect match for Ouachita,” Pritchard said.

“With his current fly times, he will score big conference points and make great additions to the relays. Elijah is academically gifted and will do big things in our biomedical science program. This freshman class is built on toughness, and nothing is better than adding a 200 flyer to the mix. I’m looking forward to watching Elijah elevate this program both in and out of the pool.”