Volume 9 - No. 47 by South Arkansas Leader

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South Arkansas

Jan. 15, 2014

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Question of the Week

What was your childhood nickname?

Local high school becomes scene of mock shooting

« Kristina Adams “Sissy.”

Brooke Burger Editor

The crackling sounds of the dispatch come through: “… shooter at El Dorado High School …” “Here we go! Here we go! This is it!” “Make the call!” an officer yells. A wave of anticipation sweeps through the room as several uniformed officers and approximately 25 civilian volunteers begin the active shooter simulation in El Dorado High School on Jan. 2.

» Cole Ramsey “Tattoo.”

« Jayme Stegall

Active Shooter

“I honestly can’t remember if I had one.”

Just one day after the community rang in the New Year, shots ring out in El Dorado High School. The smell of gunpowder permeates the air as shouts of “Take cover! Get

SHOOTER continued on Page 6

» Susan West

Active Shooter: El Dorado Police Chief Billy White fires off a round of caps, triggering the start of the active shooter scenario. Chief White played the role of the assailant during the training earlier this month.

“Butt.”

— Brooke Burger / South Arkansas Leader

All the bAnk you’ll ever need. w w w. f i r s t f i n a n c i a l b a n k . c o m

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‘Lone survivor’ is perfectly executed but harrowing to watch James McDonald Red Carpet Crash

Based on the true story of the failed June 28, 2005 mission “Operation Red Wings.” Four members of SEAL Team 10 were tasked with the mission to capture or kill notorious Taliban leader Ahmad Shahd. Mark Wahlberg is an actor that continues to impress me with every movie he makes. I first remember him making an impact on me with his performances in “The Basketball Diaries” with Leonardo DiCaprio in 1995 and then “Fear” with William Peterson in 1996. Wahlberg has impressed me not only as an actor but also as a producer of such films as “The Fighter” and “Prisoners” and TV’s “Entourage” and “Boardwalk Empire.” Here, he headlines “Lone Survivor” and is also credited as a producer. This true story follows four Navy SEALs who enter Afghanistan with orders to stake out a village and capture or kill a leading Taliban member thought to be allied with Osama bin Laden. One night, while hiding out, the team encounters three shepherds, including a boy. They debate

Lone Sur vivor » Release date: Jan. 10. » Run time: 121 min. » Rated: R for strong bloody war violence and pervasive language.

» Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster, Yousuf Azami, Ali Suliman, Eric Bana, Alexander Ludwig and Dan Bilzerian.

» Director(s): Peter Berg.

» RCC Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

sparing or killing the shepherds but after a vote, team leader Michael Murphy (Taylor Kitsch) decides to uphold the rules of engagement and lets the shepherds go. Shortly after, the four SEALs are surrounded by more than 100 Taliban warriors and they must figure out an escape plan while also trying to stay alive. The film is based on Marcus Luttrell’s nonfiction book of the same name detailing SEAL Team 10’s failed mission “Operation Red Wings,” in which Luttrell was the sole survivor. Director Peter Berg, like Clint Eastwood, Sylvester Stallone and Ben Affleck, is an actor-turneddirector who happens to be very good at doing both, especially directing. He directed “The Rundown,” “Friday Night Lights,” “The Kingdom,” “Hancock” and

United Way to hold its celebration this Friday The United Way of Union County will host its Campaign Celebration at noon this Friday, Jan. 17 on the east side of the Union County Courthouse in downtown El Dorado. The community is invited to join the festivities as the United Way recognizes volunteers and announces the 2013-2014 campaign total. Hot dogs, drinks and other refreshments will be served. The following week, the United Way will hold its annual meeting and campaign luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 21 at the El Dorado Golf and Country Club, located at 101 Shady Side St. United Way contributors are invited to attend the meeting. For more information or to RSVP, call the United Way office at

870.862.4903. According to United Way executive director Alexis Alexander, 100 percent of United Way contributions stay right here in Union County to support programs and services that meet the community’s needs through its partner agencies’ work. United Way of Union County partner agencies include American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Club, Camp Fire USA, CASA, Community Living Arrangements, Girl Scouts, Hope Landing, Literacy Council, Salvation Army, Single-Parent Scholarship Fund, South Arkansas Developmental Center for Children and Families, South Arkansas Fights AIDS, and Turning Point.

“Battleship.” With “Lone Survivor” he creates a very claustrophobic atmosphere that at times, is almost unbearable to watch. He starts the movie off by introducing us to our four protagonists who we get to know as we find out some tidbits about each of their lives before all hell breaks loose. The comradery between them was so realistic and believable that we forget that we’re watching a movie; instead, it feels like we’re looking at video footage of the real guys and we sincerely care about each of them. Once the shoot out begins, our guys are able to take out quite a few of the enemy, but in no time the numbers increase exponentially to the point that they have no choice but to retreat. Berg delivers an unyielding sense of tension and an involving sense of chaos that opens

up our awareness of the genuine inhumanity and mental disintegration that comes from being in battle. Never once does it feel like we’re watching a “Rambo” movie where he takes on an entire army or battalion single-handedly. Here, we see the true horrors of war. When a man gets shot, we see the bullet penetrate and the pain inflicted – he hurts, he bleeds, and all the while watching out for his brothers-inarms. The violence is authentic, and with every gunshot received and every scrape and wound incurred, we can almost feel them as if they were happening to us. At one point in the movie, the four SEALs have retreated so far back that they find themselves literally, on the verge of a sheer slope. Their only viable option? Jump. And unlike most action movies where our hero(es) would vault from the ledge and wind up tumbling a little and then getting back up on their feet, here, we genuinely feel every single crack and broken bone and wallop as they plummet down the slope, smashing into trees and pounding against boulders and jagged edges as if they were bouncing balls. The film is so unrelenting and so visceral and agonizing that I literally

SURVIVOR continued on Page 5

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South Arkansas Leader

Dipping into the emergency fund due to overspending is a big no-no Dear Dave, My wife and I are working the Baby Steps, and we have our budget in place. Sometimes the budget gets busted because of home improvements and various other things. I think we should take money from our emergency fund when this happens, but she says it should come out of our restaurant and fun money. What do you think? — Joshua Cold Snap: Despite record lows in many areas across the state this winter, many Arkansans will be pulling out the bug zapper come summer. This winter’s cold snap will fall short in killing off the state’s insect populations, especially ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and fire ants, but home owners still have some resources to fend off the creepy crawlies. — Courtesy photo

Cold snap falls short

Record lows fail to kill off insect population

Mary Hightower

Cooperative Extension Service U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas’s record-breaking cold may have seemed to last forever, but it still wasn’t long enough to make a dent in the state’s pest populations. The National Weather Service reported record lows in several spots last week, including a low of 5 degrees at Little Rock Air Force Base, and a low of 9 at North Little Rock on Jan. 7. Other places saw recordbreaking or -tying lows in the teens. Stuttgart tied the record of 12 on Wednesday, Jan. 8, and Hot Springs’ low of 10 on Jan. 8 broke the old record of 13 set back in 1970. But those record lows won’t stave off the insects when summer arrives, said John Hopkins, extension urban entomologist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “So far, it’s not really going to have an impact on fleas, ticks, mosquitoes or fire ants at this point,” he said.

Survival tactics

Ticks and fleas have good strategies for surviving even the coldest temperatures in the South. “Ticks, if they’re not on a host, burrow down into the leaf litter,”

Hopkins said. The leaves provide insulation from a hard winter and some tick species are hardy enough to survive northern winters.” For fleas, Hopkins said if temperatures are less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it will kill some adults, but eggs, larvae and cocoons are generally in protected areas. The problem with fleas can be more evident in homes with pets. “If you’ve got pets, flea adults have a warm host and the eggs, larvae and pupae are in the pet bedding or carpet

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Dear Joshua, I hate to break this to you, but overspending is not an emergency. So, I’m siding with your wife on this one. If you budget a set amount in one category and you go over that amount, you’ve got to have something you reduce or cut out completely to stay within your budget for the month. You’d be surprised at what some people call an “emergency.” But here’s the deal: If something happens on a pretty regular basis, it’s a predictable event. That means you need to budget a larger amount for home improvements or whatever the problem area may be. Overall, on a month-to-month basis, if you find you have $200 budgeted for car repairs and the repair turns out to be $250, I’d rather you cut back on eating out to make up the difference. That’s the way my wife and I did it back in the day. We never touched the emergency fund for anything except big, unexpected, scary stuff. — Dave Dear Dave, I have a lot of student loan debt, and I can’t afford the payments right now. Should I send them what I can, even if it’s not the minimum payment, or should I not send anything at all? — Tina

DAVE Says

Dear Tina, They’re not going to stop bothering you no matter which option you choose. The benefit of sending them $5, even if the minimum payment is $50, is that you’re forcing yourself to start living on a budget and do all you can to honor your commitment. That’s the moral, spiritual and legal thing to do in this situation. Lots of times when people say they can’t afford something, what they really mean is they don’t want to give up other stuff in order to honor their obligations. If that’s the case, I’m not going to be on your team. You accepted this responsibility, and if that means you don’t eat out or go on vacation until the debt is paid off, then that’s the way it is. But if you’re already living on a beans-and-rice, scorched-earth budget and $5 is all you can squeeze out, then give them $5 and let them know with a clear conscience it’s all you can afford. All you can do is all you can do. There’s a bright spot in all this though. If you’re scrimping and saving and paying all the money that you have first toward running your household, then secondly toward your creditors, you’ll start finding ways to stretch your dollars even further. Not only will that help you clean up your student loan mess, but it will enable you to have a little bit better life in the process! — Dave Dave Ramsey has authored four New York Times best-selling books. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 5,000,000 listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the Web at daveramsey.com.

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There’s still time to sign up for health insurance coverage Medical Center of South Arkansas offering insurance sign-up assistance

If you’re uninsured, there’s still time to sign up for health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace and avoid the penalty. The Affordable Care Act requires that most Americans obtain health insurance by 2014 or pay a tax penalty. The penalty will be applied to your annual taxable income for each month you don’t have health insurance after March 31, the last day to enroll. Based on household income and dependents, you may be eligible for health insurance coverage at no cost through Medicaid. Or, you may be eligible for new health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace – and financial help from the government towards the cost of premiums may be available. “This is where Medical Center of South Arkansas can help the uninsured in our community,” said Kyle Swift, CEO of MCSA. With many people lacking access to a computer with Internet or just

PESTS

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in your warm house. You’re helping them survive,” Hopkins said. “As far as a surviving and producing thriving population next year, fleas will always come through.” The same goes for mosquitoes. Arkansas is host to many species of mosquito and each has its own method of surviving the winter. “Some lay eggs in the soil and will overwinter there,” he said. “Some species overwinter in the water. Now if the water froze solid like an ice cube, you might kill some.” But that’s unlikely for Arkansas, since here the water doesn’t usually freeze to the bottom, Hopkins said. Male mosquitoes don’t survive the winter, but females can, sheltering in animal burrows, hollow logs, barns and the like. Fire ants are another pest that weathers the winter better than most. “From our fact sheet, ‘Twenty Questions about Fire Ants’, you’ll see that it takes temperatures of less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit sustained for about two weeks to see a significant reduction in colonies in the area,” Hopkins said. “These

prescription drugs, hospital and emergency department care, lab services, pediatric services – and more.

Open Enrollment

Medicaid Expansion

Last day to enroll: March 31. Register now for sign-up assistance:

call MCSA at 870-864-4185. needing help maneuvering through the enrollment website, Swift said the MCSA’s application counselors can help. They can assist individuals and their families in evaluating the available health plans and determine if they’re eligible for Medicaid or other insurance options, he added. critters have been around for ages and have survived through a lot of different weather conditions.” Though this winter’s colder temperatures didn’t do as much to help reduce the state’s insect populations, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has several resources available to help Arkansans battle the bugs this summer. The fire ant fact sheet, “Twenty Questions about Fire Ants,” can be found on the UAEX website at http://bit.ly/1dpQSxw, along with the “Household Pest and Rodent Control Training Manual” at http://bit.ly/19pg6Lj. Specific questions about dealing with different pests can be directed to the UAEX Pest Crew, four experts with years of experience, at aragriculture.org/ pestcrew. Questions can also be directed to the Union County Cooperative Extension Service office by calling 870.864.1916. The extension service will be renovating its website this spring, rendering some of the links inoperable. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Learn more at www.uaex.edu.

Marketplace Health Plans

All health plans on the Marketplace must offer a comprehensive set of benefits, and individuals cannot be denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition. Some of the available health benefits include preventive care and wellness services, doctor visits,

Arkansas has chosen to expand Medicaid coverage, which began this month. This expansion will increase eligibility limits for adults to 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Level (equivalent to an annual income of about $15,900 for one person). This will open Medicaid coverage to a new population, including childless adults. For more information or to make an appointment for sign-up assistance, contact the Medical Center of South Arkansas at 870.864.4185. Located in El Dorado, Arkansas, the Medical Center of South Arkansas is a 166-bed, general acute care hospital accredited by The Joint Commission. For more information, call 870.863.2000 or visit www.themedcenter.net.

IMMEDIATE OPENING

Radio Announcer Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation and its El Dorado cluster of stations is looking for self-motivated and dependable individuals to fill a full-time position for a radio announcer. Interested candidates should have a strong work ethic and be able to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends and holidays. Knowledge of Wide Orbit automation and Adobe Audition is a plus. This position will require on-air shifts, music programming, commercial production, help with station promotions and live remote broadcasts. If you love being part of a winning team and enjoy meeting new people, we would like to meet you! Benefits include medical, dental and life insurance; paid vacation, holidays and sick leave.

Email resumes to jobs@noalmark.com. Noalmark Broadcasting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Females and minorities are strongly urged to apply.

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When wild animals lose fear of humans, all are at risk Mary Hightower

Cooperative Extension Service U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Many people often find enjoyment in observing wildlife, whether it’s taking a trip to the zoo or a wildlife habitat or just bird watching from their own back porch. And for Arkansans, the interest in wildlife is even more prominent. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 96 percent of Arkansans love watching, feeding or photographing wildlife near their homes. However cute or compelling these animals may be, they should never be considered pets, said Becky McPeake, extension wildlife specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “It’s easy to take that step from ‘awww, isn’t that cute?’, to thinking about these creatures as pets, especially when one sees them every day,” McPeake said. “We think we are building a bond with them by feeding them or when they seem to lose their fear of humans and inch ever closer. “The truth is, these are wild animals, not domestic ones, and making them lose their fear of

SURVIVOR continued from Page 2

had to look away from the screen occasionally. Each of the performances by our four lead actors here – Wahlberg, Kitsch, Ben Foster and Emile Hirsch – are first rate. They prove that they are very capable actors and that they can each create believable and pragmatic character. But when they’re all together, they have genuine, undeniable chemistry and a deeprooted brotherly love for each other that makes you like them and care for them even more, despite any of their idiosyncrasies. Bad things happen in war, and

humans puts them at risk,” she said. Sometimes the closeness of wildlife is just a nuisance. They take up residence in chimneys and attics, nibble gardens to stumps and rend lawns with holes. But on the other hand, wildlife too close can present dangers to humans too, McPeake said. Bears, coyotes and other animals seeking food from near human homes can attack humans or pets. Many wild animals carry diseases such as rabies, Hansen’s disease (better known as leprosy), as well as histoplasmosis, tick-borne illnesses and West Nile Virus. On Arkansas roadways, deervehicle strikes happen at a rate of 18,000 a year, McPeake said, causing some $35 million in damage. While development and human encroachment of wildlife habitat has been blamed for many negative encounters with wildlife, in many cases the populations of these

WILD continued on Page 9 Call of the Wild: A coyote trots along the edge of a parking lot in the middle of Little Rock. When wild animals lose their fear of humans, it puts both humans and the animals at risk.

— Mary Hightower / U of A Division of Agriculture

many times, it’s easy for us to imagine the men who are responsible for them are barbarians. But the simple reality is, for the most part, they’re human, and usually scared humans. In one of the best scenes in the movie, after the SEALS have captured the shepherds, they talk through the process of potentially having to kill them as opposed to letting them go and giving up their location. The film gives each character the opportunity to allocate a perfectly coherent reason for their argument. This was good because it added context to the overall story. The only attribute about the movie I would change, is the title. A lot of people (like me) won’t know very

much about the story in advance and once they’re watching it, the title will suddenly make sense and in some ways it could become anticlimactic. That one nitpick aside however, “Lone Survivor” grabs the viewer by the collar and takes them on a brutal descent into hell in which only one person survives, barely. Tobias A. Schliessler’s cinematography captures the bleak atmosphere and unyielding tone of the movie with images of carnage and bloodshed that stays in the mind long after the film is over. Red Carpet Crash provides review writing on films, DVDs and television; news and updates on all things entertainment. Find RCC at www.redcarpetcrash.com.

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Live Simulation: Officers Earnest Jackson (left) and Robert Seely proceed with caution as they move to clear the second floor during the training. — Brooke Burger / South Arkansas Leader

SHOOTER

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down!” find their way through the screams of the small crowd huddled in the school’s cafeteria. Standing on the cafeteria landing, looking down to the student and faculty volunteers, El Dorado Chief of Police Billy White fires several shots into the air with a cap gun. White is the assailant. His shots signal the beginning of the simulation. A student volunteer makes the call to the El Dorado Police Department, and just a few minutes later the dispatcher breaks through the static: “… shooter at El Dorado High School … suspect information … white male, medium build, early 30s, green cargo pants, brown shirt, blue hat … carrying a revolver…” “Get down before I shoot you! Who called the cops?! Get off that phone before I shoot you!” Panicked screams ring out, echoing through the empty halls. “Let’s go, I hear the police! Let’s go!” White takes two hostages down the hallway, gun drawn.

Simulation Training

high school would be much easier to Whether at a school, a mall or a contain than the open plan of the old movie theater, nationwide, mass school, the officers were training shootings have highlighted a without one major element – chaos. growing need for worst-case sce- In Pursuit nario training – the kind of train“Show me your hands! Get on the ing that every community hopes it ground! Get your hands up!” never has to use. The responding officers come into “We would much rather be contact with one of White’s victims, proactive than reactive,” said Capt. this one tethered with a live greKevin Holt, public information officer with the EPD. “God forbid if it nade. On contact, the officers cannot be sure if the victim is friend or foe ever does happen.” Holt said that the department orga- and must follow procedures. “Grenade secure.” They cuff the nized the active shooter simulation in anticipation of state-mandated victim as a safety precaution. “Gretraining exercises, which he said nade out of play.” The team communicates constantthe department expects to see in the ly. “Watch for movement. You guys next couple of years. “This is a learning exercise for ready? Stand by.” Just as one threat is disarmed and everyone,” Holt said. “It’s an opporthe officers refocus on the pursuit, tunity for us to get some training in they see another potential threat… this facility.” “Move it, left, left, left! We got With more than 315,000 square an unfriendly, left! He ducked feet, Holt said the EPD chose the high school as the first training his head out!” One of the officers calls out to the grounds because of its scope. In just one wing of the school, there are any potential suspect: “El Dorado Police Department! number of classrooms, restrooms, closets and other areas where an as- You’re known to be armed and dansailant could hide or plant an incen- gerous; it’d be best if you come out with your hands up! Do it now!” diary device. But while Holt noted that the new As three unsure students

slowly inch around the corner, it becomes clear what the officers are dealing with. “I got two friendlies possible,” the officer communicates to his team. Still without a clear line of sight, the officer proceeds with caution: “Come out! Come out! Keep your hands up!” he shouts to the students who had been hiding in the secondfloor bathroom. Once it’s determined the students are not a threat, the officers clear the three girls out of the area, shouting “Come on, fast, go, go go!”

Adrenaline Rush

“It felt real,” said EHS junior Henley Risinger, one of the many student volunteers, once her part in the simulation was fulfilled. She, classmate Chelsea Pepper and sixth grader Kameron Nichols portrayed the rescued “friendlies.” Risinger described the frenzy of the situation. “We called the cops like three times. We heard the first shot, and called them.” The students were told to huddle in the bathroom until the police reached the second level. At that point they were supposed to run

SHOOTER continued on Page 8

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From live concerts to electronic petting zoos Barton Public Library is heading into the New Year with a number of events, programs and workshops. From the entertaining to the educational, the local community can take advantage of these free opportunities sponsored by the library.

Barton Public Library to offer a number of free educational and entertainment opportunities

Tech Petting Zoo

The library will hold its second installment of the Tech Petting Zoo on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Donovan Mays of the Arkansas State Library will bring his electronic devices to assist patrons in learning to use their tech gadgets. The workshop will run from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Barton Library, with an Apple products demonstration from 1 to 2 and tutorials for all other devices, such as Androids, from 2 to 3 p.m. The Tech Petting Zoo workshop is free and open to the public; however, space is limited so registration is required.

Connect Arkansas Lab

On Wednesday, Feb. 12, area citizens seeking to develop basic computer skills can attend one of three classes in the Connect Arkansas mobile lab set up at the Barton Public Library. A project of The Arkansas Capital Corporation Group, Connect Arkansas is a private, nonprofit corporation dedicated working with local communities to make high-speed Internet more affordable and computer training more available. The following classes are free and open to the public: Computer Basics from 11 a.m. to noon; Setting up an Email Account from noon to 1 p.m.; and Using an Email Account from 1 to 2 p.m. It is recommended that students enroll in one or two classes only. Attendance is limited to five students per class and registration is required. Connect Arkansas conducts classes in Union County regularly and will return in April with more educational opportunities.

Classical Guitar Concert

For the ninth year, Barton Library will host classical guitarist Peter Fletcher in concert. Fletcher will perform his Carnegie Hall repertoire at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27 at the South Arkansas Arts Center, located at 110 East Fifth St. in El Dorado.

Musical Folks: Folk duo Hungrytown will return for their fifth performance at Barton Public Library in March. Husband and wife Ken Anderson and Rebecca Hall hail from New Hampshire and tour throughout the United States, Europe and New Zealand. — Courtesy Photo

on the David Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series at the Chicago Cultural Center. In January 2005, Fletcher was invited to join the distinguished Jury of the Ninth Annual Schadt String Competition in Allentown, Penn. He made his New York debut at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in February 2008, and returned in 2008, 2009 and 2010 to a sold-out house each time. Fletcher’s three recordings – “The Art of Classical Guitar,” “A Peter Fletcher Recital” and “Federico Mompou: Guitar Works” – have received critical acclaim. His curClassical Learning: Peter Fletcher performs for Washington Middle School’s fifth- and sixth-grade students enrolled in either general music classes, orchestra rent release, “Peter Fletcher Plays or guitar last year. Fletcher will give his ninth performance in El Dorado in a live Baroque Music for Guitar,” was reconcert at the South Arkansas Arts Center next month. — File Photo leased in October of 2008 by Tower Fletcher began guitar study at age cultural venues throughout the coun- Hill Recordings. 7, under classical guitar instructor try, Fletcher has been invited to give The concert is free and open to John Sutherland. In December of recitals at the George Eastman the public. For more information 1983, Fletcher made his formal de- House in Rochester, NY; Cincin- about the renowned classical guibut at age 15 under the auspices of nati’s Memorial Hall; St. Philip tarist, visit Fletcher’s website at The Brasstown Concert Association Cathedral in Atlanta, Ga.; Furman www.peterfletcher.com. in North Carolina. University in Greenville, S.C.; and LIBRARY continued on Page 12 In demand as a performer in many others. In 2003, he performed

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Civil War veteran marches on with successful political career Ken Bridges

South Arkansas Historical Foundation

James H. Berry, a judge, lawyer, teacher, governor and U.S. senator, was one of the leading voices in Arkansas as it moved out of Reconstruction and toward the 20th century. Berry was born in Alabama in 1841. When he was 7, his father moved the family to Carroll County. Typical of most farming families at the time, he had little formal education. In 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate Army with the rank of lieutenant in the 16th Arkansas Infantry. In October of 1862, Berry and the 16th Arkansas were present as Confederate forces attempted to retake the railroad junction at Corinth, Miss., which had fallen to Union forces five months earlier. Tens of thousands of men descended on the small community in northeastern Mississippi. In

the slaughter that commenced over a two-day period, nearly 1,000 men lost their lives and thousands more were injured. Union forces repelled the Confederate attack. Berry lost his right leg in the fighting. Now out of the war, with his body and spirit battered, Berry tried to rebuild his life. He began teaching as well as studying law. In 1865, he got married, a union that would last 48 years and produce six children. After the Civil War ended, Berry entered politics and won a seat in the state House of Representatives as a Democrat in 1866. Not long afterward, he moved to Bentonville where he started a law practice with his brother-in-law. His political fortunes rose, and he served as Speaker of the House for the 1874 legislative session. In 1878, he was elected a district judge. He resigned as judge in 1882 to run for governor, winning easily.

South Arkansas Historical Foundation presents

ist o ry minute

Though the times were quickly turning against civil rights, Berry was determined to uphold civil liberties for African Americans. On one occasion, he sent in the state militia to defend a group of African Americans from a white mob. He also established the state’s first mental hospital and worked to reduce the massive debts the state had run up during Reconstruction. Throughout his political career, he remained interested in veterans’ issues, often speaking to veterans groups. In 1885, he was elected to the U.S. Senate. He would serve for the next two decades, becoming a respected figure.

SHOOTER

Organized in the 1970s, the South Arkansas Historical Foundation has been dedicated to educating the public about Arkansas’s rich history for over 30 years. The SAHF offices are located at 422 North Jackson in El Dorado. For more information, about SAHF call 870.862.9890.

certain decisions.”

Evolving Plan

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out to the cops to trigger a reaction. During the first round of the simulation, the girls were able to execute their task according to plan, but in the second round, things didn’t quite go quite as they had expected. The second team came up from a different direction, and the girls weren’t sure when to run out. As they peeked around the corner, the officers made sure to determine if they were a threat or not. “It was a little bit more real,” Pepper said. “It was kind of scary.” In the real event of a school shooting, officers on the scene would be dealing with approximately 1,400-plus students, 100 or more faculty members and anyone else who may be on campus at the time, Holt said. The responding officers must be able to maintain order as they quickly make their way through the chaos searching for the assailant. “They’re not only looking for a person, but they’re looking for anything that’s out of place,” Holt said. “You can’t go in with tunnel vision and focus on just one thing.”

By 1906, the Arkansas political climate was changing. The Democratic Primary in Arkansas now featured a direct election for U.S. Senate candidates as the whole nation began moving away from the system of senatorial election by state legislatures and toward a more democratic process. The popular Gov. Jeff Davis, a master of stump speeches and political manipulation, easily brushed aside Berry in the primary and went on to Washington. After his defeat, Berry returned to Bentonville and lived the remainder of his days quietly, continuing to work for his fellow veterans. He died in 1913.

Apprehended: Officer Jackson (left) and patrolman Gerid Ardwin cuff potential suspect and EPD rookie Dallas Smith, who was playing a hostage. The shooter simulation took place at El Dorado High School. — Brooke Burger / South Arkansas Leader

Four different teams participated in the training, each working with their corresponding dispatch teams. According to Karl Nichols, patrol lieutenant, the scenarios for each team were designed to be fluid so that there would be more than one possible situation that could arise during the simulation.

Chief White said that he believed his being the assailant was a benefit to the officers. “I know what they should be looking for, things that they need to be paying attention to,” White said. “Knowing that, I set up a scenario that’s going to call for them to take certain actions and make

Holt said that this type of training and preparing is an ongoing process. The EPD works closely with the school districts to enhance and modify their operational techniques when needed, he said. “We’re constantly looking at [national incidents] and thinking what would we do if that happened here. It’s a constantly evolving plan.” The department plans to continue training. In future simulations, the officers will get the added element of chaos when the department conducts an instructional-time training session. Instructional-time training takes place during the school hours with students and faculty on campus, providing learning opportunities for them as well as the officers. As well, Holt said the department plans to do additional trainings throughout the county, working with the county school districts and Union County Sheriff’s office. “Everybody’s trying to get on the same page with the curriculum,” Holt said. “We’re all kind of learning together.”

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Cookie sales open

Cookie Sales: Girl Scout cookies are on sale now. Girl Scouts from around the nation, like these Arkansas scouts, will begin selling the famed Girl Scout cookies now through April. — Courtesy photo

Area Girl Scout troops prepare to take orders for famed cookies It’s Girl Scout Cookie time again! From now through April, look for Union County Girl Scouts during our annual Girl Scout Cookie Program, the world’s largest girl-run business. Our cookie program is an opportunity for Girl Scouts to showcase the financial literacy skills they’ve learned through the Girl Scout program. The Cookie Program teaches girls important skills for running their own business, such as goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. When you buy a box of cookies from a Girl Scout, you’re making a donation to a life-changing experience. Many times when people hear “Girl Scouts,” their only thought is of our great Girl Scout cookies; but being a Girl Scout is so much more than being just a cookie vendor. Our mission at the Girl Scouts – Diamonds Council is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. The Girl Scout

program develops the leadership potential in all girls and encourages them to give back to their communities. So, the next time you hear “Girl Scouts,” think “leadership.” If you are interested in learning more about Girl Scouts – whether it’s finding the nearest cookie sale booth location or getting the special girl in your life the leadership skills she deserves, or if you are interested in volunteering your time and energy to changing girls’ lives – visit our website at www.girlscouts diamonds.org or email us at membership@girlscouts diamonds.org. Union United is a section showcasing the news and happenings of the 14 nonprofit partner agencies of the United Way of Union County. For more information, call 870.862.4903, email liveunited@uwucar.org or visit the website at www.uwucar.org.

WILD

continued from Page 5

animals has grown to many times their pre-1950s levels. For example, white-tailed deer populations grew from about a half million in 1900 to 12 million between 1960 and 1990, and up to an estimated 30 million in 2011. Canada geese populations have quintupled from 1.1 million in 1940 to more than 5.7 million in 2007. Wild turkeys grew from 30,000 in 1930 to about 5.6 million in 2002. When wildlife becomes a nuisance or a threat, McPeake recommends doing some checks before taking any do-it-yourself control steps: » Poisons and toxicants are illegal except for mice and rat problems around homes (even though the products are sold in stores). » Electric fencing may be illegal in some communities or homeowner associations.

South Arkansas Leader

» Discharging a bow or firearm may be legal in some communities. » Live trapping nuisance wildlife has certain state requirements and sometimes local ordinances. Some of this information can be found online at www.arnatural.org/ wildlife/dealing. Arkansans can also opt to let a professional take care of the problem by checking the nuisance wildlife control operators directory on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website at www.afgc.com. Questions can also be directed to the Union County Cooperative Extension Service office by calling 870.864.1916. The extension service will be renovating its website this spring, rendering some of the links inoperable. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. For more information, go online to www.uaex.edu.

South Arkansas Leader

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COMMUNITY calendar

» ‘ARTS IN THE HEARTS’ SHOWCASE— The South Arkansas Arts Center will kick off its 50th Anniversary celebration with the retrospective showcase, “Arts In the Hearts for Decades” in all three galleries. The showcase spans 32 years of Artists In Education projects by El Dorado AIE artists and local schools. The exhibition is sponsored by Ann Pruet Calhoon and Paula Pruet James. Exhibition coordinator Mary Pat Anthony is collecting stories from students, parents and educators, asking “What influence did the arts in your school have on you, then and now?” Those wishing to share their story can email how the arts influenced their lives to info@saac-arts.org. When: Now through Feb. 7 Where: South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 East Fifth St., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact the SAAC office at 870.862.5474 or go online to the SAAC website at www.saac-arts.org. » AREA ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP — The El Dorado Area Alzheimer’s Support Group invites caregivers and family members of those with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia to attend its monthly meeting. The group, sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging of Southwest Arkansas, meets the third Thursday of every month. When: Thursday, Jan. 16 at noon Where: Executive Dining Room, second floor, Simmon’s First Bank, 100 West Grove St., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact Nancy Bailey at the Area Agency on Aging toll free at 800.272.2127.

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Your guide to events happening in communities in and around Union County.

» SOUTHARK HERITAGE PLAZA CEREMONY — South Arkansas Community College will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for Heritage Plaza, the beautification project on the college’s West Campus. The public is invited to attend. The plaza is expected to be complete by early summer and will include a tree-lined pathway, grassy areas, a fountain (convertible to a stage) and park benches. Contributions are still being accepted and naming opportunities are still available. When: Thursday, Jan. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Where: South Arkansas Community College, 311 South West Ave., El Dorado Contact: For more information or to make a contribution, contact Cynthia Reyna at creyna@southark.edu or 870.864.7106. » 26th ANNUAL MLK DAY BANQUET — The Self Culture Club will host its 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet, featuring keynote speaker, Tai M. Crater, director of risk finance and insurance for Tyson Foods. Ticket donations costs $20 per person. When: Saturday, Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. Where: El Dorado Conference Center, 311 South West Ave. Contact: For tickets or more information, contact Jo Benton at 870.639.3923 or Wanda James or Felisha Aaron at 870.881.9005. » 24th ANNUAL MLK DAY PARADE — The Self Culture Club will sponsor its 24th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade with the theme “Remember! Celebrate! Act!: King and His Dream in 2014” (Jeremiah 29:11,

Tell Us Something Good! Submit your event, announcement or story idea to the South Arkansas Leader at leader@noalmark.com at least one week before the date of the event. All material must be received the Friday before publication on Wednesday. For more information, contact the Leader staff at 870.863.6126 or by email.

NLT). All entries must be in line no later than 1:15 p.m. at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium. The route will depart from the auditorium, continue onto North West Avenue to downtown El Dorado, following Main Street to Washington, and disbanding at the El Dorado Memorial Stadium. When: Sunday, Jan. 19 at 2:30 p.m. Where: El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, 100 West Eighth St. Contact: For more information, contact Wanda James or Felisha Aaron at 870.881.9005. » NINTH ANNUAL MLK DAY CONCERT — The Self Culture Club will host its Ninth Annual Gospel Musical celebration with the Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church Choir of El Dorado performing in concert along with “Rejoice” The Gospel Ensemble, under the direction of Steven Huff. The event is free and open to the public. When: Sunday, Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. Where: Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 1807 South West Ave., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact Wanda James or Felisha Aaron at 870.881.9005. » NEW CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP — Saint James Baptist Church will host the New Construction 2014 Workshop, “Continue to Build Bridges and Tear Down Walls.” Bishop Dr. George Calloway Jr. and sister Alice F. Calloway will serve as facilitators, in addition to other special guests. The public is invited to attend. When: Sunday, Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. Where: Village Outreach Facility, 1304 Hillsboro St., El Dorado

Contact: For more information, contact George Calloway at 870.875.2621. » TAX FORMS AVAILABLE — The Internal Revenue Service will open the 2014 filing season on Jan. 31. Tax payers are encouraged to use e-file or Free File, but individual tax forms will be available at the Barton Public Library during regular business hours. The library will make all forms available as it receives them. When: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 8 p.m.; and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays and will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Where: Barton Public Library, 200 East Fifth St., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact the library at 780.863.5447 or go online to youseemore.com/barton. » SINGLE-PARENT SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE — Applications are available for the Union County Single Parent Scholarship. To be eligible, one must live in Union County, be enrolled in any college or university and be a single parent providing support of a dependent child or children under the age of 18 in the household. Application Deadline: Feb. 3 Where: Applications are available online at www.aspsf.org/students_sp scholarships.html and at the South Arkansas Community College financial aid office. Contact: For more information about donating to the scholarship fund or applying for a scholarship, call 870.864.7150.

Crossword and Sudoku Answer Key

Jan. 8

01•15•14

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SUDOKU

EADER

To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

Union County's free source for community news and more

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General Manager Jay Helm jay_helm@noalmark.com

Editor Brooke Burger brooke.burger@noalmark.com Advertising Harry Dyer harry@noalmark.com Stacey Turner stacey.turner@noalmark.com

The South Arkansas Leader is owned and operated by Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation. The views and opinions expressed in the South Arkansas Leader are those of the staff and contributing writers and do not represent the official views of Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation. All material published in this newspaper and on its website is copyrighted. The South Arkansas Leader publishes every Wednesday. All materials for publication must be received no later than noon the Friday before publication. For more information on submitting news releases, photos, event announcements, story ideas or photo opportunities, please contact the editor. The South Arkansas Leader is a weekly communityinterest newspaper serving Union County, Arkansas.

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2525 North West Ave. El Dorado, AR 71730 Office: 870.863.6126 Fax: 870.863.4555 leader@noalmark.com

South Arkansas Leader

WEEKLY RECIPE Enjoy a taste of Thai at home The opportunity to experiment is one of the things that draws many people to cooking. Adding a personal touch to a favorite dish often delights home cooks. But altering recipes to suit personal taste is not the only fun part about experimenting in the kitchen. Trying your hand at international cuisine without having to pay restaurant prices is another great way to bring new life to your dinner table. The following recipe for “Beef with Ginger and Black Mushrooms” from Katie Chin’s “Everyday Thai Cooking” (Tuttle) is ideal for those men and women who want to bring a taste of homemade Thai food into their homes.

Beef with Ginger and Black Mushrooms Ingredients:

Serves 2 » 8 medium, dried black mushrooms » 10 ounces beef tenderloin or top sirloin, sliced diagonally across the grain in 1/4-inch slices » 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose cornstarch » 1/4 teaspoon white pepper » 1 teaspoon plus 2 tablespoons high-heat cooking oil, divided » 2 teaspoons soy sauce,

Directions:

divided » 1 garlic clove, minced » 1 tablespoon minced galangal or fresh ginger » 1 fresh hot red or green chili, preferably Thai (de-seeded if you prefer less heat), finely sliced » 2 teaspoons fish sauce (nam pla) » 1 teaspoon oyster sauce » 1 teaspoon palm or brown sugar » Thai or Italian basil leaves, cut into thin shreds/threads for garnish

Soak the mushrooms in warm water until soft, about 30 minutes. Rinse in warm water and drain. Remove and discard stems and cut the caps in 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside. Toss the beef with the all-purpose cornstarch, pepper, 1 teaspoon oil and 1 teaspoon soy sauce. Cover for 10 minutes at room temperature. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry until the beef is brown, about 3 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside. Heat the remaining oil in the wok or skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the garlic, garlangal and chili to the wok or skillet and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the reserved beef, reserved mushrooms, fish sauce, oyster sauce, palm sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon soy sauce. Garnish with basil leaves. Serve with jasmine rice.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Correct code 6. Foundation 9. A pulpy condition 13. Venezuelan river 14. Orange-red chalcedony 15. The shallowest Great 16. Floating ice mountain 17. Japanese cervids 18. Special Interest Groups 19. Divertimentos 21. Indian wet nurses 22. Flatfishes 23. Haitian currency (abbr.) 24. Southeast 25. One point N of due W 28. 10 decibels 29. Wild oxes of SE Asia 31. Ancient Greek City of SW Italy 33. A passing glancing blow 36. Marriage announcement 38. Tandoor bread

CLUES DOWN

1. Strikes lightly 2. Fencing sword 3. Hooked pericarp 4. Entreats 5. Edison’s Corp. 6. Cooks in an oven 7. Amounts of time 8. Tooth caregiver 9. Spellbind 10. Solo opera piece 11. Audible exhales 12. Siddhartha author 14. Coach’s game area 17. Gross revenue 20. Toff 21. 1896 Italian defeat (alt. sp.) 23. Auto fuel 25. A woven structure 26. Reveal a secret 27. Hawaiian geese 29. Brings into being

39. Mag_____: Time 41. Portended 44. Alicante’s seventh city 45. Gulf of, in the Aegean 46. Strike 48. Hill (Celtic) 49. Stuart Little’s author White 51. Male sheep 52. Indian dresses 54. Pears 56. Tardy arriver 60. Smudge of ink 61. Youngsters 62. About aviation 63. Small ornamental ladies’ bag 64. Unreturnable serves 65. Fante and Twi peoples 66. Round shape 67. Of she 68. Beard lichen genus 30. Displaced liquid 32. Frigid Zone 34. Newsman Rather 35. Prefix for inside 37. Short-billed rails 40. Sensory receptor 42. Egyptian temple ___ Ombo 43. Challenges 47. Photograph (slang) 49. Declined gradually 50. Tilapia nilotica 52. One-edge sword 53. Wets 55. Small coins (French) 56. Twine together 57. The middle point 58. Sea eagle 59. Activist Parks 61. Humbug 65. Atomic No. 79

Answer key on page 10.

South Arkansas Leader

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LIBRARY

continued from Page 7

Hungrytown Folk Concert

Barton Library will come alive with the sounds of modern folk music, as Hungrytown returns for a fifth performance in El Dorado. The folk duo will hold a live concert at Barton Library beginning at 7 p.m. on March 8. Hungrytown is the musical and married duo of Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson of New Hampshire. Their two highly acclaimed CDs, “Hungrytown” (2008) and “Any Forgotten Thing” (2011), still continue to receive much airplay on folk and Americana stations worldwide. Hall and Anderson tour full-time throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, and have recently returned from performing in New Zealand. The duo’s songs have been performed by many other artists, including Nashville songwriting legend David Olney and bluegrass veterans the Virginia Ramblers. Hungrytown’s music has also appeared on several television shows, including the Independent Film

Channel’s hit series “Portlandia.” Hall learned to sing in church as a child and had developed into a skilled interpreter of jazz and blues standards by the time she was in her 20s. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist in his own right, Anderson is also a producer and arranger. He learned to play drums and keyboards as a child, and has since moved on to bass, guitar, mandolin, banjo and harmonica. Having produced all of Hungrytown’s recorded works, Anderson’s artistry includes the duo’s luxuriant vocal stylings. The performance is free and open to the public. For more information on the folk-singing duo, visit Hungrytown’s website at www.hungrytown.net. For more information on any of the events or to register for any of the upcoming workshops, contact Nancy Arn at the Barton Public Library at 870.863.5447. More information can also be found online at the library’s website at www.youseemore.com/barton. All events will take place at the Barton Public Library (except where noted), which is located at 200 East Fifth St. in El Dorado.

AdoptMe Pet adoptions are available at the Union County Animal Protection Society shelter, 1000 Sunset Road, El Dorado. UCAPS’s is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For information about adopting or sponsoring a pet, call 870.862.0502.

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BARTON PUBLIC LIBRARY » Adult Reference » Fiction and Nonﬁction » Teen and Children Titles » Cookbooks and MORE!

March 13 - 20 noon to 6 p.m.

TAC House

» $2 reference works » $1 hardbacks » 50¢ softbacks, CDS, etc. » 25¢ paperbacks » 10¢ magazines

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Book Sale 1101 North West Ave. El Dorado

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Best friends Squirt and Toby are inseparable. Toby, a lab mix, will be a pretty big guy, while Squirt will stay fairly small. Both are available for adoption.

These two little beagle mixes are know as Poker Face and Funny Face. They are available for adoption at UCAPS and would love to go home with you!

Want To Help? Find the Union County Animal Protection Society on Facebook for more information about supply or monetary donations or volunteer opportunities.

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