Volume 10 - No. 25

LSave a life

Union County’s source for community news and more

South Arkansas

EADER

LifeShare Blood Centers to hold two blood drives LifeShare Blood Centers will partner with local organizations to host multiple blood drives in El Dorado next week.

The nonprofit community blood center will team up with El Dorado Chemical Company and the El Dorado High School volleyball team to bring two blood drives to the area on Aug. 22 and Aug. 23.

MASH BASH On Friday, Aug. 22, LifeShare and El Dorado Chemical will host MASH BASH 2014, an all-day blood drive scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Medical Center for South Arkansas, located at 700 West Grove St., in the center’s conference room.

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Arts Center to host artist reception for new exhibition The South Arkansas Arts Center will host an artist reception for a new exhibition of works from SAAC’s permanent collection from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 15.

Jorge Villegas and Richard Wharton have selected the cream of the crop from the permanent collection for an exhibition of local, national and international artists whose work has become part of SAAC’s legacy. The exhibition includes works by influential and renowned artists Millard Owen Sheets, Henri Linton, Frank Webb and Arnaldo Pomodoro, as well as past Juried Art Competitions and donations.

Also included in the show are select Ukiyo-e (Pictures from the Floating World) wood block prints displaying scenes from life in Japan, including two newly framed, previously unseen, triptychs.

These prints, some dating from the 16th Century, were donated to SAAC’s permanent collect

by Japan Airlines.

The exhibition is currently on display in all three galleries until Aug. 29 and is sponsored by Chris and Tela Webb.

For more information, contact the SAAC office at 870.862.5474 or visit saac-arts.org.

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Exciting and thrilling, ‘Into the Storm’ will blow audiences away James McDonald Red Carpet Crash

I have to admit, “Into the Storm” is the one movie I had been anticipating all summer long.

I first saw the preview for the film a few months ago and it immediately took me back to the summer of 1996 when Jan de Bont’s “Twister” was released – along with the first “Mission: Impossible” and Schwarzenegger’s “Eraser,” a year when sequels did not dominate the box office.

“Into the Storm” is a popcorn movie, plain and simple. It’s what summer movies are meant to be – pure escapism accompanied by some truly jaw-dropping special effects. We have all seen on TV the carnage and sheer destruction left behind in the wake of a tornado, and director Steven Quale does a commendable job blending fiction and actual real-life footage cautiously and tastefully.

As the movie begins, we are introduced to siblings Donnie (Max Deacon) and Trey (Nathan Kress).

The brothers are getting ready to graduate high school and their father Gary (Richard Armitage), who just happens to be the school vice-principal, is distracted as the

Into the Storm Storm trackers, thrill-seekers and everyday townspeople document an unprecedented onslaught of tornadoes touching down in the town of Silverton. » Release date: Aug. 8.

» Director(s): Steven Quale.

» Run time: 89 min.

» Stars: Richard Armitage, Sarah Wayne Callies, Matt Walsh, Max Deacon, Nathan Kress, Alycia Debnam Carey, Arlen Escarpeta and Lee Whittaker.

» Rated: PG-13 for sequences of intense destruction and peril, and language,

local weather station is predicting a huge storm front that could affect the day’s proceedings.

Donnie and Trey have been assigned by their father, the responsibility of recording the ceremony and interviewing students and teachers for the school’s video time capsule. When Donnie has the opportunity to help fellow student and longtime crush Kaitlyn (Alycia Debnam Carey) with her final video project, he leaves with her at his brother’s behest, and Trey graciously takes over their recording duties.

Naturally, their father is none too pleased but he has bigger things to worry about when the tornado sirens go off and he and the rest of the faculty have to move quickly

Fine money goes back to county where collected LITTLE ROCK — When the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission collects fines from game law convictions, the money goes back to the county where it was collected.

The money is used to fund educational programs focused on fish, wildlife and conservation in the counties where the offenses occurred. During fiscal year 2014, more than $681,500 was collected in fines. Drew County took the top spot with just over $28,000 in fines, with Polk bringing in the lowest at just under $300.

Ranking ninth of Arkansas’ 75 counties, Union County’s total came to just over $17,450, all of which will go to area programs.

Each county’s quorum court allocates all fine money to their school

including some sexual references.

districts and conservation districts.

The AGFC and the Arkansas Department of Education do not have a role in determining which programs are funded. School and conservation district officials must contact their local quorum court with requests for fine revenue and suggestions concerning the best method of distributing funding.

Fine money may be used only for AGFC programs. The Arkansas Department of Education and the AGFC have established school programs for fish and wildlife conservation and for other purposes consistent with the AGFC’s mission.

The following AGFC programs meet the criteria for funding: » Arkansas Has It All: Workshops

FINE continued on Page 9

to protect the students inside the school safe zone. While Donnie and Kaitlyn are filming at an abandoned paper mill, the storm traps them beneath some rubble.

After the tornado grazes the school and moves towards the center of town, Gary receives a distressing voicemail from Donnie, letting him know they are trapped with no way out and that water is quickly filling up the space where they are confined. Now Gary and Trey must race against the clock and mother nature to try and reach the other side of town before it’s too late.

The movie successfully incorporates people’s use of cellphone cameras plus security footage from the different buildings seen

throughout the film, all while avoiding the much dreaded and feared “shaky-cam,” where the camera shakes and convulses ad nauseum.

Of course, a tornado movie wouldn’t be complete without the quintessential group of stormchasers. Much like the film’s predecessor, the 1996 blockbuster “Twister,” here we have a rag-tag band of storm trackers who just happen to be producing a documentary about the ultimate storm and will do absolutely anything to get the perfect shot.

Sarah Wayne Callies, who played Lori Grimes on “The Walking Dead,” is one of the aforementioned storm chasers. She and Richard Armitage play well off each other, and the two are perfectly suited, as both of their characters are single parents trying to reach their children.

Armitage, who looks so different from his Thorin Oakenshield character in “The Hobbit” movies, exudes charm and charisma and makes for a good action hero.

Director Steven Quale, who started out as a second assistant director on both “Titanic” and

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Putting a freeze on credit report is one way to ice out identity thieves Dear Dave, Do you recommend a credit freeze in order to protect against identity theft?

— Eric

Don’t Drink and Drive: Leading up to the Labor Day weekend, police will be on alert for drunk driving. Drivers are

encouraged to avoid drinking and driving by designating a sober driver or by calling a ride. — Courtesy image

LITTLE ROCK — Law enforcement agencies across the state will crackdown on drunk driving leading into the Labor Day holiday.

Starting Aug. 15 and continuing through Sept. 1, state and local law enforcement officers will be aggressively targeting their patrols in search of drunk drivers. The enforcement plan is part of a nationwide effort designed to stop drunk driving and save lives.

The “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign will pair increased public awareness with high-visibility law enforcement, in an effort to decrease the number of drunk drivers endangering themselves and others by getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Across the nation during 2012 there were 10,322 people killed in drunk-driving crashes. Over the Labor Day weekend that same year, almost 40 percent of all traffic fatalities involved drunk driving.

“These grim facts should speak for themselves, but the message hasn’t gotten everyone’s attention yet,” said Col. Stan Witt, Arkansas State Police director and Governor’s Highway Safety representative.

“That’s why the Arkansas State Police and local law enforcement will be joining the national ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign and will arrest anyone caught driving

Arkansas police to crackdown on drunk driving

Drivers warned: ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ drunk. There will be no tolerance, no excuses.”

In 2012, there were 552 traffic fatalities on Arkansas roadways.

Twenty-six percent, or 143 of those fatalities, involved a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

“Drunk driving is totally preventable and inexcusable,” Witt said.

“We’re hopeful that Arkansas drivers will get the message and take some simple steps to prevent this kind of tragedy.”

The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office reminds drivers to plan ahead and designate a sober driver if they plan to consume alcohol. Calling a friend or using a taxi or some form of public transportation can save lives.

For more information on the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, visit .TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at 501.618.8136. For more on Arkansas’ ongoing “Toward Zero Deaths, One is Too Many” campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit TZDarkansas.org.

Dear Eric, I absolutely recommend doing that, especially if you’re not borrowing money anymore. However, putting a freeze on your credit report only provides partial protection against identity theft.

Identity theft is where someRamsey one, for example, signs up for a credit card in your name. If Joe Crook signs an application with your name and address, and the credit card company issues the card without checking – they blind-issue cards about seven out of 10 times – then the card will be issued to the thief. Having your credit frozen does nothing to stop that from happening.

Still, if they check your credit and it’s frozen, chances are they won’t issue the card.

I’d also recommend having a good identity theft protection program in place. I have it on myself and all my team members at the office. If you don’t have this, and someone gets a card in your name, the credit card company will demand that you pay the bill.

You can insist it’s not you, but that won’t do much good. Then, you’ll have to go through the hassle of filling out affidavits and police reports.

You may get out of paying for it in the end, but you’ll still have to spend dozens, if not hundreds, of hours dealing with the credit card company trying to get the whole mess straightened out!

— Dave Dear Dave, I make $30,000 a year. I’ve just started Baby Step 2 of your plan, and I’m paying off my debts from smallest to largest.

I have $55,000 in debt, which

DAVE Says

includes $15,000 on a car loan.

I recently picked up a part-time job to help pay down the debt, but sometimes I’m working 70 hours a week. Do you have any recommendation for staying motivated during this process?

— Brandon

Dear Brandon, I understand, man. We can all get tired and run short on motivation from time to time. There’s an old saying that fatigue makes cowards of us all. I know sometimes, when I’m traveling a lot, I can lose some boldness, strength or compassion when I get tired. So fatigue is a real issue if you’re working long hours and facing additional pressure.

The balance on your car is awfully high. My general rule is that you don’t want to own vehicles equaling half or more of your annual income. If I’m in your shoes, I’d sell that car and move down to a little beater for a while. I’m not talking about a rattletrap piece of junk, just something a lot less expensive. You can find a decent used car to fit the bill, and that would get rid of a big chunk of debt in a hurry.

At this point, I think you just need to feel like you’re making some measurable progress. Sometimes, that means throwing a stick of dynamite into the middle of your life.

Also, try keeping your debt snowball list where you’ll see it on a regular basis. I knew one lady who kept in on the fridge, so she could look at all the little red lines drawn through things she had paid off. It was a visual reminder of the progress she had made, and it provided motivation to keep working hard and become debt-free!

— Dave Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times bestselling books.

The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8 million 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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Bring the summer break to a close at the SouthArk Library Lauri Wilson

South Arkansas Community College

Has your summer been too busy for books? Hopefully you can manage a visit to the SouthArk Library soon and we’ll remedy that situation ASAP! Here’s a few we have on tap now:

‘Digging for History’

by Mary L. Kwas.

It’s always nice to include a book about Arkansas in the column, and now is a perfect time. Summer is almost over and there’s just enough time to squeeze in a day trip to Old Washington. Check out “Digging for History at Old Washington” by Mary L. Kwas.

This is a great guide to read before you visit. Although it does include information on archaeological findings, you’ll also learn about the prominent families in the town’s history, and view maps, points of interest and color photos of all the important buildings.

Another guide is “Historic Washington, Arkansas” by Steven Brooke. It’s loaded with full-color pictures of the historic places and brief descriptions.

‘Midnight Crossroad’

by Charlaine Harris.

Although some of her fans may still be grieving over the end of the Sookie Stackhouse series, Arkansas author Charlaine Harris has been busy with a new set of outlandish characters living in the washed-up town of Midnight, Texas in “Midnight Crossroad.”

It’s the first installment of a new trilogy – and rumor has it that some of the characters from her previous novels will appear in the town of Midnight.

‘Vicious Circle’

by Wilbur Smith.

Another gripping action-adventure from a master of that genre is Wilbur Smith’s “Vicious Circle.”

Hector Cross, a rugged former soldier, leaves his old life behind when he marries his true love. However, when their world is torn apart, he realizes he still has the old enemies, and some new ones, on his trail.

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Local radio sports show host to teach four-day Fantasy Football 101 South Arkansas Community College’s Corporate and Community Education department will hold a noncredit class in the basics of fantasy football.

Local radio host, Carter Bryant of Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation’s 107.1 FM The Fan, will teach “Fantasy Football 101” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 19-28.

Students will learn the basics of fantasy football, including commonly used terms, how to draft a team, kinds of players to draft, how to set a starting lineup, and how scoring works.

At the end of the seminar, students will have the opportunity to join a class league for the 2014-15 season.

According to the National Football League, Fantasy football challenges football fans to put together their own winning football franchise. Participants assemble their dream team from a list of the best players in the NFL, whose actual on-field performance drives the fantasy team’s point total.

“Fantasy Football 101” will take place at the Center for

FOOTBALL continued on Page 6

‘Where Nobody Knows Your Name’

by John Feinstein.

It’s baseball season again and all eyes are on Major League Baseball.

But have you ever wondered how those heavy hitters got there?

You can find out by reading “Where Nobody Knows Your Name: Life in the Minor Leagues of Baseball” by John Feinstein. As well as a starting place for young players, the minors are where some Major League starters are forced to play after being sidelined by injuries. It’s a hidden world that fans seldom see, but the minors are a vital part of one of America’s favorite sports.

Library hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays.

Remember to visit our book sale for some bargain hardcovers, paperbacks, magazines and videos.

Lauri Wilson is a library technician at South Arkansas Community College. All of the books mentioned in Shelf Life are available at the SouthArk Library, located at 300 Summit Ave. on the college’s West Campus. The library is open to the public.

For more information, call 870.864.7115.

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School bus safety campaign underway Motorists reminded to follow traffic laws as students prepare to go back to school

LITTLE ROCK — As students and parents prepare for the start of school, motorists are reminded to exercise caution as the yellow school buses take to the streets next week.

School bus safety is a critical issue for Arkansas schools and families.

During a special three-week public awareness campaign, educators and community leaders across the state will actively work to remind students, parents and the community about the importance of school bus safety and related issues.

“B.U.S. (Be aware. U stay alert. So kids don’t get hurt.) Awareness” is the theme for the campaign, which will continue through the end of the month. Schools and safety advocates throughout the Natural State will be using the three weeks as an opportunity to remind Arkansas motorists to obey all traffic laws whenever they are near a school bus. Drivers will also be reminded that it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus whenever its red lights are flashing and students are getting on or off a bus.

“This effort reminds motorists that they play an important role in keeping our students safe,” said Arkansas Education Commissioner Tony Wood. “With school set to begin on Aug. 18, we want to ask all motorists to exercise care and patience whenever they are near or around a school bus.”

The fines, penalties and punishment for anyone found guilty of illegally passing a stopped school bus were increased dramatically by the

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Each donor will receive a limitededition MASH BASH T-shirt, only available during this event. As well, each participant will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card.

Drive and Fundraiser The following day, Aug. 23, LifeShare will team up with the EHS volleyball team to host a blood drive and fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brookshire’s, located at 2202 North West Ave.

Bus Safety Tips for Parents Getting Ready for School

Arkansas Code Annotated 27-511004, also known as Isaac’s Law. The legislation, passed in 2005, was named for Isaac Brian, an elementary school student in the Bryant School district who was struck and killed when a driver illegally passed his school bus while students were unloading.

In Arkansas a fleet of nearly 6,000 school buses transport more than a quarter of a million students to and from school and school-related activities each school day.

“This campaign also serves as an excellent time to teach and reiterate to students and parents simple measures they can take while going to and from the bus stop, getting on and off the bus and riding the bus,” Wood said. “It also gives us a chance to thank and honor the professional school bus drivers who devote themselves to transporting our most precious cargo.”

For more information about the B.U.S. Awareness campaign, visit the Arkansas Department of Education website at arkansased.org.

The volleyball team will be selling team T-shirts and holding a raffle for a $100 gift card to raise funds for the team. T-shirts cost $15, and chances to win the gift card can be purchased for $1 each.

Each person donating blood on Saturday will receive a free “Get in the Game” T-shirt and a $5-off coupon to Outback Steakhouse.

Blood supply shortages often happen during the summer, when there are less donations but usage remains constant. About 1 in 7 people entering a hospital need blood, and just one blood donation, approximately one pint of blood, can save up to

» Have your children put everything they carry in a backpack or school bag so that they won’t drop things along the way. » Have them wear bright, contrasting colors so they will be more easily seen by drivers. » Make sure they leave home on time so they can walk to the bus stop and be ready when the bus arrives. Running can be dangerous.

Walking to the Bus Stop » Walk your young child to the bus stop, and have older children walk in groups. There is safety in numbers; groups are easier for drivers to see. » Practice good pedestrian behavior and walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you have to walk in the street, walk single file, face traffic and stay as close to the edge of the road as you can. » Stop and look left, right and then left again if you must cross the street.

Do the same thing at driveways and alleys.

Waiting at the Bus Stop » Don’t let your child play running games or push and shove at the bus stop. It is dangerous. » Make sure your child stands at least 10 feet from the road while waiting for the bus, to ensure he or she is out of the way of traffic.

three lives.

“LifeShare Blood Centers is the sole provider of blood to Medical Center of South Arkansas, which means, your donation could very likely save the life of someone you know,” said Kelli White, donor recruiter for LifeShare in El Dorado.

The blood donation process – from sign in to completion – usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, she added.

“Giving the gift of life is a simple process and not as time consuming as one might expect,” White said.

“As a repeat donor, your blood donation time equals about four hours for the entire year. That 0.045 percent

Getting On and Off the Bus » If children drop something, they should never pick it up. Instead, they should tell the driver and follow the driver’s instructions. If they bend over to pick up a dropped object, they might not be seen by the driver and could be hurt if the driver pulls away from the stop. » Remind children to look to the right before they step off the bus. Drivers in a hurry sometimes try to pass busses on the right. » Teach your children to secure loose drawstrings and other objects that may get caught in the handrail or door of the bus as they are exiting. » Give your child a note or follow your school’s procedures if you would like your child to get off at a stop other than the one they are assigned. » If you meet your child at the bus stop after school, wait on the side where the child will be dropped off, not across the street. Children can be so excited at seeing you after school that they dash across the street and forget the safety rules.

Riding the Bus » Children should talk quietly, be courteous to the driver and follow the driver’s instructions. » Children should stay seated during the entire bus ride and keep the aisles clear.

of our entire time in a year is capable of saving 12 lives. It is a very small amount of time spent which has a profound effect on the lives of people in need.”

For more information, contact the El Dorado LifeShare Blood Centers at 870-862-2150.

LifeShare regularly supplies blood components to 117 medical facilities throughout Louisiana, East Texas and South Arkansas.

Founded in Shreveport, La. in 1942, LifeShare is a nonprofit community-service provider governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.

Learn more at lifeshare.org.

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Students honored for crossing Bridge to College Algebra Students completing the 2014 Bridge to College Algebra program were honored at the closing ceremony on July 31 at the El Dorado Conference Center.

The project was a partnership of the El Dorado Public Schools, South Arkansas Community College, the SHARE Foundation, the Union County Community Foundation, Entergy Corporation and the El Dorado Education Foundation.

It was designed to prepare selected El Dorado High School students for College Algebra. Students applied and were chosen for the project.

During the duration of the program, they completed the COMPASS test; attended intensive, small-group and one-on-one math classes; and took part in various college tours.

A variety of teaching styles and activities were used to teach and review topics critical for success in College Algebra. Students will continue studies in the fall, with beforeand after-school tutoring, as well as periodic meetings with mentors.

Tuition waivers for College Algebra and concurrent credit also may be available.

At the event, sponsors were honored with certificates commemorating their support. Amiee Harter, EHS Pre-AP Algebra II instructor, served as the Bridge program director, assisted by Timothy Johnson, SouthArk college and career coach and transfer adviser. Oversight was provided by El Dorado Public Schools math chair Tom Simmons. Tutors included

Program prepares students for the rigors of college math

Crossed Over: Area students were honored last month for completing the Bridge to College Algebra. — Courtesy photo

EHS teacher Jeremy Gray, Genesis Guzman, Taketria Noble, Chardesia George, Karen Benhumea and Denekqua Terry.

Students receiving their Certificates of Completion (pictured above) are (from left, front row) Alyssa Howell, Starla Steward,

Sherlin Aguirre, Cesi Castro, Concepcion Ortega, Ashley Dixon, Linda Carrillo, Lauren Dismuke, Courtney Creer, Lexy Green and Murphy Villegas; (back row) Director Aimee Harter, Michele Spears, Livy Frazier, Rebecca Butler, Kyle Ricker, Ali Cornejo, Edwardo

Area students invited to attend school supply giveaway Saturday The Fairview Community Development Association, along with Saint John Baptist Church, College Avenue Church of Christ and other community partners, will be distributing school supplies this Saturday, Aug. 23.

The event, which has been ongoing for over 20 years, supplies students ranging from preschool to high school with basic school supplies. The giveaway also includes

dental and personal hygiene items and socks.

The back-to-school giveaway will begin at 8 a.m. at Saint John’s, located at 1018 East Wilson St., and will continue until all supplies are gone. Children must be present with parents or guardians in order to receive the supplies, and no one will be allowed to pick up supplies for someone else.

The Salvation Army mobile unit

will also be on-site, and school officials will be on hand to talk with parents and students.

The event is free and open to the community.

The FCDA event is made possible through donations; grants, such as the United Way of Union County Community Impact minigrant; and community partnerships. For more information, call the FCDA at 870.665.0339.

Ashley, Ernest Reed and Dominick Guzman. Not pictured were Christian McLaughlin, Georgia Miller, Drake Moudy, Karen Peralta and Araceli Ramirez.

For more information, contact the El Dorado Public School District at 870.864.5001.

FOOTBALL continued from Page 4

Workforce Development, located at 3698 East Main on SouthArk’s East Campus. In each session, Bryant will give out door prizes, including professional replica jerseys. The cost is $20 per student. Pre-registration is required.

To register, call 870.864.8456 or email ce@southark.edu.

Bryant hosts the local sports show, The Carter Bryant Show from 6 to 8 a.m. Monday through Friday on 1400 AM and 107.1 FM The Fan in South Arkansas. Follow the show on Facebook at facebook.com/The CarterBryantShow or on Twitter @ carterBshow.

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Stepping Stones steps up to pay it forward Local students undertake a week’s worth of good deeds

All this week students of South Arkansas Community College’s Stepping Stones program are paying it forward.

Juniors in the program have been traveling around town volunteering and thanking others for their service in El Dorado. The group began their journey of goodwill on Monday, Aug. 11 with a visit to Timberlane Health and Rehabilitation. Students spent several hours visiting with the residents and playing Bingo. On Tuesday, the students loaded up redand-white bags with popcorn and a can drink to hand out to movie renters at El Dorado’s three Redbox locations. Today, they were paying it forward at home with a visit to SouthArk, where they provided a goody bags to college staff who have supported the program.

The group will continue to pay it forward tomorrow, visiting each police and fire station in town.

The students will hand out Lifesaver packets as a thank you to El Dorado’s life savers. As well, they will make a stop by El Dorado City Hall with treats and thank-you notes in hand. While the group is out, they also will look for city workers and others working outside in the heat to give them water and an encouraging note.

The Stepping Stones class will bring the week to an end by visiting several fast food restaurants around town to show

Popping By: In a moment of serendipity, students in the Stepping Stones program at South Arkansas Community College ran into their teacher. Chelsay Beene (from left), Michael McKinlay and Dylan Hisner were paying it forward

their appreciation to the workers Friday morning.

The Stepping Stones program is a two-year post-secondary initiative for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who desire inclusion in the academic, social and cultural college experience in a supportive environment. A customtailored learning program, Stepping Stones aims to provide access to opportunities and promote the advancement of academic knowledge, social skills, independent living

at the Redbox by Walgreens on North West Ave. on Tuesday morning when they ran into former Stepping Stones teacher Beth Burns. The students were handing out popcorn and drinks. — Brooke Burger / South Arkansas Leader

skills and career options for individuals with disabilities.

The objective of the program is to enable students, while in a college environment, to transition into greater and enhanced independent living through developmentally appropriate social, live, academic and vocational skills. The ultimate goal of Stepping Stones is to allow students with disabilities to have an inclusive college experience all while preparing for gainful employment after graduation.

3 locations

items accepted

» El Dorado Police Department » Smackover Police Department » Union County Sheriff’s Office

prescription medications, patches and ointments; over-the-counter medications; vitamins; samples and pet medications

The program serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are currently or were formerly eligible for a free appropriate education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and have completed a high school program.

For more information, contact director DeAnna Tracy at dtracy@ southark.edu or 870.864.8455, or go online to www.southark.edu.

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McRae takes on head of house at age 12, Congress at 33 Ken Bridges

South Arkansas Historical Foundation

Thomas Chipman McRae grew up surrounded by the chaos of the Civil War and the desperation of Reconstruction. As the oldest of five children, he led his family through difficult times. But he would remember his own family’s hardships and worked as a legislator, Congressman, and eventually governor to help those in need.

His father, Duncan McRae, helped found the Mount Holly community in the northwest corner of Union County after his arrival in Arkansas in 1843. His eldest son, Thomas McRae, would be born in 1851.

Like most families in the region, the McRae family engaged in farming and found some degree of prosperity. Fearful of what the impending Civil War meant for his position, the elder McRae volunteered for the Confederate army when the war erupted, but officials felt that at 45, his best years were behind him.

The Civil War years produced

H

South Arkansas Historical Foundation presents

ist o ry minute

intense hardship for many families in the region. The McRae family would not be an exception. Tragedy befell the family two years later, when in July 1863, Duncan McRae died. This forced Thomas McRae, as the eldest son, to care for his family – at the age of 12.

The situation grew worse the next spring as the Union army came into neighboring Ouachita County in part of its efforts to take Shreveport, La. Confederate forces flooded the area as they prepared to push back, with the McRaes caught between the two armies.

Having seen his father’s attempt to join the Confederates and older friends joining the southern army, Thomas McRae decided he would do the same. At the age of 13, he

the

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box

volunteered for service. Confederate officials, however, would not take such a young boy to fight but decided to make him a messenger instead. For the next several months, he would ride back and forth across the area delivering reports and orders. The end of the war, however, brought him back to the difficult reality of caring for the family’s neglected and nearly bankrupt farm.

His mother remarried in 1868, which allowed the future governor to go back to school. McRae attended a series of private schools in the area, as public schools were rare, eventually settling into the Masonic Academy in Falcon. The local Masonic lodge had built the school to help both rich and poor children obtain a good education. Nearly half of all school-aged children in the state at the time did not attend school at all. This left a powerful impression on McRae, prompting him to work for improvements in education in his later years.

After graduation, McRae found

work at a retail store in Shreveport and soon went to New Orleans to attend Soule Business College. In 1871, he enrolled at Washington and Lee Law School in Virginia. He managed to complete the two-year course of study in just one year.

McRae quickly returned to Arkansas and easily passed the bar exam.

In 1873, he set up a law practice in the newly-created Nevada County and would be elected to the state legislature in 1876 and then to Congress by 1884. He served for several years and eventually became the state’s governor by 1920.

McRae would be the last Confederate veteran to serve as governor, but he always remembered the hardships of his youth and dedicated his life in public office to helping people through land for farmers, construction of highways and railroads, and especially the development of better schools for all.

The South Arkansas Historical Foundation can be contacted at soarkhistory.com.

Dr. Ken Bridges, a SouthArk history professor, can be reached by emailing kbridges@southark.edu.

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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• Get details on donation drives!

• Be inspired by the kids of HOPE Landing!

20 + Lo

n County! o i n U cations Across

Your last name doesn’t have to be Addams to add these adorable kittens to your family! Wednesday (female,

left) and Lurch (male, right) are approximately 5 to 6 weeks old. They will both be available for adoption soon.

OPT TO ADOPT! Allow a shelter pet to complete your family! Visit UCAPS from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and let them choose YOU!

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CASA starts Razorback raffle It’s that time of year again: Time for the 13th South CASA’s annual Razorback Donation Giveaway raffle.

The raffle includes: two game tickets to see the University of Arkansas Razorbacks at War Memorial Stadium; one night’s stay at the Holiday Inn Presidential in Little Rock; dinner for two at Riverfront Steakhouse; a $50 gas card; and Lion Oil Tailgate tickets and parking pass.

Raffle tickets cost $2 each or three for $5. All proceeds go to help 13th South CASA’s mission of helping abused and neglected children in Union and Columbia counties. For more information or to purchase raffle tickets, contact the CASA office at 870.862.2272.

What is CASA? The 13th South Judicial District Court-Appointed Special Advocates is a volunteer-based organization that advocates for abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system. The lawyers know the statutes; the social workers the regulations; but the CASA volunteer is assigned to know the child. They get to know one child at a time, to understand the boundaries of his or her life, to telephone the child’s teachers, to consider the child’s hopes and dreams, to try to come to some conclusion about what will be in his or her best interest.

For children whose pasts have been chaotic and whose futures are uncertain, the CASA volunteer may be the most consistent, interested presence in their lives.

After an extensive background check, new volunteers complete an intensive 30-hour training curriculum that includes the child protection system, child welfare law, the dynamics of abuse and neglect, child development, and the juvenile justice system. Those who complete training are generally appointed to just one case at a time, and stay on that case until a permanent resolution is reached.

Once appointed, the CASA begins a thorough review of the child’s history and situation.

After reading the court file, the CASA makes contact with birth and foster families, other relatives, teachers, counselors and all other individuals who have information about the child.

The CASA meets with the child at least once a month, in order to develop a true understanding of the child and to create a relationship of trust and honesty.

Open communication with the foster family is essential to the volunteer’s understanding of the child’s situation.

CASAs share their findings and opinions with the child’s attorney, caseworker and others involved in providing services to the child. Prior to every hearing, the CASA prepares a written report detailing the child’s situation and listing a series of recommendations. Depending on the stage of the proceeding, the recommendations range from services the child, family or both should receive to suggestions regarding final placement. The CASA attends hearings, offering testimony as needed.

CASAs are for the abused child, the child who is afraid to go home, the child who believes it is his fault or is forced to keep a secret. They are for the neglected child who doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from or has to fend for him and his siblings – alone. They are for the child who was taken away for his own protection.

Please consider joining us in our mission and making the difference in the life of a child. For more information on becoming a volunteer contact the office at 870.862.2272.

Union United showcases the United Way of Union County’s 14 nonprofit partner agencies. For more information, visit unitedwayunioncounty.com.

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and Professional Development for teachers; » Arkansas Stream Team Program; » Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program; » Boating Education; » Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs; » Hunter Education; On Target for Life-Archery Physical Education Program, with additional matching money available through AGFC; » School Yard Habitats Site Development; » Underwater Arkansas; » Watchable Wildlife;

STORM

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“Avatar,” directed his first feature film with “Final Destination 5” (2011), a movie that tied up the series’ storyline very satisfactorily. With “Into the Storm” Quale proves, much like his mentor James Cameron, that he is more than

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» Project WILD Workshops; » Wings Over Arkansas; and » 4-H Responsible Environmental Stewardship Quest (RES-Q).

Also eligible for funding are AGFC’s specialized conservation education or educator training workshops focused on the eligible programs above through a partnership with county conservation districts. Contact AGFC project coordinator Pat Knighten at 870.917.2085 for more information.

Funds also may be used by educators to take students on field trips to AGFC nature centers and conservation education centers.

For more information on the AGFC, visit www.agfc.com or call 800.364.4263. capable of helming a big-budget spectacle, full of breathtaking and astonishing special effects interlaced with the appropriate character development that we have come to expect from big-budget summer movies.

Red Carpet Crash provides review writings and updates on all things entertainment. Find RCC at www.redcarpetcrash. com or facebook.com/RedCarpetCrash.

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COMMUNITY calendar

» INJURY PREVENTION CENTER’S ‘ROADEO’ — The Arkansas Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Center Teen Driving ROADeo is a free event for teens age 14 through 17 and their parents. Attendees will receive helpful information at 12 different stations, including information about texting and driving, the Graduated Driver License, how to change a tire and what to do in case of a traffic violation. The event is free but registration is required.

When: Aug. 14 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Where: El Dorado High School, 2000 Wildcat Drive Contact: For more information or to register, call 501.364.3400 or go online to archildrens.org/teendriving.

» CORKS AND CANVAS — The next South Arkansas Arts Center Corks and Canvas will be taught by Sandy Bennett. The class is ideal for everyone from the novice to experienced artist who is interested in exploring new possibilities through different media. Each instructor brings a new project and guides the class through the creative process, from blank page or canvas to completed work of art. Registration is required. The $40 fee includes all supplies and snacks; students are welcome to bring the beverage of their choice.

When: Aug. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 East Fifth St. Contact: For more information or to register, contact the SAAC office at 870.862.5474. » HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION — Clean Harbors will hold its Household Hazardous Waste Collection program

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

on the third Saturday of each month from April through September. Appointments are required and can be scheduled for any time between 8 a.m. and noon the day of the event. The event is free and open to all households in Union County. Wastes such as paint, cleaning fluids, herbicides, pesticides, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, out-of-date non-prescription medicines, used oil and filters, propane and butane cylinders are accepted.

When: Aug. 16 from 8 a.m. to noon Where: Drop-off location (next to Clean Harbors facility), 2300 Short Hillsboro St., El Dorado Contact: To schedule an appointment or for more information on what types of waste are accepted, call Clean Harbors at 870.863.7173.

» FIGHT AGAINST MYELOMA RIDE FOR A CURE — Reason to Ride, of Magnolia, will host its Second Annual Fight Against Multiple Myeloma Cancer Ride for a Cure, spanning three counties. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with lineup starting at 10. Entertainment and activities will start after the bikes return, including a raffle, live music, food and drinks. Tshirts and patches will also be for sale.

Attendees must be at least 21 years old to enter the building for the activities following the ride. Registration costs $15 each if a T-shirt is not purchased.

General admission to the event is $5.

When: Aug. 16 at 9 a.m.

Where: American Legion, 325 Legion Drive, Magnolia Contact: For more information, call 870.299.0522 or 870.904.8194. » FILM FESTIVAL ENTRY DEADLINE — The South Arkansas

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 by noon Monday the week of publication. For more information, contact the Leader staff at 870.863.6126 or by email.

Arts Center is accepting entries for the inaugural El Dorado Film Festival, scheduled for Sept. 18-20. The competition is open to the public. Registrants must submit a completed registration form and pay an entry fee online at Filmmakers Withoutabox, which is linked through the SAAC website.

First-place winners in each category will be awarded a $250 prize, with a $1,000 grand prize awarded to the film that takes “Best of Fest.” Filmmakers will also be treated to a filmmakers’ dinner, with Howard Klausner, screen writer of the film “Space Cowboys” (2000), as the guest of honor.

Deadline: Registration and submissions close at 8 p.m. on Aug. 18.

Where: South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 East Fifth St. Contact: For more information, registration and complete list of categories, go online to saac-arts.org. » BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB SOCCER SIGNUP — The El Dorado Boys and Girls Club is accepting registration for the 2014 soccer season.

Registration is going on now for boys and girls from 4 to 13 years old. The registration costs $60 per child, plus $5 if a new club card is needed. Uniforms will be furnished by the Club, including a jersey, shorts and socks.

Teams will be formed and practice will begin in the last week of August, with league play beginning around Sept. 22.

Signup for TOP Soccer is also available. HOPE Landing and the Boys and Girls Club have partnered to sign up youth with special needs to participate in the local TOP Soccer League. The cost is $25 per child.

When: Deadline to register is Aug. 20, with tryouts on Aug. 23.

Where: Online registration is available at eldoradokids.org; however all forms must be printed and sent to the Boys and Girls Club Northwest Unit at 1201 North West Ave. Contact: For more information, contact Billy Lester at 870.863.8753. » DOODLE AND SKETCH SUPPORT GROUP — Created by Sandy Bennett and April Hoover, the Doodle and Sketch Support Group works with live models and is open to anyone interested in developing their drawing skills in a relaxed, pressurefree environment with both novice and accomplished artists. A $10 “karma” donation is suggested to help “feed the models.” No registration is required for the class, open to anyone ages 18 years and up.

When: Aug. 21 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 East Fifth St. Contact: For more information, contact the SAAC office at 870.862.5474 or go online to saac-arts.com. » NRA ANNUAL BANQUET — The 2014 Ouachita County Friends of the National Rifle Association will host its annual banquet dinner in Camden.

The event will include an auction and raffle. Tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets are available at Jim Golden Ford Lincoln and Dean’s Heating and Air Conditioning in Camden, or at friendsofnra.org. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

When: Aug. 23 at 6 p.m.

Where: Jim Golden Ford Lincoln, 790 California Ave SW, Camden Contact: For more information, contact Wayne Sharp at 870.390.0463 or email kbassetti@hotmail.com.

Crossword and Sudoku Answer Keys

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L

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

Noalmark Broadcasting

General Manager Jay Helm jay_helm@noalmark.com

Editor Brooke Burger brooke.burger@noalmark.com

WEEKLY RECIPE Turn breakfast on its head Tired of the same old bowl of cereal for breakfast every morning? In “5 Spices, 50 Dishes,” cookbook author and teacher Ruta Kahate notes that her motherin-law serves up “BlackEyed Peas in a Spicy Goan Curry” for breakfast, adding a little extra kick to the most important meal of the day.

Harry Dyer harry@noalmark.com Stacey Turner stacey.turner@noalmark.com

Ingredients: » 1 cup dried black-eyed peas or two 15-ounce cans, drained » 2 tablespoons canola oil » 1 small yellow onion, minced (about 1 cup) » 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, finely ground » 1/2 teaspoon finely grated garlic (about 1 large clove) » 1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger (about 1-inch piece)

Directions: 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 Monday the week of 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.

CLUES ACROSS

Black-Eyed Peas in a Spicy Goan Curry Serves 4 to 6

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CROSSWORD How It Works

South Arkansas

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

South Arkansas Leader

» 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric » 1/2 teaspoon cayenne » 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, finely ground » 1/4 cup minced tomato (1 small tomato) » 2 cups (or 1 cup if using canned peas) hot water » 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste if using canned peas » 1/2 teaspoon sugar » 1 cup canned coconut milk » 2 tablespoons minced cilantro leaves » 1 tablespoon lemon juice

If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse and soak them in enough water to cover them for 6 to 8 hours. Drain.

In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-low heat and saute the onion until it turns dark brown, about 8 minutes.

Add the coriander, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cayenne and cumin, and stir for 2 minutes. Add the tomato and stir over low heat until it disintegrates.

Add the peas and mix well. Pour in the water, add the salt and sugar, and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to low, cover and simmer until the peas are cooked through, about 20 minutes. If using canned peas, simmer for only 10 minutes (it is essential to simmer the canned peas, too, so that the flavors blend better).

Stir in the coconut milk and simmer uncovered for another 8 to 10 minutes, again allowing the flavors to come together. Add the cilantro and lemon juice, simmer for 1 minute more, and remove from the heat. Serve hot.

Note: If you are using dried black-eyed peas, the cooking time can vary depending on the age of the beans.

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CLUES DOWN

1. Irritated state 2. Sea eagle 3. Fish capturing devices 4. An informal photograph 5. Old English 6. Competes 7. Pressed a shirt 8. Averse to others 9. Mother of Apollo 10. Radio frequency 11. Have already done 12. Baseball championship playoffs World __ 14. Snakelike fishes 15. Br. slang for sleep 17. Telegraphic signal 22. More scarce 23. Step excavation of ore 24. Envision 25. A gelling agent in foods 26. Impatient expectancy

37. Assistance 39. Environmental Protection Agency 41. Reconstruct 42. Russian ruler 44. Female Muslim quarters 47. Radioactivity unit 48. Window glass 49. Atomic No. 18 50. Consume 52. The golden state 53. Mosquito disease 56. Authoritatively ordered 61. Yielding 62. On all sides 63. Br. romantic poet 65. Cruel vocal quality

28. Civil Rights group 29. Third largest Balearic island 32. Mama’s partner 36. Head gesture 38. Moved to music 40. N. & S. of the new world 43. Discern the written word 44. Thigh of a hog 45. Mures river city 46. Crew member 51. Liang weight units 54. __ Angeles 55. Adrenocorticotropin 56. Mend a sock 57. Shallowest Great lake 58. Gadidae fish 59. Area floor coverings 60. Point midway between NE and E 64. “You know” in Canada

Answer key on page 10.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL MAIN STREET EL DORADO AT 870.862.5747 OR VISIT

MAINSTREETELDORADO.ORG

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