Volume 10 - No. 28

LThe Classics

Union County’s source for community news and more

South Arkansas

EADER

Symphony announces opening night of 2014-15 season The South Arkansas Symphony will open its 2014-15 Classical and Pops Series with the Opening Night Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 13, featuring Jeans ‘n Classics performing “Blood, Sweat and Tears; Earth, Wind and Fire; and a little Chicago.”

The oldest orchestra in the state, the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 59th season since its founding, as well as the 20th season under Music Director Kermit Poling with the First Financial Bank Masterworks Season.

“Every concert is a joy to conduct and over the past 18 years the orchestra has become more precise,

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BLOOD, BLOOD, SWEAT SWEAT & & TEARS TEARS

and a little

Wildcats to battle on border p. 6

Tinkering for Tots: Preschoolers to learn about water at Museum program SMACKOVER — The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources invites inquisitive preschoolers who ask innumerable questions of “why,” “what” and “how” to come to the next Tinkering for Tots program on Sept. 9 to explore, build and take things apart.

The Tinkering for Tots workshop is part of a new monthly series geared towards children ages 3, 4 and 5 years old. The program will introduce children to science and tinkering in a fun, interactive and hands-on environment. Children will conduct their own experiments and make crafts in order to learn about the world around them.

The topic for the September workshop is “Water Everywhere.”

Participants will read a story that highlights the different uses of water, and will explore the various characteristics of water with bowls, bottles and spoons. Museum staff will then lead the preschoolers in interactive experiments and help them make crafts to reinforce what was learned during the experiments.

Possible future Tinkering topics could include light painting, cardboard construction, a children’s version of a chain reaction, and flying contraptions. The activity

TINKER continued on Page 13

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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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Docu-horror film ‘As Above, So Below’ doesn’t manage to live up to terror of the trailer

— Courtesy photo

Monique Thompson Red Carpet Crash

If you’re looking for constant terror, “As Above, So Below” doesn’t have it. The documentary-style horror film follows historian and occult enthusiast Scarlett Marlowe (Perdita Weeks).

The film tracks Scarlett as she, along with other explorers, witness unexplainable events occurring in the catacombs of Paris while searching for a legendary philosopher’s stone. As the explorers descend deeper into the forbidden catacombs, sinister events begin to happen leaving them to wonder if they have entered the gates of hell.

Each explorer is equipped with headset cameras giving that wobbly, documentary-feel to the film.

There are certainly a couple of scenes that may make you jump a little just because of the loud sound effects and the continuous movement of the cameras, but the film is not as scary as the trailer makes it seem. The majority of the time the film focuses on the explorers traveling deeper into the catacombs with a little joking around, arguing and getting freaked out.

Weeks’ character, Scarlett, becomes a little annoying as she seems to lack a shred of common sense. She continues to risk her life searching for this philosopher’s

As Above, So Below When a team of explorers ventures into the catacombs that lie beneath the streets of Paris, they uncover the dark secret that lies within this city of the dead. » Release date: Aug. 29. » Run time: 93 min. » Rated: R for bloody violence and terror, and language throughout. » Director(s): John Erick Dowdle. » Stars: Perdita Weeks, Ben Feldman, Edwin Hodge, François Civil, Marion Lambert and Ali Marhyar.

stone and just seems to keep saying, “Let’s keep moving.”

While still good, “As Above, So Below” is very similar to “The Descent” (2005), but is more of an adventure thriller instead of a true horror film, but still, all-in-all it is pretty decent and should keep your attention.

Red Carpet Crash provides review writing on films, DVDs and television; news and updates on all things entertainment; and the occasional free stuff.

Find RCC at www.redcarpetcrash.com or facebook.com/RedCarpetCrash.

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Medical Center unveils its new ER The Medical Center of South Arkansas hosted a virtual tour and ribbon cutting ceremony last week to unveil its newly renovated emergency department. More than $3 million was invested in the ED, which served more than 19,000 patients last year.

“Our responsibility is not only to offer high quality care today, but also to anticipate the needs our community will need in the future and prepare for them before they arise,” said MCSA CEO Kyle Swift. “This renovation considered those needs

carefully and will be able to serve the needs of our patients for years to come.”

The redesign incorporated input from physicians and nurses to enhance privacy, comfort and technology. The improvements include the addition of a three-bay triage room and an open registration area, which support the hospital’s commitment to serve patients in 30 minutes or less.

For more information about the Medical Center of South Arkansas, visit TheMedCenter.net.

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Landlord’s growing remodeling bill trumps his love for animals Dear Dave, I have several rental properties, and lately I’ve been spending a ton of money remodeling them because I allow pets. Do you think I should begin refusing tenants with pets?

— Jim

Recalled: This week nearly two dozen bags of dog food sold in Arkansas and several surrounding states were recalled. For the first time ever, the

Arkansas Association for Food Protection will add pet food safety to the agenda for its annual meeting, scheduled for Sept. 11-13. — Courtesy image

Mary Hightower

Pet food included on agenda of state association for food protection

Food safety now applies to Fido too Cooperative Extension Service U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE — There’s good reason to consider the kibble that’s poured into your pet’s bowl.

This week, Mars Petcare U.S. instituted a voluntary recall of 22 bags of dog food sold in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee (see: www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ ucm411789.htm).

In 2007, Salmonella linked to dry pet food sickened 62 people in 18 states, according to the Food and Drug Administration. In 2008, a federal grand jury handed down indictments in a case that involved the 2007 deaths of 14 cats and dogs due to melamine contaminated pet food.

This year will be the first time that pet food safety is among the topics at the Arkansas Association for Food Protection annual conference Sept. 11-13 at the Chancellor Hotel in Fayetteville. The Center for Food Safety at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an organizer of the conference, which is being held in conjunction with the meeting of the South Central Branch of the American Society for Microbiology.

The agenda includes Greg Aldrich of Kansas State University, who will be speaking about “Strategies for Eliminating Salmonella in Pet Foods and Animal Feeds: A Preliminary Report.”

Pet food made the agenda because of the FDA’s increased scrutiny of foodborne pathogen association with pet foods, said Steven C. Ricke, professor of food science and director for UA-Center for Food Safety. The FDA is the regulatory agency involved with pet foods that are often stored in the same places as human foods.

A second reason for the inclusion is the increased attention consumers are giving their pets.

According to the American Pet Products Association, spending on pets in the United States has grown from $17 billion in 1994 to $55.73 billion in 2013.

RECALL continued on Page 13

Dear Jim, This is a tough one for me, because I have three dogs of my own. I’ve got a pug that’s older than dirt, a shih tzu with an attitude and the best golden retriever on the planet. I love animals, and like you, I’ve got a lot of rental properties. But I don’t allow animals in my properties.

Some people have accused me of hating all animals except my own. I can tell you that’s not true.

But the fact is a lot of people don’t take good care of their animals and keep an eye on them. It’s hard enough to find trustworthy, responsible renters these days, and if you add a dog or cat on top of that you’re just asking for trouble.

I’ve had situations in the past where I had to spend $10,000 to clean up a house after a tenant had a dog or cat in there. They’ll chew things up, stain and stink things up, and tear things up.

Sometimes you even have to replace the floorboards!

I had a lady offer me $10,000 deposit the other day on one of my properties, just so she could move in with her dog. I said no. It’s in all my leases now – no animals. I don’t allow them in at the beginning, and if one of my tenants gets one after they move in they either have to find a new home for the animal or move out themselves. At that point they’re in violation of the lease.

The problem is I really do have a heart for animals. I love them. But as a landlord who’s running a business, it just doesn’t make sense.

— Dave

DAVE Says

Dear Dave, I’m driving a 10-year-old car with 195,000 miles on it. The car needs $1,500 in repairs, and it’s worth $5,000. I have $40,000 in cash saved, $40,000 in investments and I make $80,000 a year.

I also have $15,000 in student loan debt, but the only other thing I owe on is my house.

Should I pay to repair the car or buy something else for $15,000?

— Dave Dear Dave, Nice name! If you wrote a $15,000 check for a newer car and wrote a $15,000 check for the student loans, it would leave you with $10,000. I wouldn’t buy a $15,000 car in your situation. I’d buy a $10,000 car. You could sell your current car for around $3,500 if it needs repairs, combine that with your money and get a $13,500 car.

Then, you could write a check and pay off the student loan.

With no car payment, no student loan payment and a good car, you can really lean into your budget.

Think about it: You’d have no debt except for your home, and you could rebuild your savings in a hurry and be in really great shape in about six months. Plus, you’d have $15,000 sitting there in the meantime!

— Dave Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times bestselling books: “Financial Peace,” “More Than Enough,” “The Total Money Makeover,” “EntreLeadership” and “Smart Money Smart Kids.” 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 at daveramsey.com.

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2014-15 Football SMACKOVER BUCKAROOS

EL DORADO WILDCATS Sept. 5

Camden-Fairview

Sept. 12

@ C.E. Byrd

7 pm 8:30 pm

Battle on the Border, Shreveport, La.

Sept. 5

@ Junction City

7:30 pm

Sept. 12

Gurdon

7:30 pm

Sept. 19

@ Lafayette County

7:30 pm

Sept. 19

@ Magnolia

7 pm

Sept. 26

@ Little Rock Hall *

7 pm

Sept. 26

@ Fouke *

7:30 pm

Oct. 3

Sheridan *

7 pm

Oct. 3

Lake Village *

7:30 pm

in Stamps

Homecoming

Homecoming

Oct. 10

@ Texarkana *

7 pm

Oct. 17

Lake Hamilton *

7pm

Oct. 24

@ Pine Bluff *

7 pm

Oct. 17

@ Fordyce *

7:30 pm

Oct. 31

@ Benton *

7 pm

Oct. 24

Harmony Grove *

7:30 pm

Nov. 7

Little Rock Parkview *

7pm

Oct. 31

@ McGehee *

7:30 pm

Nov. 6

Genoa Central *

7:30 pm

Senior Night * 6A South Conference Games

Oct. 10

Drew Central *

7:30 pm

in Norphlet

* Conference Games

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UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS Aug. 30

@ Auburn *

L 45-21

Sept. 6

Nicholls State

Sept. 13

@ Texas Tech

Sept. 20

Northern Illinois

TBA

Sept. 27

@ Texas A&M *

TBA

Oct. 11

Alabama *

TBA

Oct. 18

Georgia *

TBA

Oct. 25

UAB

TBA

Nov. 1

@ Mississippi State *

TBA

Nov. 15

LSU *

TBA

Nov. 22

Ole Miss *

TBA

Nov. 29

@ Missouri *

3 pm 2:30 pm

1:30 pm * Southeastern Conference

tune in for pre- and post-game coverage! » 1-hour local pre-game with rarn arkansas high school game day! » local post-game followed by the rarn farm bureau insurance friday night scoreboard! » 3-hour razorback pre-game and 1-hour post-game coverage!

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Wildcats to spar in Battle on the Border 2014 Battle set for next week; regional and national powerhouse programs added

SHREVEPORT, LA. — The City of Shreveport recently announced the 2014 Landers Dodge Battle on the Border High School Football Showcase, scheduled for Friday, Sept. 12 and Saturday, Sept. 13 at Shreveport Independence Stadium.

“The City of Shreveport and our title sponsor, Landers, are excited to have great matchups again this year for our area football fans,” said Patrick Wesley, assistant director for Shreveport’s public assembly and recreation. “Bringing in regional and national powerhouse football programs of this magnitude validates that this high school sporting event is going to the next level.”

All 12 participating teams made this year’s playoffs in their respective states. Three of those are crowning state champions, including El Dorado High School and Acadiana and John Curtis Christian. Two are state champion runner-ups – C.E. Byrd and Parkway.

“We’re excited to be a part of this year’s Battle on the Border and to have the opportunity to play a team like Lufkin High School,” said coach J.T. Curtis, of John Curtis Christian High School. “The City of Shreveport has done a great job of turning this into a nationally recognized event and we’re looking forward to being a part of this great high school weekend of high school football.”

The 12-team, two-day format will showcase some of the finest high school football programs in the South. Game matchups, dates and times include:

Friday, Sept. 12

» 6 p.m.: Saint Thomas More High School of Lafayette, La. vs. Gladewater High School of Gladewater, Texas » 8:30 p.m.: 6A Champions El Dorado High School vs. C.E. Byrd High School of Shreveport

Saturday, Sept. 13

» 11 a.m.: Marshall High School of Marshall, Texas vs. Parkway High School of Bossier City, La. » 2 p.m.: Division II Champions John Curtis Christian High School of River Ridge, La. vs.

Lufkin High School of Lufkin, Texas » 5 p.m.: Shades Valley High School of Birmingham, Ala. vs.

5A Champions Acadiana High School of Lafayette, La. » 8 p.m.: Neville High School of Monroe, La. vs. Longview High School of Longview, Texas Game tickets are on sale now.

Ticket holders are guaranteed access to all six games on both days.

Tickets purchased before Friday, Sept. 12 will be discounted $5 each.

Advance general admission tickets cost $10 per person. Tickets are on sale through each participating high school through Wednesday, Sept. 10. Game day tickets will cost $15 each.

Tickets may also be purchased

online through the website at battle ontheborder.com.

The Battle on the Border High School Football Showcase began in 2011 with the promise of being a special high school sporting event for local and regional football fans.

To date, this sporting event continues to highlight some of the top high school football programs in the southern region and country.

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Community classes run gamut from sign language to Italy South Arkansas Community College now registering for several noncredit classes

South Arkansas Community College is now registering for several noncredit classes from its department of Corporate and Community Education, all scheduled to take place throughout September.

components of a computer, Web browsing and email access. They may bring their own laptop computers if preferred.

The course fee is $35. Register by calling 870.864.8456.

Reading and Crystal Bridges

Sign Language

join for those 50 and older, $25 for all others.

For more information, call 870.864.8456.

Basic Computers

Basic Computers is a non-credit class from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 8 and 15 at the Center for Workforce Development on SouthArk’s East Campus.

Students will study the basic

Plus 50 Sign Language for Beginners is a non-credit course offered

by SouthArk and part of the Plus 50 Encore Completion program.

It meets from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays from Sept. 9 to Oct. 14 at the Center for Workforce Development on the East Campus.

The cost is $45 for students age 50 and older, $79 for all others. Register at the SouthArk Bookstore, by calling 870.864.7163.

Learning Italy

Learning Italy is a non-credit class from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays Sept. 16 to Oct. 28 at the Center for Workforce Development.

Instructor Brian O’Nuanain will

HOPE

the

Reading and Crystal Bridges is a book club at SouthArk for discussion about novels and stories that correlate with the artwork at the American art museum located in Bentonville.

The club will meet from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays through Nov. 12 in Room 213 of the Whitfield Building on the West Campus.

The club’s final meeting will be a trip to the Crystal Bridges Museum.

Dr. Sarah Shell Teague will lead the club. She is the associate editor of the El Dorado Insider’s Guide and Cloud 9 magazines, and a former composition instructor.

Part of the Plus 50 Encore Completion Program, the club is $10 to

discuss the country’s history and culture. The cost is $89. More information is available by calling 870.864.8456.

The Center for Workforce Development is located at 3698 East Main on SouthArk’s East Campus.

For more information on upcoming classes, call 870.864.8456.

SouthArk Corporate and Community Education classes, programs, seminars, workshops and camps are designed to offer a variety of opportunities for cultural and educational activities for all ages. Classes vary and may include instruction in hobbies, crafts, dance, exercise, relaxation, music, golf, art, first aid and safety, self improvement, computer software applications and entrepreneurship.

For more information on available courses or teaching a class, email ce@southark.edu. More information can be found at facebook/ SouthArkCorporateAndCommunity Education.

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CLASSICS

Maestro: South Arkansas Symphony Music Director Kermit Polling will celebrate his 20th year with the symphony this year. — File photo

continued from Page 1

more musical, and every concert is more memorable,” Poling said.

“I’ve conducted orchestras all over the world and I can state without hesitation that SASO is the finest orchestra of its size in the nation, and I challenge anyone who hasn’t yet heard us to come and experience concerts through the 2014-2015 season that will surpass expectations on every level.”

The upcoming season will open Sept. 13 with the larger-than-life performance of “Blood, Sweat and Tears; Earth, Wind and Fire; and a little Chicago,” as Jeans ‘n Classics returns to El Dorado. The Canadian band will take the audience on a journey of reminiscing with some of the greatest and most memorable songs written by these iconic bands, such as Chicago’s “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?”, EWF’s “September” and “You’re the One” from BST. “Blood, Sweat and Tears; Earth, Wind and Fire; and a little Chicago” will open at 7:30 p.m. next Saturday, Sept. 13 at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium. Tickets are now on sale for the concert sponsored by Teague Auto Group, the Medical Center of South Arkansas and Bancorp South.

A new concept added to the symphony performances this year will be reserved seating options. In the past the orchestra has left the seating open for general admission. This year specific seats will be assigned and chosen by ticket buyers. There are also several packages that may be purchased to fit the individual needs of each subscriber.

Season subscriptions and Symphony Gala tickets for the new 2014-2015 season are now open to the public for purchase. Season tickets may be purchased by calling 800.792.0521, going online to SouthArkansasSymphony.org, or by sending an email request to saso execdirector@sbcglobal.net. Seating information is also available in the online Symphony brochure at http://bit.ly/1pK7sye.

Single tickets range from $10 to $25 per person and also may be purchased at this time through the website or the South Arkansas Symphony box office.

Highlights from the 20142015 season include:

» Key classical works, such as Brahms Violin Concerto, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto. » The Arkansas premiere of a work commissioned by the South Arkansas Symphony for the screening of the cult classic silent movie, “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.” » The Music of ABBA brought all the way from Sweden to El Dorado from the band Arrival, including original ABBA band members. » Renowned guest soloists: Twyla Robinson (soprano), Stephanie Chase (violin), Yevgeny Yontov (piano), Dr. Randall Rushing (tenor) and Dr. Thomas Hundemer (French horn). » Returning artists Canadian band Jeans ‘n Classics and the West Edge String Quartet.

“I really believe people will enjoy this season,” said Scott Watkins, executive director of the South Arkansas Symphony. “There is a concert scheduled for everyone. Our diverse programming and acquisition of top quality artists continue to build our audiences.

As we continue our journey together through the 2014-2015 season, I hope you will join us to experience our great orchestra.”

The 2014-2015 Season also brings renewed and bold commitment to an expansion of outreach to promote quality music education, Watkins said.

“The orchestra will continue bringing guest artists into the public schools to inspire students with great performances,” he said.

Funding is being sought to provide a children’s concert with the orchestra (partnered by Carnegie Hall’s Weil Institute) and create a direct link via Internet to musicians for classroom resource to enhance learning. The orchestra has produced a children’s concert serving students in the past and most recently produced a multimedia concert with the youth performing with the orchestra.

Additionally, work is being produced to bring student interns (string players) from Rice University to live within the community for a semester in order to teach private lessons, provide performances for weddings or company functions, and perform in the orchestra.

“These students could help fill a great need for highly trained local talent,” Watkins said.

Founded in 1956 as one of the first orchestras in Arkansas, the South Arkansas Symphony is a 70-member professional orchestra serving the South Arkansas region. Today, the orchestra is the oldest, longest standing in the state, presenting a main series of seven to 12 events and performing throughout the region.

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Classical & Pops at a Glance The South Arkansas Symphony’s 20142015 First Financial Bank Classical and Pops Series will include the following performances. Single tickets and season passes are on sale now at SouthArkansasSymphony.org.

Dr. Thomas Hundemer (French horn) and the South Arkansas Symphony, as they perform Holst’s Brook Green Suite; Britten’s Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings; and Copland’s original Appalachian Spring.

Blood, Sweat & Tears; Earth, Wind & Fire; and a little Chicago

The Music of ABBA

» Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. » El Dorado Municipal Auditorium Opening night with conductor Kermit Poling, will feature Jeans ‘n Classics performing the iconic sounds of Blood, Sweat and Tears; Chicago; and Earth, Wind and Fire.

Forever Young » Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. » El Dorado Municipal Auditorium Renowned soloists Twyla Robinson (soprano) and Yevgeny Yontov (piano) will perform Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4.

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari » Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. » El Dorado The West Edge String Quartet will play music written by maestro Kermit Poling with the screening of cult classic “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.”

Seasons of Love » Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. » El Dorado Celebrate the day of love, Valentine’s Day, with romantic music from Dr. Randall Rushing (tenor) and

» March 21 at 7:30 p.m. » El Dorado Municipal Auditorium The band Arrival travels from Sweden to El Dorado to bring the classical tunes and favorite hits form one of the most popular disco bands in the world, ABBA.

Two Romantic Giants » May 9 at 7:30 p.m. » El Dorado Municipal Auditorium Guest artist and international star, Stephanie Chase will join the South Arkansas Symphony for a performance of two of the world’s greatest monumental symphonic works: Brahms’ Violin Concerto and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

Symphony on the Square » May 23 at 7:30 p.m. » Union County Courthouse One of the Sympony’s most popular concerts of the year, the First Financial Bank Symphony on the Square features patriotic favorites celebrating the citizens who have served our country. The performance is free and open to the public.

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Clint Black to play El Dorado this November Main Street El Dorado, El Dorado Metals and Sewell Drilling will present country music superstar Clint Black live on Saturday, Nov. 1. Tickets are on sale now through Main Street El Dorado.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, located at 100 West Eight St. Sister-trio Michaelis will open the show.

“We are once again excited to bring one of the most popular entertainers in modern music to El Dorado,” said Mark Givens, Main Street El Dorado executive director.

Prolific singer-songwriter Clint Black has long been heralded as one of country music’s brightest stars.

His many talents have helped shape his long career, as Black has transcended genres to become one of the most successful artists in all the music industry.

To date, Black has written, recorded and released more than 100 songs, a benchmark in any artist’s career. An astounding one-third of these songs eligible for major single release also achieved hit-song status on country radio, while more than 20 million of his albums have been sold worldwide.

Released while Black was still an unknown Texas-based artist and writer, 1989’s “Killin’ Time” boasted five No. 1 hits – unprecedented from a debut album in any genre – and won the artist a collection of awards. But for Black, “Killin’ Time” was only the beginning. Since then, the country music star has had nearly two dozen No. 1 hit singles, and almost as many Top 5 and Top 10 hits – all of them his original compositions. The overall number of his awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, surpasses the number of his hit records, while he has performed for a staggering number of dedicated music fans in concerts through the years.

Reserved-seating tickets are on sale now through www.mainstreet eldorado.org or by calling the office of Main Street El Dorado at 870.862.4747. Ticket prices are $40 (Orchestra), $40 (Parquet) and $30 (Loge-Lower Balcony).

For more information, contact Main Street El Dorado at 870.862.4747, or go online to mainstreeteldorado.org or facebook/mainstreeteldorado.

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Father of Arkansas higher education transcends racial divide Joseph Corbin leads state’s first black college students from illiteracy to degrees

Ken Bridges

South Arkansas Historical Foundation

Joseph Carter Corbin built one of the most successful AfricanAmerican universities in the nation from nothing, and helped keep it alive when so many forces threatened to wreck it.

Corbin was born in Chilicothe, Ohio in 1833, into a family of free African-Americans, the oldest of 12 children. At a young age, Corbin developed a passion for teaching, and left to teach school at age 15 in Louisville, Ky. He returned to Ohio to complete his own education, earning a bachelors and masters degree at Ohio University by 1856.

During the Civil War, Corbin published a newspaper in Ohio before moving with his wife and family to Little Rock in 1872. In 1873, he was named superintendant of public Corbin schools for Arkansas.

The Reconstruction-era government struggled to establish a school system in Arkansas even remotely approaching the other states. The state legislature established the University of Arkansas that same year. As superintendant, Corbin oversaw the construction of the university’s first buildings. In the segregated environment, a college was also established for AfricanAmericans, to be called Branch Normal College, designed to train teachers for African-American schools. In 1875, Corbin resigned as state superintendent to become principal of this new college at an annual salary of $1,000.

Impressed by the thriving AfricanAmerican community in Pine Bluff, Corbin suggested that the new school be located there. Branch Normal College opened with only seven students in the fall of 1875, and because education for AfricanAmericans had been non-existent

H

South Arkansas Historical Foundation presents

ist o ry minute

before the Civil War, most of the new students were barely literate.

Corbin worked closely with his students, to the point they were earning college degrees by 1882.

Corbin, himself fluent in nine languages, taught Latin and Greek and trained dozens of teachers, while his wife taught art and his daughter taught industrial arts. By 1894, a two-story brick assembly hall was built and enrollment had grown to 241.

The post-Reconstruction period was difficult for Arkansas schools.

Legislators had little interest in the success of education in the state or even funding it. The increasing racial tensions in the state made Branch Normal College a special target. In 1893, several legislators alleged Corbin misappropriated funds and demanded he be fired, but the charges fizzled and he stayed in charge.

By the turn of the century, the African-American community was divided over the direction of education. Some, like Corbin, favored a full, classical education, while others favored a program of skilled trades and agricultural education, an approach that would immediately impact most African-Americans in the South at the time.

Under these pressures in 1902, trustees fired Corbin. He would then serve as the principal of the Merrill Public School in Pine Bluff from 1905 until 1910. He died in Chicago in 1911.

The university he founded continued to grow after his departure.

Between 1927 and 1972, Branch Normal would be known as Arkansas Agricultural Mechanical and Normal College before merging with the University of Arkansas system. By 2010, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff had more

than 3,000 students and offered dozens of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university had developed a respected academic reputation, as well as a closeknit community of alumni known for accomplishments as teachers, physicians, scientists and public servants.

Corbin, however, was largely forgotten about outside of the UAPB community after his death, to the point that almost no one even remembered where his unmarked grave was located. Through the ef-

forts of Dr. Gladys Turner-Finney, a UAPB graduate, his gravesite was located and a headstone dedicated in 2013, inscribed to the Father of Arkansas African-American Higher Education.

The South Arkansas Historical Foundation is dedicated to educating the public about the state’s rich history. The SAHF can be contacted at P.O. Box 144, El Dorado, AR, 71730, at 870.862.9890 or at soarkhistory.com.

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

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SAAC to bring back works of folk artist legend After 27 years, Clementine Hunter returns to the galleries of the South Arkansas Arts Center for a comprehensive collection of her works curated by Tom Whitehead, a personal friend and co-author of two books on Hunter’s life and artwork. Whitehead will open SAAC’s exhibition with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 5.

“Clementine Hunter: The Nolan Collections” is one of the largest exhibitions ever amassed of Hunter’s work and features rarely seen works from the private collections of the Nolan family from Cherokee, Theodosia Nolan’s beloved plantation home outside of Natchitoches, La., and their El Dorado homes.

Clementine Hunter (pronounced Clementeen) was a self-taught African-American folk artist from the Cane River region in Louisiana. She was born on Hidden Hill plantation, said to be the inspiration for “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” She worked as a farm hand and only attended school for 10 days, never learning to read or write. At the age of 15, Hunter moved to Melrose Plantation south of Natchitoches. Hunter’s given name was originally Clemence, but she changed it after moving to Melrose Plantation.

Hunter has become one of the most well-known self-taught artists, often referred to as the black Grandma Moses. Painting from memory, she is credited as an important social and cultural historian for her documentation of plantation life in the early 20th century, including picking cotton and pecans, washing clothes, and conducting baptisms and funerals. Hunter was noted for painting on anything, particularly

Funeral Procession: The works of Clementine Hunter will be on display in the South Arkansas Arts Center from

discarded items such as window shades, jugs, bottles, gourds and cardboard boxes. She also produced a few quilts with themes depicted in her paintings.

Though she became a hugely respected artist and is today considered a folk art legend, Hunter spent her entire life in (or near) poverty.

She rarely titled her works, but would describe what a painting was about when asked for a title. By the end of her life, her work was being exhibited in museums and sold by dealers for thousands of dollars.

Hunter was granted an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degree by Northwestern State University of Louisiana in 1986.

Hunter lived her entire life in rural, northwest Louisiana, never go-

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painted cabin where she lived was a sign that read, “Clementine Hunter, Artist. 25 cents to Look.”

She produced between four and five thousand paintings in her lifetime. The Museum of American Folk Art in Washington D.C. called Hunter “the most celebrated of all Southern contemporary painters.”

The reception and two-month exhibition are sponsored by the family of Theodosia Nolan. The exhibition will be on display from now through Oct. 31 at SAAC. For more information about the exhibition or artist reception, contact the SAAC office at 870.862.5474.

SAAC is a complete visual and performing arts center dedicated to serving the people of the bi-state region by promoting, bridging, facilitating and supporting the ideas and Sept. 5 through Oct. 31. A reception forms of artistic appreciation, eduwill take place at 6 p.m. this Friday.

— Courtesy of Google Art Project, Google Cultural Institute cation, ability, confidence and cooperation for all age, cultural, social ing more than 100 miles from home, and racial groups. and her last painting was created For more information on the South one month before her death at the Arkansas Arts Center, visit the webage of 104. On the outside of the un- site at www.saac-arts.org.

a service of SHARE Foundation

Grief Walking Group 1st & 3rd Tuesday of ea. month at 9:30 am Champagnolle Landing - 2nd floor walking track The group is free & open to both Life Touch families & those in the community. Also includes a 5-10 minute grief topic discussion.

Toll Free 866-378-0388 www.lifetouchhospice.org 2301 Champagnolle Rd.

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Adventure calls

Local Cub Scouts invites area youth to attend informational meeting

Adventure is calling! All boys in the first through fifth grades, or 7 to 10 years of age, are invited to a local Cub Scout interest meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 11.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the College Avenue Church of Christ, located at 1817 North College Ave. The registration fee costs $12 per child.

For more information, contact Scout executive director Rob Lavoie at 870.863.5166 or email rob.lavoie@scouting.org.

Scouting is learning by discovery and discovery by doing. It’s a high-adventure and educational fun where skills are learned, confidence is built and stories are born. A Scout who experiences teamwork while rock climbing will come home stronger. A Scout who learns how to find his way in a forest or around a camera builds lifelong skills. And a Scout who becomes a leader already knows more than most.

So what is Scouting? Scouting provides unique, life-changing experiences that youth cannot get anywhere else. From practical skills to just having fun, Scouts can: » Build a fire. » Throw a perfect spiral. » Camp overnight. » Catch a fish. » Eat more s’mores. » Start a water fight. » Find a dinosaur bone. » Hike a trail. » Cook outside. » Make new friends. » Go snowboarding. » Build a science experiment. » Use a compass. » Slide into home base.

» Ride a horse. » Nail a skateboard trick. » Paint a self-portrait. » Make a video. » Shoot a BB gun at camp. » Hit a bull’s eye with an arrow.

The Boy Scouts of America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.” The mission of the Scouts is to prepare every eligible youth to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who can make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes.

The Boy Scouts of America – DeSoto Area Council has more than 1,500 members in South Arkansas and more than 400 volunteer leaders. The Council is charted to provide the program of the Boy Scouts of America in 11 South Arkansas counties, including Union. Whether it’s through “Scouting for Food,” reading for Scout advancement or getting exposure to vocations and careers through merit badge work, area youth are learning about our society and working to make it better.

For more information, call 870.863.5166 or go online to desotoareacouncil.org.

Union United is a section showcasing the news and happenings of the United Way of Union County and its 14 nonprofit partner agencies.

For more information, call 870.862.4903, email liveunited@uwucar.org or visit unitedwayunioncounty.com.

Partner agencies include: American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Club, Camp Fire USA, CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates), 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.

South Arkansas Leader

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TINKER

Museum of Natural Resources is to collect, preserve and interpret Arcontinued from Page 1 kansas’s natural resources with paris free, but all built projects taken ticular emphasis on petroleum and brine used for bromine extraction. home cost $5.

Reservations are appreciated and Exhibits throughout the museum adults are required to remain with demonstrate the discovery and uses their child for the duration of the of petroleum and brine. Temporary workshop. For more information exhibits change every six months or to register, call the Museum at and focus on various topics.

One of 52 Arkansas State Parks, 870.725.2877. the museum is open from 8 a.m. to All programs will take place on 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday the grounds of the Arkansas Museand from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. um of Natural Resources, located at Admission is free. For more infor3853 Smackover Highway.

The mission of the Arkansas mation, go online to www.amnr.org.

RECALL

$40 for AAFP members and $65 for non-members. Details about continued from Page 3 the conference agenda and registra“Pet foods are big business for tion procedures are online at arkafp. org/conferences.aspx.

Corporate most food companies,” Ricke said. sponsors of the conference are InThe conference will review curternational Paper, Jones-Hamilton rent issues in food safety and other speakers from industry, government Co., Roka Bioscience, FoodChek, and academic institutions will re- Qiagen, Land O’Frost and World Bioproducts. view current issues in food safety.

Arkansas Cooperative Extension The Arkansas Association for Food Protection is an affiliate of the Service is a part of the University of International Association for Food Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. For more information, visit Protection.

Conference registration fees cost www.uaex.edu.

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South Arkansas Leader

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COMMUNITY calendar

» VOICES HAVE POWER — The nationwide campaign from Verizon, “Because Voices Have Power,” is a digitally-focused campaign designed to raise awareness of domestic abuse, and raise funds for 10 organizations nationwide, including the El Dorado Boys and Girls Club. Every message of hope sent through social media, via text or on the website will raise $3 for the local Boys and Girls Club, which has raised $19,200 so far.

When: now through Oct. 31 Where: Send a message via text message at #94079; submit on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #VoicesHavePower; or enter a message of hope on the campaign website at voiceshavepower.com.

Contact: For more information, including examples of messages of hope, visit voiceshavepower.com. » ARKANSAS SOFT PINES LECTURE — The South Arkansas Historical Foundation’s Preservation Society will host Dr. Don Bragg, author and research forester for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, at its next meeting. Bragg will present “Natural and Human History of the Arkansas Soft Pine,” exploring how the loblolly pine has come to dominate many of the region’s forests.

When: Sept. 8 at 5:15 p.m.

Where: Newton House Museum, 510 Jackson St. Contact: For more information, call 870.862.9890 or go online to soark history.com. » CHILDREN’S GRIEF AND LOSS SEMINAR — South Arkansas Community College and Life Touch Hospice will partner to offer “Grief and

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

Loss: Old Problems, New Ideas,” a seminar from Greg Adams, director of the Center for Good Mourning, a grief support and outreach program of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. According to Life Touch outreach coordinator Marsha Cowling, the program will allow the local community to learn about helping children in grief, as well as providing network opportunities for those who work with area youth. The cost of the program is $10 per person, or $20 per person including lunch.

A certificate will be provided upon completion of the course. Pre-registration is required by Sept. 10.

When: Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon Where: Center for Workforce Development, SouthArk East Campus, 3698 East Main Contact: For more information or to register, call 870.864.8456 or email ce@southark.edu.

» EL DORADO COMMUNITY GRIEF SEMINAR — Life Touch Hospice will offer a grief seminar for the local community. The seminar will cover the basics of grief, including what is normal, risk factors and challenges, as well as helpful strategies for coping with grief. Educational materials will be provided for participants to take home. Attendees can share as they desire, or sit and listen.

When: Sept. 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Conference Room, Life Touch Hospice, 2301 Champagnolle Road Contact: For more information, contact Life Touch at 870.862.0337 or go online to lifetouchhospice.org. » NATURE NIGHTS — On the second Thursday of each month, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and South

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.

Arkansas Community College’s Corporate and Community Education will team up to offer Nature Nights, a series for the entire family. The program is free and open to the public. Space is limited, so registration is requested.

Program: Delectable Desserts.

Participants will learn how to make great-tasting desserts using coals and Dutch ovens.

When: Sept. 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Center for Workforce Development, South Arkansas Community College East Campus, 3698 East Main St. Contact: For more information or to register, call 870.864.7192 or email ce@southark.edu. » THREE-DAY WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP — The South Arkansas Arts Center will host Hot Springs watercolorist Richard Stephens for the three-day painting workshop “Watercolor with Passion and Humor.”

Cost for the class is $135 for current members and $160 for the general public, which includes a one-year SAAC membership. Participants of Stephens’ workshop will be exposed to informative technical information sprinkled with humor and anecdotes; entertaining and educational painting demonstrations; and a lot of one-on-one time with Stephens as he helps each artist through his or her individual painting process.

When: Sept. 12-14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 East Fifth St. Contact: To register, contact SAAC at 870.862.5474. More information about the workshop, including a supplies list, can be found at saac-arts.org.

» ANNUAL SOUTHARK OUTDOOR EXPO — The South Arkansas Community College Foundation will host the annual SouthArk Outdoor Expo, featuring a full-day of activities for all ages, entertainment and competitions for cash and prizes. The event will include the Hero 5K Run-Walk, Rib Cook-Off, outdoor photography contest, duck calling contest, vendors, climbing wall, chainsaw wood carvings, inflatables, archery exhibitions and more. Live musicians include Emily Cole, the Cummins Prison Band and the Mighty Electric St. Jude Band.

Admission for the Outdoor Expo is one canned good or packaged food item, which will be donated to a local food pantry.

When: Sept. 13 Where: El Dorado Conference Center, SouthArk West Campus Contact: More information, including contest and vendor forms, is available at www.southarkexpo.com. » CORKS AND CANVAS — The next South Arkansas Arts Center Corks and Canvas will be taught by Rhonda Hicks. 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: Sept. 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 East Fifth St. Contact: For more information or to register, call SAAC at 870.862.5474.

Crossword and Sudoku Answer Keys

AUG. 27

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L

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD How It Works

South Arkansas

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

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

WEEKLY RECIPE CLUES ACROSS

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

Fill your home with the scent of fresh baked bread this fall The scent of freshly baked bread can fill a home and instantly draw the interest of that home’s inhabitants.

Such is the case with the

following recipe for “Buttermilk Cornbread” from Linda Collister’s “Quick Breads” (Ryland, Peters & Small).

Buttermilk Cornbread Ingredients:

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.

South Arkansas Leader

Serves 6 to 8 » 1 cup fine yellow cornmeal, preferably stone-ground » 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour » 1 1/2 teaspoons baking

Directions:

powder » 1/2 teaspoon baking soda » 1/2 teaspoon sea salt » 1 extra-large egg » 4 tablespoons melted butter » 3 tablespoons honey » 1 cup buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Put the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl, and stir with a wooden spoon until thoroughly mixed.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the melted butter, honey and buttermilk. Stir into the dry ingredients to make a thick, smooth batter. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Turn out onto a bread board, cut into large squares and serve warm.

1. Nuclear near reach weapon 5. Delicately beautiful 11. Queen of the gods 12. Reordered letters 15. Representation 16. 24th state 17. Irritated 19. Large black dog breed 24. Atomic No. 18 25. Followed 26. Ivy University 27. Equal, prefix 28. Cablegram (abbr.)

29. Affront 30. Seventh Hindu month 31. Competed 33. Slur over 34. Shape before marketing 38. Comes into being

39. White House architect 40. Brazilian dance 43. Somalian supermodel 44. Yield 45. Electric Cobra model 80 48. Local area network (abbr.)

49. Substitution 50. “Thornbirds” actress Ward 53. Not out 54. Male ice dancing champion 56. Tops of birds’ heads 58. Carrier’s invention 59. Children’s author Blyton 60. Anise liqueur 63. Listing 64. Adult females 65. Yellow Dutch cheese

CLUES DOWN 1. Emit light 2. Not long past 3. Casually inspect 4. Masculine 5. Wish harm upon 6. Capable of soothing 7. Farm state 8. Initials of HLN legal host 9. Planets 120 degrees apart 0. An enclosed field 3. Initials of one of the Olson twins 14. Coastal 18. Remote control aircraft (pl.)

20. Oersted (abbr.)

21. Blue Hen school 22. Praise 23. Vestment 27. Egyptian goddess 29. Atomic No. 21 30. Boxer Muhammad 31. Fast gallop 32. Indicates position

33. Geological time 34. Elizabeth’s Prince 35. Balkan nation 36. Israeli politician Abba ___ 37. Indicates ability 38. Universal recipient blood group 40. Clairvoyant 41. Blandish 42. Of I 44. Former OSS 45. Deviously plan 46. Polished shoes 47. Visual processing membrane 49. Tibet’s capital 50. Second musical tone 51. Expression of sympathy 52. Bog Labrador-tea 54. To furnish with a ceiling 55. Frosts 57. Natural logarithm 61. -__, denotes past 62. Atomic No. 22

Answer key on page 14.

15

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KIX 103 welcomes “Call of the Wild” to the airwaves every Saturday morning at 5 a.m. starting Sept. 6!

Join Steve “Wild Man” Wilson and Trey Reid of the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission as they discuss the Natural State’s hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and all things outdoors!

Tune in to “Call of the Wild” every Saturday morning on your way to the deer stand, duck blind or that favorite fishing hole!