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Wednesday, July 13, 2016 Number 28, Volume 37

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Servin g th e H ot Sprin gs / G a rla n d C ou n ty a rea s in ce 19 77

Contestants arrive in HS for pageant MAX BRYAN

The Sentinel-Record

The 79th Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant kicked off at the Hot Springs Convention Center on July 3 with the arrival of the contestants.

Each contestant was announced on stage and then walked down a red carpet leading to the exit of Horner Hall at the convention center.

Following the opening ceremony, the contestants posed on the main staircase in the Grand Lobby for a photograph with Miss Arkansas 2015 Loren McDaniel.

The arrival ceremony on July 3 was followed by special a patriotic moment in honor of Independance Day. The contestants, wearing red, white and blue, posed for a photograph in front of the statue of late U.S. Navy SEAL Adam Brown near the Garland County Veterans Memorial and Military Park, located a short distance from the convention center. Brown was killed in action in the Kunar province of Afghanistan on March 17, 2010.

This year’s pageant features 42 contestants from across Arkansas. The new Miss Arkansas was crowned on July 9.

“I’m very excited for them this week because it’s a lot of time for growth and a lot of time for figuring out who you are as an individual,” McDaniel said of this year’s contestants.

The contestants were split

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The Sentinel-Record/Max Bryan

CONTESTANTS ARRIVE: The 2016 Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant contestants gather for a photograph on July 3 with Miss Arkansas 2015 Loren McDaniel on the

main staircase of the Grand Lobby of the Hot Springs Convention Center.

Resident strives to expand Village art opportunities LORIEN E. DAHL The Sentinel-Record

H O T S P R I N G S V I L L AG E — Less than a decade after first picking up a paintbrush, Tammy McCullough is now showing area residents that it’s never too late, or too early, to draw out one’s creative side.

McCullough and her husband have been full-time Hot Springs Village residents for just two years, but she has definitely become vital to the community, especially as it relates to art.

With financial help from the Coronado Center Library, the Property Owners’ Association, and members of Brush Strokes, McCullough is in her second summer of leading young children through an exploration of color and texture with a story time and art project series.

And new this year, she has added instruction opportunities to include teenagers and adults. Though this particular set of summertime classes quickly filled to capacity, she hopes to expand the teachings in the future, both in numbers of students and sessions offered.

Regarding art instruction, she said, “There’s a real need; people want to explore art and express themselves. I think it’s a great thing we can do that.”

McCullough knows from her own experience the richness that can be added into someone’s life when personal creativity is ignited.

Before moving to the Village, she worked as an accountant and consultant in Dallas. Around 2008, she had owners of an art studio as clients, and one perk she gained from doing business with them was the ability to attend their group painting sessions for adults.

She was a complete beginner, having never taken art in school, and knew nothing about composition or color theory. She said, “I didn’t know how to hold the brush or anything. … I didn’t think I had any ability at all.”

But after painting a still life of lemons against a purple background that first night, she walked away with a good feeling, and kept at her practice.

Aside from her extreme frustration at times, learning to paint has given McCullough great gifts, including eyes to see the world in a different way. She said, “Instead of just looking at it, I’m examining it.

It lets me see things a lot deeper.”

Regarding the act of painting, she said, “It has given me an expression for my creativity, and pleasure … that’s all you can really ask. You can really get a lot of joy from it.”

VILLAGE ART, PAGE 5

The Sentinel-Record/Lorien E. Dahl

COMMUNITY COLOR: Through volunteerism, Tammy McCullough is working to get art creation to the masses within

Hot Springs Village. She is leading two sets of classes at the Coronado Center Library this summer, and hopes to expand that availability in the future.

Parade celebrates freedom MAX BRYAN

The Sentinel-Record

DIAMONDHEAD — Fire trucks, police cars, golf carts and a patriotic float paraded down the streets of Diamondhead Resort Community July 4.

Diamondhead’s annual Independence Day parade brought members of the community out of their houses and into the park to celebrate their country’s birthday. The parade began at the community’s pool, made its way up to the front gates, looped back around then concluded just south of where they started with a hot dog roast.

The parade and hot dog roast were put on by the Lake Catherine Fire Department. It has been a tradition of the fire department since it took the job of serving Diamondhead. Craig Holmes, battalion chief, said that he and his men see the parade and its following cookout as a different way that they can give back to their community.

“We like to get together as the fire department and enjoy the community, show our support and kind of give back some of what they The Sentinel-Record/Richard Rasmussen pay for,” Holmes said.

This year’s parade featured two of the comLINING UP: From left, Abby Pratt, 9, Sam Pratt, 5, and their father, John Pratt, find their place in line for the start of the annual Diamondhead Fourth of July Parade. Golf carts, floats, fire trucks and munity’s organizations — the Diamondhead Lions Club and the Diamondhead Golf Associpolice cars were used in the parade.

ation — as its main participants.

The Lions Club helped fund their community’s parade this year. Their parade fare featured a float with red, white and blue flags being pulled by a pickup truck carrying Jimmie Weber, a Diamondhead resident dressed as George Washington, in the back. Jim Hannon, club president, said that the parade was a great way for members of the service organization to show appreciation for their country.

“It’s a day that we all step back and give thanks to all the things we’ve been given in life and just say thank you,” he said.

The Golf Association featured a fleet of golf carts decked out in streamers driven by families in the community. Glenda Meredith, member, said that she enjoys the inclusive nature of the event.

“We’ve been doing it for a number of years,” Meredith said of the parade. “Kids and elder people do it. It’s a good time to get together, enjoy your friends and the reason that we’re here.”

Overall, the community and the fire department enjoyed their yearly opportunity to come together, celebrate their country and spend time with one another.

“It’s fun,” Holmes said of the event. “It’s for the community; it’s what they want to do.”

• 300 Spring St. Hot Springs, AR 71901 • To subscribe or place an advertisement, call 501-623-7711 or 922-0979 in Hot Springs Village •

2 The Sentinel-Record Mid-Week Extra, Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

SEC honors UA’s Lawson with Kramer Award FAYETTEVILLE — Jarrion Lawson, a three-time champion for Arkansas at the NCAA outdoor track and field championships, was named the Southeastern Conference’s Roy F. Kramer Male Athlete of the Year, league Commissioner Greg Sankey announced July 7 in Birmingham, Ala. Florida gymnast Bridget

Sloan was named SEC Female Athlete of the Year, Sankey announced July 7. SEC athletic directors vote on the Kramer, named for a retired SEC commissioner.

Lawson won the NCAA indoor long jump and the NCAA outdoor 100- and 200-meter dashes and long jump, becoming the first athlete since Ohio State’s Jesse Owens in 1936 to win those three events at the NCAA

outdoor meet.

Lawson has qualified for the U.S. Olympic men’s long jump with a personal best of 28 feet, 1 3/4 inches in qual- Lawson ifying July 3 at Eugene, Ore., site also of this year’s NCAA outdoor meet.

Although not earning a topthree Olympic berth in the

Bismarck native Skyler Shankles was last week’s feature for Wednesday Night Poetry at Kollective Coffee+Tea, 110 Central Ave. The regular open mic session for all poets began at 6:30 p.m. and was followed by another open mic session.

Admission is free and open to all ages.

Nineteen-year-old Shankles is a newcomer to the Hot Springs poetry scene. But according to WNP host Bud Kenny, “you wouldn’t know it.”

“When he stepped up to the microphone a few weeks ago Skyler said it was the first time he ever did something like this, and he was nervous. Then he put on a performance that resulted in a standing ovation,” Kenny

said in a news release. “This guy is good.”

Majoring in mass media and dance at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Shankles describes his poetry as “Off the wall. It’s bi-polar — like my brain.

One moment I’m thinking and writing in a happy mode.

Then I’ll suddenly get all sad and dark.”

A 2014 graduate of Bismarck High School, Shankles said he didn’t start writing poetry until after graduation.

“When it was being forced on me I didn’t enjoy it,” he said. “But when I started writing for me I found it to be a terrific release. At first everything I wrote was very personal and I felt really insecure about it. But when I started sharing it with other

people I fell in love with doing it.”

Shankles’ first poem was titled “Run Forest, Run,” which is about coming out of the closet as gay in a small town.

“I love Bismarck, but it’s not a comfortable place for a young gay man,” he said.

His love of writing and dance is what drew him to pursue his course of study at Henderson State University.

“I hope to put the two together to help others realize it’s all right to be weird,” he said. “Too often in high school creativity is suppressed because somebody is different than all the rest of the kids.”

Submitted photo Email budonfoot@yahoo. com for more information NEW TALENT: Bismarck native Skyler Shankles was featured son July 6 during Wednesday Night about Wednesday Night Poetry. Poetry at Kollective Coffee+Tea, 110 Central Ave.

NATE ALLEN

Special to The Sentinel-Record

event, Lawson finished seventh in the 100-meter dash (10.07 seconds).

He was scheduled Ton July 7 to run a 200-meter heat and is one of three finalists for the Bowerman Award, presented in December to college track and field’s most outstanding male and female athletes.

Lawson, pursuing a masters of business degree, competed as a senior in 2016 after gradu-

ating with honors in 2015.

“Jarrion and Bridget are perfect examples of what it means to be a student-athlete in the Southeastern Conference,” Sankey said on July 7.

“They have competed at the highest level of collegiate athletics and through their hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence have been successful in their endeavors both in competition and in the classroom. They are

outstanding representatives of their universities as both students and athletes, and the SEC is proud to honor them for their accomplishments.”

Fo l l ow i n g ba s e ba l l All-American Andrew Beninitendi, Lawson is the second half of Arkansas’ first back-toback Kramer Award winners since Alistair Cragg in 2003 and 2004 running for retired Razorback men’s track coach John McDonnell.

Wednesday Night Poetry features Bismarck native

Cooling

Tai Chi for Arthritis program

spray

Jerry Matlock, in partnership with Oaklawn Center on Aging and CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs Senior Center, offered beginner Tai Chi for Arthritis on July 12 at 210 Woodbine.

Matlock, a certified Tai Chi for Arthritis senior trainer, will conduct this weekly program which has been designed specifically for people with arthritis. It is safe and proven to be effective. Arthritis foundations around the world support the program. Dr. Paul Lam developed Tai Chi for Arthritis in collaboration with medical experts and arthritis foundations.

Tai chi is an effective exercise to improve health and well-being. It exercises the entire body, all the joints, muscles and internal organs and, at The Sentinel-Record/Lorien E. Dahl the same time, strengthens the Hot Springs Village Fire Department workers added an element of fun to their learning on July mind. It enhances the partici2. While one firefighter went through pump training at Lake Balboa, guests to the beach were pants’ energy, relieves stress, able to cool off in the big spray of lake water. Residents should remember to stay hydrated to enhances self-esteem and inavoid heat exhaustion. creases balance. Tai chi is fun

Submitted photo

TAI CHI FOR ARTHRITIS: Jerry Matlock, front, will teach a Tai

Chi for Arthritis program at CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs Senior Center at 10 a.m. Tuesdays. to learn and practice.

Tai Chi for Arthritis is part of the Life Long Learning Series at the Mercy Senior Center. Please

join in for an hour of fun and exercise. For more information, call Oaklawn Center on Aging, 623-0020.

Destination Jupiter: What to expect during the Juno mission ALICIA CHANG

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Now that the Juno spacecraft is settled in orbit around Jupiter, the real work is about to begin.

Juno will fly closer to Jupiter than any other spacecraft, skipping over cloud tops and

peering deep inside to uncover clues about the giant planet’s formation. Scientists hope that understanding how Jupiter formed can help explain how Earth and the other planets evolved as well.

“Now the fun begins — the science,” mission chief scientist Scott Bolton said after

Juno’s arrival July 4 at the end of a five-year journey.

A look at what’s coming up during the $1.1 billion mission:

Post-trip checkup Juno was bombarded with radiation as it neared Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system. As a precaution, its

camera and science instruments were turned off during the arrival. Engineers will flip them back on this week and perform a complete check of the spacecraft to make sure everything is ready to go for the next 20 months.

Changing course To enter Jupiter’s orbit, Juno fired its rocket motor, putting it on a long, looping path that takes 53 days to complete. In late August, the spacecraft swings back around Jupiter for its first close-in view. But Juno eventually needs to swoop in closer to do its job. The mission kicks into high gear in October when Juno fires its engine again to tighten its orbit.

Then every two weeks, the spacecraft will skim Jupiter’s clouds to peek into its stormy atmosphere.

Moom mystery Juno made a discovery even before reaching its destination. As Juno zeroed in on Jupiter, its camera captured the massive planet appearing half-lit surrounded by its four main moons. NASA stitched the images together and created a time-lapse video showing the moons in action.

There was a surprise: Jupiter’s second-largest moon, Callisto, appeared dimmer than scientists imagined. “We don’t know why,” said Bolton of the Southwest Research Institute in Texas.

Closest look Previous missions to Jupiter have revealed stunning views of the planet’s thick clouds and vivid auroras. Scientists are expecting the best photos and information yet from Juno.

“We get our first up and close personal look at Jupiter with all our eyes and ears open” later this summer, Bolton said.

The spacecraft carries nine instruments to map the planet. It will measure how

The Associated Press

GETTING READY: Heidi Becker, right, Juno radiation monitor-

ing investigation lead, discusses the challenges of radiation the Juno spacecraft will encounter as Rick Nybakken, Juno project manager, left, looks on during a briefing at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif. on July 4. The solar-powered spacecraft made it to Jupiter for the closest encounter with the biggest planet in our solar system. NASA’s Juno spacecraft fired its main rocket engine late on July 4 to slow itself down from a speed of 150,000 mph (and slip into orbit around Jupiter). much water is in Jupiter’s atmosphere. This will shed light on where in the solar system Jupiter formed. It will also probe Jupiter’s gravity and magnetic fields to determine what kind of core it has and what makes the northern and southern lights so intense. Juno will also study how deep the trademark Great Red Spot goes and why the centuries-old storm has shrunk in recent years.

Finale

When Juno finishes its job, it will intentionally plunge into Jupiter’s atmosphere and burn up. Galileo, the first spacecraft to orbit Jupiter, met the same fate after a 14-year mission.

This fiery end expected in 2018 prevents any chance of accidentally crashing into Jupiter’s moons, particularly Europa, considered a prime target in the hunt for microbial life in the solar system.

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

The Sentinel-Record Mid-Week Extra, Wednesday, July 13, 2016 3

‘Rockets’ Red Glare’

Submitted photo

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: Mid-America Science Museum celebrated the 160th birthday of inventor Nikola Tesla on July 9 with the

inaugural Tesla Fest. Tesla-related education stations will be set up throughout the museum and in the Tinkering Studio. There were 160 cupcakes and ice cream samples available to commemorate Tesla’s birth.

Mid-America celebrates inaugural Tesla Fest Mid-America Science Museum celebrated the 160th birthday of inventor Nikola Tesla on July 9 with the inaugural Tesla Fest.

Tesla-related education stations were set up throughout the museum and in the Tinkering Studio. To commemorate Tesla’s birth 160 cupcakes and ice cream samples were available in the Creek Walk Café.

“Tesla’s birthday is technically on Sunday, July 10, but we thought that we would celebrate a day early this year,” the museum’s director of education, Doug Herbert, said in a news release.

The 160th person to check-in at the museum on Facebook received a special Tesla item from the museum store.

The museum store also had select Tesla educational items available for discounted purchase throughout the day, including a special section that had an additional 10 percent off.

“Tesla has been an important influence not just regarding advancements in modern science and technology, but he has also just helped make science cool again and that’s encouraged others to be interested in pursuing science whether it’s a hobby or a career,” said Herbert.

Tesla-related activities occurred throughout the day included magnetic pendulums, vertical waves, magnetic runaround, the Oudin coil and electromagnetic experimentation.

The Sentinel-Record/Max Bryan

SPA CITY CONTESTANTS: Stoni Butler, left, and Samantha

Hudon, Hot Springs natives and contestants in the 2016 Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant, joined for a patriotic photo in front of the statue of late U.S. Navy SEAL Adam Brown near the Garland County Veterans Memorial and Military Park Sunday afternoon.

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From Page One

up into three groups with whom they will be participating in interviews and preliminary competition. During the interviews, they dressed in business attire and answer questions from a panel of five distinguished judges. The interviews began at 6:30 p.m. on July 4 and lasted until July 5 evening.

Preliminary competition was held from July 6 until July 8. During this part of the weeklong contest, depending on which group she has been placed in, the contestant will either perform in talent, swimsuit or evening wear with an onstage question. McDaniel attested to the preliminary competition as one of the most exciting times of the pageant for the contestants.

“When they come out on stage Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, that’s the audience’s chance to see what they’ve been preparing for us,” she said.

The final day of the pageant was July 9, which consisted of an autograph party by the contestants at Hot Springs Mall, which was followed by the official crowning of Miss Arkansas 2016.

McDaniel said that she is excited to pass her title on.

“Although it’s bittersweet to be giving up the title of Miss Arkansas, it’s so exciting

because someone is about to embark on the best journey in the state,” she said. “This is the best job for any young woman that wants to pursue her dreams and to exude everything that confidence speaks on.”

This year’s pageant winner enjoys a year of both serving as a state hostess and speaking publicly for an altruistic platform of her choice. Samantha Hudon, Miss Greater Hot Springs 2012 and a contestant in this year’s pageant, said that this is one of the great things about the organization.

“She goes to schools, civic organizations and different communities throughout the state to try to make an impact with her personal platform,” Hudon said of Miss Arkansas.

“That’s something that’s so great about our organization.”

The contestants expressed enjoyment about participating in this year’s pageant.

Kenzie Williams, of Benton, said that being part of the organization affords her and her fellow contestants a wide range of positive opportunities.

“It’s a lot of fun to be part of this organization,” Williams said. “You get a lot of opportunities to experience sisterhood, get scholarships, serve your community and be a role model to younger girls.”

The Sentinel-Record/Mara Kuhn

Oaklawn’s Spa Blast’s annual fireworks display as seen from the overlook on West Mountain the night of July 1. Magic Springs and Crystal Falls will hold its fireworks display July 3 and July 4 night.

Mountain Harbor Resort and Hot Springs Village also hosted fireMid-America Science Museum is works displays on July 4. home to the Guinness World Record’s most powerful conical Tesla coil and the caged-lightning demonstration attracts Tesla fans from all around the world to Hot Springs.

Tesla Fest is a general admission only event, with no additional costs to enter the museum. Tesla shows are $3 per person. Admissions to Tesla Fest and to the Tesla shows are free to Mid-America Science Museum members.

Call 767-3461 or visit http://www. midamericamuseum.org for more information on Tesla Fest and other special events occurring at Mid-America Science Museum.

4 The Sentinel-Record Mid-Week Extra, Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Top marksmen get another ‘shot’ COLBIE MCCLOUD The Sentinel-Record

The Sentinel-Record/Richard Rasmussen

LINING UP: Miss Diamond Lakes Carleigh Tackett, center, lines up during dance practice Tuesday morning in Bank of the Ozarks Arena.

The contestants spent Monday and Tuesday in formal interviews with a panel of five judges.

Pageant enters second phase MAX BRYAN

The Sentinel-Record

The Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant contestants hit the stage at Bank of the Ozarks Arena to participate in the second phase of preliminary competition.

This portion of the pageant, like the interview portion held July 4 and July 5, will give the contestants a chance to earn points. The points will be tallied after preliminary competition concludes the evening of July 9, determining the 10 contestants who will be featured in the final competition July 9.

Miss Arkansas Delta Maggie Benton said July 5 this phase of the pageant gives her and the other contestants a chance to show off their hard work.

“Preliminaries are important for points, but more importantly, just for showing your friends and family how hard you’ve worked and how far you’ve come,” Benton said.

Following their arrival at the Hot Springs Convention Center on the afternoon of July 3, the contestants spent the next two days in business attire answering formal questions from a panel of judges, which included two former Miss America pageant winners. The interviews comprised the first phase of competition.

Miss Henderson State University Mariah Brown said that although the panel of judges was intimidating, she felt that she exuded confidence in her interview.

Brown said she was “confident in who I was in my beliefs and values” during her interview. “I just stuck to that and never questioned it. With the job of Miss Arkansas, you just have to present yourself in the best light possible.”

During the remainder of the preliminary competition, contestants have the chance to express themselves through fashion and talent. Miss Northwest Arkansas Jacey Winn said that this portion of the pageant is a good way for her and her fellow contestants to show a part of themselves.

“I get to show people part of my creativity,” Winn said. “It’s a way for the judges to get to know who you are.”

Depending on the night, the contestants, who have been divided into three competition groups, will either compete in talent, swimsuit, evening wear or onstage question.

Benton said she has a fond history of preliminary competition in pageants, particularly the talent event.

Preliminaries were “one of the main reasons I started competing,” Benton

said. “At the end of the day, no matter what happens, it’s always fun to put on a beautiful dress and sing in front of your family and friends.”

Of the three events, Benton and Brown both expressed that they are specifically looking forward to evening wear. They said that this particular event gives them an opportunity to represent themselves through their gown of choice.

“You get to uniquely express your personality through the gown that you choose,” Benton said of the event.

“It helps you express yourself and makes you feel really beautiful,” Brown said.

The contestants said that preliminaries not only give them a chance to earn points in the pageant but also are a testament to their accomplishments. It is because of this that Brown said that preliminaries hold a degree of importance to her.

“They show all of the hard work that you’ve done from your local preliminary to now being at state,” Brown said.

“It really helps you express yourself to everyone.”

Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant’s preliminary competition took place July 6 through July 9 and is open to the public.

Challenges that include shooting a piece of candy off a balloon without breaking it and splitting a playing card in half will test the skills of expert marksmen as they get another “shot” at the Arkansas Top Shot Pistol Match at the end of July.

“It is very unique and it is really different from other competitions. We raised about $1,000 in five hours last time for the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and had about 35 competitors,” Clay Gross, match director, said recently.

Th e Mo u n t a i n Va l l ey Sportsman’s Association sponsored event kicks off at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 30, at the Mountain Valley Shooters Association facility, 320 Ten Mile Road, off Mill Creek Road. Directions are available on the group’s website, http://www.mvsaonline.com.

The event’s sign-in will be from 8-8:30 a.m. with an entry fee of $30 and $10 to reshoot a stage in the competition.

Competitors are not required to be members of the Mountain Valley Sportsman’s Association or any organization.

Concealed handgun licenses are not required. Competitors must sign a waiver and turn it in with the entry from.

Divisions will include .22 caliber handgun or rifle, pistol caliber carbines, revolver, 9 mm, .38 caliber, .45 caliber and iron sights or optics.

Points based on accuracy with a par time will be tallied at each stage with a timed tiebreaker stage. Certificates will be awarded on each classification.

“One of the changes this year, is that we are allowing .22 rifles to compete to get the younger people involved,” Gross said. “There will be 10

stages. As an example, one stage, you have 15 seconds where you have to pick up your gun and shoot an aspirin on a balloon without shooting the balloon.”

At another stage, shooters will be required to pull a rope that releases a Life Saver mint, causing it to swing back and forth. The marksman must shoot it while it is swinging during the allotted time. Competitors must provide their own firearm and ammunition and can shoot at each stage as many times as they want during the allotted time until they complete the stage.

“There will be a couple of stages that are the same, but there are a few new. A new one is to split a bullet on an ax blade. Also, you have to shoot a stick in half at 25 feet,” Gross said.

Last December, the organization held the first shooting competition in the state and appealed to men and women of all ages, as young as 20 years old.

“There is not athletic advantage. Everyone is on the same field.”

The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, a national nonprofit organization, raises money for veteran charities, veteran care facilities and buys wreaths for veterans’ headstones.

All of the proceeds go to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. “We are shooting for $1,500 to $2,000,” Gross said.

Lunch is not included in the entry fee, but one can be purchased for $5. The competition is anticipated to end by noon due to heat. Gross advised there is shade at each stage, places to sit, water and restrooms. Call Gross at 501259-4003 for more information.

The Sentinel-Record Mid-Week Extra, Wednesday, July 13, 2016 5

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Corbet Deary Outdoor writer and photographer

Holiday cookout pointers I suspect many aknocked dust from outdoor cooking utensils on July 4. Hopefully, a comfortable temperature and clear sky provided a perfect combination for cooking.

The grill will be the most used cooking device during the holiday period, hence are some keys to making that style of cooking most consistent.

First, start with a clean and well-lubed surface. I clean my grate twice before cooking, once after pulling food during the most previous use, brushing any residue while the coals are hot.

I give the grate another good going over with a wire brush just before adding food. For best results, allow the grate to reach cooking temperature before cleaning.

Once you’re satisfied the surface is clean, rub it with a rag covered with cooking oil, lessening the odds of food sticking.

When cooking unground meat such as steaks, pork chops or tuna stakes, I lay the meat on the grate with a set of tongs, immediately sliding them forward and backward a couple of times before letting them sit.

For those grilling fish, slice a couple of lemons into quarter-inch slices, placing them on the surface after laying a sheet of aluminum foil on the grate and sliding the fish fillets on the lemon slices.

Don’t bother turning the fish, simply letting it cook atop the lemons, although be advised it will cook quickly.

Once cooked to one’s preference, the fillets can simply be lifted from the surface, unharmed and still intact, with a spatula.

Since various foods cook best at various temperatures, we need a technique to judge cooking temperatures. Many grills sport a temperature gauge, which most accurately measures readings inside the grill.

In that case, place an open hand about 4 inches over the grate and count seconds. If the temperature grows too hot and I move my hand in 2 or 3 seconds, the temperature is high; 4 to 5 seconds over the grate it’s medium-high, with 6 to 8 seconds an indication of medium heat, 9 to 10 seconds medium low and 11-14 low.

Generally speaking, I prefer medium high but occasionally cook over medium heat, tossing more delicate meats and chicken on the grill.

As for smokers, the main key to success is low temperatures and long cooking times.

I seldom allow my smoker to exceed 200 degrees and often allow ribs to cook for 6 to 8 hours. To ensure optimal tenderness, tear the clear membrane from the interior of the rib gauge, a sometimes difficult process that can be expedited with the prongs of a fork.

Those who own smokers without a water pan will likely mop their favorite cut with a wet rub several times throughout the cooking process. Wet rubs are not as important while cooking with smokers equipped with water pans, though one might consider filling a pan with apple or orange juice at the beginning of the process. I prefer orange juice, thinking the acids might lend a little more tenderness late in the process, but also use straight water, filling the pan during the rest of the cooking time.

Also consider wrapping cuts in aluminum foil after a couple hours of cooking, allowing meat to simmer in its own juices. Rest assured, the meat will have a nice, smoky taste and a smoke ring around the exterior of the cut.

It’s that time of the year when the air is often permeated with that wonderful aroma of meat cooking over an open fire. With a little practice and preparation, your outdoor cooking devices might drive the neighbors stark raving wild.

Two Miss Americas judging Miss Arkansas COLBIE MCCLOUD The Sentinel-Record

Two former Miss Americas helped select the next Miss Arkansas last week.

The last time a Miss America joined the judges’ panel at the pageant was in 2014, when Miss America 2002 Katie Harmon helped crown Miss Arkansas Ashton Campbell, who went on to become second-runner up in the national pageant.

This year, Miss America 1990 Debbye Turner Bell, who was the first Miss America to promote a platform, and Miss America 1994 Kim Aiken Cockerham, who was crowned at the age of 18, have joined the panel of judges.

Bell competed in the Miss Arkansas system three times, twice placing as first runner-up.

After extending her education into veterinarian school, Bell qualified and was crowned Miss Missouri, taking her to the national pageant where she was crowned Miss America 1990.

“After a lot of soul searching, because I really did not want to abandon my home state, I spoke to one of my local directors Ned Metcalf. I was processing with him and was very conflicted,” Bell said. “I’ll never forget he looked me in the eye and said, ‘Do you want to be Miss Arkansas or do you want to be Miss America because those are two different things.’ That helped me re-prioritize and decide what my goal was.”

For Cockerham, her journey to the Miss America stage was, as both Bell and Cockerham put it, “almost polar opposite.”

Cockerham was brought into the Miss America circuit after competing in pageants and performing throughout high school.

After placing as first runner-up in the Miss Charlotte, N.C., pageant, she returned home to Columbia, S.C., and won Miss Columbia in the high school auditorium where she had grad-

uated the previous year.

“I decided that I would go ahead and do it because I competed in pageants throughout high school. I had the gown.

All I had to do is get the bathing suit. I sang all through high school. And I didn’t think I would do really well, but I got first runner-up. I was very encouraged and I knew that I wanted to represent my home state,” Cockerham said.

After more than 20 years since their reigns as Miss America, Bell and Cockerham have watched the organization and society evolve, showing that the competitors are passionate about their communities.

Also, two-piece swimsuits are the selection for the health and fitness portion instead of the former one-piece.

“When I started competing, there was no platform. I happen to be the first Miss America to have a platform. And so that started the era of the state titleholders and Miss America championing a cause, advocating for an issue,” Bell said.

“I think that is absolutely fantastic because these women care about their communities and they have points of view and know about issues.”

When judging each contestant, instead of researching through social media accounts, Bell and Cockerham stick to the book, interview and their onstage preliminary performances.

Contestants submit resumes, platform descriptions and other documents to the judging panel that describe their education, organization involvement, community involvement, previous awards and other accomplishments prior to interview competitions.

“I, as a judge, am looking for what this program stands for: a dynamic, accomplished, passionate young woman who is talented and beautiful as I behold her because beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So some

The Sentinel-Record/Mara Kuhn

MISS AMERICAS: Miss America 1990 Debbye Turner Bell, left, and Miss America 1994 Kim Aiken

Cockerham, both on the 2016 Miss Arkansas judging panel, are interviewed on July 6 before the first night of preliminary competition of the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant. of the sensational things are not what I am looking for. I know what this program did for me. It changed my life,” Bell said.

“So I know what it can do for these young women whether they become Miss America or not. I am really most concerned about rewarding these young women for their accomplishments and recognizing them for they who they are in our society.”

Cockerham said that her state team changed some of her competitions that assisted her in securing the Miss America crown. And though Miss Arkansas is the final pageant prior to the Miss America pageant, scheduled for mid-September,

she says Miss Arkansas will have plenty of time for preparations.

“I won Miss South Carolina as one of the last state pageants. Between that time, they changed my talent, all of my clothes. I had interview training.

I do think there is potential in all of these contestants if they are open and willing to listen to guidance and willing to put in the work. Six weeks doesn’t sound like a lot of time, but it’s an eternity if you are pounding the pavement and working hard to better yourself.”

After the crown is passed on to the next Miss America, both judges say career goals may change due to new opportunities that have arisen throughout

their reign and that anything is possible for each Miss America.

“I think the life after is just the icing on the cake. You work so hard to get the title, to fulfill the job and responsibilities to get the next title, you work to fulfill that job and responsibilities and then after that you basically choose. Really, at that age, the world is yours,” Cockerham said.

“Whatever you choose to do, you have the scholarship money if you want to continue your education. You have opportunities.

You have met people all across the world and all of the country that know your name and that would not have otherwise,” she said.

In Philadelphia, spin the giant dial, find life guidance NATALIE POMPILIO The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA — Candy Chang’s public art pieces more than please the eye. They demand dialogue and encourage conversations. Her bestknown project, “Before I die,” was duplicated in 1,000 cities in 70 countries as thousands of people chalked their hopes and dreams on walls and fences.

Her latest work, unveiled in Philadelphia on July 7, is an interactive mural that invites people to think of their biggest challenges and then use the mural to find guidance to move forward.

The work features a 6-foot dial that visitors are encouraged to twirl while thinking of their challenges. The spinner will stop at a number corresponding with one of the stories on either side of the dial that represent lessons from the I Ching, one of the world’s oldest books of wisdom. A guide to the symbols in another part of the mural allows people to then interpret the wheel’s message as they desire.

“I’m interested in how public space can provide value to people and help them make sense of the beauty and tragedy of life,” said Chang, who lives in New Orleans.

“Creating emotional spaces where people can be honest and vulnerable can lead to trust and understanding.

Making better places can help us become our best selves.”

James Johnson, 43, out on a lunch break, was one of the first to give the wheel a try. He was directed to story #14, “The Lucky Ones,” which says in part, “Our greatest fortune is the virtue of our actions and the depth of our relationships.” Johnson said the message did apply to his question, which he didn’t disclose.

“This is like fortune cookies or a fortune teller. It’s just a good way to get you to think differently,” said Johnson, who said he would recommend friends try the wheel “not necessarily for the advice. It’s just cool.”

Tatiana DiSanti, 24, wanted guidance as she considers buying a house in a neighborhood real estate agents would describe as “up and coming.”

Story #5, “The Rain,” noted: “Waiting is necessary for reaching any goal, and it is an art . Be present and

VILLAGE ART Though she said the process of learning to paint has opened her up personally, the rewards have been even greater since she started teaching.

As McCullough still considers herself a beginner, the act of teaching others reinforces things she’s already learned. And with her youngest students, she is able to witness eyes lighting up during each individual’s journey of creation.

She’s thrilled to expose

The Associated Press

FINDING LIFE GUIDANCE: On July 6 cyclists move past a Philadelphia Mural Arts Program piece by New Orleans artist Candy

Chang called “The Atlas of Tomorrow: A Device for Philosophical Reflections,” in Philadelphia. The piece features a 6-foot dial that visitors are encouraged to twirl while thinking of their challenges. face your difficulties without wishful thinking.”

The words gave DiSanti pause: Was that telling her to hold off on her purchase or was it advising her to face her challenges? She decided she’d bring her father, who was coming to visit to discuss the home purchase, to the wheel when he arrived.

“It’s a way to find answers to questions all on your own,” she said.

The mural, on busy South Street in downtown Philadelphia, is titled “The Atlas of Tomorrow: A Device for Philosophical Reflections.” It was completed in conjunction with the Porch Light Program, a partnership between the city’s Department of Behavioral Health and Disability Services and the Mural Arts Program. Volunteers joined

Chang in finger-painting the black and white piece, making one black dot at a time, about 200,000 total.

“Candy thinks a lot about emotional well-being and public spaces.

The connection between those worlds may seem distant, but they’re not,” said Jane Golden, executive director of the Mural Arts Program, which has produced more than 3,000 murals on buildings across the city.

Chang’s work, Golden said, “reimagines what a mural can do.”

Chang’s own struggles have inspired her work. After a friend’s death in 2011, she found herself thinking more about what she wanted to accomplish before her own last breath. “Before I die” was a result of Chang deciding to pose the question

to others, as well.

Her Philadelphia mural was also in part inspired by the death of someone close to her. As she often does, Chang found comfort after the tragedy from the guidance and practical insight offered in the I Ching. She wondered if others were suffering in silence and could use some help.

“I’ve gone through depression and when everything and everyone around you seems so happy, it makes you feel even more alone. I want to help people see they’re not alone and that suffering is a natural part of being a human being,” Chang said.

“Emotional wellness is often neglected and taboo to discuss. I wanted to improve our public health by embedding it in the city fabric.”

From Page One

children to methods of making art beyond crayons and coloring books, and in these sessions, she and fellow instructor Cindy Conrad lead projects like firework painting with forks, aboriginal dot painting, and Matisse-inspired deconstruction of attendees’ names.

She encourages the youngsters to “do their own thing,” and she said “they just beam” when they’re able to show what they’ve made to a loved elder. She

recognizes the value of art within regular curricula, but knows programs have been cut in schools, so this offering makes a slight compensation for year-round visual creativity.

Four story and art sessions remain for the summer, on July 19 and 26, and Aug. 12, all from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Coronado Center Library, 150 Ponderosa Way. In the classes she leads for older participants, her aim is to give people the

tools they need so “they can go and start exploring on their own.”

McCullough stressed that painting needn’t be a hobby that breaks the bank. For a surface alternative to pricey canvasses, Masonite boards can be purchased and cut at home building supply stores, brushes don’t have to be the best, and acrylics can be bought without much expense.

She and her fellow HSV creators want to see art op-

portunities expand to include the masses. She said, “We don’t want to be elitist — art should be available and encouraged for everybody to try.”

Of course if she is able to have a hand in instruction, all the better. “When you see somebody’s face and they get it and they’re really happy … that is really all the reward you need,” she said. “That just makes you feel so good, that you were able to share something.”

6 The Sentinel-Record Mid-Week Extra, Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

The Sentinel-Record/Corbet Deary

GATOR COUNTRY: To see alligators on their natural environment, consider Millwood Lake as a destination.

Tantalizing views, alligators await visitors to Millwood Lake Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Millwood Lake.

I’ll be the first to boast that we have one of the of state’s most pristine lakes right here in our own backyard. I’ll take another step and say that this particular reservoir has enough to offer to keep one occupied for a lifetime.

I am, however, also one who enjoys an occasional excursion into a habitat much different from what I am accustomed to.

And fortunately, our great state is situated in a section of the country where one can travel

an hour or two in practically any direction and experience habitats much different from the crystal-clear rivers cutting their way through a boulder-laden substrate that is typical for central Arkansas and the Ouachitas.

Situated in the western extremities of the state, Millwood Lake is quickly growing into one of my favorite locations where I can get a taste of something different. The reservoir is much different from the lakes near our home. The substrate is hardly comparable; the contour is vastly different, and in turn, it produces an environment that is poles apart from the reservoirs situat-

Corbet Deary Outdoor writer and photographer ed in central Arkansas.

Millwood Lake sports the state’s longest earthen dam, spanning more than 3 miles while containing the Little River. According to http://www. arkansas.com, boat lanes cut their way through an excess of 29,000 acres of flooded timber.

The Sentinel-Record/Corbet Deary

TANTALIZING SUNSET: Millwood Lake produces an environment much different than the Ouachi-

tas, offering the opportunity to see an array of interesting plants and critters.

However, it also sports in the neighborhood of 5,000 acres of open water in the vicinity of the dam.

Although the maze of flooded timber and heavy vegetation can prove somewhat of a nightmare for those who are not familiar with the lake, these characteristics are exactly what lends to Millwood’s interesting and bountiful environment.

Although there are sections of the river channel that far exceed the norm, the average depth of the lake is only 12 feet. The lake is also located in a section of the state that does not experience winters as harsh as other sections of the state.

In turn, the reservoir warms a great deal more quickly than the deeper lakes located in colder climates of the state during the spring and early summer. Although there are many variables, these attributes lend to an ability for an array of interesting plant and animal species to thrive.

Those who have spent time on Millwood Lake at all will probably have tales of alligators.

Although I was already aware of a gator population on this body of water, and had actually seen a few, little did I know just how plentiful they were until embarking upon a frogging excursion a couple of summers ago.

To say I was excited upon catching glimpses of these primitive creatures while fishing before dark would prove an understatement. But little did I know how many alligators swam within the perimeters of its banks until the sun dipped below the horizon and we could see the reflection of their eyes as we shined our lights into the darkness.

The few gators that we saw during daylight hours appeared to be larger. However, I was amazed at the numbers of juveniles lurking in the large lily-pad covered flats where we frogged.

In fact, before the night’s end, we had no second thoughts about quickly reaching down and grabbing a frog from within literally inches of a gator.

Although eventually growing comfortable with sharing

the waters with these beautiful reptiles, rest assured that one didn’t tarry about getting their hands out of the water and back into the boat.

Speaking of frogs, we probably saw 300 hundred bullfrogs that night. Some, of course, were small. But we also bagged an impressive mess of specimens with legs as meaty as those on chickens.

I most enjoyed the frogging and anticipate returning for another excursion soon, but Millwood Lake is also renowned as an excellent fishery. With no lack of structure, fish swimming in its waters have the perfect habitat to thrive.

Largemouth bass are apt to be lurking in the heavy cover. In light of an abundance of structure, one might consider rigging their rod and reel combo with fairly heavy line prior to trying their luck on these waters.

One would suspect that some impressive bass lurk in this type of cover. Topwater lures will likely coax a few into biting.

And I would strongly suggest a spinnerbait. Chartreuse or white would likely prove effective colors, as its waters are somewhat murky.

One might also tie into a striped bass, as well. But I would suspect they are most often caught in the open waters near the dam. And I can tell you from experience that white bass are certainly plentiful in Millwood Lake. I can recall one day in particular when we caught 200 of this species during their annual spawn. Of course, we only kept our limits, but the chest was full of large specimens.

Crappie and bream anglers see their fair share of success on Millwood, as well. And let’s not fail to mention catfish. I have a friend who fishes for this particular species on Millwood Lake and has shared some mighty impressive tales throughout the years.

There are other activities that are equally as impressive as fishing and frogging. In fact, the reservoir is a bird-watching hot spot. According to information I gathered from the internet, “As

of early 2001, 333 different species had been sighted in the area, including the first-ever Arkansas sightings for at least 15 of them.”

Those who partake in bird watching are likely already aware of Millwood Lake’s viewing opportunities. However, those who are just getting into bird watching should certainly consider this destination in the future.

I have noticed a diversity of interesting plants during the short time I have spent on this particular reservoir. I was intrigued with lily pad leaves probably exceeding 2 feet in diameter, and plan to return to this location with a field guide on hand in the near future.

Only a couple of hours from home, I have intentions of getting better acquainted with Millwood Lake. I suspect some of my journeys will lead me to the Millwood Lake State Park, which is situated on the reservoir’s southeast shore. This particular facility promises to be a great location where one can most easily get acquainted with the reservoir. The facility also offers a full-service marina, sports 117 campsites, hiking and biking trails.

But I’m confident my journeys will also lead me to some of other access areas scattered along the banks of the reservoir.

Regardless of the destination I choose, I suspect there will be more than enough to keep me occupied for hours on end. And who knows, I might even choose to spend a couple of nights on the shores of this intriguing body of water that is only a couple of hours from home.

To get to Millwood Lake State Park, take Exit 30 off Interstate 30 about 47 miles west of Arkadelphia. Merge onto Highway 278 west/North Hervey Street toward Nashville and Hope. Go 2 miles and take a left onto Highway 73 west. Travel 18.5 miles and turn right onto Highway 355 north. Go 0.6 mile and continue on Highway 32 west. Go 8.5 miles and the destination will be on the right.