Arkansas Publisher Weekly: July 5, 2024

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Thank you to our 2024 APA Convention Sponsors 2024 Better Newspaper Editorial Contest Winners

Arkansas Press Association

Publisher Weekly Vol.19 | No. 26 | Friday, July 5, 2024 | Serving Press and State Since 1873

Arkansas Press Association heads to NEA for 2024 convention First-ever APA gathering at Embassy Suites by Hilton Jonesboro Red Wolf Convention Center a success

2024 General Excellence winners: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Mountain Home Observer, Spring River Chronicle, The Madison County Record and Carroll County News.

2024 Special Award Winners: Jonathan Feldman of The Leader in Jacksonville — Freeman-Greenberg Prize for Editorial Writing, Karen Sherrell of the Pacesetting Times in Horseshoe Bend — I.F. Stone Award for outstanding investigative series, Tamara Johnson of the Times-Herald in Forrest City — Meredith Oakley Award for excellent use of FOIA in reporting, John Allen French of the Pocahontas Star Herald — Ernie Deane-Brenda Blagg Award for Excellence in Column Writing and Alyson Hoge of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette — Photo of the Year. Not pictured is Dan Marsh of The Madison County Record in Huntsville — The Charles Gordon Newman Prize for Distinguished News Story.

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Newspapers less than 1200 top award winners

Smaller newspaper top award winners

Medium newspaper top award winners See CONVENTION Page 3

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Larger newspaper top award winners

Photo of the Year, by Staci Vandagriff of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

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Sonny Albarado of the Arkansas Advocate moderated the Saturday morning panel discussion on how to best cover your communities. Panelists were Tammy Curtis of the Spring River Chronicle, Rusty Fraser of the Stone County Leader, Tamara Johnson of the Times-Herald in Forrest City and Scott Loftis of the Carroll County News in Berryville.

Guy Tasaka, CEO of Tasaka Digital, presented on Saturday morning on how to plan for the future.

Arkansas Publisher Weekly

Tamara Johnson, Publisher of the Times Herald in Forrest City, and FOIA Attorney John Tull.

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Donald “Tre” Gant III, grandson of APA President Andrew Bagley, assists APA Executive Director Ashley Kemp Wimberley in drawing for the Visa gift card door prizes for visiting Friday’s Trade Show.

APA President Eliza Gaines passes the gavel to incoming President Andrew Bagley.

The Friday Luncheon was emceed by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Senior Editor Rex Nelson.

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“Newspaper Guru” Kevin Slimp presented two well-attended sessions on Friday.

A-State Chancellor participated in a Q&A with Rob Roedel of Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and Steve Eddington of Arkansas Farm Bureau at the Friday Luncheon.

APA Past Presidents participate in the traditional Gavel Passing.

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Newly-inducted APA President Andrew Bagley presents the Past Presidents Award to Eliza Gaines.

Larry Killian of the South Arkansas Sun in Hampton gives the invocation at the Friday evening Honors Banquet.

Tamara Johnson of the Times-Herald in Forrest City was presented with the APA Freedom of Information Award at the Friday Honors Banquet.

The Delta String Quartet provided music during the Honorees’ Reception.

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HEADLINE SPONSOR Banner-News Camden News El Dorado News-Times The Sentinel Record Texarkana Gazette Pine Bluff Commercial Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

FRONT PAGE SPONSORS

Arkansas Farm Bureau Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas Partners Bank Southern Bancorp Arkansas Community Foundation

FOURTH ESTATE SPONSORS Arkansas State University Paxton Media Group CherryRoad Media

FIRST AMENDMENT SPONSORS The Daily Record, Little Rock Delta Dental of Arkansas Black Hills Energy Colliers International

Arkansas Publisher Weekly

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2024 Better Newspaper Editorial Contest

Winners June 29, 2024 • Redwolf Convention Center, Jonesboro

News Story NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Monroe County Argus, Brinkley Andrew Bagley Robinson Vows to Sue; Recall Brinkley Mayor

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Dan Marsh Citizen says she alerted dispatch to pedestrian who was struck by car

Second Place Monroe County Argus, Brinkley Thomas Jacques Brinkley, Robinson Part Ways After Split Vote

Second Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Dan Marsh Family of woman killed in crash accepts her certificate from county drug court

Third Place The Helena World Andrew Bagley County Underpaid Other Entities by $2.5 Million

Third Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Lance Brownfield Residents lose their homes, but not their memories, to tornado

Honorable Mention Carroll County News, Berryville Rick Harvey Confederate monument causes stir

Honorable Mention Stone County Leader, Mountain View Frank Wallis Calkins Trial

SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Nashville News-Leader Don Hall Flooding causes extensive damage to library, police station, courtroom

LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Tracy M. Neal, Tom Sissom A deadly drug trend

The Charles Gordon Newman Prize for News Story presented to Dan Marsh, The Madison County Record for distinguished news story in honor of Charles Gordon Newman.

Second Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Greg Geary Shooting involved toy gun

Second Place Pine Bluff Commercial Byron Tate Client grievances amass against Taggart

Judges comments: Wow! This has all the elements of a solid daily news piece: both sides, digging, open records and an authoritative voice explaining it to you.

Third Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Greg Geary Some wounds ‘are pretty deep’

Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Ron Wood Ministry head faces charge

Honorable Mention The Daily Citizen, Searcy Greg Geary Ex-mayor gets public apology

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ONLINE MEDIA First Place Arkansas Advocate Tess Vrbin, Antoinette Grajeda A year without abortion Second Place Mountain Home Observer Chris Fulton BC Election Commissioners found to have violated election law Third Place Arkansas Advocate Tess Vrbin Saline County Judge fires library director Honorable Mention Hallmark Times Lauren Siebert Volunteers go above and beyond to facilitate adoption

Feature Story NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Carroll County News, Berryville Scott Loftis Hard work, long hours

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place Log Cabin Democrat, Conway Kolton Rutherford Fallen hero identified, returned home

Second Place Clay County Courier, Corning Pam Lowe First time marathoner discovers key to achievement in love letter to NYC

Second Place Jonesboro Sun Nena Zimmer Finding hope through helping others

Third Place Carroll County News, Berryville Scott Loftis Animal control officer Honorable Mention Paragould Daily Press Steve Gillespie Local Halloween tradition to continue every other year SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Pocahontas Star Herald John Allen French New candy business offers unique treats Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Tours of Crystal Cave and Motor Court enjoyed after 20 years Third Place Nashville News-Leader Don Hall Local pilot receives prestigious FAA award Honorable Mention Pocahontas Star Herald John Allen French Welcome to Cornerstone Christmas Tree Farm

Third Place Hot Springs Village Voice Robin Rayborn Burns From A to Ze: Villager promotes Down Syndrome awareness Honorable Mention Jonesboro Sun Nena Zimmer Historic bridges of NEA The Saline Courier, Benton Elisha Morrison Bryant Veteran’s life saved by first black naval aviator and wingman LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Monica Hooper King of Dickson street Second Place The Leader, Jacksonville Rick Kron Mailman saved boys Third Place Pine Bluff Commercial I.C. Murrell Scott has passion for students after NFL leads to education

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ONLINE MEDIA First Place Mountain Home Observer Chris Fulton Political push for paper ballots in Baxter County tied to failed Arkansas candidate Second Place Arkansas Advocate Staff Public libraries vs quorum courts Third Place Mountain Home Observer Chris Fulton BCRC Chairman’s past loosely tied to Neo-Confederate hate group

Investigative Series Reporting SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Karen Sherrell Lawsuits follow after Mayor’s appointment of special administrator

Third Place Pine Bluff Commercial Eplunus Colvin, Byron Tate Who Killed Maurice Taggart Murder Mystery Series ONLINE MEDIA First Place Mountain Home Observer Chris Fulton NABORS Landfill

Second Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Karen Sherrell City Council appeals levy increase

Second Place Mountain Home Observer Chris Fulton MH School FOIA violation

Third Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Highland School District Attempt Two at increasing millages

Third Place Arkansas Advocate Hunter Field Medical Board chairman

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Dan Marsh Cooks Venture Second Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Ellen Kreth Fair Money

The I.F. Stone Award for Investigative Reporting is presented to Karen Sherrell for uncovering the truth to the readers of the Pacesetting Times and its community. The award is named for the late I.F. Stone, an American investigative journalist known for his tenacity.

Third Place The Saline Courier, Benton Destin Davis A series covering the tragic death of Daniel Barajas and ongoing lawsuit

Judges Comments: What a great news town. The nod goes to special admins because it did a better job of explaining the issues and what’s at stake.

LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place The Leader, Jacksonville Rick Kron Smeared teacher investigation Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Michael R. Wickline, Neal Earley, Josh Snyder and Tony Holt Mystery surrounds governor’s new lectern

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Freedom of Information Reporting SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Times-Herald, Forrest City Tamara Johnson PWSD Violates FOIA

LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place The Leader, Jacksonville Rick Kron Restaurant fight

Second Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Greg Geary, Steve Watts ‘Hostile workplace’ alleged

Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Grant Lancaster, Ainsley Platt LRPD pushes for ex-officer’s decertification

Third Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Public Defender Woes

Third Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Will Langhorne, Michael R. Wickline Elimination list included state historic places

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Ellen Kreth Buffalo River land tangled in crosscurrents Second Place Mountain Home Observer Chris Fulton, Alison Fulton Baxter County Election Commission violates FOIA after receiving FOIA request Third Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Ellen Kreth Fair Money

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Beat Reporter NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place The Helena World Andrew Bagley

LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Doug Thompson

Second Place Carroll County News, Berryville Scott Loftis

Second Place Pine Bluff Commercial I.C. Murrell

Third Place Carroll County News, Berryville Rick Harvey

Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Stacy Ryburn

SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Greg Geary

Honorable Mention Pine Bluff Commercial Eplunus Colvin

Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis

ONLINE MEDIA First Place Arkansas Advocate Hunter Field

Third Place The Batesville Guard Sara Greene

Second Place Arkansas Advocate Tess Vrbin

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place The Saline Courier, Benton Destin Davis, Randal Seyler

Third Place Arkansas Advocate Antoinette Grajeda

Second Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Steven Mross Third Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Brandon Smith Honorable Mention Log Cabin Democrat, Conway Kolton Rutherford

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Sports News Story NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Monroe County Argus, Brinkley Andrew Bagley Baker’s Buzzer Beater Boosts Brinkley

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Jack Travis Cyclists experience county

Second Place The Helena World Candace Williams One Last Ride

Second Place Jonesboro Sun Kevin Turbeville Manila boys win 3A state title with overtime victory

Third Place Clay County Courier, Corning Pam Lowe Bobcats switch to 8-man football

Third Place Jonesboro Sun Kevin Turbeville Time right for George to lead Hurricane

Honorable Mention Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Bobby Stapleton Cougars thrash Mustangs on Homecoming

Honorable Mention The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Bryan Rice Carter deemed eligible to play for CMS

SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Bass Masters

LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Tom Murphy Friends celebrate Mallett

Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Fulton County schools claim two state basketball titles

Second Place Pine Bluff Commercial I.C. Murrell UAPB makes it formal with Hampton

Third Place Nashville News-Leader John R. Schirmer Athletes, teachers from more than a century of Nashville High history

Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Graham Thomas Bearcats hold on for 5th championship

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Sports Feature Story NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place The Helena World Terri Hall Marvell Academy Coach Reaches 500 Wins

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place Malvern Daily Record Gerren Smith A Kehner Tradition, dream fulfilled

Second Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Karen Sherrell Cash Fowler wins big in Nationals

Second Place Malvern Daily Record Gerren Smith Recognizing The 10 Year Anniversary of Championship Greatness

Third Place Carroll County News, Berryville Rick Harvey Final destination

Third Place Malvern Daily Record Gerren Smith Beyond the Diamond: A uplifting spiritual championship

SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Pocahontas Star Herald John Allen French From the dugout to the daily grind

Honorable Mention Log Cabin Democrat, Conway Mark Buffalo Sisterly love on the court

Second Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Greg Geary Robinson realizes dream

LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Sam Lane UCAs Powell

Third Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Reel Legends: Salem team wins BassCat Invitational

Second Place Pine Bluff Commercial Tanner Spearman Ex-music teacher finds new route

Honorable Mention Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Award Winning Leadership, Bateman named Coach of the Year

Third Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Bob Holt Sua No. 54 Honorable Mention Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Henry Apple Wiseman making his music

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Business Story NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Carroll County News, Berryville Scott Loftis Local growers’ flocks euthanized

Honorable Mention Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis A menu for success...Meacham’s Restaurant

Second Place Carroll County News, Berryville Scott Loftis Farm Family

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Ellen Kreth Board upholds liquor permits

Third Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Karen Sherrell, Carrie Johnson Lick Creek Cattle wins Fulton County Farm Family Honorable Mention Paragould Daily Press Michael Wilkey Celebrating Farm Families of the Year The Helena World Andrew Bagley Three Women Recognized for Roles in Agriculture SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Greg Geary Searcy’s first female barber says goodbye Second Place Nashville News-Leader Louie Graves, John R. Schirmer Husqvarna closing to have major impact Third Place Nashville News-Leader John R. Schirmer Economic development director ready to help

Second Place Jonesboro Sun Nena Zimmer Local vet integrates medicine to best serve clients Third Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Frank Wallis Stave Mill Honorable Mention The Saline Courier, Benton Scarlett Castleberry Bridgestone donates new van to Bryant Boys & Girls Club LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Cristina LaRue Malvern sawmill spill Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Aaron Gettinger Nashville faces economic blow in plant closure Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Doug Thompson Pandemic changed businesses -9-

ONLINE MEDIA First Place Axios Northwest Arkansas Worth Sparkman EV revolution leads to lithium land grab Second Place Axios Northwest Arkansas Worth Sparkman Boris Johnson, Matthew McConaughey come to Bentonville Third Place Mountain Home Observer Chris Fulton ‘Curiouser and curiouser!’ Mountain Home couple brings guests down the ‘Rabbit Hole’

Education Story NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Carroll County News, Berryville Rick Harvey Dignan, Perez take top honors at Berryville

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Brandon Smith HSSD’s handling of sexual abuse cases draws concern

ONLINE MEDIA First Place Axios Northwest Arkansas Alex Golden School choice floated as educational policy change

Second Place Carroll County News, Berryville Rick Harvey Green Forest teachers excited about new schedule

Second Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Ellen Kreth Kimball and Houston plead no contest; each fined $500, plus costs

Second Place Axios Northwest Arkansas Alex Golden What’s in Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ sweeping education bill

Third Place The Helena World Andrew Bagley Sanders Visits Wahl, Discusses Education Policy

Third Place The Saline Courier, Benton Destin Davis Bryant student honored for saving child at bus stop

Third Place Mountain Home Observer Chris Fulton MHPS fails to convince voters in millage election, sees landslide loss

Honorable Mention Paragould Daily Press Steve Gillespie Shopping spree wish granted at PHS

Honorable Mention The Saline Courier, Benton Randal Seyler Bryant School Board hears solar presentation from Little Rock firm

SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Greg Geary Making Wi-Fi connection Second Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Greg Geary Speaking out against club Third Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis For the love of Lincoln Honorable Mention The Daily Citizen, Searcy Greg Geary ‘Incredibly efficient system’ for Searcy

LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place The Leader, Jacksonville Rick Kron School reform technicality Second Place Pine Bluff Commercial I.C. Murrell PBSD regains full local control Third Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Cynthia Howell Vouchers to be used outside of Arkansas Honorable Mention The Leader, Jacksonville Jeffery Smith UALR, JNPSD and jump

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Health and Medical Story NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place The Helena World Sandra Bagley UAMS Jr. STEM Academy Kickoff

Third Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs James Leigh RSV, other respiratory viruses on rise in Garland County

Second Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Linda Smith Ask a nurse

LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Tracy Neal Trial’s impact can last long time for jurors

Third Place Monroe County Argus, Brinkley Andrew Bagley Proffit, PharmD Licensed to Sell Medicare Insurance

Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Josh Snyder Hospice volunteer rule to return in ‘24

SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Communities rally around locally athlete recently diagnosed with leukemia

Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Garrett Moore Leaders say region needs more beds

Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Communities show support for Cave Student diagnosed with leukemia Third Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Greg Geary ‘Brotherhood’ extends to kidney transplant MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Ellen Kreth District eases shot requirements; frustrated nurses question legality

ONLINE MEDIA First Place Mountain Home Observer Chris Fulton Baxter Health unveils Safe Haven Baby Box at hospital campus Second Place Axios Northwest Arkansas Alex Golden Arkansas grapples with fentanyl crisis Third Place Mountain Home Observer Chris Fulton Baxter Health Foundation creates Barney Larry Endowment

Second Place Log Cabin Democrat, Conway Kolton Rutherford United Healthcare no longer in-network with Conway Regional

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Freelance Recognition NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Monroe County Argus, Brinkley Terri Hall Papa J’s Produces in Holly Grove Second Place The Helena World Candace Williams Elaine Legacy Center Commemorates Massacre of 1919 Third Place The Helena World Terri Hall Playgrounds Provide Necessary Benefits SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Angela Roberts Area woman recalls life as opera star Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Andrea Bruner Cave City resident overcomes addiction Third Place Nashville News-Leader Patsy Young Early Files

Second Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Judy Bishop Freddie Luther feature Third Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Chardonnay Brown Moore keeps moving with H’ville soccer, cross country and band LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Sheila Yount Darius Lamar Nelson Second Place Pine Bluff Commercial Richard Ledbetter Verdict guilty in water-tower shooting Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Leland Barclay The new game Honorable Mention Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Edward McKinnon SAG-AFTRA strike

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS & ONLINE MEDIA First Place Arkansas Advocate Jordan Hickey The promise of ‘green’ lithium extraction

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Sports Column NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Carroll County News, Berryville Scott Loftis Remembering Ryan Mallett

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Bob Wisener No Super Bowl in Dallas again

Second Place The Helena World Andrew Bagley Turnaround of Barton Women’s Basketball Lifts Spirits

Second Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Bob Wisener Expect another withdrawal from UA piggy bank

Third Place Monroe County Argus, Brinkley Andrew Bagley A Season to Be Celebrated

Third Place Log Cabin Democrat, Conway Mark Buffalo Staffer shares love of sports photography

SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Steve Watts Covering its bases

LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Wally Hall There’s no questioning Robinson’s greatness

Second Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Jason King Observations and fun facts from victory

Second Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Rick Fires Seismic shift coming for high schools

Third Place Pocahontas Star Herald John Allen French Lebron will never compare to the GOAT

Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Rick Fires Helping hand can make the difference

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Editorial NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Monroe County Argus, Brinkley Andrew Bagley A&P Should Work On Greenly

Third Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Lori Freeze Your Right to Know

Second Place Monroe County Argus, Brinkley Andrew Bagley Vote For Better Schools to Have a Better Brinkley

LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place The Leader, Jacksonville Jonathan Feldman Buck Stops

Third Place Carroll County News, Berryville Scott Loftis Local farmers deserve better

Second Place Pine Bluff Commercial Byron Tate Isadore’s needless death remembered

SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Steve Watts Chief needs lesson from Andy

Third Place The Leader, Jacksonville Jonathan Feldman Israel at War

Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Let us not allow county government to self police Third Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Steve Watts Remembered simply as soldiers MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Mark Gregory Casting political shade

Honorable Mention Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Greg Harton The road ahead

The Freeman-Greenberg Prize for Editorial Writing presented to Jonathan Feldman, The Leader, Jacksonville, for distinguished editorial writing in honor of Edmond W. Freeman III and Paul Greenberg.

Judges Comments: Writer conveys point of article early on and remains consistent throughout the piece. Writing was engaging from the start and has clear wording. Excellent in all aspects

Second Place Madison County Record, Huntsville The Madison County Record, Huntsville Editorial Board Newspapers report more than good news

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News and Political Column NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Paragould Daily Press Steve Gillespie Separation of church and state isn’t ‘junk’ Second Place Clay County Courier, Corning Pam Lowe Informed Citizenry Third Place Paragould Daily Press Steve Gillespie Trump wouldn’t be Trump without trouble SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Pocahontas Star Herald John Allen French Lisa Marie has left the building Second Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Steve Watts Bathroom bill stinky for some Third Place Pocahontas Star Herald John Allen French Try THAT in a small town

Second Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Rod Harrington Let’s hope bill helps everyone Third Place Advance Monticellonian Jeff McDonald Is this what we’ve become?

LARGER NEWSPAPERS AND ONLINE MEDIA First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Rex Nelson Arkansas comes last Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Philip Martin The content of her character Third Place Arkansas Advocate Sonny Albarado FOIA commentary Honorable Mention Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Greg Harton Makeshift campsite The Leader, Jacksonville Rick Kron Book Banning

Honorable Mention The Daily Citizen, Searcy Steve Watts Hell froze over; will it again?

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Shelley Smith Vouchers Equal Disservice

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General Interest Column NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Paragould Daily Press Steve Gillespie Celebrating Sheryl Crow Second Place Paragould Daily Press Steve Gillespie It doesn’t feel like 21,915 days Third Place South Arkansas Sun Jeri Shire Old Enough to Know Better Honorable Mention Carroll County News, Berryville Scott Loftis Forgiveness SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Pocahontas Star Herald John Allen French RIP (under a street) Second Place Nashville News-Leader Louie Graves It is much easier to litter than to de-litter roadsides Third Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Get yourself an ink sister

Second Place Jonesboro Sun Gretchen Hunt We will never forget Third Place Advance Monticellonian Jeff McDonald Christmas Spirit Honorable Mention Axios Northwest Arkansas Worth Sparkman Arkansas Spudnuts are lost but never forgotten LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Gary Smith Storybook ending Second Place The Leader, Jacksonville Rick Kron USS Arizona Third Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Philip Martin The night stalker Honorable Mention Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville April Wallace Stepmom’s role just to be here

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS AND ONLINE MEDIA First Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Shelley Smith Lessons of the Daffodils

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Humorous Column NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place South Arkansas Sun Jeri Shire Lousy List Second Place South Arkansas Sun Jeri Shire Time Flies Third Place Carroll County News, Berryville Scott Loftis A relaxing day at the ballpark SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Pocahontas Star Herald John Allen French Ginger lovin Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Don’t be his brakes

Second Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Dan Marsh Winning at Wordle Third Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Frank Wallis Narcissism LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place The Leader, Jacksonville Rick Kron Fall colors abound Second Place The Leader, Jacksonville Rick Kron Punny Thanksgiving Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Lisa Kelley-Gibbs Pack rat wins with letter

Third Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis And he had white walls MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place Advance Monticellonian Ashley Hogg To the Principal’s office we go

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Single News Photo NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Monroe County Argus, Brinkley Glenda Arnett Aftermath To Fatality Second Place South Arkansas Sun Larry Killian Multiple Agencies Third Place Carroll County News, Berryville Scott Loftis Driver Uninjured Honorable Mention Monroe County Argus, Brinkley Cameron McMath Marvell-Elaine Survives Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Karen Sherrell Total loss

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS & ONLINE MEDIA First Place Mountain Home Observer Chris Fulton History is fun Second Place Mountain Home Observer Alison Fulton Veterans Embrace Third Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Lance Brownfield One killed, one injured in fire on Alcorn Honorable Mention Stone County Leader, Mountain View Lori Freeze Rainy Outhouse Race

SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Nashville News-Leader John R. Schirmer Changing license plates Second Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Greg Geary Sendoff in Searcy Third Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis The heart of a servant

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LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Thomas Metthe Lynette Brown kisses the headstone Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Colin Murphey Cleaning up the Damage Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Remembering a Fort Smith fire chief Honorable Mention Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Staci Vandagriff Responders check through storm damage

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NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Carroll County News, Berryville David Bell Cannonball

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Lori Freeze County Fair Livestock Show

Honorable Mention Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Andy Shupe A sticky situation

Second Place Carroll County News, Berryville David Bell Spring Break Fun

Second Place Jonesboro Sun Nena Zimmer Catching some air

Third Place Carroll County News, Berryville David Bell Carving in the Ozarks

Third Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Lori Freeze Christmas Tree Girl

ONLINE MEDIA First Place Eureka Springs Independent Jeremiah Alvarado Forever Young

Honorable Mention Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Joe Beavers Crown Lake visitors

Butler. First runner-up was Raegan Queen this year. Below, a youngster Honorable Mention Jessilyn Turner, right, 14-year-old enjoys a kiddie ride, and Paiden daughter of Jessica and Zach- White gets serious about showing The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Third Place ary Brewer.

Second runner-up was cattle. - Photos by Lori Freeze Waylon Briley Hill, 13-year-old Lance Porter Axios Northwest Arkansas Model T roadster stirs fond memories of Worth Sparkman racing Woody

SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Greg Geary A Super Experience Second Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Greg Geary A circus environment Third Place Pocahontas Star Herald John Allen French, Mistina Hibbard They gave their all Honorable Mention Nashville News-Leader John Balch Special readers at Mineral Springs

LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Staci Vandagriff Zoo’s lantern festival lights up Second Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Charlie Kaijo Linemen rodeo Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville J.T. Wampler Basketball brothers

Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Anthony Dail Spring River winter from above

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Second Place Mountain Home Observer Junior Miss StoneFulton County Fair for daughter of Kimberly Hill and the Chris 2023 is Raylen Butler, above center, late Shannon Hill. The pageant was 14-year-old daughter of Jeremy and held Sept. 16. There were no conHot girls read books Jessica Crum, and Grady and Sarah testants for Miss Stone County Fair

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Single Sports Action Photo NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Carroll County News, Berryville Charles Chappell Battle at the net

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place Jonesboro Sun Kevin Turbeville A-State wins with 11-run inning

Second Place Monroe County Argus, Brinkley Cameron McMath Neighborhood Brawl

Second Place Log Cabin Democrat, Conway Mark Buffalo Miracle finish

Third Place Carroll County News, Berryville Charles Chappell Lydia Russell

Third Place Malvern Daily Record Gerren Smith Indians vs. Warriors face off in seasonopener baseball photo

Honorable Mention Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Bobby Stapleton You can’t do that SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Nashville News-Leader John R. Schirmer Jessie Lyle keeps the ball out of the grasp Second Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Donnell Russell Molly Corbett in action Third Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Jason King Searcy hands Blue Devils

LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Hank Layton Diggs delivers

Honorable Mention Jonesboro Sun Kevin Turbeville Valley View Volleyball defeats Jonesboro

Tuesday April 11, 2023

Sports Editor Kevin Turbeville (870) 935-5525 THE JONESBOrO SUN

Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Stephen Swofford A soggy tumble Third Place The Leader, Jacksonville David Scolli Big Reach receiving Honorable Mention The Leader, Jacksonville David Scolli Three players on ball

SportS

B1

Jones finds ‘teaching points’ in scrimmage

By KEVIN TURBEVILLE Sun Sports Editor

JONESBORO — Head coach Butch Jones saw more explosive offensive plays Saturday during Arkansas State’s second scrimmage of spring football, yet also noted a number of dropped passes.

Jones was encouraged to see the defense perform well in short-yardage situations, but felt the Red Wolves weren’t in good body position to tackle at times.

“I’m excited to see the tape because I think there are some good things, some good takeaways,” Jones said, “but also some things we need to drastically improve upon in moving forward in this last week.”

Spring drills are winding down this week for the Red Wolves. ASU has practices set for today, Wednesday and Friday in advance of Saturday afternoon’s spring game, which is scheduled for 2:15 at Centennial Bank Stadium as part of “Pack Day.” Jones said the Red Wolves had plenty of teaching points from last weekend’s scrimmage, especially from clock management situations at the end of practice. ASU has

Kevin Turbeville / The Sun

Arkansas State catcher Dylan DeButy dives to catch a foul pop-up on a bunt during the eighth inning of Saturday’s game at Tomlinson Stadium. ASU, which hosts Murray State this evening, scored 11 runs in the bottom of the eighth to defeat Troy 17-7.

A-State wins with 11-run inning

KEVIN TURBEVILLE - BySun20 -Editor Sports

JONESBORO — The Sun Belt Conference run rule was all that stopped Arkansas State in Saturday’s eighth inning at Tomlinson

The contest halted at that point since the final game of a Sun Belt series ends when a team leads by 10 or more runs after seven innings.

ASU (10-18, 2-8 Sun Belt) has lost four conference games by

maybe up to par to what we think we can do. We’ve had some guys out and that’s hurt us, whether that’s guys on the mound or a couple of guys at the plate. It’s a team deal and other people have to come in and help, and (Satur-

Cason Tollett followed with a single through the right side, putting runners on first and third, and Brayden Caskey entered as a pinch runner for Tollett. Hager was hit by a pitch to load the bases.

Single Sports Feature Photo NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Bobby Stapleton Homecoming

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place Jonesboro Sun Kevin Turbeville Celebrate first title since 1962

Second Place Monroe County Argus, Brinkley Cameron McMath Sign Up Here

Second Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Lori Freeze Turtle Race

Third Place Carroll County News, Berryville Scott Loftis I got one

Third Place Jonesboro Sun Inside Kevin Turbeville Victory!

SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Nashville News-Leader Dede Robinson Cheering on their team

ON THE WEB: www.nwaonline.com Honorable Mention Stone County Leader, Mountain View Coach’s hire took Rusty Fraser Bobbitt’s approval Championship Celebration

Second Place Nashville News-Leader John R. Schirmer State doubles champions Third Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Lindsey Helm Rebels finish 23 Season

Second Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Colin Murphey On their way Third Place The Leader, Jacksonville Kimberly Harper Football and flags

1CzSports

Honorable Mention Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Hank Layton Ropes and the reins

Sports

Arkansas women’s Coach Mike Neighbors expects fast-paced game vs. No. 15 Florida State.

PAGE 2C

MATT JONES

Bobbitt

Petrino

See HIRING, Page 6C

At a glance

SCHUYLER DIXON AP PRO FOOTBALL WRITER

LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Hank Layton Wild Walton night ball Coach Sam Pittman and Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek, UA Chancellor Charles Robinson requested the exception to be made in an email to Bobbitt on Monday. The email and Bobbitt’s response were discovered through a Freedom of Information Act request.

∂ ∂

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 Pine Bluff Commercial I.C. MurrellCowboys expect Freddie Scott true home threat

HAWGS SPORTS NETWORK

FAYETTEVILLE — Bobby Petrino’s hiring as the University of Arkansas’ football offensive coordinator came one day after UA System President Donald Bobbitt authorized him to be rehired as a university employee.

Petrino, the Razorbacks’ former head football coach, was fired by the UA in April 2012 for misconduct.

UA Board Policy 405.6 prohibits campuses from rehiring employees who have been terminated for cause, but states an exception can be made with the approval of the president.

Writing on behalf of foot-

C

Copyright © 2023, Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, LLC

Quarterback Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys look to win their 14th consecutive game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as they host the Seattle Seahawks today. The Seahawks are the first team with a winning record the Cowboys have faced since playing the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 5.

(AP/Erik Verduzco)

ARLINGTON, Texas — Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys have one more game before a highly anticipated NFC East rematch.

This time, it’s an opponent with a winning record as the Seattle Seahawks visit tonight before the Cowboys (8-3) get a little break in anticipation of the Philadelphia Eagles coming to town Dec. 10.

Dallas, which has a 13game home winning streak, has beaten three consecutive double-digit underdogs by an average of 30 points. The Seahawks (6-5) are close, with Dallas favored by nine,

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT DALLAS COWBOYS WHEN 7:15 p.m. Central today WHERE AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas RECORDS Seattle 6-5; Dallas 8-3 STREAMING Amazon Prime — NFL standings, Page 4C

according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

But the Cowboys say they won’t be peeking around the corner at the Eagles, who won 28-23 in Philadelphia to start November in a game Dallas easily could have won.

“Seattle is giving us plenty to worry about, plenty to focus on,” Coach Mike McCarthy said. “There’s a lot of See COWBOYS, Page 4C

DIGEST

A C C / SEC C H A L L EN G E ARKANSAS 80, NO. 7 DUKE 75

8-man title

UP NEXT Furman, 7 p.m. Monday, Walton Arena, Fayetteville STREAMING SEC Network-Plus

While they were freshman in 2020, players like T.J. Tipton and Levin McGuire witnessed the start of a new era from the stands as Spring Hill fell to Mountain Pine in the state championship game on their home field. Three years later, the group has Spring Hill (9-3) back in the 8-man state championship game tonight, looking for the program’s first state championship at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock as they face Rector.

3C

Wild Walton night

Little honored University of Arkansas kicker Cam Little was named as the Razorbacks’ representative on the SEC Community Service Team, the conference announced Wednesday. 6C

Wednesday’s results BASKETBALL STATE DIVISION I MEN Arkansas 80, No. 7 Duke 75 Loyola Marymount 90, Cent. Ark. 63 STATE DIVISION I WOMEN Cent. Arkansas 77, Lindenwood 64 TOP 25 MEN No. 17 N. Carolina 100, No. 10 Tenn. 92 Virginia 59, No. 14 Texas A&M 47 Saint Joseph’s 78, No. 18 Villanova 65 No. 20 Colorado State 88, Colorado 83 No. 22 James Madison 81, Buffalo 66 TOP 25 WOMEN No. 5 NC State 70, Vanderbilt 62 No. 10 Texas 112, Oral Roberts 74 No. 18 Notre Dame 74, No. 20 Tenn. 69 No. 22 Louisville 64, No. 19 Miss. 58 Miami 74, No. 21 Mississippi State 68 No. 23 Marquette 88, Memphis 59 No. 25 Princeton 75, Seton Hall 71, 2OT NBA LA Lakers 133, Detroit 107 Orlando 139, Washington 120 Toronto 112, Phoenix 105 Memphis 105, Utah 91 New Orleans 124, Philadelphia 114 Denver 134, Houston 124 LA Clippers 131, Sacramento 117

HOCKEY NHL Montreal 4, Columbus 2 NY Rangers 3, Detroit 2 Washington 2, Los Angeles 1

MORE CONTENT

Razorbacks photos, videos, analysis and commentary wholehogsports.com

INDEX 2C The Second Page 3C High school football 4C Arkansas Outdoors/NFL 5C College basketball 6C College football

Arkansas forward Makhi Mitchell (top) and guard Keyon Menifield Jr. celebrate after the Razorbacks’ 80-75 victory over No. 7 Duke on Wednesday night in the ACC/ SEC Challenge in front of an announced Arkansas record crowd of 20,334 at Walton Arena in Fayetteville.

(NWA Democrat-Gazette/Hank Layton)

Arkansas holds off Duke before raucous crowd BOB HOLT ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

- 21 -

FAYETTEVILLE — Eric Musselman won’t ever forget his 100th victory as the University of Arkansas men’s basketball coach.

The Razorbacks got Musselman his milestone moment by beating No. 7 Duke 80-75 at

Walton Arena on Wednesday night in the inaugural ACC/ SEC Challenge before an announced Arkansas record crowd of 20,344.

Arkansas students stormed the court after the game ended.

“Incredible home crowd tonight,” said Musselman,

who has a 100-45 record at Arkansas in his fifth season.

“I mean, just an insane environment.

“Real cool to experience that, even as kind of an old guy.”

Senior guard Khalif Battle led the Razorbacks (5-3) with 21 points, 5 assists and 5 re-

bounds off the bench. “[Battle is] a big-time player,” said Arkansas senior guard El Ellis, who had 9 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds without a turnover.

“He really can score the ball at will.

“He’s a better passer than

See UA MEN, Page 5C

Game sketch RECORDS Arkansas 5-3, Duke 5-2 STARS Arkansas senior guard Khalif Battle (21 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) and sophomore forward Trevon Brazile (19 points, 11 rebounds). Duke sophomore center Kyle Filipowski (26 points, 10 rebounds).

KEY STAT The Razorbacks shot 49.1% from the field (26 of 53).

Picture Page/Photo Essay NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Monroe County Argus, Brinkley Cameron McMath, Rick Kennedy Brinkley High School In Decay Second Place The Helena World Staff Desoto At the MAIS Championship Game

Third Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Arkansas Children’s Week Honorable Mention Nashville News-Leader John R. Schirmer Battle in Hot Spring County

Third Place Monroe County Argus, Brinkley Glenda Arnett, Rick Kennedy Brinkley Sports Hall of Fame

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Dan Marsh Salsa in the Park

Honorable Mention Carroll County News, Berryville David Bell, Scott Loftis Spring Break Fun

Second Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Lori Freeze Mountain View baseball

South Arkansas Sun Larry Killian Calhoun County Farm Family

Third Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Lori Freeze Rainy Bean Fest

SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Nashville News-Leader Dede Robinson Patriotism at the city park Second Place Pocahontas Star Herald John Allen French 20 under Fifty Awards

Second Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Charlie Kaijo Fireworks and fun Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Hank Layton Northwest Arkansas Pride Honorable Mention Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Hank Layton Bustin out

The LEADER • Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023 • 11

THUNDER OVER THE ROCK

LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place The Leader, Jacksonville David Scolli, Adam Kirby Thunder Over Rock

The Air Force Thunderbirds F-16 aerial demonstration team perform at the Thunder Over the Rock air show at Little Rock Air Force Base. Good weather attracted thousands of visitors to the base’s first air show in six years.

Leader photographer David Scolli flew with the Army Golden Knights for their jump into Panther Stadium in Cabot, and Leader staff writer Jeffrey Smith was on the ground for their arrival — see page 14.

Army Golden Knights parachute into Panther Stadium From left, Army Golden Knight Sgt. First Class Jesse Robbins gives his team a big smile moments before they jump into Cabot High School’s Panther Stadium on Thursday for a promotional event ahead of last weekend’s Thunder Over the Rock air show at Little Rock Air Force Base. Army Golden Knights SFC Zach Krietenstein, Sgt. Skyler Romberg and Sgt. Robbins line up at the door to check the landing zone before they jump. Army Golden Knight Sgt. First Class Rafael Torres is airborne after jumping from a twin-engine plane. Right, Army Golden Knight Sgt. First Class Chad Riddlebaugh jumps — approximately 12,000 feet to Cabot High’s stadium.

From left, 8-year-old Holden Cain holds his father’s hand. Jacob Cain, and mother Lori Cain walk through the cargo bay of a KC-46 Pegasus on Saturday at the Little Rock Air Force Base air show.

- 22 -

MICHAEL R. WICKLINE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

A ballot committee called Restore Election Integrity Arkansas is proposing an Arkansas constitutional amendment aimed at requiring all elections in Arkansas to be conducted with paper ballots and removing language in the Arkansas Constitution that permits elections to be conducted by voting machines.

Conrad Reynolds of Conway is the Restore Election Integrity Arkansas chief operating officer, according to the committee’s statement of organization filed with the Arkansas Ethics Commission.

John Bailey of Little Rock is the committee’s chairman, Jan Bailey of Little Rock is the committee’s chairwoman and Will Huff of Conway is its treasurer.

Reynolds, a retired U.S. Army colonel who unsuccessfully challenged Republican U.S. Rep. French Hill in 2022, said Thursday that the proposed constitutional amendment is a proposal from his Arkansas Voter Integrity Initiative, a 501(c) (4) nonprofit group.

“The 2020 election has no bearing on what we are doing here,” Reynolds said, referring to the 2020 presidential

2024 Arkansas Press Association Photo of the Year Jules Barrett, 9, and his dad, Jeremiah, hike the Pinnacle Mountain West Summit Trail on Thursday. Arkansas State Parks said Thursday that the park’s visitor center will close Saturday to prepare for the opening of a new visitor center Nov. 28. A passport rubbing station will be installed at the current visitor center for people looking to fill their Club 52 passports in the interim.

(Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Stephen Swofford)

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Staci Vandagriff Zoo’s lantern festival lights up

election.

Clint Lancaste ney for the Resto Integrity Arkans tee, said that “we to make election cure” in Arkans the proposed con amendment.

Two months laski County Cir Tim Fox dismisse filed by the Arka Integrity Initiativ ing the legality o ballot-counting m issue was wheth code-based syst voters “to verify and independent

Boar decis of sch

Zoo’s lantern festival lights up

Cost ba

CYNTHIA H

ARKANSAS DEMOC

A child runs through a cloud of bubbles during the annual GloWild event Thursday at the Little Rock Zoo. The lantern festival will light up the zoo on select nights from Nov. 16 to Jan. 7, 2024. More photos at arkansasonline.com/1117glowild/.

(Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Staci Vandagriff)

Utility seeks exit from settlements Firms facing multibillion-dollar payouts in ‘forever chemical’ water taint JOSEPH FLAHERTY ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

Central Arkansas Water will request to be excluded from two tentative class-action settlements over the presence of so-called “forever chemicals” in water.

During a meeting on Thursday, the water utility’s board of commissioners vot-

ed unanimously to authorize to deleterious health effects. staff to submit the requests The settlements would refor exclusion. sult in the 3M Company payThe litigation concerns a ing up to $12.5 billion to water category of chemicals known providers while DuPont and as per- and polyfluoroalkyl other defendants would pay substances, or PFAS, that close to $1.2 billion, accordcan be found in a number of ing to a Central Arkansas consumer products as well as Water resolution approved food packaging and firefight- on Thursday. ing foam but have been linked - 23 Reuters reported earlier -

this week that 22 governments and agencies recently filed objections to the proposed settlements, arguing they are inadequate.

David Johnson, Central Arkansas Water’s general counsel, told commissioners that Central Arkansas Water is a party to the class-action See UTILITY, Page 3B

A decision on lion price tag for dent traditional in west Little R happen Thursda The Little R Board voted 7absent to table u 14 meeting a v proposed “guara imum price” for planned for Ra adjacent to Pin Middle School.

Board memb ams made the postpone the v board members hours to digest t cost and all that tail.

The guarante $153,638,057 fro & Shell Constr for the Lewis Ar signed campus i from the $85 mi leaders anticip voters in Nove approved the e 12.4 mills in pro finance $300 mi struction projec In addition Little Rock hi those proposed cluded $85 milli has become the Lacey K-8 Acade open in August o the former McC Other promise

Front Page Design NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Marshall Mountain Wave Charity Rolen Second Place The Helena World Rick Kennedy Third Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Carrie Johnson, Karen Sherrell SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Times-Herald Tamara Johnson

Third Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn, Opal Dennis, Rod Harrington LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place The Leader, Jacksonville Staff Second Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Staff Third Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Terry Austin, Heather Kersten

Second Place Pocahontas Star Herald John Allen French Third Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Staff MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Ann Presley, Jason Wilson

SPORTS

INNOVATION

POLICE

William Rownd wins Congressional prize

Another fatality on railroad tracks

Cabot athletes to play in college

Cabot sophomore’s app wows Rep. Rick Crawford.

Beebe woman was walking near the Cypress St. crossing.

15 students in 11 sports commit to 11 universities.

Page 2

Page 3

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2023

The Leader

ONE OF ARKANSAS’ MOST HONORED NEWSPAPERS

Now more than ever

COVERING NORTH PULASKI, LONOKE AND WHITE COUNTIES

Page 6

1.00

$

Independent and locally owned since 1987

WWW.ARKANSASLEADER.COM

13-TIME APA GENERAL EXCELLENCE WINNER

CHANGE OF COMMAND

Col. Ochoa to lead Air Force One team n Col. Denny Davies, vice commander at Ramstein, will lead 19th Airlift Wing.

Little Rock Air Force Base’s 19th Airlift Wing will hold a change of command ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Col. Angela F. Ochoa, who is the first woman to lead LRAFB, will pass the guidon to Col. Denny R. Davies, who now serves as the vice commander of the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Col. Ochoa will assume command of the 89th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Andrews, Md..

Col. Davies will be in charge of support for combat, contingency, and humanitarian requirements around the world, while providing for the health and welfare of more than 10,000 personnel and families at LRAFB. The 19th Airlift Wing change of command will take place in hangar 233 at Little Rock Air Force Base.

As commander of the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Air

Second Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Lori Freeze

Col. Angela F. Ochoa will pass the guidon to Col. Denny R. Davies, vice commander of the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Thursday. She will lead the 89th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Andrews.

Base, she will receive, and brief, the President when he lands on Air Force One and be responsible for worldwide air missions, logistics, aerial port and communications support for the President, Vice President, cabinet members, combatant commanders, and other senior military and elected leaders as tasked by the White House, Air Force chief of staff and Air Mobility Command.

DAVID SCOLLI/Leader photo

Jeremy Parrish, 15, flies out of the chute at Splash Zone in Jacksonville on Saturday, the first day it opened for the summer. Splash Zone is at 201 E. Martin St.. It is open daily through Aug. 20. Day passes are $5, plus $1 to use the slide. Season passes are available for $50 per person, including use of the slide, or a 20-punch pass for $80 (slide not included).

EPA returns to Sherwood hires firm Vertac for tests to manage n Federal inspectors return to toxic-waste site that made Agent Orange.

By RICK KRON

Leader staff writer

PAPITO’S RESTAURANT

City will seize right of way According to the ordinance, n Jacksonville City Council extensive efforts on votes to take sliver to install despite behalf of the Jacksonville sewer line on John Harden. Waste Water to purchase the

By RICK KRON

Leader staff writer

The Jacksonville council recently approved using the city’s power of eminent domain to take over a piece of land near Papitos Mexican Restaurant, at 1700 John Harden Drive, to allow the city to use it for a new wastewater line.

property for an easement and public-right-of-way, the city and the owners could not come to an agreement.

Under the law of eminent domain, the owners will be paid a fair market price and the property will be seized.

As part of the Hwy. 67/167 widening, utilities had to be moved, and where the waste-

INDEX

- 24 -

water department was going to move the water lines to was already clogged with other utilities, forcing Waste Water to locate to another area.

The ordinance was unanimously approved.

Mayor Jeff Elmore also updated the council on tornado cleanup efforts, saying, “Things are really rolling.”

Public Works Director Adam Whitlow said with Please see SEIZE, Page 6

OBITUARIES, 4

Events.................................................. 2

Military ................................................ 7

Police .................................................. 3

Comics ..............................................10

Ronald West, 55

Sports.................................................. 6

Classifieds ....................................11-12

Gerald Kemp, 62

Please see OCHOA, Page 8

TORNADO

JACKSONVILLE

Splash Zone is open and summertime underway

The change of command will be streamed live over the Little Rock Air Force Base Facebook site.

As 86th Airlift Wing vice commander in Germany, Col. Denny R. Davies supports the headquarters for U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, Third Air Force, two tenant wings and more than 120

Every five years the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency runs tests on the old Vertac Superfund site to make sure it remains safe and presents no harmful issues to humans or wildlife.

The last five-year test was in 2014 and the results showed some concerns, but nothing considered harmful. Because of COVID and other issues, the government just now finished testing, that should have been done in 2019.

An EPA team wrapped up the “2019” testing last week, taking soil samples from new test sites in the Vertac area.

Jacksonville Mayor Jeff Elmore said it will take four to

ContaCt Us If you have questions about receiving your paper, or would like to subscribe to The Leader, call 501-982-9421 or 501-941-5132.

recovery

six months to get the results, and if any site shows high numbers, the EPA will retest the area and it will take another four to six months to get results.

Even though the 2014 report said the testing focus should be on off-site areas near residential homes and target areas of potential human target, the EPA only took on-site samples.

The soil sampling is required for lots that may have been polluted by waste from the plant, but did not meet a prior contamination threshold the EPA used during a multimillion-dollar cleanup of the area completed in 1998, the agency said.

"It is currently unknown whether unacceptable exposure off-site exists. Sampling should focus on areas near

The Sherwood City Council, at its last meeting, voted to be better prepared for the next tornado that hits the city by putting a debris monitoring firm on retainer.

The council voted to retain TetraTech as the company that will monitor and record the amount of debris being picked up and coordinate all the proper paperwork with FEMA so the city can be reimbursed.

City Planner Josh Alexander said the debris company, CrowderGulf, has

Please see VERTAC Page 5

Please see SHERWOOD, Page 6

n Specialists will verify storm-cleanup work and debris removal for FEMA.

By RICK KRON

Leader staff writer

Graphic Design Portfolio NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place Monroe County Argus, Brinkley Rick Kennedy Second Place The Helena World Rick Kennedy Third Place Carroll County News, Berryville Scott Loftis SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Second Place Pocahontas Star Herald John Allen French

Second Place The Daily Record, Little Rock Laurie Beck Third Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View Lori Freeze LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place The Leader, Jacksonville Jonathan Feldman Second Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Chris Swindle Third Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Stan Denman

Third Place Nashville News-Leader John R. Schirmer

NAEC LINEMAN AID THOSE WHO HELPED LOCALLY SEE PAGE 4

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE! EARLY VOTING BEGAN FEB. 7 in HIGHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL ELECTION FOR AN ADDITIONAL 8.9 MILLS FOR A NEW HIGH SCHOOL

Wednesday Feb. 8, 2023 through Feb. 14, 2023 “Sharp County’s only locally owned newspaper” www.src-news.com

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Shannon Hahn

CRIME NEWS

Son charged with theft of over $25,000 in merchandise from late father’s salvage yard From court and police records and witness accounts A repeat offender from Salem found himself behind bars just days after his late father’s salvage business sold to an Ash Flat couple.

Dusty Reynolds, 34, was arrested on Jan. 27 after taking over $25,000 worth of items

COMMUNITY NEWS

24,342 already do!

COMMUNITY NEWS

SHARP COUNTY’S NEW DREAM TEAM...

DUSTY REYNOLDS

Continued on Page 8

Cave City Fire Department battles blaze at mobile home PHOTOS AND GRAPHIC LAYOUT/TAMMY CURTIS, GREG STEWART PHOTO SUBMITTED Newly elected Sharp County Sheriff Shane Russell, top, and his freshly assembled team of investigators have more than 65 years of combined experience in various types of investigations and police training. From left: Chief Deputy Kevin “Bart” Simpson; Captain and Lead Detective, Josh Williams and Detective Greg Stewart.

Sheriff’s Department outlines plans for revamping agency By: Tammy CurTis Managing Editor editor@myspringriver.com

PHOTO/TAMMY CURTIS Cave City Fire Department responded to a mobile home fire Feb. 5 at 56 E. Red Barn Road in Cave City. The home was a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

BUSINESS NEWS

Sharp County Sheriff Shane Russell wasted no time in making positive changes for the future of the Sharp County Sheriff’s Department. Former Sheriff Mark Counts hired Russell, as chief deputy following the resignation of Aaron Presser.

Russell went to work for the sheriff’s department on Oct. 1. The extra two months have given Russell an opportunity to take part in planning the budget for his impending office, which he took

on Jan. 1.

Russell began planning immediately for the future success of his department, including selecting experienced administrators. He sought the advice on budgets from the former sheriff and others. By shuffling money that was already in the department’s budget, the new sheriff was able to fund much needed items for the department with no additional cost to the already strapped taxpayers of the county during these tough economic times.

New patrol vehicles With the support of the Sharp County QuoContinued on Page 8

GARLAND FARMS ... recipes for success

By: Tammy CurTis Managing Editor

editor@myspringriver.com

While Covid slammed the doors of many businesses, others were born and flourished. Necessity is definitely the mother of invention, and nothing is more true than of the birth of Garland Farms.

Cave City hairdresser Bridget Garland’s business was shut down for months during Covid, however the bills did not cease. Bridget Garland, had always loved making homemade gifts like sugar scrubs, but really loved wax melts. After working alongside her husband Brian building fence, she began the dream that would give birth to Garland Farms.

The couple and their son Skyler live in rural Cave City, where they were both raised. They own a cattle farm with a few goats and Bryan earns his living doing farm work and fencing.

Goat’s milk soaps and lotions had always been something Bridget liked

and since they owned goats she thought she would like to begin making them on her own. She had no idea where to begin the process, but since it would be some time before the goats milk came in she had another plan she hoped would somewhat supplement the family income until she could reopen her shop.

“One day I called Brian and asked what he thought about me making some wax melts, he said, ‘okay I don’t even know what that is,’” she laughed. After ordering a kit from Amazon, the foundation for what would quickly become Garland Farms was born as she attempted to make wax melts.

After researching different types of melts that were popular home fragrance options, she learned soy melts and candles were most popular. “Soy is petroleum free and much healthier to breathe,” she explained of the reason she opted for soy based prodPHOTO/SUBMITTED ucts. “The way Garland Farms started is I made soy wax melts and passed Bridget Garland began her home based business, Garland Farms, selling wax melts and various home and bath goat’s milk products during Covid. She is pictured with her

Continued on Page 7 husband, Brian, and son, Skyler with two of the family’s goats.

One, two punch by Old Man Winter disables area

- 25 -

PHOTO/ANTHONY DAIL The Spring River with a Burlington Northern Train passing through Ravenden. As much as six inches of sleet fell on the area Jan. 31 leaving roads impassable until late on Feb. 1. Wrecker companies were busy pulling stranded vehicles from ditches the second time in as many weeks. Luckily, the area completely missed the predicted third round on Feb. 2.

Headline Writing NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 First Place The Helena World Rick Kennedy Saved By the Bill

Third Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis A long road to a short bridge Honorable Mention The Daily Citizen, Searcy Steve Watts Holy trick-or-treat truces, L’il Batman!

Second Place The Helena World Rick Kennedy A Doggone Shame

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS First Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs David Showers Greenbriar residents sweat out AC controversy

Third Place The Helena World Rick Kennedy All Tapped Out Honorable Mention The Helena World Rick Kennedy Cold As Ice

LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Jan Gaughan Bye bye birdie Twitter Second Place The Leader, Jacksonville Jonathan Feldman Bamboozle Third Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Chris Swindle Picture this: a speeding ticket

Second Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Staff NPC baseball coach ready to go Bananas in Savannah

SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis Pieces of Time

Third Place Madison County Record, Huntsville Ellen Kreth and Shannon Hahn Changes floated for land on Buffalo River

Second Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Steve Watts Roosters on chopping block

Honorable Mention The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Mark Gregory Family hasn’t lost spark for Tesla coils SPORTS: In case you missed it ... A recap of Garland County sports stories, Page 1B

Published daily in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, since 1877 www.hotsr.com | @TheSenRec #sawitinthesentinelrecord

Monday, July 17, 2023

Copyright © 2023, Sentinel-Record, Inc. Two sections, 14 pages No. 198, Vol. 146 | $2.00

Greenbriar residents sweat out AC controversy DAVID SHOWERS The Sentinel-Record

The Hot Springs property maintenance code doesn’t require landlords to furnish cooling during hot weather, a fact revealed by the removal of air conditioning units at Greenbriar Apartments.

Tenants at the rent-controlled complex opposite Bank OZK Arena on Convention Boulevard were told in December that their window units would be removed if they didn’t pay a

$25 monthly surcharge for small units and $130 for larger ones.

In February, tenants complained to Southwest Housing Compliance Corp. about the surcharge for air conditioning. A subsidiary of the housing authority in Austin, Texas, SHCC is contracted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to oversee Section 8 contracts in Arkansas and Texas.

“Doesn’t our code require the ability to keep a certain indoor tempera-

ture range?” Deputy City Manager Lance Spicer asked the planning and development department in a June 8 email the was included in materials the city provided The Sentinel-Record in response to a records request. “If they do not have AC units, there is no way that would be compliant. This is Arkansas. You have to have cooling because it’s hot here.”

The neighborhood services division told him city code requires landlords provide a heat source that can

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maintain a minimum temperature of 65 degrees but doesn’t have a similar requirement for cooling.

“However, our code does require that if the appliance was in the apartment when you moved in, the landlord/owner must maintain it and can not remove it without replacing it,” neighborhood services told Spicer.

“That is what we are pursuing on these units.”

The city had told Greenbriar owner Michael Cotroneo a few days earlier

that removing a working appliance from an occupied unit was a violation of city code.

“If you wish to remove items from a vacant apartment before the next tenant moves in, that is your option, however, if the unit had an appliance, either a stove, refrigerator or an AC unit, in it when the current tenant moved in, the appliance must be maintained, repaired and provided for the duration of their occupancy,” neighborhood services told See GREENBRIAR on Page 2A

Baptist Health opens second urgent care facility in Hot Springs

Digital Presence & Audience Engagement ALL SMALLER NEWSPAPERS First Place The Helena World Rick Kennedy, Ladell Tyler, Andrew Bagley

LARGER NEWSPAPERS First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Sarah Campbell-Miller, Nick Popowitch, Staff

Second Place Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend Karen Sherrell, Carrie Johnson

Second Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Tony Reyes, Ben Collins, Andrew Joseph

Third Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Tammy Curtis

Third Place Pine Bluff Commercial Staff

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS & ONLINE MEDIA First Place Texarkana Gazette Karl Ricther, Mallory Wyatt Second Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs Staff Third Place Mountain Home Observer Alison Fulton, Chris Fulton

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The Meredith Oakley Award The Meredith Oakley Award presented to Tamara Johnson, Times-Herald, Forrest City, for utilizing the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act to gather important information vital to exposing violations of the FOIA. Judges Comments: This story is important for the community.

The bonus that it compelled FOIA training for school board members serves to remind all government officials they serve the public; the public does not serve them.

The Ernie Deane-Brenda Blagg Award The Ernie Deane-Brenda Blagg Award presented to John Allen French, Pocahontas Star Herald for Columnist of the Year Judges Comments: Writer grabs reader’s attention from the start and maintains consistent interest throughout the material. Wellwritten, heartfelt, and relevant to when it was written.

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General Excellence NEWSPAPERS LESS THAN 1200 (Circulation under 1200) First Place Carroll County News, Berryville

MEDIUM NEWSPAPERS (Circulation 2001-6000)

First Place The Madison County Record, Huntsville

Second Place The Helena World

Second Place The Sentinel-Record, Hot Springs

Third Place Monroe County Argus, Brinkley

Third Place Stone County Leader, Mountain View

Honorable Mention Pacesetting Times, Horseshoe Bend

Honorable Mention Jonesboro Sun

SMALLER NEWSPAPERS (Circulation 1201-2000)

LARGER NEWSPAPERS (Circulation over 6000)

First Place Spring River Chronicle, Hardy Second Place The Daily Citizen, Searcy Third Place Nashville News-Leader Honorable Mention Pocahontas Star Herald

ONLINE MEDIA

First Place Mountain Home Observer Second Place Arkansas Advocate Third Place Axios Northwest Arkansas

First Place Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock Second Place Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Third Place The Leader, Jacksonville

Thank you, members of the Kentucky Press Association.

They judged 1385 entries from 36 member newspapers and online media.

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