Arkadelphia Dispatch - December 3rd, 2020

Vol. 2, No. 43

Thursday,Dec.3,2020

Enlightened Cannabis Dispensary brings Medical Marijuana to Clark County

Photo courtesy of Enlightened Cannabis Clinic.

Clark County’s own marijuana clinic is located in Caddo Valley where Local Liquor was previously housed. due to ulcers or problems chronic pain.

Philis Wood with their kidneys or gastric Marijuana is also used Staff Reporter

According to the Harvard Medical School, the most common use for medical marijuana in the US is pain control. Marijuana isn’t strong enough for the severe pain of a broken bone, or post-surgical pain. But it is quite effective for the chronic pain that plagues millions of Americans, especially senior citizens. Marijuana is extremely safe in comparison with opiates: it is impossible to overdose on and far less addictive.

Medical marijuana can also replace nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs such as Advil or Aleve. Many people cannot take NSAIDS

esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Marijuana relieves the pain of multiple sclerosis, and nerve pain in general.

This is an area where few other options exist, and those that do are highly sedating. Patients report that marijuana allows them to resume their work and remain focused.

Marijuana is a highly effective muscle relaxant, and many patients insist that it lessens tremors in Parkinson’s disease. It has also been used successfully to treat fibromyalgia, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and virtually all other conditions that cause

to treat glaucoma, and to manage nausea and weight loss. A highly promising area of research is its use for PTSD in veterans. Many therapists treating veterans report drastic improvement.

Medical marijuana also helps patients suffering from Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and the pain and the wasting syndrome associated with HIV. Arkadelphia Dispatch reporter Philis Wood spoke with Dusty Shroyer about the new Enlightened Dispensary (website: https:// enlighteneddispensary. com/)

QUESTION: When is the grand opening?

ANSWER: The grand opening took place at the Arkadelphia store on October 14. It included a socially distanced ribbon cutting with staff, customers, and local representatives.

Q: Who is the owner of the local enlightened dispensary?

A: Dr. Dewayne Goldmon, Mark McGrew, and Percy Malone own Enlightened Arkadelphia LLC. Q: Who is the manager?

A: Pure Health Products, LLC (PHP) has been retained to manage the Arkansas locations’ daily operations. I am heading the managed services team. I am also the Chief Operating Officer of Revolution Global, a multi-state cannabis business, which also operates in Illinois, Florida, and Maryland and owns PHP via one of its subsidiaries.

Q: Tell me briefly about the kinds of products you offer?

A: Enlightened is rooted in offering the highest quality product. Store offerings include Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strains with a range of CBD and THC potencies.

Product categories include flowers, concentrates, cartridges, edibles, topicals, and supplements.

Q: How does someone go about getting an Arkansas medical marijuana card?

A: To qualify for a medical cannabis card in Arkansas you need to: be 18 years or older or have parental consent, be a resident of Arkansas with a valid state ID, have a qualifying condition, and obtain written certification from a qualified physician.

If you already have a valid out of state medical cannabis card, you are eligible for a 30-day temporary medical cannabis card in Arkansas. It usually takes less than a day to process, and you can apply here for a $50 fee paid to the state: https:// ammsys.adh.arkansas.gov/

Q: What are some of the types of common health issues that may qualify someone to get a marijuana card?

A: Common health issues that may qualify an individual to get a medical marijuana card include: Cancer, Glaucoma, HIV/ AIDS, Hepatitis C, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Tourette’s syndrome, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Severe arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s disease, Cachexia or wasting syndrome, Peripheral neuropathy, Intractable pain, Severe nausea, Seizures and epilepsy, Severe and persistent muscle spasms, or other medical condition or its treatment approved by the Department of Health.

To get certified, book an appointment with your doctor and ask if medical marijuana may be right for you. If they diagnose you with a qualifying condition, they can provide written certification.

Q: Will you have a drive through available?

A: Enlightend’s Arkadelphia location does not currently have a drive through.

However, as a COVID-19 safety measure, we recommend that patients preorder online before visiting the store. All of our locations have sufficient parking and easy access.

Q: Can someone get a caregiver’s license to be able to get products for the elderly or homebound during COVID? A: A designated caregiver is a person who is selected by a qualifying patient as the person authorized, on the qualifying patient’s behalf, to possess, obtain from a certified medical marijuana dispensary, dispense and assist in the administration of medical marijuana.

All designated caregivers must apply for a medical cannabis registry card that allows him/her to possess up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana on behalf of their

patient. It is not legal for caregivers to consume, by any means, medical marijuana that has been dispensed on behalf of a registered qualifying patient.

Q: What is the exact address of the location?

A: Arkadelphia Dispensary LLC (Enlightened – Cannabis for People – Arkadelphia); 192 Valley Street, Caddo Valley, Arkansas Q: Is there any information you want people to know about the company or the local dispensary?

A: Our mission at Enlightened is to create a comforting and inclusive environment for all cannabis users. The brand seeks to make cannabis products more accessible to patients, regardless of their experience with the plant, conveyed in its motto “Come as You Are.” The dispensaries will emphasize the importance of cannabis education, with employees trained to speak about different strains and products to best fit the needs of patients.

Enlightened currently has four Arkansas locations, including: Arkadelphia Dispensary LLC (Enlightened – Cannabis for People - Arkadelphia); 192 Valley Street, Caddo Valley, Arkansas Big Fish of North Central Arkansas LLC (Enlightened – Cannabis for People - Heber Springs); 3003 Highway 25B, Heber Springs, Arkansas Johnson County Dispensary LLC (Enlightened – Cannabis for People Clarksville); and 131 Massengale Road, Clarksville, Arkansas River Valley Dispensary LLC (Enlightened – Cannabis for People - Morrilton).

1601 Hwy 9 N, Morrilton, Arkansas

opment Commission, and the Advisory Committee on Petroleum Storage Tanks.

Ken Reeves, Harrison, will replace Jane Christenson. His term will begin on January 15, 2021, and expire on January 14, 2028.

Governor Hutchinson issued the following statement: “Ken’s legal background and experience working with law enforcement will be an asset to the State Police Commission. He is

a lifelong Arkansan committed to public service. I am confident he will be an outstanding addition to the Commission.”

Ken Reeves issued the following statement: “In my years as a practicing attorney, I have had an excellent relationship with city, county, and state law enforcement. I believe very strongly in the rule of law.

I admire the commission and their service to the State Police and look forward to

joining this fine tradition.”

Ken Reeves spent more than a decade serving as Vice President and General Counsel at FedEx Freight, Inc. He previously served on the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission. He also served as Chairman of the Arkansas Supreme Court Professional Conduct Committee, Boone County Economic Development Corporation, and North Arkansas Medical Center.

Additional Enlightenedbranded stores will open around the country in the coming months.

Governor Asa Hutchinson announces appointments to the police commission LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced his intent to appoint Murray Benton Sr. and Ken Reeves to the Arkansas State Police Commission.

Murray Benton Sr., Jonesboro, will replace Bill Benton. His term will begin on January 1, 2021, and expire on January 14, 2023.

Governor Hutchinson issued the following statement: “I’m delighted to appoint

Murray Benton to the Arkansas State Police Commission. Our state police deserve the highest quality of service, and I have no doubt that Murray’s proven leadership in business and his community will serve him well. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Bill Benton, who has spent 6 years as a dedicated commissioner.”

Murray Benton Sr. issued the following statement: “It is such an honor to

be included in this group of amazing commissioners.

I’m grateful to the Governor for his confidence in me and for the opportunity to serve our Arkansas State Police.

I’ll give 110% in every aspect of this role.”

Benton has been the President of Mid South Sales for over 30 years. He is an active board member of Baptist Memorial Health Care System, NEA Baptist Hospital, Jonesboro Unlimited, NEA Industrial Devel-

Lands Comissioner Tommy Land: Property owners may still be able to pay delinquent taxes Tommy Land Comm. of State Lands

Just like income taxes, property taxes are paid one year behind. Taxes are payable from March 1 to Oct. 15, and are considered delinquent after Oct. 15.

Taxes aren’t immediately certified to us the day after the deadline. Right now, you can still contact your county collector’s office to pay.

There will be a penalty for late payment, and interest has begun accruing.

And most counties will not accept checks for delinquent taxes.

Behind the scenes, county collectors are preparing lists of property owners with delinquent taxes. For many owners, this is the first year they’ve missed. For others, it’s the second year of delinquency, and these

are potential certifications.

Many collectors’ offices will attempt to notify the delinquent property owners – by postcard, letter, or phone call – that their taxes are overdue.

For those who forgot the deadline, that contact is a welcome reminder. The message is simple: “Your taxes have not been paid.

We will publish a list of delinquencies in the local newspaper on (date).”

If it’s the second year of delinquency, there’s more to the message: “Since your taxes are two years delinquent, we will certify your real estate taxes to the state on (date).”

When the property owner receives this notice and pays promptly, that’s the end of it. Everything is in good standing, and the owner’s

name will not appear in the published delinquency list.

But left unpaid, it goes public: at some point, the county will post a legal notice with the names of property owners owing delinquent taxes and a deadline to pay those taxes.

And you still have time to pay.

More happens behind the scenes then: the real estate parcels whose taxes are two years delinquent go onto the certification list.

Before finalizing that list, the collector sends it to the assessor’s office. The assessor verifies legal descriptions and signs off on the list before returning it to the collector.

And THEN it is certified to the Commissioner of State Lands.

At that point, the county

cannot accept payments on the certified property.

“But when exactly is that point?” you ask.

It depends.

We know that’s not what you wanted to hear. Here’s why: counties are required to certify by July 1 next year.

Some counties will certify before the end of this year.

Others will wait until late June 2021, giving their residents the maximum amount of time to pay.

When the COSL receives the certification, we begin processing it. Most counties certify electronically now, which simplifies the process. Back when every county sent a physical paper list, it took a long time to manually enter data into our system. It’s much faster now, but it’s not instant.

That means when you request a petition to redeem, we may tell you it’s not ready yet. Or when you try to pay online, the system may tell you there’s no such parcel. If you have requested a petition to redeem, we will send it to you as soon as we have processed the certification. Or you can check back on the online system periodically.

When we complete a redemption, we send a redemption deed to the circuit clerk’s office. The circuit clerk and assessor update county records, and the property goes back onto the active tax rolls.

Sometimes the owner redeems property and then goes to the courthouse to pay current taxes, before the county has been able

to completely update its records. Different counties have different ways of handling this. One collector has an employee monitor our website for redemption or sale updates. Another calls us if county records still show delinquency when a customer says they’ve redeemed. We welcome either. This allows the county to accept payments even if the redemption hasn’t officially been processed at the county yet. It also means that the owner can pay improvement taxes and other fees that the COSL office doesn’t collect.

If you were unable to pay property taxes this year, check with your county collector’s office.

2 News

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020

Thanksgiving and Arkansas Turkey Week Asa Hutchinson AR Governor

LITTLE ROCK – [Last week was] Thanksgiving week and Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year. I do like the reminder that we as individuals and as a state and nation should pause and give thanks. I grew up in a small country church in which we always sang the old hymn, “Count your blessings, name them one by one.”

Even during this pandemic, there are so many blessings of life that follow us every day. In the United States of America, we are particularly grateful for our freedom to worship, freedom to assemble, and the freedom to disagree politically. We are blessed in Arkansas with an amazing geography that adds beauty to our lives each day. The fall foliage continues to be one of the most beautiful I have seen in recent years. We are blessed to have the beauty of our hill country and the

unique Delta sunrises. I am thankful for my family and friends who are there with me through thick and thin.

But Thanksgiving week means [it was] also Arkansas Turkey Week, which gives me another opportunity to pose for pictures with a 4-H turkey on the front steps of the capitol while I talk about Arkansas’s poultry industry.

Arkansas’s poultry business includes turkeys, broilers, and eggs. Poultry leads Arkansas’s agricultural sector with total cash receipts of $4.5 billion, which is 52 percent of state agricultural cash receipts. The Arkansas turkey industry creates and supports nearly 20,000 jobs in Arkansas.

Arkansas raises an average of 30 million turkeys per year, which is about 576 million pounds of protein, the third-largest number of turkeys in the nation.

Kenny and Dolly are two of the Arkansas turkeys raised this year. They come from a noble line. They are

the fourth and fifth turkeys that sisters Victoria and Kristin Lehmann have raised and brought to the capitol for Arkansas Turkey Week. Penny, Nellie, and Gertrude came the first three years, and this year they brought two new turkeys.

As usual, they showed their turkeys at the fair, with everybody wearing masks and keeping their distance.

They gave away many of their turkeys, which will be just about the perfect size for Thursday.

Victoria is a freshman in animal science at the University of Arkansas. She is on the pre-vet track. Kristin is a junior at Nemo-Vista High School.

As the official ambassadors for Arkansas turkeys, Kenny and Dolly won’t suffer the fate of thousands of their kin on Thanksgiving Day. They are back at the farm with the sisters and their parents, living a life of turkey royalty.

the world. Upon return, each man in the unit was awarded a Bronze Star.

Earlier this year, I supported the Merrill’s Marauders Congressional Gold Medal Act, which would give each living Marauder a gold medal in the Smithsonian.

President Trump signed the bill into law in October, but at the time I didn’t realize that one of these men was still living in Arkansas.

Through the efforts of a liaison officer, Mr. Randle was found and added to the list of only nine living Merrill’s Marauders in the United States. He had written a book, “Hell on Land, Disaster at Sea - the Story of Merrill’s Marauders and the Sinking of the Rhona.” Mr. Randle witnessed the sink-

ing of this ship in 1943, and was one of a handful of men with the Marauders who had been sworn to secrecy about the sinking for 57 years since it was caused by the world’s first guided missile.

Mr. Randle passed away at the age of 97 on Nov. 23, 2020, but before he did, we were able to contact him and his family and let them know about the Congressional Gold Medal that will be placed in the Smithsonian.

In the words of his family, “He loved the Lord and the United States flag.” In this season of thanksgiving, I’m grateful for our heroes who fight and have fought to defend our freedom. We will never forget.

treatment more than they need to be in custody in a secure detention center, one judge said.

Under Act 189, juveniles are assessed under a uniform statewide system. Previously, in some areas of the state juveniles were placed in custody for relatively minor offenses. Staff are instructed to involve parents more in their child’s treatment plan.

Measuring the long-term success of the reforms will be whether or not juveniles change their course in life and avoid prison sentences as adults.

The CARES Act steering committee has recommended using $50 million in federal relief funds to hold down expected increases in rates for unemployment insurance.

The state Workforce Services Division said that doing nothing would cause 2021 tax rates for unemployment insurance to significantly increase. Businesses that would be charged with the largest increases would in many cases be the same businesses hit hardest by the pandemic, the division director said.

Rates are set based on the amounts put into a state unemployment insurance fund, and by factoring in the amount of unemployment benefits paid to laid off workers.

So far this year, there

have been about $207 million charges against the fund for about 26,000 companies. Among the most affected businesses are restaurants, hotels, retail stores, hospitals, clinics and manufacturers.

The payment of benefits to laid off workers could result in rate increases of 36 percent for those businesses, the state Commerce Secretary said. He gave the example of one large business that would see its unemployment insurance costs go up from $21 to $340 per employee, if nothing is done.

The steering committee and legislators already had approved putting $165 million into the unemployment trust fund. This second round of funding would bring the amount of government relief for unemployment to $215 million.

Westerman: honoring a hometown hero Bruce Westerman U.S. Representative

One of the things I love most about serving in public office is the ability to honor incredible heroes who live and work in our communities. Just a few weeks ago, I learned that one of these people, Mr. Fred Randle, was a long-time Hot Springs resident who was part of Merrill’s Marauders during WWII. Merrill’s Marauders were U.S. soldiers who fought in the Pacific Theater, using jungle warfare techniques to penetrate deep behind enemy lines. In just five months of combat, the Marauders had advanced 720 miles through some of the harshest jungle terrain in

Division of Youth Services and the Cares Act Bruce Maloch U.S. Senator

LITTLE ROCK – Over the past two years, few areas in state government have changed as much as the Division of Youth Services.

In November of 2018 the division began an extensive overhaul of its physical facilities, and at the same time brought in widespread changes in how it handles juveniles who get in trouble with the law.

The legislature embraced those reforms by passing Act 189 of 2019, which put into law many of the ideas that division officials were proposing.

The number of teenagers in custody has gone down significantly. Before the reforms, there were 73 juveniles in county-run lockups and 352 young people in a residential facility operated by the division. Earlier this year the division reported that only six juveniles were in county detention centers and 235 were in residential programs.

Last week it was reported that another former detention center, at Lewisville, will be converted into a substance abuse treatment facility for teenagers. Judges who hear juvenile cases said that a treatment center was needed, and were glad to have an option besides locking up troubled youths.

Some juveniles need drug

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Upcoming Events Experience the mind-blowing close-up magic, illusion, and mentalism of Jonathan Erlandson in the all new Malco Lounge and Theatre in early Dec. For ticket prices and exact dates, visit Maxwell Blade’s website. >>> <<< The Legendary Vapors will present their First Annual Christmas Extravaganza starting on Dec. 12. The event, which will include the area’s finest singers, entertainers, and musicians, will also be held on Dec. 18, 19, and 20. Tickets range from $25 to $45 and can be purchased on eventbrite.com. >>> <<< Garvan Gardens will be open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. The Chipmunk Cafe is open 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily. >>> <<< Cruise by 7 Elf Tents & Santa’s very own Home, during an hour booking of your choice, that will provide passenger side window service, while listening to live Christmas music, and your kids safely enjoying this Christmas magic, from the comfort of your car in their PJ’s! This event will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hot Springs various dates thru Dec. Ongoing >>> <<< Alcoholics Anonymous hosts two meetings a week in Arkadelphia. The meetings are open to anyone interested in AA’s program of recovery. The Arkadelphia Group meets at 7 p.m. every Tues. in the Sturgis Building at North 9 and Caddo Streets. For more information on the Arkadelphia Group Meetings, call 870-403-3001. The U-Turn Group meets at 7 p.m. every Thurs. on the front, upper level of Park Hill Baptist Church, 3163 Hollywood Road. For information on that group’s meetings, call 870-2302975 or 870-260-9277. >>> <<< The Arkadelphia Arts Center directors are looking forward to the day when we can open the doors to the public. Meanwhile, enjoy our rotating exhibits that may be seen through the window and glass door. Now on display is an array of holiday and winter themed art. Some of the pieces are for sale and would make wonderful holiday gifts. Contact information is listed on identification cards near each piece.

For more information about the Arkadelphia Arts Center and the Caddo River Art Guild find their pages on Facebook or visit CaddoRiverArtGuild. com or CCAHC.org. >>> <<< With Late ‘til 8, local businesses stay open to 8:00 pm so that customers can shop and also win door prizes! this is a monthly event that happens every first Thursday of every month. >>> <<< Al-Anon meetings, designed to help family and friends affected by alcohol, are held three days a week in the Arkadelphia area:

- Tues. at 7 p.m., Sturgis Building, corner of 9 and Caddo.

870-403-2019; Thurs. at 6:30 p.m., Park Hill Baptist Church.

870-403-2019; Fri. at noon, Clark County Library, 609 Caddo St.,

side door. 512 750-2292.

Arkadelphia Dispatch

News 3

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020

New movie releases on Video on Demand Pete Tubbs Editor in Chief

Streamable content has been increasingly popularized over the years. Since the advent of Netflix and services that came along after it, most Americans’ nights are spent in front of the television streaming something.

COVID-19 has ushered in a whole new appreciation for streaming. Forced couch potatoes everywhere have been discovering new television shows and movies over the past several months.

When there’s nothing to do outside, one must find something worthwhile to do inside.

The pandemic, while bringing many citizens closer to their television set, has also caused a lack in much new content. Hollywood ceased production

Photo courtesy of Blumhouse.

Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton star in the Jason Blum produced “Freaky,” which shares vibes and a director with the “Happy Death Day” films.

for months on many of their projects.

In recent weeks, however, there has been a surge in new content available to rent or watch for free online. Many studies have decided to release their movies on streaming services instead of traditional

cinema screens. Below are the upcoming movies that will be available to stream very soon.

Freaky Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton star in Christopher Landon’s new horror film “Freaky.” In what is

essentially “Freaky Friday” meets “Friday the 13th,” “Freaky” follows a teenage girl who must find a way to get her body back after she switches with a serial killer.

This wild film comes from the mind of the director of the “Happy Death Day” movies, so the high-concept story is no surprise. Seeing as the second of those films was a relative failure criticwise, “Freaky” comes as a welcome surprise.

The highlight of the movie is undoubtedly Vince Vaughn. He brings some of the energy that he channeled in things like “Old School” and “Wedding Crashers” back in full force here.

Kathryn Newton also shines. Spending most of her time as a killer, she fully commits to the role and winds up more intimidating than one would think she

would be. “Freaky” comes to VOD on Dec. 4.

Mank From visionary director David Fincher (“Zodiac,” “Fight Club,” “Se7en”) comes “Mank.” The story of legendary writer Herman Mankiewicz, this Netflix film brings Gary Oldman back into awards conversation after his recent win.

Fincher, who most recently worked on Netflix’s “Manhunter,” seems to be back in full force here. A noted critic of Hollywood, it makes sense that he would choose Netflix to be his new cinematic home.

This black and white feature also boasts a cast that includes Lily Collins, Amanda Seyfried, and Charles Dance. Make no mistake, this one is a destined Oscar contender. “Mank” will stream exclusively on Netf-

lix on Dec. 4.

Fatman Although this joke has probably been used in every preview for this film, this ain’t your daddy’s Santa Clause. Mel Gibson stars in “Fatman,” as a Santa Clause who is being hunted by an assassin that was hired by a child.

“Fatman” seeks to connect to long-dormant grindhouse roots. It would be easy to dismiss something of this ilk, but the participation of Gibson and Walton Goggins makes one think that this could be something special.

The action/thriller opened in limited theatres on Nov. 13, but it is now available to stream on most VOD platforms.

Continuing COVID-19 tracking Governor Hutchinson responds

by Arkansas Dept. of Health to COVID-19 numbers AR. Department of Health

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,112 new cases; 16,140 active cases; 1,063 hospitalized, which is up 33 from Sunday; 201 on ventilators, which is up 16 from Sunday; deaths added today, 32, for a total of 2,502; a total of 157,359 cases; 122,926 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,669; antigen tests, 531.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are PuAR. Department of Health

According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, there are a total of 19,303 probable cases in the state as of Nov. 30. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 157,359 cases with 138,696 recovered.

The counties are colored by light to dark in terms of density of cases.

The Dispatch will post an updated version of this graph weekly according to what is available from the Department of Health and state officials.

As the cases continue to rise, more and more states are reverting back to more strict quarantine and social

distance rules.

Masks are nearly universally required to enter most businesses. They are available in most grocery and convenience stores.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced in early August that contact sports are expected to continue as planned in the fall. Football players may only practice in helmets, however.

With Joe Biden as the new Presidential Elect, many are expecting the nation to re-enter shutdown.

Schools will close to all virtual learning in the upcoming weeks as well.

People are encouraged to continue social distancing and staying at least six feet away from others. Testing is widely available in most cities.

Arkadelphia Dispatch Editor: Pete Tubbs arkadelphiadispatch@gmail.com 870-230-5221 Calls will be returned.

The Arkadelphia Dispatch is published weekly by Nashville Leader, Inc., 119 N. Main, Nashville, AR 71852.

laski, 153; Craighead, 86; Washington, 64; Garland, 58; and Benton, 56.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers: “Today’s increase in hospitalizations will continue to strain our health care system. Our frontline workers need our help as we head into the winter months of this pandemic. Today, I received briefings from FDA Director Hahn; Dr. Fauci and Sec. Azar on the vaccine distribution plans as well

as what is needed to meet the pressure on our health care system. Based upon national trends and expert concerns on the holiday season, it does seem that we are in the lull before the storm. I expect the antigen testing to pick up again later in the week and that is where many of the positive cases are identified. I applaud our health department team and all the health care workers who have been so diligent during this entire pandemic.”

4 News

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020

Arkadelphia Dispatch

Ouachita Baptist University Tiger East Central pres.

Baseball schedule announced named GAC chair

Photo courtesy of Great American Conference.

Dr. Katricia Pierson, formerly of East Central University, will now act as chair of the Great American Conference.

ARKADELPHIA, Ark.Head coach Luke Howard and the Ouachita Tiger baseball team have announced their schedule for the spring of 2021. Beginning with a four-game series with Union University at Rab Rodgers Field, the Tigers’ spring slate features 40 games, including three-

game series against each Great American Conference opponent. Beginning with an opening day doubleheader on January 30, Ouachita plays its first seven games and 13 of its first 16 at home.

GAC play for OBU opens February 19 at Southern Nazarene.

A two-week homestand

against Oklahoma Baptist and Harding follows the trip to Bethany. Back-toback road trips to Southern Arkansas and Southwestern Oklahoma State ensue.

Northwestern Oklahoma State and Arkansas Tech then come to Arkadelphia for three games apiece.

The Tigers then travel to

Monticello to take on UAM before hosting Southeastern Oklahoma State. A road trip to East Central followed by the Battle of the Ravine at Rab Rodgers Field will close out the regular season. The GAC Tournament is scheduled for May 8-11.

Henderson State University signs Simon McBride for Reddie Golf Haley Spicer Sports Reporter

Henderson State golf managed to sign one future Reddie student-athlete into the program. Simon McBride is the one lucky Reddie that agreed to continue his athletic success at

Henderson State University.

Simon’s makeup structure is just around 5’8 and 125 pounds. He is from Paragould, Arkansas which is roughly a 3 hour and 30-minute drive to Arkadelphia, Arkansas and he will be graduating from Para-

gould High School, home of the Ovis. He lettered in both baseball and golf but decided to focus on golf in college.

He made both All-State and All-Conference from his freshman year to senior year in high school. He tied

for third place at the ASGA when he was a sophomore.

He also tied for fifth place at the Texas Master IMG world match play when he was a junior. He is very appreciative to Coach Schultz and Coach McRae.

LSU owns the boot for the fifth straight year after beating AR Donovan Lee Assistant Sports Editor

This year’s Battle of the Boot appeared to be more evenly matched than in years’ past. The defending national champion LSU Tigers (3-3) and the Arkansas Razorbacks (3-5), like the rest of college football, have experienced a different type of season than they were used to.

Fortunately, the Hogs would have head coach Sam Pittman leading them into battle. The last time LSU head coach Ed Orgeron saw Pittman, the head Hog was a part of the Georgia coaching staff.

The Battle took place

on The Hill in Fayetteville.

Although the Hogs had home field advantage, the intensity of this rivalry has a history of raising the level of competition among the two teams.

An LSU field goal midway through the first quarter would kick things off. A Treylon Burks and Feleipe Franks connection would put the Hogs on the board with a 7-3 lead heading into the second quarter.

LSU quarterback TJ Finley (27-42, 271 yds, 2 TD) began his work in the second quarter, passing for his first of two touchdowns for the game. The Hogs answered with a Feleipe Franks (17-

26, 339 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT ) rushing touchdown to accompany his passing attack.

A 30-yard strike to Racey McMath, in addition to another Cade York field goal and a Tyrion Davis-Price scoring run, LSU headed into the break up 20-14.

Coming out of the intermission, Arkansas worked to shrink the Tigers’ lead, beginning with a Trelon Smith touchdown from a yard out. With little action in the second half, the Hogs were efficient in outscoring LSU in the second half and led 21-20 heading into the final quarter of play.

After another low-scoring fifteen minutes, an un-

successful Arkansas field goal attempt in the final two minutes was enough for the Tigers to secure the win, 2724, and The Boot for the fifth consecutive year.

The Hogs were scheduled to play Mizzou for a Thanksgiving weekend outing, but the game has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. The Hogs are sixth in the SEC West ahead of Mississippi State.

Their next scheduled game will be Dec. 5 in Fayetteville against the No. 1 ranked Alabama (7-0).

Florida leads the SEC East after defeating division rival Georgia on Nov 7 to claim the division’s top spot.

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – On Friday, the Great American Conference announced East Central University President Dr. Katricia Pierson as the league’s new chair of its President’s Council.

She will complete the term of Harding’s Dr. Bruce McLarty, who announced his retirement last month.

Additionally, the Council tabbed Arkansas Tech President Dr. Robin Bowen as its new Vice Chair.

Dr. Pierson became East Central’s ninth president in March of 2017. She previously held the position of is the provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at ECU. Dr. Bowen has

served as Arkansas Tech’s president since July of 2014.

“I am honored to serve as Chair of the GAC President’s Council and uphold the leagues mission of ensuring our student-athletes have the resources to develop physically, academically, and socially,” Dr. Pierson said. “Many great universities comprise the GAC, and I’m honored they asked me to serve as chair. I look forward to working with Vice Chair, ATU President Robin Bowen, as we navigate sports during a pandemic.”

Pierson’s term will run through the conclusion of the 2021-22 academic year.

OBU basketball brings pedigree ARKADELPHIA, Ark.The Ouachita Baptist Lady Tiger basketball family is set to welcome five new members for 2021-22. Head Coach Robert Dallimore is excited by their collective potential, as well as what they have already proven.

“I am really excited about our five signees in the 2021 class, not only because of the diversity of skills that they add to our program, but also because of their character and competitiveness,” Dallimore said. “This group has the ability to attack the rim, shoot the 3, and score in the paint off of post ups. In addition, these young ladies bring the type of competitive spirit that we strive to have in our program. They have numerous all-state accolades amongst them, but more importantly they have led their teams to numerous conference championships and state tournament appearances. Adding this group to the eight talented and competitive players that we added in the 2020 class has the future looking very bright for the Lady Tigers.”

The group of Aspen Thornton, McKenzie Jones, Lainie Baxter, Laney Mears and Caroline Harris bring a combined nine All-State honors and 13 All-Conference awards to Arkadelphia.

Thornton enters her senior season as a two-time All-State and All-Conference selection. She has led Lake Hamilton to two conference championships and two state tournament appearances. The 5’6” guard averages 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals per game.

Jones averages 15 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 63 percent from the floor. The 6’0” post player earned All-State honors twice and has been named All-District three times.

Jones was also named MVP of both the State Championship Game and the State Tournament in 2020 and has been named to the AllState Tournament Team each of the past two seasons.

Baxter has reached the 1,000-point threshold in her career and adds two AllDistrict honors and two 2A South All-Region accolades to her All-State resume. She averages 14.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.2 steals, and 2.5 assists per game and is a two-time All-State honoree entering her senior season at Murfreesboro High School.

Mears averages 10.2 points per game, shooting 36 percent from three-point range and 82 percent from the free throw line. The 5’8” guard adds 3.3 assists and 2.2 steals per game as well.

The Vilonia native earned All-State honors in 2019, has been named All-Conference three times, and has led Vilonia to three state tournament appearances and two conference titles. The Eagles have posted a 75-12 record during her career.

Harris averages 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. She shoots 36.9 percent from three-point range and 81.5 percent from the free throw line. She is a twotime All-State selection and three-time All-Conference honoree.