By JASON KING
Leader sportswriter
Depth and rebounding made the difference as Beebe rolled to a 59-45 victory over Lonoke in the semifinal round of Beebe’s First Security Bank/Gilliam Farms Holiday Classic basketball tournament at Badger Sports Arena on Thursday.
The Badgers (9-2) flew to a 21-11 lead at the end of the first quarter and stretched the margin further in the second quarter. Lonoke (9-3) was more limited in its offense, relying mostly on senior guard Tarrale Watson and super sophomore Blake Mack.
Watson led all scorers with 17 points for the Jackrabbits and played well despite facing double and sometimes triple teams.
“He’s a great ball player,” Beebe head coach Ryan Marshall said. “He hurt us; he hit some tough shots, but we kind of ran three guys at him. I thought overall, the key was rebounding and getting out in transition where we could get some easy buckets.”
Mack added 12 points for the Jackrabbits in a physical performance.
Beebe got 14 points from Scott to lead the way, along with 13 points from junior Austin Burroughs and nine points for sophomore guard Tanner Chapman.
“That’s kind of the group we’ve got,” Marshall said. “We feel like we’ve got anywhere from six to eight players who on any given night are going to get it done. Teams are going to have to pick their poison with us, and hopefully, we can figure out the guys whose night it is to take care of business.”
Scott broke an early 9-9 tie with a dunk at the 4:41 mark of the first quarter to start a 10-2 run for the Badgers. Junior sub Jake Schlenker hit a pull up in the lane before Jones scored on an inbound play to give Beebe a 15-9 lead. Scott got another dunk, this time from a steal near midcourt to make it 17-9 with 1:42 left to play in the opening period. Watson finally scored for Lonoke, but Beebe finished the frame with a basket by sophomore Zach Baker and a put back by Scott to make it 21-11 heading into the second.
Baker finished with four points and had two early rebounds, but it was his presence in the lane on defense that made the biggest difference for Beebe.
“I told him in the locker room I thought it was his best minutes by far,” Marshall said. “He was focused, and had a great effort tonight. He was pretty active on the boards there in the first half.”
The Badgers dominated on the boards 30-11, including a game high eight for Scott, seven for Burroughs and six apiece for Jones and senior point guard Brandon Fuller.
Chapman caught Lonoke’s defense off guard in the third quarter with a quick string of three pointers that helped the Badgers extend their lead to 43-29 with 2:22 remaining.
“We missed some free throws in the first half,” Marshall said. “We didn’t finish well with some chip shots in the second half, but overall, we got the job done and played pretty well.”
The Badgers had an easy time with Des Arc in the first round and won 65-44 while Lonoke went to the wire with England in a 62-61 shootout victory for the Jackrabbits on Wednesday.
Beebe played Pulaski Academy in the championship game on Friday while Lonoke took on Harding Academy in the third place game.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
EDITORIAL >> Griffin’s top priority is creating more jobs
By REP. TIM GRIFFIN
R-Arkansas
My top priority is fighting for policies that encourage private-sector job creation in Arkansas, and the more than 900 votes I’ve cast this year reflect that focus. I have hosted more than 25 town halls as well as a “jobs conference” that brought together Arkansas job creators to discuss the challenges they face.
Their message is crystal clear: Uncertainty kills job creation by discouraging risk taking and investment.
What’s causing this confidence-crushing uncertainty? (1) Our overly-complicated tax code; (2) Government over-regulation of job creators; and (3) A ballooning national debt.
The U.S. House of Representatives has enacted its jobs plan by passing bills to reduce uncertainty, but these bills are stacking up like cord wood in the Senate. The House has led. President Obama and the Senate should join us.
President Obama talks about closing loopholes, but months ago the House acted. We are fighting for comprehensive tax reform to close loopholes, and consolidate and reduce rates for Arkansans and job creators to make the tax code simpler, fairer and flatter. We need tax reform to grow the economy and create jobs.
The House has led by including sweeping, bold tax reform in its budget in April. The President and Senate should join us.
The President talks about regulatory reform, but it’s just talk. Reasonable regulation is necessary, but the Obama Administration continues to over-regulate job creators. The House has acted by pushing for common-sense regulatory reform.
For example, I introduced H.R. 3194, the Job Creation and Regulatory Freeze Act, which would put a moratorium on all new major federal regulations until Jan. 20, 2013, and give job creators the certainty they need to begin creating jobs again.
The House is pushing to put some reason into regulation. The President and Senate should join us.
The House passed a budget in April that reduces spending and eliminates the deficit. The President’s budget spends us to bankruptcy, and the Senate has not passed a budget since April 29, 2009. We must pay down our debt and stop using China as a credit card. $200 billion a year in interest payments is money that could have been spent on critical needs such as infrastructure or cancer research. The House has led to address our debt. The Senate and the President should join us.
R-Arkansas
My top priority is fighting for policies that encourage private-sector job creation in Arkansas, and the more than 900 votes I’ve cast this year reflect that focus. I have hosted more than 25 town halls as well as a “jobs conference” that brought together Arkansas job creators to discuss the challenges they face.
Their message is crystal clear: Uncertainty kills job creation by discouraging risk taking and investment.
What’s causing this confidence-crushing uncertainty? (1) Our overly-complicated tax code; (2) Government over-regulation of job creators; and (3) A ballooning national debt.
The U.S. House of Representatives has enacted its jobs plan by passing bills to reduce uncertainty, but these bills are stacking up like cord wood in the Senate. The House has led. President Obama and the Senate should join us.
President Obama talks about closing loopholes, but months ago the House acted. We are fighting for comprehensive tax reform to close loopholes, and consolidate and reduce rates for Arkansans and job creators to make the tax code simpler, fairer and flatter. We need tax reform to grow the economy and create jobs.
The House has led by including sweeping, bold tax reform in its budget in April. The President and Senate should join us.
The President talks about regulatory reform, but it’s just talk. Reasonable regulation is necessary, but the Obama Administration continues to over-regulate job creators. The House has acted by pushing for common-sense regulatory reform.
For example, I introduced H.R. 3194, the Job Creation and Regulatory Freeze Act, which would put a moratorium on all new major federal regulations until Jan. 20, 2013, and give job creators the certainty they need to begin creating jobs again.
The House is pushing to put some reason into regulation. The President and Senate should join us.
The House passed a budget in April that reduces spending and eliminates the deficit. The President’s budget spends us to bankruptcy, and the Senate has not passed a budget since April 29, 2009. We must pay down our debt and stop using China as a credit card. $200 billion a year in interest payments is money that could have been spent on critical needs such as infrastructure or cancer research. The House has led to address our debt. The Senate and the President should join us.
EDITORIAL >> Free postage and Congress
The holidays would not be the same if a few politicians, or a lot of them, did not try to gain some political advantage from Christmas. For the last dozen years or so, it has been to join the forces of the righteous against the mythical “War on Christmas.”
This year, the warriors were U. S. Rep. Joe Walsh, an Illinois Republican, and Arkansas’ own Mike Ross of Prescott, the Democratic congressman from south Arkansas. Ross, if you have not heard, is running for governor in 2014.
Ross and Walsh sent a letter asking their colleagues in the House to restore Christmas to the franking rules. They think that it is outrageous that congressmen can’t send Christmas greetings or Hanukkah greetings to the voters back home and have the taxpayers pay for it.
The news has been full of it for two weeks, nowhere more prominently than Fox News, which has been reporting for some time that there was a war against Christmas and Christianity in America.
The day after Christmas, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s weird columnist, Mike Masterson, got into the act. He breathlessly reported the old news that the House Franking Commission had sent a memo on Dec. 12 for members not to wish their constituents “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy New Year” in their franked mail. They could say happy new year or happy holidays in official correspondence as long as the specific holidays were not mentioned.
Masterson, who said he was sickened by the news, suggested that the anti-Christmas rules came from Saul Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals.” That is an effort to tie it to President Obama, whose opponents like to suggest may be a disciple of the organizer.
Not even close. The franking rules go back to 1974 and the great reform movement that followed the Watergate scandal and President Nixon’s resignation to head off impeachment and trial.
There was a desperate movement in Congress and the rest of Washington to restore confidence in the nation’s political institutions, which troughed after Watergate and other scandals involving all three branches of government. Congress passed a number of laws and rules to insure greater ethical behavior by the executive and legislative branches.
One was a law that sought to stop the widespread abuse of the franking privilege, which allows members of Congress to correspond with voters back home and have the taxpayers pay for it. Members got a leg up on re-election by sending holiday messages to voters back home at taxpayers’ expense.
The public was aroused by a report that the House of Representatives spent $36 million of taxpayers’ money in 1973 on promotional mail for congressmen to aid their re-election.
Holiday cards and letters were a big part of it. The 1974 law sought to put a stop to all the franking abuses and reassure people that they were not helping pay for a politician’s year-round re-election campaign.
Ross and Walsh know, though Masterson perhaps doesn’t, that a congressman or a senator can mail Christmas greetings, a Fourth of July message or any religious message to voters as long as they pay for it themselves or through their campaign organization, which all of them have. Some members of Congress actually do that. So does the president of the United States.
That is the way it should be. The taxpayers should not pay for correspondence that is undertaken for purely political purposes. Franking was intended to be for official business. That is what all the taxpayers in America believe, too, if they think about it for a few seconds.
The restrictions on Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Hanukkah or Happy Thanksgiving are not now and never were attacks on religion but a weak attempt to require a modicum of ethical behavior by politicians.
Remember, this House of Representatives is controlled by the most right-wing bunch to run one house or the other since 1929. Would they be outlawing Christmas?
As for Congressman Ross, we have come to expect little better. — Ernie Dumas
This year, the warriors were U. S. Rep. Joe Walsh, an Illinois Republican, and Arkansas’ own Mike Ross of Prescott, the Democratic congressman from south Arkansas. Ross, if you have not heard, is running for governor in 2014.
Ross and Walsh sent a letter asking their colleagues in the House to restore Christmas to the franking rules. They think that it is outrageous that congressmen can’t send Christmas greetings or Hanukkah greetings to the voters back home and have the taxpayers pay for it.
The news has been full of it for two weeks, nowhere more prominently than Fox News, which has been reporting for some time that there was a war against Christmas and Christianity in America.
The day after Christmas, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s weird columnist, Mike Masterson, got into the act. He breathlessly reported the old news that the House Franking Commission had sent a memo on Dec. 12 for members not to wish their constituents “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy New Year” in their franked mail. They could say happy new year or happy holidays in official correspondence as long as the specific holidays were not mentioned.
Masterson, who said he was sickened by the news, suggested that the anti-Christmas rules came from Saul Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals.” That is an effort to tie it to President Obama, whose opponents like to suggest may be a disciple of the organizer.
Not even close. The franking rules go back to 1974 and the great reform movement that followed the Watergate scandal and President Nixon’s resignation to head off impeachment and trial.
There was a desperate movement in Congress and the rest of Washington to restore confidence in the nation’s political institutions, which troughed after Watergate and other scandals involving all three branches of government. Congress passed a number of laws and rules to insure greater ethical behavior by the executive and legislative branches.
One was a law that sought to stop the widespread abuse of the franking privilege, which allows members of Congress to correspond with voters back home and have the taxpayers pay for it. Members got a leg up on re-election by sending holiday messages to voters back home at taxpayers’ expense.
The public was aroused by a report that the House of Representatives spent $36 million of taxpayers’ money in 1973 on promotional mail for congressmen to aid their re-election.
Holiday cards and letters were a big part of it. The 1974 law sought to put a stop to all the franking abuses and reassure people that they were not helping pay for a politician’s year-round re-election campaign.
Ross and Walsh know, though Masterson perhaps doesn’t, that a congressman or a senator can mail Christmas greetings, a Fourth of July message or any religious message to voters as long as they pay for it themselves or through their campaign organization, which all of them have. Some members of Congress actually do that. So does the president of the United States.
That is the way it should be. The taxpayers should not pay for correspondence that is undertaken for purely political purposes. Franking was intended to be for official business. That is what all the taxpayers in America believe, too, if they think about it for a few seconds.
The restrictions on Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Hanukkah or Happy Thanksgiving are not now and never were attacks on religion but a weak attempt to require a modicum of ethical behavior by politicians.
Remember, this House of Representatives is controlled by the most right-wing bunch to run one house or the other since 1929. Would they be outlawing Christmas?
As for Congressman Ross, we have come to expect little better. — Ernie Dumas
TOP STORY >> Accused in double murder held
By JEFFREY SMITH AND JOAN McCOY
Leader staff writers
A Conway man accused in the stabbing murders of two Lonoke County residents outside their home on Friday night was denied bond during his first court appearance on Tuesday by Circuit Court Judge Phillip Whiteaker at the Lonoke County Detention Facility.
James Davis, 37, of Conway is being held in the Lonoke County jail. Prosecuting attorney Chuck Graham requested no bond for Davis because he had multiple failure to appear and fleeing charges.
Davis’ next court appearance is 8:30 a.m. Jan. 9. Graham said the appearance has been scheduled as plea and arraignment, but he said it is highly unlikely official charges will be filed by that time, so no plea will be possible. It is more likely that the process will be started to have an attorney appointed to represent Davis, Graham said.
The sheriff’s office has recommended that Davis be charged with two counts of capital murder, which carries the death penalty. But Graham said he won’t decide the official charge until after the investigation is completed, and he has read autopsy reports from the state crime lab.
The autopsy report likely won’t be available for more than a month, he said.
According to the incident report Lonoke County Sheriff’s deputies were called at 7:48 p.m. Friday to a stabbing at 87 Charles Drive, a tri-plex on Charles Drive off North Stagecoach Road on Hwy. 38 between Cabot and Ward.
The caller told the 911 operator that a white woman on her front porch was screaming for help. She had been stabbed and she was bleeding.
While deputies were responding to the scene, the caller said a white man was now stabbing the woman and a white man on the caller’s front porch.
She then said the two stabbing victims were lying motionless on her porch, and she believed they were dead. The man ran on foot from the area.
When deputies arrived, they found Tracey Mills, 45, lying on her side with her back against the raised porch of 83 Charles Drive.
She was stabbed in the chest. A large pool of blood, was on the ground under Mills. Her shirt was covered in blood and a small charcoal grill lying next to her was tipped over.
Charles Smith, 56, was lying on his back with his head towards the door, and his legs were off the porch. Smith had a large amount of blood on him.
An ambulance arrived at the same time as deputies. Mills was asking for help. While paramedics were attending to Mills, a deputy asked her who stabbed her. She said it was “James Davis.”
As the deputy tried to get more information, Mills said she could not breathe and could not answer any more questions.
The deputy reported seeing Smith, as if he was gasping for air. His body rose slightly off the ground and went limp.
Mills was taken by ambulance to Ward where she was airlifted by AIR EVAC to North Metro Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Emergency medical technicians told deputies Smith had died from his injuries. Both Mills and Smith lived at 87 Charles Drive.
Deputies were unable to find other witnesses.
State Police, along with Ward and Austin police officers, assisted at the crime scene.
Authorities, with the assistance of the Department of Corrections — Tucker Unit’s dog-tracking team found Davis in a wooded area near the crime scene. He was arrested at 9:35 p.m.
Deputies searched Davis and found a cell phone, a cell phone charger, an empty pack of cigarettes, a lighter and a small plastic card. Davis’ clothes were bloodstained.
Sheriff Jim Roberson said Davis’ relationship with the three is unclear. But it appeared from items found in the apartment that they lived together. The motive for the murders is also unclear, and Roberson said Davis isn’t cooperating.
Chief Deputy Dean White, who runs the jail, said Davis says he doesn’t know his own identity.
Leader staff writers
A Conway man accused in the stabbing murders of two Lonoke County residents outside their home on Friday night was denied bond during his first court appearance on Tuesday by Circuit Court Judge Phillip Whiteaker at the Lonoke County Detention Facility.
James Davis, 37, of Conway is being held in the Lonoke County jail. Prosecuting attorney Chuck Graham requested no bond for Davis because he had multiple failure to appear and fleeing charges.
Davis’ next court appearance is 8:30 a.m. Jan. 9. Graham said the appearance has been scheduled as plea and arraignment, but he said it is highly unlikely official charges will be filed by that time, so no plea will be possible. It is more likely that the process will be started to have an attorney appointed to represent Davis, Graham said.
The sheriff’s office has recommended that Davis be charged with two counts of capital murder, which carries the death penalty. But Graham said he won’t decide the official charge until after the investigation is completed, and he has read autopsy reports from the state crime lab.
The autopsy report likely won’t be available for more than a month, he said.
According to the incident report Lonoke County Sheriff’s deputies were called at 7:48 p.m. Friday to a stabbing at 87 Charles Drive, a tri-plex on Charles Drive off North Stagecoach Road on Hwy. 38 between Cabot and Ward.
The caller told the 911 operator that a white woman on her front porch was screaming for help. She had been stabbed and she was bleeding.
While deputies were responding to the scene, the caller said a white man was now stabbing the woman and a white man on the caller’s front porch.
She then said the two stabbing victims were lying motionless on her porch, and she believed they were dead. The man ran on foot from the area.
When deputies arrived, they found Tracey Mills, 45, lying on her side with her back against the raised porch of 83 Charles Drive.
She was stabbed in the chest. A large pool of blood, was on the ground under Mills. Her shirt was covered in blood and a small charcoal grill lying next to her was tipped over.
Charles Smith, 56, was lying on his back with his head towards the door, and his legs were off the porch. Smith had a large amount of blood on him.
An ambulance arrived at the same time as deputies. Mills was asking for help. While paramedics were attending to Mills, a deputy asked her who stabbed her. She said it was “James Davis.”
As the deputy tried to get more information, Mills said she could not breathe and could not answer any more questions.
The deputy reported seeing Smith, as if he was gasping for air. His body rose slightly off the ground and went limp.
Mills was taken by ambulance to Ward where she was airlifted by AIR EVAC to North Metro Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Emergency medical technicians told deputies Smith had died from his injuries. Both Mills and Smith lived at 87 Charles Drive.
Deputies were unable to find other witnesses.
State Police, along with Ward and Austin police officers, assisted at the crime scene.
Authorities, with the assistance of the Department of Corrections — Tucker Unit’s dog-tracking team found Davis in a wooded area near the crime scene. He was arrested at 9:35 p.m.
Deputies searched Davis and found a cell phone, a cell phone charger, an empty pack of cigarettes, a lighter and a small plastic card. Davis’ clothes were bloodstained.
Sheriff Jim Roberson said Davis’ relationship with the three is unclear. But it appeared from items found in the apartment that they lived together. The motive for the murders is also unclear, and Roberson said Davis isn’t cooperating.
Chief Deputy Dean White, who runs the jail, said Davis says he doesn’t know his own identity.
TOP STORY >> Looking back at the year’s stories
Compiled by RICK KRON
Leader staff writer
This is the first of a two-part series looking back at 2011 through selected headlines from The Leader. This is what appeared in the world of print from January to June 2011.
January
“Mystery of birds falling on Beebe by thousands” — Strange occurrence under investigation.
“Charter school seeking infusion of funds” — Lighthouse would not only expand to air base, but wants $12 million construction loan for junior and high schools.
“For Cabot, new team at city hall” — Cypert names former Alderman Eddie Cook as personnel director to meet demands of growing city.
“Sherwood freezes most pay” — Only golf course employees are in line for salary increases.
“Austin, Ward $1M cities” — North Lonoke County towns double their size and increase budgets.
“Trainers laid off at air base” — Lockheed says 23 are out of a job, but losses could have been worse.
“Base commander: Build new schools” — Col. Minihan offers more land to school district as well as charter school on LRAFB perimeter.
“Lonoke QC shakeup leaves Odom isolated” — A lonely voice 20 years ago when GOP was struggling, JP says he’s now being tossed aside.
“Communities dig out after record snow” — The area is slammed hard as weathermen correctly predict up to six inches of snow over the weekend, closing schools, businesses and offices.
“Charter school expansion approved” — Lighthouse to build new middle school on LRAFB and a high school on North First.
“Will Bond to lead Democratic Party” — Gov. Beebe picks Jacksonville native to head embattled party.
“Chamber submits priorities for PCSSD” — Group tells district official that Jacksonville needs new schools to stop losing more students.
“Will city save golf course?” — Jacksonville mayor asks Foxwood residents and others what it would take for the closed facility to be profitable.
“Ex-clerk could go to prison” — Cassandra Williams admitted to taking money from Lonoke sheriff’s office but has made no restitution.
“Lawmakers get down to business” — Eddie Joe Williams and Jonathan Dismang, the area’s newest senators, and their colleagues are in their second week at the Capitol.
“Not everyone on board with PCSSD superintendent” — Tensions simmer as Charles Hopson’s contract is revised to please state auditors.
“Lonoke County gets more jailers” — At least 18 jailers should staff the detention center.
“Greystone residents fight for golf course” — Exclusive area in Cabot could lose one of its major draws as bankruptcy looms.
“Jacksonville military museum lands C-130” — Little Rock Air Force Base is retiring one of its old cargo planes.
“Sherwood to fix sewers” — City council approves plan to improve the town’s aging system.
“Deal set for Austin City Hall” — Mayor says the town is ready to close on the old health clinic.
“Plans call for a new elementary on air base” — Replace Arnold Drive and Tolleson with a school on base; demolish Jacksonville Middle School and Elementary, district is told.
“Cabot could allow inside firing range” — Committee is considering letting residents practice indoors at old plant.
“Sherwood stabilizing financially” — Mayor Hillman gives state of the city report and predicts more improvements this year.
“Deficits worry Griffin” — Congressman says debt could lead ‘to our next Pearl Harbor,’ calls for spending cuts, including defense.
“Dallas-area developers study Jacksonville sites” — Group that visited city this week (late January) builds shopping centers all over the country.
“Odom proposes funding plan for jail” — Lonoke County JP crunches the numbers and finds $292,000 from several sources to pay for jailers and nurse.
“AG&FC concludes trauma killed birds” — More results confirm that tragedy did not involve poisoning.
February
“Plan to save Greystone is goal in Cabot” — Residents are told to pool their resources and buy memberships so the golf course stays open and the community isn’t hurt.
“Joint Education center dedicated” — Governor, commander and mayor all agree college complex will boost higher education in the area.
“Save our schools, parents plead” — North Pulaski patrons told high school consolidation imminent in new building plans.
“Big Reserve unit coming to base” — As many as 700 reservists and civilians will keep older planes flying.
“Another Diamond School award in Cabot” — Despite being on improvement list, middle school earns distinction.
“Earthquakes from drilling feared” — Disposal of drilling waste into deep wells could be responsible for recent tumblers.
“Mayor says city can’t fund Greystone” — Cypert insists golf course needs support from Cabot residents.
“Sherwood passes Jacksonville” — Cabot, Ward, Austin, Beebe continue rapid growth; Lonoke down a few.
“PCSSD plans for schools bring praise, some gripes” — District’s facilities project moving forward, but not everyone pleased.
“Foxwood club gets offer” — Jacksonville golf course to get new attitude and become private under new name.
“Cities analyze census data as they set plans” — Even though there was growth in most areas, some expected more.
“City eyes state fair land” — Jacksonville officials say the 450-acre site has other possibilities if fair doesn’t come.
“Jacksonville tries smaller annexation” — Businesses along Hwy. 67/167 agree to come into city limits after voters said no.
“New jail might remain vacant” — The $6.2 million detention center in Lonoke lacks long-term operating funds.
“Funding available for reservists on base” — New budget calls for 200 more reserve jobs soon.
“Seniors will get $410,000 safe room” — Jacksonville center has been approved for a shelter from storms.
“Austin boom town” — Once a tiny community, the city north of Cabot has grown dramatically.
“Liquor wars on county line” — Owner of Ace Liquor wants to stop a store going in next door because it wasn’t properly advertised.
“Sherwood plans for a new library” — City considers a two-year tax hike to fund two construction projects.
“National Geographic in Beebe” — One tenth of U.S. blackbirds roost in the White County town.
March
“Leader starts 25th year”
“Lonoke rebuilds after small twister” — Community grateful it wasn’t worse and no one was injured.
“Vasquez sees school district growing again” — PCSSD board president says building more schools and remodeling others will mean growth for the district and better opportunities for students.
“PETA says fireworks killed birds” — Beebe City Council says it doesn’t need outside advice, although mayor warns roost will grow and more will die.
“Millage hike sought for gym” — Lonoke seeks tax increase to pay for a modern, all-purpose facility.
“Jail worries Cypert” — Cabot mayor fears Lonoke facility won’t accept prisoners from his city.
“Jacksonville finally set to expand north” — One resident calls area along Hwy. 67/167 ‘Sodom and Gomorrah.’
“Base puts $712M in economy” — LRAFB pumps $12 million more into area last year compared with 2009.
“Animal shelter asks for Taser protection” — Cabot workers say they are afraid of feral creatures and must defend themselves.
“Schools plans move ahead” — Architects hired to design two new PCSSD elementary schools and a middle school for Jacksonville.
“Cities still demand space in Lonoke county jail” — Mayors want to send their prisoners there since towns paid for facility.
“More foreigners train at air base” — Hundreds come here from 42 nations to learn to fly C-130s with 314th Airlift Wing.
“LRAFB sees undercount by census” — Jacksonville says wrong population numbers could cost city $40 million.
“Cabot gets set for new high school building” — District hopes to open $14.9 million facility soon after school begins in the fall.
“Lonoke County sheriff needs funds for jailers” — Sheriff Jim Roberson wants to hire more guards, but quorum curt isn’t sure how to pay them.
“Earthquakes rattle nerves” — Those who live near gas-drilling areas are looking to Japan if things should go wrong.
“The Leader earns 11 awards at advertising banquet March 18.
“State fair move seems doomed” — Jacksonville and Little Rock mayors differ on the need to relocate the event to a new site.
“Investors ready to resurrect Foxwood” — Venerable golf course in Jacksonville will reopen April 1 for members.
“Error keeps funds away from Cabot” — City still demands $1.1 million from federal government to build a north ramp on Hwy. 67/167, but the money went instead to Clay County.
“Funds needed for new jail” — Jacksonville mayor is supportive of Pulaski jail expansion.
“Sherwood looks at fees for builders” — Growing city wants developers to pay more to cover maintenance and extra costs, but not everyone is in agreement.
“Bill approved targeting JHS” — Rep. Mark Perry’s proposal would hasten state takeover of failing schools in Arkansas.
“Lost cemetery rediscovered” — Denominations partner to clean up and uncover story of historic graveyard in Lonoke County.
“Grim anniversary for Cabot twister” — It was 35 years ago (March 29) when deadly tornadoes hit town.
April
“District plans to dismiss teachers” — Administration, union at odds over how to fix Jacksonville High School.
“PCSSD: A state takeover unfair” — District hopes it can escape fiscal-distress label; move forward on new Jacksonville schools.
“New law lets city buy pipes” — Cabot will be allowed to purchase Ward water lines within city limits.
“Ward to sell bonds to improve sewers” — Mayor says he’s worried residents will have to pay more, but the council decides it’s time to bring plant into compliance.
“New deal keeps all operating for now” — LRAFB civilians were prepared to be furloughed until stalemate resolved.
“Jacksonville welcomes Little Rock Expo Center” — A year of successful Memphis Flea Market shows prompts the relocation of a major attraction.
“Council spends money on trash” — Jacksonville will buy new trucks and containers for approximately $1.3 million.
“Upgrades sought for base” — Rep. Griffin wants another simulator and to speed up avionics program.
“Funding parks is a puzzle for city” — Sherwood finds it cannot use impact fees to build new park in Gravel Ridge.
“Revelation Riders spread religion at bikers rallies” — Cabot motorcycle club is part of a growing Christian movement on wheels around the country.
Robbery behind pawnshop killing” — Joe Pipkin likely murdered during a stickup at his Hwy. 367 business.
“Storms sweep into area with 80-mph winds” — Power outages close schools in Lonoke County, leave others in dark.
“Parents, teachers upset by closure” — Many oppose closing Jacksonville Elementary before new school is built.
“Cabot fixing problem for kindergarten tests” — Vendor provided wrong practice materials for youngest pupils in school district.
“Pit bulls will get a reprieve” — The Cabot City Council decides to let vicious dogs move out of town.
“Allegiance, city set to sign deal to sell hospital” — Mayor pores over final paperwork that hands Jacksonville facility over to Louisiana firm for $8.3 million and major improvements.
“Fair feud deepens for cities” — Jacksonville is not worried about North Little Rock’s latest proposal.
“State to get last word on school plans” — Education Department will decide fate of $104 million PCSSD building program, which could depend on outcome of fiscal distress designation.
“Sirens sounded too often in storm?” — Cabot mayor wants to find out if system can be improved before the next round of bad weather.
“Sherwood can’t spend more for key services” — City’s budget panel hears requests for raises, but no funds available right now.
“Air base digs out after tornado” — Cleanup starts after homes and planes damaged; Col. Minihan thanks community for outpouring of support.
“High school hit, but plans are to reopen it April 29” — Despite the destruction of the auditorium and several classrooms, North Pulaski will hold classes and go ahead with prom at the end of the week.
“Storms cut wide swath across area” — Few spared as tornadoes and high winds swept through Arkansas.
“For air base, it’s recovery, going to war” — People and organizations open their hearts to help out.
“PCSSD has spending plan” — School district budget cuts $7.9 million; hopes to get out of fiscal distress and build three new schools in Jacksonville.
“Appeal sent state on designation” — PCSSD says it’s financially sound, opposes Education Department takeover.
May
“Huge rain pummels area, then moves on” — May rain on top of April totals, thunderstorms, tornadoes keep area saturated.
“Funding could run out for a big water project” — To complete pump station to help farmers, $350 million in federal and $190 million in state funds needed.
“Planting seeds of Afghan democracy” — Jacksonville soldier helped teach nation’s farmers modern techniques.
“Officials hear gripes about rising water” — Second 100-year flood in 18 months leaves many frustrated and looking for help and answers.
“Residents blame landfill for floods” — Residents near landfill say their problems have worsened as water has no place to go but into their homes.
“Missing man found dead in floodwater” — The body of a Butlerville driver who went past barricades finally located 150 yards away.
“Officials work on reducing flooding” — FEMA will assess damage as Jacksonville vows to work on drainage and make other improvements in the city.
“Jail ready to take in prisoners” — Lonoke County still trying to figure out how much it will cost to operate.
“Legislative audit slams PCSSD” — Lawmakers say they are tired of excuses as Education Department considers takeover.
“Sherwood will reconfigure its map for wards” — Northern expansion and addition of 8,000 residents call for change in boundaries for aldermen.
“Beebe plans new school for McRae” — A $2.9 million project.
“Another record for air drops” — Squadron that includes 41st AS helps deliver more pallets.
“Lonoke County pits JPs vs. JPs” — New census means many incumbents could face each other for quorum court next year.
“Jacksonville taxes up; Sherwood mulls hike” — Neighboring towns facing different financial realties, but only one looking to raise rates.
“Alderman case will likely be dismissed” — Judge tells Les Cossey that as long as he stays out of trouble, charges will be dropped.
“‘Boot camp’ business expo a success” — Jacksonville chamber’s event featured more than 60 companies.
“Two named in bribe scheme” — Former board president and Jacksonville principal were conspirators.
“Damage on base near $100 million” — LRAFB officials believe it will cost tens of millions of dollars to fix C-130s, homes and buildings.
“Bribe plot entangles 2 districts” — Mike Nellums is on the way out after fiasco; Tim Clark accused of payoff.
“Ruling: PCSSD wasted money” — District will meet today (May 25) to determine its options on deseg funding.
“Man dead after shootout in Cabot” — Police respond to domestic disturbance in the Village Square complex.
“Spending cuts proposed for solvency plan” — PCSSD passes 35-point financial program to get fiscally distressed district back on its feet.
“Cabot paying teachers to take early retirement” — School district to hire younger replacements, hoping to save $1.9 million.
June
“Rebuilding to start at North Pulaski” — Debris has been removed from the high school, which took a direct hit from April 25 tornado, Millions of dollars in construction to get under way soon.
“Technology grant to JHS worth $2M” — Over the next three years, the troubled high school could get as much as $5.7 million if it does well.
“Huge award in wreck” — Cabot woman, survivor of collision with dump truck, receives compensation from Lonoke County jury.
“Animals no longer dumped at landfill” — Practice called a violation of state law, so Cabot will resume incineration.
“Jacksonville pool repairs to run $1M” — Chlorine and moisture made ceiling and roof unsafe; closed for the summer and expansion possible.
“PCSSD takes another hit” — Disband board, panel says; Hopson answers he can’t undo mistakes of past decade in a year.
“Cabot gets school for ninth-graders” — District receives go-ahead to build a campus for one grade, then for 10th grade.
“Lottery winner in $2M drug bust” — Several suspects are arrested in a wide sweep in Lonoke and White counties.
“Breaking up PCSSD seen as a solution” — Despite threatened state takeover and drawn-out court suit, it could be an opportunity for Jacksonville to form its own district, lawmaker says.
“Redrawn districts pit pals, enemies” — New Lonoke JP lines will force friends and adversaries to run against each other.
“Jacksonville acts on expansion” — City will take in north business corridor along Hwy. 67/167.
“Farm-raised catfish may be thing of past” — Rising cost threatens Southern tradition.
“Lester: Local control two years away” — Former superintendent says he will stay for a few weeks before long-term chief comes in.
“Support for state takeover” — Jacksonville residents applaud move, but construction uncertain.
“Crossett’s principal leads JHS” — Former PCSSD teacher and administrator looks forward to coming home.
“North Belt hits a dead end for lack of funding” — Sherwood’s upcoming decision on whether or not to remove bypass from the street plan could put the project on permanent hold.
“Lester: I’m still backing district” — He says taking temporary post (interim PCSSD superintendent) doesn’t mean he has abandoned Jacksonville.
“Lonoke voters approve $5.7M to build school facility” — Residents and donors fund multi-purpose building at high school.
“Jacksonville’s $500,000 facelift” — Intersection at Main, Dupree and James gets a whole new look.
“New chief appointed for PCSSD” — South Arkansas educator moves from a district that has much in common with the Pulaski County schools.
“Mayor: $75M for Cabot needs” — Cypert proposes road and other upgrades and eliminating parks and recreation commission.
“North Belt still has chance to remain in plan” — Sherwood commission votes to keep right of way on master street plan.
Leader staff writer
This is the first of a two-part series looking back at 2011 through selected headlines from The Leader. This is what appeared in the world of print from January to June 2011.
January
“Mystery of birds falling on Beebe by thousands” — Strange occurrence under investigation.
“Charter school seeking infusion of funds” — Lighthouse would not only expand to air base, but wants $12 million construction loan for junior and high schools.
“For Cabot, new team at city hall” — Cypert names former Alderman Eddie Cook as personnel director to meet demands of growing city.
“Sherwood freezes most pay” — Only golf course employees are in line for salary increases.
“Austin, Ward $1M cities” — North Lonoke County towns double their size and increase budgets.
“Trainers laid off at air base” — Lockheed says 23 are out of a job, but losses could have been worse.
“Base commander: Build new schools” — Col. Minihan offers more land to school district as well as charter school on LRAFB perimeter.
“Lonoke QC shakeup leaves Odom isolated” — A lonely voice 20 years ago when GOP was struggling, JP says he’s now being tossed aside.
“Communities dig out after record snow” — The area is slammed hard as weathermen correctly predict up to six inches of snow over the weekend, closing schools, businesses and offices.
“Charter school expansion approved” — Lighthouse to build new middle school on LRAFB and a high school on North First.
“Will Bond to lead Democratic Party” — Gov. Beebe picks Jacksonville native to head embattled party.
“Chamber submits priorities for PCSSD” — Group tells district official that Jacksonville needs new schools to stop losing more students.
“Will city save golf course?” — Jacksonville mayor asks Foxwood residents and others what it would take for the closed facility to be profitable.
“Ex-clerk could go to prison” — Cassandra Williams admitted to taking money from Lonoke sheriff’s office but has made no restitution.
“Lawmakers get down to business” — Eddie Joe Williams and Jonathan Dismang, the area’s newest senators, and their colleagues are in their second week at the Capitol.
“Not everyone on board with PCSSD superintendent” — Tensions simmer as Charles Hopson’s contract is revised to please state auditors.
“Lonoke County gets more jailers” — At least 18 jailers should staff the detention center.
“Greystone residents fight for golf course” — Exclusive area in Cabot could lose one of its major draws as bankruptcy looms.
“Jacksonville military museum lands C-130” — Little Rock Air Force Base is retiring one of its old cargo planes.
“Sherwood to fix sewers” — City council approves plan to improve the town’s aging system.
“Deal set for Austin City Hall” — Mayor says the town is ready to close on the old health clinic.
“Plans call for a new elementary on air base” — Replace Arnold Drive and Tolleson with a school on base; demolish Jacksonville Middle School and Elementary, district is told.
“Cabot could allow inside firing range” — Committee is considering letting residents practice indoors at old plant.
“Sherwood stabilizing financially” — Mayor Hillman gives state of the city report and predicts more improvements this year.
“Deficits worry Griffin” — Congressman says debt could lead ‘to our next Pearl Harbor,’ calls for spending cuts, including defense.
“Dallas-area developers study Jacksonville sites” — Group that visited city this week (late January) builds shopping centers all over the country.
“Odom proposes funding plan for jail” — Lonoke County JP crunches the numbers and finds $292,000 from several sources to pay for jailers and nurse.
“AG&FC concludes trauma killed birds” — More results confirm that tragedy did not involve poisoning.
February
“Plan to save Greystone is goal in Cabot” — Residents are told to pool their resources and buy memberships so the golf course stays open and the community isn’t hurt.
“Joint Education center dedicated” — Governor, commander and mayor all agree college complex will boost higher education in the area.
“Save our schools, parents plead” — North Pulaski patrons told high school consolidation imminent in new building plans.
“Big Reserve unit coming to base” — As many as 700 reservists and civilians will keep older planes flying.
“Another Diamond School award in Cabot” — Despite being on improvement list, middle school earns distinction.
“Earthquakes from drilling feared” — Disposal of drilling waste into deep wells could be responsible for recent tumblers.
“Mayor says city can’t fund Greystone” — Cypert insists golf course needs support from Cabot residents.
“Sherwood passes Jacksonville” — Cabot, Ward, Austin, Beebe continue rapid growth; Lonoke down a few.
“PCSSD plans for schools bring praise, some gripes” — District’s facilities project moving forward, but not everyone pleased.
“Foxwood club gets offer” — Jacksonville golf course to get new attitude and become private under new name.
“Cities analyze census data as they set plans” — Even though there was growth in most areas, some expected more.
“City eyes state fair land” — Jacksonville officials say the 450-acre site has other possibilities if fair doesn’t come.
“Jacksonville tries smaller annexation” — Businesses along Hwy. 67/167 agree to come into city limits after voters said no.
“New jail might remain vacant” — The $6.2 million detention center in Lonoke lacks long-term operating funds.
“Funding available for reservists on base” — New budget calls for 200 more reserve jobs soon.
“Seniors will get $410,000 safe room” — Jacksonville center has been approved for a shelter from storms.
“Austin boom town” — Once a tiny community, the city north of Cabot has grown dramatically.
“Liquor wars on county line” — Owner of Ace Liquor wants to stop a store going in next door because it wasn’t properly advertised.
“Sherwood plans for a new library” — City considers a two-year tax hike to fund two construction projects.
“National Geographic in Beebe” — One tenth of U.S. blackbirds roost in the White County town.
March
“Leader starts 25th year”
“Lonoke rebuilds after small twister” — Community grateful it wasn’t worse and no one was injured.
“Vasquez sees school district growing again” — PCSSD board president says building more schools and remodeling others will mean growth for the district and better opportunities for students.
“PETA says fireworks killed birds” — Beebe City Council says it doesn’t need outside advice, although mayor warns roost will grow and more will die.
“Millage hike sought for gym” — Lonoke seeks tax increase to pay for a modern, all-purpose facility.
“Jail worries Cypert” — Cabot mayor fears Lonoke facility won’t accept prisoners from his city.
“Jacksonville finally set to expand north” — One resident calls area along Hwy. 67/167 ‘Sodom and Gomorrah.’
“Base puts $712M in economy” — LRAFB pumps $12 million more into area last year compared with 2009.
“Animal shelter asks for Taser protection” — Cabot workers say they are afraid of feral creatures and must defend themselves.
“Schools plans move ahead” — Architects hired to design two new PCSSD elementary schools and a middle school for Jacksonville.
“Cities still demand space in Lonoke county jail” — Mayors want to send their prisoners there since towns paid for facility.
“More foreigners train at air base” — Hundreds come here from 42 nations to learn to fly C-130s with 314th Airlift Wing.
“LRAFB sees undercount by census” — Jacksonville says wrong population numbers could cost city $40 million.
“Cabot gets set for new high school building” — District hopes to open $14.9 million facility soon after school begins in the fall.
“Lonoke County sheriff needs funds for jailers” — Sheriff Jim Roberson wants to hire more guards, but quorum curt isn’t sure how to pay them.
“Earthquakes rattle nerves” — Those who live near gas-drilling areas are looking to Japan if things should go wrong.
“The Leader earns 11 awards at advertising banquet March 18.
“State fair move seems doomed” — Jacksonville and Little Rock mayors differ on the need to relocate the event to a new site.
“Investors ready to resurrect Foxwood” — Venerable golf course in Jacksonville will reopen April 1 for members.
“Error keeps funds away from Cabot” — City still demands $1.1 million from federal government to build a north ramp on Hwy. 67/167, but the money went instead to Clay County.
“Funds needed for new jail” — Jacksonville mayor is supportive of Pulaski jail expansion.
“Sherwood looks at fees for builders” — Growing city wants developers to pay more to cover maintenance and extra costs, but not everyone is in agreement.
“Bill approved targeting JHS” — Rep. Mark Perry’s proposal would hasten state takeover of failing schools in Arkansas.
“Lost cemetery rediscovered” — Denominations partner to clean up and uncover story of historic graveyard in Lonoke County.
“Grim anniversary for Cabot twister” — It was 35 years ago (March 29) when deadly tornadoes hit town.
April
“District plans to dismiss teachers” — Administration, union at odds over how to fix Jacksonville High School.
“PCSSD: A state takeover unfair” — District hopes it can escape fiscal-distress label; move forward on new Jacksonville schools.
“New law lets city buy pipes” — Cabot will be allowed to purchase Ward water lines within city limits.
“Ward to sell bonds to improve sewers” — Mayor says he’s worried residents will have to pay more, but the council decides it’s time to bring plant into compliance.
“New deal keeps all operating for now” — LRAFB civilians were prepared to be furloughed until stalemate resolved.
“Jacksonville welcomes Little Rock Expo Center” — A year of successful Memphis Flea Market shows prompts the relocation of a major attraction.
“Council spends money on trash” — Jacksonville will buy new trucks and containers for approximately $1.3 million.
“Upgrades sought for base” — Rep. Griffin wants another simulator and to speed up avionics program.
“Funding parks is a puzzle for city” — Sherwood finds it cannot use impact fees to build new park in Gravel Ridge.
“Revelation Riders spread religion at bikers rallies” — Cabot motorcycle club is part of a growing Christian movement on wheels around the country.
Robbery behind pawnshop killing” — Joe Pipkin likely murdered during a stickup at his Hwy. 367 business.
“Storms sweep into area with 80-mph winds” — Power outages close schools in Lonoke County, leave others in dark.
“Parents, teachers upset by closure” — Many oppose closing Jacksonville Elementary before new school is built.
“Cabot fixing problem for kindergarten tests” — Vendor provided wrong practice materials for youngest pupils in school district.
“Pit bulls will get a reprieve” — The Cabot City Council decides to let vicious dogs move out of town.
“Allegiance, city set to sign deal to sell hospital” — Mayor pores over final paperwork that hands Jacksonville facility over to Louisiana firm for $8.3 million and major improvements.
“Fair feud deepens for cities” — Jacksonville is not worried about North Little Rock’s latest proposal.
“State to get last word on school plans” — Education Department will decide fate of $104 million PCSSD building program, which could depend on outcome of fiscal distress designation.
“Sirens sounded too often in storm?” — Cabot mayor wants to find out if system can be improved before the next round of bad weather.
“Sherwood can’t spend more for key services” — City’s budget panel hears requests for raises, but no funds available right now.
“Air base digs out after tornado” — Cleanup starts after homes and planes damaged; Col. Minihan thanks community for outpouring of support.
“High school hit, but plans are to reopen it April 29” — Despite the destruction of the auditorium and several classrooms, North Pulaski will hold classes and go ahead with prom at the end of the week.
“Storms cut wide swath across area” — Few spared as tornadoes and high winds swept through Arkansas.
“For air base, it’s recovery, going to war” — People and organizations open their hearts to help out.
“PCSSD has spending plan” — School district budget cuts $7.9 million; hopes to get out of fiscal distress and build three new schools in Jacksonville.
“Appeal sent state on designation” — PCSSD says it’s financially sound, opposes Education Department takeover.
May
“Huge rain pummels area, then moves on” — May rain on top of April totals, thunderstorms, tornadoes keep area saturated.
“Funding could run out for a big water project” — To complete pump station to help farmers, $350 million in federal and $190 million in state funds needed.
“Planting seeds of Afghan democracy” — Jacksonville soldier helped teach nation’s farmers modern techniques.
“Officials hear gripes about rising water” — Second 100-year flood in 18 months leaves many frustrated and looking for help and answers.
“Residents blame landfill for floods” — Residents near landfill say their problems have worsened as water has no place to go but into their homes.
“Missing man found dead in floodwater” — The body of a Butlerville driver who went past barricades finally located 150 yards away.
“Officials work on reducing flooding” — FEMA will assess damage as Jacksonville vows to work on drainage and make other improvements in the city.
“Jail ready to take in prisoners” — Lonoke County still trying to figure out how much it will cost to operate.
“Legislative audit slams PCSSD” — Lawmakers say they are tired of excuses as Education Department considers takeover.
“Sherwood will reconfigure its map for wards” — Northern expansion and addition of 8,000 residents call for change in boundaries for aldermen.
“Beebe plans new school for McRae” — A $2.9 million project.
“Another record for air drops” — Squadron that includes 41st AS helps deliver more pallets.
“Lonoke County pits JPs vs. JPs” — New census means many incumbents could face each other for quorum court next year.
“Jacksonville taxes up; Sherwood mulls hike” — Neighboring towns facing different financial realties, but only one looking to raise rates.
“Alderman case will likely be dismissed” — Judge tells Les Cossey that as long as he stays out of trouble, charges will be dropped.
“‘Boot camp’ business expo a success” — Jacksonville chamber’s event featured more than 60 companies.
“Two named in bribe scheme” — Former board president and Jacksonville principal were conspirators.
“Damage on base near $100 million” — LRAFB officials believe it will cost tens of millions of dollars to fix C-130s, homes and buildings.
“Bribe plot entangles 2 districts” — Mike Nellums is on the way out after fiasco; Tim Clark accused of payoff.
“Ruling: PCSSD wasted money” — District will meet today (May 25) to determine its options on deseg funding.
“Man dead after shootout in Cabot” — Police respond to domestic disturbance in the Village Square complex.
“Spending cuts proposed for solvency plan” — PCSSD passes 35-point financial program to get fiscally distressed district back on its feet.
“Cabot paying teachers to take early retirement” — School district to hire younger replacements, hoping to save $1.9 million.
June
“Rebuilding to start at North Pulaski” — Debris has been removed from the high school, which took a direct hit from April 25 tornado, Millions of dollars in construction to get under way soon.
“Technology grant to JHS worth $2M” — Over the next three years, the troubled high school could get as much as $5.7 million if it does well.
“Huge award in wreck” — Cabot woman, survivor of collision with dump truck, receives compensation from Lonoke County jury.
“Animals no longer dumped at landfill” — Practice called a violation of state law, so Cabot will resume incineration.
“Jacksonville pool repairs to run $1M” — Chlorine and moisture made ceiling and roof unsafe; closed for the summer and expansion possible.
“PCSSD takes another hit” — Disband board, panel says; Hopson answers he can’t undo mistakes of past decade in a year.
“Cabot gets school for ninth-graders” — District receives go-ahead to build a campus for one grade, then for 10th grade.
“Lottery winner in $2M drug bust” — Several suspects are arrested in a wide sweep in Lonoke and White counties.
“Breaking up PCSSD seen as a solution” — Despite threatened state takeover and drawn-out court suit, it could be an opportunity for Jacksonville to form its own district, lawmaker says.
“Redrawn districts pit pals, enemies” — New Lonoke JP lines will force friends and adversaries to run against each other.
“Jacksonville acts on expansion” — City will take in north business corridor along Hwy. 67/167.
“Farm-raised catfish may be thing of past” — Rising cost threatens Southern tradition.
“Lester: Local control two years away” — Former superintendent says he will stay for a few weeks before long-term chief comes in.
“Support for state takeover” — Jacksonville residents applaud move, but construction uncertain.
“Crossett’s principal leads JHS” — Former PCSSD teacher and administrator looks forward to coming home.
“North Belt hits a dead end for lack of funding” — Sherwood’s upcoming decision on whether or not to remove bypass from the street plan could put the project on permanent hold.
“Lester: I’m still backing district” — He says taking temporary post (interim PCSSD superintendent) doesn’t mean he has abandoned Jacksonville.
“Lonoke voters approve $5.7M to build school facility” — Residents and donors fund multi-purpose building at high school.
“Jacksonville’s $500,000 facelift” — Intersection at Main, Dupree and James gets a whole new look.
“New chief appointed for PCSSD” — South Arkansas educator moves from a district that has much in common with the Pulaski County schools.
“Mayor: $75M for Cabot needs” — Cypert proposes road and other upgrades and eliminating parks and recreation commission.
“North Belt still has chance to remain in plan” — Sherwood commission votes to keep right of way on master street plan.
SPORTS >> Badgers rout Lions at ‘Brier’
By JASON KING
Leader sportswriter
Things finally came together for Beebe on the last day of the Battle at the Brier invitational basketball tournament at Greenbrier High School as the Badgers routed Searcy 61-29 in the fifth-place game on Friday.
Panther Pavilion was nearly empty for the 11:30 a.m. game, but the Badgers (8-2) kept themselves motivated against a Lions team unable to keep pace in the early going. Beebe rushed out to a quick 12-2 lead and had complete control at the end of the first quarter with an 18-3 advantage.
Senior post player Dayton Scott led the Badgerswith 12 points while junior forward Austin Burroughs added 11 and sophomore guard Tanner Chapman had points.
Scott also led with eight rebounds, and dominated inside despite the presence of 6-5 senior Searcy post Jonathan Powell.
“I thought our focus was much better, particularly for an a.m. game,” Beebe coach Ryan Marshall said. “I thought our kids came together and played a nice ballgame. We hit the open guy and made the extra pass.
“We got a lot of easy looks early, and defensively, I thought we did extremely well. We got lost a few times, but I thought we guarded real well and did some things that we’ve been working on.”
Beebe’s advantage in the turnover department in the first half was slim at 6-5, but the Badgers made the most of their gifts early on while Searcy took a number of shots that simply were not there.
“I thought they may have been a little rushed offensively,” Marshall said. “Any time you do that, the other team gets a little uncomfortable, and maybe they will rush some shots. I thought we had good ball pressure; it made it tough for them to feed their big guy inside. Just overall, it was probably one of our best defensive efforts from a team standpoint.”
Scoring wise, senior point guard Brandon Fuller had just two points off a jumper in the lane in the first three minutes of the game, but it was his direction of the offensive flow that created multiple opportunities for the Badgers to orchestrate a quick-strike style of attack.
“He’s starting to figure that out,” Marshall said. “He talked to me after the Mills game, and that’s one thing he realized is that it doesn’t matter what’s going on, he’s got to be the energy guy and the leader on the floor. He does a number of things that won’t show up in the scorebook, but he does a good job.”
Burroughs and Scott got Beebe out to a double-digit lead in no time as Burroughs took an assist from Fuller for a jumper that gave the Badgers an 8-2 lead with 4:23 left to play in the first quarter, and Scott got a steal he took all the way to make it 10-2.
Burroughs got the steal and conversion on Searcy’s next trip down the court, and Scott then scored on a put-back to put the Badgers up 14-2 at the 2:08 mark. Beebe also held the Lions without a single rebound until the 1:32 mark of the first quarter.
Beebe set itself up to go with a continuous clock in the fourth quarter when junior guard Jake Schlenker drove in the paint for a score with 38 seconds remaining in the third period to put the Badgers up 48-17.
The victory wrapped up a three-day tournament full of ups and downs for the Badgers after losing to Mills 53-35 in the first round and struggling to beat Sheridan 48-42 in the second round.
“The first day was just absolutely horrible to be honest,” Marshall said. “Mills played extremely hard – a lot of intensity, and we didn’t meet it. We hit that panic mode. We had guys who didn’t want the basketball because they were smothered. One team was ready to play, one wasn’t.
“I thought yesterday, we got some kinks worked out, and then today, I thought it came together pretty good for them.”
Beebe opens its own Christmas Classic basketball tournament at Badger Sports Arena today in the final first-round game against Des Arc at 8:30 p.m.
Leader sportswriter
Things finally came together for Beebe on the last day of the Battle at the Brier invitational basketball tournament at Greenbrier High School as the Badgers routed Searcy 61-29 in the fifth-place game on Friday.
Panther Pavilion was nearly empty for the 11:30 a.m. game, but the Badgers (8-2) kept themselves motivated against a Lions team unable to keep pace in the early going. Beebe rushed out to a quick 12-2 lead and had complete control at the end of the first quarter with an 18-3 advantage.
Senior post player Dayton Scott led the Badgerswith 12 points while junior forward Austin Burroughs added 11 and sophomore guard Tanner Chapman had points.
Scott also led with eight rebounds, and dominated inside despite the presence of 6-5 senior Searcy post Jonathan Powell.
“I thought our focus was much better, particularly for an a.m. game,” Beebe coach Ryan Marshall said. “I thought our kids came together and played a nice ballgame. We hit the open guy and made the extra pass.
“We got a lot of easy looks early, and defensively, I thought we did extremely well. We got lost a few times, but I thought we guarded real well and did some things that we’ve been working on.”
Beebe’s advantage in the turnover department in the first half was slim at 6-5, but the Badgers made the most of their gifts early on while Searcy took a number of shots that simply were not there.
“I thought they may have been a little rushed offensively,” Marshall said. “Any time you do that, the other team gets a little uncomfortable, and maybe they will rush some shots. I thought we had good ball pressure; it made it tough for them to feed their big guy inside. Just overall, it was probably one of our best defensive efforts from a team standpoint.”
Scoring wise, senior point guard Brandon Fuller had just two points off a jumper in the lane in the first three minutes of the game, but it was his direction of the offensive flow that created multiple opportunities for the Badgers to orchestrate a quick-strike style of attack.
“He’s starting to figure that out,” Marshall said. “He talked to me after the Mills game, and that’s one thing he realized is that it doesn’t matter what’s going on, he’s got to be the energy guy and the leader on the floor. He does a number of things that won’t show up in the scorebook, but he does a good job.”
Burroughs and Scott got Beebe out to a double-digit lead in no time as Burroughs took an assist from Fuller for a jumper that gave the Badgers an 8-2 lead with 4:23 left to play in the first quarter, and Scott got a steal he took all the way to make it 10-2.
Burroughs got the steal and conversion on Searcy’s next trip down the court, and Scott then scored on a put-back to put the Badgers up 14-2 at the 2:08 mark. Beebe also held the Lions without a single rebound until the 1:32 mark of the first quarter.
Beebe set itself up to go with a continuous clock in the fourth quarter when junior guard Jake Schlenker drove in the paint for a score with 38 seconds remaining in the third period to put the Badgers up 48-17.
The victory wrapped up a three-day tournament full of ups and downs for the Badgers after losing to Mills 53-35 in the first round and struggling to beat Sheridan 48-42 in the second round.
“The first day was just absolutely horrible to be honest,” Marshall said. “Mills played extremely hard – a lot of intensity, and we didn’t meet it. We hit that panic mode. We had guys who didn’t want the basketball because they were smothered. One team was ready to play, one wasn’t.
“I thought yesterday, we got some kinks worked out, and then today, I thought it came together pretty good for them.”
Beebe opens its own Christmas Classic basketball tournament at Badger Sports Arena today in the final first-round game against Des Arc at 8:30 p.m.
SPORTS >> Cabot beats Lamar in Texas girls tournament
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
The Cabot Lady Panthers came off a long break with a great performance in the opening round of the Mansfield, Texas, Rotary Club’s Girls Invitational Basketball Tournament on Tuesday.
Cabot beat nearby Lamar High School of Arlington, Texas, 76-65 to advance in the winners bracket of the 32-team tournament and run its winning streak to seven games. The tournament is spread out over four sites in the Fort Worth area, including Legacy High School, Summit High School, Timberview High School and Mansfield High School.
Cabot assistant coach Charles Ruple was very pleased with how his team performed, especially considering the long layoff and long road trip.
“To score 76 points is pretty good after a layoff like we had,” Ruple said. “We shot the ball exceptionally well and our defensive pressure was very good.”
Although the final margin wasn’t a large one, Cabot controlled the game throughout. The Lady Panthers scored the first six points of the game, and forced turnovers on each of Lamar’s first four possessions.
Lamar called timeout with three minutes left in the opening quarter after Cabot had built an 18-5 lead. The Lady Panthers scored four more after the timeout before Lamar got back on the scoreboard with a minute left in the frame.
“We came out pressing and did a super job,” Ruple said. “It looked like it might be a blowout all the way but they brought in a girl off the bench that hurt us a little bit and kept them in the game.”
Cabot still maintained about an 18-point advantage throughout the game, and was able to stretch its lead enough in the second half to bring everyone off the bench for the final few minutes of the game.
“Everybody played including the sophomores, so that was good experience for them,” Ruple said.
Cabot wasn’t able to scout Lamar in person, but had done some homework, and got out of its opponent what it expected.
“They played a lot like we thought they would,” Ruple said. The main thing was playing well after a long trip like that. Lamar is right there nearby and didn’t have to drive very far. But the girls did play very well.”
Senior Melissa Wolff turned in complete game with 26 points, six rebounds, three blocked shots and two steals. Elliot Taylor had 10 points and six rebounds and Jalyn Bridges had 10 points and three assists.
Cabot shot 56 percent from the floor and hit 50 percent of its three-point shots.
The win earned Cabot (10-2)a second game on the same day. They played tournament host Summit at 8:15 p.m. last night at Legacy High School. Look for details of that game and the rest of Cabot’s games at the tournament in Saturday’s edition of The Leader.
Leader sports editor
The Cabot Lady Panthers came off a long break with a great performance in the opening round of the Mansfield, Texas, Rotary Club’s Girls Invitational Basketball Tournament on Tuesday.
Cabot beat nearby Lamar High School of Arlington, Texas, 76-65 to advance in the winners bracket of the 32-team tournament and run its winning streak to seven games. The tournament is spread out over four sites in the Fort Worth area, including Legacy High School, Summit High School, Timberview High School and Mansfield High School.
Cabot assistant coach Charles Ruple was very pleased with how his team performed, especially considering the long layoff and long road trip.
“To score 76 points is pretty good after a layoff like we had,” Ruple said. “We shot the ball exceptionally well and our defensive pressure was very good.”
Although the final margin wasn’t a large one, Cabot controlled the game throughout. The Lady Panthers scored the first six points of the game, and forced turnovers on each of Lamar’s first four possessions.
Lamar called timeout with three minutes left in the opening quarter after Cabot had built an 18-5 lead. The Lady Panthers scored four more after the timeout before Lamar got back on the scoreboard with a minute left in the frame.
“We came out pressing and did a super job,” Ruple said. “It looked like it might be a blowout all the way but they brought in a girl off the bench that hurt us a little bit and kept them in the game.”
Cabot still maintained about an 18-point advantage throughout the game, and was able to stretch its lead enough in the second half to bring everyone off the bench for the final few minutes of the game.
“Everybody played including the sophomores, so that was good experience for them,” Ruple said.
Cabot wasn’t able to scout Lamar in person, but had done some homework, and got out of its opponent what it expected.
“They played a lot like we thought they would,” Ruple said. The main thing was playing well after a long trip like that. Lamar is right there nearby and didn’t have to drive very far. But the girls did play very well.”
Senior Melissa Wolff turned in complete game with 26 points, six rebounds, three blocked shots and two steals. Elliot Taylor had 10 points and six rebounds and Jalyn Bridges had 10 points and three assists.
Cabot shot 56 percent from the floor and hit 50 percent of its three-point shots.
The win earned Cabot (10-2)a second game on the same day. They played tournament host Summit at 8:15 p.m. last night at Legacy High School. Look for details of that game and the rest of Cabot’s games at the tournament in Saturday’s edition of The Leader.
SPORTS >> Beebe takes title from Lady Bombers
By JASON KING
Leader sportswriter
To those needing hardware for verification, it is now official: the Beebe Lady Badgers are for real.
The Lady Badgers wrapped up the championship in the Battle at the Brier basketball tournament with a thrilling 33-31 victory over a defensively tough Mountain Home team in the title game Friday at Panther Pavilion in Greenbrier.
Beebe (7-2) got down as far as 22-17 late in the third quarter of the defensive struggle before clawing its way back midway through the final period to set the stage for a dramatic finish.
Junior guard Jamie Jackson solidified her place as tournament MVP for Beebe with 19 points, four steals and four rebounds, including a steal and layup with 1:08 left to play that broke a 31-31 tie and gave the Lady Badgers their first tournament championship since winning their own Christmas Classic tourney three years ago.
“You live for those games like that,” Lady Badgers coach Greg Richey said. “That makes your team better when you win close games like that. And I was proud of our girls.”
Jackson dazzled offensively, but it was the tough inside defensive work of 6-3 sophomore post player Angelina Williams that held Mountain Home’s Katie Kapler in check with just six points and 10 rebounds, a three-day tournament low for the dynamic junior post player.
“That was our game plan going in was to play behind,” Richey said. “We typically try to front the post, but tonight we wanted to play behind, and I told her ‘just make the girl try to shoot over you, and we’ll see what happens.’ She struggled all night, so that part worked out pretty well, and she did a good job of staying at home and not getting fouls. She had a good defensive effort inside.”
Jackson’s claim of MVP received a serious challenge from Mountain Home senior guard Anna Floyd, who led the Lady Bombers with 16 points. Floyd proved to be just as dangerous a threat as Jackson. The two battled to make plays in the final two minutes of a close game that was tied at 31 with just over a minute remaining.
“It was really tough for all of us, but we found a way to manage though it,” Jackson said. “I mean, I know we got down a little bit. We were nervous when they got up, but we had to pull our way out of it and work as a team to get there.”
The most nerve-racking moment for Jackson and the Lady Badgers came with 2:15 remaining in the third quarter when she picked up her fourth personal foul. Jackson went to the locker room at halftime with three fouls, but did not ease up on the intensity in the third as she continued to put defensive pressure on Floyd.
“I was really nervous,” Jackson said. “But I knew I had to do it. I couldn’t let my team down.”
The decisive momentum shift happened with 3:58 remaining when Beebe sophomore guard Kalela Miller stole the ball from Briana Leonard at midcourt and scored on a quick lay up to tie the game at 26-26. The Lady Bombers then had senior guard Bailey Crider take the ball down on their next trip, but Miller swiped the ball from her and repeated with another easy look under the basket to give Beebe its first lead of the second half.
Senior Sarah White scored the first points of the fourth quarter with a pair of free throws at the 5:43 mark to tie the game at 22 for her only points. As the Lady Badgers’ only starting senior and team captain, leadership proved to be White’s most valuable asset during the three-day tournament.
“She’s one of our senior leaders,” Richey said. “She’s our team captain, and Sarah will make a play. She’ll get a big rebound, and she went to the line tonight and hit two big free throws there late in the game. She’s not afraid of it. She’ll get out there and compete, and that’s what you look for in your seniors.”
Mountain Home (4-5) led 22-17 with 16 seconds remaining in the third quarter when Williams stunned the Lady Bombers with a three-point basket beyond the top of the key to cut the lead to 22-20. Williams had been playing out on several of Beebe’s third-quarter possessions before pulling the trigger. Williams finished with eight points for the Lady Badgers.
Floyd put up one last three-point attempt in the final six seconds, but the shot was off the mark, and the scramble for the loose ball ate up the remainder of the clock.
“We beat a very good team tonight,” Richey said. “Mountain Home is typically one of the top teams in the state of Arkansas in girls basketball, and we’re trying to climb up there. And for us to beat a team like that, it really is big for the girls.”
The Lady Badgers will open their own Christmas Classic tournament at 7 p.m. today against Des Arc.
Leader sportswriter
To those needing hardware for verification, it is now official: the Beebe Lady Badgers are for real.
The Lady Badgers wrapped up the championship in the Battle at the Brier basketball tournament with a thrilling 33-31 victory over a defensively tough Mountain Home team in the title game Friday at Panther Pavilion in Greenbrier.
Beebe (7-2) got down as far as 22-17 late in the third quarter of the defensive struggle before clawing its way back midway through the final period to set the stage for a dramatic finish.
Junior guard Jamie Jackson solidified her place as tournament MVP for Beebe with 19 points, four steals and four rebounds, including a steal and layup with 1:08 left to play that broke a 31-31 tie and gave the Lady Badgers their first tournament championship since winning their own Christmas Classic tourney three years ago.
“You live for those games like that,” Lady Badgers coach Greg Richey said. “That makes your team better when you win close games like that. And I was proud of our girls.”
Jackson dazzled offensively, but it was the tough inside defensive work of 6-3 sophomore post player Angelina Williams that held Mountain Home’s Katie Kapler in check with just six points and 10 rebounds, a three-day tournament low for the dynamic junior post player.
“That was our game plan going in was to play behind,” Richey said. “We typically try to front the post, but tonight we wanted to play behind, and I told her ‘just make the girl try to shoot over you, and we’ll see what happens.’ She struggled all night, so that part worked out pretty well, and she did a good job of staying at home and not getting fouls. She had a good defensive effort inside.”
Jackson’s claim of MVP received a serious challenge from Mountain Home senior guard Anna Floyd, who led the Lady Bombers with 16 points. Floyd proved to be just as dangerous a threat as Jackson. The two battled to make plays in the final two minutes of a close game that was tied at 31 with just over a minute remaining.
“It was really tough for all of us, but we found a way to manage though it,” Jackson said. “I mean, I know we got down a little bit. We were nervous when they got up, but we had to pull our way out of it and work as a team to get there.”
The most nerve-racking moment for Jackson and the Lady Badgers came with 2:15 remaining in the third quarter when she picked up her fourth personal foul. Jackson went to the locker room at halftime with three fouls, but did not ease up on the intensity in the third as she continued to put defensive pressure on Floyd.
“I was really nervous,” Jackson said. “But I knew I had to do it. I couldn’t let my team down.”
The decisive momentum shift happened with 3:58 remaining when Beebe sophomore guard Kalela Miller stole the ball from Briana Leonard at midcourt and scored on a quick lay up to tie the game at 26-26. The Lady Bombers then had senior guard Bailey Crider take the ball down on their next trip, but Miller swiped the ball from her and repeated with another easy look under the basket to give Beebe its first lead of the second half.
Senior Sarah White scored the first points of the fourth quarter with a pair of free throws at the 5:43 mark to tie the game at 22 for her only points. As the Lady Badgers’ only starting senior and team captain, leadership proved to be White’s most valuable asset during the three-day tournament.
“She’s one of our senior leaders,” Richey said. “She’s our team captain, and Sarah will make a play. She’ll get a big rebound, and she went to the line tonight and hit two big free throws there late in the game. She’s not afraid of it. She’ll get out there and compete, and that’s what you look for in your seniors.”
Mountain Home (4-5) led 22-17 with 16 seconds remaining in the third quarter when Williams stunned the Lady Bombers with a three-point basket beyond the top of the key to cut the lead to 22-20. Williams had been playing out on several of Beebe’s third-quarter possessions before pulling the trigger. Williams finished with eight points for the Lady Badgers.
Floyd put up one last three-point attempt in the final six seconds, but the shot was off the mark, and the scramble for the loose ball ate up the remainder of the clock.
“We beat a very good team tonight,” Richey said. “Mountain Home is typically one of the top teams in the state of Arkansas in girls basketball, and we’re trying to climb up there. And for us to beat a team like that, it really is big for the girls.”
The Lady Badgers will open their own Christmas Classic tournament at 7 p.m. today against Des Arc.
SPORTS >> Lots of sports memories in 2011
By RAY BENTON AND JASON KING
Leader sports staff
An Arkansas Derby winner, three state championships, eight state championship appearances highlighted the 2011 calendar year in local sports. There was also a recruiting and media frenzy surrounding a local player, and a not-so pleasant exit of a longtime local coach. 2011 brought plenty of excitement for fans of local sports.
The Little Horse that could, but almost couldn’t
Timing is important in horse races. It’s also important in the business of horse racing, and what looked like bad timing in February, turned out to be fortuitous for Jacksonville’s Bob and Val Yagos. Their thoroughbred, Archarcharch, won the Arkansas Derby in April and became the first locally owned horse to ever run in the Kentucky Derby. The horse suffered a career-ending injury at the famed Churchill Downs, but none of its accomplishments would have taken place if not for poor timing by the Yagos.
The JB’s Auto Salvage owners struck a deal in February with an interested party in Great Britain who planned to pay seven figures and run the horse in Dubai. But the contract was finalized 15 minutes too late to be legal. That’s not to say that the Yagos’ were upset about the failed transaction.
Val Yagos had a change of heart in the middle of the proceedings, but yielded to the previous decision to sell. When the contract was nullified, the couple decided not to pursue other opportunities and kept Archarcharch.
The 3-year old went on to give the Yagos’ their first-ever Grade 1 victory at the Arkansas Derby, as well as the first for longtime Hot Springs trainer Jinks Fires.
He became the tragedy of the Kentucky Derby when he suffered a fracture in his left front leg. He drew the dreaded one position in a huge field of 19 horses. He got bumpbed around a lot early and probably suffered the facture then. He still managed to finish 15th on a broken leg, lending credence to the Yagos’ claim that he was one of the most competitive horses they’d ever seen.
Turnaround Troup
The much-maligned rule that began allowing six of eight teams in the 6A and 7A conferences to make the playoffs turned out to be not such a bad thing this past baseball season. If not for the rule, the 6A state champions would not have even made the playoffs. Jacksonville, coming off a conference championship and returning everyone, suffered a mid-season slump that left it needing a win in its final season series just to make the playoffs.
Once there, the Red Devils completely flipped the script from a year ago. In 2010, they were a No. 1 seed and bowed out in the first round.
In 2011, they got in by the skin of their teeth and won the state championship, vanquishing major league prospect Dillon Howard and the Searcy Lions in the title game. Just for good measure and added effect, the Red Devils fell behind 5-1 in the fifth inning before mounting the most unlikely comeback of the weekend.
“We were just getting the two-out hits that we hadn’t been getting earlier,” Jacksonville coach Larry Burrows told The Leader in May.
Indeed his squad had been close in defeat, and became the cinderella story of championship weekend in Fayetteville in May.
Pinning the medal
That wasn’t The Leader’s only championship team. The Beebe Badgers won the class 5A wrestling title. It happened unusually, with Jason Ferguson pinning his opponent for fifth place in the heavyweight division, but his fifth-place finish gave the Badgers enough team points to overtake Little Rock Christian Academy atop the leaders’ board and earn the title. 103-pound Josh Freeman was Beebe’s only individual state champion. He finished the season 17-0 and beat Oak Groves’ Cole Brainerd for the championship.
Pinning the medal 2
Cabot’s girls bowling team won the state championship in February while the boys finished second to Searcy. Cabot’s Shelby Smith had the state tournament’s best score, and was the only member of the state title team to be named to the All-State squad.
Track title
In track and field, Cabot’s Ariel Voskamp won the state pole vault with a vault of 12-feet 5 inches.
Changing of the guard
It was evident by the end of the 2009-10 season that a change was needed in the Beebe girls basketball program, but that change did not come until a year later, when parents began flooding school-board meetings and contacting the local media to express their discontent with Lady Badgers coach Lora Jackson.
Jackson, who led Beebe to a 5A state semifinals appearance in the spring of 2009 with current Xavier University guard Ty O’Neill, became increasingly despondent during her final two years at the helm.
The community got its wish this past June when former Greene County Tech assistant coach Greg Richey got the nod to head the Lady Badgers program, while assistant coach Janet Pankey, who endured six seasons under Jackson, stayed on board.
The new partnership has paid dividends early this season with the Lady Badgers off to a 7-2 start, their best in years. They made a huge statement last week by winning the Battle at the Brier invitational basketball tournament in Greenbrier, defeating 6A powerhouse Mountain Home 33-31 in the championship game.
Oh, Archie!
The Leader first spotted Sylvan Hills guard Archie Goodwin as a dynamic freshman who led the junior Bears to a 19-2 record and River-City Conference championship back in 2008, but it took the rest of the country until the summer of 2010 when he appeared in a combine showcase game in St. Louis to understand his special talents for the game of basketball. Once the proverbial egg hatched, the floodgates at Hillside busted open with elite NCAA Division I coaches visiting the tiny Sherwood gymnasium to catch a glimpse of the 6-5 shooting ace.
That list included North Carolina’s Roy Williams and Kentucky’s John Calipari, who watched Goodwin and the Bears dismantle Watson Chapel back in January.
Legendary Kansas University coach Bill Self got perhaps the best show during his visit to the Hill as he watched a dramatic overtime win against nearby conference rival North Pulaski. The gymnasium was filled well beyond its 280-seat capacity, as Goodwin scored a career high 48 points.
The recruiting frenzy was not without its share of controversy, however, as former Razorbacks coach John Pelphrey came under fire for posing with Goodwin and teammate Trey Smith in a photo taken by Smith’s mother at the Conway tournament in November of 2010. The photo came to light in early March as the Bears were preparing to face Alma in the 5A state championship game. Pelphrey was on hand for most of the games at Summit Arena in Hot Springs that weekend, but was curiously absent when Goodwin and the Bears took to the court to face Isaac McCoy and the Airedales.
Many suspected all along that Goodwin aspired to be a Wildcat despite over 40 DI offers, and he verified it in October with an early signing to the prestigious university.
Devil of a season
What was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Jacksonville developed into a run to the 6A state championship game this past March, as Red Devils coach Victor Joyner led his young squad to a share of the conference title and a No. 2 seed in the 6A-East Conference.
Senior guard Raheem Appleby proved himself to be one of the most versatile players in the state as a strong scorer and defender throughout the season. The 6-3 guard suffered an ankle injury in the semifinals against Jonesboro, and was not at full speed when the Red Devils converged on Summit Arena in Hot Springs to face East foe Little Rock Parkview for the state championship.
It was anyone’s game heading in as the two teams split their conference schedule. Each team won its home game during a jumbled run of league play that was the result of inclement weather which eventually forced the rescheduling of nearly two weeks worth of games.
The Patriots prevailed 50-44 in the championship game, led by Arkansas Razorback signee Aaron Ross’s 13 points to earn MVP honors, but Appleby led all scorers with 19 points despite his weak ankle. Appleby and sophomore point guard Justin McCleary were both named to the all-tournament team.
Barreling Bison
Carlisle’s football team was also supposed to be rebuilding this season after losing almost its entire starting offensive line. The team, especially its 13 seniors, didn’t see it that way, and it was obvious even before the season began. Starting quarterback Zac King told The Leader during two-a-days that he expected the squad to “beat Des Arc, beat Hazen, go 15-0 and win the state championship.”
Not many other people believed it could happen, and if not for an unprecedented, record-breaking performance by Strong’s Kenneth Dixon, it would’ve happened. Carlisle went 13-0 and advanced to the state championship, though it was pegged an underdog in its first playoff game, a slight favorite in its second, and an underdog again in the semifinals.
There just wasn’t anything the Bison could do about Dixon. There wasn’t anything any team in 2A, or probably even 3A, could have done about Dixon that night.
It was still a remarkable season, and it rightly earned head coach Scott Waymire the coach of the year award. Everyone knew Strong was good. Dixon had already committed to a Divison I school, and there is at least one other DI player in the Bulldogs’ senior class. Carlisle has none. The Bison may not have anyone who will play college football at all next year. They got where they did because they were above average athletes with exceptional leadership, toughness and belief in each other.
The Real McCoy
Sylvan Hills made headlines with its dynamic junior shooting guard Archie Goodwin, who generated national interest in the program, but Goodwin was one in a starting lineup full of all-star caliber junior players in 2010-11. The Bears went undefeated in their 5A Southeast Conference run and won three dramatic games in the state tournament to set up a showdown with Alma in the state finals.
The Airedales were led by senior Isaac McCoy, who had signed to play football for Oklahoma State earlier in the year. The odds overwhelmingly went to Goodwin and the Bears going in to the matchup, but McCoy stunned the state with a record-shattering performance that included 39 points and 20 rebounds to earn MVP as the Airedales rolled to an 80-64 victory.
Goodwin struggled from the floor and finished with a season low 15 points and seven rebounds while point guard Dion Patton added 13 points. Goodwin and then utility player and now starter Larry Ziegler were both named to the all-tournament team.
Leader sports staff
An Arkansas Derby winner, three state championships, eight state championship appearances highlighted the 2011 calendar year in local sports. There was also a recruiting and media frenzy surrounding a local player, and a not-so pleasant exit of a longtime local coach. 2011 brought plenty of excitement for fans of local sports.
The Little Horse that could, but almost couldn’t
Timing is important in horse races. It’s also important in the business of horse racing, and what looked like bad timing in February, turned out to be fortuitous for Jacksonville’s Bob and Val Yagos. Their thoroughbred, Archarcharch, won the Arkansas Derby in April and became the first locally owned horse to ever run in the Kentucky Derby. The horse suffered a career-ending injury at the famed Churchill Downs, but none of its accomplishments would have taken place if not for poor timing by the Yagos.
The JB’s Auto Salvage owners struck a deal in February with an interested party in Great Britain who planned to pay seven figures and run the horse in Dubai. But the contract was finalized 15 minutes too late to be legal. That’s not to say that the Yagos’ were upset about the failed transaction.
Val Yagos had a change of heart in the middle of the proceedings, but yielded to the previous decision to sell. When the contract was nullified, the couple decided not to pursue other opportunities and kept Archarcharch.
The 3-year old went on to give the Yagos’ their first-ever Grade 1 victory at the Arkansas Derby, as well as the first for longtime Hot Springs trainer Jinks Fires.
He became the tragedy of the Kentucky Derby when he suffered a fracture in his left front leg. He drew the dreaded one position in a huge field of 19 horses. He got bumpbed around a lot early and probably suffered the facture then. He still managed to finish 15th on a broken leg, lending credence to the Yagos’ claim that he was one of the most competitive horses they’d ever seen.
Turnaround Troup
The much-maligned rule that began allowing six of eight teams in the 6A and 7A conferences to make the playoffs turned out to be not such a bad thing this past baseball season. If not for the rule, the 6A state champions would not have even made the playoffs. Jacksonville, coming off a conference championship and returning everyone, suffered a mid-season slump that left it needing a win in its final season series just to make the playoffs.
Once there, the Red Devils completely flipped the script from a year ago. In 2010, they were a No. 1 seed and bowed out in the first round.
In 2011, they got in by the skin of their teeth and won the state championship, vanquishing major league prospect Dillon Howard and the Searcy Lions in the title game. Just for good measure and added effect, the Red Devils fell behind 5-1 in the fifth inning before mounting the most unlikely comeback of the weekend.
“We were just getting the two-out hits that we hadn’t been getting earlier,” Jacksonville coach Larry Burrows told The Leader in May.
Indeed his squad had been close in defeat, and became the cinderella story of championship weekend in Fayetteville in May.
Pinning the medal
That wasn’t The Leader’s only championship team. The Beebe Badgers won the class 5A wrestling title. It happened unusually, with Jason Ferguson pinning his opponent for fifth place in the heavyweight division, but his fifth-place finish gave the Badgers enough team points to overtake Little Rock Christian Academy atop the leaders’ board and earn the title. 103-pound Josh Freeman was Beebe’s only individual state champion. He finished the season 17-0 and beat Oak Groves’ Cole Brainerd for the championship.
Pinning the medal 2
Cabot’s girls bowling team won the state championship in February while the boys finished second to Searcy. Cabot’s Shelby Smith had the state tournament’s best score, and was the only member of the state title team to be named to the All-State squad.
Track title
In track and field, Cabot’s Ariel Voskamp won the state pole vault with a vault of 12-feet 5 inches.
Changing of the guard
It was evident by the end of the 2009-10 season that a change was needed in the Beebe girls basketball program, but that change did not come until a year later, when parents began flooding school-board meetings and contacting the local media to express their discontent with Lady Badgers coach Lora Jackson.
Jackson, who led Beebe to a 5A state semifinals appearance in the spring of 2009 with current Xavier University guard Ty O’Neill, became increasingly despondent during her final two years at the helm.
The community got its wish this past June when former Greene County Tech assistant coach Greg Richey got the nod to head the Lady Badgers program, while assistant coach Janet Pankey, who endured six seasons under Jackson, stayed on board.
The new partnership has paid dividends early this season with the Lady Badgers off to a 7-2 start, their best in years. They made a huge statement last week by winning the Battle at the Brier invitational basketball tournament in Greenbrier, defeating 6A powerhouse Mountain Home 33-31 in the championship game.
Oh, Archie!
The Leader first spotted Sylvan Hills guard Archie Goodwin as a dynamic freshman who led the junior Bears to a 19-2 record and River-City Conference championship back in 2008, but it took the rest of the country until the summer of 2010 when he appeared in a combine showcase game in St. Louis to understand his special talents for the game of basketball. Once the proverbial egg hatched, the floodgates at Hillside busted open with elite NCAA Division I coaches visiting the tiny Sherwood gymnasium to catch a glimpse of the 6-5 shooting ace.
That list included North Carolina’s Roy Williams and Kentucky’s John Calipari, who watched Goodwin and the Bears dismantle Watson Chapel back in January.
Legendary Kansas University coach Bill Self got perhaps the best show during his visit to the Hill as he watched a dramatic overtime win against nearby conference rival North Pulaski. The gymnasium was filled well beyond its 280-seat capacity, as Goodwin scored a career high 48 points.
The recruiting frenzy was not without its share of controversy, however, as former Razorbacks coach John Pelphrey came under fire for posing with Goodwin and teammate Trey Smith in a photo taken by Smith’s mother at the Conway tournament in November of 2010. The photo came to light in early March as the Bears were preparing to face Alma in the 5A state championship game. Pelphrey was on hand for most of the games at Summit Arena in Hot Springs that weekend, but was curiously absent when Goodwin and the Bears took to the court to face Isaac McCoy and the Airedales.
Many suspected all along that Goodwin aspired to be a Wildcat despite over 40 DI offers, and he verified it in October with an early signing to the prestigious university.
Devil of a season
What was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Jacksonville developed into a run to the 6A state championship game this past March, as Red Devils coach Victor Joyner led his young squad to a share of the conference title and a No. 2 seed in the 6A-East Conference.
Senior guard Raheem Appleby proved himself to be one of the most versatile players in the state as a strong scorer and defender throughout the season. The 6-3 guard suffered an ankle injury in the semifinals against Jonesboro, and was not at full speed when the Red Devils converged on Summit Arena in Hot Springs to face East foe Little Rock Parkview for the state championship.
It was anyone’s game heading in as the two teams split their conference schedule. Each team won its home game during a jumbled run of league play that was the result of inclement weather which eventually forced the rescheduling of nearly two weeks worth of games.
The Patriots prevailed 50-44 in the championship game, led by Arkansas Razorback signee Aaron Ross’s 13 points to earn MVP honors, but Appleby led all scorers with 19 points despite his weak ankle. Appleby and sophomore point guard Justin McCleary were both named to the all-tournament team.
Barreling Bison
Carlisle’s football team was also supposed to be rebuilding this season after losing almost its entire starting offensive line. The team, especially its 13 seniors, didn’t see it that way, and it was obvious even before the season began. Starting quarterback Zac King told The Leader during two-a-days that he expected the squad to “beat Des Arc, beat Hazen, go 15-0 and win the state championship.”
Not many other people believed it could happen, and if not for an unprecedented, record-breaking performance by Strong’s Kenneth Dixon, it would’ve happened. Carlisle went 13-0 and advanced to the state championship, though it was pegged an underdog in its first playoff game, a slight favorite in its second, and an underdog again in the semifinals.
There just wasn’t anything the Bison could do about Dixon. There wasn’t anything any team in 2A, or probably even 3A, could have done about Dixon that night.
It was still a remarkable season, and it rightly earned head coach Scott Waymire the coach of the year award. Everyone knew Strong was good. Dixon had already committed to a Divison I school, and there is at least one other DI player in the Bulldogs’ senior class. Carlisle has none. The Bison may not have anyone who will play college football at all next year. They got where they did because they were above average athletes with exceptional leadership, toughness and belief in each other.
The Real McCoy
Sylvan Hills made headlines with its dynamic junior shooting guard Archie Goodwin, who generated national interest in the program, but Goodwin was one in a starting lineup full of all-star caliber junior players in 2010-11. The Bears went undefeated in their 5A Southeast Conference run and won three dramatic games in the state tournament to set up a showdown with Alma in the state finals.
The Airedales were led by senior Isaac McCoy, who had signed to play football for Oklahoma State earlier in the year. The odds overwhelmingly went to Goodwin and the Bears going in to the matchup, but McCoy stunned the state with a record-shattering performance that included 39 points and 20 rebounds to earn MVP as the Airedales rolled to an 80-64 victory.
Goodwin struggled from the floor and finished with a season low 15 points and seven rebounds while point guard Dion Patton added 13 points. Goodwin and then utility player and now starter Larry Ziegler were both named to the all-tournament team.
Friday, December 23, 2011
TOP STORY >> Young girl asks Santa for a very special gift
By GARRICK FELDMAN
Leader editor
(This is a reprint of a previous Christmas column.)
When my friend Jack Sallee was with the Jaycees in Fayetteville, they’d put an ad in the paper at Christmastime saying that for $2 you could have Santa come to your place.
There’d be a group of Santas going out every night, and Sallee was among them.
“Each Santa went to about 10 homes a night,” Sallee says. “Each Santa had a driver. Mine was named Larry Nixon. He was a big fellow, and I would tell the kids Larry was driving me around town.”
Usually nothing out of the ordinary happened. Kids got to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas, and Santa gave them lots of candy, and everybody went to bed happy.
But then something different did happen. Sallee says, “One night we had two houses left to go. We drove around for a while, and when we found one, it was a one-room house. We went inside, and the house had a dirt floor and hardly any furnishings.”
A young girl was there with her mother. They were as poor as they could be: They had nothing — or very little.
The two Jaycees, college educated and professionals who’d seen dozens of nice homes, couldn’t believe what they had walked into.
“There were two cots to sleep on and a table and a chair,” Sallee says. “The house had a pot-bellied stove. She had one of those small Styrofoam ice chests. So needless to say, I was taken aback because I didn’t think people still lived like that. This was inside the Fayetteville city limits.
“The girl was seven or eight years old,” Sallee continues, “and she had long hair and blue eyes. She wore a nightgown that looked like a man’s T-shirt her mother had cut off. She was flabbergasted that Santa Claus would actually visit her.”
He says, “For a Christmas tree, her mother had brought in a branch and put it on the table.”
Her mother had found her a present — a ball wrapped in tissue paper. Sallee wondered what else this poor girl would ask for.
“In the homes we had seen,” he continues, “the children would tell us what they wanted by reciting the toy sections in stores they’d been to.”
But that wasn’t what the girl wanted.
“The girl sat on my lap and looked at me seriously,” Sallee recalls. “She said, ‘Santa, the only thing I want is for Daddy to come home.’
“I looked at my driver, this big, burly guy, and he had to walk outside because tears were streaming down his face,” Sallee says.
“The mother turned her back to us, and I just turned my head away from her,” he adds. “I was just stunned and moved and speechless. I wanted to hold the little girl and tell her everything was going to be all right, but there was nothing you could do. You felt helpless. She never asked for a toy or clothes.
“I said there are some things Santa Claus can’t do,” Sallee adds, “but Santa Claus would try. I gave her all the candy I had.
“It’s an experience you’ll never forget,” he says. “It will haunt you for the rest of your life.”
Sallee remembers that little girl around this time of the year. He wonders what happened to her father.
Maybe this Christmas he will be home, and, who knows, they’ll have a nice place to live in. You can’t lose hope.
Leader editor
(This is a reprint of a previous Christmas column.)
When my friend Jack Sallee was with the Jaycees in Fayetteville, they’d put an ad in the paper at Christmastime saying that for $2 you could have Santa come to your place.
There’d be a group of Santas going out every night, and Sallee was among them.
“Each Santa went to about 10 homes a night,” Sallee says. “Each Santa had a driver. Mine was named Larry Nixon. He was a big fellow, and I would tell the kids Larry was driving me around town.”
Usually nothing out of the ordinary happened. Kids got to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas, and Santa gave them lots of candy, and everybody went to bed happy.
But then something different did happen. Sallee says, “One night we had two houses left to go. We drove around for a while, and when we found one, it was a one-room house. We went inside, and the house had a dirt floor and hardly any furnishings.”
A young girl was there with her mother. They were as poor as they could be: They had nothing — or very little.
The two Jaycees, college educated and professionals who’d seen dozens of nice homes, couldn’t believe what they had walked into.
“There were two cots to sleep on and a table and a chair,” Sallee says. “The house had a pot-bellied stove. She had one of those small Styrofoam ice chests. So needless to say, I was taken aback because I didn’t think people still lived like that. This was inside the Fayetteville city limits.
“The girl was seven or eight years old,” Sallee continues, “and she had long hair and blue eyes. She wore a nightgown that looked like a man’s T-shirt her mother had cut off. She was flabbergasted that Santa Claus would actually visit her.”
He says, “For a Christmas tree, her mother had brought in a branch and put it on the table.”
Her mother had found her a present — a ball wrapped in tissue paper. Sallee wondered what else this poor girl would ask for.
“In the homes we had seen,” he continues, “the children would tell us what they wanted by reciting the toy sections in stores they’d been to.”
But that wasn’t what the girl wanted.
“The girl sat on my lap and looked at me seriously,” Sallee recalls. “She said, ‘Santa, the only thing I want is for Daddy to come home.’
“I looked at my driver, this big, burly guy, and he had to walk outside because tears were streaming down his face,” Sallee says.
“The mother turned her back to us, and I just turned my head away from her,” he adds. “I was just stunned and moved and speechless. I wanted to hold the little girl and tell her everything was going to be all right, but there was nothing you could do. You felt helpless. She never asked for a toy or clothes.
“I said there are some things Santa Claus can’t do,” Sallee adds, “but Santa Claus would try. I gave her all the candy I had.
“It’s an experience you’ll never forget,” he says. “It will haunt you for the rest of your life.”
Sallee remembers that little girl around this time of the year. He wonders what happened to her father.
Maybe this Christmas he will be home, and, who knows, they’ll have a nice place to live in. You can’t lose hope.
TOP STORY >> ‘Grinch’ doesn’t dispirit charity
By JEFFREY SMITH
Leader staff writer
A Grinch “with a heart two sizes too small” earlier this week broke into Hope’s Closet and Pantry, a charity in Cabot, and stole portable heaters, baby items, shoes, along with men’s and women’s clothing. It is the fourth time in two years someone has burglarized the outreach group’s building.
“It should be a time of giving, not stealing,” Hope’s Closet director Kimberly Buchberger said.
But all hope is not lost. Police are investigating and do have leads.
“It’s not going to mess us up. We’re going to pull our boots up and keep pushing,” she said.
Buchberger believes that she may know more next week about the identity of the grinch or grinches.
Volunteers have been vigorously collecting items to replenish what was taken. The charity still plans to give away blankets in January.
Larry’s Pizza held a fundraiser Friday. A percentage of its buffet sales, along with cash donations it accepted, went to Hope’s Closet.
Also, the Girls Rollin’ in the South women’s flat-track roller derby team will be holding a donation drive for the charity until Friday.
According to reports, on Wednesday morning, volunteer Heather Moore stopped by Hope’s Closet on South Rockwood Road and noticed the side window was pried opened. A shelf blocked the entry through the window, so burglars pried open the front door.
Someone left a joker, popped up from a jack-in-the-box, in the place where eight heaters were. Members of a women’s bowling league recently donated the heaters.
“They took all our children’s scarves, socks, mittens and caps. They took one whole bin of blankets and a bin of children’s shoes. They took our money box, but nothing was in it,” Moore said.
She said the thieves took toys, large-sized women’s clothing, men’s clothes, jeans and toddler clothing.
Teresa Barbery, another volunteer, said the break-in made her sick to her stomach. “It’s horrible. It’s just a mess.”
Barbery said the air base had donated three large bins that had been filled with blankets and towels. “One of those were taken, and that had to take at least three people to lift,” she said.
Moore said, “They ransacked our food pantry, knocking things off the shelves. They took a shelf of feminine hygiene products.”
The thieves knocked a hole in the side of a storage shed and broke in the doors.
“If the people who did this were in need, if they would have let us know, we would have helped them out. That’s what we’re here for,” Moore said.
“We’ve had a lot of response from people wanting to assist”, Moore said after news of the break-in spread.
Moore said people have donated clothes, blankets and shoes. The Arkansas Federal Credit Union gave a large donation.
“What’s great about Cabot is that it’s a giving community,” she said.
“The main need is for children’s items, but we’ll accept whatever people feel led to give,” Moore said.
“It is bad that it happened, but we’ve received a lot of blessings,” she said. “I hate that it happened. We are going to come back stronger, keep pushing and helping families that need help,” Buchberger said.
Hope’s Closet is the second charity group to be hit with problems this Christmas season.
Over the past month, flooding at God’s Holy House Church in Jacksonville has destroyed the building and donations for its thrift store.
To help the church, call 501-291-5925 or 501-551-5574.
Hope’s Closet donations may be given to any roller derby league member. Call 501-605-6153 or 501-831-3203, visit the Girls Rollin’ in the South Roller Derby on Facebook, or send an e-mail to gritsrollerderby11@gmail.com to make arrangements to pick up or drop off items.
Leader staff writer
A Grinch “with a heart two sizes too small” earlier this week broke into Hope’s Closet and Pantry, a charity in Cabot, and stole portable heaters, baby items, shoes, along with men’s and women’s clothing. It is the fourth time in two years someone has burglarized the outreach group’s building.
“It should be a time of giving, not stealing,” Hope’s Closet director Kimberly Buchberger said.
But all hope is not lost. Police are investigating and do have leads.
“It’s not going to mess us up. We’re going to pull our boots up and keep pushing,” she said.
Buchberger believes that she may know more next week about the identity of the grinch or grinches.
Volunteers have been vigorously collecting items to replenish what was taken. The charity still plans to give away blankets in January.
Larry’s Pizza held a fundraiser Friday. A percentage of its buffet sales, along with cash donations it accepted, went to Hope’s Closet.
Also, the Girls Rollin’ in the South women’s flat-track roller derby team will be holding a donation drive for the charity until Friday.
According to reports, on Wednesday morning, volunteer Heather Moore stopped by Hope’s Closet on South Rockwood Road and noticed the side window was pried opened. A shelf blocked the entry through the window, so burglars pried open the front door.
Someone left a joker, popped up from a jack-in-the-box, in the place where eight heaters were. Members of a women’s bowling league recently donated the heaters.
“They took all our children’s scarves, socks, mittens and caps. They took one whole bin of blankets and a bin of children’s shoes. They took our money box, but nothing was in it,” Moore said.
She said the thieves took toys, large-sized women’s clothing, men’s clothes, jeans and toddler clothing.
Teresa Barbery, another volunteer, said the break-in made her sick to her stomach. “It’s horrible. It’s just a mess.”
Barbery said the air base had donated three large bins that had been filled with blankets and towels. “One of those were taken, and that had to take at least three people to lift,” she said.
Moore said, “They ransacked our food pantry, knocking things off the shelves. They took a shelf of feminine hygiene products.”
The thieves knocked a hole in the side of a storage shed and broke in the doors.
“If the people who did this were in need, if they would have let us know, we would have helped them out. That’s what we’re here for,” Moore said.
“We’ve had a lot of response from people wanting to assist”, Moore said after news of the break-in spread.
Moore said people have donated clothes, blankets and shoes. The Arkansas Federal Credit Union gave a large donation.
“What’s great about Cabot is that it’s a giving community,” she said.
“The main need is for children’s items, but we’ll accept whatever people feel led to give,” Moore said.
“It is bad that it happened, but we’ve received a lot of blessings,” she said. “I hate that it happened. We are going to come back stronger, keep pushing and helping families that need help,” Buchberger said.
Hope’s Closet is the second charity group to be hit with problems this Christmas season.
Over the past month, flooding at God’s Holy House Church in Jacksonville has destroyed the building and donations for its thrift store.
To help the church, call 501-291-5925 or 501-551-5574.
Hope’s Closet donations may be given to any roller derby league member. Call 501-605-6153 or 501-831-3203, visit the Girls Rollin’ in the South Roller Derby on Facebook, or send an e-mail to gritsrollerderby11@gmail.com to make arrangements to pick up or drop off items.
TOP STORY >> Airmen back in time for a joyous holiday
By JEFFREY SMITH
Leader staff writer
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” had a special meaning for more than 80 airmen from Little Rock Air Force Base’s 19th Airlift Wing, who returned this weekend on five C-130s in time to celebrate the holidays with loved ones.
Family and friends gathered and watched with anticipation near the flight line as the C-130s landed and parked in front of them on Friday.
As soon as the plane’s propellers stopped and the door dropped, the airmen stepped out of the C-130s to warm greetings in the cold winds. They were met with big smiles, long hugs and many kisses from family and friends. The airmen, mostly aviators and maintenance crew members, came back after a scheduled four-month deployment to support war operations in Southwest Asia.
“Nothing is more special than our airmen returning from battle. To see the joy on the wives’ and kids’ faces, it is the best present Santa could ever bring,” said Col. Mike Minihan, commander of 19th Airlift Wing.
Amy Gaul of Cabot was one of many to come out and welcome their loved ones. She said she was very excited to see her husband, Master Sgt. Eric Gaul, arrive back home. His arrival was a surprise to their sons, Walker, 13, Thomas, 8, and David, 6, who did not know their father was flying back yesterday.
“It will be nice to have him home for Christmas,” Amy Gaul said as she waited for the C-130 to land.
Leader staff writer
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” had a special meaning for more than 80 airmen from Little Rock Air Force Base’s 19th Airlift Wing, who returned this weekend on five C-130s in time to celebrate the holidays with loved ones.
Family and friends gathered and watched with anticipation near the flight line as the C-130s landed and parked in front of them on Friday.
As soon as the plane’s propellers stopped and the door dropped, the airmen stepped out of the C-130s to warm greetings in the cold winds. They were met with big smiles, long hugs and many kisses from family and friends. The airmen, mostly aviators and maintenance crew members, came back after a scheduled four-month deployment to support war operations in Southwest Asia.
“Nothing is more special than our airmen returning from battle. To see the joy on the wives’ and kids’ faces, it is the best present Santa could ever bring,” said Col. Mike Minihan, commander of 19th Airlift Wing.
Amy Gaul of Cabot was one of many to come out and welcome their loved ones. She said she was very excited to see her husband, Master Sgt. Eric Gaul, arrive back home. His arrival was a surprise to their sons, Walker, 13, Thomas, 8, and David, 6, who did not know their father was flying back yesterday.
“It will be nice to have him home for Christmas,” Amy Gaul said as she waited for the C-130 to land.
TOP STORY >> Road to Bethlehem
Story by SARAH CAMPBELL
Leader staff writer
The Bethlehem United Methodist Church’s “Road to Bethlehem” embodies the spirit of an angelic woman who put her heart and soul into it.
Larry Nipper, who is in charge of the well-known trail, said it was one of his wife’s projects. That selfless woman, Jeaneane Nipper, passed away three years ago from pancreatic cancer. He was pastor of the church for nine years before he retired in June 2008 at age 73 to take care of his wife.
This year is the 25th anniversary of the 36 displays featuring nearly 200 lighted, life-sized and hand-painted figures from the story of the birth of Jesus located at homes along a four-mile stretch of Bethlehem Road in Lonoke County. It is lighted every night from dusk until 11 p.m. and it runs from Dec. 1 through New Year’s Eve.
The project began with just a few displays at the church and no signs. Signs with Biblical quotes are now included with every display.
“Vanloads” of people from Tennessee, Oklahoma, Mississippi and other states come regularly to see the Biblical figures and Bible verses that tell the story of the nativity, Nipper said. As many as a thousand cars will travel down the road at the same time.
One day in the third or fourth year for the project, his wife walked into the church with tears rolling down her cheeks, Nipper said.
He asked what was wrong and she explained, “Nothing is wrong. We just got paid for all our work here.”
She had just seen a woman with eight grandchildren telling them the story of the Savior’s birth using the displays as examples.
“I was married to an angel for 53 years. She devoted her life to the love of Jesus Christ. This was a tremendous thing she did,” Nipper said.
But he wanted to emphasize that without the support of the whole community since its beginnings, the road would not be what it is today.
The displays were a family affair, too. Jeaneane’s brother, Billy Davis, drew patterns for the figures on paper.
Nipper, 76, used to take his wife to Branson, Mo., every year to relax after the road was done, because the project would wear her down. On one occasion, they went to a church service there and the pastor, who preaches to 600 people hundreds of miles from Lonoke, was greeting people as they left.
He asked the Nippers where they were from and as soon as they said a church off Bethlehem Road in Arkansas, he exclaimed, “The Christmas Road to Bethlehem.” He had been there to see the displays.
“It’s rewarding for a little country church to have something this well known,” Nipper said.
The cost to put up the displays, which require steel posts to hold them up, electricity bills, fixtures, wires and other expenses come to about $2,000.
The church raises that money through donations and its annual spaghetti supper, which is held on the last Saturday of September. Nipper said it usually has enough to cover the cost of the road.
“We get rewarded. It’s a lot of work. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it. We do get rewarded when we see how it affects people, especially children,” Nipper said.
“You make the trip and it tells the story. That is one of the beautiful things about it. It’s very rewarding how it puts the Christmas story over to people, especially children, especially teenagers.”
Volunteers do all the labor that is required.
Among the challenges every year are how many volunteers come out to work and weather conditions.
There weren’t very many volunteers this year, compared to times in the past.
But Nipper said the ground was really soft from all the rain this year, and that made it easier to drive in the stakes that support the figures.
The trail is not the only thing the church does for Christmas.
It hosted special programs, from Dec. 11 to Dec. 17.
Those nights included a re-enactment of the Christmas story by members of the Lonoke Council on Aging and performances by southern gospel/Christian country musicians Glen and Leigh Ann Pool, Hickory Hill Bluegrass Band of Beebe, Cabot’s Hallelujah Harmony Quartet and the Gospel Tones of Jacksonville.
Local talent from the church and the community performed one night that week.
Refreshments were served after each program.
Nipper said he is still managing the annual displays, but is looking for someone else to take over.
Leader staff writer
The Bethlehem United Methodist Church’s “Road to Bethlehem” embodies the spirit of an angelic woman who put her heart and soul into it.
Larry Nipper, who is in charge of the well-known trail, said it was one of his wife’s projects. That selfless woman, Jeaneane Nipper, passed away three years ago from pancreatic cancer. He was pastor of the church for nine years before he retired in June 2008 at age 73 to take care of his wife.
This year is the 25th anniversary of the 36 displays featuring nearly 200 lighted, life-sized and hand-painted figures from the story of the birth of Jesus located at homes along a four-mile stretch of Bethlehem Road in Lonoke County. It is lighted every night from dusk until 11 p.m. and it runs from Dec. 1 through New Year’s Eve.
The project began with just a few displays at the church and no signs. Signs with Biblical quotes are now included with every display.
“Vanloads” of people from Tennessee, Oklahoma, Mississippi and other states come regularly to see the Biblical figures and Bible verses that tell the story of the nativity, Nipper said. As many as a thousand cars will travel down the road at the same time.
One day in the third or fourth year for the project, his wife walked into the church with tears rolling down her cheeks, Nipper said.
He asked what was wrong and she explained, “Nothing is wrong. We just got paid for all our work here.”
She had just seen a woman with eight grandchildren telling them the story of the Savior’s birth using the displays as examples.
“I was married to an angel for 53 years. She devoted her life to the love of Jesus Christ. This was a tremendous thing she did,” Nipper said.
But he wanted to emphasize that without the support of the whole community since its beginnings, the road would not be what it is today.
The displays were a family affair, too. Jeaneane’s brother, Billy Davis, drew patterns for the figures on paper.
Nipper, 76, used to take his wife to Branson, Mo., every year to relax after the road was done, because the project would wear her down. On one occasion, they went to a church service there and the pastor, who preaches to 600 people hundreds of miles from Lonoke, was greeting people as they left.
He asked the Nippers where they were from and as soon as they said a church off Bethlehem Road in Arkansas, he exclaimed, “The Christmas Road to Bethlehem.” He had been there to see the displays.
“It’s rewarding for a little country church to have something this well known,” Nipper said.
The cost to put up the displays, which require steel posts to hold them up, electricity bills, fixtures, wires and other expenses come to about $2,000.
The church raises that money through donations and its annual spaghetti supper, which is held on the last Saturday of September. Nipper said it usually has enough to cover the cost of the road.
“We get rewarded. It’s a lot of work. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it. We do get rewarded when we see how it affects people, especially children,” Nipper said.
“You make the trip and it tells the story. That is one of the beautiful things about it. It’s very rewarding how it puts the Christmas story over to people, especially children, especially teenagers.”
Volunteers do all the labor that is required.
Among the challenges every year are how many volunteers come out to work and weather conditions.
There weren’t very many volunteers this year, compared to times in the past.
But Nipper said the ground was really soft from all the rain this year, and that made it easier to drive in the stakes that support the figures.
The trail is not the only thing the church does for Christmas.
It hosted special programs, from Dec. 11 to Dec. 17.
Those nights included a re-enactment of the Christmas story by members of the Lonoke Council on Aging and performances by southern gospel/Christian country musicians Glen and Leigh Ann Pool, Hickory Hill Bluegrass Band of Beebe, Cabot’s Hallelujah Harmony Quartet and the Gospel Tones of Jacksonville.
Local talent from the church and the community performed one night that week.
Refreshments were served after each program.
Nipper said he is still managing the annual displays, but is looking for someone else to take over.
EDITORIAL >> Why GOP caved in
If we are lucky, the dramatic cave-in on the payroll tax and jobless benefits by the Republican majority in the House of Representatives will bring lasting holiday cheer on many fronts. The 1.5 million Arkansans (and 160 million nationally) who won’t see their paychecks dip in two weeks and the thousands who won’t lose their jobless benefits dry up are the obvious beneficiaries. They and their families account for 99 percent of Americans who are not retired are disabled. A pretty good Christmas present for the country!
We always thought the significance was magnified, but the still moribund economy can use the confidence builder of continued tax cuts and jobless pay. President Obama thought the continuation of the payroll tax cut from 2009 and extended unemployment aid were important because they would keep money in the pockets of the middle class and the poor and keep them spending and raising the demand for products and services, the real job creator. We never thought they were a powerful stimulus, but every bit does help.
More important, we hope, is that the political dynamics in Washington may have shifted. For a full critical year, a relatively small fringe of the Republican Party has controlled the machinery in Washington, and they have brought the country perilously close to collapse. They lost this round, in dramatic, embarrassing fashion, and it may bode well for the future.
After winning some 50 House seats in the 2010 Republican wave, the extremists (three in Arkansas), many of them under the banner of the “tea party,” demanded that the government—that is, their own House majority, the Democratic Senate and the president—surrender to their idea of government. It included an end to important regulation of industry, deep cuts in Medicare benefits or an end to the system, slashes in Social Security, and lower taxes on corporations and the rich. It did not seem like a widely popular agenda in the United States, but they carried the day, over and over.
Most people have never acknowledged that their taxes were slashed—not increased—by Barack Obama, but the holiday war over payroll taxes may have driven that point home finally, thanks to the blundering of the Republicans. A reduction in payroll taxes that support Social Security and Medicare was part of Obama’s $750 billion stimulus program to stop the deep economic slide when he took office in 2009. Democrats controlled both houses, but Obama still had to accommodate Republicans in the Senate because with 41 votes, they could block anything they did not like.
To continue the lower payroll tax rates at the beginning of this year, Obama had to agree to the Republican demand that he continue the big income-tax reductions for people earning more than $250,000 a year. Those tax cuts, enacted under George W. Bush, had expired at the end of 2010 and the Republicans refused to continue the low payroll tax rate and unemployment assistance unless the president and the Democrats continued the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy through the end of 2012. The threat was raised again in the summer when the country reached its debt ceiling and faced the immediate prospect of repudiating its debt for the first time in history. They demanded a commitment to large reductions in government programs, including Medicare, Medicaid and pollution control, in exchange for not shutting down the government and reneging on U.S. debts.
Obama caved in. Many Democrats, particularly those on the left, thought the president should have stood his ground. When the other side seemed ready to bring the country to ruin if they did not win, the president thought he had no choice. Obama’s approval rating, never robust in Arkansas, plummeted, though not like Congress’.
This time, Obama stood his ground. He said the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits had to be extended until the economy was in full recovery mode. The tax cut was unpopular among Republicans, and the freshman class and a few others were adamant that taxes be allowed to go back to 6 percent because Social Security and Medicare needed the money and that jobless relief not be extended so that the unemployed would be forced to take whatever jobs they could get. The Republicans would give in on payroll taxes and unemployment only if they could get big concessions from the president and the Senate on other fronts.
Early this week, after Senate Republicans worked out an emergency deal with the president and Democrats to extend the tax cuts and jobless benefits through February, the tea-party Republicans—they included our three GOP congressmen, Tim Griffin, Steve Womack and Rick Crawford—said they wanted the House to stand firm against it, demanding that the president and the Senate extend everything for one year and adopt their policies in other areas, which was an impossibility. They believed it gave them cover for raising middle-class taxes.
Griffin, Crawford and Womack all put out statements calling for the majority leader to refuse to budge. “Irresponsible,” Crawford called the continued tax cuts and jobless pay. The House voted down the Senate emergency bill with only a handful of Republicans supporting it.
After one day, the blunder was transparent. The vote had made it clear to every American that Republicans opposed lower taxes for everyone but millionaires. The party’s creed for the 2012 elections would be higher taxes for the middle class and the poor, lower taxes for the very rich.
Senate Republicans condemned the House, as did party regulars everywhere. The House had undermined the party’s election prospects in 2012. Speaker John Boehner, who had tried to get the fringe and his old-line colleagues to compromise, finally made a conference call to the big House majority. The call did not permit members to respond. Only the speaker’s voice was heard. We will vote again tomorrow, he said, and you will accept the proposal you defeated yesterday by unanimous consent. If one person objected, the bill would die. Otherwise, it would be declared to have passed by unanimous consent. No one would actually vote.
Griffin put out a grudging statement supporting it this time. Crawford edited the “irresponsible” comment from his website and sent a letter to Boehner supporting a positive vote this time. Crawford’s crawfishing letter made the national news. Vin Weber, a former Republican congressman and now a party strategist, and Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid offered a similar conclusion. Perhaps the radical Republicans had learned a lesson. It’s best to compromise to make government work and wiser politically, too. Let’s hope they were right. — Ernie Dumas
We always thought the significance was magnified, but the still moribund economy can use the confidence builder of continued tax cuts and jobless pay. President Obama thought the continuation of the payroll tax cut from 2009 and extended unemployment aid were important because they would keep money in the pockets of the middle class and the poor and keep them spending and raising the demand for products and services, the real job creator. We never thought they were a powerful stimulus, but every bit does help.
More important, we hope, is that the political dynamics in Washington may have shifted. For a full critical year, a relatively small fringe of the Republican Party has controlled the machinery in Washington, and they have brought the country perilously close to collapse. They lost this round, in dramatic, embarrassing fashion, and it may bode well for the future.
After winning some 50 House seats in the 2010 Republican wave, the extremists (three in Arkansas), many of them under the banner of the “tea party,” demanded that the government—that is, their own House majority, the Democratic Senate and the president—surrender to their idea of government. It included an end to important regulation of industry, deep cuts in Medicare benefits or an end to the system, slashes in Social Security, and lower taxes on corporations and the rich. It did not seem like a widely popular agenda in the United States, but they carried the day, over and over.
Most people have never acknowledged that their taxes were slashed—not increased—by Barack Obama, but the holiday war over payroll taxes may have driven that point home finally, thanks to the blundering of the Republicans. A reduction in payroll taxes that support Social Security and Medicare was part of Obama’s $750 billion stimulus program to stop the deep economic slide when he took office in 2009. Democrats controlled both houses, but Obama still had to accommodate Republicans in the Senate because with 41 votes, they could block anything they did not like.
To continue the lower payroll tax rates at the beginning of this year, Obama had to agree to the Republican demand that he continue the big income-tax reductions for people earning more than $250,000 a year. Those tax cuts, enacted under George W. Bush, had expired at the end of 2010 and the Republicans refused to continue the low payroll tax rate and unemployment assistance unless the president and the Democrats continued the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy through the end of 2012. The threat was raised again in the summer when the country reached its debt ceiling and faced the immediate prospect of repudiating its debt for the first time in history. They demanded a commitment to large reductions in government programs, including Medicare, Medicaid and pollution control, in exchange for not shutting down the government and reneging on U.S. debts.
Obama caved in. Many Democrats, particularly those on the left, thought the president should have stood his ground. When the other side seemed ready to bring the country to ruin if they did not win, the president thought he had no choice. Obama’s approval rating, never robust in Arkansas, plummeted, though not like Congress’.
This time, Obama stood his ground. He said the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits had to be extended until the economy was in full recovery mode. The tax cut was unpopular among Republicans, and the freshman class and a few others were adamant that taxes be allowed to go back to 6 percent because Social Security and Medicare needed the money and that jobless relief not be extended so that the unemployed would be forced to take whatever jobs they could get. The Republicans would give in on payroll taxes and unemployment only if they could get big concessions from the president and the Senate on other fronts.
Early this week, after Senate Republicans worked out an emergency deal with the president and Democrats to extend the tax cuts and jobless benefits through February, the tea-party Republicans—they included our three GOP congressmen, Tim Griffin, Steve Womack and Rick Crawford—said they wanted the House to stand firm against it, demanding that the president and the Senate extend everything for one year and adopt their policies in other areas, which was an impossibility. They believed it gave them cover for raising middle-class taxes.
Griffin, Crawford and Womack all put out statements calling for the majority leader to refuse to budge. “Irresponsible,” Crawford called the continued tax cuts and jobless pay. The House voted down the Senate emergency bill with only a handful of Republicans supporting it.
After one day, the blunder was transparent. The vote had made it clear to every American that Republicans opposed lower taxes for everyone but millionaires. The party’s creed for the 2012 elections would be higher taxes for the middle class and the poor, lower taxes for the very rich.
Senate Republicans condemned the House, as did party regulars everywhere. The House had undermined the party’s election prospects in 2012. Speaker John Boehner, who had tried to get the fringe and his old-line colleagues to compromise, finally made a conference call to the big House majority. The call did not permit members to respond. Only the speaker’s voice was heard. We will vote again tomorrow, he said, and you will accept the proposal you defeated yesterday by unanimous consent. If one person objected, the bill would die. Otherwise, it would be declared to have passed by unanimous consent. No one would actually vote.
Griffin put out a grudging statement supporting it this time. Crawford edited the “irresponsible” comment from his website and sent a letter to Boehner supporting a positive vote this time. Crawford’s crawfishing letter made the national news. Vin Weber, a former Republican congressman and now a party strategist, and Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid offered a similar conclusion. Perhaps the radical Republicans had learned a lesson. It’s best to compromise to make government work and wiser politically, too. Let’s hope they were right. — Ernie Dumas
EDITORIAL >> Good times at UCA
What hath the University of Central Arkansas wrought? It suddenly has a president who does not want a contract and will step down anytime his board wants him to, is more than happy with the president’s old mansion as it is, who is perfectly content with a salary well below that of the smallest junior-college head and who intends to follow the law and the most niggling accounting rules.
Tom Courtway follows two presidents who for a decade insisted on the most embarrassing self-aggrandizement, including pay, perks and luxury housing and who found the laws and the simple rules of bookkeeping and transparency too confining. Lu Harden and Allen C. Meadors both resigned at the request of the board of trustees for their misdeeds.
Harden, you will remember, was convicted of fraud and money laundering in a scheme to get a $300,000 bonus from the school to pay his gambling debts and escaped this year with five years of probation and 200 hours of community service. Meadors resigned after misleading the board about a $700,000 “gift” he said he got for the university from a contractor but which was no gift at all but a confidential loan to get a long-term no-bid contract for food services on the campus.
Despite their perfidies, both got huge buyouts, $670,000 in Hardin’s case and $525,000 in Meadors’. And the university was financially strapped.
Courtway, an aw-shucks local boy who had made good in Washington as a tax aide to Senators Dale Bumpers and David Pryor and then as a highly effective state representative, had joined the university nearly a decade ago as its legal counsel and then in other capacities. When the board got rid of both Hardin and Meadors, it asked Courtway to step in as acting president and clean things up.
This time, the shell-shocked faculty, alumni and board wanted Courtway to stay on permanently as the president to give the school a hiatus of calm and good judgment.
Courtway didn’t want the job. He was not cut out to be a university president, he said. Last week, he sort of consented to stay on for up to three years though he said he would be very happy if the board found a real president much sooner.
The university is using the presidential line item in its appropriation to continue (over)paying the departed Meadors, but Courtway said that was all right; he was happy with the lowly pay of an administrative assistant who fixes things.
We will see how rectitude, competence, transparency and humility work in a university president. Maybe it will be catching.
Ernie Dumas writes editorials for The Leader.
Tom Courtway follows two presidents who for a decade insisted on the most embarrassing self-aggrandizement, including pay, perks and luxury housing and who found the laws and the simple rules of bookkeeping and transparency too confining. Lu Harden and Allen C. Meadors both resigned at the request of the board of trustees for their misdeeds.
Harden, you will remember, was convicted of fraud and money laundering in a scheme to get a $300,000 bonus from the school to pay his gambling debts and escaped this year with five years of probation and 200 hours of community service. Meadors resigned after misleading the board about a $700,000 “gift” he said he got for the university from a contractor but which was no gift at all but a confidential loan to get a long-term no-bid contract for food services on the campus.
Despite their perfidies, both got huge buyouts, $670,000 in Hardin’s case and $525,000 in Meadors’. And the university was financially strapped.
Courtway, an aw-shucks local boy who had made good in Washington as a tax aide to Senators Dale Bumpers and David Pryor and then as a highly effective state representative, had joined the university nearly a decade ago as its legal counsel and then in other capacities. When the board got rid of both Hardin and Meadors, it asked Courtway to step in as acting president and clean things up.
This time, the shell-shocked faculty, alumni and board wanted Courtway to stay on permanently as the president to give the school a hiatus of calm and good judgment.
Courtway didn’t want the job. He was not cut out to be a university president, he said. Last week, he sort of consented to stay on for up to three years though he said he would be very happy if the board found a real president much sooner.
The university is using the presidential line item in its appropriation to continue (over)paying the departed Meadors, but Courtway said that was all right; he was happy with the lowly pay of an administrative assistant who fixes things.
We will see how rectitude, competence, transparency and humility work in a university president. Maybe it will be catching.
Ernie Dumas writes editorials for The Leader.
SPORTS >> Panthers make use of time off
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
The Cabot Panthers are off for a long time, but coach Jerry Bridges likes it that way. Cabot’s last game was a win at home against Springdale. Of course it was a win.
They’ve all been wins so far for the 7-0 Panthers. But it was on Dec. 16 and there’s not another game until Jan. 3, again at home against Greene County Tech. That’s nearly three weeks without a game, but it’s a formula that has worked in the past for Bridges and the Panthers.
“We did this last year and had a good run once conference got started,” Bridges said. “We’re going to play hard. We feel like we’re going to guard people and we put a lot of effort into our defense. We ought to be fresh legged and that’s the main thing because after Christmas it’s a grind.”
Evaluating the landscape of the 7A Central, Bryant first comes to Bridges’ mind.
“Bryant is definitely a contender because they have good guard play,” Bridges said. “Their guards are quick and can handle the ball, and their big kid in the middle has gotten a lot better.
“Conway is going to be Conway,” Bridges said. “They always have good athletic guards and this year is no different. North Little Rock got a big lift when they got that transfer from North Pulaski. From the looks of the scores, they’re getting better every game and they’ve without a doubt played the toughest schedule of any of us.”
Bridges also believes Van Buren and Russellville will present difficulties for teams this year.
Bridges still believes he has a team capable of competing with anyone, and the addition of junior Kyle Theilemeyer will only help matters.
“He’s had some foot problems and hasn’t done much since April, but we’re just starting to bring him back gradually and there’s a good possibility we’re going to get him back,” Bridges said. “We’re going to keep playing the 10 guys we’ve been playing, and adding him will be that much more help. He’s very steady and he’s a tall guard. And you can never have too many good guards.”
No one player stands out for Cabot, and that’s something else Bridges doesn’t mind. “They make up a team,” Bridges said. “There might not be a superstar, but they are a team. It’s the most improved group from one year to the next that I’ve ever had.”
“I like this team. They work hard and we’re going to get after it on Tuesday. We want to make it harder than games.”
Leader sports editor
The Cabot Panthers are off for a long time, but coach Jerry Bridges likes it that way. Cabot’s last game was a win at home against Springdale. Of course it was a win.
They’ve all been wins so far for the 7-0 Panthers. But it was on Dec. 16 and there’s not another game until Jan. 3, again at home against Greene County Tech. That’s nearly three weeks without a game, but it’s a formula that has worked in the past for Bridges and the Panthers.
“We did this last year and had a good run once conference got started,” Bridges said. “We’re going to play hard. We feel like we’re going to guard people and we put a lot of effort into our defense. We ought to be fresh legged and that’s the main thing because after Christmas it’s a grind.”
Evaluating the landscape of the 7A Central, Bryant first comes to Bridges’ mind.
“Bryant is definitely a contender because they have good guard play,” Bridges said. “Their guards are quick and can handle the ball, and their big kid in the middle has gotten a lot better.
“Conway is going to be Conway,” Bridges said. “They always have good athletic guards and this year is no different. North Little Rock got a big lift when they got that transfer from North Pulaski. From the looks of the scores, they’re getting better every game and they’ve without a doubt played the toughest schedule of any of us.”
Bridges also believes Van Buren and Russellville will present difficulties for teams this year.
Bridges still believes he has a team capable of competing with anyone, and the addition of junior Kyle Theilemeyer will only help matters.
“He’s had some foot problems and hasn’t done much since April, but we’re just starting to bring him back gradually and there’s a good possibility we’re going to get him back,” Bridges said. “We’re going to keep playing the 10 guys we’ve been playing, and adding him will be that much more help. He’s very steady and he’s a tall guard. And you can never have too many good guards.”
No one player stands out for Cabot, and that’s something else Bridges doesn’t mind. “They make up a team,” Bridges said. “There might not be a superstar, but they are a team. It’s the most improved group from one year to the next that I’ve ever had.”
“I like this team. They work hard and we’re going to get after it on Tuesday. We want to make it harder than games.”
SPORTS >> Rockets edge Falcons in OT
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
North Pulaski (1-8) still hasn’t found the formula for its second win of the season since beating Joe T. Robinson in the opener, but it did come awfully close in the final round of the Red Devil Classic on Wednesday. The Falcons took Little Rock Catholic to the wire, falling 39-37 in overtime at Jacksonville High School.
“It’s a bad taste because you know you had it,” North Pulaski coach Roy Jackson said. “At the same time, it’s a sign that the hard work we’re putting in is paying off, and we’re getting better. They’re starting to understand what kind of team we’re going to have to be and what can happen when we stick with a game plan.”
The Falcons took the biggest lead of the game by either team when a Marvin Davis free throw made it 30-25 with 2:34 left in regulation.
Catholic’s Zach Reiners’ offensive rebound and putback made it 30-27 just 10 seconds later. The two teams swapped a free throw each before Catholic tied the game with a three-point play off a steal with 1:26 on the clock. They would be the last points of the quarter.
Catholic got the ball with 31 seconds left and played for the last shot, but guard Mitchell Luther threw the ball out of bounds with 19 seconds left when his teammate made an unexpected cut towards the baseline.
Luther almost made up for his error by stepping into the NP passing lanes, but lost the ball out of bounds on the steal attempt. North Pulaski reset with 11 seconds left, but guard Daniel Drone’s three-point attempt was the off the mark with six seconds left. Catholic got the rebound and rushed up court for a final shot, but Jamalin Nash stole the ball. His heave from midcourt was no good, sending the game into overtime tied at 31.
The Rockets scored the first five points of the extra period for their biggest lead of the game with 2:21 left. After a North Pulaski air ball, Catholic failed to extend the lead when Falcon junior guard Malik Saab made a huge play by getting a steal and layup with 1:33 on the clock. Jackson called timeout after the basket and set up full-court pressure. North Pulaski executed it perfectly, getting another steal and layup, this time by Davis, to make it 36-35 with 1:28 left.
The Falcons got another stop on Catholic’s next possession, and Saab was fouled driving to the basket at the other end. He missed both free throws with 59 seconds left and Catholic went up by four with a bucket and a free throw with 31 seconds remaining.
Davis got a jumper in the lane to make it a two-point game with 19 seconds left. The Falcons fouled Catholic point guard Carter Morris with 17 seconds left, and Morris obliged the strategy by missing both free throws. NP’s Mouton took a three point shot with time running out that was off the mark. Catholic’s Reiners was fouled after getting the rebound with 0.7 seconds remaining. He also missed both free throws, but NP could not get a shot off before the buzzer.
For the game, North Pulaski made just six of 14 free-throw attempts while Catholic was even worse, hitting just 13 of 29.
Despite the the loss, the Falcons’s effort was especially pleasing to Jackson after the terrible game his team suffered the day before in the tournament. In that game, Bryant beat North Pulaski by 40 points. Much of the disparity was because of Jackson’s decision to sit most of his starters for most of the second half.
The game was close until the last two minutes of the second quarter, when Bryant went on a 12-0 run to give the Hornets a 16-point lead at the break. The lead quickly grew into the mid 20s by halfway through the third, prompting Jackson’s decision to bench some players.
“I just had to make a point to some people that we’re going to execute our game plan or we’re not going to play,” Jackson said. “It was tough giving up that run right before halftime, but we needed to come in the second half and start executing again, and we didn’t do that. We just tried to catch up as fast as we could and it just got worse.
“I was really pleased, though, with how they came back the next day and executed. If we could’ve just hit some free throws we would’ve put them away. The kids could’ve just got way down after a game like Bryant, but they came back hustling and executing.
“We’re 0-0 now, just like everybody else. At this point, it doesn’t matter if you went 10-0 or 0-10, come January everybody is even and we have something to build from.”
Leader sports editor
North Pulaski (1-8) still hasn’t found the formula for its second win of the season since beating Joe T. Robinson in the opener, but it did come awfully close in the final round of the Red Devil Classic on Wednesday. The Falcons took Little Rock Catholic to the wire, falling 39-37 in overtime at Jacksonville High School.
“It’s a bad taste because you know you had it,” North Pulaski coach Roy Jackson said. “At the same time, it’s a sign that the hard work we’re putting in is paying off, and we’re getting better. They’re starting to understand what kind of team we’re going to have to be and what can happen when we stick with a game plan.”
The Falcons took the biggest lead of the game by either team when a Marvin Davis free throw made it 30-25 with 2:34 left in regulation.
Catholic’s Zach Reiners’ offensive rebound and putback made it 30-27 just 10 seconds later. The two teams swapped a free throw each before Catholic tied the game with a three-point play off a steal with 1:26 on the clock. They would be the last points of the quarter.
Catholic got the ball with 31 seconds left and played for the last shot, but guard Mitchell Luther threw the ball out of bounds with 19 seconds left when his teammate made an unexpected cut towards the baseline.
Luther almost made up for his error by stepping into the NP passing lanes, but lost the ball out of bounds on the steal attempt. North Pulaski reset with 11 seconds left, but guard Daniel Drone’s three-point attempt was the off the mark with six seconds left. Catholic got the rebound and rushed up court for a final shot, but Jamalin Nash stole the ball. His heave from midcourt was no good, sending the game into overtime tied at 31.
The Rockets scored the first five points of the extra period for their biggest lead of the game with 2:21 left. After a North Pulaski air ball, Catholic failed to extend the lead when Falcon junior guard Malik Saab made a huge play by getting a steal and layup with 1:33 on the clock. Jackson called timeout after the basket and set up full-court pressure. North Pulaski executed it perfectly, getting another steal and layup, this time by Davis, to make it 36-35 with 1:28 left.
The Falcons got another stop on Catholic’s next possession, and Saab was fouled driving to the basket at the other end. He missed both free throws with 59 seconds left and Catholic went up by four with a bucket and a free throw with 31 seconds remaining.
Davis got a jumper in the lane to make it a two-point game with 19 seconds left. The Falcons fouled Catholic point guard Carter Morris with 17 seconds left, and Morris obliged the strategy by missing both free throws. NP’s Mouton took a three point shot with time running out that was off the mark. Catholic’s Reiners was fouled after getting the rebound with 0.7 seconds remaining. He also missed both free throws, but NP could not get a shot off before the buzzer.
For the game, North Pulaski made just six of 14 free-throw attempts while Catholic was even worse, hitting just 13 of 29.
Despite the the loss, the Falcons’s effort was especially pleasing to Jackson after the terrible game his team suffered the day before in the tournament. In that game, Bryant beat North Pulaski by 40 points. Much of the disparity was because of Jackson’s decision to sit most of his starters for most of the second half.
The game was close until the last two minutes of the second quarter, when Bryant went on a 12-0 run to give the Hornets a 16-point lead at the break. The lead quickly grew into the mid 20s by halfway through the third, prompting Jackson’s decision to bench some players.
“I just had to make a point to some people that we’re going to execute our game plan or we’re not going to play,” Jackson said. “It was tough giving up that run right before halftime, but we needed to come in the second half and start executing again, and we didn’t do that. We just tried to catch up as fast as we could and it just got worse.
“I was really pleased, though, with how they came back the next day and executed. If we could’ve just hit some free throws we would’ve put them away. The kids could’ve just got way down after a game like Bryant, but they came back hustling and executing.
“We’re 0-0 now, just like everybody else. At this point, it doesn’t matter if you went 10-0 or 0-10, come January everybody is even and we have something to build from.”
SPORTS >> Jacksonville outlasts Bryant for first place
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
The hosting Red Devils once again kept the plaque for winning the annual Red Devil Classic at home after beating Little Rock Catholic and Bryant this week. Jacksonville and Bryant met on Wednesday after beating Catholic and North Pulaski respectively Tuesday. The two teams battled evenly for three quarters before the Red Devils broke open a 32-32 tie midway through the fourth quarter to pull away for the win.
“I think we took that team a little bit too lightly,” Jacksonville coach Victor Joyner said of Bryant. “Before the game guys were joking around and you could tell they weren’t really focused. When we were behind at halftime we went to the locker room and got their attention. They realized they were going to have to execute to beat this team.”
Poor shooting was a problem for Jacksonville. The Red Devils made just six of 23 attempts in the first half, with over a third of those attempts coming from the three-point line.
Jacksonville did not attempt a three pointer in the second half, and hit seven of 18 shots.
“I thought we got open looks we just didn’t knock anything down,” Joyner said.
Best epitomizing the shooting woes was the two missed dunks Jacksonville suffered during its 16-5 run over the final four minutes of the game.
All five of Bryant’s points in that span came during a 5-0 run that cut Jacksonville’s lead to 40-37. From that point, the Red Devils scored eight in a row to secure the victory. Bryant’s Jordan Griffin hit a three pointer at the buzzer to set the final margin. Tirrell Brown led Jacksonville with 12 points and eight rebounds.
The day before Jacksonville shot the lights out of the Devils’ Den in routing the Rockets 67-40. The Red Devils’ lead hit the mercy-rule mark of 30 points at 52-22 with 5:40 left in the third quarter.
Jacksonville (8-2) hit 16 of 23 shot attempts in the first half, including six of nine three pointers. Xavier Huskey led all scorers with 13 points.
Leader sports editor
The hosting Red Devils once again kept the plaque for winning the annual Red Devil Classic at home after beating Little Rock Catholic and Bryant this week. Jacksonville and Bryant met on Wednesday after beating Catholic and North Pulaski respectively Tuesday. The two teams battled evenly for three quarters before the Red Devils broke open a 32-32 tie midway through the fourth quarter to pull away for the win.
“I think we took that team a little bit too lightly,” Jacksonville coach Victor Joyner said of Bryant. “Before the game guys were joking around and you could tell they weren’t really focused. When we were behind at halftime we went to the locker room and got their attention. They realized they were going to have to execute to beat this team.”
Poor shooting was a problem for Jacksonville. The Red Devils made just six of 23 attempts in the first half, with over a third of those attempts coming from the three-point line.
Jacksonville did not attempt a three pointer in the second half, and hit seven of 18 shots.
“I thought we got open looks we just didn’t knock anything down,” Joyner said.
Best epitomizing the shooting woes was the two missed dunks Jacksonville suffered during its 16-5 run over the final four minutes of the game.
All five of Bryant’s points in that span came during a 5-0 run that cut Jacksonville’s lead to 40-37. From that point, the Red Devils scored eight in a row to secure the victory. Bryant’s Jordan Griffin hit a three pointer at the buzzer to set the final margin. Tirrell Brown led Jacksonville with 12 points and eight rebounds.
The day before Jacksonville shot the lights out of the Devils’ Den in routing the Rockets 67-40. The Red Devils’ lead hit the mercy-rule mark of 30 points at 52-22 with 5:40 left in the third quarter.
Jacksonville (8-2) hit 16 of 23 shot attempts in the first half, including six of nine three pointers. Xavier Huskey led all scorers with 13 points.
SPORTS >> Lady Devils win first Classic in years
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
A long time coming, the Jacksonville Lady Red Devils won their own Red Devil Classic for the first time in 10 years by beating McClellan 56-42 Wednesday at Jacksonville High School.
The Lady Lions made a battle of it, trailing by just two points at halftime, but Jacksonville took control in the third quarter and extended its lead in the fourth to secure the victory.
The Lady Devils went inside in the final period to seal it. Jacksonville scored 13 of its 15 fourth-quarter points in the lane or on free throws by post players. Six-foot senior Nichole Bennett scored all six of her points in the fourth quarter while fellow post player Coyja Hood added five of her seven total in the final frame.
Junior Jessica Jackson had her best game of the season, scoring a game-high 25 points.
“I think this was really the first game where we shot the ball like I think we’re capable of shooting it,” Jacksonville coach Katrina Mimms said. “Especially for Jessica. This was the first game that she’s really shot the ball well.”
Jackson didn’t start the game shooting well but got hot and stayed that way, especially in the second and third quarters.
McClellan jumped out to an 11-6 lead in the first five minutes of the game. Jackson missed five of her first six shot attempts in the first quarter, but the Lady Devils made a run at the end of the frame to claim the lead.
Freshmen point guard Shakyla Hill sparked the run with a steal and a layup. Hill got another bucket and a free throw while Jackson added a bucket and four foul shots. By quarter’s end, Jacksonville led 15-11.
Jackson made six of her next nine shots in the second and third quarters, and was fouled on two of the shots she missed. She finished the game hitting eight of 19 attempts, but was seven of 14 after the slow start. She also hit seven of eight free-throw attempts in the game.
McClellan got right back in the game midway through the second quarter, a quarter that featured six lead changes and four ties. Jacksonville led 23-19 when McClellan guard Kiemah Cummings posted seven straight points to put the Lady Lions up 26-23. Jacksonville closed the frame with the final five points to take a 28-26 lead into halftime.
For all the good shooting, it was Jacksonville’s defense in the third quarter that made the difference in the game.
The Lady Devils held McClellan without a basket until the 2:12 mark of the third. Taylor Collins’ shot made it 39-30, but the Lady Lions never got within seven the rest of the game.
The key moment of the fourth quarter came at the midway point. A Cummings three pointer pulled McClellan to within 45-38, and Jacksonville turned it over on its next possession. The Lady Lions worked the ball around and found a wide open shot from about 10 feet, but missed it and failed to get back on defense.
Hood got the bucket on the run out at the other end to again make it a nine-point game.
“There were times when we had lapses in our execution, but we settled down and got back to it instead of pressing to try to make up for it,” Mimms said. “We made plays when we had to.”
Cummings led McClellan with 13 points. Jack-son was the only Lady Devil in double figures, but Hill posted a complete performance, finishing with nine points, 10 rebounds, five steals and four assists.
Jacksonville (7-1) also hit 15 of 17 free-throw attempts.
The Lady Red Devils are off until Jan. 5 when they begin 6A East conference play on the road against Little Rock Hall.
Leader sports editor
A long time coming, the Jacksonville Lady Red Devils won their own Red Devil Classic for the first time in 10 years by beating McClellan 56-42 Wednesday at Jacksonville High School.
The Lady Lions made a battle of it, trailing by just two points at halftime, but Jacksonville took control in the third quarter and extended its lead in the fourth to secure the victory.
The Lady Devils went inside in the final period to seal it. Jacksonville scored 13 of its 15 fourth-quarter points in the lane or on free throws by post players. Six-foot senior Nichole Bennett scored all six of her points in the fourth quarter while fellow post player Coyja Hood added five of her seven total in the final frame.
Junior Jessica Jackson had her best game of the season, scoring a game-high 25 points.
“I think this was really the first game where we shot the ball like I think we’re capable of shooting it,” Jacksonville coach Katrina Mimms said. “Especially for Jessica. This was the first game that she’s really shot the ball well.”
Jackson didn’t start the game shooting well but got hot and stayed that way, especially in the second and third quarters.
McClellan jumped out to an 11-6 lead in the first five minutes of the game. Jackson missed five of her first six shot attempts in the first quarter, but the Lady Devils made a run at the end of the frame to claim the lead.
Freshmen point guard Shakyla Hill sparked the run with a steal and a layup. Hill got another bucket and a free throw while Jackson added a bucket and four foul shots. By quarter’s end, Jacksonville led 15-11.
Jackson made six of her next nine shots in the second and third quarters, and was fouled on two of the shots she missed. She finished the game hitting eight of 19 attempts, but was seven of 14 after the slow start. She also hit seven of eight free-throw attempts in the game.
McClellan got right back in the game midway through the second quarter, a quarter that featured six lead changes and four ties. Jacksonville led 23-19 when McClellan guard Kiemah Cummings posted seven straight points to put the Lady Lions up 26-23. Jacksonville closed the frame with the final five points to take a 28-26 lead into halftime.
For all the good shooting, it was Jacksonville’s defense in the third quarter that made the difference in the game.
The Lady Devils held McClellan without a basket until the 2:12 mark of the third. Taylor Collins’ shot made it 39-30, but the Lady Lions never got within seven the rest of the game.
The key moment of the fourth quarter came at the midway point. A Cummings three pointer pulled McClellan to within 45-38, and Jacksonville turned it over on its next possession. The Lady Lions worked the ball around and found a wide open shot from about 10 feet, but missed it and failed to get back on defense.
Hood got the bucket on the run out at the other end to again make it a nine-point game.
“There were times when we had lapses in our execution, but we settled down and got back to it instead of pressing to try to make up for it,” Mimms said. “We made plays when we had to.”
Cummings led McClellan with 13 points. Jack-son was the only Lady Devil in double figures, but Hill posted a complete performance, finishing with nine points, 10 rebounds, five steals and four assists.
Jacksonville (7-1) also hit 15 of 17 free-throw attempts.
The Lady Red Devils are off until Jan. 5 when they begin 6A East conference play on the road against Little Rock Hall.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
TOP STORY >> Disaster strikes church again
By SARAH CAMPBELL
Leader staff writer
When Pastor Bobby Michael Sr. moved his Jacksonville church and nonprofit thrift store from 5,800-square-foot to a 9,500-square-foot building with the same rent and an option to buy, he was thrilled.
Four weeks later, water was spilling out of cracks in the floor of the nondenominational God’s Holy House Church at 315 Dupree Drive.
The seeping water destroyed most of the inventory and the repairs the church has made to the building.
Stephen Niswanger, a Little Rock lawyer who owns the building, said he told the pastor it had several leaks before he rented it.
“I don’t think he expected it to be as bad as it is. It’s a money pit. No one knows how to fix it,” Niswanger said.
He said flooding has been a problem since 2007. He hired a waterproofing company to fix the problem in 2008, but the company couldn’t do it because they didn’t know what was causing the leaks, he said.
Niswanger believe there may be a broken pipe that runs behind the building — the kind of pipe that drains water from streets when it rains — making water back up into the building.
He has talked with city officials about the problem but nothing has been done.
With only $230 in the bank and a loss of about $3,000 from the store being closed, Michael is reluctantly seeking help from the community.
“We’re here to give, not to ask for stuff. It’s hard to ask. I’ve given it in prayer. I’ve already gave it up to Jesus. I hope people in the community can help. Pretty much, we’re stuck,” he said.
The rent is $1,500 per month, and the thrift store is barely able to cover the cost of utilities.
The pastor claims that the problem with the seemingly ideal location is a foundation leak that is expensive and difficult to fix, the pastor explained. The building has flooded six times since the church relocated there four months ago.
And he said he recently found out this wasn’t a new problem. The building was rented to the owner of Game Zone Alpha, who lost $100,000 of merchandise because of flooding and another renter, an auto parts shop, left because of the leaks.
Profits from the church’s thrift shop are used to help families in need. The church has helped about 600 people since the store opened in September.
A dumpster full of donations to that shop and the church have been ruined by the water that accumulates inside the building every time it rains. The pastor said Niswanger provided the dumpster to throw everything away.
On top of that, Michael said, “We’ve done a lot of work to this building,” including repairing walls covered with mildew, building classrooms, constructing a stage the pastor says is worth $5,000, fixing 18 of the 27 leaks in the roof and upgrading the fire alarm system.
All the carpet that was in the building has been removed now, and it has its own place in the dumpster.
The pastor is waiting to see if it will be condemned by the city as unsafe and/or unusable, but the church has nowhere to go if it is.
This isn’t the congregation’s first holiday to run into trouble. Last year around the same time, a thief broke into their former location in the shopping center on Main Street across the road from First Arkansas Bank and Trust between Bailey Boulevard and Warren Street next to the library.
Most of the store’s inventory was stolen, ruining Christmas for many needy families.
Leader staff writer
When Pastor Bobby Michael Sr. moved his Jacksonville church and nonprofit thrift store from 5,800-square-foot to a 9,500-square-foot building with the same rent and an option to buy, he was thrilled.
Four weeks later, water was spilling out of cracks in the floor of the nondenominational God’s Holy House Church at 315 Dupree Drive.
The seeping water destroyed most of the inventory and the repairs the church has made to the building.
Stephen Niswanger, a Little Rock lawyer who owns the building, said he told the pastor it had several leaks before he rented it.
“I don’t think he expected it to be as bad as it is. It’s a money pit. No one knows how to fix it,” Niswanger said.
He said flooding has been a problem since 2007. He hired a waterproofing company to fix the problem in 2008, but the company couldn’t do it because they didn’t know what was causing the leaks, he said.
Niswanger believe there may be a broken pipe that runs behind the building — the kind of pipe that drains water from streets when it rains — making water back up into the building.
He has talked with city officials about the problem but nothing has been done.
With only $230 in the bank and a loss of about $3,000 from the store being closed, Michael is reluctantly seeking help from the community.
“We’re here to give, not to ask for stuff. It’s hard to ask. I’ve given it in prayer. I’ve already gave it up to Jesus. I hope people in the community can help. Pretty much, we’re stuck,” he said.
The rent is $1,500 per month, and the thrift store is barely able to cover the cost of utilities.
The pastor claims that the problem with the seemingly ideal location is a foundation leak that is expensive and difficult to fix, the pastor explained. The building has flooded six times since the church relocated there four months ago.
And he said he recently found out this wasn’t a new problem. The building was rented to the owner of Game Zone Alpha, who lost $100,000 of merchandise because of flooding and another renter, an auto parts shop, left because of the leaks.
Profits from the church’s thrift shop are used to help families in need. The church has helped about 600 people since the store opened in September.
A dumpster full of donations to that shop and the church have been ruined by the water that accumulates inside the building every time it rains. The pastor said Niswanger provided the dumpster to throw everything away.
On top of that, Michael said, “We’ve done a lot of work to this building,” including repairing walls covered with mildew, building classrooms, constructing a stage the pastor says is worth $5,000, fixing 18 of the 27 leaks in the roof and upgrading the fire alarm system.
All the carpet that was in the building has been removed now, and it has its own place in the dumpster.
The pastor is waiting to see if it will be condemned by the city as unsafe and/or unusable, but the church has nowhere to go if it is.
This isn’t the congregation’s first holiday to run into trouble. Last year around the same time, a thief broke into their former location in the shopping center on Main Street across the road from First Arkansas Bank and Trust between Bailey Boulevard and Warren Street next to the library.
Most of the store’s inventory was stolen, ruining Christmas for many needy families.
EDITORIAL >> Commission ignores deal
Of George Fisher’s cartoons celebrating the arrogance of the Arkansas Highway Commission, our favorite pictured the commission’s mountaintop castle and redoubt with this caption in verse:
Here’s to the Highway Commission
That dabbles in cement and sod,
Where the Governor speaks only to the Commission,
And the Commission speaks only to God.
The five commissioners designated by the Constitution change in name but never in spirit. Last week, the commissioners reneged on a solemn agreement from last spring. Let’s repeat that. They made a promise and then broke it.
State Senator Jeremy Hutchinson had introduced a proposed constitutional amendment that would end the big agency’s constitutional status and subject it and its governing commission to the same rules as the rest of government. Among the many beefs with the commission, whose members serve 10-year terms, is that they tend to divide the state’s highway revenues pretty evenly among themselves for highway work in their regions, regardless of where the cars, people and traffic are. Camden, El Dorado and Pine Bluff get bypasses while Jacksonville, Sherwood and Cabot, to take three examples, are choking on cars.
The commission and its director negotiated an agreement. If Hutchinson would not put his amendment to a vote they would redraw the highway districts so that they were roughly equal in population, like congressional, legislative, city ward and school districts. The highway law—the Mack-Blackwell Amendment—was ratified by voters in 1952 and designated one commissioner from each of the state’s five congressional districts. Then the 1960 census reduced the state’s congressional districts to four.
But the Highway Department back then drew up 10 highway districts, with each of the five commissioners responsible for two of them. The department has come to call them “advocacy districts.” In fact, a good portion of highway revenues are distributed fairly equally among them, which obviously favors the rural parts of the state, south and east, that have been losing population for 60 years.
Legislators were satisfied, Hutchinson withdrew his amendment and the legislature adjourned. Last week, the commissioners agreed 5 to 0 that they were not going to do it. It was just too hard to draw such a map they could agree on, they said. A fifth grader with a map and a census chart could have done it an hour.
Madison Murphy, the El Dorado industrialist who chairs the commission, was not so sure that the money should simply follow the cars, as Gov. Beebe has suggested. Severely distressed parts of the state need help, too.
Murphy is right and there probably should not be a rigid formula for spending federal and state highway money, but the back scratching among five white men of immense power is not the best way to plot the state’s advancement.
And a deal is a deal. There will be repercussions from the commission’s faithlessness. Do not be surprised if the legislature in 2013 sets in motion a law to repeal the Mack-Blackwell Amendment, which was supposed to “take highways out of politics” but only made them subject to a more perverse kind.
Here’s to the Highway Commission
That dabbles in cement and sod,
Where the Governor speaks only to the Commission,
And the Commission speaks only to God.
The five commissioners designated by the Constitution change in name but never in spirit. Last week, the commissioners reneged on a solemn agreement from last spring. Let’s repeat that. They made a promise and then broke it.
State Senator Jeremy Hutchinson had introduced a proposed constitutional amendment that would end the big agency’s constitutional status and subject it and its governing commission to the same rules as the rest of government. Among the many beefs with the commission, whose members serve 10-year terms, is that they tend to divide the state’s highway revenues pretty evenly among themselves for highway work in their regions, regardless of where the cars, people and traffic are. Camden, El Dorado and Pine Bluff get bypasses while Jacksonville, Sherwood and Cabot, to take three examples, are choking on cars.
The commission and its director negotiated an agreement. If Hutchinson would not put his amendment to a vote they would redraw the highway districts so that they were roughly equal in population, like congressional, legislative, city ward and school districts. The highway law—the Mack-Blackwell Amendment—was ratified by voters in 1952 and designated one commissioner from each of the state’s five congressional districts. Then the 1960 census reduced the state’s congressional districts to four.
But the Highway Department back then drew up 10 highway districts, with each of the five commissioners responsible for two of them. The department has come to call them “advocacy districts.” In fact, a good portion of highway revenues are distributed fairly equally among them, which obviously favors the rural parts of the state, south and east, that have been losing population for 60 years.
Legislators were satisfied, Hutchinson withdrew his amendment and the legislature adjourned. Last week, the commissioners agreed 5 to 0 that they were not going to do it. It was just too hard to draw such a map they could agree on, they said. A fifth grader with a map and a census chart could have done it an hour.
Madison Murphy, the El Dorado industrialist who chairs the commission, was not so sure that the money should simply follow the cars, as Gov. Beebe has suggested. Severely distressed parts of the state need help, too.
Murphy is right and there probably should not be a rigid formula for spending federal and state highway money, but the back scratching among five white men of immense power is not the best way to plot the state’s advancement.
And a deal is a deal. There will be repercussions from the commission’s faithlessness. Do not be surprised if the legislature in 2013 sets in motion a law to repeal the Mack-Blackwell Amendment, which was supposed to “take highways out of politics” but only made them subject to a more perverse kind.
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