By THERESA KOMOR
Leader staff writer
Brig. Gen. Rowayne A Schatz, Jr., commander of the 314th Airlift Wing, on Thursday flew the newest C-130J from the Lockheed Martin assembly plant in Marietta, Ga., to the 41st Airlift Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base. This C-130J is the 100th off Lockheed Martin’s production line.
The new C-130J brings the base’s count to 16 — nine are with the 41st AS, which is part of the 463rd Airlift Group, a combat group. Seven more are with the 314th Airlift Wing and used for training at the base. Eventually, there will be 23 of the $65-million planes with a total value of $1.5 billion.
As the newest unit under the 463rd Airlift Group, the 41st Airlift Squadron, the “Blackcats” moved to Little Rock Air Force Base from Pope AFB, N.C., as part of the base realignment and closure process in April 2007.
“It’s a special honor and privilege for me to deliver this amazing aircraft to the 41st Airlift Squadron, the first active-duty Air Mobility Command unit to employ the special capabilities of the C-130J into combat,” said Schatz.
“It will soon add to the Blackcats’ legend and distinguished history of providing the nation a vital combat airlift capability,” he continued.
“Taking our soldiers, sailors, marines, coast guardsmen, airmen off the roads in Iraq and Afghanistan, getting the wounded warrior to medical care, and delivering cargo when and where it is needed are just a few of the vital missions the C-130J allows combat airlifters to perform with greater efficiency than ever before,” added Schatz.
The 41st is one of the most highly decorated airlift squadrons in military history, according to Pope AFB public affairs, and the squadron called Pope AFB home for 36 years. It is the third oldest Air Force squadron, and has been involved in every major campaign since 1942. In 1999, the 41st received its first C-130J.
Depending on the needs of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, members of the 41st Airlift Squadron are deployed, using the new C-130J to transport troops and cargo. Some of its members are currently deployed in Southwest Asia on its first combat mission under the 463rd Airlift Wing.
Since arriving at LRAFB, the 41st Airlift Squadron has had to stand up, prepare to deploy and receive the new C-130Js, an enormous accomplishment completed in a year.
The C-130J has significantly improved capabilities compared to its aging predecessor, the C-130E. There is greater range and payload capacity, and it can be flown with a three-man crew – two pilots and a loadmaster – that lowers operating and support costs.
The C-130J flies farther and faster, carries more and is more reliable. And, it has six blades on its composite propellers with turbo Rolls Royce engines. The technological improvements provide life-cycle cost savings with its greater, all around efficiency. This model climbs faster and higher, and lands and takes off in a shorter distance than previous models of the C-130.
The C-130J is a longer plane with an additional 15 feet added to the fuselage, increasing the available room in the cargo compartment. It has improved fuel, environmental and ice-protection systems and an enhanced cargo-handling system.
Friday, April 25, 2008
SPORTS>> Quick start fizzles for Panthers in loss to Pine Bluff
By KELLY FENTON
Leader sports editor
PINE BLUFF — The Cabot Panthers did all their damage in the first inning, and it wasn’t enough.
The Panthers fell 4-2 to Pine Bluff at Taylor Field on Wednesday afternoon and added to their struggles to reach the state tournament next month. The loss dropped Cabot to 2-7, still with a half-game lead over Russellville for the sixth and final postseason berth from the 7A-Central. Russellville was swept by Little Rock Catholic on Wednesday.
That makes the Cabot’s battle with Russellville on Tuesday at Wade Field all the more critical.
“I told the kids, Tuesday is huge,” said Cabot head coach Jay Fitch. “It will be like the World Series for us. There’s a lot on the line.”
Cabot earlier pummeled Russellville, 14-0, but the Cyclones nearly knocked off first-place Catholic on Wednesday.
The Panthers will also host red-hot Conway on Thursday before heading to Catholic for a doubleheader on April 28. They will finish with last-place Central a week from Tuesday.
A walk by Powell Bryant followed by doubles by Drew Burks and Ben Wainright staked Cabot to a 2-0 lead in the first inning against the Zebras. But Wainright’s hit was the last one the Panthers would collect.
Cabot starter Sam Bates was cruising along, and led 2-1 after three innings. But a sore shoulder ended his night. The Zebras (5-5) tied the game in the fifth against reliever Matt Evans. A walk and a hit batter to start the sixth, followed by a single and a sacrifice fly, put Pine Bluff up 4-2.
Fitch said his team’s other goal — aside from making the state tournament — was to maintain Cabot’s streak of not having a losing season. They are currently 10-10.
“In my nine years here, we’ve never had a losing season,” he said.
If Cabot can complete the season sweep of Russellville, it will give them the tiebreak with the Cyclones. Fitch said he is especially concerned about last-place Central, whose only win in conference this season came against his Panthers on the strength of a three-hit gem by Tiger ace Brandon Shomar.
“I tell you, you give that kid any kind of run support, they have the potential to win,” Fitch said.
Leader sports editor
PINE BLUFF — The Cabot Panthers did all their damage in the first inning, and it wasn’t enough.
The Panthers fell 4-2 to Pine Bluff at Taylor Field on Wednesday afternoon and added to their struggles to reach the state tournament next month. The loss dropped Cabot to 2-7, still with a half-game lead over Russellville for the sixth and final postseason berth from the 7A-Central. Russellville was swept by Little Rock Catholic on Wednesday.
That makes the Cabot’s battle with Russellville on Tuesday at Wade Field all the more critical.
“I told the kids, Tuesday is huge,” said Cabot head coach Jay Fitch. “It will be like the World Series for us. There’s a lot on the line.”
Cabot earlier pummeled Russellville, 14-0, but the Cyclones nearly knocked off first-place Catholic on Wednesday.
The Panthers will also host red-hot Conway on Thursday before heading to Catholic for a doubleheader on April 28. They will finish with last-place Central a week from Tuesday.
A walk by Powell Bryant followed by doubles by Drew Burks and Ben Wainright staked Cabot to a 2-0 lead in the first inning against the Zebras. But Wainright’s hit was the last one the Panthers would collect.
Cabot starter Sam Bates was cruising along, and led 2-1 after three innings. But a sore shoulder ended his night. The Zebras (5-5) tied the game in the fifth against reliever Matt Evans. A walk and a hit batter to start the sixth, followed by a single and a sacrifice fly, put Pine Bluff up 4-2.
Fitch said his team’s other goal — aside from making the state tournament — was to maintain Cabot’s streak of not having a losing season. They are currently 10-10.
“In my nine years here, we’ve never had a losing season,” he said.
If Cabot can complete the season sweep of Russellville, it will give them the tiebreak with the Cyclones. Fitch said he is especially concerned about last-place Central, whose only win in conference this season came against his Panthers on the strength of a three-hit gem by Tiger ace Brandon Shomar.
“I tell you, you give that kid any kind of run support, they have the potential to win,” Fitch said.
SPORTS>> ’Rabbits sweep Stuttgart, claim second straight conference title
By JASON KING
Leader sportswriter
Lonoke wrapped up its second straight 4A-2 Conference championship with a doubleheader sweep over visiting Stuttgart on Tuesday.
The Jackrabbits had plenty of hits in the opener, but had to outlast Stuttgart in 10 innings, finally landing an RBI single from Luke Mitchell in the bottom of the tenth to score Jordan Harris for a 2-1 win.
Lonoke rallied in Game 2 with an eight-run outburst in the bottom of the fifth inning to take a 14-7 win in a match highlighted by 24 total hits by the two teams.
The game was tied 1-1 when the Ricebirds hit a five-run flurry in the top of the fourth inning. Lonoke answered one of those scores in the bottom side, started the bottom of the fifth inning still facing a 6-2 deficit when the ’Rabbit bats started to come to life.
Drew Southerland went four innings on the mound for the Jackrabbits in the opener, but it was reliever B.J. Manning who earned the win in six innings. The pitchers combined to hold the Ricebirds to four hits, with Southerland fanning five batters and Manning seven.
A reliever also took the win in the nightcap. Jacob Taylor went 3 1/3 innings, and gave up only two runs.
The batting stats were sparse in Game 1, but Game 2 had plenty of big hitters for the Jackrabbits. Glenn Evans was 3 of 4 with two runs and two RBI. Mitchell was 3 of 5 with two runs and two RBI, and Ricky Manning was 3 of 4 with two runs and two RBI. Southerland, Jason Dillie and Justin Neyland all finished with two hits for Lonoke.
The Jackrabbits finished the regular season with a record of 12-5 overall and 9-3 in conference play. They have a first-round bye in this weekend’s 4A-2 District tournament at Newport. Lonoke will await the winner of today’s game between Mountain View and Heber Springs at noon.
Leader sportswriter
Lonoke wrapped up its second straight 4A-2 Conference championship with a doubleheader sweep over visiting Stuttgart on Tuesday.
The Jackrabbits had plenty of hits in the opener, but had to outlast Stuttgart in 10 innings, finally landing an RBI single from Luke Mitchell in the bottom of the tenth to score Jordan Harris for a 2-1 win.
Lonoke rallied in Game 2 with an eight-run outburst in the bottom of the fifth inning to take a 14-7 win in a match highlighted by 24 total hits by the two teams.
The game was tied 1-1 when the Ricebirds hit a five-run flurry in the top of the fourth inning. Lonoke answered one of those scores in the bottom side, started the bottom of the fifth inning still facing a 6-2 deficit when the ’Rabbit bats started to come to life.
Drew Southerland went four innings on the mound for the Jackrabbits in the opener, but it was reliever B.J. Manning who earned the win in six innings. The pitchers combined to hold the Ricebirds to four hits, with Southerland fanning five batters and Manning seven.
A reliever also took the win in the nightcap. Jacob Taylor went 3 1/3 innings, and gave up only two runs.
The batting stats were sparse in Game 1, but Game 2 had plenty of big hitters for the Jackrabbits. Glenn Evans was 3 of 4 with two runs and two RBI. Mitchell was 3 of 5 with two runs and two RBI, and Ricky Manning was 3 of 4 with two runs and two RBI. Southerland, Jason Dillie and Justin Neyland all finished with two hits for Lonoke.
The Jackrabbits finished the regular season with a record of 12-5 overall and 9-3 in conference play. They have a first-round bye in this weekend’s 4A-2 District tournament at Newport. Lonoke will await the winner of today’s game between Mountain View and Heber Springs at noon.
SPORTS>>Miller fleet in field, free with bat
By KELLY FENTON
Leader sports editor
Denny Tipton encourages his batters to keep their swings as compact as possible. But there is one player the Sylvan Hills head baseball coach is willing to grant a little license to in the matter of batting strokes.
When Hunter Miller’s typically aggressive swing resulted in a towering game-ending shot over the fence in left against Searcy last Tuesday, Tipton wasn’t inclined to tell Miller to shorten it up. After all, it was Miller’s 10th round-tripper of the season.
He’s batting .397 with 32 RBI and 39 runs in just 28 games. In other words, if it isn’t broke …
“We work hard on keeping swings a little shorter,” said Tipton, whose Bears just clinched the 6A-East title with a sweep of Searcy and are 22-6 overall. “But Hunter’s always going to be naturally long. To me, he’s just a natural hitter.”
Tipton said Miller actually has made some improvements in his swing over the past three years. Used to be, Tipton said, Miller would hit towering fly balls that would be caught 10 feet short of the fence. Now, he gets on top of the ball better. The result:
Ten home runs this year to go along with eight his junior season. He hit only one as a sophomore.
Miller doesn’t particularly look like a power hitter. But Tipton said his bat speed, explosiveness and leverage help offset any brawn deficiency he may suffer from.
“I take my hacks when I get up to the plate,” Miller said. “I don’t go up there looking for walks. I’m up there swinging the bat.
That’s just how I am.”
As far as his size, that’s getting ready to change. Miller, an All-State quarterback and free safety with blazing speed, signed with Ole Miss in February to play football. He knows — and his new head coach Houston Nutt knows — 185 pounds isn’t going to cut it in the Southeastern Conference.
So Miller plans on hitting the weights as soon as baseball season ends, which Miller and Tipton hope isn’t until the May 17 championship game at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville.
Given the Bears’ deep pitching, solid hitting throughout the lineup and outstanding defense, anything less than that is probably going to be a disappointment.
The Bears, who suffered an early exit in the state tournament last year and came up short in the semifinals two seasons ago, lost a lot of talent off last year’s team. But they enjoyed an influx of talent in Abundant Life transfers D.J. Baxendale, Justin Treece and Jake Chambers.
“This is the most athletic team I’ve played on since I’ve been here,” said Miller, who saw some action as a freshman and has started all three years since then. “We can compete with anybody in the state. It would be very disappointing [if we don’t reach the championship game] because we have every player in the book we need to win it.
“So we think we should get there and win it.”
Tipton knows he’s got a loaded club, but he isn’t as willing as Miller to turn this into an all-or-nothing season. Winning the conference is always the No. 1 goal, he said. After that, it’s to win one game at a time in the state tournament.
“Is [getting to the championship game] what we expect?” Tipton asks. “Yes. I’d be lying to people if I didn’t say that. But there are some good teams out there and only two teams ever make it. If we take care of ourselves, I think we’ve got a good shot.”
They have a solid one-two punch in their starting rotation, beginning with the often-unhittable Baxendale, a junior who is leaning toward Missouri State. Miller has become a dependable No. 2 man, usually pitching the second game of conference doubleheaders. Tipton said the greatest development he’s seen in Miller over the years has been on the mound where, he explained, he has become less of a thrower and more of a pitcher.
“He’s always been gifted with a good arm, but he had some arm trouble in football,” Tipton said. “I think that made him a little nervous on the mound.
“This year, I think he really decided he wanted to work at being a pitcher. He’s turned out to be pretty good. His velocity may be off a little bit this year, but he’s more concerned with his form now.”
Miller said he relishes the opportunity to be such a key component of the Bears’ pitching rotation, insisting that it doesn’t take away from his offensive focus in the least.
“I know, if we win that first game, we want to go for the sweep,” he said. “I know I need to go out there and mow them down.”
Mostly, he has done just that, compiling a 5-2 record this season. Miller pitched some as a sophomore before hurting his arm, and was used sparingly last season.
Despite his 4.5 speed, his arm was so strong that Tipton used him behind the plate in the early part of his sophomore season. But when his arm became sore, Miller moved to the outfield, something he didn’t regret a bit.
“It bothered my knees,” Miller said of his time as a catcher. “I felt like I was getting all tight, like I couldn’t run.”
Miller can run, of course. If you’ve ever seen him tear around second base and turn a routine double into a dazzling triple, or, from his center fielder’s spot, turn an opponent’s routine double into a routine out, you know that. With all his power, all his hitting ability and, now, his newfound pitching proficiency, it is Miller’s defensive speed that Tipton may miss the most.
“That speed and natural ability, you just can’t replace that,” Tipton said. “Anytime you have an athlete who can track down base hits and make it look so easy, that’s just something a coach loves.
“We have a lot of upperclassmen, and I think we’ll be pretty good next year. But that will be hard to replace — having that natural center fielder with a great arm.”
Miller comes from a long line of Sylvan Hills athletes, including uncles who played quarterback and a brother, Hayden, who is currently playing baseball at Arkansas Tech.
Miller, who threw for more than 1,000 yards and rushed for nearly 1,400 in his senior season, will play defensive back and safety at Ole Miss. He figures he’ll likely redshirt as a freshman, though there is a possibility he could see some special teams action.
As much as Tipton thinks Miller would benefit from focusing on just one sport — something he’s never had the opportunity to do in high school — the coach also thinks Miller would make a fine college baseball player.
“Football coaches in the SEC don’t usually like to see them play another sport,” Tipton said. “I’ve tried to contact the Ole Miss [baseball] coaches to see about Hunter playing. If they ever see him play, I think they’d jump at the opportunity.”
Miller said he loves both sports equally, that it would be hard to give up either one. With Nutt’s blessing, he said, he’d like to try to continue his baseball career.
“That’s something I want to talk to him about,” Miller said. “I want to talk to the baseball coach and see what he thinks. If he thinks I could help out, and if Coach Nutt would let me, then I would do it. I’d love to have that chance.”
Leader sports editor
Denny Tipton encourages his batters to keep their swings as compact as possible. But there is one player the Sylvan Hills head baseball coach is willing to grant a little license to in the matter of batting strokes.
When Hunter Miller’s typically aggressive swing resulted in a towering game-ending shot over the fence in left against Searcy last Tuesday, Tipton wasn’t inclined to tell Miller to shorten it up. After all, it was Miller’s 10th round-tripper of the season.
He’s batting .397 with 32 RBI and 39 runs in just 28 games. In other words, if it isn’t broke …
“We work hard on keeping swings a little shorter,” said Tipton, whose Bears just clinched the 6A-East title with a sweep of Searcy and are 22-6 overall. “But Hunter’s always going to be naturally long. To me, he’s just a natural hitter.”
Tipton said Miller actually has made some improvements in his swing over the past three years. Used to be, Tipton said, Miller would hit towering fly balls that would be caught 10 feet short of the fence. Now, he gets on top of the ball better. The result:
Ten home runs this year to go along with eight his junior season. He hit only one as a sophomore.
Miller doesn’t particularly look like a power hitter. But Tipton said his bat speed, explosiveness and leverage help offset any brawn deficiency he may suffer from.
“I take my hacks when I get up to the plate,” Miller said. “I don’t go up there looking for walks. I’m up there swinging the bat.
That’s just how I am.”
As far as his size, that’s getting ready to change. Miller, an All-State quarterback and free safety with blazing speed, signed with Ole Miss in February to play football. He knows — and his new head coach Houston Nutt knows — 185 pounds isn’t going to cut it in the Southeastern Conference.
So Miller plans on hitting the weights as soon as baseball season ends, which Miller and Tipton hope isn’t until the May 17 championship game at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville.
Given the Bears’ deep pitching, solid hitting throughout the lineup and outstanding defense, anything less than that is probably going to be a disappointment.
The Bears, who suffered an early exit in the state tournament last year and came up short in the semifinals two seasons ago, lost a lot of talent off last year’s team. But they enjoyed an influx of talent in Abundant Life transfers D.J. Baxendale, Justin Treece and Jake Chambers.
“This is the most athletic team I’ve played on since I’ve been here,” said Miller, who saw some action as a freshman and has started all three years since then. “We can compete with anybody in the state. It would be very disappointing [if we don’t reach the championship game] because we have every player in the book we need to win it.
“So we think we should get there and win it.”
Tipton knows he’s got a loaded club, but he isn’t as willing as Miller to turn this into an all-or-nothing season. Winning the conference is always the No. 1 goal, he said. After that, it’s to win one game at a time in the state tournament.
“Is [getting to the championship game] what we expect?” Tipton asks. “Yes. I’d be lying to people if I didn’t say that. But there are some good teams out there and only two teams ever make it. If we take care of ourselves, I think we’ve got a good shot.”
They have a solid one-two punch in their starting rotation, beginning with the often-unhittable Baxendale, a junior who is leaning toward Missouri State. Miller has become a dependable No. 2 man, usually pitching the second game of conference doubleheaders. Tipton said the greatest development he’s seen in Miller over the years has been on the mound where, he explained, he has become less of a thrower and more of a pitcher.
“He’s always been gifted with a good arm, but he had some arm trouble in football,” Tipton said. “I think that made him a little nervous on the mound.
“This year, I think he really decided he wanted to work at being a pitcher. He’s turned out to be pretty good. His velocity may be off a little bit this year, but he’s more concerned with his form now.”
Miller said he relishes the opportunity to be such a key component of the Bears’ pitching rotation, insisting that it doesn’t take away from his offensive focus in the least.
“I know, if we win that first game, we want to go for the sweep,” he said. “I know I need to go out there and mow them down.”
Mostly, he has done just that, compiling a 5-2 record this season. Miller pitched some as a sophomore before hurting his arm, and was used sparingly last season.
Despite his 4.5 speed, his arm was so strong that Tipton used him behind the plate in the early part of his sophomore season. But when his arm became sore, Miller moved to the outfield, something he didn’t regret a bit.
“It bothered my knees,” Miller said of his time as a catcher. “I felt like I was getting all tight, like I couldn’t run.”
Miller can run, of course. If you’ve ever seen him tear around second base and turn a routine double into a dazzling triple, or, from his center fielder’s spot, turn an opponent’s routine double into a routine out, you know that. With all his power, all his hitting ability and, now, his newfound pitching proficiency, it is Miller’s defensive speed that Tipton may miss the most.
“That speed and natural ability, you just can’t replace that,” Tipton said. “Anytime you have an athlete who can track down base hits and make it look so easy, that’s just something a coach loves.
“We have a lot of upperclassmen, and I think we’ll be pretty good next year. But that will be hard to replace — having that natural center fielder with a great arm.”
Miller comes from a long line of Sylvan Hills athletes, including uncles who played quarterback and a brother, Hayden, who is currently playing baseball at Arkansas Tech.
Miller, who threw for more than 1,000 yards and rushed for nearly 1,400 in his senior season, will play defensive back and safety at Ole Miss. He figures he’ll likely redshirt as a freshman, though there is a possibility he could see some special teams action.
As much as Tipton thinks Miller would benefit from focusing on just one sport — something he’s never had the opportunity to do in high school — the coach also thinks Miller would make a fine college baseball player.
“Football coaches in the SEC don’t usually like to see them play another sport,” Tipton said. “I’ve tried to contact the Ole Miss [baseball] coaches to see about Hunter playing. If they ever see him play, I think they’d jump at the opportunity.”
Miller said he loves both sports equally, that it would be hard to give up either one. With Nutt’s blessing, he said, he’d like to try to continue his baseball career.
“That’s something I want to talk to him about,” Miller said. “I want to talk to the baseball coach and see what he thinks. If he thinks I could help out, and if Coach Nutt would let me, then I would do it. I’d love to have that chance.”
SPORTS>>Lady Devils stay red hot
By JASON KING
Leader sportswriter
The games were total contrasts, but they were both wins for Jacksonville. The Lady Red Devils swept Searcy with a dominant performance in Game 1, but had to rally from a two-run deficit to take the win in the nightcap.
Jacksonville needed an extra inning, and some incredible defensive play by sophomore second baseman Jennifer Bock to take a 3-2 win in eight innings after controlling the first game 5-1 on Wednesday at Dupree Park in Jacksonville.
Bailee Herlacher scored the winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning off a fielder’s choice by Taylor Norsworthy.
Herlacher started the frame out at second base as part of the universal tiebreak rule, and stole third to set up the winning play.
“This is the second or third time this year that these young ladies stepped up and came back to win or tie it,” said Lady Red
Devil coach Tanya Ganey. “They have that attitude that they refuse to lose, and when you go into the bottom of the seventh thinking you can still win, it’s a big plus.”
The victory improved Jacksonville to 9-4 overall, and, at 7-2 in league play, remained one of only three teams in the 6A-East Conference race with two losses. The Lady Devils played a crucial doubleheader at Jonesboro yesterday in a game completed after Leader deadlines.
The Lady Lions had even more chances than their two runs, but a pair of heads-up double plays by Jennifer Bock in the second and third innings disposed of a number of potential Searcy runs. Both plays started with hard grounders to Bock, who made quick stops, and got the tag on runners headed for second before tossing it over to first baseman Norsworthy to retire the batter.
Herlacher and Bock scored the first two runs of Game 1 in the top of the first inning, and Jacksonville never looked back. The Lady Lions did manage to avoid a shutout by plating Kelsey Boggan off a double from Emilee McDonald, but the Lady Red Devils added insurance runs in the sixth and seventh innings.
The games were originally slated for the day before, but Tuesday afternoon downpours pushed the game back a day, and forced the Lady Devils to host on the field that the Lady Falcons of North Pulaski normally use.
Searcy grabbed a 2-0 lead in the top ofthe fifth inning of Game 2 with a two-run hit by freshman Amber Rollins that scored Nila Navarro and Olivia McConnaughhay.
Jacksonville’s chance to answer one of those runs in the bottom of the fifth was foiled when the field umpire ruled that Chyna Davis led off third illegally on a sacrifice fly. Instead of a score, the Lady Devils were pinned with another out, and a strikeout ended the threat.
The Lady Red Devils finally answered in the bottom of the sixth. Searcy pitcher Rollins gave up three straight one-out singles Bailee Herlacher, Bock and Jessica Lanier to load the bases.
Norsworthy went for the bunt to drive in the first run, but Rollins got the throw to the plate in time to tag Herlacher out. That put junior Paula Burr at the plate, who doubled down the right field line to bring home two runs and tie the game.
Lanier took the win in both games, but with significantly different numbers for each game. She struck out 10 while allowing only two hits and one unearned run in the first game, but fanned only four while giving up as many hits in the finale.
Rollins took the loss at the mound for Searcy, but the youngster showed good strength early. She allowed only two hits through five innings while striking out seven. Jacksonville racked up five hits in the final two frames of regulation.
Lanier went 2 of 3 in Game 2, and Herlacher finished 2 of 4. Burr was 1 of 3 with a double and two RBI.
“Jennifer [Bock] is doing an awesome job at second base, and she is also hitting well,” Ganey said. We have several players who have really stepped up — Paula Burr, Jessica Lanier and Chyna Davis are just a few of them. It seems like a different person steps up at different times when we need it.”
For Searcy, Rollins was 1 of 3 with two RBI.
Leader sportswriter
The games were total contrasts, but they were both wins for Jacksonville. The Lady Red Devils swept Searcy with a dominant performance in Game 1, but had to rally from a two-run deficit to take the win in the nightcap.
Jacksonville needed an extra inning, and some incredible defensive play by sophomore second baseman Jennifer Bock to take a 3-2 win in eight innings after controlling the first game 5-1 on Wednesday at Dupree Park in Jacksonville.
Bailee Herlacher scored the winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning off a fielder’s choice by Taylor Norsworthy.
Herlacher started the frame out at second base as part of the universal tiebreak rule, and stole third to set up the winning play.
“This is the second or third time this year that these young ladies stepped up and came back to win or tie it,” said Lady Red
Devil coach Tanya Ganey. “They have that attitude that they refuse to lose, and when you go into the bottom of the seventh thinking you can still win, it’s a big plus.”
The victory improved Jacksonville to 9-4 overall, and, at 7-2 in league play, remained one of only three teams in the 6A-East Conference race with two losses. The Lady Devils played a crucial doubleheader at Jonesboro yesterday in a game completed after Leader deadlines.
The Lady Lions had even more chances than their two runs, but a pair of heads-up double plays by Jennifer Bock in the second and third innings disposed of a number of potential Searcy runs. Both plays started with hard grounders to Bock, who made quick stops, and got the tag on runners headed for second before tossing it over to first baseman Norsworthy to retire the batter.
Herlacher and Bock scored the first two runs of Game 1 in the top of the first inning, and Jacksonville never looked back. The Lady Lions did manage to avoid a shutout by plating Kelsey Boggan off a double from Emilee McDonald, but the Lady Red Devils added insurance runs in the sixth and seventh innings.
The games were originally slated for the day before, but Tuesday afternoon downpours pushed the game back a day, and forced the Lady Devils to host on the field that the Lady Falcons of North Pulaski normally use.
Searcy grabbed a 2-0 lead in the top ofthe fifth inning of Game 2 with a two-run hit by freshman Amber Rollins that scored Nila Navarro and Olivia McConnaughhay.
Jacksonville’s chance to answer one of those runs in the bottom of the fifth was foiled when the field umpire ruled that Chyna Davis led off third illegally on a sacrifice fly. Instead of a score, the Lady Devils were pinned with another out, and a strikeout ended the threat.
The Lady Red Devils finally answered in the bottom of the sixth. Searcy pitcher Rollins gave up three straight one-out singles Bailee Herlacher, Bock and Jessica Lanier to load the bases.
Norsworthy went for the bunt to drive in the first run, but Rollins got the throw to the plate in time to tag Herlacher out. That put junior Paula Burr at the plate, who doubled down the right field line to bring home two runs and tie the game.
Lanier took the win in both games, but with significantly different numbers for each game. She struck out 10 while allowing only two hits and one unearned run in the first game, but fanned only four while giving up as many hits in the finale.
Rollins took the loss at the mound for Searcy, but the youngster showed good strength early. She allowed only two hits through five innings while striking out seven. Jacksonville racked up five hits in the final two frames of regulation.
Lanier went 2 of 3 in Game 2, and Herlacher finished 2 of 4. Burr was 1 of 3 with a double and two RBI.
“Jennifer [Bock] is doing an awesome job at second base, and she is also hitting well,” Ganey said. We have several players who have really stepped up — Paula Burr, Jessica Lanier and Chyna Davis are just a few of them. It seems like a different person steps up at different times when we need it.”
For Searcy, Rollins was 1 of 3 with two RBI.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
TOP STORY > >Stepson is held in fatal shooting
A man was arrested for the shooting death of his stepfather in Ward on Tuesday night. At 5 p.m., a caller from Cedar Hills Housing told the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Department that he shot his stepfather. Ward police have not released the suspect’s or victim’s names.
The victim was airlifted to UAMS, where he died. The suspect was taken into custody without altercation. He is being held at the Lonoke County Jail awaiting a court appearance.
“Names are being withheld pending notification of family members,” Lieutenant James Staley of the Ward Police Department said Tuesday night.
The victim was airlifted to UAMS, where he died. The suspect was taken into custody without altercation. He is being held at the Lonoke County Jail awaiting a court appearance.
“Names are being withheld pending notification of family members,” Lieutenant James Staley of the Ward Police Department said Tuesday night.
TOP STORY > >Cabot teachers get higher starting pay
By HEATHER HARTSELL
Leader staff writer
The Cabot School Board on Friday unanimously approved giving Cabot teachers a $150 raise, bringing the district’s starting pay for new teachers with only a bachelor’s degree to $35,550.
In addition, certified staff not topped out on the salary schedule received step increases; the classified staff, including custodians, food services staff, interpreters, maintenance staff, nurses, clerical and office staff, paraprofessionals and technology staff, also received a pay increase of 10 cents an hour.
This is the second pay increase the certified and classified staff received this school
year; the first raise was around Christmas.
According to Superintendent Dr. Tony Thurman, the money for the raises came from the state.
“Our district depends on the state to supplement our foundation funding based on the amount of revenue our local tax base generates,” he said.
“The state requires that a certain percentage of this money be equally distributed to certified staff members,” he added.
The amount varies from district to district depending on how much the state assists the district with foundation funding, Thurman said; the concept is referred to as ‘trust fund’ money.
“The state doesn’t provide any additional funding for this increase above what any other district is provided, but since the state must supplement the district, the state mandates that a certain amount be provided in the form of teacher raises,” he said.
Cabot’s trust fund allocation for certified staff this year was $642, $500 was provided at Christmas and another $150 on Friday, the superintendent said.
“Due to the financial state of the district and the challenge of nondeficit spending for another year, the district is only able to provide the amount required by the state. We would like to be able to do more for teacher salaries but our focus at this point is on the long-term fiscal stability of the district,” Thurman said.
Board members were reminded that district administrators, which includes school principals and program directors, have not received a step increase this year due to the financial concerns of the district.
Leader staff writer
The Cabot School Board on Friday unanimously approved giving Cabot teachers a $150 raise, bringing the district’s starting pay for new teachers with only a bachelor’s degree to $35,550.
In addition, certified staff not topped out on the salary schedule received step increases; the classified staff, including custodians, food services staff, interpreters, maintenance staff, nurses, clerical and office staff, paraprofessionals and technology staff, also received a pay increase of 10 cents an hour.
This is the second pay increase the certified and classified staff received this school
year; the first raise was around Christmas.
According to Superintendent Dr. Tony Thurman, the money for the raises came from the state.
“Our district depends on the state to supplement our foundation funding based on the amount of revenue our local tax base generates,” he said.
“The state requires that a certain percentage of this money be equally distributed to certified staff members,” he added.
The amount varies from district to district depending on how much the state assists the district with foundation funding, Thurman said; the concept is referred to as ‘trust fund’ money.
“The state doesn’t provide any additional funding for this increase above what any other district is provided, but since the state must supplement the district, the state mandates that a certain amount be provided in the form of teacher raises,” he said.
Cabot’s trust fund allocation for certified staff this year was $642, $500 was provided at Christmas and another $150 on Friday, the superintendent said.
“Due to the financial state of the district and the challenge of nondeficit spending for another year, the district is only able to provide the amount required by the state. We would like to be able to do more for teacher salaries but our focus at this point is on the long-term fiscal stability of the district,” Thurman said.
Board members were reminded that district administrators, which includes school principals and program directors, have not received a step increase this year due to the financial concerns of the district.
TOP STORY > >Jacksonville man is taken in for killing
By JEFFREY SMITH
Leader staff writer
Jacksonville police responded to a shooting at a Sunnyside residence early Monday morning and found a shooting victim. Daud Amir Jones immediately told police he shot his girlfriend in the head. Melony Graham, 25, was pronounced dead soon after police arrived. She lived with Jones at 180 Pike Ave.
Jones, 31, was arrested at 12:57 a.m. and charged with first-degree murder. He was not given bond. Jones was a manager at Taco Bell in Cabot.
According to the police, officers who arrived at the couple’s home on Pike Avenue found Jones lying on the floor in a hallway holding Graham, who was bleeding from her head.
When an officer asked Jones who was responsible for the shooting, he reportedly said, “I did it.”
Jones told police who arrived at the scene that the gun he killed Graham with was on the top shelf in a closet.
Officers located a Cobra .38 caliber semi-automatic handgun. He was then arrested and taken to the Jacksonville Police Department. Graham was pronounced dead.
Capt. Charles Jenkins of the Jacksonville Police Department said Monday that Jones did have a prior record, but he was unable to release specific information.
Capt. Jenkins said police were not sure how long Jones lived in Jack-sonville, but he did tell officers that he lived in the city about a year.
The police have not established a motive for the killing, but police have confirmed that Jones was involved in a relationship with Graham.
Jones was arraigned Monday in Jacksonville Municipal Court. The case was filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court. No circuit court date has been set.
Leader staff writer
Jacksonville police responded to a shooting at a Sunnyside residence early Monday morning and found a shooting victim. Daud Amir Jones immediately told police he shot his girlfriend in the head. Melony Graham, 25, was pronounced dead soon after police arrived. She lived with Jones at 180 Pike Ave.
Jones, 31, was arrested at 12:57 a.m. and charged with first-degree murder. He was not given bond. Jones was a manager at Taco Bell in Cabot.
According to the police, officers who arrived at the couple’s home on Pike Avenue found Jones lying on the floor in a hallway holding Graham, who was bleeding from her head.
When an officer asked Jones who was responsible for the shooting, he reportedly said, “I did it.”
Jones told police who arrived at the scene that the gun he killed Graham with was on the top shelf in a closet.
Officers located a Cobra .38 caliber semi-automatic handgun. He was then arrested and taken to the Jacksonville Police Department. Graham was pronounced dead.
Capt. Charles Jenkins of the Jacksonville Police Department said Monday that Jones did have a prior record, but he was unable to release specific information.
Capt. Jenkins said police were not sure how long Jones lived in Jack-sonville, but he did tell officers that he lived in the city about a year.
The police have not established a motive for the killing, but police have confirmed that Jones was involved in a relationship with Graham.
Jones was arraigned Monday in Jacksonville Municipal Court. The case was filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court. No circuit court date has been set.
TOP STORY > >Excellent inspection for base
By HEATHER HARTSELL
Leader staff writer
Months of preparation and practice exercises paid off for Little Rock Air Force Base as both the 314th Airlift Wing and the 463rd Airlift Group earned excellent ratings in their recent Operational Readiness Inspections (ORIs).
The ORI checked the Air Mobility Command’s and the Air Education and Training Command’s level of mission readiness and response.
The inspection team presented various scenarios which tested initial response, deployment, mission support and ability to survive and operate.
Col. Mark Vlahos, the 314th AW vice-commander, said the excellence rating pointed out the excellence done day in and day out at the Rock.
Chief MSgt Brooke McLean, 314th AW command chief, said he was “incredibly proud of the 314th team.”
“A lot of hard work and it paid off. It just represents what we do each and every day, though. I don’t think anybody was surprised by this — it’s what we do, combat airlift,” McLean said.
The 463rd was rated “Excellent” in scenarios which tested their initial response, employment and mission support. The group was rated “satisfactory” in the ability to survive and operate. When Col. Jeff Hoffer, the 463rd AG commander, learned of his unit’s score, he said he was excited and tremendously proud of all the 463rd Airlift Group and the 314th Airlift Wing.
“After the ROCKEX in March, I felt that we were at the top of our game,” Hoffer said, adding, the airmen were ready to tackle the challenges head on.
“Everybody has given 110 percent all the way through to the final challenge. All of this would not have been possible without our Airmen,” he said.
During the ORI outbriefings, the Inspector General (IG) team recognized exceptional team and individual performers from both the 314th AW and the 463rd AG.
Five individuals were recognized from the wing as superior performers and received the IG’s coin.
They include civilian Richard Myers, 314th Airlift Wing Safety; Airman Daniel Lemons, 314th Logistics Readiness Squadron; Tech. Sgt. Max Shelton, 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; Master Sgt. Robert Ray, 314th Logistics Readiness Squadron; and Major Matthew Wehner, 48th Airlift Squadron.
The 314th Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Flight was the only flight to receive an outstanding rating, the highest rating possible.
Five individuals from the 463rd AG were also recognized and received the IG’s coin.
They include Capt. Kenny Bierman, 61st Airlift Squadron; Capt. Nick D. Callaway, 50th AS; First Lt. Matthew Mansell, 50th AS; Senior Airman Brian Edwards, 463rd AG Plans and Programs; and civilian Gregory G. Call, 463rd AG Plans and Programs.
Two teams also were singled out for recognition: Aircrew Flight Equipment Generation Team, 463rd Oper-ations Support Group; and the Flight-line Post-Attack Recon-naissance Sweep Team, 463rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
Leader staff writer
Months of preparation and practice exercises paid off for Little Rock Air Force Base as both the 314th Airlift Wing and the 463rd Airlift Group earned excellent ratings in their recent Operational Readiness Inspections (ORIs).
The ORI checked the Air Mobility Command’s and the Air Education and Training Command’s level of mission readiness and response.
The inspection team presented various scenarios which tested initial response, deployment, mission support and ability to survive and operate.
Col. Mark Vlahos, the 314th AW vice-commander, said the excellence rating pointed out the excellence done day in and day out at the Rock.
Chief MSgt Brooke McLean, 314th AW command chief, said he was “incredibly proud of the 314th team.”
“A lot of hard work and it paid off. It just represents what we do each and every day, though. I don’t think anybody was surprised by this — it’s what we do, combat airlift,” McLean said.
The 463rd was rated “Excellent” in scenarios which tested their initial response, employment and mission support. The group was rated “satisfactory” in the ability to survive and operate. When Col. Jeff Hoffer, the 463rd AG commander, learned of his unit’s score, he said he was excited and tremendously proud of all the 463rd Airlift Group and the 314th Airlift Wing.
“After the ROCKEX in March, I felt that we were at the top of our game,” Hoffer said, adding, the airmen were ready to tackle the challenges head on.
“Everybody has given 110 percent all the way through to the final challenge. All of this would not have been possible without our Airmen,” he said.
During the ORI outbriefings, the Inspector General (IG) team recognized exceptional team and individual performers from both the 314th AW and the 463rd AG.
Five individuals were recognized from the wing as superior performers and received the IG’s coin.
They include civilian Richard Myers, 314th Airlift Wing Safety; Airman Daniel Lemons, 314th Logistics Readiness Squadron; Tech. Sgt. Max Shelton, 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; Master Sgt. Robert Ray, 314th Logistics Readiness Squadron; and Major Matthew Wehner, 48th Airlift Squadron.
The 314th Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Flight was the only flight to receive an outstanding rating, the highest rating possible.
Five individuals from the 463rd AG were also recognized and received the IG’s coin.
They include Capt. Kenny Bierman, 61st Airlift Squadron; Capt. Nick D. Callaway, 50th AS; First Lt. Matthew Mansell, 50th AS; Senior Airman Brian Edwards, 463rd AG Plans and Programs; and civilian Gregory G. Call, 463rd AG Plans and Programs.
Two teams also were singled out for recognition: Aircrew Flight Equipment Generation Team, 463rd Oper-ations Support Group; and the Flight-line Post-Attack Recon-naissance Sweep Team, 463rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
TOP STORY > >Fact sheet issued for proposed jail
By JOHN HOFHEIMER
Leader senior staff writer
Characterizing the existing Lonoke County Jail as unsafe, overcrowded and inefficient, the Public Policy Center of the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture has created a two-page fact sheet to help residents decide whether to vote May 20 for or against a one-year, penny sales tax to pay for a new jail.
“The center tries to produce neutral papers to educate (residents) and let the voters decide,” according to Jeff Welch, Lonoke County’s chief agricultural agent.
Welch said the paper will be made available to the press, County Judge Charlie Troutman, Sheriff Jim Roberson and mayors and aldermen throughout the county.
There seems to be little or no doubt that a new jail would be a good idea. The main point of contention is whether to pay for it with a one-year sales tax, which could be considered regressive and paid for disproportionately, or by raising property taxes, which is considered unfair to property owners.
But after debate earlier this year, and the failure of the property tax increase to win support of the quorum court, the 10 members present voted on March 17 to put the one-year sales tax increase before the voters.
The county has wrestled unsuccessfully for several years with methods to update or expand the new jail or build a new one and with ways to pay for it.
The new jail would have 140 beds and should be sufficient for the county’s needs beyond 2030, according to the Public Policy Center paper, citing projections from the UALR Census Data Center.
It would cost about $5 million to $5.5 million, with the money raised by a dedicated sales tax.
If voters approve the tax, borrowed inmate labor from the state Correction Department will help build the new jail.
“Give me a penny tax for a year and I’ll build you a jail,” Troutman said.
The existing jail was built in 1972 and remodeled in 1992. It was designed for 40 inmates. With additions, its current capacity is 72 beds and frequently holds more than 90 inmates with a high of 98.
The Public Policy Center found the current jail lacking or inadequate in the following areas: No central control format, with doors facing every direction; no sally port, an enclosed area for loading prisoners in and out of the jail; electrical and plumbing are in poor operating condition according to Sheriff Jim Roberson; the lock system is outdated; the jail is unsanitary and unsafe for prisoners and employees; the camera monitoring system is “considered poor;” cells for women, designed for seven, sometimes hold 15, and overcrowded, unsafe conditions have resulted in multi-million dollar lawsuits.
County officials say it would cost $30 a day per prisoner, in addition to transportation costs, wear and tear and time spent transporting prisoners to and from court, making lockup elsewhere expensive and inefficient.
If approved, sales tax collections would begin Oct. 1 and end Sept. 30, 2009.
Residents would pay about 95 percent of the tax on goods and services, with the other approximately $275,000 coming from tourists and visitors.
Assuming that the average Lonoke County household, including those in the cities, makes about 85 percent of its purchases within the county, it is estimated that the amount of additional tax paid in that one year would range from about $65 for households earning between $5,000 and $12,499 to $286 for those earning more than $93,750 a year.
If the tax fails, it will still be Lonoke County’s responsibility to house and protect inmates, but it could cost an additional $107,277 a year on top of the 2007 jail budget of $680,723.
According to the center, “Opponents say a sales tax may not be the best funding option for a new jail because it places a heavier burden on low-income families.
“Opponents say increasing the sales tax rate in Lonoke County may result in both economic and revenue loss to the county.
“Opponents say the increased sales tax rate may cause Lonoke County residents to shop more in surrounding counties.”
Leader senior staff writer
Characterizing the existing Lonoke County Jail as unsafe, overcrowded and inefficient, the Public Policy Center of the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture has created a two-page fact sheet to help residents decide whether to vote May 20 for or against a one-year, penny sales tax to pay for a new jail.
“The center tries to produce neutral papers to educate (residents) and let the voters decide,” according to Jeff Welch, Lonoke County’s chief agricultural agent.
Welch said the paper will be made available to the press, County Judge Charlie Troutman, Sheriff Jim Roberson and mayors and aldermen throughout the county.
There seems to be little or no doubt that a new jail would be a good idea. The main point of contention is whether to pay for it with a one-year sales tax, which could be considered regressive and paid for disproportionately, or by raising property taxes, which is considered unfair to property owners.
But after debate earlier this year, and the failure of the property tax increase to win support of the quorum court, the 10 members present voted on March 17 to put the one-year sales tax increase before the voters.
The county has wrestled unsuccessfully for several years with methods to update or expand the new jail or build a new one and with ways to pay for it.
The new jail would have 140 beds and should be sufficient for the county’s needs beyond 2030, according to the Public Policy Center paper, citing projections from the UALR Census Data Center.
It would cost about $5 million to $5.5 million, with the money raised by a dedicated sales tax.
If voters approve the tax, borrowed inmate labor from the state Correction Department will help build the new jail.
“Give me a penny tax for a year and I’ll build you a jail,” Troutman said.
The existing jail was built in 1972 and remodeled in 1992. It was designed for 40 inmates. With additions, its current capacity is 72 beds and frequently holds more than 90 inmates with a high of 98.
The Public Policy Center found the current jail lacking or inadequate in the following areas: No central control format, with doors facing every direction; no sally port, an enclosed area for loading prisoners in and out of the jail; electrical and plumbing are in poor operating condition according to Sheriff Jim Roberson; the lock system is outdated; the jail is unsanitary and unsafe for prisoners and employees; the camera monitoring system is “considered poor;” cells for women, designed for seven, sometimes hold 15, and overcrowded, unsafe conditions have resulted in multi-million dollar lawsuits.
County officials say it would cost $30 a day per prisoner, in addition to transportation costs, wear and tear and time spent transporting prisoners to and from court, making lockup elsewhere expensive and inefficient.
If approved, sales tax collections would begin Oct. 1 and end Sept. 30, 2009.
Residents would pay about 95 percent of the tax on goods and services, with the other approximately $275,000 coming from tourists and visitors.
Assuming that the average Lonoke County household, including those in the cities, makes about 85 percent of its purchases within the county, it is estimated that the amount of additional tax paid in that one year would range from about $65 for households earning between $5,000 and $12,499 to $286 for those earning more than $93,750 a year.
If the tax fails, it will still be Lonoke County’s responsibility to house and protect inmates, but it could cost an additional $107,277 a year on top of the 2007 jail budget of $680,723.
According to the center, “Opponents say a sales tax may not be the best funding option for a new jail because it places a heavier burden on low-income families.
“Opponents say increasing the sales tax rate in Lonoke County may result in both economic and revenue loss to the county.
“Opponents say the increased sales tax rate may cause Lonoke County residents to shop more in surrounding counties.”
EDITORIAL >>The court roars again
Nine years is a long time to leave lawlessness unrestrained, but when the river of justice begins to flow, it leaves no flotsam.
The Arkansas Supreme Court last week delivered its third decision in three months holding payday lenders responsible for their illegal activities. It was severe.
The court upheld a $1.4 million fine against the owner of 14 payday lending outlets in Arkansas. Dennis Bailey had run the cash stores, including stores at Cabot and Beebe, without even obtaining a license from the state Board of Collection Agencies, which is supposed to regulate the lenders and, in this case, actually did.
Previously, in January and March, the court had held in separate cases that two cash-advance companies had violated the state Constitution’s prohibition against usury even though they were in substantial compliance with the statute enacted by the legislature in 1999 that authorized payday lenders. The court still has not struck down the statute, but it is almost certain to do so later this year when the court hears an appeal of a trial- court decision that raises the question directly.
The Board of Collection Agencies had generally smiled upon the labors of the payday lenders, who charge interest rates of more than 300 percent (the Constitution says 17 percent is the most that can be charged), but it ordered Bailey to close all his businesses in 2005 because he did not have a state license. His business had a license from the state of Missouri and he claimed that the transactions were with the Missouri operation. He continued to make loans, so the board finally fined him $1.3 million plus costs. Bailey asked the Supreme Court to kick the case back to the agency because its punishment was based on hearsay, not sworn testimony at his hearing.
Hearsay is fine in administrative hearings and the lender did not raise the issue with the board anyway, the Supreme Court said. Close up and pay, it ordered.
When the Supreme Court is finally done with this travesty, the legislature should do some sober reflection. Lawmakers need to answer this question: When the Constitution is crystal clear about what the limits of lending are and when the state’s highest court rules repeatedly for half a century that it means exactly what it says, how can an overwhelming majority of the legislature and a governor (Mike Huckabee) enact a statute that says almost the mirror opposite? Tens of thousands of illegal exactions later we do not know the answer.
The Arkansas Supreme Court last week delivered its third decision in three months holding payday lenders responsible for their illegal activities. It was severe.
The court upheld a $1.4 million fine against the owner of 14 payday lending outlets in Arkansas. Dennis Bailey had run the cash stores, including stores at Cabot and Beebe, without even obtaining a license from the state Board of Collection Agencies, which is supposed to regulate the lenders and, in this case, actually did.
Previously, in January and March, the court had held in separate cases that two cash-advance companies had violated the state Constitution’s prohibition against usury even though they were in substantial compliance with the statute enacted by the legislature in 1999 that authorized payday lenders. The court still has not struck down the statute, but it is almost certain to do so later this year when the court hears an appeal of a trial- court decision that raises the question directly.
The Board of Collection Agencies had generally smiled upon the labors of the payday lenders, who charge interest rates of more than 300 percent (the Constitution says 17 percent is the most that can be charged), but it ordered Bailey to close all his businesses in 2005 because he did not have a state license. His business had a license from the state of Missouri and he claimed that the transactions were with the Missouri operation. He continued to make loans, so the board finally fined him $1.3 million plus costs. Bailey asked the Supreme Court to kick the case back to the agency because its punishment was based on hearsay, not sworn testimony at his hearing.
Hearsay is fine in administrative hearings and the lender did not raise the issue with the board anyway, the Supreme Court said. Close up and pay, it ordered.
When the Supreme Court is finally done with this travesty, the legislature should do some sober reflection. Lawmakers need to answer this question: When the Constitution is crystal clear about what the limits of lending are and when the state’s highest court rules repeatedly for half a century that it means exactly what it says, how can an overwhelming majority of the legislature and a governor (Mike Huckabee) enact a statute that says almost the mirror opposite? Tens of thousands of illegal exactions later we do not know the answer.
TOP STORY > >Cabot ends fees it put on builders of houses
By JOAN MCCOY
Leader senior staff writer
Cabot’s impact fee on new construction, which last year brought in $208,000, has been repealed.
The city council Monday night voted 7-1 to do away with the 2006 ordinance imposing the fee on new houses and commercial buildings, which cost builders $1,272 on a 3,000-4,000-square-foot house.
If the fee had been extended, it would have nearly doubled this month.
A committee charged with determining whether the impact fee had contributed to the decline in construction in Cabot had recommended that the fee double this month as scheduled and remain at that level for 24 months, possibly until another source of income for the city was in place.
Alderman Teri Miessner, who chaired the committee, provided the lone vote against repealing the fee.
“Apparently we wasted our time meeting because apparently the intent of the council was to remove it anyway,” Miessner said.
City Attorney Jim Taylor had prepared an ordinance to freeze the impact fee at the second scheduled level as recommended by the committee, but that ordinance was not introduced. Instead, Alderman Tom Armstrong, who voted against the fee in 2006, made the motion to repeal it. That motion was seconded by Alderman Becky Lemaster, who had called the impact fee an unfair tax on the city’s struggling building industry.
Taylor had also drafted the ordinance repealing the impact fee.
Mayor Eddie Joe Williams said there was nothing in the new ordinance that would prevent the council from imposing the fee at a later date if necessary. During the year the fee was in place, the city had collected $75,000 toward the new fire station that is needed to hold down the cost of residential and commercial insurance premiums.
Williams said the city’s finances have improved since the council passed the impact fee. Voters passed a one-cent sales tax that built a much-needed wastewater treatment plant, helped pay for the animal shelter, the community center and the railroad overpass now under construction.
Layoffs last year in all city departments have kept salaries down, but the city has no revenue source at this time that will pay the $1.5 million needed to build a fire station or the $1 million needed to equip it, the mayor said.
Several builders and developers attended the council meeting. Bill O’Brien, a realtor and developer who served on Miessner’s impact fee committee spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, saying the closing of one lumber yard (84 Lumber) in the city and the layoff of workers at another (Ridout) are evidence that the building industry is struggling.
“Thank you for relieving the burden,” he said.
Information available at Cabot Public Works shows that residential construction is down, but it started going down before the impact fee went into effect in November 2006.
Two years earlier, 2004, was the boom year for home construction in Cabot. Building permits for 500 houses were issued that year, compared to 288 in 2002, 374 in 2003, 419 in 2005, 400 in 2006 and 183 in 2007, which was after the impact fee was passed.
However, of the 400 permits issued in 2006, 122 were in November, just before collection of the impact fee was started, for houses that would be built in 2007.
Although residential construction has slowed, commercial, which increases the city’s tax base, is on the rise. Nine commercial permits were issued in 2002, 25 in 2003, 20 in 2004 (the boom year for residential), 60 in 2005, 58 in 2006 and 67 in 2007.
In other business, the council passed an ordinance 7-1 banning the sale of novelty lighters.
Lieutenant Mark Shoemaker, from the North Little Rock Fire Department, spoke for the ban. Two states, Maine and Tennessee, have banned the lighters and he is working on a state-wide ban in Arkansas.
The reporting system for fires has only recently been updated to include novelty lighters, so hard data is not available.
However, it is known that two boys died last year in Russellville after starting a fire with a novelty lighter shaped like a motorcycle.
“It’s a no-brainer,” Shoemaker said, showing the council a croaking frog with a flame coming from its head. “They look like toys.”
Lemaster argued that government shouldn’t regulate what citizens can or cannot do.
“Commerce will take care of it,” Lemaster said. “If they are a bad idea, people will quit buying them.” Alderman Ken Williams countered that crack cocaine is a bad idea but people still buy it.
Alderman Eddie Cook said he also is opposed to “over-governmenting” but he voted with the majority to ban the lighters.
The council also passed an ordinance allowing RVs and motor homes in R-1 zones as temporary housing for tornado victims.
The ordinance expires in six months. Anyone still living in temporary quarters after the ordinance expires will face misdemeanor charges and fines of $100 a day.
Leader senior staff writer
Cabot’s impact fee on new construction, which last year brought in $208,000, has been repealed.
The city council Monday night voted 7-1 to do away with the 2006 ordinance imposing the fee on new houses and commercial buildings, which cost builders $1,272 on a 3,000-4,000-square-foot house.
If the fee had been extended, it would have nearly doubled this month.
A committee charged with determining whether the impact fee had contributed to the decline in construction in Cabot had recommended that the fee double this month as scheduled and remain at that level for 24 months, possibly until another source of income for the city was in place.
Alderman Teri Miessner, who chaired the committee, provided the lone vote against repealing the fee.
“Apparently we wasted our time meeting because apparently the intent of the council was to remove it anyway,” Miessner said.
City Attorney Jim Taylor had prepared an ordinance to freeze the impact fee at the second scheduled level as recommended by the committee, but that ordinance was not introduced. Instead, Alderman Tom Armstrong, who voted against the fee in 2006, made the motion to repeal it. That motion was seconded by Alderman Becky Lemaster, who had called the impact fee an unfair tax on the city’s struggling building industry.
Taylor had also drafted the ordinance repealing the impact fee.
Mayor Eddie Joe Williams said there was nothing in the new ordinance that would prevent the council from imposing the fee at a later date if necessary. During the year the fee was in place, the city had collected $75,000 toward the new fire station that is needed to hold down the cost of residential and commercial insurance premiums.
Williams said the city’s finances have improved since the council passed the impact fee. Voters passed a one-cent sales tax that built a much-needed wastewater treatment plant, helped pay for the animal shelter, the community center and the railroad overpass now under construction.
Layoffs last year in all city departments have kept salaries down, but the city has no revenue source at this time that will pay the $1.5 million needed to build a fire station or the $1 million needed to equip it, the mayor said.
Several builders and developers attended the council meeting. Bill O’Brien, a realtor and developer who served on Miessner’s impact fee committee spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, saying the closing of one lumber yard (84 Lumber) in the city and the layoff of workers at another (Ridout) are evidence that the building industry is struggling.
“Thank you for relieving the burden,” he said.
Information available at Cabot Public Works shows that residential construction is down, but it started going down before the impact fee went into effect in November 2006.
Two years earlier, 2004, was the boom year for home construction in Cabot. Building permits for 500 houses were issued that year, compared to 288 in 2002, 374 in 2003, 419 in 2005, 400 in 2006 and 183 in 2007, which was after the impact fee was passed.
However, of the 400 permits issued in 2006, 122 were in November, just before collection of the impact fee was started, for houses that would be built in 2007.
Although residential construction has slowed, commercial, which increases the city’s tax base, is on the rise. Nine commercial permits were issued in 2002, 25 in 2003, 20 in 2004 (the boom year for residential), 60 in 2005, 58 in 2006 and 67 in 2007.
In other business, the council passed an ordinance 7-1 banning the sale of novelty lighters.
Lieutenant Mark Shoemaker, from the North Little Rock Fire Department, spoke for the ban. Two states, Maine and Tennessee, have banned the lighters and he is working on a state-wide ban in Arkansas.
The reporting system for fires has only recently been updated to include novelty lighters, so hard data is not available.
However, it is known that two boys died last year in Russellville after starting a fire with a novelty lighter shaped like a motorcycle.
“It’s a no-brainer,” Shoemaker said, showing the council a croaking frog with a flame coming from its head. “They look like toys.”
Lemaster argued that government shouldn’t regulate what citizens can or cannot do.
“Commerce will take care of it,” Lemaster said. “If they are a bad idea, people will quit buying them.” Alderman Ken Williams countered that crack cocaine is a bad idea but people still buy it.
Alderman Eddie Cook said he also is opposed to “over-governmenting” but he voted with the majority to ban the lighters.
The council also passed an ordinance allowing RVs and motor homes in R-1 zones as temporary housing for tornado victims.
The ordinance expires in six months. Anyone still living in temporary quarters after the ordinance expires will face misdemeanor charges and fines of $100 a day.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
SPORTS>>Red Devils pick up pair of key wins
By FRED CONLEY
Special to the Leader
FORREST CITY — Jacksonville picked up a pair of critical conference wins on Monday afternoon at Forrest City.
The Red Devils won the opener 3-1 in 10 innings, and edged the Mustangs 7-6 in the nightcap.
The sweep propelled the Red Devils to 11-11 overall and 4-4 in the 6A-East.
“We’ve been competing all year and I couldn’t be more proud of them,” said Jacksonville head coach Larry Burrows. “We’ve gotten better over the last month. We haven’t always played well, but we’ve fought hard every game.”
Forrest City took a 1-0 lead in the first game in the bottom of the second inning when Leslie Parker scored from third when Jacksonville catcher Patrick Castleberry made the throw to second base with Chance Pearson stealing. Parker trotted home for the 1-0 lead.
Jacksonville knotted the game at 1-1 in the top of the third when Terrell Brown scored from second base on a passed ball and a throwing error after belting a two-out double to center field.
It stayed at 1-1 until the top of the 10th when Jacksonville’s Cameron Hood hit a long fly ball to centerfield, which was misplayed and rolled all the way to the fence. Jason Regnas, who had walked, scored, as did Hood, who never slowed down after the Forrest City error.
Regnas, on the mound in relief of starter Seth Tomboli, sat down the Mustang side in the bottom of the 10th for the 3-1 win.
Forrest City starting pitcher Justin Cochran worked the first eight innings before giving way to Joey Bonds.
Cochran gave up one run on five hits and three walks with six strikeouts. Bonds allowed one hit and one walk with three strikeouts.
All three Jacksonville runs were unearned.
Tomboli, coming off a big win over Searcy last week, went eight innings giving up the one run on nine hits and one walk with five strikeouts.
Regnas issued one walk in his two innings but did not allow a run or a base hit.
Brown led the Red Devils from the plate, going 2-for-5.
In the nightcap, Forrest City scored four runs in the top of the first inning to open a quick 4-0 lead over the Red Devils.
The Mustangs sent 10 batters to the plate and used five hits and one walk to do the early damage.
Jacksonville answered in the bottom of the first inning with one run to cut the Mustang lead to 4-1.
Regnas worked his way on base using a Forrest City error and scored on Hood’s RBI double.
Forrest City made it a 5-1 game in the top of the second when Barrett Beshears tripled and scored on Findley Scott Laws’ RBI single.
The Red Devils used single runs from Brown and Regnas in the bottom of the third to cut the Mustang lead to 5-3. Brown walked and scored on an RBI double, while Regnas scored on Caleb Mitchell’s ground out.
Jacksonville tied the game in the bottom of the fifth as Regnas scored his third run of the game, leading off with a single and scoring. Castleberry singled and scored on Mitchell’s RBI single.
Mitchell’s hit prompted a Forrest City pitching change as starter Barrett Astin left in favor of Laws, with one on and one out.
Laws worked out of the inning without further damage.
The Mustangs regained the lead at 6-5 in the top of the seventh inning when Ray Patillo doubled and scored on Pearson’s RBI triple.
Pearson was left standing at third base as the final two outs were made.
Jacksonville won the game in the bottom of the seventh when Castleberry and Mitchell both singled to lead off the inning.
Castleberry scored on Jeffrey Tillman’s base hit and a Forrest City error while Mitchell came around to score the game-winning run on Tyler Wisdom’s base hit to end the game.
Regnas went four innings and gave up five runs on eight Forrest City hits and two walks with two strikeouts. Mike Harmon worked the final three innings giving up one run on five hits with four strikeouts.
Astin lasted 4-1/3 innings giving up five runs on eight hits with eight strikeouts before giving way to Laws who gave up two runs on four hits and had four strikeouts.
Beshears scored twice to lead the Mustangs while Cory Deere, William Burks, Mark Machen and Patillo all added single runs.
Regnas led Jacksonville with three runs while Castleberry scored twice.
“Each week, we’ve talked about getting a little better than the week before, and I think it is starting to show,” Burrows said.
“That was two big wins that I think we earned. We played well in all but two innings out of 17.”
Special to the Leader
FORREST CITY — Jacksonville picked up a pair of critical conference wins on Monday afternoon at Forrest City.
The Red Devils won the opener 3-1 in 10 innings, and edged the Mustangs 7-6 in the nightcap.
The sweep propelled the Red Devils to 11-11 overall and 4-4 in the 6A-East.
“We’ve been competing all year and I couldn’t be more proud of them,” said Jacksonville head coach Larry Burrows. “We’ve gotten better over the last month. We haven’t always played well, but we’ve fought hard every game.”
Forrest City took a 1-0 lead in the first game in the bottom of the second inning when Leslie Parker scored from third when Jacksonville catcher Patrick Castleberry made the throw to second base with Chance Pearson stealing. Parker trotted home for the 1-0 lead.
Jacksonville knotted the game at 1-1 in the top of the third when Terrell Brown scored from second base on a passed ball and a throwing error after belting a two-out double to center field.
It stayed at 1-1 until the top of the 10th when Jacksonville’s Cameron Hood hit a long fly ball to centerfield, which was misplayed and rolled all the way to the fence. Jason Regnas, who had walked, scored, as did Hood, who never slowed down after the Forrest City error.
Regnas, on the mound in relief of starter Seth Tomboli, sat down the Mustang side in the bottom of the 10th for the 3-1 win.
Forrest City starting pitcher Justin Cochran worked the first eight innings before giving way to Joey Bonds.
Cochran gave up one run on five hits and three walks with six strikeouts. Bonds allowed one hit and one walk with three strikeouts.
All three Jacksonville runs were unearned.
Tomboli, coming off a big win over Searcy last week, went eight innings giving up the one run on nine hits and one walk with five strikeouts.
Regnas issued one walk in his two innings but did not allow a run or a base hit.
Brown led the Red Devils from the plate, going 2-for-5.
In the nightcap, Forrest City scored four runs in the top of the first inning to open a quick 4-0 lead over the Red Devils.
The Mustangs sent 10 batters to the plate and used five hits and one walk to do the early damage.
Jacksonville answered in the bottom of the first inning with one run to cut the Mustang lead to 4-1.
Regnas worked his way on base using a Forrest City error and scored on Hood’s RBI double.
Forrest City made it a 5-1 game in the top of the second when Barrett Beshears tripled and scored on Findley Scott Laws’ RBI single.
The Red Devils used single runs from Brown and Regnas in the bottom of the third to cut the Mustang lead to 5-3. Brown walked and scored on an RBI double, while Regnas scored on Caleb Mitchell’s ground out.
Jacksonville tied the game in the bottom of the fifth as Regnas scored his third run of the game, leading off with a single and scoring. Castleberry singled and scored on Mitchell’s RBI single.
Mitchell’s hit prompted a Forrest City pitching change as starter Barrett Astin left in favor of Laws, with one on and one out.
Laws worked out of the inning without further damage.
The Mustangs regained the lead at 6-5 in the top of the seventh inning when Ray Patillo doubled and scored on Pearson’s RBI triple.
Pearson was left standing at third base as the final two outs were made.
Jacksonville won the game in the bottom of the seventh when Castleberry and Mitchell both singled to lead off the inning.
Castleberry scored on Jeffrey Tillman’s base hit and a Forrest City error while Mitchell came around to score the game-winning run on Tyler Wisdom’s base hit to end the game.
Regnas went four innings and gave up five runs on eight Forrest City hits and two walks with two strikeouts. Mike Harmon worked the final three innings giving up one run on five hits with four strikeouts.
Astin lasted 4-1/3 innings giving up five runs on eight hits with eight strikeouts before giving way to Laws who gave up two runs on four hits and had four strikeouts.
Beshears scored twice to lead the Mustangs while Cory Deere, William Burks, Mark Machen and Patillo all added single runs.
Regnas led Jacksonville with three runs while Castleberry scored twice.
“Each week, we’ve talked about getting a little better than the week before, and I think it is starting to show,” Burrows said.
“That was two big wins that I think we earned. We played well in all but two innings out of 17.”
SPORTS>>Bryant grand slam dooms Lady Panthers
By JASON KING
Leader sportswriter
Pitchers normally love an 0-2 count against a batter, but the goose-deuce spelled disaster for Cabot junior hurler Cherie Barfield on Monday night at Conrade Sports Complex.
Bryant belted three of its biggest hits — including a grand-slam home run by Moesha McDaniel in the top of the fourth inning — on 0-2 offerings from Barfield on the way to a 6-1 win to stay atop the 7A-Central Conference standings. The Lady Hornets also took the win in the nightcap 7-1 to improve to 6-2 in the league.
McDaniel’s blast over the left field wall broke a scoreless game in the fourth. A double by Christen Kirshner in between walks from Barfield loaded the bases for the Lady Hornets with only one out, but Barfield got a strike out.
Barfield then served up two perfect strikes to McDaniel, and was seemingly on the way to working herself out of the tight spot when the Bryant PH knocked it over the fence.
Bryant added another pair of runs in the top of the fifth inning, highlighted by a triple RBI from Paige Turpin on another 0-2 pitch from Barfield. The Lady Hornets also hit a double off a 0-2 pitch one inning later, but a double play by Lady Panthers Kristi Flesher and Brooke Taylor off a pop-up prevented another score.
Pop-ups were problematic for the Lady Panthers. Eleven of their outs came via that route. The Lady Panthers failed to cash in an opportunity at taking the initial lead in the bottom of the third inning when they missed a tag-up opportunity at third base.
Flesher hit a deep fly to left, but the courtesy runner did not get in position to make the tag in time, and was left stranded one batter later when Conrade popped up to first.
The Lady Panthers avoided the shut out when a bases-loaded walk scored K.P. Danielson for the only Cabot score. Tara Boyd was the first to reach when her pop up to first was missed.
Danielson then came in as a courtesy runner, and advanced on a single to left field by Central Baptist signee Ashton Seidl. Another Bryant error loaded the bases before Barfield drew the walk.
The Lady Panthers are now 4-8 overall and 3-6 in the 7A-Central Conference. The Lady Panthers will visit Pine Bluff on Thursday.
Leader sportswriter
Pitchers normally love an 0-2 count against a batter, but the goose-deuce spelled disaster for Cabot junior hurler Cherie Barfield on Monday night at Conrade Sports Complex.
Bryant belted three of its biggest hits — including a grand-slam home run by Moesha McDaniel in the top of the fourth inning — on 0-2 offerings from Barfield on the way to a 6-1 win to stay atop the 7A-Central Conference standings. The Lady Hornets also took the win in the nightcap 7-1 to improve to 6-2 in the league.
McDaniel’s blast over the left field wall broke a scoreless game in the fourth. A double by Christen Kirshner in between walks from Barfield loaded the bases for the Lady Hornets with only one out, but Barfield got a strike out.
Barfield then served up two perfect strikes to McDaniel, and was seemingly on the way to working herself out of the tight spot when the Bryant PH knocked it over the fence.
Bryant added another pair of runs in the top of the fifth inning, highlighted by a triple RBI from Paige Turpin on another 0-2 pitch from Barfield. The Lady Hornets also hit a double off a 0-2 pitch one inning later, but a double play by Lady Panthers Kristi Flesher and Brooke Taylor off a pop-up prevented another score.
Pop-ups were problematic for the Lady Panthers. Eleven of their outs came via that route. The Lady Panthers failed to cash in an opportunity at taking the initial lead in the bottom of the third inning when they missed a tag-up opportunity at third base.
Flesher hit a deep fly to left, but the courtesy runner did not get in position to make the tag in time, and was left stranded one batter later when Conrade popped up to first.
The Lady Panthers avoided the shut out when a bases-loaded walk scored K.P. Danielson for the only Cabot score. Tara Boyd was the first to reach when her pop up to first was missed.
Danielson then came in as a courtesy runner, and advanced on a single to left field by Central Baptist signee Ashton Seidl. Another Bryant error loaded the bases before Barfield drew the walk.
The Lady Panthers are now 4-8 overall and 3-6 in the 7A-Central Conference. The Lady Panthers will visit Pine Bluff on Thursday.
SPORTS>>AD to suffer barbs for good cause
By RAY BENTON
Special to the Leader
Cabot athletic director Johnny White is taking a step outside his comfort zone and allowing himself to be insulted for a good cause Thursday night. He will be the guest of honor for the annual Cabot Scholarship Foundation Roast.
“I’m really uncomfortable in that kind of thing,” White said. “I’d rather just go to work and do my job. It’s for a good cause though so I guess I’ll let some people make fun of me a little bit and hopefully it’ll be fun.”
Among White’s roasters will be Joey Walters, Randy Beaver and Flynn Reavely.
This is the 16th year for the fund, and this is the biggest year in its history. A total of 35 scholarships will be awarded totaling $35,000.
This is the largest number of scholarships we have ever given,” Carolyn Park, who helped get the program started in 1992, said. “I am so pleased. I can’t tell you how pleased I am that we have as many as we do. I never thought we’d be giving away 35 scholarships.”
The community has stepped forward and supported the program. The fund currently gets most of its money from individual donations. The annual roast is the only fundraiser for the scholarship fund.
“Many of the donations are memorials for people who have passed,” Park said. “Some are in honor of people who are still living. We have some clubs and organizations and some businesses that have made contributions as well, but most of our contributions come from individuals.”
This year the foundation board itself is funding one scholarship in honor of Don Elliot, who recently moved. He, along with Park and Cal Aldridge, was one of the original board members.
The program gave away one scholarship for 10k in its first year, compared to 35 scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each this year. Fundraising officials said they often find that a student has to drop out of school because of $1,000, but would also like to increase the amount of their scholarships.
Park said that lower interest rates have hurt endowments and that fundraising will help to offset those losses.
Special to the Leader
Cabot athletic director Johnny White is taking a step outside his comfort zone and allowing himself to be insulted for a good cause Thursday night. He will be the guest of honor for the annual Cabot Scholarship Foundation Roast.
“I’m really uncomfortable in that kind of thing,” White said. “I’d rather just go to work and do my job. It’s for a good cause though so I guess I’ll let some people make fun of me a little bit and hopefully it’ll be fun.”
Among White’s roasters will be Joey Walters, Randy Beaver and Flynn Reavely.
This is the 16th year for the fund, and this is the biggest year in its history. A total of 35 scholarships will be awarded totaling $35,000.
This is the largest number of scholarships we have ever given,” Carolyn Park, who helped get the program started in 1992, said. “I am so pleased. I can’t tell you how pleased I am that we have as many as we do. I never thought we’d be giving away 35 scholarships.”
The community has stepped forward and supported the program. The fund currently gets most of its money from individual donations. The annual roast is the only fundraiser for the scholarship fund.
“Many of the donations are memorials for people who have passed,” Park said. “Some are in honor of people who are still living. We have some clubs and organizations and some businesses that have made contributions as well, but most of our contributions come from individuals.”
This year the foundation board itself is funding one scholarship in honor of Don Elliot, who recently moved. He, along with Park and Cal Aldridge, was one of the original board members.
The program gave away one scholarship for 10k in its first year, compared to 35 scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each this year. Fundraising officials said they often find that a student has to drop out of school because of $1,000, but would also like to increase the amount of their scholarships.
Park said that lower interest rates have hurt endowments and that fundraising will help to offset those losses.
SPORTS>>Sylvan Hills sweeps Lions
By KELLY FENTON
Leader sports editor
The first game began as a close one and turned into a rout. The second one began as a rout, turned into a close one and finished with a flourish.
Both were Sylvan Hills wins. The Bears improved to 11-1 in the 6A-East and 22-6 overall with a dramatic seventh-inning rally to beat Searcy 12-9 in Game 2 of a doubleheader on Monday at Dupree Park. In the first game, it was all Sylvan Hills from the second inning on in a 12-0, five-inning affair.
“We go as our bats go,” said Sylvan Hills head coach Denny Tipton. “Our pitching and our defense has been pretty good all year. We either get two hits or 10 hits. That’s kind of the way it’s gone all year.”
Sylvan Hills, which solidified its spot atop the conference standings, figured to be in for a battle with perennial power Searcy. But it looked like smooth sailing after the Bears cruised in the opener and opened up a 6-0 lead in the top of the third in the nightcap.
But some uncharacteristic fielding woes allowed the Lions to rally for three in the third, and Mac Ellis’ grand slam in the fifth put Searcy on top 8-6. The Lions added a run in the sixth to push the lead to three.
Hunter Miller led off the Sylvan Hills seventh with a base hit and D.J. Baxendale, the Game 1 winner, belted a home run to narrow the lead to one. Jake Chambers singled and pinch runner Michael Maddox stole second to put the tying run in scoring position with two outs.
Jordan Spears delivered him with a two-out, two-strike, game-tying single. Blake Evans followed with an infield hit, and Clinton Thornton gave the Bears the lead with a two-run triple off the fence in right-center. A wild pitch made it 12-9.
Baxendale came in to set down the Lions in order in the seventh, picking up the save. Chris Dalton, who got the final out of the sixth inning in relief, picked up the win.
Baxendale tossed a three-hitter in the opener, and while he wasn’t overpowering — at least by the standards he’s set this season — he was plenty good enough. He allowed three hits over the first two innings, then pitched hitless ball over the final three. He struck out four and walked two.
“I didn’t think D.J. threw as well as he’s been throwing,” Tipton said. “But he’s come off a couple of 100-pitch outings and we were hoping to get out of here with 75. We’d have probably pulled him if he’d reached that. [Baxendale threw only 66 pitches]. We know it’s a long year.”
His counterpart, Searcy hurler Anthony Dillon, set down the Bears in order in the first before Baxendale’s single, Chambers’ double and Justin Treece’s single in the second put Sylvan Hills up 2-0. The Bears missed an opportunity to blow it open in the third when they left the bases loaded.
Ellis drew a walk with one out in the Searcy fourth and the game still very much up for grabs. But third baseman Nathan Ellers turned a slow hopper by Tate Ruddell into a sparkling double play. Thornton’s quick turn at second and throw to first completed the 5-4-3 twin killing.
“Knock on wood, but except for the Forrest City game when we made four errors in one inning, we’ve really kept our errors down,” Tipton said. “We’re probably averaging less than one a game. And Nathan has played great for us all year.”
But they began to get to Dillon in the fourth, when they scored three more runs. Treece doubled leading off, and Spears singled. Evans sent a sharp single to right to score Treece, then came across on Mark Turpin’s double off the top of the fence in left. Miller’s bloop single over the second baseman scored Turpin to make it 5-0.
Evans delivered a two-run single in the fifth, when Sylvan Hills put the game away. Thornton drove in another with a long sacrifice fly to right, and Miller ended it with his 10th home run of the season — a towering three-run blast to left.
Miller had four RBI in the contest to go along with three for Evans and two for Treece. Sylvan Hills had 13 hits — two each by Miller, Chambers, Treece and Evans.
The Bears were coming off a 3-1 loss to top-ranked Fayetteville on Friday, a game in which they hit the ball hard but with little luck.
“It was nice to have a few fall for us today,” Tipton said. “Searcy is always a good club.”
The Bears finish up 6A-East play with a doubleheader with Jacksonville next Tuesday.
Leader sports editor
The first game began as a close one and turned into a rout. The second one began as a rout, turned into a close one and finished with a flourish.
Both were Sylvan Hills wins. The Bears improved to 11-1 in the 6A-East and 22-6 overall with a dramatic seventh-inning rally to beat Searcy 12-9 in Game 2 of a doubleheader on Monday at Dupree Park. In the first game, it was all Sylvan Hills from the second inning on in a 12-0, five-inning affair.
“We go as our bats go,” said Sylvan Hills head coach Denny Tipton. “Our pitching and our defense has been pretty good all year. We either get two hits or 10 hits. That’s kind of the way it’s gone all year.”
Sylvan Hills, which solidified its spot atop the conference standings, figured to be in for a battle with perennial power Searcy. But it looked like smooth sailing after the Bears cruised in the opener and opened up a 6-0 lead in the top of the third in the nightcap.
But some uncharacteristic fielding woes allowed the Lions to rally for three in the third, and Mac Ellis’ grand slam in the fifth put Searcy on top 8-6. The Lions added a run in the sixth to push the lead to three.
Hunter Miller led off the Sylvan Hills seventh with a base hit and D.J. Baxendale, the Game 1 winner, belted a home run to narrow the lead to one. Jake Chambers singled and pinch runner Michael Maddox stole second to put the tying run in scoring position with two outs.
Jordan Spears delivered him with a two-out, two-strike, game-tying single. Blake Evans followed with an infield hit, and Clinton Thornton gave the Bears the lead with a two-run triple off the fence in right-center. A wild pitch made it 12-9.
Baxendale came in to set down the Lions in order in the seventh, picking up the save. Chris Dalton, who got the final out of the sixth inning in relief, picked up the win.
Baxendale tossed a three-hitter in the opener, and while he wasn’t overpowering — at least by the standards he’s set this season — he was plenty good enough. He allowed three hits over the first two innings, then pitched hitless ball over the final three. He struck out four and walked two.
“I didn’t think D.J. threw as well as he’s been throwing,” Tipton said. “But he’s come off a couple of 100-pitch outings and we were hoping to get out of here with 75. We’d have probably pulled him if he’d reached that. [Baxendale threw only 66 pitches]. We know it’s a long year.”
His counterpart, Searcy hurler Anthony Dillon, set down the Bears in order in the first before Baxendale’s single, Chambers’ double and Justin Treece’s single in the second put Sylvan Hills up 2-0. The Bears missed an opportunity to blow it open in the third when they left the bases loaded.
Ellis drew a walk with one out in the Searcy fourth and the game still very much up for grabs. But third baseman Nathan Ellers turned a slow hopper by Tate Ruddell into a sparkling double play. Thornton’s quick turn at second and throw to first completed the 5-4-3 twin killing.
“Knock on wood, but except for the Forrest City game when we made four errors in one inning, we’ve really kept our errors down,” Tipton said. “We’re probably averaging less than one a game. And Nathan has played great for us all year.”
But they began to get to Dillon in the fourth, when they scored three more runs. Treece doubled leading off, and Spears singled. Evans sent a sharp single to right to score Treece, then came across on Mark Turpin’s double off the top of the fence in left. Miller’s bloop single over the second baseman scored Turpin to make it 5-0.
Evans delivered a two-run single in the fifth, when Sylvan Hills put the game away. Thornton drove in another with a long sacrifice fly to right, and Miller ended it with his 10th home run of the season — a towering three-run blast to left.
Miller had four RBI in the contest to go along with three for Evans and two for Treece. Sylvan Hills had 13 hits — two each by Miller, Chambers, Treece and Evans.
The Bears were coming off a 3-1 loss to top-ranked Fayetteville on Friday, a game in which they hit the ball hard but with little luck.
“It was nice to have a few fall for us today,” Tipton said. “Searcy is always a good club.”
The Bears finish up 6A-East play with a doubleheader with Jacksonville next Tuesday.
Friday, April 18, 2008
TOP STORY > >Council sees where county tax dollars go
By RICK KRON
Leader staff writer
Seventy-five cents of every county tax dollar paid by Jacksonville residents goes to the county school system, according to the County Treasurer Debra Buckner.
Buckner told aldermen at Jacksonville’s City Council meeting Thursday night that she was on “a public-information mission.”
“I’m finding when I visit groups and organizations throughout the county they all want to know why we have a county treasurer and where does their tax dollar go,” Buckner said.
She said the county has eight cities, plus the unincorporated area, each with different millage rates. “The taxes are not a cookie-cutter situation,” she said.
For example, Buckner said the amount that goes to public schools varies from about 64 cents to 80 cents out of every tax dollar, depending where in the county someone lives.
In Jacksonville, she said 75.7 percent of every tax dollar goes to public schools. “I know that’s a sensitive issue in Jacksonville,” she added.
Buckner said that 5.4 percent goes to roads, 3.7 percent to the fire and police pension, 4.8 percent to the library system and 1.1 percent to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. “It was the county’s indigent hospital before it became Children’s. A lot of people don’t know that,” Buckner said.
Add all that up, she said, and that leaves 9 percent of every county tax dollar from Jacksonville going to county services.
“Things like the coroner, sanitation and the county jail,” Buckner said.
Mayor Tommy Swaim added that no portion of the county tax dollar goes to Jacksonville.
She told the council that as treasurer she serves 350,000 customers. “They are not taxpayers, but customers, and we work hard on our customer service,” she said.
Buckner said she is currently pushing information on two issues: A growing number of 100 percent disabled and the Homestead Credit Act.
She said the county currently has about 2,000 veterans who are 100 percent disabled. “It’s a growing population and they are getting younger,” she said. “What they don’t often realize is that they are tax exempt. It involves a fair amount of paperwork and it’s our goal to help with the paperwork in any way possible. We want to work with these disabled veterans and their families in any way possible.”
“Yes, we are here to collect taxes, but if someone is exempt we want to exempt them,” Buckner added.
She also said more and more residents are turning 65 and the Homestead Credit Act, enacted in 2001, allows residents turning 65 to freeze the value of their homes. “This could save them quite a bit of money,” she said. The same act also gives homeowners a $350 credit on their property tax, but the residents have to ask for it and fill out some paperwork.
In other council business:
Aldermen approved to spend $47,500 for new carpeting for the community center.
The council approved a resolution supporting the parks and recreation department’s efforts to obtain a federal grant for walking trails in Stonewall Park. The city will provide a 20 percent match to whatever amount is received through the federal grant.
“This is a grant we previously applied for,” the mayor said. “We made changes to the grant proposal to correct some drainage problems,” he explained.
Leader staff writer
Seventy-five cents of every county tax dollar paid by Jacksonville residents goes to the county school system, according to the County Treasurer Debra Buckner.
Buckner told aldermen at Jacksonville’s City Council meeting Thursday night that she was on “a public-information mission.”
“I’m finding when I visit groups and organizations throughout the county they all want to know why we have a county treasurer and where does their tax dollar go,” Buckner said.
She said the county has eight cities, plus the unincorporated area, each with different millage rates. “The taxes are not a cookie-cutter situation,” she said.
For example, Buckner said the amount that goes to public schools varies from about 64 cents to 80 cents out of every tax dollar, depending where in the county someone lives.
In Jacksonville, she said 75.7 percent of every tax dollar goes to public schools. “I know that’s a sensitive issue in Jacksonville,” she added.
Buckner said that 5.4 percent goes to roads, 3.7 percent to the fire and police pension, 4.8 percent to the library system and 1.1 percent to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. “It was the county’s indigent hospital before it became Children’s. A lot of people don’t know that,” Buckner said.
Add all that up, she said, and that leaves 9 percent of every county tax dollar from Jacksonville going to county services.
“Things like the coroner, sanitation and the county jail,” Buckner said.
Mayor Tommy Swaim added that no portion of the county tax dollar goes to Jacksonville.
She told the council that as treasurer she serves 350,000 customers. “They are not taxpayers, but customers, and we work hard on our customer service,” she said.
Buckner said she is currently pushing information on two issues: A growing number of 100 percent disabled and the Homestead Credit Act.
She said the county currently has about 2,000 veterans who are 100 percent disabled. “It’s a growing population and they are getting younger,” she said. “What they don’t often realize is that they are tax exempt. It involves a fair amount of paperwork and it’s our goal to help with the paperwork in any way possible. We want to work with these disabled veterans and their families in any way possible.”
“Yes, we are here to collect taxes, but if someone is exempt we want to exempt them,” Buckner added.
She also said more and more residents are turning 65 and the Homestead Credit Act, enacted in 2001, allows residents turning 65 to freeze the value of their homes. “This could save them quite a bit of money,” she said. The same act also gives homeowners a $350 credit on their property tax, but the residents have to ask for it and fill out some paperwork.
In other council business:
Aldermen approved to spend $47,500 for new carpeting for the community center.
The council approved a resolution supporting the parks and recreation department’s efforts to obtain a federal grant for walking trails in Stonewall Park. The city will provide a 20 percent match to whatever amount is received through the federal grant.
“This is a grant we previously applied for,” the mayor said. “We made changes to the grant proposal to correct some drainage problems,” he explained.
TOP STORY > >Mayors suggest ambulance plan
By JOAN McCOY
Leader staff writer
When Cabot Mayor Eddie Joe Williams attended the Thursday meeting of the Lonoke County Quorum Court he asked for support for a county-wide ambulance service and got what he asked for.
“Do you think it’s a good idea? Would it benefit the county and would you support the concept?” Williams asked. “If we don’t have the backing of the quorum court, it won’t work.”
Justice of the Peace Mike Dolan from England answered for the group.
“There’s safety in numbers,” Dolan said. “It can’t hurt to look into it. I think we are all in consensus to go ahead.”
Also attending the meeting were Ward Mayor Art Brooke, England Mayor Danny Maynard and Humnoke Mayor Bill Morris.
For now, one ambulance service for the entire county is only a concept that grew out of the mayors’ meetings that Williams asked for shortly after he took office in 2007. Williams told the quorum court that a number of possibilities had been discussed by the mayors.
In Pulaski and Faulkner counties, Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service (MEMS) provides ambulance service.
Cabot also uses MEMS but this year the city must pay a $50,000 subsidy to keep the service. Lonoke used MEMS but could not pay the requested $87,000 subsidy. Now Southern Paramedic Service from Brinkley responds to 911 calls.
England uses Emergency Ambulance Service based in Pine Bluff and when 911 calls go out in Humnoke, an ambulance is sent from England.
Ward uses Allied which also serves Austin and the Mountain Springs and CS&Z fire districts.
The approval from the quorum court was for the mayors to keep looking at ways to consolidate so that even the most rural areas have access to emergency medical care.
Williams said so far the mayors have discussed the possibility of a county-owned ambulance service controlled by a board representing the whole county.
Leader staff writer
When Cabot Mayor Eddie Joe Williams attended the Thursday meeting of the Lonoke County Quorum Court he asked for support for a county-wide ambulance service and got what he asked for.
“Do you think it’s a good idea? Would it benefit the county and would you support the concept?” Williams asked. “If we don’t have the backing of the quorum court, it won’t work.”
Justice of the Peace Mike Dolan from England answered for the group.
“There’s safety in numbers,” Dolan said. “It can’t hurt to look into it. I think we are all in consensus to go ahead.”
Also attending the meeting were Ward Mayor Art Brooke, England Mayor Danny Maynard and Humnoke Mayor Bill Morris.
For now, one ambulance service for the entire county is only a concept that grew out of the mayors’ meetings that Williams asked for shortly after he took office in 2007. Williams told the quorum court that a number of possibilities had been discussed by the mayors.
In Pulaski and Faulkner counties, Metropolitan Emergency Medical Service (MEMS) provides ambulance service.
Cabot also uses MEMS but this year the city must pay a $50,000 subsidy to keep the service. Lonoke used MEMS but could not pay the requested $87,000 subsidy. Now Southern Paramedic Service from Brinkley responds to 911 calls.
England uses Emergency Ambulance Service based in Pine Bluff and when 911 calls go out in Humnoke, an ambulance is sent from England.
Ward uses Allied which also serves Austin and the Mountain Springs and CS&Z fire districts.
The approval from the quorum court was for the mayors to keep looking at ways to consolidate so that even the most rural areas have access to emergency medical care.
Williams said so far the mayors have discussed the possibility of a county-owned ambulance service controlled by a board representing the whole county.
TOP STORY > >Cabot approves sewer contract
By JOAN MCCOY
Leader staff writer
Over the objections of Mayor Eddie Joe Williams, the Cabot Water and Wastewater Commission Wednesday night awarded a Little Rock company a $1.5 million contract for a 36-inch diameter sewer line that will extend from the new treatment plant off Kerr Station Road to Locust Street in the downtown area.
The pipe will replace an eight-inch concrete pipe that has crumbled over time and allows rainwater to get into the sewer system.
Williams attended the meeting to voice his concern that the commission was awarding the contract to a company that did substandard work on a street in the Kensington subdivision now being built inside Greystone. The mayor, however, has no authority over Cabot’s independent water and wastewater commission.
The special meeting of the commission was called to allow Williams and Mike Persons, owner of Kajacs Construction, to address that issue.
The mayor said he was in the subdivision and overheard a truck driver for Rogers Group, the subcontractor laying the asphalt say to another driver, “You’re not going to believe this, but they’re pouring asphalt over mud.”
Kajacs Construction had the contract to lay the streets but had subcontracted the work, Persons said, and asked subcontractor Jeff Smith to explain what had happened.
Smith said that although he could provide documentation that the street had passed compaction tests, when the asphalt trucks started rolling over them, water started coming up.
After the city ordered the paving stopped, the street was ripped out and more drains were added. And it is now ready to be paved again, Smith said.
Persons said his son was part owner in the subdivision and he did the work to help him. Persons told the mayor that his son decided last summer when it was dry that part of the drains could be left out to save money.
“He didn’t consider what would happen with winter rain,” Persons said, adding, “He has a lot to learn.”
Kajacs Construction’s $1.5 million bid was the lowest of five the commission received. The next lowest, $1.6 million, came from S&J Construction of Jacksonville.
Bill Cypert, commission secretary, said in awarding the contract, all the commission had to consider was whether the company would be able to complete the project.
Persons assured the mayor and commission that his company does good work and that they have worked on jobs much larger than the sewer line in Cabot.
“We really try to do a good job and most engineers will tell you we stay longer than we need to to get it done,” he said.
The project will be engineered and overseen by Crist Engineering of Little Rock.
The project will be built with the same bond money that built the $15 million sewer plant that went into operation in December. Tim Joyner, general manager of Cabot WaterWorks, said the city is now inspecting smaller lines in the older part of town to determine which ones will be replaced with the remaining $1 million in bond money.
Joyner said the hope is that 20 percent of the city’s infiltration problems will be remedied by replacing the worst small lines in the collection system and by replacing the eight-inch main line with one 36-inch main.
Leader staff writer
Over the objections of Mayor Eddie Joe Williams, the Cabot Water and Wastewater Commission Wednesday night awarded a Little Rock company a $1.5 million contract for a 36-inch diameter sewer line that will extend from the new treatment plant off Kerr Station Road to Locust Street in the downtown area.
The pipe will replace an eight-inch concrete pipe that has crumbled over time and allows rainwater to get into the sewer system.
Williams attended the meeting to voice his concern that the commission was awarding the contract to a company that did substandard work on a street in the Kensington subdivision now being built inside Greystone. The mayor, however, has no authority over Cabot’s independent water and wastewater commission.
The special meeting of the commission was called to allow Williams and Mike Persons, owner of Kajacs Construction, to address that issue.
The mayor said he was in the subdivision and overheard a truck driver for Rogers Group, the subcontractor laying the asphalt say to another driver, “You’re not going to believe this, but they’re pouring asphalt over mud.”
Kajacs Construction had the contract to lay the streets but had subcontracted the work, Persons said, and asked subcontractor Jeff Smith to explain what had happened.
Smith said that although he could provide documentation that the street had passed compaction tests, when the asphalt trucks started rolling over them, water started coming up.
After the city ordered the paving stopped, the street was ripped out and more drains were added. And it is now ready to be paved again, Smith said.
Persons said his son was part owner in the subdivision and he did the work to help him. Persons told the mayor that his son decided last summer when it was dry that part of the drains could be left out to save money.
“He didn’t consider what would happen with winter rain,” Persons said, adding, “He has a lot to learn.”
Kajacs Construction’s $1.5 million bid was the lowest of five the commission received. The next lowest, $1.6 million, came from S&J Construction of Jacksonville.
Bill Cypert, commission secretary, said in awarding the contract, all the commission had to consider was whether the company would be able to complete the project.
Persons assured the mayor and commission that his company does good work and that they have worked on jobs much larger than the sewer line in Cabot.
“We really try to do a good job and most engineers will tell you we stay longer than we need to to get it done,” he said.
The project will be engineered and overseen by Crist Engineering of Little Rock.
The project will be built with the same bond money that built the $15 million sewer plant that went into operation in December. Tim Joyner, general manager of Cabot WaterWorks, said the city is now inspecting smaller lines in the older part of town to determine which ones will be replaced with the remaining $1 million in bond money.
Joyner said the hope is that 20 percent of the city’s infiltration problems will be remedied by replacing the worst small lines in the collection system and by replacing the eight-inch main line with one 36-inch main.
TOP STORY > >High school damage set at $75,000 from storm
By HEATHER HARTSELL
Leader staff writer
Cabot High School sustained $75,000 in tornado damage during the April 3 storms, Superintendent Tony Thurman announced at Tuesday night’s Cabot School Board meeting. Part of the roof was torn off, windows were blown out and some awnings around the high school campus were destroyed.
He and the board expressed their thanks to the district’s custodial and maintenance staff for getting the mess cleaned up in record time.
The district is still working to rebuild Junior High North, which was destroyed by a fire last year. Assistant Superintendent Jim Dalton reported the concrete block work on Junior High North has begun and the red steel continues to go up.
The board also began the first steps in helping fund three future building projects by signing partnership resolutions to have the state help pay some of the construction costs of new science labs at Junior High South, building a permanent charter school facility and installing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units in 10 campus kitchens.
Beyond construction news, the majority of Tuesday’s Cabot School Board meeting was spent recognizing the achievements of several graduating seniors who have received honors throughout the state.
Five seniors were recognized for earning the University of Arkansas’ top scholarship; math whizzes were recognized for dominating a regional math competition and earning an invitation to the April 26 state competition; and 10 teachers were recognized for being Cabot Panther Education Foundation grant winners.
Seniors David Myers, Seth Williams, Jason Haynes, Jackson Spradley and Laura Neumann were granted the top scholarship U of A awards, a UA Fellowship valued at about $100,000. The Fellowship takes care of full tuition for four years, including study abroad, and has a technology allowance; other scholarships can also be stacked on top of the fellowship.
In the past, only one or two Cabot High School students have earned a U of A Fellowship, but this year, all five that interviewed were granted scholarships, adviser Jana Smith said.
The five also earned the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship, $10,000 a year for four years, and are also National Merit finalists.
Haynes is also a semi-finalist for a U.S. Presidential Scholar, Cabot High School Principal Zanya Clarkson said. “He and two Central High boys will compete for one selected from Arkansas to go to Washington, D.C. and be recognized by President Bush,” she said.
Spradley is also an Arkansas Times’ Academic All-Star, Clarkson said.
During the March 8 Arkansas Council of Teachers of Mathematics regional competition, Cabot students received 15 of the 21 awards and were invited to the state competition April 26.
The group swept the Algebra II competition, taking every award in the competition; the closest score was the student scoring 23rd place. First place went to Annie Tang, second place was Spencer Sharp, third place was Grace Coggins, and honorable mention went to Whitley Blaeuer, Justin Blankenship, Samantha Hampton and Karston Powers.
In the geometry competition, Katie Vandruff received third place. In the pre-calculus/trigonometry competition, third place went to Heather Yoon and honorable mention went to Daniel Davis, Marissa de la Paz and Lindsey Hoggatt.
In the calculus competition, second place was Aaron Cantrell, third place was Jason Haynes, and honorable mention went to K.C. Thompson.
Out of 35 applications representing every school in the Cabot district, 10 were chosen as recipients of a $1,000 technology grant from the Cabot Panther Education Foundation.
Recipients were Mandee Carmical from CHS, Debra Daugherty from Junior High North, Ahna Davis and Cat Mince from CHS, Mary Emily Gober from both Middle School South and Middle School North, Jamie Layes from Junior High South, Christy Lyons from Stagecoach Elementary, Danita Pitts from MSN, Bethany Rees from MSN, Jill Weir from MSN and Melissa Wilson from Southside Elementary.
The winning applications were chosen based on three criteria - the purpose of the project, the activities to be conducted with the students and the level of student engagement.
In other school board business, the Panther Education Foundation announced it will hold a golf tournament May 5 at Greystone Country Club. Board member Jim Coy said they were still looking for teams of four to play; 25 teams have already signed up but there is room for 33 foursomes.
Cost to play is $100 per person and $400 for a foursome. Proceeds go to help enhance the quality of education within the Cabot district.
Leader staff writer
Cabot High School sustained $75,000 in tornado damage during the April 3 storms, Superintendent Tony Thurman announced at Tuesday night’s Cabot School Board meeting. Part of the roof was torn off, windows were blown out and some awnings around the high school campus were destroyed.
He and the board expressed their thanks to the district’s custodial and maintenance staff for getting the mess cleaned up in record time.
The district is still working to rebuild Junior High North, which was destroyed by a fire last year. Assistant Superintendent Jim Dalton reported the concrete block work on Junior High North has begun and the red steel continues to go up.
The board also began the first steps in helping fund three future building projects by signing partnership resolutions to have the state help pay some of the construction costs of new science labs at Junior High South, building a permanent charter school facility and installing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units in 10 campus kitchens.
Beyond construction news, the majority of Tuesday’s Cabot School Board meeting was spent recognizing the achievements of several graduating seniors who have received honors throughout the state.
Five seniors were recognized for earning the University of Arkansas’ top scholarship; math whizzes were recognized for dominating a regional math competition and earning an invitation to the April 26 state competition; and 10 teachers were recognized for being Cabot Panther Education Foundation grant winners.
Seniors David Myers, Seth Williams, Jason Haynes, Jackson Spradley and Laura Neumann were granted the top scholarship U of A awards, a UA Fellowship valued at about $100,000. The Fellowship takes care of full tuition for four years, including study abroad, and has a technology allowance; other scholarships can also be stacked on top of the fellowship.
In the past, only one or two Cabot High School students have earned a U of A Fellowship, but this year, all five that interviewed were granted scholarships, adviser Jana Smith said.
The five also earned the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship, $10,000 a year for four years, and are also National Merit finalists.
Haynes is also a semi-finalist for a U.S. Presidential Scholar, Cabot High School Principal Zanya Clarkson said. “He and two Central High boys will compete for one selected from Arkansas to go to Washington, D.C. and be recognized by President Bush,” she said.
Spradley is also an Arkansas Times’ Academic All-Star, Clarkson said.
During the March 8 Arkansas Council of Teachers of Mathematics regional competition, Cabot students received 15 of the 21 awards and were invited to the state competition April 26.
The group swept the Algebra II competition, taking every award in the competition; the closest score was the student scoring 23rd place. First place went to Annie Tang, second place was Spencer Sharp, third place was Grace Coggins, and honorable mention went to Whitley Blaeuer, Justin Blankenship, Samantha Hampton and Karston Powers.
In the geometry competition, Katie Vandruff received third place. In the pre-calculus/trigonometry competition, third place went to Heather Yoon and honorable mention went to Daniel Davis, Marissa de la Paz and Lindsey Hoggatt.
In the calculus competition, second place was Aaron Cantrell, third place was Jason Haynes, and honorable mention went to K.C. Thompson.
Out of 35 applications representing every school in the Cabot district, 10 were chosen as recipients of a $1,000 technology grant from the Cabot Panther Education Foundation.
Recipients were Mandee Carmical from CHS, Debra Daugherty from Junior High North, Ahna Davis and Cat Mince from CHS, Mary Emily Gober from both Middle School South and Middle School North, Jamie Layes from Junior High South, Christy Lyons from Stagecoach Elementary, Danita Pitts from MSN, Bethany Rees from MSN, Jill Weir from MSN and Melissa Wilson from Southside Elementary.
The winning applications were chosen based on three criteria - the purpose of the project, the activities to be conducted with the students and the level of student engagement.
In other school board business, the Panther Education Foundation announced it will hold a golf tournament May 5 at Greystone Country Club. Board member Jim Coy said they were still looking for teams of four to play; 25 teams have already signed up but there is room for 33 foursomes.
Cost to play is $100 per person and $400 for a foursome. Proceeds go to help enhance the quality of education within the Cabot district.
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