Here’s some news that should cheer Gov. Hutchinson and the Republican lawmakers who designed the private-option plan for implementing the Medicaid portion of Obamacare, but it will not please their friends in any of our surrounding states. The Kaiser Family Foundation, the national health-care research group, reported that state spending on all Medicaid programs increased twice as fast in the 21 states that did not expand Medicaid to poor adults as it did in the other 29 states, including Arkansas, that did.
Let’s rephrase that. State budgets were better off in the 29 Obamacare states than in the 21 non-Obamacare states. State spending on Medicaid (not counting federal aid) rose an average of 6.9 percent in the just-concluded fiscal year in the states that chose not to expand insurance to poor adults while rising only 3.4 percent in the expansion states.
That is precisely the opposite of what opponents of the private option in Arkansas and opponents of the expansion in the 21 states argued. They said the Obamacare expansion of insurance to the poor would bust state budgets when the states have to start picking up a part of the costs—5 percent in 2017 and rising to 10 percent in 2021. Then taxpayers everywhere, they said, would rue the day they insured poor childless adults against sickness and accidents.
Exactly why state spending on Medicaid grew so much faster in the non-expansion states may be explained partly by the fact that the Obamacare law picked up 100 percent of a state’s existing share of Medicaid in some areas. In Arkansas that proved to be a bonanza, relieving the state of tens of millions of dollars annually of Medicaid costs.
Legislators who led the fight to stop the expansion in other states and the unsuccessful fight to stop it in Arkansas said states could not afford the expansion when they had to start pitching in their 5 to 10 percent share.
But we already knew better in Arkansas. State health officials who ran the numbers predicted that Obamacare and the private option would continue to save the state money for many years. Hogwash, the opponents said. So the legislators hired a business-consulting firm in Massachusetts, The Stephen Group, to do an analysis and recommend ways to change the program to lower the state costs.
This month the firm handed the state its voluminous report. It concluded that during the 2017-2021 period when Arkansas is phasing in its share of the costs the state will save $438 million in addition to the hundreds of millions it will have already saved since the program began in 2014. That means that if the legislature this winter halts the private option at the end of the fiscal year the state budget would be $438 million further in the hole by the end of 2021.
That is why Gov. Hutchinson is jumping through every political hoop to get three-fourths of each house of the legislature to go along with continuing the program. He’s trying to make enough cosmetic changes to the program that he can say it really is not the private option and it really is not Obamacare, which have become toxic words in many quarters.
We mentioned that the governor and the Republican legislators who thought up the private option—poor people enroll in one of Obamacare’s private insurance plans rather than sign up for the government-insured Medicaid medical care—should be pleased with the news. The private plans are much more expensive for the government because they pay higher compensation to doctors and hospitals, but they also produce $20 million a year in additional tax receipts for the state through premium taxes. As a purely fiscal matter, the state cannot afford to end the program, not after it has cut taxes because of the Medicaid relief.
Originally, Obamacare required all states to expand Medicaid to cover poor childless adults as well as offer private insurance plans to everyone else, with federal tax credits subsidizing families whose annual incomes fall below 400 percent of the poverty line. That is the level at which people are assumed to be able to buy insurance without help. But the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that the law had to give states the option to expand Medicaid or not. Twenty-nine states—Arkansas and Kentucky are the only ones in the South—chose to do it. Two more are starting it in 2016. Legislatures in the other 21 have balked.
The other people who should be pleased with the Kaiser Foundation report are the approximately 250,000 Arkansans who have qualified for health insurance, nearly all of them for the first time. Now they only have to hope that research and facts prevail over political fancy with enough Arkansas legislators to keep the program going. As Gov. Hutchinson can attest, it’s a very close call but, whether you are a bleeding-heart liberal or a fiscal conservative, it is very important.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
TOP STORY >> Free flu shots at area health clinics
The Arkansas Department of Health will provide flu shots to adults and children in Beebe on Oct. 30, in Jacksonville on Nov. 3 and in Lonoke on Nov. 6.
The shots are free if recipients are uninsured or their insurance plans do not cover the cost of flu shots, so participants should bring their insurance cards to the events.
Flu vaccines will be available 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at the Beebe Health Unit, 306 Gum St.; from noon until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 at the Jacksonville Community Center, 5 Municipal Drive; and from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6 at the Lonoke Fitness Center, 1355 W. Front St.
Milton Garris, administrator of the Cabot and Lonoke Health Unit, said, “We want Lonoke County residents to stay healthy this flu season, and getting a yearly flu vaccine is the best line of protection. We encourage everyone to come to the clinic to get their flu vaccine.”
Garris points out that the flu vaccine is safe and does not cause the flu. Some people may have mild soreness and redness near the site of the shot and a low fever or slight headache.
For people who do not like shots, the flu mist is recommended for anyone between the ages of 2 through 49 who does not have asthma or other problems that might weaken their immune systems.
More people died from the flu last year in Arkansas than in the last 30 years, Garris’ announcement notes.
The shots are free if recipients are uninsured or their insurance plans do not cover the cost of flu shots, so participants should bring their insurance cards to the events.
Flu vaccines will be available 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at the Beebe Health Unit, 306 Gum St.; from noon until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 at the Jacksonville Community Center, 5 Municipal Drive; and from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6 at the Lonoke Fitness Center, 1355 W. Front St.
Milton Garris, administrator of the Cabot and Lonoke Health Unit, said, “We want Lonoke County residents to stay healthy this flu season, and getting a yearly flu vaccine is the best line of protection. We encourage everyone to come to the clinic to get their flu vaccine.”
Garris points out that the flu vaccine is safe and does not cause the flu. Some people may have mild soreness and redness near the site of the shot and a low fever or slight headache.
For people who do not like shots, the flu mist is recommended for anyone between the ages of 2 through 49 who does not have asthma or other problems that might weaken their immune systems.
More people died from the flu last year in Arkansas than in the last 30 years, Garris’ announcement notes.
TOP STORY >> New director for WAGE
By SARAH CAMPBELL
Leader staff writer
Jacksonville’s adult-education center has a new leader in WAGE (Workforce Alliance for Growth in the Economy) instructor Simone Brock, who wants to see growth and increased awareness.
The center is located at 104 N. First St. She’s been on the job for two weeks.
Formerly a middle school teacher, Brock moved from Dallas for a slower-paced lifestyle. She also has family here.
About adult education, the instructor said it’s new to her, but interesting. “I think it’s probably underutilized and not as well known as it should be...It’s kind of a secret, I guess. So, it’s a free service. I mean, all it does is help you improve. So it’s kind of a win-win for anyone who wants to partake in it.”
Brock said the center has three teachers. Through state funds, it offers GED classes, computer literacy classes, six certificates through the WAGE program and national career readiness certificates.
The WAGE certificates are earned in employability, customer service one and two, bank teller, industrial and office technology.
The year-round center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and also from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, with no set schedule for classes, as many enrolled have job schedules that come first.
All of the center’s offerings help people gain entry into the workforce, Brock continued.
“Many of these people who are coming here are looking to either get off of services and get into the job force or to improve their job skills, and, you know, grow in their job,” she explained. “So, it’s about growth for the people, educational growth, helping with the economy.”
The instructor added that she’d tell those who are considering enrolling, “It’s education. You’re learning something. If you already know that skill, there are other skills that we could challenge you with...There’s no investment except in yourself, so why not?”
Brock also said the center has partnerships with several local businesses.
In her short time there, she has learned the students are of all ages, with younger adults making up much of the enrollment in GED classes, but middle-aged adults and seniors taking advantage of WAGE.
Many are of a low socio-economic status, although all are welcome. Brock noted that her husband is now attending classes to sharpen his computer skills.
She has already met with the mayor about spreading the word on what the center offers. An open house is being planned, too.
Brock also noted that she’d heard students say some of the technology they’re using in the center’s classes is outdated, compared to what employers have.
She would like to see newer technology that would make the skills students gain at the center more transferrable.
Leader staff writer
Jacksonville’s adult-education center has a new leader in WAGE (Workforce Alliance for Growth in the Economy) instructor Simone Brock, who wants to see growth and increased awareness.
The center is located at 104 N. First St. She’s been on the job for two weeks.
Formerly a middle school teacher, Brock moved from Dallas for a slower-paced lifestyle. She also has family here.
About adult education, the instructor said it’s new to her, but interesting. “I think it’s probably underutilized and not as well known as it should be...It’s kind of a secret, I guess. So, it’s a free service. I mean, all it does is help you improve. So it’s kind of a win-win for anyone who wants to partake in it.”
Brock said the center has three teachers. Through state funds, it offers GED classes, computer literacy classes, six certificates through the WAGE program and national career readiness certificates.
The WAGE certificates are earned in employability, customer service one and two, bank teller, industrial and office technology.
The year-round center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and also from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, with no set schedule for classes, as many enrolled have job schedules that come first.
All of the center’s offerings help people gain entry into the workforce, Brock continued.
“Many of these people who are coming here are looking to either get off of services and get into the job force or to improve their job skills, and, you know, grow in their job,” she explained. “So, it’s about growth for the people, educational growth, helping with the economy.”
The instructor added that she’d tell those who are considering enrolling, “It’s education. You’re learning something. If you already know that skill, there are other skills that we could challenge you with...There’s no investment except in yourself, so why not?”
Brock also said the center has partnerships with several local businesses.
In her short time there, she has learned the students are of all ages, with younger adults making up much of the enrollment in GED classes, but middle-aged adults and seniors taking advantage of WAGE.
Many are of a low socio-economic status, although all are welcome. Brock noted that her husband is now attending classes to sharpen his computer skills.
She has already met with the mayor about spreading the word on what the center offers. An open house is being planned, too.
Brock also noted that she’d heard students say some of the technology they’re using in the center’s classes is outdated, compared to what employers have.
She would like to see newer technology that would make the skills students gain at the center more transferrable.
TOP STORY >> Cabot gets award for managing its floods
By SARAH CAMPBELL
Leader staff writer
Aldermen at Monday’s council meeting learned that Cabot is the Arkansas Floodplain Management Association’s City of the Year.
Cabot Police Chief Jackie Davis was also recognized for being named Chief of the Year by the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police. At the meeting, he received state Senate and House citations plus the mayor’s proclamation declaring this week to be Jackie Ray Davis Week in the city.
The council also voted unanimously to set an election coinciding with the March 1 primary to fill an open seat. Early voting starts Feb. 15.
Alderman Dallan Buchanan resigned Oct. 1 from representing Zone 2 in Position 1 to pursue a job in another city.
Chuck Eick, who attended the council’s agenda-setting meeting on Oct. 5, told the aldermen then that the cost of putting the race on the upcoming primary election ballot would be “minimal.”
Saying he didn’t have the exact figures, Eick gave The Leader a ballpark estimate of under $500 because labor makes up most of the expense and would already be provided. There will be additional costs if a runoff is needed.
Eick said earlier this month that a separate special election would have cost about $6,500, according to the state’s election council.
A few on the council said at the earlier meeting that Damon Bivins, Nicky Spillane and former Alderman Ryan Flynn are interested in Buchanan’s seat.
The filing dates for candidates are Nov. 2-9, according to the resolution the council passed. It also states that the drawing for ballot position will be held by Dec. 3 and the county’s election commission shall certify results on March 11.
There was little discussion of the election resolution at Monday’s meeting.
But state Sen. Eddie Joe Williams asked whether the alderman race would appear on ballots for both the Democrat and Republican primaries. Alderman Ann Gilliam said she asked the secretary of state the same question and was told the issue would be on both.
Mayor Bill Cypert told Williams he should confirm that with the Lonoke County Election Commission.
In other business:
• The mayor, Alderman Ed Long, Public Works Director Brian Boroughs, floodplain manager Karen Knebal and city employee Paul Ross accepted the City of the Year award in September at an event held in Eureka Springs.
Cabot was awarded the honor for its commitment to floodplain management at the local level.
That commitment, the mayor noted, was demonstrated through the city’s completion of 118 drainage improvements between 2011 and 2014, many in the Diamond Creek and Kerr Station basins.
Cabot had two almost 500-year rain events with no significant floodwater issues recorded.
The city obtained FEMA grant funding last year to conduct a flood elevation study on the Diamond Creek basin that is 90 percent complete and to build a detention pond behind Central Elementary School.
The mayor said Cabot also implemented a drainage ditch and detention pond foliage control program this year that aims to make the ditches look cleaner and better, reduce mowing costs and improve flow in larger rain events.
• Police Chief Davis has been with the department for 30 years, according to the proclamation. He joined the Cabot force in 1985, at the age of 21.
Davis became police chief in 1997. He has served at that post under four mayors and has worked for a total of seven mayors.
Davis has also been secretary and treasurer for the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police, was appointed to the State Crime Lab Board and is on the Central Arkansas Crime Stoppers Board.
Williams, who presented the Senate citation, said Davis was nervous when he was first asked to be chief. Williams said Davis pointed out to him then that the chief could be fired quickly if the mayor didn’t like him.
The senator noted that he must have done a good job because he’d served four since then, including Williams himself.
State Rep. Tim Lemons presented the House citation. He spoke about how Davis let him out a jam one time when the air conditioning blowing balloons around on a secretary’s desk set off the alarm at Lemons’ business three times.
Lemons explained that a police officer had told him he’d have to pay a fine for three or more false calls, but Davis waived the fine after hearing what happened.
Cypert added at the end of the presentation, “When it comes to police work, he knows when to hold ‘em, and he knows when to fold ‘em. By that I mean he knows precisely for every situation what should or shouldn’t be done.”
• The council authorized the mayor and city clerk-treasurer to purchase a 2007 dump truck for $45,000 from Holt and Sons, Inc.
• The council accepted the lowest bid of $41,956 from Action Sign and Neon, Inc., for municipal signs.
• The council rezoned 85 S. Pine St. from R-1 (single-family residential) to C-2 (general commercial) without an emergency clause, which means the new zoning designation is effective 30 days from Monday. The first readings for two ordinances rezoning 501 and 607 S. Pine St. were held.
Ordinances must be read three times or have readings waived before they can be approved.
The council passed an ordinance setting the millage rate, which remained the same. An ordinance setting the millage must be approved every year.
Leader staff writer
Aldermen at Monday’s council meeting learned that Cabot is the Arkansas Floodplain Management Association’s City of the Year.
Cabot Police Chief Jackie Davis was also recognized for being named Chief of the Year by the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police. At the meeting, he received state Senate and House citations plus the mayor’s proclamation declaring this week to be Jackie Ray Davis Week in the city.
The council also voted unanimously to set an election coinciding with the March 1 primary to fill an open seat. Early voting starts Feb. 15.
Alderman Dallan Buchanan resigned Oct. 1 from representing Zone 2 in Position 1 to pursue a job in another city.
Chuck Eick, who attended the council’s agenda-setting meeting on Oct. 5, told the aldermen then that the cost of putting the race on the upcoming primary election ballot would be “minimal.”
Saying he didn’t have the exact figures, Eick gave The Leader a ballpark estimate of under $500 because labor makes up most of the expense and would already be provided. There will be additional costs if a runoff is needed.
Eick said earlier this month that a separate special election would have cost about $6,500, according to the state’s election council.
A few on the council said at the earlier meeting that Damon Bivins, Nicky Spillane and former Alderman Ryan Flynn are interested in Buchanan’s seat.
The filing dates for candidates are Nov. 2-9, according to the resolution the council passed. It also states that the drawing for ballot position will be held by Dec. 3 and the county’s election commission shall certify results on March 11.
There was little discussion of the election resolution at Monday’s meeting.
But state Sen. Eddie Joe Williams asked whether the alderman race would appear on ballots for both the Democrat and Republican primaries. Alderman Ann Gilliam said she asked the secretary of state the same question and was told the issue would be on both.
Mayor Bill Cypert told Williams he should confirm that with the Lonoke County Election Commission.
In other business:
• The mayor, Alderman Ed Long, Public Works Director Brian Boroughs, floodplain manager Karen Knebal and city employee Paul Ross accepted the City of the Year award in September at an event held in Eureka Springs.
Cabot was awarded the honor for its commitment to floodplain management at the local level.
That commitment, the mayor noted, was demonstrated through the city’s completion of 118 drainage improvements between 2011 and 2014, many in the Diamond Creek and Kerr Station basins.
Cabot had two almost 500-year rain events with no significant floodwater issues recorded.
The city obtained FEMA grant funding last year to conduct a flood elevation study on the Diamond Creek basin that is 90 percent complete and to build a detention pond behind Central Elementary School.
The mayor said Cabot also implemented a drainage ditch and detention pond foliage control program this year that aims to make the ditches look cleaner and better, reduce mowing costs and improve flow in larger rain events.
• Police Chief Davis has been with the department for 30 years, according to the proclamation. He joined the Cabot force in 1985, at the age of 21.
Davis became police chief in 1997. He has served at that post under four mayors and has worked for a total of seven mayors.
Davis has also been secretary and treasurer for the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police, was appointed to the State Crime Lab Board and is on the Central Arkansas Crime Stoppers Board.
Williams, who presented the Senate citation, said Davis was nervous when he was first asked to be chief. Williams said Davis pointed out to him then that the chief could be fired quickly if the mayor didn’t like him.
The senator noted that he must have done a good job because he’d served four since then, including Williams himself.
State Rep. Tim Lemons presented the House citation. He spoke about how Davis let him out a jam one time when the air conditioning blowing balloons around on a secretary’s desk set off the alarm at Lemons’ business three times.
Lemons explained that a police officer had told him he’d have to pay a fine for three or more false calls, but Davis waived the fine after hearing what happened.
Cypert added at the end of the presentation, “When it comes to police work, he knows when to hold ‘em, and he knows when to fold ‘em. By that I mean he knows precisely for every situation what should or shouldn’t be done.”
• The council authorized the mayor and city clerk-treasurer to purchase a 2007 dump truck for $45,000 from Holt and Sons, Inc.
• The council accepted the lowest bid of $41,956 from Action Sign and Neon, Inc., for municipal signs.
• The council rezoned 85 S. Pine St. from R-1 (single-family residential) to C-2 (general commercial) without an emergency clause, which means the new zoning designation is effective 30 days from Monday. The first readings for two ordinances rezoning 501 and 607 S. Pine St. were held.
Ordinances must be read three times or have readings waived before they can be approved.
The council passed an ordinance setting the millage rate, which remained the same. An ordinance setting the millage must be approved every year.
SPORTS STORY >> Week 8 crucial and not so much
By RAY BENTON AND GRAHAM POWELL
Leader sports staff
CABOT HOSTS MHHS
Week eight of the high school football season should be meaningful for every team in playoff contention, but it’s not. The Cabot Panthers play a meaningless mismatch against Mountain Home at Panther Stadium on Friday.
The Panthers (7-0, 4-0) host a Bomber team that did manage to snap a 31-game losing streak that stretched back to week two of the 2012 season. Mountain Home beat Valley View 20-14 in week two this year after losing its last nine games in 2012 and going winless the last two seasons. But they haven’t won since, and haven’t been competitive since conference play began. Making matters worse for Friday’s visitors is that Cabot is the best team on the Bombers’ schedule.
It’s not likely, though, that the Panthers will run up 83 or 62 points on the Bombers like Jonesboro and North Little Rock did. Jonesboro at least had the excuse of also giving up 41 points, but Cabot coach Mike Malham has been much more inclined in recent years to take his foot off the gas when obvious mismatch games are in hand.
LONOKE VS. CAC
A much more vital game takes place down Hwy. 89 in Lonoke County.
Lonoke snapped its own four-game losing streak with a 26-16 win at Helena-West Helena Central last Friday, and needs to continue to win if it hopes to get back to the playoffs. Things won’t get any easier this Friday when the Mustangs make the trip to James B. Abraham Stadium.
The Mustangs enter Friday’s 7 p.m. kickoff with a 6-1 overall record and a perfect 4-0 record in 4A-2 Conference play. They’re coming off a 30-point win over Southside Batesville, a team that beat Lonoke two weeks ago.
CAC has scored 42 first-half points in the last two weeks, and have plenty of experience back from last year, especially at the skill positions. Last week against Southside, senior running back Braylon Harris ran for three touchdowns and quarterback Noah Evans threw a 68-yard touchdown pass.
“They’ve got their running back back from last year,” said Lonoke coach Doug Bost said of Harris. “He’s 6-foot, 215, really reminds me of Brandon Smith, who I had back in ’09 – just a big ole thick kid that runs the ball extremely well.
“They’ve got a receiver (Josh Johnson), that’s probably 6-1 and they throw it to him. As far as their quarterback, he can throw it on the money. It’s kind of those three guys that the offense goes through.
“They run the zone to perfection, so we’ve got to stop that. And then, like I said, they’ll throw the ball to No. 4 (Johnson). So, three guys we’ve really got to concentrate on this week, as far as our defensive game plan.”
Although the Mustangs have beaten two teams that beat Lonoke this year, the Jackrabbits weren’t 100 percent in those games, as they had a number of key players nursing injuries. Also, CAC only beat Helena by two points in week five.
Lonoke upset CAC last year, and that was the start of a midseason turnaround for the Jackrabbits, who won four of their last five regular-season games to earn a playoff berth. Bost is hoping his team can build off of last week’s win and use it as a catapult for another midseason turnaround.
“That’s what we told our kids,” Bost said. “You’ve got to be hungry for some more. We’ve got to have a good week of practice and get ready. But yeah, we sure want to build on it.
“We had several hurt against Heber and we very easily think we could’ve won, and then the four turnovers against Southside hurt us. So, we’ve just got to put a full game together like we did the other night and see what we can do.”
BEEBE AWAITS FAIR
The Beebe Badgers’ home game against J.A. Fair won’t be competitive either, but it will be meaningful. With Pulaski Academy and Sylvan Hills undefeated, and McClellan with just one loss, the Badgers are fighting for the one remaining playoff spot.
A lot of scenarios could still play out in the 5A-Central Conference, but at quick glance, the odds are in Beebe’s favor.
The Badgers (3-4, 2-2) have just two conference games left. A win this Friday will give them that crucial third conference win. It’s still not settled, though. Beebe could assure itself of a playoff spot with an upset of Sylvan Hills next week. But there’s also a scenario in which Beebe could finish 3-3 and not make the playoffs.
If Jacksonville and McClellan also finish 3-3, creating a three-way tie for third and fourth place, Beebe is probably the team left out.
BISON MEET TIGERS
Carlisle scored a late touchdown to save its playoff aspirations last week at Palestine-Wheatley. That 27-26 win makes the Bison 3-2 in league play (3-4 overall).
They now have another game this week that appears to be an even matchup with the Brinkley Tigers (3-3, 2-3) coming to town. The teams share three common opponents. Both beat PWHS, and both lost to Des Arc and Hazen, but the scores indicate little.
Brinkley handled the Patriots 25-0 in week two, much more easily than Carlisle. Brinkley was also much more competitive with Hazen, losing 28-14 while Carlisle lost 51-20. But Des Arc blew Brinkley away 43-16, while barely getting by Carlisle 28-24.
Neither team will be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss, but a win for either team will almost assure a postseason spot.
Leader sports staff
CABOT HOSTS MHHS
Week eight of the high school football season should be meaningful for every team in playoff contention, but it’s not. The Cabot Panthers play a meaningless mismatch against Mountain Home at Panther Stadium on Friday.
The Panthers (7-0, 4-0) host a Bomber team that did manage to snap a 31-game losing streak that stretched back to week two of the 2012 season. Mountain Home beat Valley View 20-14 in week two this year after losing its last nine games in 2012 and going winless the last two seasons. But they haven’t won since, and haven’t been competitive since conference play began. Making matters worse for Friday’s visitors is that Cabot is the best team on the Bombers’ schedule.
It’s not likely, though, that the Panthers will run up 83 or 62 points on the Bombers like Jonesboro and North Little Rock did. Jonesboro at least had the excuse of also giving up 41 points, but Cabot coach Mike Malham has been much more inclined in recent years to take his foot off the gas when obvious mismatch games are in hand.
LONOKE VS. CAC
A much more vital game takes place down Hwy. 89 in Lonoke County.
Lonoke snapped its own four-game losing streak with a 26-16 win at Helena-West Helena Central last Friday, and needs to continue to win if it hopes to get back to the playoffs. Things won’t get any easier this Friday when the Mustangs make the trip to James B. Abraham Stadium.
The Mustangs enter Friday’s 7 p.m. kickoff with a 6-1 overall record and a perfect 4-0 record in 4A-2 Conference play. They’re coming off a 30-point win over Southside Batesville, a team that beat Lonoke two weeks ago.
CAC has scored 42 first-half points in the last two weeks, and have plenty of experience back from last year, especially at the skill positions. Last week against Southside, senior running back Braylon Harris ran for three touchdowns and quarterback Noah Evans threw a 68-yard touchdown pass.
“They’ve got their running back back from last year,” said Lonoke coach Doug Bost said of Harris. “He’s 6-foot, 215, really reminds me of Brandon Smith, who I had back in ’09 – just a big ole thick kid that runs the ball extremely well.
“They’ve got a receiver (Josh Johnson), that’s probably 6-1 and they throw it to him. As far as their quarterback, he can throw it on the money. It’s kind of those three guys that the offense goes through.
“They run the zone to perfection, so we’ve got to stop that. And then, like I said, they’ll throw the ball to No. 4 (Johnson). So, three guys we’ve really got to concentrate on this week, as far as our defensive game plan.”
Although the Mustangs have beaten two teams that beat Lonoke this year, the Jackrabbits weren’t 100 percent in those games, as they had a number of key players nursing injuries. Also, CAC only beat Helena by two points in week five.
Lonoke upset CAC last year, and that was the start of a midseason turnaround for the Jackrabbits, who won four of their last five regular-season games to earn a playoff berth. Bost is hoping his team can build off of last week’s win and use it as a catapult for another midseason turnaround.
“That’s what we told our kids,” Bost said. “You’ve got to be hungry for some more. We’ve got to have a good week of practice and get ready. But yeah, we sure want to build on it.
“We had several hurt against Heber and we very easily think we could’ve won, and then the four turnovers against Southside hurt us. So, we’ve just got to put a full game together like we did the other night and see what we can do.”
BEEBE AWAITS FAIR
The Beebe Badgers’ home game against J.A. Fair won’t be competitive either, but it will be meaningful. With Pulaski Academy and Sylvan Hills undefeated, and McClellan with just one loss, the Badgers are fighting for the one remaining playoff spot.
A lot of scenarios could still play out in the 5A-Central Conference, but at quick glance, the odds are in Beebe’s favor.
The Badgers (3-4, 2-2) have just two conference games left. A win this Friday will give them that crucial third conference win. It’s still not settled, though. Beebe could assure itself of a playoff spot with an upset of Sylvan Hills next week. But there’s also a scenario in which Beebe could finish 3-3 and not make the playoffs.
If Jacksonville and McClellan also finish 3-3, creating a three-way tie for third and fourth place, Beebe is probably the team left out.
BISON MEET TIGERS
Carlisle scored a late touchdown to save its playoff aspirations last week at Palestine-Wheatley. That 27-26 win makes the Bison 3-2 in league play (3-4 overall).
They now have another game this week that appears to be an even matchup with the Brinkley Tigers (3-3, 2-3) coming to town. The teams share three common opponents. Both beat PWHS, and both lost to Des Arc and Hazen, but the scores indicate little.
Brinkley handled the Patriots 25-0 in week two, much more easily than Carlisle. Brinkley was also much more competitive with Hazen, losing 28-14 while Carlisle lost 51-20. But Des Arc blew Brinkley away 43-16, while barely getting by Carlisle 28-24.
Neither team will be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss, but a win for either team will almost assure a postseason spot.
SPORTS STORY >> McDonald brings JHS gift from NFL
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
Tampa Bay nose guard Clinton McDonald came back to his high school alma mater Friday night as an official representative of the National Football League. As part of the NFL’s Golden Football Campaign, which honors high schools that are home to at least one Super Bowl winner, McDonald presented Jacksonville coach Barry Hickingbotham with one such ball before the Red Devils faced Pulaski Academy last Friday.
McDonald was the starting nose guard for the Seattle Seahawks in 2014 when they beat the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. He is the second former Red Devil to win a Super Bowl. Dan Hampton, an NFL Hall of Famer, played defensive tackle for the Super Bowl XX champion Chicago Bears.
McDonald was unaware of the program until Thursday, when a team administrator asked him if he’d return to Arkansas on Friday to present the ball to JHS.
“I was really kind of surprised with this being our bye week, this is the week we usually just try to relax a little bit and take it easy,” said McDonald. “But when they told me about the program I said I’d do it.”
The Golden Football Program is in recognition of the upcoming Super Bowl 50, the gold anniversary of what’s become the most watched single-day sporting event worldwide. In an attempt to bridge the gap between high school and professional football, the NFL has embarked on this program.
Along with receiving the commemorative football from its most successful alumni, recognized schools will also receive a character education curriculum, and will be eligible to apply for high school football grants of up to $5,000. The NFL Foundation has also donated $1 million in support of the initiative.
McDonald was quick to deflect credit for the opportunity the JHS football program now has.
“To be able to come back and give back to the place where it all started for me, it’s a great honor and a blessing,” McDonald said. “When I look at all the blessings in my life, it’s very humbling for me to see how God can use my success to create opportunities for the place that helped me get where I’m at today.”
The character curriculum should coincide nicely with the “Character Kids” who are featured before every Red Devil home game. Conceived by head coach Barry Hickingbotham, the Character Kids are grade school students recommended by their teachers who get to lead the high school football team onto the field at each home game.
The grant money, if approved, couldn’t come at a better time for a fledgling school district. JHS athletic director Jerry Wilson couldn’t say what it might be spent on, but speculates that with a new mascot might come the need for new uniforms.
“There’s going to be a lot of needs,” said Wilson. “The main thing right now is just to express our appreciation to the NFL, and to Clinton McDonald.
Leader sports editor
Tampa Bay nose guard Clinton McDonald came back to his high school alma mater Friday night as an official representative of the National Football League. As part of the NFL’s Golden Football Campaign, which honors high schools that are home to at least one Super Bowl winner, McDonald presented Jacksonville coach Barry Hickingbotham with one such ball before the Red Devils faced Pulaski Academy last Friday.
McDonald was the starting nose guard for the Seattle Seahawks in 2014 when they beat the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. He is the second former Red Devil to win a Super Bowl. Dan Hampton, an NFL Hall of Famer, played defensive tackle for the Super Bowl XX champion Chicago Bears.
McDonald was unaware of the program until Thursday, when a team administrator asked him if he’d return to Arkansas on Friday to present the ball to JHS.
“I was really kind of surprised with this being our bye week, this is the week we usually just try to relax a little bit and take it easy,” said McDonald. “But when they told me about the program I said I’d do it.”
The Golden Football Program is in recognition of the upcoming Super Bowl 50, the gold anniversary of what’s become the most watched single-day sporting event worldwide. In an attempt to bridge the gap between high school and professional football, the NFL has embarked on this program.
Along with receiving the commemorative football from its most successful alumni, recognized schools will also receive a character education curriculum, and will be eligible to apply for high school football grants of up to $5,000. The NFL Foundation has also donated $1 million in support of the initiative.
McDonald was quick to deflect credit for the opportunity the JHS football program now has.
“To be able to come back and give back to the place where it all started for me, it’s a great honor and a blessing,” McDonald said. “When I look at all the blessings in my life, it’s very humbling for me to see how God can use my success to create opportunities for the place that helped me get where I’m at today.”
The character curriculum should coincide nicely with the “Character Kids” who are featured before every Red Devil home game. Conceived by head coach Barry Hickingbotham, the Character Kids are grade school students recommended by their teachers who get to lead the high school football team onto the field at each home game.
The grant money, if approved, couldn’t come at a better time for a fledgling school district. JHS athletic director Jerry Wilson couldn’t say what it might be spent on, but speculates that with a new mascot might come the need for new uniforms.
“There’s going to be a lot of needs,” said Wilson. “The main thing right now is just to express our appreciation to the NFL, and to Clinton McDonald.
SPORTS STORY >> ’Rabbits earn win at Helena
By GRAHAM POWELL
Leader sportswriter
Lonoke took care of the football Friday night at Helena-West Helena Central, and broke its four-game losing streak as a result with a hard-fought 26-16 victory over the Cougars.
It was the Jackrabbits’ first win since week two, and their first 4A-2 Conference victory of the season. The win was crucial to keeping Lonoke’s playoff hopes alive.
“Our kids came and they competed hard,” said Lonoke coach Doug Bost. “We didn’t have any turnovers on offense, so that was huge. The week before, we had four turnovers and it led to 28 points for Southside.
“We kind of preached that we needed to protect the football and we did. So that was big.”
Helena (3-4, 2-2) scored the game’s first points on the very first possession. Kay Harvey scored on a 1-yard plunge before the Cougars converted the two-point try to take an early 8-0 lead.
Lonoke (3-4, 1-3) made it a two-point game in the second quarter with an 86-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Savonte Rountree to Justin Meadows. The two-point try was unsuccessful, making it an 8-6 game.
The Jackrabbits, though, took the lead before halftime. Running back Xavier Hodge scored on a 3-yard run toward the end of the half and Meadows scored the two-point conversion to make the score 14-8 at the break.
Neither team scored in the third quarter, but the Jackrabbits found the end zone again 89 seconds into the fourth. That score was another 3-yard run by Hodge, which made it 20-8 Lonoke.
Lonoke’s last score came on defense, when Steven Barrett returned a fumble 65 yards for a touchdown to push the Jackrabbit lead to 26-8. The Cougars scored a touchdown and added a two-point conversion late in the game to set the final score.
“On defense, we were able to turn them over,” Bost said. “We got a big interception by Kameron Cole and we got a 65-yard scoop and score by Steven Barrett that really turned the game for us. So that was big.”
Hodge led Lonoke with 18 carries for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Rountree completed 3 of 7 passes for 100 yards and one score with no interceptions.
Meadows’ 86-yard reception led the Rabbit receiving corps. He also had three carries for 14 yards, giving him 100 yards from scrimmage.
Josh Coleman and Casey Martin caught Rountree’s other two passes. Joe Carter and Michael Hodges led Lonoke with 11 tackles each. Dylan Smith had eight tackles and Jawaun Bryant and Ethan Holland had seven apiece.
Leader sportswriter
Lonoke took care of the football Friday night at Helena-West Helena Central, and broke its four-game losing streak as a result with a hard-fought 26-16 victory over the Cougars.
It was the Jackrabbits’ first win since week two, and their first 4A-2 Conference victory of the season. The win was crucial to keeping Lonoke’s playoff hopes alive.
“Our kids came and they competed hard,” said Lonoke coach Doug Bost. “We didn’t have any turnovers on offense, so that was huge. The week before, we had four turnovers and it led to 28 points for Southside.
“We kind of preached that we needed to protect the football and we did. So that was big.”
Helena (3-4, 2-2) scored the game’s first points on the very first possession. Kay Harvey scored on a 1-yard plunge before the Cougars converted the two-point try to take an early 8-0 lead.
Lonoke (3-4, 1-3) made it a two-point game in the second quarter with an 86-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Savonte Rountree to Justin Meadows. The two-point try was unsuccessful, making it an 8-6 game.
The Jackrabbits, though, took the lead before halftime. Running back Xavier Hodge scored on a 3-yard run toward the end of the half and Meadows scored the two-point conversion to make the score 14-8 at the break.
Neither team scored in the third quarter, but the Jackrabbits found the end zone again 89 seconds into the fourth. That score was another 3-yard run by Hodge, which made it 20-8 Lonoke.
Lonoke’s last score came on defense, when Steven Barrett returned a fumble 65 yards for a touchdown to push the Jackrabbit lead to 26-8. The Cougars scored a touchdown and added a two-point conversion late in the game to set the final score.
“On defense, we were able to turn them over,” Bost said. “We got a big interception by Kameron Cole and we got a 65-yard scoop and score by Steven Barrett that really turned the game for us. So that was big.”
Hodge led Lonoke with 18 carries for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Rountree completed 3 of 7 passes for 100 yards and one score with no interceptions.
Meadows’ 86-yard reception led the Rabbit receiving corps. He also had three carries for 14 yards, giving him 100 yards from scrimmage.
Josh Coleman and Casey Martin caught Rountree’s other two passes. Joe Carter and Michael Hodges led Lonoke with 11 tackles each. Dylan Smith had eight tackles and Jawaun Bryant and Ethan Holland had seven apiece.
SPORTS STORY >> Rested Bears take on Lions
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
Sylvan Hills comes off the bye week created by the elimination of the North Pulaski football program late last spring, and the time off came at a great time for the Bears. This Friday, Sylvan Hills embarks on a three-week stretch to close the regular season that includes all three of the other playoff frontrunners from the 5A-Central. It starts with the week eight matchup with Little Rock McClellan at Blackwood Field.
“It came at a great time for us,” said Sylvan Hills coach Jim Withrow of the bye week. “We have some players a little dinged up. We had some things we really needed to work on that we were able to address, and this is what it all comes down to for us. I don’t care what anybody says. This is the hardest part of our schedule. And I’m going to tell you something else. McClellan is a good football team. They’re better than they were last year and they’re getting better each week this year.”
In one of the more bizarre games of the season last year, the Bears won a 28-20 decision in a nearly empty stadium with about a dozen players out with the flu.
Like last year, the Bears are 7-0 coming into the game while the Lions have flipped their record from a year ago from 2-5 to 5-2. The two teams share two common opponents. The Bears beat J.A. Fair 54-0 and beat Mills 45-21. McClellan beat Fair 70-0 and Mills 66-16.
The Lions’ two losses were 27-8 to Class 7A Bryant in week two, and 41-30 to Pulaski Academy in week five.
“They’re big, they’re fast and they’re extremely physical,” Withrow said of the Lions. “As bad as our last game was (a six-turnover, 17-penalty, 29-14 win over Jacksonville) I thought our defensive line was very physical and played well. And that’s something they’re going to have to be this week. You have to be physical with McClellan or they’ll push you around.”
The Bears’ offense has been outstanding this season, especially in the first three weeks when it averaged 57 points per game. In its three conference games, it has still averaged 42 points per game, but Withrow believes the execution has not been as sharp as earlier games. Even after the 54-0 win over Fair, Withrow said he wanted to see crisper play. That didn’t happen against Jacksonville, and that’s a big reason why he was glad for the bye week before the most important stretch of the season.
“I thought we got a little sloppy against Fair,” Withrow said. “Against Jacksonville, at times I thought it looked downright unorganized. And that’s on me. We had some communication problems that we’ve had a chance to work on. I think we got that fixed, working on some signals. We play fast, but we want to play even faster. And I think spending time working on those signals is going to help us to do that.”
McClellan’s last two games were the Fair and Mills matchups, and the Lions have averaged 68 points in those games. It has been the easiest two-week stretch of the season for McClellan, but the offense has looked good against quality opponents as well.
The Lions’ offense struggled in a 14-13 win over Beebe, but like Sylvan Hills’ game with Jacksonville, McClellan committed several turnovers against the Badgers.
The Lions’ offensive struggles continued in the first half the next week when it fell behind Pulaski Academy 34-0. That’s when things started clicking again. Since halftime of the PA game, the Lions have outscored their opponents by a combined 166-23.
Leader sports editor
Sylvan Hills comes off the bye week created by the elimination of the North Pulaski football program late last spring, and the time off came at a great time for the Bears. This Friday, Sylvan Hills embarks on a three-week stretch to close the regular season that includes all three of the other playoff frontrunners from the 5A-Central. It starts with the week eight matchup with Little Rock McClellan at Blackwood Field.
“It came at a great time for us,” said Sylvan Hills coach Jim Withrow of the bye week. “We have some players a little dinged up. We had some things we really needed to work on that we were able to address, and this is what it all comes down to for us. I don’t care what anybody says. This is the hardest part of our schedule. And I’m going to tell you something else. McClellan is a good football team. They’re better than they were last year and they’re getting better each week this year.”
In one of the more bizarre games of the season last year, the Bears won a 28-20 decision in a nearly empty stadium with about a dozen players out with the flu.
Like last year, the Bears are 7-0 coming into the game while the Lions have flipped their record from a year ago from 2-5 to 5-2. The two teams share two common opponents. The Bears beat J.A. Fair 54-0 and beat Mills 45-21. McClellan beat Fair 70-0 and Mills 66-16.
The Lions’ two losses were 27-8 to Class 7A Bryant in week two, and 41-30 to Pulaski Academy in week five.
“They’re big, they’re fast and they’re extremely physical,” Withrow said of the Lions. “As bad as our last game was (a six-turnover, 17-penalty, 29-14 win over Jacksonville) I thought our defensive line was very physical and played well. And that’s something they’re going to have to be this week. You have to be physical with McClellan or they’ll push you around.”
The Bears’ offense has been outstanding this season, especially in the first three weeks when it averaged 57 points per game. In its three conference games, it has still averaged 42 points per game, but Withrow believes the execution has not been as sharp as earlier games. Even after the 54-0 win over Fair, Withrow said he wanted to see crisper play. That didn’t happen against Jacksonville, and that’s a big reason why he was glad for the bye week before the most important stretch of the season.
“I thought we got a little sloppy against Fair,” Withrow said. “Against Jacksonville, at times I thought it looked downright unorganized. And that’s on me. We had some communication problems that we’ve had a chance to work on. I think we got that fixed, working on some signals. We play fast, but we want to play even faster. And I think spending time working on those signals is going to help us to do that.”
McClellan’s last two games were the Fair and Mills matchups, and the Lions have averaged 68 points in those games. It has been the easiest two-week stretch of the season for McClellan, but the offense has looked good against quality opponents as well.
The Lions’ offense struggled in a 14-13 win over Beebe, but like Sylvan Hills’ game with Jacksonville, McClellan committed several turnovers against the Badgers.
The Lions’ offensive struggles continued in the first half the next week when it fell behind Pulaski Academy 34-0. That’s when things started clicking again. Since halftime of the PA game, the Lions have outscored their opponents by a combined 166-23.
Saturday, October 17, 2015
SPORTS STORY >> N. Pulaski dominates last match at The Nest
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
Nothing was normal about the final home volleyball match ever at North Pulaski High School on Thursday, but it turned into a fun senior night as the Lady Falcons routed McClellan 25-8, 25-2 and 25-11.
All matches this year started an hour earlier than other matches around the state because NP did not have enough players for a junior varsity team. The match was moved back a half-hour for senior night ceremony, and then the ceremony was postponed until after the match. So both teams stood around for 45 minutes because the officials got the match started even later than 5:30.
The Lady Falcons kept the bizarreness going for a few minutes after the match started. McClellan (0-15, 0-11) took serve to open the match, and NP flubbed each of the first six serves, falling behind 6-0.
McClellan finally served one into the net; North Pulaski’s Lindsey Burris served eight-straight points, including four aces, to give the Lady Falcons the lead.
After McClellan’s break point, NP broke back, bringing Payton Mullen to the service line with North Pulaski leading 9-7. She served all the way to 21-8, and dished out seven aces.
Makiyah Brown served out the last three points, including an untouched ace for game point.
Mullen took serve to start game two. She served all the way to 18-0 before a hitting error by NP gave McClellan a point. Mullen served up eight more aces and senior Kiarra Evans got five kills during the run.
NP immediately broke back and Brown served to 24-1 before another kill attempt hit the top of the net and came back to NP’s side. Evans ended game two with a huge kill that landed inside the Lady Lion attack line.
North Pulaski coach Benji Belton substituted freely and allowed his seniors to play positions other than their normal ones in game three. It made for a slightly more competitive final game. Most of McClellan’s points came from unforced North Pulaski errors, but the players had fun finishing out a match well in hand.
“I just want them to have fun,” said Belton.
Mullen finished with 36 points on serve and 18 aces. Evans had 12 kills and Brown 10 assists.
North Pulaski (8-9, 7-4) plays at Beebe on Tuesday. The Lady Badgers are 13-0 in the 5A-Central and have already locked up an outright conference championship. NPHS is tied for third place with Sylvan Hills. The Lady Bears play second-place Pulaski Academy on Tuesday.
NP or SH could break the tie if one were to pull off an upset on Tuesday. If they remain tied after next week’s conference finale, they will go all the way to the fourth tiebreaker to determine third and fourth place.
Leader sports editor
Nothing was normal about the final home volleyball match ever at North Pulaski High School on Thursday, but it turned into a fun senior night as the Lady Falcons routed McClellan 25-8, 25-2 and 25-11.
All matches this year started an hour earlier than other matches around the state because NP did not have enough players for a junior varsity team. The match was moved back a half-hour for senior night ceremony, and then the ceremony was postponed until after the match. So both teams stood around for 45 minutes because the officials got the match started even later than 5:30.
The Lady Falcons kept the bizarreness going for a few minutes after the match started. McClellan (0-15, 0-11) took serve to open the match, and NP flubbed each of the first six serves, falling behind 6-0.
McClellan finally served one into the net; North Pulaski’s Lindsey Burris served eight-straight points, including four aces, to give the Lady Falcons the lead.
After McClellan’s break point, NP broke back, bringing Payton Mullen to the service line with North Pulaski leading 9-7. She served all the way to 21-8, and dished out seven aces.
Makiyah Brown served out the last three points, including an untouched ace for game point.
Mullen took serve to start game two. She served all the way to 18-0 before a hitting error by NP gave McClellan a point. Mullen served up eight more aces and senior Kiarra Evans got five kills during the run.
NP immediately broke back and Brown served to 24-1 before another kill attempt hit the top of the net and came back to NP’s side. Evans ended game two with a huge kill that landed inside the Lady Lion attack line.
North Pulaski coach Benji Belton substituted freely and allowed his seniors to play positions other than their normal ones in game three. It made for a slightly more competitive final game. Most of McClellan’s points came from unforced North Pulaski errors, but the players had fun finishing out a match well in hand.
“I just want them to have fun,” said Belton.
Mullen finished with 36 points on serve and 18 aces. Evans had 12 kills and Brown 10 assists.
North Pulaski (8-9, 7-4) plays at Beebe on Tuesday. The Lady Badgers are 13-0 in the 5A-Central and have already locked up an outright conference championship. NPHS is tied for third place with Sylvan Hills. The Lady Bears play second-place Pulaski Academy on Tuesday.
NP or SH could break the tie if one were to pull off an upset on Tuesday. If they remain tied after next week’s conference finale, they will go all the way to the fourth tiebreaker to determine third and fourth place.
SPORTS STORY >> Miscues hurt Devils
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
Pulaski Academy’s offense was as potent as ever Friday night at Jan Crow Stadium. The Bruins threw for 574 yards, but still got a tougher tussle from the Red Devils than most expected. Jacksonville lost 48-13, but it was a much more competitive game than the score would indicate.
Jacksonville was just a couple of miscues away from making it a very tight game, but those mistakes proved to make all the difference.
“We had a chance to tie it up there late in the second quarter and we fumble it,” said Jacksonville coach Barry Hickingbotham. “Then right there at the start of the second half, we have a chance to get it back to seven. We get it and drive down to the goal line and throw an interception. It’s no consolation, but the character these guys showed is what I’m proud of. They don’t play like a 1-5 football team. They played their guts out. They left it all on the field.”
PA tried seven onside kicks, including six different varieties. Jacksonville was well prepared, covering six of them.
“We had a miscommunication on the one we didn’t get,” Hickingbotham said.
Pulaski Academy’s ability to strike quickly offset its long droughts of not scoring. The Bruins scored on the game’s first possession on a 5-play, 68-yard drive. Jacksonville’s first drive started well also, but a 32-yard run by Shawn Ellis that would’ve put Jacksonville in the red zone was called back for holding. Jacksonville ended up punting, and PA scored again on a 68-yard touchdown pass from Layne Hatcher to Zackary Kelley that made it 14-0 less than five minutes into the game.
Jacksonville lost 5 yards on three plays on its next possession and punted again. Punter Tyler Hooper had a great night for the Red Devils. His second punt pinned PA on its own 13-yard line. Facing fourth and 4 from their own 19-yard line, the Bruins went for it and failed.
On the very next play, Jacksonville quarterback Rowdy Weathers hit Har’Derrious Martin up the middle for a touchdown. The extra point made it 14-7 with 4:34 left in the first quarter.
PA drove deep into Jacksonville territory on the next drive before Martin intercepted a Hatcher pass at the 2-yard line and returned it 20 yards. Jacksonville drove to the PA 40 before punting again. PA drove 20 yards before defensive back Stevie Eskridge picked off a Hatcher pass and ran it back 46 yards to the PA 24.
That’s when Brandon Hickingbotham bobbled the snap and then fumbled the handoff exchange with Ellis, and PA covered it at the 30.
The Red Devils again held PA to four and out, but lost 5 yards on the ensuing possession before punting again.
Starting from their own 12, the Bruins needed just six plays, getting the last 43 on one pass from Hatcher to Kelley to make it 21-7 with 4:53 left in the first half. Jacksonville covered the onside kick and started from its own 48, but went three and out.
PA then hit big on a 46-yard pass to Tre Bruce that moved the ball to the Jacksonville 11. A draw play to running back Jaren Watkins got the rest on the next play, but a drop-kick extra point attempt went wide left, leaving it 27-7 with 2:10 left in the half.
Jacksonville covered another onside kick and after an initial 2-yard loss, Weathers hit Eskridge for a 36-yard gain. He then found Dalan Patterson for 16 yards before keeping on a delayed quarterback draw for the final 14 yards and a touchdown.
The extra point missed, leaving the score 27-13 with 38 seconds left in the half, and it remained that way until the break.
Jacksonville covered another onside kick to start the second half, and Weathers hit Hall for 33 yards on first down to the PA 16.
On third and 7, Weathers was picked off by Cody Andersen at the 4. Andersen returned it all the way to Jacksonville 32 before Weathers chased him down and made the tackle. But it was at a cost. Weathers suffered a dislocated shoulder on the play and did not return. Jacksonville gained just 44 yards the rest of the game.
The Bruins scored on the ensuing possession to go up 34-13 with 9:16 left in the third quarter. They covered their onside kick, but the Red Devil defense pushed them backwards 17 yards and held on fourth down. That gave the home team good field position at the PA 35.
Martin moved to quarterback for Jacksonville, and PA decided to blitz the third-stringer, dropping him twice for -17 yards. Martin had to scramble again on third and 27 before throwing incomplete.
Another good punt by Hooper pinned PA on its own 7, but the Bruins went that distance in nine plays with the help of a defensive holding penalty on third and 8. The key play was a swing pass that turned into a 54-yard gain by Trajen Johnson. The touchdown was an 8-yard pass from Bruce to Kelley that made it 41-13 with 4:57 left in the game.
Jacksonville covered the onside kick, but Andersen got his second interception for the Bruins. Jacksonville returned the favor when Nate Robbins intercepted a deep Hatcher pass at the Jacksonville 3-yard line.
The Red Devils picked up one first down, but lost 8 yards on third and 3 before Hooper booted another good punt 46 yards to the PA 39.
Jacksonville backed PA up 10 yards in two plays, but gave up 11 yards on third down, and a 14-yard pass to Bruce on fourth and 9 to keep the drive alive. Watkins then went 41 yards up the middle on a draw play before a double-reverse flea flicker pass from Bruce to Kelley set the final margin.
Hatcher completed 27 of 50 pass attempts for 506 yards and three touchdowns. Bruce completed 4 of 6 attempts for 58 yards and two touchdowns. Three Bruins had more than 100 yards receiving.
Kelley caught 10 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns. Bruce caught 10 passes for 152 yards and one score. Johnson caught seven passes for 103 yards. Pulaski Academy piled up 622 yards of offense to 177 for the Red Devils.
Both teams’ next game is at Mills. The Bruins (7-0, 4-0) travel to Mills next Friday.
Jacksonville (1-6, 1-3) is off next week and will return Oct. 30 at Mills.
Leader sports editor
Pulaski Academy’s offense was as potent as ever Friday night at Jan Crow Stadium. The Bruins threw for 574 yards, but still got a tougher tussle from the Red Devils than most expected. Jacksonville lost 48-13, but it was a much more competitive game than the score would indicate.
Jacksonville was just a couple of miscues away from making it a very tight game, but those mistakes proved to make all the difference.
“We had a chance to tie it up there late in the second quarter and we fumble it,” said Jacksonville coach Barry Hickingbotham. “Then right there at the start of the second half, we have a chance to get it back to seven. We get it and drive down to the goal line and throw an interception. It’s no consolation, but the character these guys showed is what I’m proud of. They don’t play like a 1-5 football team. They played their guts out. They left it all on the field.”
PA tried seven onside kicks, including six different varieties. Jacksonville was well prepared, covering six of them.
“We had a miscommunication on the one we didn’t get,” Hickingbotham said.
Pulaski Academy’s ability to strike quickly offset its long droughts of not scoring. The Bruins scored on the game’s first possession on a 5-play, 68-yard drive. Jacksonville’s first drive started well also, but a 32-yard run by Shawn Ellis that would’ve put Jacksonville in the red zone was called back for holding. Jacksonville ended up punting, and PA scored again on a 68-yard touchdown pass from Layne Hatcher to Zackary Kelley that made it 14-0 less than five minutes into the game.
Jacksonville lost 5 yards on three plays on its next possession and punted again. Punter Tyler Hooper had a great night for the Red Devils. His second punt pinned PA on its own 13-yard line. Facing fourth and 4 from their own 19-yard line, the Bruins went for it and failed.
On the very next play, Jacksonville quarterback Rowdy Weathers hit Har’Derrious Martin up the middle for a touchdown. The extra point made it 14-7 with 4:34 left in the first quarter.
PA drove deep into Jacksonville territory on the next drive before Martin intercepted a Hatcher pass at the 2-yard line and returned it 20 yards. Jacksonville drove to the PA 40 before punting again. PA drove 20 yards before defensive back Stevie Eskridge picked off a Hatcher pass and ran it back 46 yards to the PA 24.
That’s when Brandon Hickingbotham bobbled the snap and then fumbled the handoff exchange with Ellis, and PA covered it at the 30.
The Red Devils again held PA to four and out, but lost 5 yards on the ensuing possession before punting again.
Starting from their own 12, the Bruins needed just six plays, getting the last 43 on one pass from Hatcher to Kelley to make it 21-7 with 4:53 left in the first half. Jacksonville covered the onside kick and started from its own 48, but went three and out.
PA then hit big on a 46-yard pass to Tre Bruce that moved the ball to the Jacksonville 11. A draw play to running back Jaren Watkins got the rest on the next play, but a drop-kick extra point attempt went wide left, leaving it 27-7 with 2:10 left in the half.
Jacksonville covered another onside kick and after an initial 2-yard loss, Weathers hit Eskridge for a 36-yard gain. He then found Dalan Patterson for 16 yards before keeping on a delayed quarterback draw for the final 14 yards and a touchdown.
The extra point missed, leaving the score 27-13 with 38 seconds left in the half, and it remained that way until the break.
Jacksonville covered another onside kick to start the second half, and Weathers hit Hall for 33 yards on first down to the PA 16.
On third and 7, Weathers was picked off by Cody Andersen at the 4. Andersen returned it all the way to Jacksonville 32 before Weathers chased him down and made the tackle. But it was at a cost. Weathers suffered a dislocated shoulder on the play and did not return. Jacksonville gained just 44 yards the rest of the game.
The Bruins scored on the ensuing possession to go up 34-13 with 9:16 left in the third quarter. They covered their onside kick, but the Red Devil defense pushed them backwards 17 yards and held on fourth down. That gave the home team good field position at the PA 35.
Martin moved to quarterback for Jacksonville, and PA decided to blitz the third-stringer, dropping him twice for -17 yards. Martin had to scramble again on third and 27 before throwing incomplete.
Another good punt by Hooper pinned PA on its own 7, but the Bruins went that distance in nine plays with the help of a defensive holding penalty on third and 8. The key play was a swing pass that turned into a 54-yard gain by Trajen Johnson. The touchdown was an 8-yard pass from Bruce to Kelley that made it 41-13 with 4:57 left in the game.
Jacksonville covered the onside kick, but Andersen got his second interception for the Bruins. Jacksonville returned the favor when Nate Robbins intercepted a deep Hatcher pass at the Jacksonville 3-yard line.
The Red Devils picked up one first down, but lost 8 yards on third and 3 before Hooper booted another good punt 46 yards to the PA 39.
Jacksonville backed PA up 10 yards in two plays, but gave up 11 yards on third down, and a 14-yard pass to Bruce on fourth and 9 to keep the drive alive. Watkins then went 41 yards up the middle on a draw play before a double-reverse flea flicker pass from Bruce to Kelley set the final margin.
Hatcher completed 27 of 50 pass attempts for 506 yards and three touchdowns. Bruce completed 4 of 6 attempts for 58 yards and two touchdowns. Three Bruins had more than 100 yards receiving.
Kelley caught 10 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns. Bruce caught 10 passes for 152 yards and one score. Johnson caught seven passes for 103 yards. Pulaski Academy piled up 622 yards of offense to 177 for the Red Devils.
Both teams’ next game is at Mills. The Bruins (7-0, 4-0) travel to Mills next Friday.
Jacksonville (1-6, 1-3) is off next week and will return Oct. 30 at Mills.
SPORTS STORY >> Beebe routs Bears for outright crown
By GRAHAM POWELL
Leader sportswriter
Beebe kept its perfect 5A-Central Conference record intact Thursday night at Sylvan Hills with a convincing 3-0 sweep over the Lady Bears, winning by scores of 25-7, 25-8 and 25-14.
With only one conference game remaining and a two-game lead over second-place Pulaski Academy in the conference standings, the Lady Badgers have already locked up the No. 1 playoff seed and the outright conference championship.
Even more impressive is the fact Beebe hasn’t lost a single set in conference play this season, and with Thursday’s win over the Lady Bears, the Lady Badgers improved their 5A-Central record to 13-0.
“I was proud of them,” said Beebe coach Ashley Camp of her team. “We’re big on, especially in conference, controlling what goes on on our side. We were able to put some sophomores in there and get them some reps and some varsity time and they stepped up, for the most part.”
Beebe wasted little time displaying its dominance. The Lady Badgers took their first double-digit lead of game one at 12-2, and that came on 10-consecutive service points by Abby Smith. Three of those serves by Smith were aces.
The Lady Badgers’ lead grew to 15 on an ace serve by Kayla Green, which made the score 22-7. Green added another ace on her next serve to make it 23-7 Beebe. Smith got a kill on the next volley to make it game point and the first game ended on a corner kill by Jerra Malone, with Sarah Clark picking up the assist.
Beebe jumped out to a 4-0 lead in game two. After that, the two teams added four points apiece to make it 8-4 Lady Badgers, but Beebe scored the next five points and soon pushed its lead to double digits with the score 15-5. That score was the result of a kill by sophomore Lani Wolfe at the middle of the net.
Sylvan Hills scored its final point of game two with the score 19-8. Beebe regained serving rights on the next volley with another kill by Smith, and Green served the next five points to put an end to game two and give the Lady Badgers a 2-0 match lead.
Beebe got off to another great start in game three, jumping out to an 8-1 lead before Sylvan Hills broke serve on a Tori Langley kill. The Lady Bears closed the gap to 13-7 on back-to-back kills by sophomore Grace Turner, but didn’t get any closer the rest of the way.
With Paige Smith serving, Beebe’s lead quickly went back to double digits with the score 17-7. Sylvan Hills got within eight of the Lady Badger lead with the score 20-12, but Abby Smith added a kill then an ace serve before a monster kill by Malone made it 23-12.
The Lady Bears scored the next point before another Malone kill set match point, with the score 24-13. Sophomore Cory Tessman scored Sylvan Hills’ final point of the night with a kill on the next volley, and Malone added the match-ending kill on the next serve, with Clark picking up yet another assist.
Thursday’s performance by the Lady Badgers was up to par with the rest of their conference wins this season, and even though they’ve been lights out all year long in league play, earning the outright conference championship with an unblemished conference record, their head coach is hoping they haven’t peaked just yet, since the playoffs are right around the corner.
“I think we’ve progressed,” Camp said, “but I’m telling them, ‘we haven’t peaked yet. We’re still climbing.’ So, trying to get their minds right is the main thing.”
Malone led all players Thursday with 13 kills. Abby Smith added 12 kills for Beebe and Gracie Rymel had eight kills. Abby Smith also had a match-high four ace serves. Clark and Green had three aces apiece. Clark easily had the match high in assists, totaling 36. No other player for either team reached double digits in that statistical category.
Taylor Yeoman led the Lady Bears with six kills and Turner added five kills for the hosts.
Beebe will look to end its conference schedule with a 14-0 record this Tuesday at home against North Pulaski. Sylvan Hills also plays its final 5A-Central match of the season this Tuesday at Pulaski Academy.
The Lady Bruins have already locked up the No. 2 playoff seed from the Central Conference, and the Lady Bears, who dropped to 9-4 in conference play, currently hold the tiebreaker for the No. 3 playoff seed over North Pulaski, according to SHHS coach Harold Treadway.
Both varsity matches this Tuesday will start at 6 p.m.
Leader sportswriter
Beebe kept its perfect 5A-Central Conference record intact Thursday night at Sylvan Hills with a convincing 3-0 sweep over the Lady Bears, winning by scores of 25-7, 25-8 and 25-14.
With only one conference game remaining and a two-game lead over second-place Pulaski Academy in the conference standings, the Lady Badgers have already locked up the No. 1 playoff seed and the outright conference championship.
Even more impressive is the fact Beebe hasn’t lost a single set in conference play this season, and with Thursday’s win over the Lady Bears, the Lady Badgers improved their 5A-Central record to 13-0.
“I was proud of them,” said Beebe coach Ashley Camp of her team. “We’re big on, especially in conference, controlling what goes on on our side. We were able to put some sophomores in there and get them some reps and some varsity time and they stepped up, for the most part.”
Beebe wasted little time displaying its dominance. The Lady Badgers took their first double-digit lead of game one at 12-2, and that came on 10-consecutive service points by Abby Smith. Three of those serves by Smith were aces.
The Lady Badgers’ lead grew to 15 on an ace serve by Kayla Green, which made the score 22-7. Green added another ace on her next serve to make it 23-7 Beebe. Smith got a kill on the next volley to make it game point and the first game ended on a corner kill by Jerra Malone, with Sarah Clark picking up the assist.
Beebe jumped out to a 4-0 lead in game two. After that, the two teams added four points apiece to make it 8-4 Lady Badgers, but Beebe scored the next five points and soon pushed its lead to double digits with the score 15-5. That score was the result of a kill by sophomore Lani Wolfe at the middle of the net.
Sylvan Hills scored its final point of game two with the score 19-8. Beebe regained serving rights on the next volley with another kill by Smith, and Green served the next five points to put an end to game two and give the Lady Badgers a 2-0 match lead.
Beebe got off to another great start in game three, jumping out to an 8-1 lead before Sylvan Hills broke serve on a Tori Langley kill. The Lady Bears closed the gap to 13-7 on back-to-back kills by sophomore Grace Turner, but didn’t get any closer the rest of the way.
With Paige Smith serving, Beebe’s lead quickly went back to double digits with the score 17-7. Sylvan Hills got within eight of the Lady Badger lead with the score 20-12, but Abby Smith added a kill then an ace serve before a monster kill by Malone made it 23-12.
The Lady Bears scored the next point before another Malone kill set match point, with the score 24-13. Sophomore Cory Tessman scored Sylvan Hills’ final point of the night with a kill on the next volley, and Malone added the match-ending kill on the next serve, with Clark picking up yet another assist.
Thursday’s performance by the Lady Badgers was up to par with the rest of their conference wins this season, and even though they’ve been lights out all year long in league play, earning the outright conference championship with an unblemished conference record, their head coach is hoping they haven’t peaked just yet, since the playoffs are right around the corner.
“I think we’ve progressed,” Camp said, “but I’m telling them, ‘we haven’t peaked yet. We’re still climbing.’ So, trying to get their minds right is the main thing.”
Malone led all players Thursday with 13 kills. Abby Smith added 12 kills for Beebe and Gracie Rymel had eight kills. Abby Smith also had a match-high four ace serves. Clark and Green had three aces apiece. Clark easily had the match high in assists, totaling 36. No other player for either team reached double digits in that statistical category.
Taylor Yeoman led the Lady Bears with six kills and Turner added five kills for the hosts.
Beebe will look to end its conference schedule with a 14-0 record this Tuesday at home against North Pulaski. Sylvan Hills also plays its final 5A-Central match of the season this Tuesday at Pulaski Academy.
The Lady Bruins have already locked up the No. 2 playoff seed from the Central Conference, and the Lady Bears, who dropped to 9-4 in conference play, currently hold the tiebreaker for the No. 3 playoff seed over North Pulaski, according to SHHS coach Harold Treadway.
Both varsity matches this Tuesday will start at 6 p.m.
SPORTS STORY >> Panthers run over LR Central
By GRAHAM POWELL
Leader sportswriter
Penalties limited Cabot’s play in the first half of its 7A-East Conference game against Little Rock Central on Friday, but the defense shut out the Tigers in the first half and the Panthers came out in the second half hitting on all cylinders and were able to leave Panther Stadium with a dominant 42-7 victory and improve to 7-0 on the season.
Despite committing six penalties for 70 yards in the first half, Cabot led 14-0 at halftime.
The Panthers (7-0, 4-0) committed four 15-yard penalties in the first half, but the defense held Central (2-5, 2-2) to just 28 yards of offense in the first two quarters of play, which allowed those penalties to not be as costly as they could’ve been.
Still, head coach Mike Malham made sure those unforced errors were corrected at halftime, and his team responded in the second half, scoring 28 points and only committing one penalty for 5 yards in the final two quarters of play.
“We played pretty good, but boy we played stupid at times,” said Malham. “We had four 15-yard penalties that helped them. We didn’t have the ball much in the first half. The defense wasn’t playing smart, but played hard and kept them out of the end zone.”
Three of those 15-yard penalties came on Central punts. Only one, a roughing the kicker penalty, allowed the Tigers’ offense to stay on the field, as the other two were personal foul penalties after Cabot had already gained possession. The other was a late hit on defense. None of those penalties, though, led to Central points.
Cabot found the end zone for the first time with 7:39 to play in the second quarter. The Panther offense started from its own 16-yard line and scored on the 13th play of that drive, on a 3-yard run by fullback Kolton Eads on third and goal. Caleb Shulte kicked the extra point to make it 7-0.
The hosts scored again with less than two minutes remaining in the half. A blocked punt by Trent Erickson gave Cabot possession at the Central 16, but the last of the four 15-yard personal foul penalties backed the offense up to the Tigers’ 31.
Quarterback Jarrod Barnes ran for 13 yards on the first play of the drive before completing a 16-yard pass to John Wiens on the next play. Alex Roberts punched it into the end zone on the third play, but a false start penalty pushed the offense back to the 7.
That penalty was nullified on the next play, when Barnes took an option keep the 7 yards needed for the score. Shulte’s extra point set the halftime margin with 1:51 left in the quarter.
Central tried an onside kick to start the second half, but it bounced out of bounds at the Cabot 45, where the Panther offense took over. A 44-yard run by Braxton Burton helped set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Roberts with 9:38 to go in the third, and the PAT made it 21-0 Panthers.
Cabot’s defense forced a turnover on downs on Central’s ensuing drive, and the Panther offense responded with a 10-play scoring drive that ended with a 14-yard run by Barnes. The extra point gave the hosts a 28-0 cushion.
The Tigers answered with their only scoring drive of the night. They started from their own 24-yard line, and a 44-yard run by tailback Richard Hayes on the fourth play of the drive helped set up Hayes’ 4-yard scoring run six-plays later. The extra point that followed cut the Panthers’ lead to 28-7.
Cabot’s last two scores came on its next two drives. The first of those touchdown runs was a 13-yarder by Austin Morse with 9:12 to play, and the last was a 1-yard run by Roberts on fourth and 1 with 34 seconds remaining.
Shulte made both extra-point attempts to set the final score and finish the game 6 for 6 on PATs.
Regardless of the first-half penalties, Malham was pleased with the win and is happy to be unbeaten, especially where it matters – in conference play.
“I was pleased,” Malham said. “I thought overall we did what it took to win. We got a good win and we’re just glad to be 4-0 in the conference, and more importantly, 3-0 against the 7A teams. So, that puts us with the best seed out of this conference. That gives us the bye and home field, at least in the second round anyway.”
The Panthers finished the night with 388 yards of offense, most of which came on the ground. Barnes was 4 for 6 passing for 38 yards, and the junior speedster had eight carries for 91 yards and two touchdowns.
Roberts was the workhorse in the Cabot backfield, especially in the second half, totaling 25 carries for 99 yards and two scores. Morse had nine carries for 61 yards and one touchdown, and three catches for 22 yards.
Hayes led the Tigers’ offense with 16 carries for 73 yards and scored the one Central touchdown.
Leader sportswriter
Penalties limited Cabot’s play in the first half of its 7A-East Conference game against Little Rock Central on Friday, but the defense shut out the Tigers in the first half and the Panthers came out in the second half hitting on all cylinders and were able to leave Panther Stadium with a dominant 42-7 victory and improve to 7-0 on the season.
Despite committing six penalties for 70 yards in the first half, Cabot led 14-0 at halftime.
The Panthers (7-0, 4-0) committed four 15-yard penalties in the first half, but the defense held Central (2-5, 2-2) to just 28 yards of offense in the first two quarters of play, which allowed those penalties to not be as costly as they could’ve been.
Still, head coach Mike Malham made sure those unforced errors were corrected at halftime, and his team responded in the second half, scoring 28 points and only committing one penalty for 5 yards in the final two quarters of play.
“We played pretty good, but boy we played stupid at times,” said Malham. “We had four 15-yard penalties that helped them. We didn’t have the ball much in the first half. The defense wasn’t playing smart, but played hard and kept them out of the end zone.”
Three of those 15-yard penalties came on Central punts. Only one, a roughing the kicker penalty, allowed the Tigers’ offense to stay on the field, as the other two were personal foul penalties after Cabot had already gained possession. The other was a late hit on defense. None of those penalties, though, led to Central points.
Cabot found the end zone for the first time with 7:39 to play in the second quarter. The Panther offense started from its own 16-yard line and scored on the 13th play of that drive, on a 3-yard run by fullback Kolton Eads on third and goal. Caleb Shulte kicked the extra point to make it 7-0.
The hosts scored again with less than two minutes remaining in the half. A blocked punt by Trent Erickson gave Cabot possession at the Central 16, but the last of the four 15-yard personal foul penalties backed the offense up to the Tigers’ 31.
Quarterback Jarrod Barnes ran for 13 yards on the first play of the drive before completing a 16-yard pass to John Wiens on the next play. Alex Roberts punched it into the end zone on the third play, but a false start penalty pushed the offense back to the 7.
That penalty was nullified on the next play, when Barnes took an option keep the 7 yards needed for the score. Shulte’s extra point set the halftime margin with 1:51 left in the quarter.
Central tried an onside kick to start the second half, but it bounced out of bounds at the Cabot 45, where the Panther offense took over. A 44-yard run by Braxton Burton helped set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Roberts with 9:38 to go in the third, and the PAT made it 21-0 Panthers.
Cabot’s defense forced a turnover on downs on Central’s ensuing drive, and the Panther offense responded with a 10-play scoring drive that ended with a 14-yard run by Barnes. The extra point gave the hosts a 28-0 cushion.
The Tigers answered with their only scoring drive of the night. They started from their own 24-yard line, and a 44-yard run by tailback Richard Hayes on the fourth play of the drive helped set up Hayes’ 4-yard scoring run six-plays later. The extra point that followed cut the Panthers’ lead to 28-7.
Cabot’s last two scores came on its next two drives. The first of those touchdown runs was a 13-yarder by Austin Morse with 9:12 to play, and the last was a 1-yard run by Roberts on fourth and 1 with 34 seconds remaining.
Shulte made both extra-point attempts to set the final score and finish the game 6 for 6 on PATs.
Regardless of the first-half penalties, Malham was pleased with the win and is happy to be unbeaten, especially where it matters – in conference play.
“I was pleased,” Malham said. “I thought overall we did what it took to win. We got a good win and we’re just glad to be 4-0 in the conference, and more importantly, 3-0 against the 7A teams. So, that puts us with the best seed out of this conference. That gives us the bye and home field, at least in the second round anyway.”
The Panthers finished the night with 388 yards of offense, most of which came on the ground. Barnes was 4 for 6 passing for 38 yards, and the junior speedster had eight carries for 91 yards and two touchdowns.
Roberts was the workhorse in the Cabot backfield, especially in the second half, totaling 25 carries for 99 yards and two scores. Morse had nine carries for 61 yards and one touchdown, and three catches for 22 yards.
Hayes led the Tigers’ offense with 16 carries for 73 yards and scored the one Central touchdown.
Friday, October 16, 2015
EDITORIAL >> Plan to save North Metro
Rock Bordelon, chief executive officer of Allegiance Health Management, claims he and his company are the saviors of North Metro Medical Center in Jacksonville. But it looks more like a bull turned loose in a fine china shop to deal with a mouse problem.
By all accounts, Bordelon is a nice guy to hang out with, have a drink with, even go hunting with, but not one to have running a hospital. Bordelon is said to be in Canada this weekend filming for his hunting show. Maybe he’s also studying that country’s single-payer health insurance program, which might make it easier for North Metro to survive and cover its employees, who have been without health insurance off-and-on for months.
The latest fiasco came earlier this week when dozens of North Metro employees received letters that said they were no longer insured because the hospital didn’t pay its premium.
The hospital’s top administrators are Bordelon and two other owners of their Shreveport, La.-based the management firm.
This group has a bad habit of taking money out of paychecks and not sending it where it needs to go, such as to insurance and taxes.
This is now the second time the Department of Labor has gotten involved over insurance payments, and then there’s the $250,000 owed the state in unpaid taxes and more than $1 million owed to the federal government — all money apparently pulled from people’s checks. And don’t forget the more than a dozen shut-off notices from the city water utility for nonpayment.
The city, which was quick to dump the hospital about nine years ago, needs to start looking for a real white knight and so does First Arkansas Bank and Trust, which holds a multi-million loan on the hospital.
The staff at the hospital works hard to provide high-quality care, but it’s difficult to go in every day not knowing if they will have insurance or what management may not pay next. You don’t want the lights turned off in the middle of surgery.
The hospital must stay open, but under new management.
Maybe the voters will approve a one-cent sales tax as several cities around the state have done to keep their hospitals open.
Paul Cunningham, senior vice president of the Arkansas Hospital Association, recently told Arkansas Medical News that 22 communities in the state have voted over the years to provide local tax support for their hospitals.
Cunningham said, “There are a couple of exceptions where property taxes are used to subsidize the hospital, but typically they are funded through sales taxes. Most of these hospitals have common characteristics of being small and rural, usually under 100 beds and possibly, in most cases, even under 50 beds.”
In addition to improving the health and well-being of the communities they serve, Cunningham said local hospitals contribute to their area’s economic health.
“Hospital payroll expenditures serve as an important economic stimulus, creating and supporting jobs throughout the local and state economies,” Cunningham said.
Earlier this year, voters in Crittenden County approved a one-cent sales tax after the hospital in West Memphis declared bankruptcy when it was revealed that it had pocketed workers’ insurance premiums instead of paying them to insurance companies — which is what North Metro has been accused of doing. Shutting down Crittenden Regional Hospital, even for a few months, hurt the east Arkansas community and could have been avoided if voters had approved a sales tax much earlier.
If North Metro closes, the cost of bringing the facility up to code would be astronomical. Right now, as a continuing entity, it can be behind the times in its electrical, plumbing, heating, air and insulation requirements. But, if it closes, it would reopen as a new facility and everything would have to be 2015, not 1970-ish.
This is not something city officials, legislators, businesses or bankers can just sit idly by and watch. The slow destruction of our hospital is unnecessary and dangerous to a community that is trying to get out in front with its own school district.
Don’t forget that the air base generates more than $900 million for the local economy and it does rely on our hospital. Name another city with that kind of income that has a dying hospital, or worse, no medical facility at all.
The mayor’s talk of an $18 million medical complex is wonderful, but, until contracts are signed and ground is broken, it’s just a dream. Maybe that developer’s money should be spent buying back the hospital — the city does have first rights to buy it back — and make it the cornerstone of a new medical complex.
The point is everyone must figure out how to save North Metro, even if it involves a tax hike.
By all accounts, Bordelon is a nice guy to hang out with, have a drink with, even go hunting with, but not one to have running a hospital. Bordelon is said to be in Canada this weekend filming for his hunting show. Maybe he’s also studying that country’s single-payer health insurance program, which might make it easier for North Metro to survive and cover its employees, who have been without health insurance off-and-on for months.
The latest fiasco came earlier this week when dozens of North Metro employees received letters that said they were no longer insured because the hospital didn’t pay its premium.
The hospital’s top administrators are Bordelon and two other owners of their Shreveport, La.-based the management firm.
This group has a bad habit of taking money out of paychecks and not sending it where it needs to go, such as to insurance and taxes.
This is now the second time the Department of Labor has gotten involved over insurance payments, and then there’s the $250,000 owed the state in unpaid taxes and more than $1 million owed to the federal government — all money apparently pulled from people’s checks. And don’t forget the more than a dozen shut-off notices from the city water utility for nonpayment.
The city, which was quick to dump the hospital about nine years ago, needs to start looking for a real white knight and so does First Arkansas Bank and Trust, which holds a multi-million loan on the hospital.
The staff at the hospital works hard to provide high-quality care, but it’s difficult to go in every day not knowing if they will have insurance or what management may not pay next. You don’t want the lights turned off in the middle of surgery.
The hospital must stay open, but under new management.
Maybe the voters will approve a one-cent sales tax as several cities around the state have done to keep their hospitals open.
Paul Cunningham, senior vice president of the Arkansas Hospital Association, recently told Arkansas Medical News that 22 communities in the state have voted over the years to provide local tax support for their hospitals.
Cunningham said, “There are a couple of exceptions where property taxes are used to subsidize the hospital, but typically they are funded through sales taxes. Most of these hospitals have common characteristics of being small and rural, usually under 100 beds and possibly, in most cases, even under 50 beds.”
In addition to improving the health and well-being of the communities they serve, Cunningham said local hospitals contribute to their area’s economic health.
“Hospital payroll expenditures serve as an important economic stimulus, creating and supporting jobs throughout the local and state economies,” Cunningham said.
Earlier this year, voters in Crittenden County approved a one-cent sales tax after the hospital in West Memphis declared bankruptcy when it was revealed that it had pocketed workers’ insurance premiums instead of paying them to insurance companies — which is what North Metro has been accused of doing. Shutting down Crittenden Regional Hospital, even for a few months, hurt the east Arkansas community and could have been avoided if voters had approved a sales tax much earlier.
If North Metro closes, the cost of bringing the facility up to code would be astronomical. Right now, as a continuing entity, it can be behind the times in its electrical, plumbing, heating, air and insulation requirements. But, if it closes, it would reopen as a new facility and everything would have to be 2015, not 1970-ish.
This is not something city officials, legislators, businesses or bankers can just sit idly by and watch. The slow destruction of our hospital is unnecessary and dangerous to a community that is trying to get out in front with its own school district.
Don’t forget that the air base generates more than $900 million for the local economy and it does rely on our hospital. Name another city with that kind of income that has a dying hospital, or worse, no medical facility at all.
The mayor’s talk of an $18 million medical complex is wonderful, but, until contracts are signed and ground is broken, it’s just a dream. Maybe that developer’s money should be spent buying back the hospital — the city does have first rights to buy it back — and make it the cornerstone of a new medical complex.
The point is everyone must figure out how to save North Metro, even if it involves a tax hike.
TOP STORY >> Sewer boss gets ingenuity honor
 |
| Tom Kunetz of the Water Environment Federation’s board of trustees (left) presents the first-place national Ingenuity Contest award to Walton J. Summer, collections system manager for Jacksonville Wastewater Utility at the organization’s Technical Exposition and Conference in Chicago in September. |
By SARAH CAMPBELL
Leader staff writer
Jacksonville Wastewater Utility’s collections systems manager has won, for the second consecutive year, first place in the Water Environment Federation’s national Ingenuity Contest.
The 2015 award was presented to Walton J. Summers in September at the WEF Technical Exposition and Conference in Chicago.
Summers’ entry, in the “Dean of Public Education” category, was a display he constructed in a few weeks to educate the public on how smoke-test inspections work.
The “real-scale” model is about 16 square feet, and part of it is about 9 feet long, Summers said. The display features a replica manhole, line and cleanout cap.
Those who look at it can see an underground view of the line, which is cracked and wrapped in tree roots.
A fog machine is used to mimic smoke. The “smoke” is put through manhole in the model and then seeps up out of the grass, which is represented by green outdoor carpet.
In the field, real smoke tells workers where breaks in lines are, that repairs are needed and that they must run a camera through to see what the problems are so they can be corrected.
“We’re doing a lot of smoke testing right now, and people don’t know what we’re doing,” Summers said. “If you’ve got a problem with your house plumbing, the smoke will actually come out into your house.”
Thea Hughes, Jacksonville Wastewater Utility’s general manager, added that people are notified several times before a smoke test that affects their homes is conducted.
Summers said a camera is also hooked up to his display, so that the public can see what the utility’s staff sees when they smoke test lines.
Another model he built in 2014 also earned first place in the same contest.
It demonstrates that keeping cleanout caps in good condition prevents water that doesn’t need to be treated from going to the sewer plant. The caps are access points for private service lines and used when lines become clogged, Summers explained.
They are usually round and white, he noted.
Summers’ trailer-mounted model is about 7 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It features a replica of a house’s side with water flowing from the mock roof onto four caps in various conditions — from watertight to broken and missing.
Summers explained how many residents run their caps over with lawn mowers and break them off, not knowing that they are inadvertently causing the plant to treat water that doesn’t need to be treated and raising their own sewer bills at the same time.
“(The caps are) right at the edge of the house where the rain comes off the roof. If it’s broke, all that rainwater goes into the sewer system. It comes here, and we’re treating clean water.
“That causes us trouble, and it costs the customer more money because we’re treating extra water that doesn’t need to be treated,” he said.
Of the model, he explained, “You can actually see how much water is coming from a trickle off a roof. We use it at the FestiVille, stuff like that.”
When crews are out and see a damaged or missing cap, Summers continued, they replace it free of charge. The caps cost around $1, he noted. “In the long run, it’s a win-win thing” to replace them.
Summers has been working at Jacksonville Wastewater Utility for about 27 years and is a member of the Jacksonville Lions Club. He started as an equipment operator and worked his way up as opportunities and training became available.
The collection systems department he manages now repairs all sewer lines in the city, Summers explained.
He feels public education is important because “it saves them money, and it saves us money...cuts down on backups, overflows. It all goes hand in hand. And it protects the environment, too.”
Hughes, the general manager, said the contest he won is unbiased because judges come from different cities, industries and even include government officials. She emphasized that Summers’ competition was nationwide.
“I think that (him winning) shows how interested are employees are in what they do and how proud they are of what they do because, a lot of times, sewer workers get overlooked.”
She was told, via email, “WEF started this contest four years ago because they felt very strongly that, if they were going to encourage innovation in the industry, it doesn’t come from just new companies and loads of research, but can also be found every day from the activities of those who are on the front lines.
“WEF started this contest to ferret those people and ideas out and let others know about their clever solutions to everyday issues.”
Summers agreed, saying all wastewater companies have the same problems but many don’t think about approaching them with public education in mind. He said the more Jacksonville Wastewater Utility educates the public, the more the company is helped.
He added, “I’ve had several people inquire because they want to build similar displays to use at their (events).” Hughes noted that the utility would bring Summers’ displays to other companies upon request.
Summers also said, “People are hands-on and seeing is how (they learn)...These displays put it where the common person can understand right away.”
He noted, “The light bulb comes on instantly” when people see the models in action.
About winning, Summers said, “We don’t get recognized much for what we do, and it makes you feel good.”
Right now, he’s working on ideas for a public-education float the utility will debut at the Jacksonville Boys and Girls Club-sponsored Christmas Parade.
The float may be next year’s Ingenuity Contest entry, Summers added.
TO STORY >> Answer to higher authority
By JEFFREY SMITH
Leader staff writer
The Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office this week put “In God We Trust” decals on the back of all 25 of its patrol vehicles.
The decals were paid for by a private individual and not through the sheriff’s office budget. Numerous other individuals were also willing to pay for the project.
Sheriff John Staley said, “This is not about religion. It is about the nation’s motto. It is to bring unity to the nation starting at the local level.
“I am not making a personal statement. I asked my employees and citizens what they think. I wanted to know their thoughts. I wanted to hear the dissenting argument. There was no descent from the sheriff’s office. There would not be any negative repercussion if a deputy did not want the decal on their vehicle. This is a constitutional republic. Most of the dissenting voices were from people out of state and other cities,” Staley said.
Placing “In God We Trust” on law enforcement vehicles is happening around the nation. The Perry County Sheriff’s Office recently put the motto on its vehicles, Staley said.
“If I or the sheriff’s office is sued over this, the Liberty Institute has pledged to defend us at no cost to Lonoke County taxpayers,” the sheriff insisted.
The Liberty Institute, based in Texas, is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to religious liberty issues across the country.
Leader staff writer
The Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office this week put “In God We Trust” decals on the back of all 25 of its patrol vehicles.
The decals were paid for by a private individual and not through the sheriff’s office budget. Numerous other individuals were also willing to pay for the project.
Sheriff John Staley said, “This is not about religion. It is about the nation’s motto. It is to bring unity to the nation starting at the local level.
“I am not making a personal statement. I asked my employees and citizens what they think. I wanted to know their thoughts. I wanted to hear the dissenting argument. There was no descent from the sheriff’s office. There would not be any negative repercussion if a deputy did not want the decal on their vehicle. This is a constitutional republic. Most of the dissenting voices were from people out of state and other cities,” Staley said.
Placing “In God We Trust” on law enforcement vehicles is happening around the nation. The Perry County Sheriff’s Office recently put the motto on its vehicles, Staley said.
“If I or the sheriff’s office is sued over this, the Liberty Institute has pledged to defend us at no cost to Lonoke County taxpayers,” the sheriff insisted.
The Liberty Institute, based in Texas, is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to religious liberty issues across the country.
TOP STORY >> Food pantry marks 40 years
 |
| Cabot Church of Christ food pantry volunteers Chuck Coburn (left) and Steve Stephens load groceries into a car for a family in need. Some recipients have simply lost their jobs. |
By JEFFREY SMITH
Leader staff writer
The Cabot Church of Christ food pantry has been helping the less fortunate for nearly 40 years. It began serving meals in the community after the devastating tornado of 1976. Last month, the pantry served 147 families.
Food is given to those in financial need, and their financial statements are reviewed during an interview process. Eligible families that receive groceries from the pantry once a month must meet federal poverty levels and be residents of Lonoke County.
The pantry at 500 N. Second St. is open from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.
Kroger, Harp’s Foods stores and others supply the nonprofit with meats that don’t sell by the expiration dates.
In September, the demand for food grew and the pantry almost ran out of food to distribute, according to pantry director Bob Arnold said.
About those who use the pantry, he added, “Some have lost their jobs.”
The pantry is supported monetarily by private individuals. It gets food from Arkansas Rice Depot for free and orders $1,000 worth of groceries monthly from the Arkansas Food Bank.
People in need receive five bags of groceries — two bags of canned fruits and vegetables, a bag containing pasta and bread, a bag of frozen meats, such as ground beef, steak, bratwurst, and a bag of fresh fruit.
The pantry has 10 volunteers.
“There is a lot of work here that has to be done prior to distribution. We have to uncrate food, shelve it and bag it,” Arnold said.
“We are seeking people to get involved. You go home with great satisfaction of having done something. If they can come in after work to unbox and bag, we work that out with them,” he noted.
Volunteer Elizabeth Davis said, “Every time I give and help, I am so blessed. It makes me feel good that I am not the ones in line. I like being able to help.”
Sue Gage added, “I like to volunteer. It is a meaningful place to volunteer.”
Arnold said, “We have the most wonderful volunteers. They work hard and leave with a good feeling that they served somebody. All of the volunteers are compassionate. I couldn’t be more pleased.”
Friend’s House is a soup kitchen next door to the food pantry. In September, 983 people were served. Hot meals for the community are offered from 11:30 a.m. to noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Sack lunches are given out Tuesday and Thursday.
Friend’s House has helped with extra food left over from weddings and potlucks.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
EDITORIAL >> Words change
Kidnapping is a serious offense, and it’s not just the taking of people. Kidnapping words and holding them until the original meaning has been squeezed out of them is becoming more and more commonplace.
The most well-known word kidnapping is that of “gay.” It has been grabbed by a certain segment of people and now refers to a particular sexual orientation.
But imagine what it has done to social studies teachers across the country trying to teach about the “Gay ’90s.” And then there’s that Christmas song where they don “gay apparel.” That line usually brings a round of Christmas ho, ho, ho’s to those listening to the tune.
Now, gay isn’t the only word kidnapped and forced into other “wordly” servitude. There is also “liberal.”
Remember when it was a nice fun word? I enjoyed spending time with my grandmother because she would serve up a liberal portion of ice cream every night. My family would always use a liberal amount of pepper on mashed potatoes, and my mom, well, she was pretty liberal with the wine while making authentic spaghetti sauce.
Then there’s “bad.”
When something is so good that we want to use gooder or goodest, but know English teachers would rap our knuckles, we say it’s bad. So, when someone tells me my cooking is bad, is that good or bad?
When something is so good that good is not enough to cover it, it’s bad. But, when something is so bad that bad doesn’t cover it, it doesn’t become good — and that’s good, or is that bad?
— Rick Kron
The most well-known word kidnapping is that of “gay.” It has been grabbed by a certain segment of people and now refers to a particular sexual orientation.
But imagine what it has done to social studies teachers across the country trying to teach about the “Gay ’90s.” And then there’s that Christmas song where they don “gay apparel.” That line usually brings a round of Christmas ho, ho, ho’s to those listening to the tune.
Now, gay isn’t the only word kidnapped and forced into other “wordly” servitude. There is also “liberal.”
Remember when it was a nice fun word? I enjoyed spending time with my grandmother because she would serve up a liberal portion of ice cream every night. My family would always use a liberal amount of pepper on mashed potatoes, and my mom, well, she was pretty liberal with the wine while making authentic spaghetti sauce.
Then there’s “bad.”
When something is so good that we want to use gooder or goodest, but know English teachers would rap our knuckles, we say it’s bad. So, when someone tells me my cooking is bad, is that good or bad?
When something is so good that good is not enough to cover it, it’s bad. But, when something is so bad that bad doesn’t cover it, it doesn’t become good — and that’s good, or is that bad?
— Rick Kron
EDITORIAL >> Making kids look good
Appearances are everything, right? So, if your kids don’t pass the test, just lower the scale to show that they passed. Everyone is happy — the kids, their parents, the teachers, school administrators and state officials, who can proclaim, after all, that their schools are preparing children for college and good careers.
This is the latest step that Governor Hutchinson and his Education Department have taken to address the controversy over the Common Core, the national proficiency standards established a decade ago by governors and state education officials so that all the states could be measured by the same standards.
Arkansas adopted it several years ago when the idea was still popular. Mike Huckabee claimed to be one of its fathers. (Now he condemns it as a socialist plot.) People in Arkansas could know how well prepared their kids were compared with those in, say, Montana, Vermont, Texas or Alaska. The Common Core would measure students’ critical thinking skills, not just rote memorization. They put together a test, the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), that would serve as the comparison each year.
But, as always, the Common Core became political. Extreme right-wing groups said it was a United Nations effort to undermine America and make it soft for socialism. They had attacked the original national testing effort under President Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act on the same grounds, although it left every state to come up with their own tests, making national comparisons really impossible. Then when the PARCC test began to be administered—this was Arkansas’ second year—many communities realized their kids did not fare so well. Lots of teachers were unhappy with the results and the preparations.
So early this year, Gov. Hutchinson capitulated to the pressures from the right and appointed a committee headed by the lieutenant governor to see if something should replace the Common Core and the PARCC test. They, of course, said yes.
So the PARCC test will be replaced next year by another test used by only a couple of other states. Real comparisons will be impossible, but everyone in Arkansas can be reasonably happy that their schools and their kids are doing very well, thank you.
Meantime, what to do with the second PARCC test? Ohio, which was unhappy with the results of the PARCC tests, too, showed the way.
Under the PARCC standards, only 28 percent of Arkansas kids scored at level 4 of 5 levels in Algebra I, which meant that they were proficient in the skills needed for college or careers. So the state just changed the floor from 4 to 3. Presto!
That simple trick meant that 60 percent, rather than 28 percent, were proficient. In case any parent gets picky, the Education Department is preparing a follow-up explanation that the new passing grade, level 3, means that those 60 percent were only “approaching” proficiency.
Next year, with an entirely new test and no need to make many comparisons, the state can return to a system where we can always look as smart as we would like to be. We’re Number One! Now that’s good government.
This is the latest step that Governor Hutchinson and his Education Department have taken to address the controversy over the Common Core, the national proficiency standards established a decade ago by governors and state education officials so that all the states could be measured by the same standards.
Arkansas adopted it several years ago when the idea was still popular. Mike Huckabee claimed to be one of its fathers. (Now he condemns it as a socialist plot.) People in Arkansas could know how well prepared their kids were compared with those in, say, Montana, Vermont, Texas or Alaska. The Common Core would measure students’ critical thinking skills, not just rote memorization. They put together a test, the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), that would serve as the comparison each year.
But, as always, the Common Core became political. Extreme right-wing groups said it was a United Nations effort to undermine America and make it soft for socialism. They had attacked the original national testing effort under President Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act on the same grounds, although it left every state to come up with their own tests, making national comparisons really impossible. Then when the PARCC test began to be administered—this was Arkansas’ second year—many communities realized their kids did not fare so well. Lots of teachers were unhappy with the results and the preparations.
So early this year, Gov. Hutchinson capitulated to the pressures from the right and appointed a committee headed by the lieutenant governor to see if something should replace the Common Core and the PARCC test. They, of course, said yes.
So the PARCC test will be replaced next year by another test used by only a couple of other states. Real comparisons will be impossible, but everyone in Arkansas can be reasonably happy that their schools and their kids are doing very well, thank you.
Meantime, what to do with the second PARCC test? Ohio, which was unhappy with the results of the PARCC tests, too, showed the way.
Under the PARCC standards, only 28 percent of Arkansas kids scored at level 4 of 5 levels in Algebra I, which meant that they were proficient in the skills needed for college or careers. So the state just changed the floor from 4 to 3. Presto!
That simple trick meant that 60 percent, rather than 28 percent, were proficient. In case any parent gets picky, the Education Department is preparing a follow-up explanation that the new passing grade, level 3, means that those 60 percent were only “approaching” proficiency.
Next year, with an entirely new test and no need to make many comparisons, the state can return to a system where we can always look as smart as we would like to be. We’re Number One! Now that’s good government.
TOP STORY >> Beebe Fall Fest on Saturday at city’s ballpark
By JEFFREY SMITH
Leader staff writer
The 19th annual Beebe Fall Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Beebe Ballpark. New this year are a chili cookoff and a duck- calling contest. Admission and parking is free.
“We are working with several duck-call manufacturers. It has created a lot of buzz,” Beebe Chamber of Commerce director Kristen Boswell said.
The duck-calling contest is at 3 p.m. People can register at noon Saturday. The cost is $25 to enter. Participants can win cash, prizes and trophies.
“The chili cookoff gives a hometown-festival feel,” Boswell continued. It is a fundraiser for the Beebe American Legion Post 91. The cost is $20 to enter. Friday is the deadline to enter. Chili will be judged in three categories; most popular, judges’ choice and best-decorated table.
Festival-goers can sample the chili for $1 a bowl and vote on their favorite.
The Miss Beebe Fall Fest Pageant begins at 9 a.m. on the main stage. The cost to enter starts at $60. The pageant has eight categories. The deadline to enter is Saturday morning.
“We look forward to Fall Fest. It is a great way to bring the community together for a day of family fun and for businesses to promote their products and services to a large crowd,” Boswell said.
Musical entertainment will be by the rockabilly band Sonny Burgess and the Legendary Pacers at 1 p.m. Luke Williams will perform rock, blues and country at 5:30 p.m., and country band Confederate Railroad headlines the evening at 6:30 p.m.
Fall Fest will have more than 70 business vendors and eight food vendors. It will have Impact Martial Arts demonstrations, a rappelling demonstration by the fire department, a dog adoption event, an antique car show, a kids zone with inflatables and face painting and the Game and Fish aquarium.
Leader staff writer
The 19th annual Beebe Fall Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Beebe Ballpark. New this year are a chili cookoff and a duck- calling contest. Admission and parking is free.
“We are working with several duck-call manufacturers. It has created a lot of buzz,” Beebe Chamber of Commerce director Kristen Boswell said.
The duck-calling contest is at 3 p.m. People can register at noon Saturday. The cost is $25 to enter. Participants can win cash, prizes and trophies.
“The chili cookoff gives a hometown-festival feel,” Boswell continued. It is a fundraiser for the Beebe American Legion Post 91. The cost is $20 to enter. Friday is the deadline to enter. Chili will be judged in three categories; most popular, judges’ choice and best-decorated table.
Festival-goers can sample the chili for $1 a bowl and vote on their favorite.
The Miss Beebe Fall Fest Pageant begins at 9 a.m. on the main stage. The cost to enter starts at $60. The pageant has eight categories. The deadline to enter is Saturday morning.
“We look forward to Fall Fest. It is a great way to bring the community together for a day of family fun and for businesses to promote their products and services to a large crowd,” Boswell said.
Musical entertainment will be by the rockabilly band Sonny Burgess and the Legendary Pacers at 1 p.m. Luke Williams will perform rock, blues and country at 5:30 p.m., and country band Confederate Railroad headlines the evening at 6:30 p.m.
Fall Fest will have more than 70 business vendors and eight food vendors. It will have Impact Martial Arts demonstrations, a rappelling demonstration by the fire department, a dog adoption event, an antique car show, a kids zone with inflatables and face painting and the Game and Fish aquarium.
TOP STORY >> Lawsuit possible on repairing faulty road project
By JOHN HOFHEIMER
Leader senior staff writer
The Lonoke City Council on Monday night authorized Mayor Wayne McGee to initiate any action against or with the state Highway Department and/or the contractor, the Rogers Group, to fix a quarter-mile of Palm Street, rendered impassible since shortly after it was resurfaced.
“Let’s give the mayor permission to follow our attorney’s advice,” said council member Pat Howell.
It’s been there 65 years and never been closed, according to Howell, “but it failed three months after Rogers repaired it.”
“That’s Rogers, R-O-G-E-R-S,” said council member Janie Derning, spelling it out during the meeting for the press.
Neither the state nor the Rogers Group seems inclined to help remediate the problem, and, if the city has to do it, the project will likely require a bond issue, according to the mayor.
“Rainy season’s about to start up, and we’ll be in real trouble,” said Alderman Wen-dell Walker.
The state is claiming sovereign immunity, said McGee, but he said the city can’t afford the $200,000 repair, and he asked City Attorney Ginger Stewart to talk with state Rep. Camille Bennett (D-Lonoke) — the former city attorney — about the way forward.
The whole project, several city blocks, was done for $275,000, according to Howell, and now contractors want $200,000 to repair a fraction of that.
The mayor said the city going in and tearing out four blocks of asphalt to do it right would cost between $180,000 and $200,000. “That would be our paving budget for the next two to three years,” he said.
Something needs to be done, as portions of the city have been closed because it is so spongy that vehicles are bottoming out, he noted.
“It started falling apart two days after it was finished,” the mayor said.
He said the state, through a highway tax, had about $250,000 for milling and asphalting streets in Lonoke.
“The Highway Department came out, looked at our suggested street list, made the decision, hired the contractor and had inspectors out. Once they picked the streets, we had no say in the matter,” McGee explained.
Most of the overlay work the Rogers Group did in the city is fine, but, on Palm Street, the company had to mill down the road, build it back up and then asphalt it. “I’m not a paving guy, but I think it would be common sense to take a core sample before starting that kind of work to see how far into the base you have to go,” McGee said.
They cut the asphalt too low, to the gravel, the mayor said.
The Rogers Group operates in nine states throughout the Midwest and Southeast, offering crushed stone, sand and gravel, asphalt paving and road and bridge construction. It is headquartered in Nashville but has branches in Conway and Cabot.
In other business, the Lonoke Water Department, which lost as much as 40 percent of the water running through its pipes earlier this year, has made a lot of repairs and cut losses last month to about 19 percent, or 4 million gallons, according to Jim Kelley, water and waste water supervisor.
Typically, between 12 percent and 30 percent of water is lost through leaks and bad tracking caused by old or inefficient metering, Kelly said on Tuesday night after the meeting.
Lonoke lost 27.8 million gallons of water through the first quarter of 2015, according to former Public Works Director, the late Ron Gosnell.
“Some of those pipes are 100 years old,” Kelly said. And, during times of drought, the ground gets really hard and pipes can break.
His department repaired 34 leaks in September. “You can’t schedule leaks,” Kelly said.
He said a two-inch line near Dismukes broke earlier this year, and, before it was repaired, may have lost a million gallons. Kelley said his crew has run a continuous line there now, with no joints.
He said he was also working out a schedule for replacing water meters at residences and businesses. He said many are getting old and they have only about a 10- or 15-year life. Buying and replacing meters is expensive, he said, and will have to be done over a period of years.
He also reported that the Valero Pump Station repair was complete.
The council authorized him to contract with L and R to patch 24 cracks at the water department’s clarifier for $7,900, with a one-year warrantee. The whole clarifier could have been sealed for about $47,000, but that would have required advertising for bids. The city will consider that next year, the council said.
Ransom was authorized to spend $1,200 to overhaul the engine of the city’s leaf truck and to buy new tracks for the track hoe.
Also at the meeting, Randy Phillips reported that he expected to be finished tearing down the old Pet Quarters building on city property by the first of the year. He reminded those who said he was working too slow that he was doing the job for $100 and materials and that he was saving the city $180,000.
“I work seven days a week,” he said, “and I have to make a living.”
Jim Douglass, the city’s garbage pickup contractor, said he had intended to end his contract for solid waste disposal, but — on his way to the meeting — his wife talked him out of it, and he agreed to sign a new contract.
The city accepted an offer from the state’s Correction Department to bring 27 inmates in to clean ditches for the cost of a lunch each, for as long as needed, beginning after Nov. 1.
Acting Police Chief Randy Mauk asked for and received permission for the current K-9 officer to take his patrol car home — nine miles out of town — so he can take a dog directly where it’s needed during off-duty hours instead of driving in to the police department, moving the dog into a patrol car and then proceeding to the scene.
A prohibition still stands against officers out of town taking a squad car home.
Details still need to be worked out, but council members seemed interested in allowing residents to keep up to six chickens in their back yard, as long as they are far enough from neighboring houses, in a secure chicken coop with 3 square feet per chicken and the owner has a fenced yard.
Stewart, the city attorney, will prepare several ordinances for aldermen to choose from at the November meeting. There will also be some sort of provisions for city schools to raise chickens. No commercial ventures will be allowed, nor roosters, guinea chickens, ducks or geese.
Parks Supervisor Roy Lewis reported that the fourth City Park ballfield was pretty much complete, with drainage issues around the edges yet to be resolved.
In the city’s ongoing effort to get property owners to clean up, repair or demolish derelict houses, a house at 214 E. 11 was condemned and the city will demolish an already condemned house at 120 Sharon St., where repeated efforts to locate the owner have failed.
The council accepted the gift of an old Craftsman-style house from which Dr. B.E. Holmes ran his medical clinic at 305 W. Front St.
The city agreed to certain conditions and the house was sold as is.
Leader senior staff writer
The Lonoke City Council on Monday night authorized Mayor Wayne McGee to initiate any action against or with the state Highway Department and/or the contractor, the Rogers Group, to fix a quarter-mile of Palm Street, rendered impassible since shortly after it was resurfaced.
“Let’s give the mayor permission to follow our attorney’s advice,” said council member Pat Howell.
It’s been there 65 years and never been closed, according to Howell, “but it failed three months after Rogers repaired it.”
“That’s Rogers, R-O-G-E-R-S,” said council member Janie Derning, spelling it out during the meeting for the press.
Neither the state nor the Rogers Group seems inclined to help remediate the problem, and, if the city has to do it, the project will likely require a bond issue, according to the mayor.
“Rainy season’s about to start up, and we’ll be in real trouble,” said Alderman Wen-dell Walker.
The state is claiming sovereign immunity, said McGee, but he said the city can’t afford the $200,000 repair, and he asked City Attorney Ginger Stewart to talk with state Rep. Camille Bennett (D-Lonoke) — the former city attorney — about the way forward.
The whole project, several city blocks, was done for $275,000, according to Howell, and now contractors want $200,000 to repair a fraction of that.
The mayor said the city going in and tearing out four blocks of asphalt to do it right would cost between $180,000 and $200,000. “That would be our paving budget for the next two to three years,” he said.
Something needs to be done, as portions of the city have been closed because it is so spongy that vehicles are bottoming out, he noted.
“It started falling apart two days after it was finished,” the mayor said.
He said the state, through a highway tax, had about $250,000 for milling and asphalting streets in Lonoke.
“The Highway Department came out, looked at our suggested street list, made the decision, hired the contractor and had inspectors out. Once they picked the streets, we had no say in the matter,” McGee explained.
Most of the overlay work the Rogers Group did in the city is fine, but, on Palm Street, the company had to mill down the road, build it back up and then asphalt it. “I’m not a paving guy, but I think it would be common sense to take a core sample before starting that kind of work to see how far into the base you have to go,” McGee said.
They cut the asphalt too low, to the gravel, the mayor said.
The Rogers Group operates in nine states throughout the Midwest and Southeast, offering crushed stone, sand and gravel, asphalt paving and road and bridge construction. It is headquartered in Nashville but has branches in Conway and Cabot.
In other business, the Lonoke Water Department, which lost as much as 40 percent of the water running through its pipes earlier this year, has made a lot of repairs and cut losses last month to about 19 percent, or 4 million gallons, according to Jim Kelley, water and waste water supervisor.
Typically, between 12 percent and 30 percent of water is lost through leaks and bad tracking caused by old or inefficient metering, Kelly said on Tuesday night after the meeting.
Lonoke lost 27.8 million gallons of water through the first quarter of 2015, according to former Public Works Director, the late Ron Gosnell.
“Some of those pipes are 100 years old,” Kelly said. And, during times of drought, the ground gets really hard and pipes can break.
His department repaired 34 leaks in September. “You can’t schedule leaks,” Kelly said.
He said a two-inch line near Dismukes broke earlier this year, and, before it was repaired, may have lost a million gallons. Kelley said his crew has run a continuous line there now, with no joints.
He said he was also working out a schedule for replacing water meters at residences and businesses. He said many are getting old and they have only about a 10- or 15-year life. Buying and replacing meters is expensive, he said, and will have to be done over a period of years.
He also reported that the Valero Pump Station repair was complete.
The council authorized him to contract with L and R to patch 24 cracks at the water department’s clarifier for $7,900, with a one-year warrantee. The whole clarifier could have been sealed for about $47,000, but that would have required advertising for bids. The city will consider that next year, the council said.
Ransom was authorized to spend $1,200 to overhaul the engine of the city’s leaf truck and to buy new tracks for the track hoe.
Also at the meeting, Randy Phillips reported that he expected to be finished tearing down the old Pet Quarters building on city property by the first of the year. He reminded those who said he was working too slow that he was doing the job for $100 and materials and that he was saving the city $180,000.
“I work seven days a week,” he said, “and I have to make a living.”
Jim Douglass, the city’s garbage pickup contractor, said he had intended to end his contract for solid waste disposal, but — on his way to the meeting — his wife talked him out of it, and he agreed to sign a new contract.
The city accepted an offer from the state’s Correction Department to bring 27 inmates in to clean ditches for the cost of a lunch each, for as long as needed, beginning after Nov. 1.
Acting Police Chief Randy Mauk asked for and received permission for the current K-9 officer to take his patrol car home — nine miles out of town — so he can take a dog directly where it’s needed during off-duty hours instead of driving in to the police department, moving the dog into a patrol car and then proceeding to the scene.
A prohibition still stands against officers out of town taking a squad car home.
Details still need to be worked out, but council members seemed interested in allowing residents to keep up to six chickens in their back yard, as long as they are far enough from neighboring houses, in a secure chicken coop with 3 square feet per chicken and the owner has a fenced yard.
Stewart, the city attorney, will prepare several ordinances for aldermen to choose from at the November meeting. There will also be some sort of provisions for city schools to raise chickens. No commercial ventures will be allowed, nor roosters, guinea chickens, ducks or geese.
Parks Supervisor Roy Lewis reported that the fourth City Park ballfield was pretty much complete, with drainage issues around the edges yet to be resolved.
In the city’s ongoing effort to get property owners to clean up, repair or demolish derelict houses, a house at 214 E. 11 was condemned and the city will demolish an already condemned house at 120 Sharon St., where repeated efforts to locate the owner have failed.
The council accepted the gift of an old Craftsman-style house from which Dr. B.E. Holmes ran his medical clinic at 305 W. Front St.
The city agreed to certain conditions and the house was sold as is.
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