By JOHN HOFHEIMER
Leader senior staff writers
U.S. Dist. Judge D. Price Marshall must sign off on the formal detachment agreement dividing assets, liabilities and responsibilities between the Pulaski County Special School District and the emerging Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District.
As anticipated, the state Board of Education unanimously approved that agreement Thursday. Negotiated by PCSSD Superintendent Jerry Guess, JNP Superintendent Tony Wood and their teams and state Education Com-missioner Johnny Key, all three men signed the agreement July 27, and it was approved by the Jacksonville-North Pulaski School Board Aug. 3.
“It’s a solid agreement,” Key told the state board. “Both districts can move forward during remainder of transition time. It brought some clarity in areas that needed clarity.”
“The spilt of the assets is appropriate,” Key said. “Both districts will be able to move forward, efficiently, if not without some difficulty.”
“This is like the separation of Siamese twins,” Key said. “I want to express my appreciation to Mr. Wood and, before him, Mr. Lester, and Dr. Guess and their teams.”
While Marshall has said he doesn’t want to manage the detachment of Jacksonville from PCSSD, he will check the agreement to be sure it complies with the efforts of the two school districts to achieve unitary status.
The detachment agreement has already been filed with the court, according to PCSSD attorney Allen Roberts, and the judge, who doesn’t like to let things linger, is likely to rule on it at the Aug. 20 desegregation status hearing.
Guess told the board that the commissioner’s assessment captured the hard work and time put into the agreement and “I think it gives a framework critical to detachment and to PCSSD afterward. I’m here to show my support for this.”
“I don’t have anything to add,” Wood told the board.
Detachment is not the only critical issue PCSSD is faced with. It is beginning its fifth year of the five-year takeover by the state for reasons of fiscal distress. As a result of that, the PCSSD school board was dissolved in 2011 and Guess was appointed “interim” superintendent with the state education commissioner acting as PCSSD’s one-man school board.
During that time, Tom Kimbrell, then Wood and now Key have held the position. Kimbrell was hired away to be superintendent of Bryant School District and Wood to be superintendent of Jacksonville-North Pulaski, a job he assumed July 1.
State School Board member Jay Barth noted that the end of the state’s five-year authority to run PCSSD was approaching and asked that the board be given a more comprehensive look at the district’s fiscal situation at the next review.
“I’d like to know where we are now and how we’re going to get there — out of fiscal distress — if we are going to get there,” he said.
Among the elements of the detachment agreement, the new district will pay PCSSD $10.8 million for school buildings and a bus terminal that will become the property of JNPSD.
Based on the projected enrollment in the JNP district, PCSSD has agreed to pay JNP 26 percent of the final two $20.8 million state desegregation payments, or $5,409,170 during the 2016-17 school year and another $5,409,170 — earmarked for facilities improvements — during the 2017-18 school year.
The community, district leaders, architects, engineers and fiscal agents as well as Education Department staff will work to determine the revenue needed to support facilities improvements. The amount of a new millage increase proposal will be based upon that.
Distribution of assets and liabilities will be determined on a “per student basis.” For instance, PCSSD bought 2,900 iPads during 2014-15 for about $1.5 million and will acquire additional iPads and Chromebooks for 2015-16. PCSSD will pay JNPSD $750,000 for its claim to any of that property.
On its first day of operation, JNP will receive an advance of $4.5 million on any and all monies due under this agreement. That will give the new district some operating money.
JNPSD is eligible for its share of any legal fund balance after the legislative audit has confirmed that amount.
PCSSD will non-renew employees assigned to JNPSD schools near the end of the 2015-16 school year. JNPSD’s staffing plan commits it to comply with the desegregation obligations in PCSSD’s Plan 2000.
Those non-renewed employees are eligible to apply for their jobs, often at a lower rate of pay and are not guaranteed a position.
The agreement also provides for the transfer and maintenance of student and employee records from PCSSD to JNPSD.
Friday, August 14, 2015
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
EDITORIAL >> Former sergeant needs your help
Harold “Hutch” Hutchison — a local Mason and master sergeant retired from 24 years in the Air Force — was doing what he does, helping people, when tragedy struck.
A tree he and three other Masons were cutting down for someone in need fell on Hutch, paralyzing him from the waist down.
We couldn’t imagine the pain or the emotional agony he must be in, the great sense of loss felt by those whose injuries alter their lives forever.
But we can relate to the struggle of affording medical bills and fulfilling needs — like an awning to protect a wheelchair ramp at his house in Toneyville from the elements — that his family never thought Hutch would have.
We haven’t met MSgt. Hutchison, but his sister-in-law spoke of him fondly, describing Hutch as a family man and a Christian with a big heart who volunteered without seeking any kind of recognition for it.
His sister-in-law, Katrena Ziglar, set up a Centennial Bank account a few weeks ago, hoping people would use it to donate.
It is called the Harold Hutchison Donation Account, and the account number is 501505255. Please, anything you can spare would be much appreciated.
A tree he and three other Masons were cutting down for someone in need fell on Hutch, paralyzing him from the waist down.
We couldn’t imagine the pain or the emotional agony he must be in, the great sense of loss felt by those whose injuries alter their lives forever.
But we can relate to the struggle of affording medical bills and fulfilling needs — like an awning to protect a wheelchair ramp at his house in Toneyville from the elements — that his family never thought Hutch would have.
We haven’t met MSgt. Hutchison, but his sister-in-law spoke of him fondly, describing Hutch as a family man and a Christian with a big heart who volunteered without seeking any kind of recognition for it.
His sister-in-law, Katrena Ziglar, set up a Centennial Bank account a few weeks ago, hoping people would use it to donate.
It is called the Harold Hutchison Donation Account, and the account number is 501505255. Please, anything you can spare would be much appreciated.
EDITORIAL >> Metrotrends notes growth
Jacksonville was once the fastest-growing community in the area, but that was before its schools were entangled in an important, if debilitating, desegregation agreement.
Since that time, families inclined to live in the area, like Little Rock Air Force Base airmen, have headed farther up the highway, settling in Cabot, Ward and Austin where their children could attend Cabot District schools.
Meanwhile, lost in the hinterlands of the sprawling Pulaski County Special School District, Jacksonville got beat like a rented mule.
Jacksonville has actually lost population in recent years, but city leaders here are confident that the new Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District will turn the tide.
Cabot was the area success story earlier in this new millenium, with people fleeing integration and substandard schools in favor of new suburbs and new schools.
Jacksonville could only look on.
Now, however, while Cabot still continues to grow at a respectable rate — 10 percent between 2010 and 2015 — Austin and Ward to its north have grown the fastest.
Austin has grown by nearly 26 percent since 2010 and Ward by 16 percent. Bryant has grown by nearly 20 percent.
That’s according to Metroplan’s annual publication, Metro Trends Demographic Review and Outlook.
Of course, even with the phenomenal growth rate, Austin still has only 2,560 residents. While the growth rate was less in Cabot, it still added more residents over that period than the total number of people who live in Austin.
Although growth in Jacksonville has been flat between 2010 and 2015, with a population of 28,796, it’s still larger than Cabot.
For decades, Jacksonvillians have said, “Give us our own school district, and we’ll educate our children and build our town.”
The Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District, while it is already a legal entity, will choose its first elected school board in September and start educating children in the 2016-17 school year.
It will be the voters’ responsibility to tax themselves a bit so the new district can afford to begin replacing decrepit old buildings and to support the district any way they can.
Like a ship at sea, it will take a while to turn the new school district and community around. But, perhaps by the 2020 census, Jacksonville will begin to see growth again.
It took the city 30 years to get its own school district, and it may take a while longer to see the new district emerge as an engine for growth. But it will happen if you let it.
Since that time, families inclined to live in the area, like Little Rock Air Force Base airmen, have headed farther up the highway, settling in Cabot, Ward and Austin where their children could attend Cabot District schools.
Meanwhile, lost in the hinterlands of the sprawling Pulaski County Special School District, Jacksonville got beat like a rented mule.
Jacksonville has actually lost population in recent years, but city leaders here are confident that the new Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District will turn the tide.
Cabot was the area success story earlier in this new millenium, with people fleeing integration and substandard schools in favor of new suburbs and new schools.
Jacksonville could only look on.
Now, however, while Cabot still continues to grow at a respectable rate — 10 percent between 2010 and 2015 — Austin and Ward to its north have grown the fastest.
Austin has grown by nearly 26 percent since 2010 and Ward by 16 percent. Bryant has grown by nearly 20 percent.
That’s according to Metroplan’s annual publication, Metro Trends Demographic Review and Outlook.
Of course, even with the phenomenal growth rate, Austin still has only 2,560 residents. While the growth rate was less in Cabot, it still added more residents over that period than the total number of people who live in Austin.
Although growth in Jacksonville has been flat between 2010 and 2015, with a population of 28,796, it’s still larger than Cabot.
For decades, Jacksonvillians have said, “Give us our own school district, and we’ll educate our children and build our town.”
The Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District, while it is already a legal entity, will choose its first elected school board in September and start educating children in the 2016-17 school year.
It will be the voters’ responsibility to tax themselves a bit so the new district can afford to begin replacing decrepit old buildings and to support the district any way they can.
Like a ship at sea, it will take a while to turn the new school district and community around. But, perhaps by the 2020 census, Jacksonville will begin to see growth again.
It took the city 30 years to get its own school district, and it may take a while longer to see the new district emerge as an engine for growth. But it will happen if you let it.
TOP STORY >> Arrest made in heists
A Lonoke man was arrested Friday in connection with two gas-station robberies that occurred earlier in the day in Cabot.
Alan Gutekunst, 20, of Lonoke was charged with two counts of robbery and two counts of theft of property.
Police are working on locating the second suspect.
The first robbery occurred at 12:21 a.m. at Doublebee’s, 111 Bill Foster Memorial Highway.
A store clerk told officers a man walked into the store, placed a GameStop bag on the counter and demanded he put all the money in the bag. No weapon was involved.
The man left on foot and walked to the east side of the building. No vehicle was seen leaving the store.
A witness told police he saw two men in an early ’90s silver car parked in the back next to a wooden fence.
They wore ragged clothing.
The second robbery happened at 2:43 a.m. at the Shell gas station, 3185 S. Second St. The store clerk told police two white men entered the store with a white plastic bag.
The clerk recognized Gutekunst but did not know the other man. The other man was about 6 feet tall and wore a brown shirt and jeans.
When the two men went to the counter, they told the clerk to put the money in the bag.
The clerk told Gutekunst that he knew who he was, but Gutekunst did not respond.
The clerk said neither man threatened him or said they had a weapon.
The clerk said the robbers left in a silver Cadillac.
A witness stopped by the gas station for a soda just after the store had been robbed.
She told police she didn’t see the robbery, but saw the suspects’ car. It did not have a front passenger tire and was driving on the rim, she said.
The car was headed west over the Hwy. 5 overpass.
Gutekunst was arrested around 3:45 p.m. at Quality Petroleum, 11610 Maybelline Road in North Little Rock.
Alan Gutekunst, 20, of Lonoke was charged with two counts of robbery and two counts of theft of property.
Police are working on locating the second suspect.
The first robbery occurred at 12:21 a.m. at Doublebee’s, 111 Bill Foster Memorial Highway.
A store clerk told officers a man walked into the store, placed a GameStop bag on the counter and demanded he put all the money in the bag. No weapon was involved.
The man left on foot and walked to the east side of the building. No vehicle was seen leaving the store.
A witness told police he saw two men in an early ’90s silver car parked in the back next to a wooden fence.
They wore ragged clothing.
The second robbery happened at 2:43 a.m. at the Shell gas station, 3185 S. Second St. The store clerk told police two white men entered the store with a white plastic bag.
The clerk recognized Gutekunst but did not know the other man. The other man was about 6 feet tall and wore a brown shirt and jeans.
When the two men went to the counter, they told the clerk to put the money in the bag.
The clerk told Gutekunst that he knew who he was, but Gutekunst did not respond.
The clerk said neither man threatened him or said they had a weapon.
The clerk said the robbers left in a silver Cadillac.
A witness stopped by the gas station for a soda just after the store had been robbed.
She told police she didn’t see the robbery, but saw the suspects’ car. It did not have a front passenger tire and was driving on the rim, she said.
The car was headed west over the Hwy. 5 overpass.
Gutekunst was arrested around 3:45 p.m. at Quality Petroleum, 11610 Maybelline Road in North Little Rock.
TOP STORY >> Crafty startup has first class
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| Andrew Russell and Josie Pringle paint their wooden cutouts at Beyond the Canvas’ first class held Saturday in Sherwood. |
By SARAH CAMPBELL
Leader staff writer
Laughter and smiles abounded at the first-ever $35 Beyond the Canvas public painting class held Saturday evening in Sherwood.
Participants enjoyed painting wooden cutouts of the state, an owl, the University of Arkansas Hog, a “Gone Fishin” bobber and a fisherman.
They had two options, a blank canvas or one with a template “like a coloring book,” according to co-owner Heather Meadows.
Meadows, a detective in the city police department’s crimes against children unit, and artist Kristi Alberson founded the business.
They met through a “Wives Beyond the Badge” Facebook group for law enforcement spouses. Alberson is married to a police officer from a neighboring town.
She was making pieces at home to sell, but had become overwhelmed by the demand. When the two women discovered they both enjoyed painting and crafts, Alberson suggested a side venture, and the idea for Beyond the Canvas evolved from there.
“She’s the business sense. She doesn’t like big crowds. She doesn’t want to be in front of people, and she doesn’t instruct. She’s not crazy about instructing,” Meadows said of their partnership. “So she will do the hard work all day long. She just wants me to stand up there and talk to everybody and go through and help people.”
The police detective took art classes in school and is a certified instructor.
The business took about six weeks to set up, Meadows continued.
The two women have partnered with her friend, Mark Osborne of Southern Coating and Nameplate, for their space at 6200 Getty Drive off Landers Road.
Meadows said she and Alberson are looking at a 90-day trial period to see if Beyond the Canvas takes off before planning a big open house. The next class is at 5 p.m. Sept. 5, but they will be held every two weeks after that unless booked for an event.
With 14 participants in the first class, held on a day when temperatures climbed and mostly stayed in the 100s, the business seems to be well on its way to success.
One customer, Amy Brown, said, “It was a really fun experience, and, in the end, I was surprised at how cute my project turned out since I am not crafty at all. The tools they had actually made it easy. I liked that there was a template I could follow, yet I could customize it with a different pattern or color.”
Meadows said Beyond the Canvas would be available for private parties, like bachelorette parties, and have different themes each night — couples’ night, kids’ night, police appreciation and more. The business will travel if those booking have an appropriate space.
While the duo is sticking with wood cutouts for now, other crafts will be offered in the future. “We just want to see if anybody will start requesting and what kind of crowds we can get,” Meadows said, adding that holiday crafts are in her plans.
Their goal was to be more affordable than other art classes the police detective enjoys participating in and also to give patrons something that has a function in the home rather than the themed paintings she winds up with that don’t fit in.
Alberson said she began painting because she was home all day with a young child and needed a pastime. “You can only watch so much TV,” she joked.
Alberson started selling them after running out of room to display her pieces at her house. She enjoys painting because it’s “relaxing, creative. You walk away with something saying ‘Hey, I did that and it’s not too bad looking.’”
Beyond the Canvas also gives Alberson the opportunity to get out and have fun with other people, she said.
Meadows said she paints to unwind from her high-pressure job. “I have a lot of hard nights, and I just need to be able to relax…Painting and drawing were always something that gave me an out. It’s like my fun time, my down time where my brain stops thinking about everything else, and it just thinks about being creative and fun.”
She added that people who are interested in the classes should know, if money is an obstacle, the business hosts several contests for free entries on their Facebook page. Groups of five or more receive a discount, while 10 or more get in free.
Meadows said., “This is worth (your time). This is time where all you do is laugh. All you do is get creative.”
TOP STORY >> Surviving abuse
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| State Rep. Charlotte V. Douglas (middle) poses with the faces of domestic violence, Laura Ponce (left) Laura Webb (right) and Laura Aceves (in frame). |
Leader staff writer
A local woman who was nearly killed in 2012 when her husband ran her over is fighting back by continuing to push for legislation and informing people of new state laws that help victims of domestic violence.
Those laws help by allowing prosecutors to proceed in a case without the victim, requiring law enforcement to conduct lethality assessments that determine how at risk someone is of being killed by an abuser and having “Laura’s Card” — a list of victims’ rights — displayed in more places.
A side effect of all that is the state will now be keeping statistics to show how effective the legislation is.
Laura Webb of Cabot said her abuser never apologized, but uttered two words as he was led away in handcuffs. They were “You win.”
In her victim’s impact statement, a right included on the card, Webb told The Leader, “I said ‘this is my body. This is my life, and you go ‘you win,’ like this is a game. There is something, something lacking in you that you think this is a game.’
“It’s almost as if abusers look at their victims as a purse, or a shoe, a pet, and they can treat it any way they want to, like they own it. It’s not like we’re real people to them.”
Webb had been married to a federal law-enforcement agent — he investigated postal inspectors and workers — for 10 years when they left for a weekend getaway at Mount Magazine.
There had been two instances of physical abuse before then, when he head-butted and backhanded her.
“The immediate issue was over how we had been treated at a family function the week before, and I stood up for myself. I had my own voice, and he was angry that I voiced it,” Webb said about what led to the attempted murder.
“He said he wanted a divorce and I said, ‘Well, that’s fine with me if we get a divorce.’ And, when he realized I didn’t care if we got a divorce, he knew he lost all control, and I think that’s when he went out of orbit.”
Webb said her husband hit her with his truck, backed up over her, and drove forward over her again, before leaving her to die.
“By God’s grace, I was able to crawl to a cabin where there was a family, and they called 911,” Webb said.
She was flown to a hospital in Tulsa, Okla., to undergo experimental surgery. Webb’s right ribcage was rebuilt with five titanium plates and 32 screws.
“It’s hard to wrap your head around the fact that someone is trying to kill you, especially the person who said, ‘I’m going to promise to love, honor and protect you until the day we die.’
“I just didn’t know he was going to be the cause of, supposedly, the day I was going to die. It’s just unfathomable. There are no words to describe it.”
While Webb was in the intensive-care unit, her abuser violated a protection order by breaking into her Sherwood home.
Webb said the city’s police department protected her throughout the year she waited for him to stand trial, but they couldn’t see the protective order until it was faxed from Lonoke County.
That is why she and state Rep. Charlotte V. Douglas (R-Alma) are working toward a protective order database all agencies can access. Another step is a domestic violence registry that mimics the sex-offender registry.
And what became of Webb’s almost murderer? He spent 90 days in the county jail for a misdemeanor charge and then sued her for alimony because the conviction cost him his job.
One bill she and Douglas—“the champion, the driving force” — advocated for would have prevented abusers from seeking alimony.
Webb added, “Supposedly, he’s moved to another state, but he’s said that before and he was living four miles from me.”
The possibility of losing his job kept her husband from physically abusing her more often. “That time, he just didn’t contain himself,” Webb continued.
But, she explained, “There was huge financial abuse. He was in control of all the finances. There was enormous emotional and verbal abuse.”
Webb also said, “What I want other people to understand is our society wants to ask ‘why does the victim stay?’ And the question we need to be asking is ‘why are abusers abusing? And how do we implement stronger punishments on abusers?’”
That being said, she shed some light on why victims sometimes stay. “They need resources to be able to get out,” especially when they are uneducated, without job skills and/or the abuser has control of all finances.
Another complication is children, Webb explained. She said, “There are victims losing their kids in custody cases because abusers are very convincing and charming people. If abusers weren’t so convincing and charming, people wouldn’t be involved with them in the first place.”
And, from attending battered women groups, Webb has found that victims of domestic violence are educated, uneducated, rich, poor and of all races.
She also learned, “I needed to love myself first…Then I could help other people.
“I learned that I wasn’t alone. And I learned this is not only an epidemic, it’s a pandemic.”
The news of her near murder broke while Webb was at the hospital. She said, “I was mortified because there’s so much shame with it. I would like to say victims don’t need to be ashamed. The people that need to be ashamed are the abusers, not the victims…People are either going to fight, flight or freeze.”
Blaming victims for staying re-traumatizes them, she emphasized. “It is almost as if victims have to be detoxed from the abuser because the abusers are so charming and there’s such a pattern that they get into of the ‘I’ll do better.’”
While her husband never apologized, he would imply that he was sorry by buying her gifts, flowers or taking her on trips.
She also explained how a jury could be biased because they look for detailed stories from victims. “What people don’t understand is that, when people are victims of a crime, sometimes, because of the trauma, they’re not able to remember all factors of the event. And they expect us to be television witnesses and remember every aspect.”
Webb said, “Our state really needs to approach investigations with trauma-informed procedures, and we’re not at that stage yet.”
She hopes to inform Arkansas judges that they can stagger arrival times, which would mean victims and abusers not standing a few feet apart in the same line at the courthouse when their case is heard. That’s what happened to Webb.
Another of the victim rights — federal rights officials aren’t required to inform victims of but which victims can receive if they ask for them — is a separate waiting room during hearings.
Although the legislation Webb advocated for focuses on dealing with incidents after the fact, she is helping educate individuals about identifying a relationship as unhealthy.
She shared with The Leader several “red flags” people should watch for.
They include denial of access to finances, being told what to wear, being told what size to wear, being limited on time spent around friends and family, comments about their weight, having to ask permission to go out, destructive behavior, mistreatment of pets and physically intimate acts being forced upon them.
Also, victims need to press charges, especially if it would be a second conviction. Arkansas is one of a few states where the second misdemeanor offense abusers are convicted of becomes a felony, Webb noted.
About the lethality assessments now required when domestic violence is reported, she added, “I even think the person asking them has to see the seriousness of the situation, so it’s a learning tool for both parties.”
As for a victim’s family, Webb said they should look for withdrawal from friends and family, significant personality changes, depression, increased drug or alcohol use and overeating.
“No. 1, victims want to be believed,” she said. “The biggest thing families can do is always say ‘I love you, I believe you and I’m going to be here for you and I’m going to be ready when you go.’”
Webb also advises that victims privately record instances of any type of abuse. For those in her situation — where their abuser is a law enforcement official with the power of administrative subpoena that gives them access to cell phone records, financial records and more — documentation should be done through doctors and hospitals. Those records can’t be assessed because of HIPPA.
Webb also said the road to recovery is a long one and includes mourning the death of a relationship, even though that relationship was unhealthy.
It’s hard to restart, she said. “But, you know what, I’m alive and, by God’s grace, something that was meant for evil turned out for good. And I’m happy to be alive.”
About the legislation, state Rep. Douglas said she and others are continuing to help implement the changes.
She said advocates needed to “flush out a lot of the questions that have been coming in from law enforcement, legal questions: do we have to fill out the assessment if they don’t want to? Can we screen them in even if they don’t want to? Where do we file it? It was just bigger than we thought it was going to be.”
Other measures being worked on include adding shelters, hotlines and asking hotels to take victims in for the night as an alternative to a shelter, Douglas said. There are only 35 shelters for the 75 counties of Arkansas, Webb pointed out.
Alongside her and the state representative is Laura Ponce, whose daughter — Laura Aceves — was killed by her abuser.
The law requiring the lethality assessments, “Laura’s Law,” is named for Aceves.
Together, the three are the faces of domestic violence, Douglas said.
SPORTS STORY >> NP Falcons’ volleyball small, fiery
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
The 2015 North Pulaski volleyball team is lacking in depth, but competes hard, according to head coach Ben Belton. The Lady Falcons have only 10 players on the roster, not even enough for two full rotations of players. Six players, including four projected starters, have transferred to Sylvan Hills, while ninth graders who may have contributed to the varsity team are playing in the ninth-grade league at Jacksonville because NPHS did not have enough for a freshmen team.
“We can’t get anyone hurt, that’s for sure,” said Belton. “I like the ones I have, though. We’re not extremely athletic, but we’ve got some talent. They’re competitive and they work hard. I think we can make another playoff run.”
The Lady Falcons have enjoyed some success in camps over the summer. At the most recent one at Hendrix College in Conway, the Falcons beat Jacksonville, Arkansas Baptist and Conway St. Joseph, while losing to Morrilton and Fort Smith Southside.
“We have a long way to go, but there’s not much mystery about our lineup,” Belton said. “We’re going to go with who we’ve got and that’s all we’ve got. I think when you look at how we played against teams in our league, and when you compare how we did against other teams and how they did against those same teams, we’re not going to be out-manned. We’re going to be able to compete. Now how many we’re actually going to win, I can’t tell you. But I know we’ll be competitive. We’ll be in the hunt.”
The foundation of the small team will be a core of four seniors returning from last season. Kiarra Evans was an effective middle blocker and outside hitter last season. Payton Mullen provides experience at the key position of setter, and also has a strong service game. Makya Brown and Pauline Belola also bring two years of varsity experience to the lineup.
Sophomores Kelsey McQueen, Lindsey Burns and Russian foreign exchange student Lexi Sviardov also figure into the starting lineup. Taylor Reardon and Ashley Felton provide what little bench depth the team has. Amia Evans could also figure into things, but is current missing practice with an injury.
“That’s about it,” Belton said. “That’s the whole lineup. One thing we’re going to have to do is get in better shape because people aren’t going to be able to leave the floor. When we get in those five-set matches, we’re going to have to be in better shape than our opponent because we’re not going to be able to substitute as much.
“But like I said, I like the ones I have and we’re going to compete hard.”
Leader sports editor
The 2015 North Pulaski volleyball team is lacking in depth, but competes hard, according to head coach Ben Belton. The Lady Falcons have only 10 players on the roster, not even enough for two full rotations of players. Six players, including four projected starters, have transferred to Sylvan Hills, while ninth graders who may have contributed to the varsity team are playing in the ninth-grade league at Jacksonville because NPHS did not have enough for a freshmen team.
“We can’t get anyone hurt, that’s for sure,” said Belton. “I like the ones I have, though. We’re not extremely athletic, but we’ve got some talent. They’re competitive and they work hard. I think we can make another playoff run.”
The Lady Falcons have enjoyed some success in camps over the summer. At the most recent one at Hendrix College in Conway, the Falcons beat Jacksonville, Arkansas Baptist and Conway St. Joseph, while losing to Morrilton and Fort Smith Southside.
“We have a long way to go, but there’s not much mystery about our lineup,” Belton said. “We’re going to go with who we’ve got and that’s all we’ve got. I think when you look at how we played against teams in our league, and when you compare how we did against other teams and how they did against those same teams, we’re not going to be out-manned. We’re going to be able to compete. Now how many we’re actually going to win, I can’t tell you. But I know we’ll be competitive. We’ll be in the hunt.”
The foundation of the small team will be a core of four seniors returning from last season. Kiarra Evans was an effective middle blocker and outside hitter last season. Payton Mullen provides experience at the key position of setter, and also has a strong service game. Makya Brown and Pauline Belola also bring two years of varsity experience to the lineup.
Sophomores Kelsey McQueen, Lindsey Burns and Russian foreign exchange student Lexi Sviardov also figure into the starting lineup. Taylor Reardon and Ashley Felton provide what little bench depth the team has. Amia Evans could also figure into things, but is current missing practice with an injury.
“That’s about it,” Belton said. “That’s the whole lineup. One thing we’re going to have to do is get in better shape because people aren’t going to be able to leave the floor. When we get in those five-set matches, we’re going to have to be in better shape than our opponent because we’re not going to be able to substitute as much.
“But like I said, I like the ones I have and we’re going to compete hard.”
SPORTS STORY >> Lady Red Devils embrace role as program builders
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
The Jacksonville volleyball team will have several familiar faces on the court this year, but a new one running things from the sidelines. Whitney Abdullah takes over as the bona fide head coach, taking the place of Crystal Scott.
Coach Scott sat in as interim coach last year when the team lost its previous head coach just before the season began. Scott is now the head girls’ basketball coach, moving from her assistant basketball position after the departure of William Rountree to Maumelle.
Abdullah was Scott’s assistant a year ago, and has made some big changes since last spring.
“We started in early May doing strength and conditioning and just working on fine tuning our basic mechanics and volleyball skills,” said Abdullah. “Since then we’ve been going four days a week all summer long. We lost a few over the course of the summer to transfer or girls just deciding they didn’t want to play, but I’m really excited about the ones that are still here. The dedication they’ve shown has really paid off.”
Four seniors return to the starting lineup from last year’s team that finished fifth in the league, one spot short of making the playoffs in the 5A Central. The Lady Red Devils have good size in senior hitters Kym House and Terionna Stewart. Emily Lovercheck is short, but an athletic and crafty setter who sees the court well. Cassandra Smith is the fourth senior who returns as a defensive specialist.
Juniors Elizabeth Brown and Taylor Toombs also got varsity experience as sophomores and will likely be in the starting lineup this season. Brown was a hitter and defensive specialist last season, and will also set this year. Toombs is a versatile player, capable of playing throughout the entire rotation.
There will also be several sophomores that figure into things this year. Brittney Eskridge is one of the most improved players since the spring sessions.
“She has really impressed me over the summer,” Abdullah said. “She has come leaps and bounds as far as her understanding of things.”
Rebecca Brown is another sophomore Abdullah thinks could have a breakout year.
“She is going to surprise you,” Abdullah said. She has a lot of talent and she has the smarts we need out there for just being a 10th grader.
“Alana Harris is another sophomore that has really started tracking the ball great, and Savannah McKinney is a setter that has really worked hard this summer getting better at that position.”
Abdullah presided over a team meeting in April to lay down the rules for developing the foundation for a successful program. More than 20 players started with the team in spring, and the roster is down to 14, but the new head coach is excited about what remains.
“After April trials we sat down as a team,” Abdullah said. “We talked about the fact that we haven’t had a program here and we had to instill things that we haven’t had before. In order for us to build a program and become successful, this is what it’s going to take.
“The ones still here have been there and worked hard, even when they didn’t like it. I really have a lot of respect for these girls because they’ve shown that dedication. They understand it’s a process that probably won’t change things overnight, but they’re laying that foundation. They’ve really improved over the summer and they’re excited about the season and having the chance to show people their progress.”
Leader sports editor
The Jacksonville volleyball team will have several familiar faces on the court this year, but a new one running things from the sidelines. Whitney Abdullah takes over as the bona fide head coach, taking the place of Crystal Scott.
Coach Scott sat in as interim coach last year when the team lost its previous head coach just before the season began. Scott is now the head girls’ basketball coach, moving from her assistant basketball position after the departure of William Rountree to Maumelle.
Abdullah was Scott’s assistant a year ago, and has made some big changes since last spring.
“We started in early May doing strength and conditioning and just working on fine tuning our basic mechanics and volleyball skills,” said Abdullah. “Since then we’ve been going four days a week all summer long. We lost a few over the course of the summer to transfer or girls just deciding they didn’t want to play, but I’m really excited about the ones that are still here. The dedication they’ve shown has really paid off.”
Four seniors return to the starting lineup from last year’s team that finished fifth in the league, one spot short of making the playoffs in the 5A Central. The Lady Red Devils have good size in senior hitters Kym House and Terionna Stewart. Emily Lovercheck is short, but an athletic and crafty setter who sees the court well. Cassandra Smith is the fourth senior who returns as a defensive specialist.
Juniors Elizabeth Brown and Taylor Toombs also got varsity experience as sophomores and will likely be in the starting lineup this season. Brown was a hitter and defensive specialist last season, and will also set this year. Toombs is a versatile player, capable of playing throughout the entire rotation.
There will also be several sophomores that figure into things this year. Brittney Eskridge is one of the most improved players since the spring sessions.
“She has really impressed me over the summer,” Abdullah said. “She has come leaps and bounds as far as her understanding of things.”
Rebecca Brown is another sophomore Abdullah thinks could have a breakout year.
“She is going to surprise you,” Abdullah said. She has a lot of talent and she has the smarts we need out there for just being a 10th grader.
“Alana Harris is another sophomore that has really started tracking the ball great, and Savannah McKinney is a setter that has really worked hard this summer getting better at that position.”
Abdullah presided over a team meeting in April to lay down the rules for developing the foundation for a successful program. More than 20 players started with the team in spring, and the roster is down to 14, but the new head coach is excited about what remains.
“After April trials we sat down as a team,” Abdullah said. “We talked about the fact that we haven’t had a program here and we had to instill things that we haven’t had before. In order for us to build a program and become successful, this is what it’s going to take.
“The ones still here have been there and worked hard, even when they didn’t like it. I really have a lot of respect for these girls because they’ve shown that dedication. They understand it’s a process that probably won’t change things overnight, but they’re laying that foundation. They’ve really improved over the summer and they’re excited about the season and having the chance to show people their progress.”
SPORTS STORY >> Ex-Devil ‘K-Rich’ gets scholarship
By NATE ALLEN
Special to The Leader
FAYETTEVILLE – Even media quickly forget what happened on Arkansas’ Media Day but Kevin Richardson will always remember this one.
Shortly before addressing media Sunday, Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema addressed his Razorbacks and told them Arkansas’ third-year sophomore walk-on defensive back from Jacksonville is a walk-on no more.
For paying the price of a nickel advanced from a former redshirted 157-pound cornerback to 2013 every game special-teams letterman to current backup nickel back, Richardson is on University of Arkansas athletic scholarship now, Bielema told the team and then told media.
“We announced K-Rich was on scholarship about a half hour ago and the place went up for grabs,” Bielema said.
Clay Jennings, Arkansas’ defensive backfield coach, likened it to more joyous hallelujahs than a Sunday revival.
“I have never seen so many guys jump up and down,” Jennings said. “You would’ve thought they were in church today when coach announced it. All those guys are excited for Kevin. I am excited for Kevin.”
Jennings explained why.
“This guy comes to work every day with his lunch bucket,” Jennings said. “He doesn’t shy away from any work. Anything anybody else does he wants to do 10 times more. He is what being an Arkansas Razorbackis all about. He has got Razorback blood in his family. All of his brothers and sisters have gone to school here, too, so we are happy he is going to be on scholarship.”
A kinesiology major, Richardson couldn’t wait to call his parents who paid the price “for my dream,” Richardson said later of the small college scholarship offers he turned down to walk-on with the Razorbacks.
“It was extremely humbling,” Richardson said. “Gets a lot of weight off my parents’ shoulders and made me excited. This is something I have been working for since the whole time I got here. And to have it right in front of my eyes, it’s something I have dreamed of.”
The dream doesn’t cease with the scholarship.
“That doesn’t stop the grind,” Richardson said. “I am going to work like I still don’t have it.”
Bielema and Jennings expect nothing less.
“We talk about at the University of Arkansas that we don’t believe in being given anything,” Jennings said. “We want to earn everything and Kevin earned that scholarship.”
Sure did, says Bielema, citing Richardson’s scout-team work two years ago and last year playing on about every special team plus filling in anywhere and everywhere in the secondary.
“Really an incredible kid on the two-deep in two or three different spots,” Bielema said.
Now Richardson is the plugged nickel behind Henre Toliver.
“I was real comfortable with it last year,” Richardson said of working behind 2014 senior nickel Tevin Mitchel. “That was something I liked playing.”
Richardson knows Mitchel will like learning that his old understudy now plays it on scholarship.
“He was a real big part of it pushing me every day that ‘Just keep working. You can get that scholarship, man,” Richardson said.
Sunday’s Media Day allowed the Razorbacks to take a break from three days practicing in mid to high 90s temperatures before resuming preseason drills Monday in shoulder pads and thigh pads before breaking out the full pads yesterday.
It also allowed Bielema time to discuss the backups behind the starting offensive line adorning the Razorbacks’ media guide cover.
The largest line in college or pro, behemoths Mitch Smothers, Sebastian Tretola, Frank Ragnow, Denver Kirkland and Dan Skipper leave little space to discuss who is behind them.
However, Bielema from day one in the August, 2014 preseason touted redshirted freshman tackle Brian Wallace idled last Saturday by a foot injury but expected to practice this week, praised January, 2015 UA enrolled freshmen linemen Zach Rogers, Jalen Merrick and Josh Allen, and also lauded walk-on Johnny Gibson, redshirted as a freshman last fall out of Dumas, and just arrived freshman Colton Jackson from Conway.
Gibson and Jackson now operate behind Kirkland at left tackle.
“Johnny Gibson, a walk-on out of Dumas – he is in our two-deep and it’s not a joke,” Bielema said. “He is a legit player, a big body that moves people. Colton Jackson just coming in from Conway is kind of blowing us away. We knew he was going to be a good player, we knew he was athletic, but he has jumped in there and shown us some good things early on.”
Special to The Leader
FAYETTEVILLE – Even media quickly forget what happened on Arkansas’ Media Day but Kevin Richardson will always remember this one.
Shortly before addressing media Sunday, Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema addressed his Razorbacks and told them Arkansas’ third-year sophomore walk-on defensive back from Jacksonville is a walk-on no more.
For paying the price of a nickel advanced from a former redshirted 157-pound cornerback to 2013 every game special-teams letterman to current backup nickel back, Richardson is on University of Arkansas athletic scholarship now, Bielema told the team and then told media.
“We announced K-Rich was on scholarship about a half hour ago and the place went up for grabs,” Bielema said.
Clay Jennings, Arkansas’ defensive backfield coach, likened it to more joyous hallelujahs than a Sunday revival.
“I have never seen so many guys jump up and down,” Jennings said. “You would’ve thought they were in church today when coach announced it. All those guys are excited for Kevin. I am excited for Kevin.”
Jennings explained why.
“This guy comes to work every day with his lunch bucket,” Jennings said. “He doesn’t shy away from any work. Anything anybody else does he wants to do 10 times more. He is what being an Arkansas Razorbackis all about. He has got Razorback blood in his family. All of his brothers and sisters have gone to school here, too, so we are happy he is going to be on scholarship.”
A kinesiology major, Richardson couldn’t wait to call his parents who paid the price “for my dream,” Richardson said later of the small college scholarship offers he turned down to walk-on with the Razorbacks.
“It was extremely humbling,” Richardson said. “Gets a lot of weight off my parents’ shoulders and made me excited. This is something I have been working for since the whole time I got here. And to have it right in front of my eyes, it’s something I have dreamed of.”
The dream doesn’t cease with the scholarship.
“That doesn’t stop the grind,” Richardson said. “I am going to work like I still don’t have it.”
Bielema and Jennings expect nothing less.
“We talk about at the University of Arkansas that we don’t believe in being given anything,” Jennings said. “We want to earn everything and Kevin earned that scholarship.”
Sure did, says Bielema, citing Richardson’s scout-team work two years ago and last year playing on about every special team plus filling in anywhere and everywhere in the secondary.
“Really an incredible kid on the two-deep in two or three different spots,” Bielema said.
Now Richardson is the plugged nickel behind Henre Toliver.
“I was real comfortable with it last year,” Richardson said of working behind 2014 senior nickel Tevin Mitchel. “That was something I liked playing.”
Richardson knows Mitchel will like learning that his old understudy now plays it on scholarship.
“He was a real big part of it pushing me every day that ‘Just keep working. You can get that scholarship, man,” Richardson said.
Sunday’s Media Day allowed the Razorbacks to take a break from three days practicing in mid to high 90s temperatures before resuming preseason drills Monday in shoulder pads and thigh pads before breaking out the full pads yesterday.
It also allowed Bielema time to discuss the backups behind the starting offensive line adorning the Razorbacks’ media guide cover.
The largest line in college or pro, behemoths Mitch Smothers, Sebastian Tretola, Frank Ragnow, Denver Kirkland and Dan Skipper leave little space to discuss who is behind them.
However, Bielema from day one in the August, 2014 preseason touted redshirted freshman tackle Brian Wallace idled last Saturday by a foot injury but expected to practice this week, praised January, 2015 UA enrolled freshmen linemen Zach Rogers, Jalen Merrick and Josh Allen, and also lauded walk-on Johnny Gibson, redshirted as a freshman last fall out of Dumas, and just arrived freshman Colton Jackson from Conway.
Gibson and Jackson now operate behind Kirkland at left tackle.
“Johnny Gibson, a walk-on out of Dumas – he is in our two-deep and it’s not a joke,” Bielema said. “He is a legit player, a big body that moves people. Colton Jackson just coming in from Conway is kind of blowing us away. We knew he was going to be a good player, we knew he was athletic, but he has jumped in there and shown us some good things early on.”
SPORTS STORY >> Panthers don pads
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
A good first week of practice was followed by a good first day in pads for the Cabot football team. The Panthers went full contact for the first time Saturday morning, and closed practice with a lengthy and lively session of blood alley. That upbeat practice didn’t carry over on Monday after a day off.
“Oh it was hot and some of them were feeling sorry for themselves,” said Cabot coach Mike Malham. “I was kind of disappointed in their work ethic this summer, in some of the seniors. But we’re back on the road now. We’ve got three weeks to get them ready. I think we’re headed in the right direction, though. I think we got their attention today.”
The Panthers scrimmaged for the first time on Monday, ending practice with a 25-minute session of first offense against first defense. The defense dominated most of it, with the offense breaking a couple of plays, but the offense only ran its most basic plays.
Defensive coordinator Randall Black liked what he saw from his group, for the most part.
“I think we looked really good early, but then it looked like we got a little tired,” said Black. “They broke a few on us later on. That’s when you find out how good you are, when everybody’s tired. So that’s something we’re going to have to work on.”
The Panthers aren’t very deep on the lines and has already lost one returning starter. Defensive end Bryce Crockom suffered a knee injury during offensive practice when he ran into the field house wall while attempting to catch a wayward pass.
“It was just a freak accident,” Malham said. “We’ve never seen that happen before.”
Crockom is expected to miss four to six weeks, but should be back by the time conference play begins in week four of the season.
Crockom’s absence caused a shakeup in Cabot’s lineup. Returning starting fullback Kolton Eads moved to defense for Monday’s scrimmage, while newcomer Alex Roberts handled most of the work at fullback.
“We lost Crockam so Eads might have to play defense,” Malham said. “And he looks pretty good over there. He can run and he’ll hit you. And this new kid, (Roberts) he’s a lot like (2013 2,000-yard rusher Zach) Launius. He sees it. At first he wanted to dance around back there, but he’s got to where he’s hitting it up in there. We ran some blood alley on Saturday and he was hard to bring down. I think he could end up being really good. So we got Kolton and we got him. They’re two different kinds of backs so we feel pretty good about fullback.”
Most of the big plays the offense broke on Monday were carries by Roberts. David Morse had a few good carries on the halfback dive. The middle trap to the fullback and the dive were about the only plays the offense ran, so the defense had the advantage of having a good idea of what’s coming. Still, other than those few plays, it stuffed nearly every play.
“We didn’t run anything fancy, just base block and didn’t run anything outside,” Malham said. “We broke a few. They stuffed a few. We’re just trying to get that senior offensive line in gear. We really don’t have a lot of choices there. We don’t have much depth. Most of our backups are defensive linemen and we don’t want that happening. We’re just thin. We’re thin everywhere. But if we can avoid injuries, we’ve got some football players out here. And I think we’re going to have a chance to be pretty good.”
Leader sports editor
A good first week of practice was followed by a good first day in pads for the Cabot football team. The Panthers went full contact for the first time Saturday morning, and closed practice with a lengthy and lively session of blood alley. That upbeat practice didn’t carry over on Monday after a day off.
“Oh it was hot and some of them were feeling sorry for themselves,” said Cabot coach Mike Malham. “I was kind of disappointed in their work ethic this summer, in some of the seniors. But we’re back on the road now. We’ve got three weeks to get them ready. I think we’re headed in the right direction, though. I think we got their attention today.”
The Panthers scrimmaged for the first time on Monday, ending practice with a 25-minute session of first offense against first defense. The defense dominated most of it, with the offense breaking a couple of plays, but the offense only ran its most basic plays.
Defensive coordinator Randall Black liked what he saw from his group, for the most part.
“I think we looked really good early, but then it looked like we got a little tired,” said Black. “They broke a few on us later on. That’s when you find out how good you are, when everybody’s tired. So that’s something we’re going to have to work on.”
The Panthers aren’t very deep on the lines and has already lost one returning starter. Defensive end Bryce Crockom suffered a knee injury during offensive practice when he ran into the field house wall while attempting to catch a wayward pass.
“It was just a freak accident,” Malham said. “We’ve never seen that happen before.”
Crockom is expected to miss four to six weeks, but should be back by the time conference play begins in week four of the season.
Crockom’s absence caused a shakeup in Cabot’s lineup. Returning starting fullback Kolton Eads moved to defense for Monday’s scrimmage, while newcomer Alex Roberts handled most of the work at fullback.
“We lost Crockam so Eads might have to play defense,” Malham said. “And he looks pretty good over there. He can run and he’ll hit you. And this new kid, (Roberts) he’s a lot like (2013 2,000-yard rusher Zach) Launius. He sees it. At first he wanted to dance around back there, but he’s got to where he’s hitting it up in there. We ran some blood alley on Saturday and he was hard to bring down. I think he could end up being really good. So we got Kolton and we got him. They’re two different kinds of backs so we feel pretty good about fullback.”
Most of the big plays the offense broke on Monday were carries by Roberts. David Morse had a few good carries on the halfback dive. The middle trap to the fullback and the dive were about the only plays the offense ran, so the defense had the advantage of having a good idea of what’s coming. Still, other than those few plays, it stuffed nearly every play.
“We didn’t run anything fancy, just base block and didn’t run anything outside,” Malham said. “We broke a few. They stuffed a few. We’re just trying to get that senior offensive line in gear. We really don’t have a lot of choices there. We don’t have much depth. Most of our backups are defensive linemen and we don’t want that happening. We’re just thin. We’re thin everywhere. But if we can avoid injuries, we’ve got some football players out here. And I think we’re going to have a chance to be pretty good.”
Friday, August 07, 2015
EDITORIAL >> Dog gone it, here to stay
Almost all pet owners understand the importance of searching for their next pet. Whether it’s finding the right breed or visiting the local shelters, hoping to save the life of the perfect animal, finding the right pet is an endeavor most people have undertaken at some point. But, sometimes, pets find their owners.
Such was the case on July 2, when a Labrador-pit bull mix arrived in the backyard of my house outside Cabot around 10 p.m. My wife and I already owned three girls: a collie-St. Bernard mix, a Jack Russell-rat terrier mix and a Chihuahua.
I was taking the big girl, Evangeline, out for the last time at about 10 p.m. that Thursday when I spotted what would become the fourth dog in our household.
She was lying flat on her belly with her chin on the ground about 30 feet away, just watching. Unbeknownst to me or Evangeline, we had been selected to provide this new girl a home.
Introductions were cautious that night. Though thick and muscular, she was obviously hungry and thirsty. She was wearing a veterinarian’s tag, and the thought was that, if she was still there in the morning, we could call the vet and track down the owners.
A cup of food and a bowl of water on the front porch sealed the deal on the new home, at least in the mind of the newcomer.
Since Friday was July 3, the vet’s office, which was on Little Rock Air Force Base, was closed for the holiday weekend. So the new girl stayed the weekend. She was left outside again on Friday, and, again, was still there on Saturday. That night, Fourth of July fireworks were clearly scaring the poor thing, so my wife decided to let her inside.
It’s a full-blown move-in now, despite our best efforts.
On Monday, the vet’s office had no record of the tag number on the dog, which had now been at its new home for four days. We called the shelter, the dog was taken to be scanned for a chip that would find the owner, and the Arkansas Lost and Found Pet Network website received and posted the dog’s picture.
On Tuesday, the owners were found. The dog had been missing since March. And, though about seven years old, she had only been in that home for about a year. She had wandered up to them as well. The husband was away for work, and the wife had relegated the dog to live outside after she bit the cat. Since then, the canine had been prone to long periods of absence and had disappeared altogether in early March.
It wasn’t a joyous reunification on either side when they came to pick her up and take her home. When the dog finally recognized her former owners were there to pick her up, she dutifully jumped into the back of their SUV.
It was mentioned in passing what a friendly dog she is and how my wife had grown fairly fond of her over the past few days. About an hour later, the phone rang with an offer from the newly reunited family to let my wife have the dog.
I put my foot down and said our three dogs, plus two cats, were enough. She was a little disappointed, but agreed, and the offer was turned down.
The dog had other plans though.
Exactly one week went by, and, during breakfast, her smiling face appeared on the steps looking in through the patio door.
The door was opened and she walked in and laid down underneath the coffee table.
A few moments later, she was outside again, shoving the tattered soccer ball around the yard with her nose as fast as she could go, something she had grown fond of doing during her previous stint at our home, before jumping into the kiddie pool, slurping water as messily and loudly as any dog has ever done.
A phone call to her family wasn’t returned. Bobbi McGee, the name she was given a couple weeks later, was home at last. She had been trying to tell us that for almost two weeks, and we finally got the message. — Ray Benton
Such was the case on July 2, when a Labrador-pit bull mix arrived in the backyard of my house outside Cabot around 10 p.m. My wife and I already owned three girls: a collie-St. Bernard mix, a Jack Russell-rat terrier mix and a Chihuahua.
I was taking the big girl, Evangeline, out for the last time at about 10 p.m. that Thursday when I spotted what would become the fourth dog in our household.
She was lying flat on her belly with her chin on the ground about 30 feet away, just watching. Unbeknownst to me or Evangeline, we had been selected to provide this new girl a home.
Introductions were cautious that night. Though thick and muscular, she was obviously hungry and thirsty. She was wearing a veterinarian’s tag, and the thought was that, if she was still there in the morning, we could call the vet and track down the owners.
A cup of food and a bowl of water on the front porch sealed the deal on the new home, at least in the mind of the newcomer.
Since Friday was July 3, the vet’s office, which was on Little Rock Air Force Base, was closed for the holiday weekend. So the new girl stayed the weekend. She was left outside again on Friday, and, again, was still there on Saturday. That night, Fourth of July fireworks were clearly scaring the poor thing, so my wife decided to let her inside.
It’s a full-blown move-in now, despite our best efforts.
On Monday, the vet’s office had no record of the tag number on the dog, which had now been at its new home for four days. We called the shelter, the dog was taken to be scanned for a chip that would find the owner, and the Arkansas Lost and Found Pet Network website received and posted the dog’s picture.
On Tuesday, the owners were found. The dog had been missing since March. And, though about seven years old, she had only been in that home for about a year. She had wandered up to them as well. The husband was away for work, and the wife had relegated the dog to live outside after she bit the cat. Since then, the canine had been prone to long periods of absence and had disappeared altogether in early March.
It wasn’t a joyous reunification on either side when they came to pick her up and take her home. When the dog finally recognized her former owners were there to pick her up, she dutifully jumped into the back of their SUV.
It was mentioned in passing what a friendly dog she is and how my wife had grown fairly fond of her over the past few days. About an hour later, the phone rang with an offer from the newly reunited family to let my wife have the dog.
I put my foot down and said our three dogs, plus two cats, were enough. She was a little disappointed, but agreed, and the offer was turned down.
The dog had other plans though.
Exactly one week went by, and, during breakfast, her smiling face appeared on the steps looking in through the patio door.
The door was opened and she walked in and laid down underneath the coffee table.
A few moments later, she was outside again, shoving the tattered soccer ball around the yard with her nose as fast as she could go, something she had grown fond of doing during her previous stint at our home, before jumping into the kiddie pool, slurping water as messily and loudly as any dog has ever done.
A phone call to her family wasn’t returned. Bobbi McGee, the name she was given a couple weeks later, was home at last. She had been trying to tell us that for almost two weeks, and we finally got the message. — Ray Benton
TOP STORY >> Bonds set for several projects
By SARAH CAMPBELL
Leader staff writer
The Jacksonville City Council on Thursday passed 9-1 an ordinance issuing $8.8 million in 15-year bonds to pay off three loans and fund several improvements.
Projects to be funded through the bond issue include:
• Building a long-planned roundabout at General Samuels and Harris roads,
• Renovating the fire department’s Central Station at 900 N. Redmond Road,
• Buying two new fire engines and a ladder truck;
• Expanding the Splash Zone water park by adding a concrete splash pad with a play structure that has a bucket on top dumping water every five to 10 minutes on kids;
• Replacing a structure at the Marshall Smith playground in Dupree Park,
• And buying new exercise machines for the community center.
Finance director Cheryl Erkel said the loans to be paid off break down to approximately $1.3 million for the Game and Fish Foundation Shooting Sports Range, $1.4 million for the public safety complex that now houses the police department and $1.9 million for AWIN radios the city was required to purchase for its 911 center.
The city is still expecting $855,000 of the $2 million grant promised by the Game and Fish Foundation for the shooting range, she noted.
Taking care of the loans this way will drop Jacksonville’s monthly payments from around $150,000 to around $62,000, with the city paying a lower and varying interest rate, Erkel told The Leader.
The monthly savings — approximately $88,000 — will be used to purchase police cars and take care of other short-term needs, Jacksonville Mayor Gary Fletcher said previously. He noted that a 15-year bond shouldn’t fund things with life spans shorter than that.
The mayor also said the process began with a survey of all the departments, which were asked for their short-, mid- and long-term needs.
On Thursday, Fletcher told the council, “This is going to be a good thing for the city, I think, for several reasons. One, it frees up our cash flow as we get ready to go into the budget for next year and deal with things that we have not been able to deal with in the past.
“The projects that are on this bond issue are long-term things that we could never afford to save up to do, and they are needs in this community. Some of them are very, very vital needs, immediate needs,” the mayor continued.
He added that the fire station had not been kept up and firefighters quarters needed to be moved downstairs to avoid liabilities associated with them becoming injured from sliding down the iconic pole.
The mayor also said an unsafe structure at the Marshall Smith playground was removed last fall and had needed to be replaced since then.
He added that Splash Zone is a tourist attraction, bringing people from Greenbrier, Sheridan and elsewhere.
Alderman Mary Twitty asked Parks Director Kevin House what exercise equipment would be replaced. He said it would mainly be treadmills and ellipticals, but decisions had not been made yet.
A public hearing was held before this week’s vote.
No one spoke for or against the ordinance, but — at the mayor’s prompting — Jack Truemper of Stephens, Inc. addressed the council.
“We offered your bonds yesterday for sale. We went to the market at 9 o’clock yesterday morning, and we had a very successful sale. We were able to call the city about 11 o’clock and give you all a commitment to underwrite the bonds, which locked in your interest rates at an all-inclusive cost of 3.03 percent.
“We are set to close the bond issue on Sept. 15,” he continued. “That’s when construction funds will be sent to the city along with the amount of funds that will be available to pay off the three loans. The bonds were very well received in the marketplace.”
Alderman Mike Traylor, the lone “no” vote, also spoke. He pointed out that the roundabout was not included in the bond issue when it was first discussed in May.
The mayor responded that he thought it was wise to include the roundabout rather than make cuts elsewhere to come up with the money to construct it.
Traylor also asked Truemper for clarification on what had been offered and what was received. Truemper answered, “We went out there and put the bond issue, which we had structured to have what we call serial maturities, which means you have maturities maturing every year, ’16 out to 2030, and there was a principal amount of bonds at each of those maturities and interest rates that the investor would receive for purchasing those maturities.
“About a week ago, we sent out what is called a preliminary official statement to our sales force, which is an offering document which tells the story of the bond issue and of the city of Jacksonville. And so, then, so we kind of pre-marketed the bonds, so to speak,” he explained.
Truemper said the firm’s trading desk set the interest rate and customers — individuals and Arkansas banks — were called. The customers chose maturities and placed orders in minimum increments of $5,000, he told Traylor.
Truemper added, after Traylor asked if all the bonds had been sold, “I haven’t seen the balance at the end of the business day, but, from the standpoint of the city of Jacksonville, yes they have all been sold.”
Traylor also asked why the council was voting on the ordinance now. City Attorney Robert Bamburg answered, “The resolution that ya’ll passed about a month or six weeks ago is what authorized them to go forward and do what they’ve done so far. This authorizes the full issuance and then authorizes the mayor and (the city clerk) to sign off on the documents required for the issue to be completed. The sale actually won’t be completed. Jack gave you the date of Sept. 15.”
Traylor said he was under the impression that “the resolution was to go forward and see what the response would be, and it would come back to us on the city council to decide whether or not we were going to do an ordinance, or bond issue and how much. Evidently, that’s not the case.”
Bamburg argued that this was the process for a bond issuance.
Stephens, Inc. is the bond issue’s underwriter, with First Arkansas Bank and Trust serving as the bond trustee. The underwriter sells bonds to investors and the trustee holds onto the money, Erkel explained.
Leader staff writer
The Jacksonville City Council on Thursday passed 9-1 an ordinance issuing $8.8 million in 15-year bonds to pay off three loans and fund several improvements.
Projects to be funded through the bond issue include:
• Building a long-planned roundabout at General Samuels and Harris roads,
• Renovating the fire department’s Central Station at 900 N. Redmond Road,
• Buying two new fire engines and a ladder truck;
• Expanding the Splash Zone water park by adding a concrete splash pad with a play structure that has a bucket on top dumping water every five to 10 minutes on kids;
• Replacing a structure at the Marshall Smith playground in Dupree Park,
• And buying new exercise machines for the community center.
Finance director Cheryl Erkel said the loans to be paid off break down to approximately $1.3 million for the Game and Fish Foundation Shooting Sports Range, $1.4 million for the public safety complex that now houses the police department and $1.9 million for AWIN radios the city was required to purchase for its 911 center.
The city is still expecting $855,000 of the $2 million grant promised by the Game and Fish Foundation for the shooting range, she noted.
Taking care of the loans this way will drop Jacksonville’s monthly payments from around $150,000 to around $62,000, with the city paying a lower and varying interest rate, Erkel told The Leader.
The monthly savings — approximately $88,000 — will be used to purchase police cars and take care of other short-term needs, Jacksonville Mayor Gary Fletcher said previously. He noted that a 15-year bond shouldn’t fund things with life spans shorter than that.
The mayor also said the process began with a survey of all the departments, which were asked for their short-, mid- and long-term needs.
On Thursday, Fletcher told the council, “This is going to be a good thing for the city, I think, for several reasons. One, it frees up our cash flow as we get ready to go into the budget for next year and deal with things that we have not been able to deal with in the past.
“The projects that are on this bond issue are long-term things that we could never afford to save up to do, and they are needs in this community. Some of them are very, very vital needs, immediate needs,” the mayor continued.
He added that the fire station had not been kept up and firefighters quarters needed to be moved downstairs to avoid liabilities associated with them becoming injured from sliding down the iconic pole.
The mayor also said an unsafe structure at the Marshall Smith playground was removed last fall and had needed to be replaced since then.
He added that Splash Zone is a tourist attraction, bringing people from Greenbrier, Sheridan and elsewhere.
Alderman Mary Twitty asked Parks Director Kevin House what exercise equipment would be replaced. He said it would mainly be treadmills and ellipticals, but decisions had not been made yet.
A public hearing was held before this week’s vote.
No one spoke for or against the ordinance, but — at the mayor’s prompting — Jack Truemper of Stephens, Inc. addressed the council.
“We offered your bonds yesterday for sale. We went to the market at 9 o’clock yesterday morning, and we had a very successful sale. We were able to call the city about 11 o’clock and give you all a commitment to underwrite the bonds, which locked in your interest rates at an all-inclusive cost of 3.03 percent.
“We are set to close the bond issue on Sept. 15,” he continued. “That’s when construction funds will be sent to the city along with the amount of funds that will be available to pay off the three loans. The bonds were very well received in the marketplace.”
Alderman Mike Traylor, the lone “no” vote, also spoke. He pointed out that the roundabout was not included in the bond issue when it was first discussed in May.
The mayor responded that he thought it was wise to include the roundabout rather than make cuts elsewhere to come up with the money to construct it.
Traylor also asked Truemper for clarification on what had been offered and what was received. Truemper answered, “We went out there and put the bond issue, which we had structured to have what we call serial maturities, which means you have maturities maturing every year, ’16 out to 2030, and there was a principal amount of bonds at each of those maturities and interest rates that the investor would receive for purchasing those maturities.
“About a week ago, we sent out what is called a preliminary official statement to our sales force, which is an offering document which tells the story of the bond issue and of the city of Jacksonville. And so, then, so we kind of pre-marketed the bonds, so to speak,” he explained.
Truemper said the firm’s trading desk set the interest rate and customers — individuals and Arkansas banks — were called. The customers chose maturities and placed orders in minimum increments of $5,000, he told Traylor.
Truemper added, after Traylor asked if all the bonds had been sold, “I haven’t seen the balance at the end of the business day, but, from the standpoint of the city of Jacksonville, yes they have all been sold.”
Traylor also asked why the council was voting on the ordinance now. City Attorney Robert Bamburg answered, “The resolution that ya’ll passed about a month or six weeks ago is what authorized them to go forward and do what they’ve done so far. This authorizes the full issuance and then authorizes the mayor and (the city clerk) to sign off on the documents required for the issue to be completed. The sale actually won’t be completed. Jack gave you the date of Sept. 15.”
Traylor said he was under the impression that “the resolution was to go forward and see what the response would be, and it would come back to us on the city council to decide whether or not we were going to do an ordinance, or bond issue and how much. Evidently, that’s not the case.”
Bamburg argued that this was the process for a bond issuance.
Stephens, Inc. is the bond issue’s underwriter, with First Arkansas Bank and Trust serving as the bond trustee. The underwriter sells bonds to investors and the trustee holds onto the money, Erkel explained.
TOP STORY >> Library closing Dec. 31
By JEFFREY SMITH
Leader staff writer
Ward Mayor Art Brooke advised the Lonoke-Prairie County Regional Library System to adjust its budget in order to keep open his city’s struggling library. But, with state cuts to community libraries taking effect next year, Ward’s branch will close Dec. 31 if the city cannot come up with additional funding.
“It is easy to close a library. The challenge is to keep it open and operating,” Brooke said during the library system’s board meeting on Tuesday. The mayor said his city cannot afford to pay more.
The Lonoke-Prairie County Regional Library System lost $35,000 this year when legislators balanced the state budget by cutting $1 million in aid to libraries. The regional system has also operated on the same $1 million budget for 20 years, even as costs have increased.
Last month, Brooke requested the library board’s minutes from the regular and special meetings held over the last four years, the annual budgets for the library system for the last four years and the salaries paid by the Lonoke County Library System broken down into each library. The library system is working to fill Brooke’s request for a copy of all checks written the past four years.
“I have found lots of money. You’re not going to like my ideas. One was to close the Cabot library. That didn’t go over too good. You’re not going to do that, and I know that,” Brooke said.
He continued, “I’m looking for money to keep our library open. I’m not out to cause anyone problems. I want money so we can stay online. I told you that in the last meeting, and that hasn’t changed.
“I’ve found your total cut in budget was the $30,000 that was reported. Divide that by the five libraries, and they ought to come up with $6,000. We want to keep these libraries open to the best of our abilities. I looked through our funding to see what (the city of Ward) can do to be a contributor, also,” Brooke continued.
He said he spoke with the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District program manager Leigh Ann Pool earlier in the day. Brooke said Pool is going to try to find if there are any grants available. He asked that the grant be designated for Ward.
Brooke also said he spoke with state Rep. Joe Farrer (R-Austin) about General Improvement Funds through the Arkansas Department of Rural Services. He said Farrer has agreed to give money that would help keep the library open.
“We have some promises of some money,” Brooke said.
The city will look at its budget for 2016. Brooke has been told it costs $62,000 a year to run the Ward library with $17,000 of that coming from the city’s budget.
The city maintains the building, covers the insurance premiums and pays the utility bills.
Brooke has said in the past that some options being considered are having the library open just three or four days a week and having two part-time people working.
Many Ward residents do not want to see the library close. Last week, a petition was started at the library to save it from closing, and 18 people had signed the petition.
Since the prospect of closing was announced, one Ward library clerk resigned to be substitute clerk at the Cabot library. Another had to take a second job at Walmart and is working fewer hours at the library. It forced the Ward library to be closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch.
For the first half of 2015, the Ward library had 2,344 visitors. It had 8,243 items checked out. Computers were used 396 times.
“I hope it stays open,” Ward librarian Venessa Ford said.
Ward library patron Karan Kordsmeier said she likes the Ward library because the staff is friendly and strives to help.
“When I first found out it was closing, I was upset. It is something you never thought you would lose. It is local and family orientated. The Cabot library is a huge jumble. It was hard to tell what the books were, and I didn’t have the time to look at every book,” Kordsmeier said.
She said, with a smaller library, it is easier to keep track of her children. It makes her feels safer.
“If they are having problems, why are they building a new library in Cabot? They could use that money on the old (Cabot) building to keep this one open,” Kordsmeier stated.
Cabot’s new library, though, is being paid for with a city sales tax, not with additional funding from the library system.
“It is unfair to take away the only library that Ward residents have. It is within walking distance for many. If you don’t have a vehicle, you can’t get to the library in Cabot or Beebe. It adds to the cost of gas money to drive 15 to 20 minutes instead of two minutes. Taxi fares are expensive,” Kordsmeier said.
“The library is a place to go when it is too hot to be outside,” she added.
Her son, Patrick, who is 10, said, “I like their books and the activities they have here.”
“I’m pretty sure, if there was a 1-percent tax increase in Ward for the library, a lot of people would vote yes to that,” Kordsmeier said.
“If Cabot residents can do it for a new building, Ward residents could do it to keep a library open,” she continued.
Lonoke-Prairie County Regional Library System director Deborah Moore told The Leader on Wednesday that the board came up with ways to cut expenses.
• One was to close the Ward library.
• The second was to break up the single two-county library system, which was formed 25 years ago.
• The third was to accept Cabot’s donation of $155,000 for three full-time library employees’ salaries.
The city funds the Cabot library to buy books, materials and operation costs with 0.7 mills earmarked by the city council. The $155,000 came from that funding.
• The fourth was to combine the Carlisle and Lonoke branch manager positions and have one coordinator for both libraries based in Lonoke.
• The fifth was to implement a hiring freeze next year, unless filling a vacancy, and offer no salary or cost-of-living increases either.
Leader staff writer
Ward Mayor Art Brooke advised the Lonoke-Prairie County Regional Library System to adjust its budget in order to keep open his city’s struggling library. But, with state cuts to community libraries taking effect next year, Ward’s branch will close Dec. 31 if the city cannot come up with additional funding.
“It is easy to close a library. The challenge is to keep it open and operating,” Brooke said during the library system’s board meeting on Tuesday. The mayor said his city cannot afford to pay more.
The Lonoke-Prairie County Regional Library System lost $35,000 this year when legislators balanced the state budget by cutting $1 million in aid to libraries. The regional system has also operated on the same $1 million budget for 20 years, even as costs have increased.
Last month, Brooke requested the library board’s minutes from the regular and special meetings held over the last four years, the annual budgets for the library system for the last four years and the salaries paid by the Lonoke County Library System broken down into each library. The library system is working to fill Brooke’s request for a copy of all checks written the past four years.
“I have found lots of money. You’re not going to like my ideas. One was to close the Cabot library. That didn’t go over too good. You’re not going to do that, and I know that,” Brooke said.
He continued, “I’m looking for money to keep our library open. I’m not out to cause anyone problems. I want money so we can stay online. I told you that in the last meeting, and that hasn’t changed.
“I’ve found your total cut in budget was the $30,000 that was reported. Divide that by the five libraries, and they ought to come up with $6,000. We want to keep these libraries open to the best of our abilities. I looked through our funding to see what (the city of Ward) can do to be a contributor, also,” Brooke continued.
He said he spoke with the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District program manager Leigh Ann Pool earlier in the day. Brooke said Pool is going to try to find if there are any grants available. He asked that the grant be designated for Ward.
Brooke also said he spoke with state Rep. Joe Farrer (R-Austin) about General Improvement Funds through the Arkansas Department of Rural Services. He said Farrer has agreed to give money that would help keep the library open.
“We have some promises of some money,” Brooke said.
The city will look at its budget for 2016. Brooke has been told it costs $62,000 a year to run the Ward library with $17,000 of that coming from the city’s budget.
The city maintains the building, covers the insurance premiums and pays the utility bills.
Brooke has said in the past that some options being considered are having the library open just three or four days a week and having two part-time people working.
Many Ward residents do not want to see the library close. Last week, a petition was started at the library to save it from closing, and 18 people had signed the petition.
Since the prospect of closing was announced, one Ward library clerk resigned to be substitute clerk at the Cabot library. Another had to take a second job at Walmart and is working fewer hours at the library. It forced the Ward library to be closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch.
For the first half of 2015, the Ward library had 2,344 visitors. It had 8,243 items checked out. Computers were used 396 times.
“I hope it stays open,” Ward librarian Venessa Ford said.
Ward library patron Karan Kordsmeier said she likes the Ward library because the staff is friendly and strives to help.
“When I first found out it was closing, I was upset. It is something you never thought you would lose. It is local and family orientated. The Cabot library is a huge jumble. It was hard to tell what the books were, and I didn’t have the time to look at every book,” Kordsmeier said.
She said, with a smaller library, it is easier to keep track of her children. It makes her feels safer.
“If they are having problems, why are they building a new library in Cabot? They could use that money on the old (Cabot) building to keep this one open,” Kordsmeier stated.
Cabot’s new library, though, is being paid for with a city sales tax, not with additional funding from the library system.
“It is unfair to take away the only library that Ward residents have. It is within walking distance for many. If you don’t have a vehicle, you can’t get to the library in Cabot or Beebe. It adds to the cost of gas money to drive 15 to 20 minutes instead of two minutes. Taxi fares are expensive,” Kordsmeier said.
“The library is a place to go when it is too hot to be outside,” she added.
Her son, Patrick, who is 10, said, “I like their books and the activities they have here.”
“I’m pretty sure, if there was a 1-percent tax increase in Ward for the library, a lot of people would vote yes to that,” Kordsmeier said.
“If Cabot residents can do it for a new building, Ward residents could do it to keep a library open,” she continued.
Lonoke-Prairie County Regional Library System director Deborah Moore told The Leader on Wednesday that the board came up with ways to cut expenses.
• One was to close the Ward library.
• The second was to break up the single two-county library system, which was formed 25 years ago.
• The third was to accept Cabot’s donation of $155,000 for three full-time library employees’ salaries.
The city funds the Cabot library to buy books, materials and operation costs with 0.7 mills earmarked by the city council. The $155,000 came from that funding.
• The fourth was to combine the Carlisle and Lonoke branch manager positions and have one coordinator for both libraries based in Lonoke.
• The fifth was to implement a hiring freeze next year, unless filling a vacancy, and offer no salary or cost-of-living increases either.
TOP STORY >> Austin, Ward populations are growing
By JOHN HOFHEIMER
Leader senior staff writer
Growth in Austin and Ward has outpaced neighboring towns since 2010, while Cabot growth has slowed considerably and Jacksonville continued to lag behind, but Mayor Gary Fletcher says that’s about to change.
While Austin’s growth rate between 2010 and 2015 was 25.6 percent and Ward grew by 16.4 percent, Cabot’s growth was a more modest 9.5 percent and Jacksonville languished at 1.5 percent, according to Metro Trends Demographic Review and Outlook, published annually by Metroplan, with demographer Jonathan Lupton at the helm.
QUIET KEY TO GROWTH
The key to Austin’s fast-paced growth from 2,038 to 2,560 during that time?
“It’s quiet up here,” Mayor Bernie Chamberlain said, adding that the city has easy access to highways and that a number of excellent subdivisions are being developed.
She said the city is thinking about asking for a special census to document the growth and qualify for more federal money.
While Austin grew by about 520 during that period, the growth in Jacksonville, a city almost 15 times larger, was only 432 people.
“The past is the past, but the future…we’re quite excited,” Fletcher said.
Among area central Arkansas towns, only Wrightsville (1 percent), England (-1.7 percent), Carlisle (-0.7 percent) and Cammack Village (-2 percent) had less growth than Jacksonville or lost population.
Lonoke added 140 people and grew 3.3 percent.
CABOT GROWTH SLOWS
Growth slowed in Cabot, which grew by about 4,500 people between 2000-2005 but by only about half that from 2010-2015.
Fletcher said Jacksonville, with a history of old and poor schools, mired in a decades-old court desegregation suit, is less than a year from running its own school district, and he believes that will make all the difference.
“That’s why, for almost 30 years, we’ve tried to get our own school district, and 95 percent of voters approved that idea,” Fletcher said. “Now the community will be able to set standards that will draw young families.”
The new Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District will be completely free of the Pulaski County Special School District and ready to start classes after July 1, 2016 — less than a year off.
NEW SCHOOLS PLANNED
Already, there are plans for a new elementary school and a new high school.
Fletcher said Jacksonville is also poised for commercial growth along the Hwy. 67/167 corridor bisecting downtown. Prime development property includes the old Jacksonville Boys and Girls Middle Schools, on a rise near, and visible from, the highway.
“I’ve sat here all these years, knowing others were growing, and we weren’t,” said Fletcher. “We’re not there, but we can see it.”
The rate of growth in Lonoke County declined from 3 percent in 1990-2000, to 2.6 percent from 2000-2010 to .09 percent from 2010-2015.
Only Pulaski County grew steadily during that time, but only by fractions of a percent. Faulkner County growth declined from 3.7 percent to 2.8 percent to 1.5 percent during that same period.
POPULATION GROWTH
Little Rock experienced the most growth between 2010 and 2015, about 6,000 people, followed by Conway with about 5,300 and North Little Rock with 4,100. North Little Rock experienced the greatest turnaround from the 2000-2005 population, which actually decreased by 1,000.
Cabot, Maumelle and Sherwood all grew by less in 2010-2015 than in the 2000-2005 period.
Cabot’s population is now 26,040, Maumelle’s is 18,488, and Sherwood finally slipped over the 30,000 barrier with 30,725.
Jacksonville’s current population is 28,796.
Compared to 2000, the poverty rate increased in 2009-2013 in all the larger towns and cities in central Arkansas. North Little Rock had the highest poverty rate, 21.9 percent, followed by Little Rock at 18.6 percent and Jacksonville at 17.3 percent.
Cabot had a 12.7 percent poverty rate, Sherwood was 11.3 percent, and Maumelle was 5.1 percent.
HIGH POVERTY RATE
In 2013, Arkansas had the fourth highest poverty rate in the nation.
Towns seem to be discouraging construction of multi-family housing units, which some see as leading to a greater population of poor or minority tenants.
In 2014, the last year for which there is complete data, Jacksonville issued building permits for 28 homes, the lowest in at least four years, while they issued permits for 12 units of multi-family housing.
Nearly two thirds of housing permits in the four-county region were for single-family units.
ROUGH ROADS AHEAD
One problem for growth and economic development is the deterioration of roads, according to Metro Trends.
Budgetary restraints and other priorities, in combination with shrinking road and highway revenues from the federal government, have contributed to the poor conditions of so many roads.
And, when developers build roads into and through their new subdivisions, at completion, they are deeded to city or county governments, which are faced with the problem of maintaining more road with less money, Lupton said. Each new subdivision also requires more water and sewer from local utilities.
Some cities, such as Conway and Bryant, now require impact fees from developers — money to help offset the increased cost of maintenance, fire and police protection and water and sewer.
Leader senior staff writer
Growth in Austin and Ward has outpaced neighboring towns since 2010, while Cabot growth has slowed considerably and Jacksonville continued to lag behind, but Mayor Gary Fletcher says that’s about to change.
While Austin’s growth rate between 2010 and 2015 was 25.6 percent and Ward grew by 16.4 percent, Cabot’s growth was a more modest 9.5 percent and Jacksonville languished at 1.5 percent, according to Metro Trends Demographic Review and Outlook, published annually by Metroplan, with demographer Jonathan Lupton at the helm.
QUIET KEY TO GROWTH
The key to Austin’s fast-paced growth from 2,038 to 2,560 during that time?
“It’s quiet up here,” Mayor Bernie Chamberlain said, adding that the city has easy access to highways and that a number of excellent subdivisions are being developed.
She said the city is thinking about asking for a special census to document the growth and qualify for more federal money.
While Austin grew by about 520 during that period, the growth in Jacksonville, a city almost 15 times larger, was only 432 people.
“The past is the past, but the future…we’re quite excited,” Fletcher said.
Among area central Arkansas towns, only Wrightsville (1 percent), England (-1.7 percent), Carlisle (-0.7 percent) and Cammack Village (-2 percent) had less growth than Jacksonville or lost population.
Lonoke added 140 people and grew 3.3 percent.
CABOT GROWTH SLOWS
Growth slowed in Cabot, which grew by about 4,500 people between 2000-2005 but by only about half that from 2010-2015.
Fletcher said Jacksonville, with a history of old and poor schools, mired in a decades-old court desegregation suit, is less than a year from running its own school district, and he believes that will make all the difference.
“That’s why, for almost 30 years, we’ve tried to get our own school district, and 95 percent of voters approved that idea,” Fletcher said. “Now the community will be able to set standards that will draw young families.”
The new Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District will be completely free of the Pulaski County Special School District and ready to start classes after July 1, 2016 — less than a year off.
NEW SCHOOLS PLANNED
Already, there are plans for a new elementary school and a new high school.
Fletcher said Jacksonville is also poised for commercial growth along the Hwy. 67/167 corridor bisecting downtown. Prime development property includes the old Jacksonville Boys and Girls Middle Schools, on a rise near, and visible from, the highway.
“I’ve sat here all these years, knowing others were growing, and we weren’t,” said Fletcher. “We’re not there, but we can see it.”
The rate of growth in Lonoke County declined from 3 percent in 1990-2000, to 2.6 percent from 2000-2010 to .09 percent from 2010-2015.
Only Pulaski County grew steadily during that time, but only by fractions of a percent. Faulkner County growth declined from 3.7 percent to 2.8 percent to 1.5 percent during that same period.
POPULATION GROWTH
Little Rock experienced the most growth between 2010 and 2015, about 6,000 people, followed by Conway with about 5,300 and North Little Rock with 4,100. North Little Rock experienced the greatest turnaround from the 2000-2005 population, which actually decreased by 1,000.
Cabot, Maumelle and Sherwood all grew by less in 2010-2015 than in the 2000-2005 period.
Cabot’s population is now 26,040, Maumelle’s is 18,488, and Sherwood finally slipped over the 30,000 barrier with 30,725.
Jacksonville’s current population is 28,796.
Compared to 2000, the poverty rate increased in 2009-2013 in all the larger towns and cities in central Arkansas. North Little Rock had the highest poverty rate, 21.9 percent, followed by Little Rock at 18.6 percent and Jacksonville at 17.3 percent.
Cabot had a 12.7 percent poverty rate, Sherwood was 11.3 percent, and Maumelle was 5.1 percent.
HIGH POVERTY RATE
In 2013, Arkansas had the fourth highest poverty rate in the nation.
Towns seem to be discouraging construction of multi-family housing units, which some see as leading to a greater population of poor or minority tenants.
In 2014, the last year for which there is complete data, Jacksonville issued building permits for 28 homes, the lowest in at least four years, while they issued permits for 12 units of multi-family housing.
Nearly two thirds of housing permits in the four-county region were for single-family units.
ROUGH ROADS AHEAD
One problem for growth and economic development is the deterioration of roads, according to Metro Trends.
Budgetary restraints and other priorities, in combination with shrinking road and highway revenues from the federal government, have contributed to the poor conditions of so many roads.
And, when developers build roads into and through their new subdivisions, at completion, they are deeded to city or county governments, which are faced with the problem of maintaining more road with less money, Lupton said. Each new subdivision also requires more water and sewer from local utilities.
Some cities, such as Conway and Bryant, now require impact fees from developers — money to help offset the increased cost of maintenance, fire and police protection and water and sewer.
SPORTS STORY >> Technique is the focus early on for Jackrabbits
By GRAHAM POWELL
Leader sportswriter
After what’s been a busy summer, the Lonoke Jackrabbits began fall practice this week, and even though it’s the first week, head Jackrabbit Doug Bost is pleased overall with what he’s seen from his group.
“It’s been good,” said Bost. “Monday and Tuesday the energy was real good. (Wednesday) I think their legs kind of got to them. We’ve been doing a lot of running the first two days, but overall, the energy’s been good, the effort’s been good, and that’s what we’re looking for.”
With full contact not allowed until teams get five fall practices in, the Jackrabbits spent this week working mostly on conditioning and technique.
“Just coaching up a lot of technique,” Bost said. “Just the little things that you don’t have to go full contact on. We’ve been spending a lot of time, individually, working on technique stuff.
“We want to get good at our technique. On defense, are we getting our reads, and on offense, are we executing? This is the perfect time to work on all of that.”
Some teams spend the first week of practices working more on one side of the ball or one area of concern than another, but Bost said his practices have been well balanced in all three aspects of the game – offense, defense and special teams.
“It’s been an hour of defense, an hour of offense, and we put in one for special teams each day,” Bost said. “We feel good about offense and defense.
“We’ve pretty much covered everything, it’s just going over it and getting a lot of reps on it, and then special teams, it’s implementing a new one each day. I’m real proud of how we’ve progressed this week.”
Bost’s numbers this year are typical for Lonoke. The head Jackrabbit said he’ll probably have right at 45 players by the time fall practice sessions are all said and done.
“We had some drop off,” Bost said, “but I’d say it’s been pretty consistent over the last seven years of somewhere between 40 and 45. It’s my biggest senior class since ’09. I’ve got 15 seniors and that’s great when you have that many seniors.”
The Jackrabbits have had a busy summer with several 7-on-7 camps they’ve attended, as well as the summer workouts required by Bost and his staff. That extra work has led to a smoother transition to fall practice, according to Bost.
“I remember back in the early days when you didn’t do a whole lot in the summer, and when you came back you started from square one,” Bost said. “I mean, this is the cadence, this is your stance, this is your play – all that you do year-round now, so you don’t have to do all that anymore.”
Offensively, the Rabbits have plenty of experience at the skill positions, but not on the line. Bost said this year’s group of linemen will be small compared to years past, but he said he does like the progress that group has made in the first few days of fall practices.
“On the offensive line, it’s no secret,” Bost said, “we will be the smallest team every Friday night. We’ve told our kids that. Our offensive line is going to average 210 pounds, and everybody else is 250, 260.”
Leader sportswriter
After what’s been a busy summer, the Lonoke Jackrabbits began fall practice this week, and even though it’s the first week, head Jackrabbit Doug Bost is pleased overall with what he’s seen from his group.
“It’s been good,” said Bost. “Monday and Tuesday the energy was real good. (Wednesday) I think their legs kind of got to them. We’ve been doing a lot of running the first two days, but overall, the energy’s been good, the effort’s been good, and that’s what we’re looking for.”
With full contact not allowed until teams get five fall practices in, the Jackrabbits spent this week working mostly on conditioning and technique.
“Just coaching up a lot of technique,” Bost said. “Just the little things that you don’t have to go full contact on. We’ve been spending a lot of time, individually, working on technique stuff.
“We want to get good at our technique. On defense, are we getting our reads, and on offense, are we executing? This is the perfect time to work on all of that.”
Some teams spend the first week of practices working more on one side of the ball or one area of concern than another, but Bost said his practices have been well balanced in all three aspects of the game – offense, defense and special teams.
“It’s been an hour of defense, an hour of offense, and we put in one for special teams each day,” Bost said. “We feel good about offense and defense.
“We’ve pretty much covered everything, it’s just going over it and getting a lot of reps on it, and then special teams, it’s implementing a new one each day. I’m real proud of how we’ve progressed this week.”
Bost’s numbers this year are typical for Lonoke. The head Jackrabbit said he’ll probably have right at 45 players by the time fall practice sessions are all said and done.
“We had some drop off,” Bost said, “but I’d say it’s been pretty consistent over the last seven years of somewhere between 40 and 45. It’s my biggest senior class since ’09. I’ve got 15 seniors and that’s great when you have that many seniors.”
The Jackrabbits have had a busy summer with several 7-on-7 camps they’ve attended, as well as the summer workouts required by Bost and his staff. That extra work has led to a smoother transition to fall practice, according to Bost.
“I remember back in the early days when you didn’t do a whole lot in the summer, and when you came back you started from square one,” Bost said. “I mean, this is the cadence, this is your stance, this is your play – all that you do year-round now, so you don’t have to do all that anymore.”
Offensively, the Rabbits have plenty of experience at the skill positions, but not on the line. Bost said this year’s group of linemen will be small compared to years past, but he said he does like the progress that group has made in the first few days of fall practices.
“On the offensive line, it’s no secret,” Bost said, “we will be the smallest team every Friday night. We’ve told our kids that. Our offensive line is going to average 210 pounds, and everybody else is 250, 260.”
SPORTS STORY >> Lady Bear volleyball replacing six seniors
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
The Sylvan Hills volleyball team will be almost entirely different from last season. The Lady Bears lost six seniors, all of who played most of the rotations, from last year’s 5A-Central third-place team. Sylvan Hills coach Harold Treadway took the team to a camp last week at Greenbrier, and learned that the new group has a lot of work to do.
“It went about like I expected it to go,” Treadway said of the team camp. “The camp was divided up with junior varsity teams going in the morning and varsity in the afternoon. The sophomores, once they got over the jitters, they did pretty good. The juniors and seniors are still trying to figure out who’s who and where’s where.”
Lack of team chemistry is not an uncommon thing for teams this early in the preseason process, but Sylvan Hills has the added work of assimilating six new players who transferred from North Pulaski.
“We have four on the varsity from North Pulaski and they’re doing a good job,” Treadway said. “I’m glad they’re here. The ones I’ve had have done a good job of helping them blend in and making them welcome. We haven’t had any problems with that so far. And the new ones seem to be enjoying their move over and enjoy playing here.”
The first official day of preseason was Monday, and the Lady Bears started it sooner than probably anyone else in the state. Sylvan Hills started at 12:01 a.m. and practiced for three hours.
“It’s something I started a couple of years ago,” Treadway said. “Something different. It’s a lock-in type situation – kind of a bonding thing. It’s something I really felt like we needed this year with all the news kids coming in. It went really well.
“We bring them in about 9 o’clock that night. We have pizza and cheese dip and sodas. We do some fun activities. Then at 12:01 we start and we go for three hours.”
Despite the all the transfers, Sylvan Hills has only two seniors and both were on the team last year. Ashley Beach and Taylor Yeoman figure heavily into Treadway’s plans, but he’s still trying to figure out what his rotations and substitutions will look like.
“We’re not settled on a starting lineup,” Treadway said. “We’re still trying to figure out who can play front line, who can play back row and who, if anyone, can go all the way around?
“I don’t know if I’m going to move any sophomores up to varsity. I don’t typically like to do that unless it’s just an exceptional athlete. But it may be a situation where I have to. I just don’t know right now. But we’re getting close.”
Leader sports editor
The Sylvan Hills volleyball team will be almost entirely different from last season. The Lady Bears lost six seniors, all of who played most of the rotations, from last year’s 5A-Central third-place team. Sylvan Hills coach Harold Treadway took the team to a camp last week at Greenbrier, and learned that the new group has a lot of work to do.
“It went about like I expected it to go,” Treadway said of the team camp. “The camp was divided up with junior varsity teams going in the morning and varsity in the afternoon. The sophomores, once they got over the jitters, they did pretty good. The juniors and seniors are still trying to figure out who’s who and where’s where.”
Lack of team chemistry is not an uncommon thing for teams this early in the preseason process, but Sylvan Hills has the added work of assimilating six new players who transferred from North Pulaski.
“We have four on the varsity from North Pulaski and they’re doing a good job,” Treadway said. “I’m glad they’re here. The ones I’ve had have done a good job of helping them blend in and making them welcome. We haven’t had any problems with that so far. And the new ones seem to be enjoying their move over and enjoy playing here.”
The first official day of preseason was Monday, and the Lady Bears started it sooner than probably anyone else in the state. Sylvan Hills started at 12:01 a.m. and practiced for three hours.
“It’s something I started a couple of years ago,” Treadway said. “Something different. It’s a lock-in type situation – kind of a bonding thing. It’s something I really felt like we needed this year with all the news kids coming in. It went really well.
“We bring them in about 9 o’clock that night. We have pizza and cheese dip and sodas. We do some fun activities. Then at 12:01 we start and we go for three hours.”
Despite the all the transfers, Sylvan Hills has only two seniors and both were on the team last year. Ashley Beach and Taylor Yeoman figure heavily into Treadway’s plans, but he’s still trying to figure out what his rotations and substitutions will look like.
“We’re not settled on a starting lineup,” Treadway said. “We’re still trying to figure out who can play front line, who can play back row and who, if anyone, can go all the way around?
“I don’t know if I’m going to move any sophomores up to varsity. I don’t typically like to do that unless it’s just an exceptional athlete. But it may be a situation where I have to. I just don’t know right now. But we’re getting close.”
SPORTS STORY >> Devils figuring out depth chart
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
Numbers haven’t been what was expected back when as many as 83 turned out for spring practice, but the Jacksonville football team has been able to establish some depth with the 50 to 55 players who have taken part in the first official week of preseason drills.
A key reason for that achievement is the 20 seniors who are leading the way for the Red Devils this season.
“We’ve got a big senior class so we hope to have a little more leadership on the field,” said Jacksonville coach Barry Hickingbotham. “I think we’ve established a pretty good idea of our depth chart. We know pretty much who can help us and where they’re going to be most affective.”
Since teams are not allowed to practice in full pads until the sixth practice, coaches find other ways to determine who’s standing out and earning those starting spots.
“We’re looking at technique mostly,” Hickingbotham said. “We’re looking at the guys who are doing things right and we’re looking at who’s playing fast. If you’re not sure of what you’re doing, you’re going to hesitate and you’re not going to go full speed. And of course we’re looking at the ones who are giving effort and working hard every day.”
Hickingbotham, who is also the offensive coordinator, has his quarterbacks signaling plays from the sidelines during team drills. He has been impressed with both his senior and junior quarterbacks, Brandon Hickingbotham and Rowdy Weathers, and their understanding of the system.
“That’s something we’re going to try the first three games,” Hickingbotham said. “First and foremost just from a learning standpoint to help them understand what we’re doing. But we’re going to play both of those guys early. It’s a big plus to have to two guys that study and understand things the way they do.”
The bad news has been the inconsistency in participation. On Thursday, about 54 players were present with 47 dressed out. Friday morning’s practice was about the same in numbers, but not the same in personnel. Four projected starters were not at practice Friday morning.
“It’s a different 50 today, and that’s a little discouraging,” Hickingbotham said. “But I’m excited about the ones who are here every day giving it 100 percent.”
The lack of daily participation became an issue on the first day of preseason. The head Red Devil says there will be make-up work involved for any missed practice time, and thinks that will be the main reason numbers don’t climb much higher than they are now.
“We’re going to hold people accountable around here. About 50 is probably about where we’re going to wind up. We’ll see for sure when people start trickling in here and find out what it’s going to take to be held accountable.”
Leader sports editor
Numbers haven’t been what was expected back when as many as 83 turned out for spring practice, but the Jacksonville football team has been able to establish some depth with the 50 to 55 players who have taken part in the first official week of preseason drills.
A key reason for that achievement is the 20 seniors who are leading the way for the Red Devils this season.
“We’ve got a big senior class so we hope to have a little more leadership on the field,” said Jacksonville coach Barry Hickingbotham. “I think we’ve established a pretty good idea of our depth chart. We know pretty much who can help us and where they’re going to be most affective.”
Since teams are not allowed to practice in full pads until the sixth practice, coaches find other ways to determine who’s standing out and earning those starting spots.
“We’re looking at technique mostly,” Hickingbotham said. “We’re looking at the guys who are doing things right and we’re looking at who’s playing fast. If you’re not sure of what you’re doing, you’re going to hesitate and you’re not going to go full speed. And of course we’re looking at the ones who are giving effort and working hard every day.”
Hickingbotham, who is also the offensive coordinator, has his quarterbacks signaling plays from the sidelines during team drills. He has been impressed with both his senior and junior quarterbacks, Brandon Hickingbotham and Rowdy Weathers, and their understanding of the system.
“That’s something we’re going to try the first three games,” Hickingbotham said. “First and foremost just from a learning standpoint to help them understand what we’re doing. But we’re going to play both of those guys early. It’s a big plus to have to two guys that study and understand things the way they do.”
The bad news has been the inconsistency in participation. On Thursday, about 54 players were present with 47 dressed out. Friday morning’s practice was about the same in numbers, but not the same in personnel. Four projected starters were not at practice Friday morning.
“It’s a different 50 today, and that’s a little discouraging,” Hickingbotham said. “But I’m excited about the ones who are here every day giving it 100 percent.”
The lack of daily participation became an issue on the first day of preseason. The head Red Devil says there will be make-up work involved for any missed practice time, and thinks that will be the main reason numbers don’t climb much higher than they are now.
“We’re going to hold people accountable around here. About 50 is probably about where we’re going to wind up. We’ll see for sure when people start trickling in here and find out what it’s going to take to be held accountable.”
SPORTS STORY >> Numbers up, Sylvan Hills ‘booming’
By GRAHAM POWELL
Leader sportswriter
Despite graduating 23 seniors from last year’s 8-3 team, the Sylvan Hills football team began fall practices this week with higher numbers than in years past.
Sylvan Hills coach Jim Withrow said he’s got 72 players currently on his roster, and about 65 of those players went through the first week of fall practice.
Withrow said he’s had a small portion of players miss practices this week because of work, church camp or the simple fact that they took to the field at 6:30 a.m. throughout the week. But, by the time it’s all said and done, Withrow said he expects his roster to stay in the 70s.
“I think we’re going to be in the 70s,” said Withrow, “and in the future, I think that’s the way we’re going to go. We’re booming right now. We’re doing a lot with the kids. I like our coaches. I like what we’re doing.
“We’ve got administrators that are very much pro-athletics. We’ve got the new turf field. So we’re doing a lot of things to try and take our program to the next level.”
The Bears are coming off another busy summer of 7-on-7 meets and team camps that include the numerous individual workouts Withrow and his staff require the players to take part in throughout the summer.
With the first week of fall practices being limited to non-contact, practices have been in many ways an extension of the team’s summer activities.
“Right now they’ve kind of restricted things as far as how we can practice,” Withrow said. “It’s what we’ve been doing all summer, anyway. We’ve been out there all summer. We’ve had three workouts a week all summer.
“We’ve already been lifting and we’ve already been running plays. It’s not like we haven’t been doing stuff, so this is really kind of an extension of what we’ve been doing. It’s probably a little bit faster pace and is a little bit longer, but it’s gone well.
“We knew after the team camps we had to clean some stuff up and get better, so we’re doing that and trying to fit some guys in some spots where they can help us out.”
Even though the Bears have 72 players, the 23 seniors that graduated from last year’s team left with a lot of experience. That’s left Withrow and his staff working to fill some of the spots left by last year’s seniors, and it’s been at almost every position.
“It’s kind of hard to pinpoint one (area), because we only have three returning starters on offense and one of them is Jordan (Washington),” Withrow said. “Jordan was just a receiver last year and now he’s the quarterback.
“We return four on defense. The defensive line is all new. The secondary is three of the four. Our inside linebackers, both of those are new. Offensively, we have two linemen and Jordan and then everybody else is new.
“They’re young, but they’re athletic. So we’re going to get better and we’re going to get better every week. Our deal is we’re trying to speed up the process. I’ve been impressed with our effort. Our effort’s been good. Our attitudes have been good on both sides of the ball.
“I think we’re on schedule. The one thing I’d like to get is better execution and to be playing at a good tempo and a good pace. That’s the one thing we haven’t been able to do, especially at team camps. Now we’re getting to do that. We just have to adjust to the pace that we want to be at.”
Leader sportswriter
Despite graduating 23 seniors from last year’s 8-3 team, the Sylvan Hills football team began fall practices this week with higher numbers than in years past.
Sylvan Hills coach Jim Withrow said he’s got 72 players currently on his roster, and about 65 of those players went through the first week of fall practice.
Withrow said he’s had a small portion of players miss practices this week because of work, church camp or the simple fact that they took to the field at 6:30 a.m. throughout the week. But, by the time it’s all said and done, Withrow said he expects his roster to stay in the 70s.
“I think we’re going to be in the 70s,” said Withrow, “and in the future, I think that’s the way we’re going to go. We’re booming right now. We’re doing a lot with the kids. I like our coaches. I like what we’re doing.
“We’ve got administrators that are very much pro-athletics. We’ve got the new turf field. So we’re doing a lot of things to try and take our program to the next level.”
The Bears are coming off another busy summer of 7-on-7 meets and team camps that include the numerous individual workouts Withrow and his staff require the players to take part in throughout the summer.
With the first week of fall practices being limited to non-contact, practices have been in many ways an extension of the team’s summer activities.
“Right now they’ve kind of restricted things as far as how we can practice,” Withrow said. “It’s what we’ve been doing all summer, anyway. We’ve been out there all summer. We’ve had three workouts a week all summer.
“We’ve already been lifting and we’ve already been running plays. It’s not like we haven’t been doing stuff, so this is really kind of an extension of what we’ve been doing. It’s probably a little bit faster pace and is a little bit longer, but it’s gone well.
“We knew after the team camps we had to clean some stuff up and get better, so we’re doing that and trying to fit some guys in some spots where they can help us out.”
Even though the Bears have 72 players, the 23 seniors that graduated from last year’s team left with a lot of experience. That’s left Withrow and his staff working to fill some of the spots left by last year’s seniors, and it’s been at almost every position.
“It’s kind of hard to pinpoint one (area), because we only have three returning starters on offense and one of them is Jordan (Washington),” Withrow said. “Jordan was just a receiver last year and now he’s the quarterback.
“We return four on defense. The defensive line is all new. The secondary is three of the four. Our inside linebackers, both of those are new. Offensively, we have two linemen and Jordan and then everybody else is new.
“They’re young, but they’re athletic. So we’re going to get better and we’re going to get better every week. Our deal is we’re trying to speed up the process. I’ve been impressed with our effort. Our effort’s been good. Our attitudes have been good on both sides of the ball.
“I think we’re on schedule. The one thing I’d like to get is better execution and to be playing at a good tempo and a good pace. That’s the one thing we haven’t been able to do, especially at team camps. Now we’re getting to do that. We just have to adjust to the pace that we want to be at.”
Tuesday, August 04, 2015
EDITORIAL >> Alimony check from PCSSD
An agreement reached Monday between the new Jacksonville school district and the Pulaski County Special School District is a bargain by any measure and should secure the city’s fledgling school system while it gets its footing.
The deal calls for the Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District to pay PCSSD $10.8 million for nine mostly dilapidated campuses and a bus depot, but lots of land and schoolhouses nonetheless. JNP will receive about $11 million in federal desegregation money, which will soon be phased out for all central Arkansas districts, and it will also get $4.5 million in separation money.
It’s a divorce worth bragging about considering many Jacksonville residents would have been willing to pay PCSSD for their freedom. The payout won’t be enough to build a new school or compensate the community that has been bilked by Dixon Road bureaucrats for decades. But the arrangement will be enough to set the Jacksonville district on a path to achieve all of the goals it has set for itself, like building new campuses and improving education standards.
The agreement will also provide JNP with enough funding to fight any lawsuits that it can be certain will be filed by John Walker, the civil rights attorney who for years sued PCSSD for inequitable treatment of black students. He’s already explained to U.S. District Judge Price Marshall what he says are major concerns about the Jacksonville district’s efforts to provide quality education to all of its students.
Walker’s condemnations of the new district are premature, but he is a force to be reckoned with. School board representatives should invite him to tour all of the campuses to see the havoc caused by PCSSD’s incompetence and neglect. He will see that rebuilding won’t be easy and that it will take several years.
Jerry Guess, interim superintendent of PCSSD, deserves praise for compensating Jacksonville as best he could. When he was appointed by the state to sort out PCSSD’s financial and academic problems, he had the courage to see that Jacksonville’s schools were in such bad shape that PCSSD couldn’t afford to make the necessary improvements because it would simply cost too much money.
Say what you will about him, but no other PCSSD superintendent ever supported Jacksonville’s effort to break away. The others always chose to continue the ignore-and-neglect strategy instead of doing the hard work of addressing what Jacksonville needed — at least three new schools and millions more in repairs.
Indeed, Jacksonville owes Guess a lot. It’s not likely the new district could have gotten more out of the deal or would have ever been released from PCSSD without his approval.
Jacksonville schools will be fully independent on July 1, 2016. That’s something to look forward to and an important factor to keep in mind when school board elections are held on Sept. 16.
There are three competitive races: Ron McDaniel vs. Celeste Williams, Richard Moss vs. Marcia Dornblaser, and a three-way race with Jim Moore, Jerry Reichenbach and Barry Roper.
Four other races are uncontested: Board President Daniel Gray is running for the at-large Position 1 seat; board secretary Carol Denise Miles is seeking the Zone 2 spot; board member LaConda Watson is after the Zone 4 seat; and Dena Toney is unopposed for the Zone 5 seat.
The candidates should steer clear of the divisiveness of the past. Positivity should be embraced as should open discussions about where schools should be built, how to pay for them, whether a millage increase is needed and what the new high school’s mascot should be.
The school board election should be treated as a new beginning of Jacksonville’s civic life as well as for its schools.
The Jacksonville detachment is a win-win situation. It will allow Jacksonville to build new schools with the state covering half the cost. It also lets PCSSD concentrate its resources on improving or replacing fewer schools.
Good school buildings are probably the most difficult hurdle to achieving unitary status, and both districts will continue to answer to the federal courts until they provide the same quality of education for all of their students.
The Jacksonville detachment, because of the opportunity to improve all facilities faster, is the keystone to solving the desegregation conundrum.
Jacksonville Superintendent Tony Wood told the school board Monday he plans to hire an architect and a construction firm to begin the rebuilding process right away.
This new district is taking shape fast.
The deal calls for the Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District to pay PCSSD $10.8 million for nine mostly dilapidated campuses and a bus depot, but lots of land and schoolhouses nonetheless. JNP will receive about $11 million in federal desegregation money, which will soon be phased out for all central Arkansas districts, and it will also get $4.5 million in separation money.
It’s a divorce worth bragging about considering many Jacksonville residents would have been willing to pay PCSSD for their freedom. The payout won’t be enough to build a new school or compensate the community that has been bilked by Dixon Road bureaucrats for decades. But the arrangement will be enough to set the Jacksonville district on a path to achieve all of the goals it has set for itself, like building new campuses and improving education standards.
The agreement will also provide JNP with enough funding to fight any lawsuits that it can be certain will be filed by John Walker, the civil rights attorney who for years sued PCSSD for inequitable treatment of black students. He’s already explained to U.S. District Judge Price Marshall what he says are major concerns about the Jacksonville district’s efforts to provide quality education to all of its students.
Walker’s condemnations of the new district are premature, but he is a force to be reckoned with. School board representatives should invite him to tour all of the campuses to see the havoc caused by PCSSD’s incompetence and neglect. He will see that rebuilding won’t be easy and that it will take several years.
Jerry Guess, interim superintendent of PCSSD, deserves praise for compensating Jacksonville as best he could. When he was appointed by the state to sort out PCSSD’s financial and academic problems, he had the courage to see that Jacksonville’s schools were in such bad shape that PCSSD couldn’t afford to make the necessary improvements because it would simply cost too much money.
Say what you will about him, but no other PCSSD superintendent ever supported Jacksonville’s effort to break away. The others always chose to continue the ignore-and-neglect strategy instead of doing the hard work of addressing what Jacksonville needed — at least three new schools and millions more in repairs.
Indeed, Jacksonville owes Guess a lot. It’s not likely the new district could have gotten more out of the deal or would have ever been released from PCSSD without his approval.
Jacksonville schools will be fully independent on July 1, 2016. That’s something to look forward to and an important factor to keep in mind when school board elections are held on Sept. 16.
There are three competitive races: Ron McDaniel vs. Celeste Williams, Richard Moss vs. Marcia Dornblaser, and a three-way race with Jim Moore, Jerry Reichenbach and Barry Roper.
Four other races are uncontested: Board President Daniel Gray is running for the at-large Position 1 seat; board secretary Carol Denise Miles is seeking the Zone 2 spot; board member LaConda Watson is after the Zone 4 seat; and Dena Toney is unopposed for the Zone 5 seat.
The candidates should steer clear of the divisiveness of the past. Positivity should be embraced as should open discussions about where schools should be built, how to pay for them, whether a millage increase is needed and what the new high school’s mascot should be.
The school board election should be treated as a new beginning of Jacksonville’s civic life as well as for its schools.
The Jacksonville detachment is a win-win situation. It will allow Jacksonville to build new schools with the state covering half the cost. It also lets PCSSD concentrate its resources on improving or replacing fewer schools.
Good school buildings are probably the most difficult hurdle to achieving unitary status, and both districts will continue to answer to the federal courts until they provide the same quality of education for all of their students.
The Jacksonville detachment, because of the opportunity to improve all facilities faster, is the keystone to solving the desegregation conundrum.
Jacksonville Superintendent Tony Wood told the school board Monday he plans to hire an architect and a construction firm to begin the rebuilding process right away.
This new district is taking shape fast.
TOP STORY >> Beebe mural unites community
 |
| Melba Brackin, who helped organize the painting of this mural on Main Street in Beebe, stands in front of the masterpiece that honors soldiers with artist Thomas Fernandez, an instructor at ASU-Beebe. |
By MELBA BRACKIN
Special to The Leader
The interest in Beebe’s first mural has been overwhelming.
The July weather couldn’t have been hotter as Thomas Fernandez, an art instructor at ASU-Beebe, began transforming the west wall of the Wilbur Mills Co-op building on Main Street into a military mural called “Brothers and Sisters.”
The simplicity of the mural as a silhouette is very striking. It depicts service members from all wars and conflicts — from the Doughboys and Yeomanettes of World War I to the modern soldier — and represents all four branches of the military.
The soldiers’ images blend into the USS Arkansas battleship, while a C-130 flies overhead near a soldier carrying the American flag.
People in the community, including schoolchildren and their parents, began to come to give a word of thanks and encouragement as the project unfolded. Some visited with artists Bill and Tina Song and Toni Spradlin, a business instructor at ASU-Beebe, who brought her niece and nephew.
“These three artists have worked full time from day one. We took off only during some of the extremely hot hours of the day. As it got hotter, we started earlier in the mornings and worked until about 2 p.m., coming back later, working as late as we could,” Fernandez said.
One veteran who came to look at the mural said, “It reminds me of myself when I was in the service and the different military people I came to know. I’ve been there; I know that person — they’re my brothers and sisters.”
When Fernandez heard the remark, he immediately had the title for the mural.
Fernandez and I thank everyone who contributed to the success of the mural, the city of Beebe for being the sponsor, the chamber of commerce for providing the awning, food and water, First Security Bank and Union Valley Baptist Church.
“We couldn’t have done any of this without Horance Taylor. The city brought in a crane and he operated it. He came in the evening after work,” Fernandez said.
Fernandez came to ASU-Beebe from Arkadelphia in the fall of 2012, when Bill Long retired. The next time he paints another mural, it won’t be in July.
(Editor’s note: Melba Brackin helped organize the painting of Beebe’s mural on Main Street.)
TOP STORY >> Panel picks Sherwood library site
By SARAH CAMPBELL
Leader staff writer
A Sherwood committee voted 6-1 Thursday to recommend 21 acres at the intersection of Oakbrooke Drive and East Woodruff Avenue as the future home of a new $6 million library.
The city council will vote on whether to give final approval of the site at its Aug. 24 meeting.
The land is priced at $496,000 — less than half the $1 million budget for that part of the project.
The wooded property is behind the Miller’s Crossing subdivision on Hwy. 107. It’s between there and where Oakbrooke Drive, traveling from Kiehl Avenue, comes to a dead end.
The site is north of East Maryland Avenue, and south of Hwy. 107.
Committee Chairwoman Lupe Pena-Valadez said that location was chosen for its cost, flexibility and potential for natural features, like walking trails.
She added that the committee wants the “integrity of the community” to remain and for the architects to be “respectful” of nearby homes.
The library is being constructed with a temporary 1.3-mill increase — about $39 in annual property taxes for the owners of $150,000 houses — voters approved in November.
The price of the recommended site will drop even more because four lots offered that aren’t contiguous won’t be needed, committee member and Alderman Ken Keplinger added.
The committee agreed, too, that a public meeting should be held once a preliminary design for the library is completed.
Also, some of the savings from purchasing land for less than the budgeted $1 million will go toward connecting the two pieces of Oakbrooke Drive, which has long been part of the city’s master street plan.
There was some discussion about putting a fire station on two or three lots of the property in the future, but library bond money can’t be used for anything but what is needed for the library.
Steve Grisham of Taggart Architects told the group before it voted that the chosen site was his top pick, noting that his firm didn’t consider the price tag.
“To us, after walking it, it’s a pretty good site…There’s a lot more potential for growth there.”
Mayor Virginia Young, after the meeting, said the site presented an “opportunity” to build a library with park-like features, such as an outdoor amphitheater.
Multiple entrances, a retention pond to help with drainage, a gate and lighting to discourage vandalism were also discussed at the meeting.
Keplinger said integrating the building with its natural surroundings would make it “not just a library. It’s a destination.”
The committee looked at 13 choices, but had narrowed those down to four by the beginning of its meeting last week.
Then, when none of the members voiced support for two of the four sites, the two remaining were formally voted on.
Keplinger was the one dissenting vote, as he favored a 5.25-acre site closer to the city’s municipal complex and behind the Bill Harmon Recreation Center. It was also behind First Christian Church on Kiehl Avenue.
But, the alderman said after the vote, the chosen site was a good deal.
That’s because the 5.25 acres were appraised at $600,000.
About the runner-up, Grisham noted, “It does have some terrain to deal with, but all these sites have that. The main objections we had are it’s just not really central to future growth.
“It’s kind of in a dated area and doesn’t have any potential for nature trails. And the views aren’t all that great, looking at the back of the church.”
Keplinger pointed out that the chosen site is only a few blocks from the center of the most densely populated part of Sherwood, according to a study the city had done.
He also said traffic would increase from people using the new connected road as a cut-through.
Bobby Roberts, director of the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS), added, “It’s in the middle of neighborhood, surrounded by really pretty, nice homes and a future primary arterial cross street…I think you’ve got a lot of potential out there (for a) first-class facility.”
The two sites were eliminated because no one spoke for them were listed at $960,000 each for less acreage than the recommended land.
One was behind the Mapco gas station on Hwy. 107 and near Sylvan Hills Middle School.
The other was also on Hwy. 107, by the Millers Crossing subdivision.
Leader staff writer
A Sherwood committee voted 6-1 Thursday to recommend 21 acres at the intersection of Oakbrooke Drive and East Woodruff Avenue as the future home of a new $6 million library.
The city council will vote on whether to give final approval of the site at its Aug. 24 meeting.
The land is priced at $496,000 — less than half the $1 million budget for that part of the project.
The wooded property is behind the Miller’s Crossing subdivision on Hwy. 107. It’s between there and where Oakbrooke Drive, traveling from Kiehl Avenue, comes to a dead end.
The site is north of East Maryland Avenue, and south of Hwy. 107.
Committee Chairwoman Lupe Pena-Valadez said that location was chosen for its cost, flexibility and potential for natural features, like walking trails.
She added that the committee wants the “integrity of the community” to remain and for the architects to be “respectful” of nearby homes.
The library is being constructed with a temporary 1.3-mill increase — about $39 in annual property taxes for the owners of $150,000 houses — voters approved in November.
The price of the recommended site will drop even more because four lots offered that aren’t contiguous won’t be needed, committee member and Alderman Ken Keplinger added.
The committee agreed, too, that a public meeting should be held once a preliminary design for the library is completed.
Also, some of the savings from purchasing land for less than the budgeted $1 million will go toward connecting the two pieces of Oakbrooke Drive, which has long been part of the city’s master street plan.
There was some discussion about putting a fire station on two or three lots of the property in the future, but library bond money can’t be used for anything but what is needed for the library.
Steve Grisham of Taggart Architects told the group before it voted that the chosen site was his top pick, noting that his firm didn’t consider the price tag.
“To us, after walking it, it’s a pretty good site…There’s a lot more potential for growth there.”
Mayor Virginia Young, after the meeting, said the site presented an “opportunity” to build a library with park-like features, such as an outdoor amphitheater.
Multiple entrances, a retention pond to help with drainage, a gate and lighting to discourage vandalism were also discussed at the meeting.
Keplinger said integrating the building with its natural surroundings would make it “not just a library. It’s a destination.”
The committee looked at 13 choices, but had narrowed those down to four by the beginning of its meeting last week.
Then, when none of the members voiced support for two of the four sites, the two remaining were formally voted on.
Keplinger was the one dissenting vote, as he favored a 5.25-acre site closer to the city’s municipal complex and behind the Bill Harmon Recreation Center. It was also behind First Christian Church on Kiehl Avenue.
But, the alderman said after the vote, the chosen site was a good deal.
That’s because the 5.25 acres were appraised at $600,000.
About the runner-up, Grisham noted, “It does have some terrain to deal with, but all these sites have that. The main objections we had are it’s just not really central to future growth.
“It’s kind of in a dated area and doesn’t have any potential for nature trails. And the views aren’t all that great, looking at the back of the church.”
Keplinger pointed out that the chosen site is only a few blocks from the center of the most densely populated part of Sherwood, according to a study the city had done.
He also said traffic would increase from people using the new connected road as a cut-through.
Bobby Roberts, director of the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS), added, “It’s in the middle of neighborhood, surrounded by really pretty, nice homes and a future primary arterial cross street…I think you’ve got a lot of potential out there (for a) first-class facility.”
The two sites were eliminated because no one spoke for them were listed at $960,000 each for less acreage than the recommended land.
One was behind the Mapco gas station on Hwy. 107 and near Sylvan Hills Middle School.
The other was also on Hwy. 107, by the Millers Crossing subdivision.
SPORTS STORY >> Cabot senior legion takes fourth at state
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
The Centennial Bank senior American Legion team finished fourth in the state tournament that took place at UA-Fort Smith’s Crowder Field last week. The Bryant Black Sox repeated as state champions after beating Cabot 4-2 in the first round, but the Centennial Bank squad should have won that game. Cabot out-hit the state champs 14-8, but left 12 runners on base and managed just two runs.
That sent Cabot to the loser’s bracket, where it defeated Conway 6-5 after falling behind early. Cabot’s first run came in the fifth inning. Blake McCutchen reached base on an error in right field and advanced on a throwing error by the pitcher on a pickoff move. He then scored when Austin Null singled to center field with two outs.
The sixth inning went much like Cabot’s entire game against Bryant. Five batters went to the plate and four got base hits, but only scored two runs.
Dylan Bowers led off with a single but was caught off the base paths and thrown out on a 2-5-6 play after Lee Sullivan’s single. Brett Brockinton struck out for the second out. Logan Kirkendoll then doubled to score Sullivan. Kirkendoll then scored on a single by Gavin Tillery, but Tillery was caught stealing to end the inning.
Cabot, 16-14, still trailed 5-3 going into the eighth inning when a Conway pitching change spelled doom for the Cougars. After Null struck out to start the eighth, Bowers, Sullivan and Brockinton drew consecutive walks. Kirkendoll picked up another RBI with a sacrifice fly to right field. Tillery then drove in the tying and winning runs with a base hit to right field.
Tillery went 2 for 4 with two RBIs and was also the winning pitcher. He threw eight innings for the win, while Logan Gilbertson held Conway scoreless in the ninth inning to earn the save.
Cabot faced Russellville on Sunday in another elimination game, and came away with a 5-4 victory on the strength of nine base hits. Brockinton, Kirkendoll and Braden Jarnagin each had two hits while those three plus Bowers and Tillery drove in one run apiece.
Gilbertson threw the first six innings, but Michael Shepherd got the win by holding Russellville scoreless over the last three as Cabot mounted its comeback.
That eliminated Russellville and sent Cabot to the semifinals against Texarkana. The Tigers held Cabot to just four hits and earned a 7-3 victory.
Cabot’s first run came in the first inning when a single by Sullivan was followed by a Texarkana error. Trailing 7-1, Cabot put together a minor rally in the eighth, but it wasn’t enough. Bowers and Sullivan each got one-out base hits. Bowers scored on Sullivan’s hit, and Sullivan scored on a wild pitch.
Leader sports editor
The Centennial Bank senior American Legion team finished fourth in the state tournament that took place at UA-Fort Smith’s Crowder Field last week. The Bryant Black Sox repeated as state champions after beating Cabot 4-2 in the first round, but the Centennial Bank squad should have won that game. Cabot out-hit the state champs 14-8, but left 12 runners on base and managed just two runs.
That sent Cabot to the loser’s bracket, where it defeated Conway 6-5 after falling behind early. Cabot’s first run came in the fifth inning. Blake McCutchen reached base on an error in right field and advanced on a throwing error by the pitcher on a pickoff move. He then scored when Austin Null singled to center field with two outs.
The sixth inning went much like Cabot’s entire game against Bryant. Five batters went to the plate and four got base hits, but only scored two runs.
Dylan Bowers led off with a single but was caught off the base paths and thrown out on a 2-5-6 play after Lee Sullivan’s single. Brett Brockinton struck out for the second out. Logan Kirkendoll then doubled to score Sullivan. Kirkendoll then scored on a single by Gavin Tillery, but Tillery was caught stealing to end the inning.
Cabot, 16-14, still trailed 5-3 going into the eighth inning when a Conway pitching change spelled doom for the Cougars. After Null struck out to start the eighth, Bowers, Sullivan and Brockinton drew consecutive walks. Kirkendoll picked up another RBI with a sacrifice fly to right field. Tillery then drove in the tying and winning runs with a base hit to right field.
Tillery went 2 for 4 with two RBIs and was also the winning pitcher. He threw eight innings for the win, while Logan Gilbertson held Conway scoreless in the ninth inning to earn the save.
Cabot faced Russellville on Sunday in another elimination game, and came away with a 5-4 victory on the strength of nine base hits. Brockinton, Kirkendoll and Braden Jarnagin each had two hits while those three plus Bowers and Tillery drove in one run apiece.
Gilbertson threw the first six innings, but Michael Shepherd got the win by holding Russellville scoreless over the last three as Cabot mounted its comeback.
That eliminated Russellville and sent Cabot to the semifinals against Texarkana. The Tigers held Cabot to just four hits and earned a 7-3 victory.
Cabot’s first run came in the first inning when a single by Sullivan was followed by a Texarkana error. Trailing 7-1, Cabot put together a minor rally in the eighth, but it wasn’t enough. Bowers and Sullivan each got one-out base hits. Bowers scored on Sullivan’s hit, and Sullivan scored on a wild pitch.
TOP STORY >> Red Devils’ retreat teaches team unity
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
The Jacksonville football Red Devils spent their last week before preseason practice officially begins at their second-annual team retreat to Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge.
The team spent a good portion of its time at the retreat practicing, but the main goal was to bond as a team and work on teamwork and unity.
Coaches confiscate cell phones as the players exit the bus upon arrival for the three-day event. Dorm rooms are assigned by position, but coaches also take care to assign rooms strategically.
“We didn’t put people in a room with their best friends,” said Jacksonville coach Barry Hickingbotham. “We tried to mix it up and give these kids a chance to spend some time with somebody they haven’t necessarily spent a lot of time with. And when you see that pay off, that’s when you know you’ve got something good going. You see kids eating and talking with kids you’ve never seen together before. That’s the kind of thing this is all about. We want to build that bond and build these relationships.”
Hickingbotham recalls one specific incident during room checks that he felt exemplified their goals.
“I opened up a door and it was like a clown car at the circus,” Hickingbotham said. “You couldn’t fit anybody else in there. Just 14 or 15 of them in that little dorm room, and just sitting there talking. All 15 of them engaged with each other instead of sitting there ignoring each other looking at their cell phone.”
Practices consisted of some 7-on-7 competitions and some short workouts. Coaches worked a lot on fundamentals like catching and tucking. Linemen worked on blocking and tackling technique.
Coaches also put together several non-athletic competitions in which players were divided into teams. And just as last year, there was also a talent show. According to players, the impersonations of coaches were the favorite talent displays.
Tim Hammond’s impression of new coach Bobby Gentry was a particular favorite.
One thing that came out of the first camp was the emergence of a new player or two that suddenly shined in the different environment. This year didn’t lack impressive performances either.
Coaches all singled out senior Damien Smith as having an exceptional camp. Other coaches who worked with certain positions mentioned Stevie Eskridge and Jonathan Hall.
Eskridge himself was impressed with a newcomer.
“Danny Smith really surprised me,” Eskridge said of the sophomore running back transfer from Vilonia. “To me, he stood out and really showed what he’s capable of and what he’s going to bring to the team. He looked really strong.”
Eskridge is a player coaches have bragged on in the past for being the type of player who will do whatever is asked. He will be relied upon as a multi-position player this year, and he fully understands the goals of the retreat, having now been through two of them.
“We do come together as a team,” Eskridge said. “We work on making that bond. It’s something we do intentionally, so we know later in the season that we can depend on each other.”
Malcolm Crudup, a senior who missed the entire conference season last year after suffering a deep thigh bruise and a torn meniscus, is also one of the players coaches are excited about. He also zeroed in quickly on what the camp was meant to accomplish.
“I think it went even better than last year,” said Crudup. “I feel like we became more of having a sense of brotherhood than anything else. If we can build that sense of brotherhood and family, then we can accomplish more on Friday nights than we could as a bunch of individuals.”
Some of the excitement from the retreat diminished Monday, when players were supposed to report to the first official day of preseason practices. Of the 68 that participated in summer workouts, 18 didn’t show on Monday.
“We’ve got 50 out here and that’s a little disappointing,” Hickingbotham said. “Several guys told me and we knew about it and we know where they are. I can handle that. But some of them we don’t have a clue. We were expecting them to be here. I got a problem with that.
“We’re going to hold people accountable around here. About 50 is probably about where we’re going to wind up. We’ll see for sure when people start trickling in here and find out what it’s going to take to be held accountable.”
Leader sports editor
The Jacksonville football Red Devils spent their last week before preseason practice officially begins at their second-annual team retreat to Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge.
The team spent a good portion of its time at the retreat practicing, but the main goal was to bond as a team and work on teamwork and unity.
Coaches confiscate cell phones as the players exit the bus upon arrival for the three-day event. Dorm rooms are assigned by position, but coaches also take care to assign rooms strategically.
“We didn’t put people in a room with their best friends,” said Jacksonville coach Barry Hickingbotham. “We tried to mix it up and give these kids a chance to spend some time with somebody they haven’t necessarily spent a lot of time with. And when you see that pay off, that’s when you know you’ve got something good going. You see kids eating and talking with kids you’ve never seen together before. That’s the kind of thing this is all about. We want to build that bond and build these relationships.”
Hickingbotham recalls one specific incident during room checks that he felt exemplified their goals.
“I opened up a door and it was like a clown car at the circus,” Hickingbotham said. “You couldn’t fit anybody else in there. Just 14 or 15 of them in that little dorm room, and just sitting there talking. All 15 of them engaged with each other instead of sitting there ignoring each other looking at their cell phone.”
Practices consisted of some 7-on-7 competitions and some short workouts. Coaches worked a lot on fundamentals like catching and tucking. Linemen worked on blocking and tackling technique.
Coaches also put together several non-athletic competitions in which players were divided into teams. And just as last year, there was also a talent show. According to players, the impersonations of coaches were the favorite talent displays.
Tim Hammond’s impression of new coach Bobby Gentry was a particular favorite.
One thing that came out of the first camp was the emergence of a new player or two that suddenly shined in the different environment. This year didn’t lack impressive performances either.
Coaches all singled out senior Damien Smith as having an exceptional camp. Other coaches who worked with certain positions mentioned Stevie Eskridge and Jonathan Hall.
Eskridge himself was impressed with a newcomer.
“Danny Smith really surprised me,” Eskridge said of the sophomore running back transfer from Vilonia. “To me, he stood out and really showed what he’s capable of and what he’s going to bring to the team. He looked really strong.”
Eskridge is a player coaches have bragged on in the past for being the type of player who will do whatever is asked. He will be relied upon as a multi-position player this year, and he fully understands the goals of the retreat, having now been through two of them.
“We do come together as a team,” Eskridge said. “We work on making that bond. It’s something we do intentionally, so we know later in the season that we can depend on each other.”
Malcolm Crudup, a senior who missed the entire conference season last year after suffering a deep thigh bruise and a torn meniscus, is also one of the players coaches are excited about. He also zeroed in quickly on what the camp was meant to accomplish.
“I think it went even better than last year,” said Crudup. “I feel like we became more of having a sense of brotherhood than anything else. If we can build that sense of brotherhood and family, then we can accomplish more on Friday nights than we could as a bunch of individuals.”
Some of the excitement from the retreat diminished Monday, when players were supposed to report to the first official day of preseason practices. Of the 68 that participated in summer workouts, 18 didn’t show on Monday.
“We’ve got 50 out here and that’s a little disappointing,” Hickingbotham said. “Several guys told me and we knew about it and we know where they are. I can handle that. But some of them we don’t have a clue. We were expecting them to be here. I got a problem with that.
“We’re going to hold people accountable around here. About 50 is probably about where we’re going to wind up. We’ll see for sure when people start trickling in here and find out what it’s going to take to be held accountable.”
SPORTS STORY >> Panthers get new halfback, loses two TE’s
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
The Cabot Panther football team opened official preseason practices Monday morning with a lineup slightly different than the one that went through spring drills. Two projected starting tight ends are no longer with the team, one with injuries and another for missing summer workouts, while another ball carrier recently joined the team.
Alex Roberts, a 5-foot-7, 150-pound speedster has impressed the Panther coaches since arriving via military transfer from Alaska.
“We haven’t timed him yet,” said Cabot coach Mike Malham. “He says he ran a 4.4 40 and an 11.2 100-meter dash up in Alaska. And from watching him out here, I kind of believe him. He’s not very big but he’s extremely quick and he’s pretty strong. He’s looked good so far.”
Roberts joins a crew of offensive backs Malham was already excited about. Kolton Eads returns at fullback after running for more than 1,200 yards last season. Starting quarterback Jarrod Barnes “has the potential to be the best one we’ve ever had here,” according to Malham. The head Panther has also been impressed with sophomore Adam Flores, and expects to line him up at halfback and fullback. He also likes the speed and determined running of halfback Braxton Burton, despite his small stature, as well as David Morse.
The Panthers, as all other teams, can only practice once per day for the first week, instead of the two-a-day practices that were the norm until a couple of years ago. Teams also cannot practice in full pads until the sixth day, which for Cabot, will be Saturday.
“You have to have five practices before you go in full pads,” Malham said. “So if you don’t go Saturday, you have to wait until Monday.”
Malham also joked about the weather on day one.
“It’s too cool out here,” Malham said. “There’s no humidity. There’s a nice breeze blowing. We’ll never get them into shape like this, only going once a day.”
As usual for non-pad practices, the Panthers lifted early then broke into groups for position-specific drills. Offensive linemen worked a lot on footwork. Defensive linemen practice coming off the ball and slipping blockers. Linebackers spent a large portion of its practice on recognizing alignments and passing routes. Offensive backs worked a lot on route running and catching and tucking passes. Defensive backs worked on footwork and different coverages before closing with tip drills.
The Panthers have three weeks of practices before the Red-White game that’s scheduled for Friday, Aug. 21.
Leader sports editor
The Cabot Panther football team opened official preseason practices Monday morning with a lineup slightly different than the one that went through spring drills. Two projected starting tight ends are no longer with the team, one with injuries and another for missing summer workouts, while another ball carrier recently joined the team.
Alex Roberts, a 5-foot-7, 150-pound speedster has impressed the Panther coaches since arriving via military transfer from Alaska.
“We haven’t timed him yet,” said Cabot coach Mike Malham. “He says he ran a 4.4 40 and an 11.2 100-meter dash up in Alaska. And from watching him out here, I kind of believe him. He’s not very big but he’s extremely quick and he’s pretty strong. He’s looked good so far.”
Roberts joins a crew of offensive backs Malham was already excited about. Kolton Eads returns at fullback after running for more than 1,200 yards last season. Starting quarterback Jarrod Barnes “has the potential to be the best one we’ve ever had here,” according to Malham. The head Panther has also been impressed with sophomore Adam Flores, and expects to line him up at halfback and fullback. He also likes the speed and determined running of halfback Braxton Burton, despite his small stature, as well as David Morse.
The Panthers, as all other teams, can only practice once per day for the first week, instead of the two-a-day practices that were the norm until a couple of years ago. Teams also cannot practice in full pads until the sixth day, which for Cabot, will be Saturday.
“You have to have five practices before you go in full pads,” Malham said. “So if you don’t go Saturday, you have to wait until Monday.”
Malham also joked about the weather on day one.
“It’s too cool out here,” Malham said. “There’s no humidity. There’s a nice breeze blowing. We’ll never get them into shape like this, only going once a day.”
As usual for non-pad practices, the Panthers lifted early then broke into groups for position-specific drills. Offensive linemen worked a lot on footwork. Defensive linemen practice coming off the ball and slipping blockers. Linebackers spent a large portion of its practice on recognizing alignments and passing routes. Offensive backs worked a lot on route running and catching and tucking passes. Defensive backs worked on footwork and different coverages before closing with tip drills.
The Panthers have three weeks of practices before the Red-White game that’s scheduled for Friday, Aug. 21.
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