By DEBORAH HORN
Leader staff writer
State officials say about 40 for-profit medical marijuana dispensaries will open around Arkansas after voters last week approved Issue 6, which will allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to patients to treat 18 different conditions.
Issue 6 passed by 53.2 percent and when it goes into effect next year, physicians can prescribe medical marijuana to their patients for 18 different conditions.
A state commission is expected to issue licenses to as many as eight growing facilities, possibly including farming areas of Lonoke County.
But getting the amendment passed may have been the easy part, as various state agencies are working hard to meet its strict yet short timelines.
In tax revenues alone it may be worth the effort. Pot, which is still illegal, is the biggest cash crop in some Arkansas counties.
Medical marijuana was legalized in California in 1996, and from March 2015 until March 2016, medical marijuana dispensaries in California sold more than $844 million worth of products.
Last week’s election also legalized the recreational use of marijuana in California, Nevada, Massachusetts, Maine and Alaska. It was previously fully legalized in Washington, Oregon and Colorado, and medical marijuana is now legal in 20 states including Arkansas.
The booming industry, dubbed the “Green Rush,” created thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in taxes for states.
In Arkansas, the state will collect 6.5 percent on every dollar that industry generates.
California’s marijuana tax rate is about 7.5 percent. California predicts marijuana sales to be about $6.6 billion by 2020.
According to a Cannabis Investor Study prepared by Arcview Market Research, “Legal cannabis sales in the United States jumped 17 percent, to $5.4 billion, in 2015.”
That includes adult recreational and medical usages, but by 2020, sales are predicted to hit $21.8 billion.
Rep. David Hillman (D- Almyra), who is a farmer, said limiting the number of growers restricts competition.
“I’m philosophically op-posed to an amendment that favors one group over another,” Hillman said.
LOCAL FARMERS
Lonoke County Extension Agent Keith Perkins said no one has contacted his office about a license to grow cannabis.
However, he said the area of the state can support a wide variety of crops because of the longer growing season and good soil. It might be the perfect place for marijuana production.
In the future, if a grower calls about a particular insecticide, pest or fertilizer, he said he would have to research the information.
State Rep. Mark McElroy (D-Tillar) is on the Agriculture Committee and is a farmer in Desha County, where marijuana is estimated to be the number one cash crop — even though it’s illegal.
McElroy said he expects a lot of discussion during the next legislative session, especially as a member of the Agriculture Committee.
“I will want to study how it’s being done in other states, and the problems they’ve experienced. Security will be a big concern to me. We have to keep the legal product off the black market,” he said.
Hillman said he believes it will take two months of Arkansas legislators’ time.
“Everyone is going to have a different opinion, but I believe we will enact the most restrictive laws that we can under the amendment people voted for,” he said.
Kelly Carney, owner of North Pulaski Farms, is a certified organic farmer and marijuana isn’t allowed under the organic umbrella because it’s an illegal drug.
Still, Carney said, who worked in security systems before turning to farming said, “Security is going to be a big deal,” and he would like that discussed at the state level.
Hillman agrees and wants to see a grower on the Medical Marijuana Commission.
“Growers need to have input into the process,” he said.
Additionally, McElroy said, “Farming’s all about the profit. If it’s legal to grow medical marijuana, you can’t blame a farmer for giving it a first or second look.”
Hillman said if the country ever legalizes marijuana for recreational use, there are farmers that would be more than happy to grow it for the market.”
It could change Arkansas’ farming landscape, he said.
But for now, Carney said Arkansas growers “are certainly going to be interested in growing marijuana but no one knows enough at this point to even put together a business plan.”
Plus, Carney added, “How will the state determine who can grow the crop, by lottery, limited sourcing? It’s going to be a challenge.”
FASTEST GROWING
According to The Huffing-ton Post, marijuana is the “fastest-growing industry” in the U.S., and now more than half the states have some form of legal cannabis.
At one time, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson was head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, now, the state’s position on medical marijuana puts him at odds with the federal government.
Marijuana is still considered a Schedule I drug and those in possession are subject to arrest.
Nonetheless, Hutchinson must fall in line with the new state amendment and is in the process of establishing a Medical Marijuana Commission by Dec. 8. He has allocated $3 million from the state’s rainy day fund to cover the startup costs needed by the Arkansas Department of Health and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, both charged with critical roles.
While the governor’s office is working hard to meet the deadlines, spokesman J.R. Davis said, “First and foremost, this is going to take time…We need to get the right people, the right processes and the right procedures in place.”
Basically, the state is building a mini FDA from the ground up, he said.
“We have more questions than answers at this point,” but “the reality of the situation is that we will do everything we can to meet the time requirement. That may or may not be possible,” Davis said.
In 2009, new federal guidelines were enacted.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said, “It will not be a priority to use federal resources to prosecute patients with serious illnesses or their caregivers” in compliance with state laws.
According to Marisha Dicarlo, director of the Health Department’s office of communications, “We knew it (the passage of Issue 6) was a possibility,” but until it failed or passed, there was nothing to be done.
MAKING GUIDELINES
Now, the department is looking at what has worked in other states, as well as establishing rules for the issuance of registry identification cards, tracking of dispensed marijuana and other operations.
Its responsibilities extend to areas such as “regulating labeling and testing standards, establishing reasonable fees, considering public petitions to add additional medical conditions to the list of qualifying conditions, and submitting annual reports to the Legislature,” Dicarlo said.
They will have to hire a program director at some point.
“It will take time (perhaps months) to set up the infrastructure,” she said.
The Health Department received about $2.5 million from Hutchinson’s office to cover its costs, with the remainder going to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).
REGULATIONS
The DFA’s share of the money is about $500,000 and was allotted to help establish the rules and regulations for the production and sale of cannabis, said Jake Bleed, the department’s director of communication.
“As soon as it passed we moved quickly to but there’s a lot of work to be done, and a lot questions that need to be answered so we’re working with other states (who legalized medical marijuana),” Bleed said.
The department also hopes to determine the impact it will have on the state.
The DFA will be issuing additional guidance in the coming weeks and months regarding the Medical Marijuana Amendment, and the ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control board), under the direction of the DFA, will issue dispensaries licenses.
The department will also hand out licenses to a few growers in the future.
However, the DFA website cautions that “rules on the cultivation, sale and use of medical marijuana are being developed…Use of marijuana under circumstances outside the limits of the amendment is still illegal in Arkansas.”
Bleed said, “This is a big step for the state and it’s something we need to get right.”
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
SPORTS STORY >> Wolves earn quality win over eStem Mets
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
Jacksonville Light-house split a pair of varsity games with eStem Charter School last Friday at the Arkansas School for the Blind, where eStem plays its home games.
The Lighthouse boys never trailed in a 72-67 victory, while the Lady Wolves were without several players in an 84-16 loss to the Class 4A juggernaut.
In the boys’ game, Lighthouse defense set the tone in the first quarter, holding the Metropolitans to just 11 points and taking a seven-point lead.
“It was probably our best defensive game so far this year,” said Lighthouse coach Kelvin Parker. “That’s something we haven’t been doing the way I believe we’re capable. We did alot better at it this game.”
While the Wolves never trailed, they never could complete the distance themselves from the home team. They managed to add one point to the margin by halftime, taking a 36-28 lead into the locker room. The third quarter was an up-and-down pace, with Lighthouse outscoring the Mets 21-20 for a 57-48 lead at the start of the fourth quarter.
eStem pulled to within three points of the Wolves with two minutes remaining, but could get no closer.
“I called timeout to try to slow down their momentum, and we came out of that break playing well.”
Lighthouse got hot on offense and forced a couple of consecutive turnovers to get back in front by 10 with about a minute to go.
“It was a good game,” Parker said. “They’d make a big shot and we’d come back and answer it. It was another good pressure game that’s going to make us better down the line.”
Freshman Gerald Doakes led the Wolves with 21 points. Senior guard Chris Mims added 19 and senior forward Zack Bobo scored 16.
The 4-1 Wolves and 0-5 Lady Wolves travel to Shirley on Friday. The Class 1A Blue Devils are 8-0 so far this season.
“I don’t know anything about them, but I heard they can play,” Parker said. “Their record sure makes it seem like it. It’s going to be a good test for us.”
The Lady Wolves have been missing players because of injury, but others have missed for different reasons. Two of the injured players return next week, and coach Chris Collier is dealing with the other issues.
“One of them I’m getting back is one of my best players,” Collier said. “I will build this team the right way with girls that work hard on both ends, no exceptions.”
Leader sports editor
Jacksonville Light-house split a pair of varsity games with eStem Charter School last Friday at the Arkansas School for the Blind, where eStem plays its home games.
The Lighthouse boys never trailed in a 72-67 victory, while the Lady Wolves were without several players in an 84-16 loss to the Class 4A juggernaut.
In the boys’ game, Lighthouse defense set the tone in the first quarter, holding the Metropolitans to just 11 points and taking a seven-point lead.
“It was probably our best defensive game so far this year,” said Lighthouse coach Kelvin Parker. “That’s something we haven’t been doing the way I believe we’re capable. We did alot better at it this game.”
While the Wolves never trailed, they never could complete the distance themselves from the home team. They managed to add one point to the margin by halftime, taking a 36-28 lead into the locker room. The third quarter was an up-and-down pace, with Lighthouse outscoring the Mets 21-20 for a 57-48 lead at the start of the fourth quarter.
eStem pulled to within three points of the Wolves with two minutes remaining, but could get no closer.
“I called timeout to try to slow down their momentum, and we came out of that break playing well.”
Lighthouse got hot on offense and forced a couple of consecutive turnovers to get back in front by 10 with about a minute to go.
“It was a good game,” Parker said. “They’d make a big shot and we’d come back and answer it. It was another good pressure game that’s going to make us better down the line.”
Freshman Gerald Doakes led the Wolves with 21 points. Senior guard Chris Mims added 19 and senior forward Zack Bobo scored 16.
The 4-1 Wolves and 0-5 Lady Wolves travel to Shirley on Friday. The Class 1A Blue Devils are 8-0 so far this season.
“I don’t know anything about them, but I heard they can play,” Parker said. “Their record sure makes it seem like it. It’s going to be a good test for us.”
The Lady Wolves have been missing players because of injury, but others have missed for different reasons. Two of the injured players return next week, and coach Chris Collier is dealing with the other issues.
“One of them I’m getting back is one of my best players,” Collier said. “I will build this team the right way with girls that work hard on both ends, no exceptions.”
SPORTS STORY >> Chapel spoils Cabot girls’ opener
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
The Cabot girls’ basketball team started the season with a strong first quarter, but defending Class 5A state champion Watson Chapel controlled the second, third and fourth quarters en route to a 51-38 victory over the Lady Panthers in the first round of the Heavenly Hoops Classic at Mount St. Mary Academy on Monday.
Cabot’s best quarter was the first, and its worst was the second. The Lady Panthers were in rhythm offensively, scoring 16 points and taking a 16-11 lead. But that rhythm came to a screeching halt in the second quarter. Watson Chapel began pressuring the ball the length of the court and Cabot’s offense was stymied.
The Lady Panthers also played good defense, holding Chapel to just nine points, but they managed only two, and went into the locker room at halftime trailing 20-18.
Chapel got its halfcourt offense going in the third quarter, feeding the ball inside to four-year starter and leading scorer Peyton Martin, who was the 2015-16 Class 5A Player of the Year and state tournament MVP.
The teams were almost even from the free-throw and 3-point lines. The difference came inside the paint, where Chapel outscored Cabot 26-14.
The Lady Wildcats made 13 of 16 free-throw attempts and were 4 of 14 from the 3-point line. Cabot was just 9 of 15 from the foul line and 5 of 14 from three.
Martin led all players with 18 points and nine rebounds. Timesha Cole scored 14 and Cayla Trotter added 11 for the Lady Wildcats, who outrebounded Cabot 27-13.
Senior Josie VanOss was the only Lady Panther in double figures. She finished with 12 points.
The Lady Panthers fall to the losers’ bracket and will play eStem Charter at 5:30 p.m. today. The Lady Mets lost to North Little Rock in the first round on Monday.
In the top half of the bracket, Mount St. Mary beat Forrest City 48-32, while Conway dominated Star City 70-45. The winners of that game will meet at 8:30 p.m. today, while the losers play at 4 p.m.
Leader sports editor
The Cabot girls’ basketball team started the season with a strong first quarter, but defending Class 5A state champion Watson Chapel controlled the second, third and fourth quarters en route to a 51-38 victory over the Lady Panthers in the first round of the Heavenly Hoops Classic at Mount St. Mary Academy on Monday.
Cabot’s best quarter was the first, and its worst was the second. The Lady Panthers were in rhythm offensively, scoring 16 points and taking a 16-11 lead. But that rhythm came to a screeching halt in the second quarter. Watson Chapel began pressuring the ball the length of the court and Cabot’s offense was stymied.
The Lady Panthers also played good defense, holding Chapel to just nine points, but they managed only two, and went into the locker room at halftime trailing 20-18.
Chapel got its halfcourt offense going in the third quarter, feeding the ball inside to four-year starter and leading scorer Peyton Martin, who was the 2015-16 Class 5A Player of the Year and state tournament MVP.
The teams were almost even from the free-throw and 3-point lines. The difference came inside the paint, where Chapel outscored Cabot 26-14.
The Lady Wildcats made 13 of 16 free-throw attempts and were 4 of 14 from the 3-point line. Cabot was just 9 of 15 from the foul line and 5 of 14 from three.
Martin led all players with 18 points and nine rebounds. Timesha Cole scored 14 and Cayla Trotter added 11 for the Lady Wildcats, who outrebounded Cabot 27-13.
Senior Josie VanOss was the only Lady Panther in double figures. She finished with 12 points.
The Lady Panthers fall to the losers’ bracket and will play eStem Charter at 5:30 p.m. today. The Lady Mets lost to North Little Rock in the first round on Monday.
In the top half of the bracket, Mount St. Mary beat Forrest City 48-32, while Conway dominated Star City 70-45. The winners of that game will meet at 8:30 p.m. today, while the losers play at 4 p.m.
SPORTS STORY >> Jacksonville splits a pair with Comets
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
The Jacksonville Titans went to the wire with one of the highest-rated teams in the state on Friday, but ended up one point short in a 78-77 loss at the Galaxy gymnasium at Mills in Little Rock. The Comets feature two potential Division I players. Darius Hall has already signed with the Arkansas Razorbacks, while Jeremiah Toney went the JUCO route and signed with UA-Fort Smith.
But it was Grehlon Easter that led the Comets on Friday, especially in the second half.
Easter had a team-high 20 points, and got half of it in the third quarter when Mills pulled out to a nine-point lead.
Jacksonville rallied from that deficit to pull within one point on three different occasions in the fourth quarter, but could never claim the lead.
“We had some untimely turnovers,” Jacksonville coach Vic Joyner said. “We’d make a run and get close, and then get careless with the basketball. It was just too many mistakes for a team with veteran guards like we have. We can’t be out there throwing the ball away and giving them extra possessions. But that’s what we did.”
Jacksonville was within one point and had the ball when a turnover turned into a transition bucket for the Comets. Another turnover ended with Qwaun Marshall going to the line with time left for just one more possession.
With a three-point lead, he missed the first foul shot, but made the second one to secure the victory. Jacksonville added a 3-pointer at the buzzer to set the final margin.
Neither coach was satisfied with the defense their teams played, especially Joyner.
“We haven’t committed to defense yet,” Joyner said. “We’ve basically given up 70 points twice, and that’s not how I want to play. We want to hold people to high 40s, low 50s, and we’re not doing that. Right now, we’re just not playing team defense very well. We’re not communicating. We’re getting our bodies out of position and taking away our own ability to make a play. We’ve got a lot of ball watchers losing contact with the defensive principles we’re trying to put in place.”
Mills coach Raymond Cooper thought his team’s defense lacked effort, and it showed in the moments when it did increase the intensity and effort.
“I will say this, there were times when they would make their runs, where we showed we could play a little defense,” said Cooper. “But we got way too complacent way too easily when we’d get a little lead. But I also have to give it to Jacksonville. They made our defense look bad. (Tyree) Appleby is tough. He can get in that lane. And they had some shooters I wasn’t really aware of that were knocking down shots when he’d kick it out to them.”
Kavion Waller, Caleb Kendrick and Braylon Hawkins made a pair of 3-pointers each, both of Kendrick’s came in the fourth quarter.
Appleby led all scorers with 29 points while senior DaJuan Ridgeway added 18, including three 3-pointers.
Hall finished with 18 for Mills. Kaevon Jones had 11 and Marshall finished with 10 for the Comets.
The two teams meet up again this Friday at Jacksonville High. Both coaches think it’s likely to be just as exciting, if not as high-scoring.
“We know a little more about them now and we know what we have to do better than we did the first time,” Cooper said.
Joyner expects Mills to be better defensively, and so thinks it’s imperative that his team is as well.
“If we’re not, it’s going to be a butt-kicking,” Joyner said. “We watched the tape. We saw the lack of team defense. So I hope they’ll do something about it. I don’t know what the outcome will be, but that’s one area where I hope we’ll improve.”
The Lady Titans improved to 3-1 in their busy first week of the season, dominating the Mills Lady Comets 58-24. Jacksonville jumped out to a 17-8 lead in the first quarter, and wasn’t able to add to that margin by halftime. But the second half was all Titans.
Jacksonville turned up the defensive pressure and turned a 27-18-halftime lead into a 43-20 lead by the end of the third.
Mills managed just six points the entire second half.
Jacksonville forced 28 turnovers and scored 35 points off those turnovers.
Four Lady Titans finished in double figures scoring. Dayzya Jordan led the way with 16 points. Josie Starr added 13, Shy Christopher 12 and Martina Knight 11.
Senior Taylor Toombs scored three points and had game-high 11 rebounds.
Leader sports editor
The Jacksonville Titans went to the wire with one of the highest-rated teams in the state on Friday, but ended up one point short in a 78-77 loss at the Galaxy gymnasium at Mills in Little Rock. The Comets feature two potential Division I players. Darius Hall has already signed with the Arkansas Razorbacks, while Jeremiah Toney went the JUCO route and signed with UA-Fort Smith.
But it was Grehlon Easter that led the Comets on Friday, especially in the second half.
Easter had a team-high 20 points, and got half of it in the third quarter when Mills pulled out to a nine-point lead.
Jacksonville rallied from that deficit to pull within one point on three different occasions in the fourth quarter, but could never claim the lead.
“We had some untimely turnovers,” Jacksonville coach Vic Joyner said. “We’d make a run and get close, and then get careless with the basketball. It was just too many mistakes for a team with veteran guards like we have. We can’t be out there throwing the ball away and giving them extra possessions. But that’s what we did.”
Jacksonville was within one point and had the ball when a turnover turned into a transition bucket for the Comets. Another turnover ended with Qwaun Marshall going to the line with time left for just one more possession.
With a three-point lead, he missed the first foul shot, but made the second one to secure the victory. Jacksonville added a 3-pointer at the buzzer to set the final margin.
Neither coach was satisfied with the defense their teams played, especially Joyner.
“We haven’t committed to defense yet,” Joyner said. “We’ve basically given up 70 points twice, and that’s not how I want to play. We want to hold people to high 40s, low 50s, and we’re not doing that. Right now, we’re just not playing team defense very well. We’re not communicating. We’re getting our bodies out of position and taking away our own ability to make a play. We’ve got a lot of ball watchers losing contact with the defensive principles we’re trying to put in place.”
Mills coach Raymond Cooper thought his team’s defense lacked effort, and it showed in the moments when it did increase the intensity and effort.
“I will say this, there were times when they would make their runs, where we showed we could play a little defense,” said Cooper. “But we got way too complacent way too easily when we’d get a little lead. But I also have to give it to Jacksonville. They made our defense look bad. (Tyree) Appleby is tough. He can get in that lane. And they had some shooters I wasn’t really aware of that were knocking down shots when he’d kick it out to them.”
Kavion Waller, Caleb Kendrick and Braylon Hawkins made a pair of 3-pointers each, both of Kendrick’s came in the fourth quarter.
Appleby led all scorers with 29 points while senior DaJuan Ridgeway added 18, including three 3-pointers.
Hall finished with 18 for Mills. Kaevon Jones had 11 and Marshall finished with 10 for the Comets.
The two teams meet up again this Friday at Jacksonville High. Both coaches think it’s likely to be just as exciting, if not as high-scoring.
“We know a little more about them now and we know what we have to do better than we did the first time,” Cooper said.
Joyner expects Mills to be better defensively, and so thinks it’s imperative that his team is as well.
“If we’re not, it’s going to be a butt-kicking,” Joyner said. “We watched the tape. We saw the lack of team defense. So I hope they’ll do something about it. I don’t know what the outcome will be, but that’s one area where I hope we’ll improve.”
The Lady Titans improved to 3-1 in their busy first week of the season, dominating the Mills Lady Comets 58-24. Jacksonville jumped out to a 17-8 lead in the first quarter, and wasn’t able to add to that margin by halftime. But the second half was all Titans.
Jacksonville turned up the defensive pressure and turned a 27-18-halftime lead into a 43-20 lead by the end of the third.
Mills managed just six points the entire second half.
Jacksonville forced 28 turnovers and scored 35 points off those turnovers.
Four Lady Titans finished in double figures scoring. Dayzya Jordan led the way with 16 points. Josie Starr added 13, Shy Christopher 12 and Martina Knight 11.
Senior Taylor Toombs scored three points and had game-high 11 rebounds.
SPORTS STORY >> Panthers’ second shot
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
For the second time in three weeks, the Cabot Panther football team heads to North Little Rock to face the No. 1 team in the state, only this time a lot more is at stake.
In the final game of the regular season, Cabot gave the Charging Wildcats their toughest test of the year, but fell short 28-27.
In that game, North Little Rock had already clinched the 7A-Central championship, a No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs. Cabot was also almost certain to finish fifth, no matter the outcome.
But the loser on Friday sees its season and championship dreams ended.
Key players from both teams that missed the first matchup will be back this week, none more key than North Little Rock running back Alex Day. He’s a Division I prospect and younger brother of former Razorback Juan Day, whose career was cut short by numerous knee injuries.
NLR coach Jamie Mitchell doesn’t usually like the idea of taking a week off before the playoffs, but said it was good for his team this year.
“Last week helped a whole lot to get some kids another week of therapy and rest,” Mitchell said. “There’s good and bad to not playing, and it worked for us this time. Next time it might not.”
Without Day, who was on concussion protocol in Week 10, North Little Rock’s offense was anemic in the first half, as the Panthers built a 21-3 lead by halftime.
The Charging Wildcats had the ball seven times in the first half and got zero first downs. They punted six times and kicked one field goal after a Cabot turnover deep in Panther territory.
Mitchell is glad to have his star player back, but thinks it’s going to take more than adding him to the lineup to improve his offense’s performance.
“Obviously any time he’s not out there for us, it’s not good,” Mitchell said. “He is our best player and he’s a tremendous player. We’re better with him than without him. But we’ve got to solve Cabot’s defense. They’ve defended us better than really anybody over the last two years. They have a strong defensive line and they execute well. We’re just going to have to play better.”
For Cabot, the issue comes down to mistakes. North Little Rock did get its offense moving a little better in the second half, but still would not have been able to complete the comeback without a series of mistakes, and some bad luck.
“I don’t know what we did wrong, but it seemed like some of those plays they got just came from above,” Cabot coach Mike Malham joked. We had four turnovers and that’s not even counting the blocked punt, which is just like a turnover. They made some adjustments and stopped our offense in the second half, but you still think you should pull that one off if we could’ve just held onto to the ball.”
In Cabot’s first-round playoff game, Bentonville West didn’t slow down Cabot’s offense at all. The Panthers rolled up 534 total yards, including 498 rushing. Quarterback Jarrod Barnes and fullback Eason Seidl rushed for more than 100 yards, and combined for seven touchdowns. Seidl, who started the season at linebacker, and then moved to defensive tackle before taking over at fullback in Week 9, scored five times.
“With him at fullback and Jarrod healthy at quarterback, it’s helped our offense,” Malham said. “His size gives us a little something we didn’t have, maybe keeps all the focus off the outside where Jarrod and our halfbacks can make plays.”
It was a seamless transition for the defense. David Hubanks had started at defensive tackle when Seidl played linebacker, and he fell right back into the spot when Seidl moved over to offense.
The transition has been made easier by the progress of junior Dayonte Roberts at nose guard.
“Dayonte has started playing a lot better than he was earlier in the season,” Malham said. “He finally got in shape after that shoulder injury kept him out, and that’s made a big difference.”
Mitchell thinks the first meeting came down to momentum and catching some breaks. He hopes it doesn’t come down to those things this time around.
“I wish I could tell you we have some magic up our sleeves that’ll help us move the ball on them,” Mitchell said. “I really don’t have a good answer for that, other than we just have to be better. You don’t really start changing things at this point, we just have to be better at what we do. I think last time, when they made some mistakes and we were able to get close, I think momentum kicked in for us and our guys got excited. I hope we can be in a better spot than we were last time.”
Leader sports editor
For the second time in three weeks, the Cabot Panther football team heads to North Little Rock to face the No. 1 team in the state, only this time a lot more is at stake.
In the final game of the regular season, Cabot gave the Charging Wildcats their toughest test of the year, but fell short 28-27.
In that game, North Little Rock had already clinched the 7A-Central championship, a No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs. Cabot was also almost certain to finish fifth, no matter the outcome.
But the loser on Friday sees its season and championship dreams ended.
Key players from both teams that missed the first matchup will be back this week, none more key than North Little Rock running back Alex Day. He’s a Division I prospect and younger brother of former Razorback Juan Day, whose career was cut short by numerous knee injuries.
NLR coach Jamie Mitchell doesn’t usually like the idea of taking a week off before the playoffs, but said it was good for his team this year.
“Last week helped a whole lot to get some kids another week of therapy and rest,” Mitchell said. “There’s good and bad to not playing, and it worked for us this time. Next time it might not.”
Without Day, who was on concussion protocol in Week 10, North Little Rock’s offense was anemic in the first half, as the Panthers built a 21-3 lead by halftime.
The Charging Wildcats had the ball seven times in the first half and got zero first downs. They punted six times and kicked one field goal after a Cabot turnover deep in Panther territory.
Mitchell is glad to have his star player back, but thinks it’s going to take more than adding him to the lineup to improve his offense’s performance.
“Obviously any time he’s not out there for us, it’s not good,” Mitchell said. “He is our best player and he’s a tremendous player. We’re better with him than without him. But we’ve got to solve Cabot’s defense. They’ve defended us better than really anybody over the last two years. They have a strong defensive line and they execute well. We’re just going to have to play better.”
For Cabot, the issue comes down to mistakes. North Little Rock did get its offense moving a little better in the second half, but still would not have been able to complete the comeback without a series of mistakes, and some bad luck.
“I don’t know what we did wrong, but it seemed like some of those plays they got just came from above,” Cabot coach Mike Malham joked. We had four turnovers and that’s not even counting the blocked punt, which is just like a turnover. They made some adjustments and stopped our offense in the second half, but you still think you should pull that one off if we could’ve just held onto to the ball.”
In Cabot’s first-round playoff game, Bentonville West didn’t slow down Cabot’s offense at all. The Panthers rolled up 534 total yards, including 498 rushing. Quarterback Jarrod Barnes and fullback Eason Seidl rushed for more than 100 yards, and combined for seven touchdowns. Seidl, who started the season at linebacker, and then moved to defensive tackle before taking over at fullback in Week 9, scored five times.
“With him at fullback and Jarrod healthy at quarterback, it’s helped our offense,” Malham said. “His size gives us a little something we didn’t have, maybe keeps all the focus off the outside where Jarrod and our halfbacks can make plays.”
It was a seamless transition for the defense. David Hubanks had started at defensive tackle when Seidl played linebacker, and he fell right back into the spot when Seidl moved over to offense.
The transition has been made easier by the progress of junior Dayonte Roberts at nose guard.
“Dayonte has started playing a lot better than he was earlier in the season,” Malham said. “He finally got in shape after that shoulder injury kept him out, and that’s made a big difference.”
Mitchell thinks the first meeting came down to momentum and catching some breaks. He hopes it doesn’t come down to those things this time around.
“I wish I could tell you we have some magic up our sleeves that’ll help us move the ball on them,” Mitchell said. “I really don’t have a good answer for that, other than we just have to be better. You don’t really start changing things at this point, we just have to be better at what we do. I think last time, when they made some mistakes and we were able to get close, I think momentum kicked in for us and our guys got excited. I hope we can be in a better spot than we were last time.”
Saturday, November 12, 2016
SPORTS STORY >> Titans come back on Zebras
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
Jacksonville’s boys’ basketball team won its season opener on Tuesday, winning on the road over Pine Bluff High School 68-63. The Titans had to overcome a 13-point second-quarter deficit, and did so with a simple change of strategy.
When Jacksonville coach Vic Joyner switched from man-to-man defense to a matchup zone, the tide began to change. Titan senior Tyree Appleby was the beneficiary of several leak-out dunks and hit a few big threes to turn in a stellar season-opening performance with 32 points.
“We weren’t closing out on shooters,” said Joyner. “We were sort of half defending, hoping they would miss. They got hot and we got into a little bit of hole. They base their offense on the dribble drive, and they kick it out to the shooters. I switched to a little matchup zone to stop that dribble drive. They went cold and weren’t getting back on defense. We were able to get some fast-break buckets and get back into the game.”
Pine Bluff led 20-14 at the end of the first period and then scored seven-straight to start the second quarter. That’s when Joyner changed defenses and the comeback began.
Appleby, who only had two points in the first period, hit two 3-pointers and scored 12 points in the second quarter, lead the rally.
Jacksonville trailed 35-30 at halftime, and the game stayed close throughout the third. The Titans then posted 22 points in the fourth when post play became a factor.
Leader sports editor
Jacksonville’s boys’ basketball team won its season opener on Tuesday, winning on the road over Pine Bluff High School 68-63. The Titans had to overcome a 13-point second-quarter deficit, and did so with a simple change of strategy.
When Jacksonville coach Vic Joyner switched from man-to-man defense to a matchup zone, the tide began to change. Titan senior Tyree Appleby was the beneficiary of several leak-out dunks and hit a few big threes to turn in a stellar season-opening performance with 32 points.
“We weren’t closing out on shooters,” said Joyner. “We were sort of half defending, hoping they would miss. They got hot and we got into a little bit of hole. They base their offense on the dribble drive, and they kick it out to the shooters. I switched to a little matchup zone to stop that dribble drive. They went cold and weren’t getting back on defense. We were able to get some fast-break buckets and get back into the game.”
Pine Bluff led 20-14 at the end of the first period and then scored seven-straight to start the second quarter. That’s when Joyner changed defenses and the comeback began.
Appleby, who only had two points in the first period, hit two 3-pointers and scored 12 points in the second quarter, lead the rally.
Jacksonville trailed 35-30 at halftime, and the game stayed close throughout the third. The Titans then posted 22 points in the fourth when post play became a factor.
SPORTS STORY >> Panthers roll past West in playoffs
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
BENTONVILLE – Cabot had 12 possessions, never punted and rolled up more than 500 yards of offense Thursday in a 62-34 victory over Bentonville West Thursday in the first round of the Class 7A state playoffs.
The Panthers scored nine touchdowns, committed two turnovers and then ran the clock out on the last drive after the mercy rule was invoked late in the third quarter.
The Wolverines’ spread offense gave Cabot some trouble early, scoring on each of its first two possessions and taking a 14-7 lead with 5:30 still remaining in the first quarter. But the Panther defense woke up soon after, and began applying severe pressure on the BW quarterback Will Jarrett without any stunts or blitzes to help.
Once the Panther defense solved the Wolverine offense, Cabot began to pull away. The Panthers were in a good position to put the game away late in the second quarter, but a series of mistakes let the 3-8 Wolverines right back into the game.
The Panthers led 35-14 and got the ball back with 52 seconds left in the first half. A holding penalty negated a 30-yard run by Cabot quarterback Jarrod Barnes. On the very next play, Barnes overthrew his intended receiver and the ball was picked off.
On BW’s second play, Jarrett heaved the ball downfield while scrambling from Cabot’s pass rush. The ball should have been easily intercepted. Instead, two Cabot defenders collided as the ball careened high into the air and into the awaiting arms of Wolverine receiver Stefan Banda, who trotted 10 more yards into the end zone.
The extra point was no good, leaving the score 35-20 at halftime.
BW then surprised Cabot with an onside kick the return team never saw. Banda then caught a 30-yard pass that was ruled incomplete by the back judge on top of the play, but the head official overruled him after a long discussion.
Less than 90 seconds into the third quarter, Bentonville West scored again, and was within one score at 35-27.
“They got some players and they did some good things,” Cabot coach Mike Malham said. “I thought we were about to finish them off and next thing you know they’re right back in it. But our offense played really good all night except for a couple mistakes, and our defense got going and got to playing a lot better than we started out.”
That briefly swung the crowd and momentum heavily to the home side, but it was short-lived. The Panthers scored 27 unanswered points over the next 9:28 to take a 35-point lead and invoke the running clock for the entire fourth quarter.
The Cabot rally started after Barnes covered another onside kick attempt and the Panthers started at the Wolverine 44. Three runs by fullback Easton Seidl was all it took to get that distance. He went for 13, 27 and 4 yards for his third touchdown of the game.
Cabot forced a three-and-out, and junior defensive lineman Dayonte Roberts blocked the punt to set the offense up at the BW 20-yard line.
Three plays later, Seidl barreled up the middle for 15 yards on third and 5 for another score and a 49-27 lead.
On the ensuing possession, senior defensive tackle Chris Jones tackled Jarrett for a 1-yard loss on a designed run play. On third and 11, Roberts sacked him for a 6-yard loss and forced another punt.
On Cabot’s first play, Barnes broke loose for the second time in the game, keeping around left end for a 59-yard touchdown run and a 56-27 lead with 5:12 still left in the third.
Roberts got another sack on the next play to put the Wolverines behind the chains. They threw incomplete, then complete for a loss of 3 yards and had to punt again.
This time Dylan Smith returned the punt 30 yards to the 33-yard line.
Barnes went 30 yards on the first play, but it was also called back for holding. It mattered little. The Panthers needed just six plays with Seidl going the last four with 1:04 left in the third quarter.
Mason Martin missed his only extra point in nine tries, but the earlier miss by BW made it irrelevant for the 35-point spread to start the mercy-rule clock.
Cabot finished with 534 yards off offense, including 498 on the ground. Barnes led the way with 13 carries for 166 yards and three touchdowns. Seidl had 16 carries for 113 yards and five scores. Cabot’s other touchdown was a 36-yard pass from Barnes to halfback Austin Morse in the second quarter.
Bentonville West finished with 321 yards off offense, 253 through the air and 68 on the ground.
The Panthers (7-4) will return to North Little Rock next Friday for its second round game. The undefeated, No. 1 ranked Charging Wildcats hosted the Panthers last week in the regular-season finale and escaped with a 28-27 win.
“We go back to North Little Rock next week,” Malham said. “We gave them a hell of a game last week and we hope we can play that well again.”
Leader sports editor
BENTONVILLE – Cabot had 12 possessions, never punted and rolled up more than 500 yards of offense Thursday in a 62-34 victory over Bentonville West Thursday in the first round of the Class 7A state playoffs.
The Panthers scored nine touchdowns, committed two turnovers and then ran the clock out on the last drive after the mercy rule was invoked late in the third quarter.
The Wolverines’ spread offense gave Cabot some trouble early, scoring on each of its first two possessions and taking a 14-7 lead with 5:30 still remaining in the first quarter. But the Panther defense woke up soon after, and began applying severe pressure on the BW quarterback Will Jarrett without any stunts or blitzes to help.
Once the Panther defense solved the Wolverine offense, Cabot began to pull away. The Panthers were in a good position to put the game away late in the second quarter, but a series of mistakes let the 3-8 Wolverines right back into the game.
The Panthers led 35-14 and got the ball back with 52 seconds left in the first half. A holding penalty negated a 30-yard run by Cabot quarterback Jarrod Barnes. On the very next play, Barnes overthrew his intended receiver and the ball was picked off.
On BW’s second play, Jarrett heaved the ball downfield while scrambling from Cabot’s pass rush. The ball should have been easily intercepted. Instead, two Cabot defenders collided as the ball careened high into the air and into the awaiting arms of Wolverine receiver Stefan Banda, who trotted 10 more yards into the end zone.
The extra point was no good, leaving the score 35-20 at halftime.
BW then surprised Cabot with an onside kick the return team never saw. Banda then caught a 30-yard pass that was ruled incomplete by the back judge on top of the play, but the head official overruled him after a long discussion.
Less than 90 seconds into the third quarter, Bentonville West scored again, and was within one score at 35-27.
“They got some players and they did some good things,” Cabot coach Mike Malham said. “I thought we were about to finish them off and next thing you know they’re right back in it. But our offense played really good all night except for a couple mistakes, and our defense got going and got to playing a lot better than we started out.”
That briefly swung the crowd and momentum heavily to the home side, but it was short-lived. The Panthers scored 27 unanswered points over the next 9:28 to take a 35-point lead and invoke the running clock for the entire fourth quarter.
The Cabot rally started after Barnes covered another onside kick attempt and the Panthers started at the Wolverine 44. Three runs by fullback Easton Seidl was all it took to get that distance. He went for 13, 27 and 4 yards for his third touchdown of the game.
Cabot forced a three-and-out, and junior defensive lineman Dayonte Roberts blocked the punt to set the offense up at the BW 20-yard line.
Three plays later, Seidl barreled up the middle for 15 yards on third and 5 for another score and a 49-27 lead.
On the ensuing possession, senior defensive tackle Chris Jones tackled Jarrett for a 1-yard loss on a designed run play. On third and 11, Roberts sacked him for a 6-yard loss and forced another punt.
On Cabot’s first play, Barnes broke loose for the second time in the game, keeping around left end for a 59-yard touchdown run and a 56-27 lead with 5:12 still left in the third.
Roberts got another sack on the next play to put the Wolverines behind the chains. They threw incomplete, then complete for a loss of 3 yards and had to punt again.
This time Dylan Smith returned the punt 30 yards to the 33-yard line.
Barnes went 30 yards on the first play, but it was also called back for holding. It mattered little. The Panthers needed just six plays with Seidl going the last four with 1:04 left in the third quarter.
Mason Martin missed his only extra point in nine tries, but the earlier miss by BW made it irrelevant for the 35-point spread to start the mercy-rule clock.
Cabot finished with 534 yards off offense, including 498 on the ground. Barnes led the way with 13 carries for 166 yards and three touchdowns. Seidl had 16 carries for 113 yards and five scores. Cabot’s other touchdown was a 36-yard pass from Barnes to halfback Austin Morse in the second quarter.
Bentonville West finished with 321 yards off offense, 253 through the air and 68 on the ground.
The Panthers (7-4) will return to North Little Rock next Friday for its second round game. The undefeated, No. 1 ranked Charging Wildcats hosted the Panthers last week in the regular-season finale and escaped with a 28-27 win.
“We go back to North Little Rock next week,” Malham said. “We gave them a hell of a game last week and we hope we can play that well again.”
SPORTS STORY >> Sylvan Hills shocked by Chapel
By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
The Watson Chapel Wildcats were celebrating wildly, but it still somehow seemed stone silent on the Sylvan Hills sidelines. Blue Bears’ uniforms scattered intermittently between the south end zone and the 20-yard line, some standing in shock, some sprawled on the turf in anguish, some sitting dejectedly with facemasks between knee pads.
It was supposed to be the Bears’ year, but it came to a stunning and crashing halt Friday night at Blackwood Field in Sherwood. The Watson Chapel Wildcats overcame a 21-0 halftime deficit, scored with no time left and made a two-point conversion to defeat the Bears 36-35 in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs.
Sylvan Hills entered the game 9-1 and hosting a playoff game for the first time since 2002. The Bears were considered one of the top contenders for this year’s state championship.
Sylvan Hills coach Jim Withrow could barely find words after the game.
“We just, I don’t know. We just didn’t do anything in the second half. It’s just, not good.”
The Sylvan Hills offense was machine-like for most of the first half, and the Bears were on the verge of blowing the Wildcats off the field. Sylvan Hills sliced up the Chapel defense on its first two possessions, averaging more than 10 yards per play and taking a 14-0 lead with 6:19 to go in the first quarter.
Meanwhile the Sylvan Hills defense was being stingy. Chapel got just 29yards combined on its first two possessions.
The Wildcats third possession got to the Bears’ 2-yard line, but the defense made a goal line stand to give the ball back to the offense 98 yards from another score.
Because of 25 yards of offensive penalties, the Bears had to overcome being behind the chains, but they did so twice. They even had a third and 33 from their own 9-yard line they converted when quarterback Jordan Washington hit Fred Mackey for a 40-yard completion.
In all, the drive consisted of 122 yards of offense, but slotback Deon Youngblood fumbled just short of the goal line as he dived for the score. The ball rolled out of the back of the end zone for a touchback.
Again, the Bear defense bent but didn’t break. Chapel drove to a first and goal at the 3, but turned it over on downs at the 5.
This time the Bears overcame second and 11 with a 36-yard reception by Jamar Lane to the Chapel 48. Washington had to leave the game because his helmet came off after picking up a first down at the 37.
On the very next play, backup quarterback Ryan Lumpkin kept on a quarterback draw and raced 37 yards up the middle for a touchdown with 51 seconds left in the half.
Tito Mendoza’s extra point sent the Bears into the locker room with a three-touchdown lead, and expecting to get the ball to start the second half.
But shortly after the second-half kickoff, things began to go wrong for the home team.
The Bears lost a fumble and an interception. And a high punt snap set up a one-play, 2-yard touchdown drive by Watson Chapel that tied the game at 21-21 with 11:50 left.
Sylvan Hills’ next drive ended with a missed 27-yard field goal attempt by Mendoza, and Chapel took the lead with a 12-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard keeper by Dorsey with 3:15 remaining.
Sylvan Hills finally got things going and scored in just four plays, with Lane catching a 14-yard pass with 1:52 left to tie the game.
Darius Waddell then covered an onside kick for the Bears, and they scored again on a 45-yard reception by Youngblood with 1:06 to go. Mendoza’s extra point gave the Bears a 35-28 lead.
That set up Chapel’s game-winning drive. The key play was a 45-yard catch by White on third and 10 to the Sylvan Hills 8-yard line. He was forced out of bounds with two seconds remaining, but an illegal participation penalty moved the ball to the 4.
Dorsey rolled left to pass, but tucked and ran when he saw no one open, and scored with no time on the clock.
He then rolled right for the conversion, and hit White at 1. White bounced off two tackles and stumbled backwards into the end zone, just inside the pylon to give the Wildcats the win.
Watson Chapel (8-4) advances to the second round, where it will face Alma, a 38-13 winner over Blytheville on Friday.
Leader sports editor
The Watson Chapel Wildcats were celebrating wildly, but it still somehow seemed stone silent on the Sylvan Hills sidelines. Blue Bears’ uniforms scattered intermittently between the south end zone and the 20-yard line, some standing in shock, some sprawled on the turf in anguish, some sitting dejectedly with facemasks between knee pads.
It was supposed to be the Bears’ year, but it came to a stunning and crashing halt Friday night at Blackwood Field in Sherwood. The Watson Chapel Wildcats overcame a 21-0 halftime deficit, scored with no time left and made a two-point conversion to defeat the Bears 36-35 in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs.
Sylvan Hills entered the game 9-1 and hosting a playoff game for the first time since 2002. The Bears were considered one of the top contenders for this year’s state championship.
Sylvan Hills coach Jim Withrow could barely find words after the game.
“We just, I don’t know. We just didn’t do anything in the second half. It’s just, not good.”
The Sylvan Hills offense was machine-like for most of the first half, and the Bears were on the verge of blowing the Wildcats off the field. Sylvan Hills sliced up the Chapel defense on its first two possessions, averaging more than 10 yards per play and taking a 14-0 lead with 6:19 to go in the first quarter.
Meanwhile the Sylvan Hills defense was being stingy. Chapel got just 29yards combined on its first two possessions.
The Wildcats third possession got to the Bears’ 2-yard line, but the defense made a goal line stand to give the ball back to the offense 98 yards from another score.
Because of 25 yards of offensive penalties, the Bears had to overcome being behind the chains, but they did so twice. They even had a third and 33 from their own 9-yard line they converted when quarterback Jordan Washington hit Fred Mackey for a 40-yard completion.
In all, the drive consisted of 122 yards of offense, but slotback Deon Youngblood fumbled just short of the goal line as he dived for the score. The ball rolled out of the back of the end zone for a touchback.
Again, the Bear defense bent but didn’t break. Chapel drove to a first and goal at the 3, but turned it over on downs at the 5.
This time the Bears overcame second and 11 with a 36-yard reception by Jamar Lane to the Chapel 48. Washington had to leave the game because his helmet came off after picking up a first down at the 37.
On the very next play, backup quarterback Ryan Lumpkin kept on a quarterback draw and raced 37 yards up the middle for a touchdown with 51 seconds left in the half.
Tito Mendoza’s extra point sent the Bears into the locker room with a three-touchdown lead, and expecting to get the ball to start the second half.
But shortly after the second-half kickoff, things began to go wrong for the home team.
The Bears lost a fumble and an interception. And a high punt snap set up a one-play, 2-yard touchdown drive by Watson Chapel that tied the game at 21-21 with 11:50 left.
Sylvan Hills’ next drive ended with a missed 27-yard field goal attempt by Mendoza, and Chapel took the lead with a 12-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard keeper by Dorsey with 3:15 remaining.
Sylvan Hills finally got things going and scored in just four plays, with Lane catching a 14-yard pass with 1:52 left to tie the game.
Darius Waddell then covered an onside kick for the Bears, and they scored again on a 45-yard reception by Youngblood with 1:06 to go. Mendoza’s extra point gave the Bears a 35-28 lead.
That set up Chapel’s game-winning drive. The key play was a 45-yard catch by White on third and 10 to the Sylvan Hills 8-yard line. He was forced out of bounds with two seconds remaining, but an illegal participation penalty moved the ball to the 4.
Dorsey rolled left to pass, but tucked and ran when he saw no one open, and scored with no time on the clock.
He then rolled right for the conversion, and hit White at 1. White bounced off two tackles and stumbled backwards into the end zone, just inside the pylon to give the Wildcats the win.
Watson Chapel (8-4) advances to the second round, where it will face Alma, a 38-13 winner over Blytheville on Friday.
EDITORIAL >> A Jersey cow pays dividends
Jacksonville banker Larry Wilson and his wife Wendy, his sons Patrick and Mark and his sister Kathy Roberts helped kick off a generous scholarship program Wednesday at Jacksonville High School in partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which will allow dozens of students to attend college.
Jacksonville Promise, the new cooperative program between Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District and UALR, aims to make college affordable to qualifying students.
The Wilson Charitable Trust will provide $25,000 worth of $500 to $1,000 grants to help with books or other items in the program’s first year.
Larry Wilson recalled how his father, Kenneth Pat Wilson, attended the University of Arkansas after his father sold the family’s Jersey cow so he could go to Fayetteville, earn a college degree and later found First State Bank of Jacksonville, now First Arkansas Bank.
Wilson said his family foundation could help 25 to 50 students. “We have committed for the first year,” he said. “This program makes it possible for you to go to college. We’re providing you the cow.”
Almost every student needs a helping hand to attend college. Not many families can sell a cow to pay for a college education these days, but that old Jersey cow is still paying dividends four generations later. Thank you, Wilson Charitable Trust.
Jacksonville Promise, the new cooperative program between Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District and UALR, aims to make college affordable to qualifying students.
The Wilson Charitable Trust will provide $25,000 worth of $500 to $1,000 grants to help with books or other items in the program’s first year.
Larry Wilson recalled how his father, Kenneth Pat Wilson, attended the University of Arkansas after his father sold the family’s Jersey cow so he could go to Fayetteville, earn a college degree and later found First State Bank of Jacksonville, now First Arkansas Bank.
Wilson said his family foundation could help 25 to 50 students. “We have committed for the first year,” he said. “This program makes it possible for you to go to college. We’re providing you the cow.”
Almost every student needs a helping hand to attend college. Not many families can sell a cow to pay for a college education these days, but that old Jersey cow is still paying dividends four generations later. Thank you, Wilson Charitable Trust.
EDITORIAL >> New district turns page
Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District Deputy Superintendent Jeremy Owoh told us once that he didn’t want to be moved into the big office when Superintendent Tony Wood retired. Wood said from the git-go he was a short timer and at last week’s school board meeting, he resigned effective the end of this school year.
We haven’t revisited that conversation with Owoh, but it seems to be a moot point for now, no matter how capable he is, or how much he would or wouldn’t want the job. He seems to have done a good job leading the educational component of the district and recognizes the long way the district needs to go at every grade.
According to the recent public annual report, our students are failing to perform at grade level in alarming numbers.
Advertising for Wood’s replacement began Tuesday morning—no one has applied yet—and the posting listed requirements and skills needed for the job.
It requires a minimum of five years experience as the superintendent of a school district, and Owoh has none. While we’ve seen principals apply for superintendent jobs at the Pulaski County Special School District, Wood and the board want a lot of experience from the next superintendent, with all that’s going on right now.
Guiding a new school district, with a new school board, two new schools coming out of the ground, questions of finance and construction, will be quite a stretch for the next superintendent, never mind an inexperienced one. The district is still trying to settle the desegregation lawsuit and get out from under oversight in U.S. District Court. Who knows what new problems may be generated by the General Assembly.
It was only through the wisdom and experience of Wood, and Bobby Lester in the interim before him, their expertise in Arkansas public school law and regulations, that the district met all requirements to begin operation this year—the first new district carved out of an existing school district in memory.
We hope that Owoh will stick around here long enough for a shot at the superintendency. Like Sara Lee, nobody doesn’t like him. He has handled every task with good humor and proficiency.
Here’s what else Wood and the board want of the next superintendent:
A Ph.D. (Owoh’s got his), district administrator pre-K—12 licensure codes.
The job description summary says, “The new job requires the ability to demonstrate administrative and technical expertise in several areas, knowledge of laws and regulations governing Arkansas public schools, language and human relations skill to deliver formal presentations to diverse audiences and other abilities.
The school board could hire his successor as early as Dec. 5.
At a special board meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, applications will be reviewed and finalists will be selected.
Interviews will be conducted on Nov. 28. The new superintendent will go to work July 1, 2017.
We haven’t revisited that conversation with Owoh, but it seems to be a moot point for now, no matter how capable he is, or how much he would or wouldn’t want the job. He seems to have done a good job leading the educational component of the district and recognizes the long way the district needs to go at every grade.
According to the recent public annual report, our students are failing to perform at grade level in alarming numbers.
Advertising for Wood’s replacement began Tuesday morning—no one has applied yet—and the posting listed requirements and skills needed for the job.
It requires a minimum of five years experience as the superintendent of a school district, and Owoh has none. While we’ve seen principals apply for superintendent jobs at the Pulaski County Special School District, Wood and the board want a lot of experience from the next superintendent, with all that’s going on right now.
Guiding a new school district, with a new school board, two new schools coming out of the ground, questions of finance and construction, will be quite a stretch for the next superintendent, never mind an inexperienced one. The district is still trying to settle the desegregation lawsuit and get out from under oversight in U.S. District Court. Who knows what new problems may be generated by the General Assembly.
It was only through the wisdom and experience of Wood, and Bobby Lester in the interim before him, their expertise in Arkansas public school law and regulations, that the district met all requirements to begin operation this year—the first new district carved out of an existing school district in memory.
We hope that Owoh will stick around here long enough for a shot at the superintendency. Like Sara Lee, nobody doesn’t like him. He has handled every task with good humor and proficiency.
Here’s what else Wood and the board want of the next superintendent:
A Ph.D. (Owoh’s got his), district administrator pre-K—12 licensure codes.
The job description summary says, “The new job requires the ability to demonstrate administrative and technical expertise in several areas, knowledge of laws and regulations governing Arkansas public schools, language and human relations skill to deliver formal presentations to diverse audiences and other abilities.
The school board could hire his successor as early as Dec. 5.
At a special board meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, applications will be reviewed and finalists will be selected.
Interviews will be conducted on Nov. 28. The new superintendent will go to work July 1, 2017.
TOP STORY >> Christmas parades coming up
Sherwood will hold its Christmas parade at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.
The theme is Hometown Christmas Memories. Freddie Hudson will be the parade’s grand marshal.
The parade will begin at Kiehl Avenue and Lantrip Road and will continue west down Kiehl. It will end at Oakbrooke Drive.
The Sherwood Advertising and Promotion Commission sponsors the annual event.
To request an entry form, or for more information, call Julie Tharp at the Duran Youth Center at 501-835-9599 or email sherwoodparade@sherwoodparks.com.
Lonoke will hold its first Christmas parade and the 33rd annual Merry Thanks merchant open house and window decorating competition on Sunday, Dec. 4.
Merchants will be open from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the parade starts at 5 p.m.
RSVP by Nov. 30.
For more information call 501-676-2552 or contact Shelby Durbin at durbins.wadecac@att.net.
Jacksonville will hold its 59th annual Christmas Parade at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6.
The theme is Sights and Sounds of Christmas.
The parade will begin at Sharp and Main streets and will end at First United Methodist Church.
To enter a float, call 501-982-4171 or visit www.cityofjacksonville.net.
Cabot’s Christmas par-ade will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 on South Pine St. The theme is Christmas Around the World.
Entry forms are available on the park department’s website, www.cabotparks.com. Entry fees are $10.
Awards will be given in several categories.
The theme is Hometown Christmas Memories. Freddie Hudson will be the parade’s grand marshal.
The parade will begin at Kiehl Avenue and Lantrip Road and will continue west down Kiehl. It will end at Oakbrooke Drive.
The Sherwood Advertising and Promotion Commission sponsors the annual event.
To request an entry form, or for more information, call Julie Tharp at the Duran Youth Center at 501-835-9599 or email sherwoodparade@sherwoodparks.com.
Lonoke will hold its first Christmas parade and the 33rd annual Merry Thanks merchant open house and window decorating competition on Sunday, Dec. 4.
Merchants will be open from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the parade starts at 5 p.m.
RSVP by Nov. 30.
For more information call 501-676-2552 or contact Shelby Durbin at durbins.wadecac@att.net.
Jacksonville will hold its 59th annual Christmas Parade at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6.
The theme is Sights and Sounds of Christmas.
The parade will begin at Sharp and Main streets and will end at First United Methodist Church.
To enter a float, call 501-982-4171 or visit www.cityofjacksonville.net.
Cabot’s Christmas par-ade will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 on South Pine St. The theme is Christmas Around the World.
Entry forms are available on the park department’s website, www.cabotparks.com. Entry fees are $10.
Awards will be given in several categories.
TOP STORY >> Gift helps JHS students
By JOHN HOFHEIMER
Leader senior staff writer
Jacksonville Promise, a new cooperative program announced on Wednesday between the Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, aims to make college affordable to qualifying students, perhaps free to some.
Basically, it’s an early- admissions program that will help students and their parents navigate federal student loans and also scholarships, including those from UALR.
In addition, the Wilson Charitable Trust of Jacksonville will provide $25,000 worth of $500 to $1,000 grants to help with books or other things in the program’s first year.
The average cost of tuition for an in-state student with a 15-hour semester would be $8,633 per year, according to Angie Faller, a UALR spokesman.
Those in the 2017-2020 classes who qualify and are eligible will be guaranteed admission along with help applying for and getting financial aid to pay the bill.
The program was announced at an assembly in the school gym Wednesday morning —an assembly that included addresses by UALR Chancellor Andrew Rogerson, Principal LaGail Biggs and Jacksonville banker Larry Wilson.
The student must satisfy admissions criteria to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, must submit a complete application package to UALR and must have made acceptable financial arrangements to attend the university.
Satisfactory completion of all three provisions guarantees the student a seat at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus for the fall semester following high school graduation, according to the contract.
Wilson said Jacksonville Promise grew out of a meeting he had with Rogerson in September.
“I suggested they look at seeing what could be done to attract Jacksonville students,” he said. “We felt the foundation could put up some money to make it absolutely free for students with the grades.”
Wilson said his family foundation could help 25 to 50 students. “We have committed for the first year,” he said.
COWS FOR COLLEGE
The $25,000 gift to Jacksonville Promise was some of the money from Wilson’s father, a successful businessman. “My father talked his dad into selling a Jersey cow to help pay his tuition,” Wilson said.
“This program makes it possible for you to go to college,” he said. “We’re providing you the cow.”
“It can be a difference maker. Don’t let this go by without giving it your best shot,” Wilson added.
Precious Scott, a Jacksonville High School senior last year and now a second semester freshman at UALR, got started last year as part of the Donaldson Scholars program.
She told students Wed-nesday that she had struggled with the ACT test, but now feels more confident and feels like she belongs at the college.
“I did Saturday classes and avoided the remedial program. I’m part of a community of people I believe in,” Scott said.
“We are offering a future that could be a game changer,” Principal Biggs said. “This is a ready opportunity to go to college, to get early credit, start early the process of getting scholarships and to graduate with minimal or no debt.”
“When you apply, we will make it easy for you,” said Chancellor Rogerson. “We will guide you through the application process. We are committed to your success.”
“We will offer personalized support to students as part of the Jacksonville Promise to ensure students take advantage of all existing financial aid and scholarship programs,” UALR’s Faller said.
A team of financial aid professionals will visit the high school from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday to provide hands-on assistance to students as they complete the free application for federal student aid.
“This will be followed with a series of scholarship workshops as we help students identify and apply for scholarships. Included will be scholarships offered by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock as well as privately funded scholarships,” according to Faller.
Assistance will be offered in various aspects of scholarship application, including writing effective essays and ACT preparation.
MAXIMIZE AID
“It is our goal to maximize the aid students receive from all sources by timely and accurate applications using the generous gift from the Wilson Charitable Trust to provide gap funding when needed,” she said.
Admissions criteria are:
Completion of the college preparatory core at the time of graduation from high school.
Achieve an ACT composite score of at least 19 or a combined critical reading/math SAT score of at least 910.
A cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
Completion of the free application for the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the YOUniversal application for state funded financial aid programs and other financial aid applications and forms is increasingly essential to college financing in today’s economic climate.
The FAFSA remains the gateway document for students to receive low-interest federal loans, federal work-study and grants, including the federal Pell Grant.
By signing the contract, a student can gain access to university advisers to explain acceptance criteria, guidance through the application process and completing the forms for financial aid, according to an information sheet available with the contract.
The university will provide assistance and information regarding other financial aid programs, including in-house scholarship, private aid and state grants and scholarships, including the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship funded by the lottery.
“Access and opportunity to postsecondary education will allow our students to realize their hopes and dreams,” said JNPSD Superintendent Tony Wood.
Students and parents who sign the simple one-page contract may participate in services including:
Group and personalized workshops to help complete the FAFSA application, learn about financial aid options and scholarships;
Student experience and orientation days at UALR to make transition to college easier;
ACT preparation;
Placement tests;
Hotline to UALR;
Concurrent academic enrollment to receive college credit while in high school;
Participation in the Dr. Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy or the TRIO talent search program if eligible;
Job mentoring with UALR alumni;
Recognition as a Jacksonville Promise graduate.
Thursday morning, Darryl Kimble Brooks, a senior, was the first to return his completed contract to the district.
Juan Amaya, an 18-year-old senior, said after the announcement that he thinks the program will be helpful. “I want to try for a four-year degree in chemistry,” he said.
Christen White, a 17-year old junior, says the program will be beneficial to him.
He wants to get a degree from UALR and then join the military.
“I think this about the future, putting things in action and do something about life,” said Kelly White, his mother.
School Board President Daniel Gray, said, “Our kids have opportunities. It’s cool to be part of a community that wants to take care of kids. We are blessed with high expectations.”
Leader senior staff writer
Jacksonville Promise, a new cooperative program announced on Wednesday between the Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, aims to make college affordable to qualifying students, perhaps free to some.
Basically, it’s an early- admissions program that will help students and their parents navigate federal student loans and also scholarships, including those from UALR.
In addition, the Wilson Charitable Trust of Jacksonville will provide $25,000 worth of $500 to $1,000 grants to help with books or other things in the program’s first year.
The average cost of tuition for an in-state student with a 15-hour semester would be $8,633 per year, according to Angie Faller, a UALR spokesman.
Those in the 2017-2020 classes who qualify and are eligible will be guaranteed admission along with help applying for and getting financial aid to pay the bill.
The program was announced at an assembly in the school gym Wednesday morning —an assembly that included addresses by UALR Chancellor Andrew Rogerson, Principal LaGail Biggs and Jacksonville banker Larry Wilson.
The student must satisfy admissions criteria to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, must submit a complete application package to UALR and must have made acceptable financial arrangements to attend the university.
Satisfactory completion of all three provisions guarantees the student a seat at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus for the fall semester following high school graduation, according to the contract.
Wilson said Jacksonville Promise grew out of a meeting he had with Rogerson in September.
“I suggested they look at seeing what could be done to attract Jacksonville students,” he said. “We felt the foundation could put up some money to make it absolutely free for students with the grades.”
Wilson said his family foundation could help 25 to 50 students. “We have committed for the first year,” he said.
COWS FOR COLLEGE
The $25,000 gift to Jacksonville Promise was some of the money from Wilson’s father, a successful businessman. “My father talked his dad into selling a Jersey cow to help pay his tuition,” Wilson said.
“This program makes it possible for you to go to college,” he said. “We’re providing you the cow.”
“It can be a difference maker. Don’t let this go by without giving it your best shot,” Wilson added.
Precious Scott, a Jacksonville High School senior last year and now a second semester freshman at UALR, got started last year as part of the Donaldson Scholars program.
She told students Wed-nesday that she had struggled with the ACT test, but now feels more confident and feels like she belongs at the college.
“I did Saturday classes and avoided the remedial program. I’m part of a community of people I believe in,” Scott said.
“We are offering a future that could be a game changer,” Principal Biggs said. “This is a ready opportunity to go to college, to get early credit, start early the process of getting scholarships and to graduate with minimal or no debt.”
“When you apply, we will make it easy for you,” said Chancellor Rogerson. “We will guide you through the application process. We are committed to your success.”
“We will offer personalized support to students as part of the Jacksonville Promise to ensure students take advantage of all existing financial aid and scholarship programs,” UALR’s Faller said.
A team of financial aid professionals will visit the high school from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday to provide hands-on assistance to students as they complete the free application for federal student aid.
“This will be followed with a series of scholarship workshops as we help students identify and apply for scholarships. Included will be scholarships offered by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock as well as privately funded scholarships,” according to Faller.
Assistance will be offered in various aspects of scholarship application, including writing effective essays and ACT preparation.
MAXIMIZE AID
“It is our goal to maximize the aid students receive from all sources by timely and accurate applications using the generous gift from the Wilson Charitable Trust to provide gap funding when needed,” she said.
Admissions criteria are:
Completion of the college preparatory core at the time of graduation from high school.
Achieve an ACT composite score of at least 19 or a combined critical reading/math SAT score of at least 910.
A cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
Completion of the free application for the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the YOUniversal application for state funded financial aid programs and other financial aid applications and forms is increasingly essential to college financing in today’s economic climate.
The FAFSA remains the gateway document for students to receive low-interest federal loans, federal work-study and grants, including the federal Pell Grant.
By signing the contract, a student can gain access to university advisers to explain acceptance criteria, guidance through the application process and completing the forms for financial aid, according to an information sheet available with the contract.
The university will provide assistance and information regarding other financial aid programs, including in-house scholarship, private aid and state grants and scholarships, including the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship funded by the lottery.
“Access and opportunity to postsecondary education will allow our students to realize their hopes and dreams,” said JNPSD Superintendent Tony Wood.
Students and parents who sign the simple one-page contract may participate in services including:
Group and personalized workshops to help complete the FAFSA application, learn about financial aid options and scholarships;
Student experience and orientation days at UALR to make transition to college easier;
ACT preparation;
Placement tests;
Hotline to UALR;
Concurrent academic enrollment to receive college credit while in high school;
Participation in the Dr. Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy or the TRIO talent search program if eligible;
Job mentoring with UALR alumni;
Recognition as a Jacksonville Promise graduate.
Thursday morning, Darryl Kimble Brooks, a senior, was the first to return his completed contract to the district.
Juan Amaya, an 18-year-old senior, said after the announcement that he thinks the program will be helpful. “I want to try for a four-year degree in chemistry,” he said.
Christen White, a 17-year old junior, says the program will be beneficial to him.
He wants to get a degree from UALR and then join the military.
“I think this about the future, putting things in action and do something about life,” said Kelly White, his mother.
School Board President Daniel Gray, said, “Our kids have opportunities. It’s cool to be part of a community that wants to take care of kids. We are blessed with high expectations.”
TOP STORY >> Council runoff is Nov. 29
By JEFFREY SMITH
Leader staff writer
A runoff election will be held in Cabot for the Ward 3, Position 1 seat on the city council between real estate agent Wendell Gibson and Cabot Public Works office manager Norma Naquin.
Naquin had 2,813 votes, Gibson had 2,745 votes. Alderman Doyle Tullos who was seeking re-election had 2,504 votes.
Early voting will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22; Wednesday, Nov. 23 and Monday, Nov. 28 at the Cabot schools’ old projects building, 802 N. Second St., across from Harps.
The runoff election will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29. Ward 1 will vote at the Cabot old projects building, 802 N. Second St., across from Harps. Ward 2 will vote at the First Baptist Church gym. Ward 3 will vote at the Veterans Park Community Center. Ward 4 will vote at Mount Carmel Baptist Church.
On Thursday, Tullos gave his endorsement and support to Naquin. “I congratulate Norma and her family for working very hard and running a great campaign. She is well qualified and will be a great representative for the city of Cabot as your next city council member,” Tullos said
Leader staff writer
A runoff election will be held in Cabot for the Ward 3, Position 1 seat on the city council between real estate agent Wendell Gibson and Cabot Public Works office manager Norma Naquin.
Naquin had 2,813 votes, Gibson had 2,745 votes. Alderman Doyle Tullos who was seeking re-election had 2,504 votes.
Early voting will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22; Wednesday, Nov. 23 and Monday, Nov. 28 at the Cabot schools’ old projects building, 802 N. Second St., across from Harps.
The runoff election will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29. Ward 1 will vote at the Cabot old projects building, 802 N. Second St., across from Harps. Ward 2 will vote at the First Baptist Church gym. Ward 3 will vote at the Veterans Park Community Center. Ward 4 will vote at Mount Carmel Baptist Church.
On Thursday, Tullos gave his endorsement and support to Naquin. “I congratulate Norma and her family for working very hard and running a great campaign. She is well qualified and will be a great representative for the city of Cabot as your next city council member,” Tullos said
Wednesday, November 09, 2016
EDITORIAL >> Another win for Trump
Donald Trump ran an unorthodox campaign since he announced his candidacy 18 months ago and beat 17 other Republicans for the party’s nomination.
But if late results hold up into Wednesday morning, the New York billionaire will be the next president of the United States with the overwhelming help of white working-class voters without college degrees who were mostly overlooked by pollsters.
Abandoned by prominent Republicans, Trump ran his campaign almost single-handedly with a woefully underfunded war chest and a small staff, holding rallies and going on TV every day. He bought few TV ads.
A Trump victory will mean another realignment on the Supreme Court and the end of Obamacare and the so-called private option in in our state, possibly ending health coverage for 300,000 Arkansans. A Trump victory will almost certainly mean closer ties with Russia, which dramatically hacked into the Democrats’ emails and derailed Clinton’s path to the White House. It remains to be seen if Trump will build a wall to keep Mexicans out of the U.S.
The New York Times called the election for Donald Trump around 9 p.m. Tuesday, well ahead of the television networks. Although the newspaper predicted almost certain victory for Hillary Clinton for months, the Times used a powerful tracking tool last night that quickly detected a surge for Trump, perhaps the most unlikely presidential candidate in history.
Just a few hours after the polls closed, the Times predicted a 290 electoral victory for Trump (20 over the minimum needed) and a small popular win for Clinton, although numbers could change as we go to press. As in 2000, one candidate can lose the popular vote but carry the electoral college.
That was one possible outcome numbers cruncher Nate Silver predicted before the election. Silver warned overconfident Democrats that an electoral landslide for Clinton that many were predicting was by no means assured. He correctly predicted the previous two elections, and he thought right up to the end that Trump could win and paint the country red.
The final results weren’t in late Tuesday, but the polls erred by about 5 percent — the worst call in almost 70 years — although the much maligned Los Angeles Times poll did predict a Trump win, as did some more obscure polls.
Trump pulled off the biggest upset since Harry Truman beat Thomas Dewey in 1948. After easily winning the Republican primaries in the spring, Trump surprised the experts once again and turned a close contest against Clinton into a stunning electoral win.
Clinton’s email scandal and FBI investigation depressed turnout among black voters. Even with a surge among Latino voters, her path to victory narrowed, especially in Florida, a crucial state essential to victory.
Yet almost everyone expected a Clinton victory until the votes were counted. Many Trump supporters expected him to lose and said so. As the polls opened Tuesday, Roger Stone, one of Trump’s top aides, said, “Frankly, Trump has run one of the worst campaigns in modern history.”
Although Trump turned off many traditional Republicans, especially women, he picked up enough support from whites who never went to college and who responded to his isolationist message, depressing financial markets around the world. Not much surprise there.
Clinton was leading in the polls at least since June except for a short bump for Trump after the Republican convention. The cable news networks made a horse race out of it until the end, but the best polls showed her ahead right up to Election Day. Most of them were wrong.
Trump promised to self-fund his campaign but poured only about $60 million of his own money, mostly in the primaries. Ross Perot spent $63 million of his own money in 1992, which is worth $108 million today.
Short of funds, Trump still widened his base, while Hillary’s shrunk. Just as Republicans rejected another Bush in the primaries, voters turned against putting another Clinton in the White House.
Our nation will remain divided for the foreseeable future. For the healing to begin, the new president must work toward economic fairness for all Americans, not just our privileged citizens.
As the shouting subsides, the president and Congress must reach out and work toward prosperity and opportunities for all. This isn’t just a slogan but the essence of the American idea that we are all fortunate to live in a democracy and must overcome our differences. We cannot let this great Republic fall short as a beacon of hope and an economic engine like no other in the world.
A new political realignment in the near future is almost certain. First, let the healing begin.
But if late results hold up into Wednesday morning, the New York billionaire will be the next president of the United States with the overwhelming help of white working-class voters without college degrees who were mostly overlooked by pollsters.
Abandoned by prominent Republicans, Trump ran his campaign almost single-handedly with a woefully underfunded war chest and a small staff, holding rallies and going on TV every day. He bought few TV ads.
A Trump victory will mean another realignment on the Supreme Court and the end of Obamacare and the so-called private option in in our state, possibly ending health coverage for 300,000 Arkansans. A Trump victory will almost certainly mean closer ties with Russia, which dramatically hacked into the Democrats’ emails and derailed Clinton’s path to the White House. It remains to be seen if Trump will build a wall to keep Mexicans out of the U.S.
The New York Times called the election for Donald Trump around 9 p.m. Tuesday, well ahead of the television networks. Although the newspaper predicted almost certain victory for Hillary Clinton for months, the Times used a powerful tracking tool last night that quickly detected a surge for Trump, perhaps the most unlikely presidential candidate in history.
Just a few hours after the polls closed, the Times predicted a 290 electoral victory for Trump (20 over the minimum needed) and a small popular win for Clinton, although numbers could change as we go to press. As in 2000, one candidate can lose the popular vote but carry the electoral college.
That was one possible outcome numbers cruncher Nate Silver predicted before the election. Silver warned overconfident Democrats that an electoral landslide for Clinton that many were predicting was by no means assured. He correctly predicted the previous two elections, and he thought right up to the end that Trump could win and paint the country red.
The final results weren’t in late Tuesday, but the polls erred by about 5 percent — the worst call in almost 70 years — although the much maligned Los Angeles Times poll did predict a Trump win, as did some more obscure polls.
Trump pulled off the biggest upset since Harry Truman beat Thomas Dewey in 1948. After easily winning the Republican primaries in the spring, Trump surprised the experts once again and turned a close contest against Clinton into a stunning electoral win.
Clinton’s email scandal and FBI investigation depressed turnout among black voters. Even with a surge among Latino voters, her path to victory narrowed, especially in Florida, a crucial state essential to victory.
Yet almost everyone expected a Clinton victory until the votes were counted. Many Trump supporters expected him to lose and said so. As the polls opened Tuesday, Roger Stone, one of Trump’s top aides, said, “Frankly, Trump has run one of the worst campaigns in modern history.”
Although Trump turned off many traditional Republicans, especially women, he picked up enough support from whites who never went to college and who responded to his isolationist message, depressing financial markets around the world. Not much surprise there.
Clinton was leading in the polls at least since June except for a short bump for Trump after the Republican convention. The cable news networks made a horse race out of it until the end, but the best polls showed her ahead right up to Election Day. Most of them were wrong.
Trump promised to self-fund his campaign but poured only about $60 million of his own money, mostly in the primaries. Ross Perot spent $63 million of his own money in 1992, which is worth $108 million today.
Short of funds, Trump still widened his base, while Hillary’s shrunk. Just as Republicans rejected another Bush in the primaries, voters turned against putting another Clinton in the White House.
Our nation will remain divided for the foreseeable future. For the healing to begin, the new president must work toward economic fairness for all Americans, not just our privileged citizens.
As the shouting subsides, the president and Congress must reach out and work toward prosperity and opportunities for all. This isn’t just a slogan but the essence of the American idea that we are all fortunate to live in a democracy and must overcome our differences. We cannot let this great Republic fall short as a beacon of hope and an economic engine like no other in the world.
A new political realignment in the near future is almost certain. First, let the healing begin.
TOP STORY >> Make-A-Wish delivers ATV
By JEFFREY SMITH
Leader staff writer
The Make-A-Wish Foundation surprised a Butlerville teen with his wish of a new all-terrain vehicle on Saturday.
Barrett Stark, 16, is battling leukemia. He was diagnosed two years ago. The disease is in remission now, and he receives chemotherapy treatment every Monday.
Stark thought his grandfather, Jimmy, was having a surprise birthday party at the family farm. He was with his grandpa when they arrived to see family and balloons. “Happy Birthday” was sung as the family slowly stepped away from signs revealing Barrett’s wish come true.
Stark’s wish, a John Deere RSX 860i Gator, was driven from hiding behind a barn. Stark also received a helmet, chest protector, goggles and gloves. He took his utility vehicle for test rides. The Mean Pig provided barbecue for lunch.
“It is amazing. It was a surprise. I’ve always wanted one,” Stark said.
Stark’s dad, Darrell Pettey, said, “I’m glad there is an organization like this, not only for my son but for all of the (children) out there.
Make-A-Wish contacted the family within the first five days Stark was in the hospital in 2014.
Stark began to think his wish might not come through.
“I’m very shocked. I’ve been trying to keep it a secret,” Stark’s mom, Polly Pettey, said.
“It is an emotional day. Hunting is in his blood. He said he had to have it before hunting season,” she said.
Modern gun deer season opens this weekend. Duck hunting opens Nov. 19.
“It will get me to the duck hunting holes, and I’ll ride around and have fun. I love it,” Stark said.
Make-A-Wish grants wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. The average cost of a wish is more than $8,000. Make-A-Wish relies on fundraisers, corporate support and donations.
Make-A-Wish Mid-South will grant 250 wishes this year. Wishes are either to go somewhere, to meet someone, to be someone or to have something.
Leader staff writer
The Make-A-Wish Foundation surprised a Butlerville teen with his wish of a new all-terrain vehicle on Saturday.
Barrett Stark, 16, is battling leukemia. He was diagnosed two years ago. The disease is in remission now, and he receives chemotherapy treatment every Monday.
Stark thought his grandfather, Jimmy, was having a surprise birthday party at the family farm. He was with his grandpa when they arrived to see family and balloons. “Happy Birthday” was sung as the family slowly stepped away from signs revealing Barrett’s wish come true.
Stark’s wish, a John Deere RSX 860i Gator, was driven from hiding behind a barn. Stark also received a helmet, chest protector, goggles and gloves. He took his utility vehicle for test rides. The Mean Pig provided barbecue for lunch.
“It is amazing. It was a surprise. I’ve always wanted one,” Stark said.
Stark’s dad, Darrell Pettey, said, “I’m glad there is an organization like this, not only for my son but for all of the (children) out there.
Make-A-Wish contacted the family within the first five days Stark was in the hospital in 2014.
Stark began to think his wish might not come through.
“I’m very shocked. I’ve been trying to keep it a secret,” Stark’s mom, Polly Pettey, said.
“It is an emotional day. Hunting is in his blood. He said he had to have it before hunting season,” she said.
Modern gun deer season opens this weekend. Duck hunting opens Nov. 19.
“It will get me to the duck hunting holes, and I’ll ride around and have fun. I love it,” Stark said.
Make-A-Wish grants wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. The average cost of a wish is more than $8,000. Make-A-Wish relies on fundraisers, corporate support and donations.
Make-A-Wish Mid-South will grant 250 wishes this year. Wishes are either to go somewhere, to meet someone, to be someone or to have something.
TOP STORY >> Search on for new superintendent
By JOHN HOFHEIMER
Leader senior staff writer
Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District Superintendent Tony Wood resigned Monday night effective the end of this school year, and the job opening was posted online by Tuesday morning, Wood said.
The board could hire his successor as early as the Dec. 5 board meeting, according to the timeline Wood submitted and the board approved Monday.
Applicants with doctorates are preferred with a minimum of five years’ superintendent experience required. That excludes assistant superintendent Jeremy Owoh, who has a Ph.D., but has no experience as superintendent.
According to the job posting, “The job requires the ability to demonstrate administrative and technical expertise in multiple areas. It requires knowledge of the laws and regulations governing public schools in Arkansas. Requires sufficient language and human relations skills to prepare and deliver formal presentations to diverse audiences and to build productive and effective work teams. Requires sufficient math skills to read and interpret financial statements.”
The application period closes Nov. 17 at midnight.
At a special board meeting, 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, applications will be reviewed, finalists will be selected, interview questions will be reviewed and the board will set an interview schedule.
Interviews will be conducted Nov. 28 and as early as the Dec. 5 board meeting, the next superintendent could be selected.
Superintendent contract extensions occur in January, Wood said, so the board could choose to wait for the result of that.
The new superintendent will go to work July 1, 2017.
PROUD OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
“I’m proud of what we have accomplished,” Wood wrote in his letter of resignation. “I’ve been surrounded by a talented, dedicated team. Together we’ve established a brand new school district—something that has never happened before in Arkansas. We have started the hard, earnest work that change requires.”
Wood expressed his respect for the board and board members, and said, “You saw the needs and went for a solution by passing one of the largest millage increases in any school district to fund school construction.”
He said the timing of his announcement will afford time to allow an effective process to select the next superintendent and to prepare for the transition.
Wood was hired after a professional nationwide search. It cost the district about $10,000 to find and hire Wood, from about 20 miles up the road in Searcy. His previous job was director of the state Education Department.
EXPECTING NAMES
“We should start to get some names by the end of the week,” Wood said. “This is a wonderful community, if I was a young guy I’d stay on until they ran me off. I’m fixin’ to turn 66.”
He said Tuesday that the district is all staffed up and could now handle all the paperwork of logistics of a search on its own.
Pulaski County Special School District Superintendent Jerry Guess, familiar with the challenges unique to his district and the Jacksonville district that detached from it, including the desegregation orders and agreement they are subject to, said he is on a two-year contract and would not be an applicant.
Bobby Lester, JNPSD’s interim superintendent until Wood was hired said he’ll not apply either. “No, sir. I’ve got other things to do in this life. Tony’s done an excellent job.
EARLY LEADERSHIP
Lester and Wood, between them, kept the process on time and district on an even keel through the first ever detachment of one school district from another.
“I’m thankful we got him,” said School Board President Daniel Gray. “He got us through the most important time, and I don’t think there was anyone else who could have laid as fair a foundation” given the large scope of work.
“His leadership was second to none, and I am thankful we have him through the end of the school year,” Gray said.
“He’s a man of integrity, honest and transparent,” he said. “Those will be hard shoes to fill.”
BONUSES ANNOUNCED
The school board also voted to give each qualifying full-time employee two $600 bonuses this year. The first will be for those working six hours or more a day, hired by Nov. 7 and still employed Dec. 9, the day of the first disbursement.
To qualify for the second bonus, the employee must have started by Jan. 9 and still be employed at the time of the May distribution. The cost to the district will be $735,840.
The district still can’t commit to raises, but wanted to recognize the teachers.
Wood has said all along that he wanted to help the new district to and through its first school year as a standalone district, which was geographically carved out of Pulaski County Special School District, and planned to retire after that.
OTHER PERSONNEL
New personnel hired Mon-day night will be the last eligible for the first bonus. They include Ashlie Ashmore, secondary English teacher; Tiffany Harper, family consumer science; Julie Coker, elementary art and Tracy Haley, secondary science.
The following classified employees were hired: paraprofessionals Holly Douglas, Dorchelle Lockhart, Jarriel Moore, Derrick Steel and Shalonda Thompson; custodians Anthony Brits, Carl Brown (part time), Lakeithia Phoenix and Cora Stovall.
Also hired were bus drivers Richard Haney, Katina Randle and Markiel White and cafeteria workers Jessica Oginski, Antwon Roy, Josephine Wheeler and Lakeshia Williams.
Hired as para-educators were Audreon Duncan, Wileta Ingram and Mary Ellen Shott; Cortez Bell, security officer, and attendance clerk Tina Smith.
Resignations: Reginald Nichols, Craig Watson, Anthony Alexander, Jacob Aloi and Shamika Boxley.
Other resignations include Treva Bradley, Craig Hartaway, Kristy Linkswiler, Georgia Williams and Kaylei Kennedy.
Leader senior staff writer
Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District Superintendent Tony Wood resigned Monday night effective the end of this school year, and the job opening was posted online by Tuesday morning, Wood said.
The board could hire his successor as early as the Dec. 5 board meeting, according to the timeline Wood submitted and the board approved Monday.
Applicants with doctorates are preferred with a minimum of five years’ superintendent experience required. That excludes assistant superintendent Jeremy Owoh, who has a Ph.D., but has no experience as superintendent.
According to the job posting, “The job requires the ability to demonstrate administrative and technical expertise in multiple areas. It requires knowledge of the laws and regulations governing public schools in Arkansas. Requires sufficient language and human relations skills to prepare and deliver formal presentations to diverse audiences and to build productive and effective work teams. Requires sufficient math skills to read and interpret financial statements.”
The application period closes Nov. 17 at midnight.
At a special board meeting, 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, applications will be reviewed, finalists will be selected, interview questions will be reviewed and the board will set an interview schedule.
Interviews will be conducted Nov. 28 and as early as the Dec. 5 board meeting, the next superintendent could be selected.
Superintendent contract extensions occur in January, Wood said, so the board could choose to wait for the result of that.
The new superintendent will go to work July 1, 2017.
PROUD OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
“I’m proud of what we have accomplished,” Wood wrote in his letter of resignation. “I’ve been surrounded by a talented, dedicated team. Together we’ve established a brand new school district—something that has never happened before in Arkansas. We have started the hard, earnest work that change requires.”
Wood expressed his respect for the board and board members, and said, “You saw the needs and went for a solution by passing one of the largest millage increases in any school district to fund school construction.”
He said the timing of his announcement will afford time to allow an effective process to select the next superintendent and to prepare for the transition.
Wood was hired after a professional nationwide search. It cost the district about $10,000 to find and hire Wood, from about 20 miles up the road in Searcy. His previous job was director of the state Education Department.
EXPECTING NAMES
“We should start to get some names by the end of the week,” Wood said. “This is a wonderful community, if I was a young guy I’d stay on until they ran me off. I’m fixin’ to turn 66.”
He said Tuesday that the district is all staffed up and could now handle all the paperwork of logistics of a search on its own.
Pulaski County Special School District Superintendent Jerry Guess, familiar with the challenges unique to his district and the Jacksonville district that detached from it, including the desegregation orders and agreement they are subject to, said he is on a two-year contract and would not be an applicant.
Bobby Lester, JNPSD’s interim superintendent until Wood was hired said he’ll not apply either. “No, sir. I’ve got other things to do in this life. Tony’s done an excellent job.
EARLY LEADERSHIP
Lester and Wood, between them, kept the process on time and district on an even keel through the first ever detachment of one school district from another.
“I’m thankful we got him,” said School Board President Daniel Gray. “He got us through the most important time, and I don’t think there was anyone else who could have laid as fair a foundation” given the large scope of work.
“His leadership was second to none, and I am thankful we have him through the end of the school year,” Gray said.
“He’s a man of integrity, honest and transparent,” he said. “Those will be hard shoes to fill.”
BONUSES ANNOUNCED
The school board also voted to give each qualifying full-time employee two $600 bonuses this year. The first will be for those working six hours or more a day, hired by Nov. 7 and still employed Dec. 9, the day of the first disbursement.
To qualify for the second bonus, the employee must have started by Jan. 9 and still be employed at the time of the May distribution. The cost to the district will be $735,840.
The district still can’t commit to raises, but wanted to recognize the teachers.
Wood has said all along that he wanted to help the new district to and through its first school year as a standalone district, which was geographically carved out of Pulaski County Special School District, and planned to retire after that.
OTHER PERSONNEL
New personnel hired Mon-day night will be the last eligible for the first bonus. They include Ashlie Ashmore, secondary English teacher; Tiffany Harper, family consumer science; Julie Coker, elementary art and Tracy Haley, secondary science.
The following classified employees were hired: paraprofessionals Holly Douglas, Dorchelle Lockhart, Jarriel Moore, Derrick Steel and Shalonda Thompson; custodians Anthony Brits, Carl Brown (part time), Lakeithia Phoenix and Cora Stovall.
Also hired were bus drivers Richard Haney, Katina Randle and Markiel White and cafeteria workers Jessica Oginski, Antwon Roy, Josephine Wheeler and Lakeshia Williams.
Hired as para-educators were Audreon Duncan, Wileta Ingram and Mary Ellen Shott; Cortez Bell, security officer, and attendance clerk Tina Smith.
Resignations: Reginald Nichols, Craig Watson, Anthony Alexander, Jacob Aloi and Shamika Boxley.
Other resignations include Treva Bradley, Craig Hartaway, Kristy Linkswiler, Georgia Williams and Kaylei Kennedy.
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