(October 5, 2019) ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Henderson State got three touchdowns from Logan Moragne and four interceptions from its defense to blitz Northwestern Oklahoma State 47-7 on Saturday afternoon at Carpenter-Haygood Stadium and Ruggles Field.
Leading 17-7 at the half thanks to touchdowns from Moragne and L’liott Curry, the Reddies out-scored the Rangers 23-0 in the third quarter to take full control of the game.
After the second field goal of the day from Temo Martinez started the third, HSU put together a nine-play, 59-yard drive, which was capped by a 6-yard touchdown run from Moragne, to extend its lead to 27-7. On the first play of the ensuing drive for NWOSU, freshman safety Patrick Jones jumped the route by the Rangers’ receiver and returned the first interception of his career 36 yards for a score.
Now up 33-7, the Reddies forced another three-and-out on the next Northwestern drive and their momentum continued thanks to Braden Boykin, who returned the Ranger punt 45 yards down to the NWOSU 4-yard line. Henderson cashed in three plays later courtesy of Moragne once again. His 1-yard plunge was the exclamation point of the big third quarter which allowed HSU to ease to its third-straight home win.
Moragne finished with 18 carries for 64 yards and a career-high three touchdowns to lead the HSU offense. Receiver L’liott Curry finished with eight catches for 125 yards and one touchdown, while quarterback Richard Stammetti was 17-of-31 and threw for 198 yards and the one score to Curry. Running back Darius Austin also had a good day on the ground and led the team with 67 rushing yards on just seven carries.
Defensively, the Reddies got interceptions from Dedric O’Bryant, Rickey Henderson, Trevor Pipkin and the pick-six from Jones to cap another dominant effort on that side of the ball. Henderson held NWOSU to just 217 yards of offense and 71 yards in the second half. The HSU defense has now held three of its first five opponents to under 300 yards of total offense. Freshman Jakob Neel led the Reddies with six tackles and a tackle for loss.
The Reddies’ 4-1 start is their best record to open a season since 2016, when they began 5-0. The win is the biggest margin of victory for HSU since its 67-21 victory over Oklahoma Baptist in 2016.
Henderson (4-1) will look to take its winning ways on the road next Saturday, Oct. 12, when it faces Southwestern Oklahoma State at 3 p.m. in Weatherford, Oklahoma.
Defense Dominates as Reddies Beat NWOSU 47-7
Montgomery County 4-Hers compete in an Amazing Race
The Montgomery County 4-H Amazing Race was held on Saturday, September 14th on the lawn at Heifer International in Little Rock. This years’ Amazing Race was in conjunction with the Expedition Citizenship trip the 4-H’ers took to conclude their yearlong lessons on citizenship.
4-Hers first visited the Old State House where they learned about Arkansas government in the 1800’s, the history of the Old State House and about pioneering medical research. Then on their second stop, 4-H’ers were entertained by actors in period clothing who taught them about life in a pre-civil war neighborhood which included the oldest home still standing in Little Rock. They also visited the office of William Woodruff, who first printed the Arkansas Gazette, Arkansas’s first newspaper. Lastly, the 4-H’ers finished their trip to Heifer International, where the group learned how Heifer is working to end hunger and poverty around the world.
For the Amazing Race section of the trip, 4-Hers competed in three team building challenge activities testing their knowledge on all that they had learned throughout the day. The three groups had older teens who were team captains who provided guidance and encouragement to younger 4-H members. After completing the three activities, the teams were ready for the final challenge game which was a questionnaire covering the topics of citizenship. This year’s Amazing Race had 16 4-H members vying for the title of Montgomery County 4-H Amazing Race Winners.
Contact the County Extension Office at 870-867-2311 for more information about 4-H!
All 4-H meetings and activities are open to all youth between the ages of 5 and 19 without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, or any other legally protected status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (large print, audiotapes, etc.) should notify the county Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible prior to the activity.
Rattlers take a bite out of Lion’s Homecoming
Homecoming Queen Kylie Sigman and her court shined brightly in spite of the treat of rain Friday night. Unfortunately the Lions were unable to present their queen with a win as the Murfreesboro Rattlers walked away with a 52-24 victory.
The game was tight in the opening minutes with both teams exchanging touchdowns in their second drives. Murfreesboro was able to take control in the second quarter and held a 30-16 lead at the half.
The second half was all Murfreesboro as they outscored Mount ida 22-8 to claim a 52-24 win.
Check back later for statistics and read next week’s issue of the Montgomery County News for a full recap of the game.
Written by Dewayne Holloway
Local students among Congressional Youth Cabinet
(October 4, 2019) WASHINGTON – Arkansas high school students are exploring and offering solutions to national issues as members of U.S. Senator John Boozman’s (R-AR) Congressional Youth Cabinet. The program is in its third year and seeks to expose students to the legislative process and opportunities for advocacy and civic engagement.
The group of 58 students from all four congressional districts met for the first time in Little Rock on Friday, October 4. In addition to meeting with Senator Boozman, the students also visited with U.S. Representative French Hill.
“I am pleased to continue this program and bring together young leaders from all corners of the state,” Boozman said. “We have an enthusiastic group of students who represent the future of Arkansas. I think it’s a unique and invaluable opportunity for them and I look forward to receiving their feedback on national issues of interest to them and their peers.”
The Congressional Youth Cabinet is a nonpartisan initiative that allows students to gain first-hand experience engaging in the democratic process. Participants attend several meetings throughout the school year, research a national issue they select and present policy recommendations to Boozman at the final meeting in April.
Students were selected from each of the four congressional districts based on their achievements, involvement in the community and demonstrated leadership experience.
The following students were selected for the 2019-20 school year:
1st Congressional District
James Davis – Jonesboro
Darby Hall – Jonesboro
Kylee Wood – Newark
Grady Inzer – Greers Ferry
Abigail Kingery – Pocahontas
Jeffrey Langston – Blytheville
Jessie Laureles – Batesville
Sebastian Moore – Bay
Kathryn McCustion – Blytheville
Serena Pagan – Jonesboro
Hannah Rainwater – Jonesboro
Eli Richmond – Jonesboro
Savannah Sandage – Batesville
Sophie Simmons – Rector
Aniyah Smith – West Memphis
Meredith Whited – Marion
2nd Congressional District
Tionna Evans – Jacksonville
Brian Hare – Bryant
Loryn Hendrix – Plumerville
Isaiah Lawson – Searcy
Serenity McCuien – Plumerville
Shylynn Phillips – Jacksonville
Jayce Pollard – Conway
Jacob Ray – Hensley
Caley Sample – Jacksonville
Austin Schroeder – Bryant
Skylar Risk – Alexander
Jaya Salgaonkar – Maumelle
Jacob Strawn – North Little Rock
3rd Congressional District
Luke Barnes – Fort Smith
Preston Hyatt – Holiday Island
Ananya Vangoor – Bentonville
Anna Dean – Bentonville
Alison Jang – Bentonville
Monica Alvarenga – Springdale
Haris Rana – Fort Smith
Kylie Bell – Van Buren
Maria Camerlingo – Rogers
Leyton Elmore – Fort Smith
John Keenan – Fayetteville
Dalton Decker – Yellville
Rebekka Riff – Harrison
Luke Rucker – Springdale
4th Congressional District
Abigayle Dampier – Pearcy
Abigail Storment – Plainview
Ella Pace – Hot Springs
Daniel Stuckey – Rison
Carly Orr – Hot Springs
Sheila Hinton – Caddo Gap
Chase Mosely – Hot Springs
Lauren Boston – Hot Springs
Reagan Eades – Jefferson
Jacob Heffington – Hot Springs
Xavier Brown – Crossett
Connor Johnson – Hot Springs
Davis Wilson – Rison
Maggie Cassidy – Magnolia
Anthony Corley – Bismark
Front Porch Stage honors retiring technical director
(September 28, 2019) MOUNT IDA – The Front Porch Stage wrapped up their 2019 concert season with great music from Mike Mayberry and the Slowhands and by celebrating the 16 years of service given to the non-profit by Jerry and Jane Babbitt.
Mike Mayberry and the Slowhands put on a great show as always, playing a mix of country and classic rock. He even teased the crowd with the opening lyrics from “Old Town Road,” but stopped short of rapping for the crowd.
During intermission the Board of Directors called fellow board member Jerry Babbitt to the stage. Jerry Lambert and Tommy Johnston presented Jerry and his wife Jane with plaques of appreciation for their many years of service to the community and specifically to the Front Porch Stage.
The Babbitt’s have been involved with the Front Porch Stage since 2003. Jerry has faithfully ran the sound board and served as the event’s technical director for 16 years.
Jane has done whatever has been asked of her over the years including running the Back Porch Kitchen for many years. She is a member of the “Has Beens,” the name jokingly given to former Possum Queens.
Jerry received the awards on behalf of he and his wife. Jane was unable to attend due to health issues.
The Front Porch Stage scaled back their shows to one a month this year, but plan to host shows on the first and third Saturday of each month through the Summer of 2020.
The Front Porch Stage is a 501c3 non-profit organization that seeks to promote musical pursuits in the county. All money raised by the Front Porch Stage is distributed to area school band and music programs.
For more information on The Front Porch Stage visit their website at frontporchstage.org.
Potential Legionella exposure at Quapaw Baths & Spa in Hot Springs
(October 4, 2019) HOT SPRINGS, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has received environmental test results showing the presence of Legionella bacteria in one untreated water source, which is separate from the drinking water system, within the Quapaw Baths & Spa in Hot Springs. Legionella bacteria can cause a serious type of pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease.
A water sample taken from a source within the spa with untreated water contained the Legionella bacteria. The ADH is working closely with Hot Springs National Park to ensure that the presence of the bacteria within these areas is fully and immediately addressed. Further testing is being done to determine more about this possible exposure. The thermal water available through outdoor fountains for the public to drink is safe to use.
People can catch the Legionella bacteria that cause Legionnaires’ disease when they breathe in aerosolized droplets of water that contain the bacteria. Most people exposed to Legionella will not get sick. However, in some people it can cause severe illness, including pneumonia. Legionnaires’ disease can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually begin 2-14 days after exposure and can include cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, and fever. Additional symptoms may be present, such as headache, confusion, nausea, or diarrhea. People who are at increased risk of getting sick include people 50 years of age or older, smokers, and those with chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems, or underlying illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure.
If you have visited this location and developed any symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease or have experienced these symptoms within the last 30 days, you should see your doctor. Please let your doctor know so that he/she can test you for Legionnaires’ disease. Ask your doctor to test you with both a urine test and a respiratory culture. If you are diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, please report it to the ADH as soon as possible. If you have questions, please call the ADH at 501-537-8969.
The ADH is working in close collaboration with the National Park Service Office of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect the health of those who visit the park. You can learn more about Legionnaires’ disease at https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html.
Junior Lions squash Hornets
(September 26, 2019) MOUNT IDA – The Mount Ida Junior Lions earned a measure of revenge Thursday night with a 46-20 victory over the visiting Mineral Springs Junior Hornets. The win avenged the only loss the Junior Lions suffered last year.
Mineral Springs recorded more total yards than the Junior Lions with 270 yards versus 264 for Mount Ida, but the Junior Lions dominated every other aspect of the game. Most of the Junior Lions’ drives were on a short field with the Mount Ida defense dominating the game in the first half.
Jack Hoeksema rushed for 101 yards on 12 carries and had a 50 yard catch for a touchdown. He also rushed for a touchdown.
Jacob Woodfield had nine carries for 69 yards and and two TDs, followed by Caleb White with seven carries for 47 yards and a score.Dylan Ditgen had two carries for three yards. Isaiah Wilhite, Dean Johnson and Ben Woodfield each had carries in the game.
The Junior Lions also recorded a defensive touchdown thanks to a scoop and score by Ramsey Gilbert in the second half.
Caleb White led the defense with four tackles with one for a loss. Chandler Perkins and Isaiah Wilhite each had two tackles. Ramsey Gilbert had two tackles, one for a loss, and a scoop and score.
Jack Hoeksema, Seth Hamilton and Ashton Humphries also recorded tackles.
The Junior Hornets were the first to score, capping their opening drive with a 48 yard touchdown run. The two point conversion failed and they held a six point lead with 6:46 left in the opening stanza.
Mount Ida wasted no time, scoring on a 35 yard run by Jacob Woodfield. Jack Hoeksema carried the ball in for the two point conversion to give the Junior Lions an 8-6 lead with 5:06 left in the quarter.
Hoeksema came up big for Mount Ida on the ensuing kick off, recovering an onside kick. Five plays later Jacob Woodfield connected with Hoeksema on a halfback pass for a 49 yard touchdown reception. Woodfield got the nod on the two point conversion and the Junior Lions lead increased to 16-6 with 2:06 left in the first quarter.
Mount Ida would score again with 25 seconds left in the half on a 17 yard run by Hoeksema.
Mount Ida opened the second half with a three play 49 yard drive that ended with a nine yard touchdown run by Woodfield. Hoeksema carried the two point conversion in to give the Junior Lions a 32-6 lead.
Woodfield recovered the ball on the ensuing kick off and Mount Ida drove downfield in a five play drive that ended in a two yard touchdown run by Caleb White.
Mineral scored a second touchdown with 5:44 to go in the game on a 95 yard run.
Mount Ida’s final score came from the defensive side of the ball thanks to a 10 yard scoop and score by Ramsey Gilbert.
Mineral Springs would score another time, but Mount Ida held on for the 46-20 victory.
Mount Ida will travel to Murfreesboro Thursday to face the Junior Rattlers. Kick off is set for 7 p.m.
Article Written by Dewayne Holloway
Lions push Hornets to limit in 58-38 shootout
(September 27, 2019) MINERAL SPRINGS – Hunter Davis recorded Mount Ida’s first 100+ yard performance of the season Friday night, but Mineral Springs was able to amass over 400 yards of offense in a 58-38 victory over the Lions.
Hunter Davis rushed for 144 yards on 29 carries for the Lions, scoring all five touchdowns for Mount Ida. AJ Perez had 12 carries for 77 yards, Baylor Bates had 11 for 66 and John Hoeksema had six totes for 18 yards.
Cameren Lee led the rushing attack for Mineral Springs with 12 carries for 120 yards and a score. Ladarrius Hicks had 19 carries for 115 yards and two touchdowns, followed by Keijuan Hicks with eight touches for 68 yards and two scores. Devon Swopes had two carries for nine yards and Jadyn Williams had a three yard run.
Scoring was fast in furious in the first half with both teams scoring four times.
The Hornets were the first to reach the scoreboard with a 28 yard reception to Jadyn Williams with just two minutes gone from the clock. The catch capped a four play 52 yard drive by Mineral Springs. Ladarrius Hicks hit the PAT to give the Hornets a 7-0 lead.
Mount Ida responded with a eight play drive that marched 62 yards downfield and culminated in a four yard run by Hunter Davis. John Hoeksema lumbered in for the two point conversion to give Mount Ida their only lead of the night at the 6:31 mark of the first quarter.
Mineral Springs only needed one play to recapture the lead thanks to a 55 yard run by Hicks. Jevonta Gray caught a pass in the end zone for the two point conversion and the Hornets took a 15-8 lead with 6:17 left in the quarter.
Mount Ida fired back with the longest drive of the evening up to that point with an 11 play 61 yard drive that ended in a 30 yard run by Davis. the two point conversion failed and Mineral Springs clung to a one point lead.
Mineral took to the air for their next score, completing a pass to Gray for an eight yard touchdown. Hicks hit the PAT to move the Hornets lead to 22-14 with 1:15 left in the first quarter.
Undaunted, Mount Ida launched another 11 play drive, this one traversing 71 yards on the field to end in a three yard jaunt by Davis. AJ Perez took the two point conversion in to tie the game at 22 with 6:50 left in the first half.
Mineral Springs reclaimed the lead in less than two minutes with a 46 yard run by Lee. The PAT was wide right and they held a 30-22 lead with 5:33 left in the half.
Mount Ida tied things up once again with 2:21 left in the half on a 17 yard run by Davis.
Mineral Springs tried to end the half with another scoring drive, but was stopped short on a sack by Merlin Vander Weyer.
Mount Ida opened the second half with the ball, but an interception by Devon Swopes ended their bid for the lead. One play later Terrell Fricks took the ball into the endzone from eight yards out to give the Hornets a 36-30 lead with 10:03 left in the third quarter.
Mineral Springs would score again on a four yard run by Hicks with 5:44 to go in the quarter to bump their lead to 44-30.
Mount Ida scored their final touchdown of the night at the 3:02 mark in the third quarter. Davis carried the ball into the endzone from two yards out. Hoeksema took the ball in for the two point conversion to cut the Hornet lead to 44-38.
Mount Ida lost a key player in the next play from scrimmage for the Hornets. AJ Perez was ejected after slinging a Hornet player into a water truck during a tackle that ended up out of bounds.
Mineral Springs would go on to score in the drive on a two yard run by Fricks. He carried the ball in for the two point conversion to give the Hornets a 52-38 lead.
Mineral Springs’ final score came on a seven yard pass to Jadyn Williams with 9:22 left in the game.
The Hornets held on for the 38-28 victory.
Mount Ida will host Murfreesboro Friday night. Homecoming festivities will be held prior to the game with kick off set for 7 p.m.
Mineral Springs travels to Gurdon Friday night with kick off set for 7 p.m.
All statistics are unofficial.
Article Written by Dewayne Holloway
Montgomery County gets CWD collection container
(October 4, 2019) MOUNT IDA – Hunter participation in the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s attempts to track chronic wasting disease (CWD) is now easier in Montgomery County with the installation of a CWD collection center at the county courthouse in Mount Ida.
The collection center is Mount Ida is one of 71 collection centers currently in use in Arkansas.
While there have been no confirmed cases of CWD in deer in Montgomery County, the collection center provides a safe, discreet way for hunters and land owners to submit carcasses for testing in suspected deer.
The receptacle is located on the east side of the Montgomery County Courthouse. It can be accessed by anyone. There are instructions on the receptacle on how to prepare and submit the carcass for testing. Bags, tags and any other supplies needed can be found in the receptacle.
Once a carcass is submitted for testing it can take as little as two weeks to get a result, although it may take longer.
A full list of statewide collection sites can be found at agfc.com/cwd.
Chronic wasting disease was first discovered in Arkansas in February 2016. Later testing, determined that the disease has likely been in the state for decades before being detected. Since the first detections, AGFC has sampled and tested over 19,000 deer and elk from around the state.
There has been one confirmed case of CWD in neighboring Scott County. Other counties with confirmed cases of CWD include: Benton, Boone, Carroll, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Newton, Pope, Searcy, Sebastian, and Washington. Newton County has had the most confirmed cases by far with 369.
Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurological disease that affects members of the deer/elk family known as cervids. It was first described in 1967 in Colorado and since has spread to 26 states, Canada, South Korea, Finland and Norway. CWD is similar to scrapie in sheep/goats and “mad cow disease” in cattle. These diseases are caused by misshapen proteins called prions, which accumulate in the tissues of affected animals, especially the brain, spinal cord, and lymph nodes. CWD is a slowly progressing disease. Infected animals will not show signs of disease for a long period of time, but late in the disease process, they will be thin and may demonstrate weakness, abnormal behavior, excessive thirst, or drooling. Animals generally die soon after the onset of these signs.
Currently it is unlawful to import, transport, or possess any portion of any species of deer, elk, moose or caribou harvested outside of the state within Arkansas, except the following low-risk items:
Antlers and cleaned skulls
Meat with all bones removed
Cleaned teeth
Hides
Finished taxidermy products
It is unlawful to possess any deer or elk harvested within the CWD Management Zone to any location in the state outside the management zone, except the low-risk items listed above.
It is unlawful to possess any deer or elk harvested within Tier 1 of the CWD Management Zone (red) in Tier 2 (orange), except the low-risk materials listed above. A map of the zones can be found at agfc.com/cwd.
It is unlawful to rehabilitate deer.
It is unlawful to use natural scents or lures that contain natural deer and elk urine or other biofluids.
Within the CWD Management Zone, button bucks do not count toward a hunter’s two-buck seasonal bag limit.
Within the CWD Management Zone, any buck may be legally harvested; All antler-point/size restrictions have been removed.
Within the CWD Management Zone, the seasonal bag limit has been increased.
Landowners within the CWD Management Zone may apply for additional deer tags to harvest bonus deer. These deer must be submitted for CWD testing. Landowners should contact their local private lands biologist to receive these tags.
It is unlawful to feed wildlife within the CWD Management Zone, except:
Bait may be used to hunt deer and elk on private land from Sept. 1-Dec. 31.
Food plots may be used year-round.
Baiting bears on private land is allowed 30 days before bear season opens. However, before Sept. 1, bears may only be baited with dog food, cat food, pastries/bread, cooking oils/grease, non-wildlife meat scraps, popped popcorn, fish and fish by-products.
Trapping furbearers with the use of bait during open furbearer trapping seasons or hunting furbearers during open furbearers hunting seasons on private land.
Incidental feeding of wildlife from active livestock operations is allowed.
Normal agricultural, gardening or soil stabilization practices are allowed.
Attracting or feeding birds and squirrels with common bird and squirrel feeders, bird baths and grain completely submerged in water is allowed.
Baiting is allowed for management, research or nuisance wildlife control only with approval by the AGFC Chief of Wildlife Management.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has an entire section on their website dedicated to chronic wasting disease in Arkansas. It offers a wealth of information for those concerned with the disease.
Currently there is no evidence that CWD has been transmitted to humans, or any other species.
For more information visit agfc.com/cwd.
Article Written by Dewayne Holloway
NPC Nighthawks announce basketball rosters, schedules
(10-4-2019) Hot Springs – National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk Athletics announced the 2019-2020 basketball rosters and season schedule for the men and women’s teams this week.
The Nighthawk women’s team will kick off the season November 8 in West Memphis, AR with the Lady Greyhound Classic against Southwest Tennessee Community College. The men’s team will open its season November 1 versus Parkland College in West Memphis, AR at the Greyhound Classic.
The women’s team will include returning students Makayla-Kai Montiho of Poyen, Logan Keener of Lake Hamilton, Brianna Barger of West Fork and Summer Godwin of Mountain Pine. New to the women’s team are sophomores Kyndal Hardy of Mount Vernon and Grace Crawford of Bee Branch and freshmen Imani Honey and Nya Moody of Hot Springs, Charlayah Ridgell of Monticello, Haley Langley of Arkadelphia, Jaide Vavra of Centerpoint and Katie Wathall of Little Rock.
“We are returning four players from last year and have added eight players to our family,” All-Region Coach of the Year and NPC head women’s basketball coach Marvin Moody said. “In the players added, we bring high school championship experience and size needed to compete at this level.”
The men’s team will include returning students David Jagers of Mayflower, Bradey Woodall of Manila, DJ Martin of Pine Bluff, Dayten Wishon of Gravette, Desmond McDonald of Hope and First-Team All-Region honoree Patrick Greene of Little Rock. New to the men’s team are sophomores Reyhan Cobb of Decatur, Ga. and Jeremiah Brantley of Belton, Mo. and freshmen Lane Kersey of Lake Hamilton, Joe Ramey of El Dorado, Clyde Ricks of Hope, Tyler Tolliver of Mayflower, Terry Clardy Jr. and Jakilyn Kaiser of Conway and Oral Roberts University transfer Kamryn Vick of Little Rock.
“We have added some length and athleticism to this year’s team, which I’m happy with,” NPC Athletic Director and head men’s basketball coach Jason Hudnell said. “We understand that we play in a very competitive league, but I think Hot Springs will be proud of the team we put on the floor this fall.”
XZero Sports will continue to broadcast Nighthawk basketball this year. Announcers Mark Oliver and Nathan Looper return for their third season calling the Nighthawks. Beginning in November, home and away games for the men and women’s programs will be live-streamed on www.xzerosports.com.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit www.np.edu/basketball. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.
