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Hasten named new CEO by AECC board

Dewayne Holloway
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Hasten named new CEO by AECC board

LITTLE ROCK —  The boards of directors of Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI) have selected Vernon “Buddy” Hasten of Rogersville, MO. as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the organizations. He will assume the role on Nov. 1.

 

Prior to this position, Hasten served as vice president of engineering and construction for Associated Electric Cooperative in Springfield, MO. He has held leadership positions in the military, investor-owned and electric cooperative sectors over his 30-year career. He graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. Hasten has also earned certificates from the Harvard Business School and the Stanford Graduate School of Business. During his 20 years of service with the United States Navy, he obtained a masters equivalent from Naval Nuclear Power School.

 

He replaces Bill Conine who served as the interim president/CEO of AECC and AECI as a nationwide search was conducted.

 

“I have had great respect for AECC and AECI over the years,” Hasten said. “I am honored to serve as the president and CEO of these organizations that are dedicated to serving Arkansas electric cooperative members.”

 

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas comprise 17 electric distribution cooperatives; Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), a Little Rock-based cooperative that provides services to the distribution cooperatives; and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (AECC), a generation and transmission cooperative. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to approximately 500,000 homes, farms and businesses in Arkansas and surrounding states.

Stammetti named GAC offensive player of the week

Dewayne Holloway
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Stammetti named GAC offensive player of the week

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — After throwing for nearly 400 yards and leading Henderson State to its second-straight win, Reddies’ quarterback Richard Stammetti was named Great American Conference Offensive Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday.

The senior from Las Vegas, Nevada was terrific in the Reddies’ 34-6 victory over Southern Nazarene on Saturday night, and finished 34-of-44 through the air for 396 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Stammetti connected with nine different receivers and helped put two Henderson wide outs over 100 yards receiving in the win.

Through two games, Stammetti has been one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. He ranks third in all of NCAA Division II football in passing yards (753) and passing touchdowns (7), and is one of just 10 players in the country with a completion percentage of 70% or higher (72.4%). With Stammetti under center, the Reddies rank No. 3 in the country in passing offense (388 yards per game) after the season’s first two weeks.

The honor is the second of Stammetti’s career and gives Henderson State back-to-back Offensive Payers of the Week to open the 2019 season. Receiver L’liott Curry won the first award of the year last week.

Henderson (2-0) returns to Carpenter-Haygood Stadium and Ruggles Field on Saturday, Sept. 21, when it hosts Arkansas Tech at 6 p.m.

Montgomery County Quorum Court Resolution 2019-5

Dewayne Holloway
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Montgomery County Quorum Court Resolution 2019-5

Naney wins Caddo Run jr boys division

Dewayne Holloway
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Naney wins Caddo Run jr boys division

CADDO HILLS – The Caddo Hills Indians hosted the Caddo Run cross country meet Saturday, September 14, with Lane Naney bringing home the win for Caddo Hills in the junior boys division.

Lane Naney led a strong group of athletes in the junior division with a time of nine minutes 13.15 seconds. The Junior Indians finished second in the division behind Nashville.

Caddo Hills competitors in the division include:

Lane Naney – 1st place, 9:13.15

Chayanne Hernandez – 5th place, 9:24.89

David Castillo – 15th place, 9:59.87

Tony Ruiz – 18th place, 10:12.95

Nathan Bankhead – 20th place, 10:19.75

Daniel Cruz – 21st place, 10:20.31

Joseph McGraw – 28th place, 11:01.92

Diego Chavez – 41st place, 12:05.37

Cameron Sliger – 45th place, 12:41.28

Team finishes: 1st – Nashville, 2nd – Caddo Hills, 3rd – Magazine, 4th – Dardanelle, 5th – Jessieville, 6th – Magnet Cove, 7th – Centerpoint

Skyler Thomas of Russellville won the senior boys division with a time of 15:38.43. Bersain Cruz turned in the fastest time for Caddo Hills with a time of 17:11.27 which was good enough for 18th place.

Caddo Hills competitors in the division include: 

Bersain Cruz – 18th place, 17:11.27

Juan Velazquez – 23rd place, 17:38.65

Team finishes: 1st – Russellville, 2nd – Dardanelle, 3rd – Centerpoint, 4th – Nashville, 5th – Jessieville, 6th – Magnet Cove, 7th – Western Yell County.

In the junior girls division Juliah Rogers of Jessieville took the top spot with a time of 9:44.69. Madilyn Phillips had the fastest time among Caddo Hills runners with a time of 11:42.16.

Caddo Hills competitors in the division include:

Madilyn Phillips – 15th place, 11:42.16

Skylin Sliger – 18th place, 11:56.59

Katelynn Foster – 28th place, 12:39.89

Team finishes: 1st – Jessieville, 2nd – Nashville, 3rd – Mansfield, 4th – Western Yell County, 5th – Centerpoint, 6th – Dardanelle, 7th – Harmony Grove-Haskell.

Brooke Wyatt of Fountain Lake won the senior girls division with a time of 18:12.95.

Caddo Hills did not have anyone competing in the senior girls division.

Mount Ida had two Lady Lions compete with Destiny Dillon turning in the fastest time among the duo.

Mount Ida competitors in the division include: Destiny Dillon – 19th place, 24:28.74

Allie Saveall – 28th place, 28:08.13.

Team finishes: 1st – Russellville, 2nd – Nashville.

There were athletes representing 18 different schools competing in the event last Saturday.

The junior boys and girls divisions race on a 2400m course that winds its way around the Caddo Hills School District Campus.

The senior boys and girls compete in a three mile course that makes its way around the Caddo Hills School District Campus.

Article written by Dewayne Holloway

Mount Ida falls to Jessieville in “Battle of the Lions”

Dewayne Holloway
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Mount Ida falls to Jessieville in “Battle of the Lions”

DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY

montcnews2@windstream.net

MOUNT IDA – Jessieville claimed the win Friday night at Mount Ida in the Battle of the Lions with a score of 47-13.

The night was a very emotional night with the Mount Ida faithful gathering to honor former coach Mike White with the dedication of the Mike White Field House at half time.

Action on the field was aggressive with Mount Ida showing improvement over last week.

Mount Ida amassed 174 yards on 33 carries, scoring two touchdowns. They cut their fumble turnovers to two with six different Mount Ida players getting at least one carry in the game.

Connor Sigman goes airborne as he tries to block a PAT. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway

AJ Perez made the most of his chances, rushing for 82 yards on five carries, one for a touchdown. Hunter Davis had 15 carries for 52 yards, followed by John Hoeksema with seven carries for 30 yards and a TD. Baylor Bates had four carries for 13 yards and Austin Cooper and Gavin Summitt each had a carry.

Jessieville recorded 174 yards on the ground in 22 carries for four touchdowns and completed10-13 passes for 227 yards and three scores.

Matthew Huff was the workhorse for Jessieville with 13 carries for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Charlie Davis was the leading receiver with five catches for 99 yards and two TDs.

Jessieville wasted no time scoring in the opening drive, moving the ball 73 yards in six plays to score on an eight yard run by Huff. Hunter Humphries blocked the PAT to hold the score at 6-0 with 10:06 left in the first quarter.

Hunter Davis looks for daylight. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway

John Hoeksema provided Mount Ida with good field position on the kick off with a run to the Mount Ida 39, but a fumble on third and four from the 46 stopped the drive.

Jessieville went to the air scoring on a 35 yard pass to Davis for their second score. The PAT was good and they held a 13-0 lead with 8:17 left in the quarter.

They would score two more times in the first quarter, once on an 18 yard run by Carson Hair with 4:20 left in the quarter and another on a 40 yard run by Huff with 1:23 left in the quarter. Both PATs were good and Jessieville held a 27-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Jessieville put themselves within striking distance of the sportsmanship rule with a touchdown at the 10:19 mark in the half on a short five yard run by Joseph Benson. The visiting Lions went for two, but fell short.

Mount Ida found some momentum on their next drive, moving the ball 48 yards in seven plays for their first score of the night.

They started the game on their own 48 thanks in part to an unsportsmanlike penalty against Jessieville. Hoeksema moved the ball to midfield and Baylor Bates carried it into Jessievlle territory with a six yard run. Hunter Davis earned the first down for Mount Ida on the 40 yard line.

Hunter had a great eight yard run on the next carry, but an overzealous Jessieville defender hit him out of bounds moving the ball to the 16 yard line. Davis carried the ball to the 10 before a delay of game penalty backed Mount Ida up to the 15.

John Hoeksema breaks loose for the first Mount Ida score of the night. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway

Hoeksema got the nod on the next play and exploded for a 15 yard touchdown run. Merlin Van Weyer connected on the PAT to cut the Jessieville lead to 33-7 with 7:25 to go in the half.

Jessieville would score two more times in the first half to take a 47-7 lead into the half. They scored on a 23 yard pass to Landen Daley and a 14 yard pass to Davis. The PAT was good on both tries.

Mount Ida played well in the second half, moving the ball on every drive. They opened the half with a solid performance which saw them move the ball deep into Jessieville territory before turning the ball over on a fumble.

A pair of Mount Ida defenders brings a Jessieville player to the ground. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway

Mount Ida’s final score came at the 2:42 mark of the game. Mount Ida started the drive on the Jessieville 47 yard line. The ball was put into the capable hands of AJ Perez who flew past a host of defenders on his way to the end zone. The PAT was no good and the game ended with Jessieville earning a 47-13 win.

Mount Ida drops to 0-2 on the season and prepares to travel for the first time of the season. They will make the trek to Magnet Cove Friday night where they will face the 1-1 Panthers. Kick off is set for 7:30 p.m.

Junior Lions claim first win of young season at Jessieville

Dewayne Holloway
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Junior Lions claim first win of young season at Jessieville

JESSIEVILLE – The Mount Ida Junior Lions brought home the first win of the season for the Mount Ida football program with a hard fought 30-22 victory over the Jessieville Junior Lions.

Jacob Woodfield led the Mount Ida offense with 97 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. Jack Hoeksema contributed 72 yards and a score on 10 carries. Caleb White was the workhorse in the middle of the field, carrying the ball 13 times for 58 yards and a touchdown. Payton Dorrell had two carries for 16 yards. As a team the Mount Ida Junior Lions carried the ball 41 times for 243 yards.

The first half was a slow ground and pound style of game with Jessieville eating up most of the first quarter with the opening drive. They started on their own 34 yard line and battled to within five yards of the goal line before Mount Ida stopped them on a fourth and goal.

Jacob Woodfield fights his way through a pair of Jessieville defenders. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway

Mount Ida took over with two minutes to go in the quarter and 95 yards of field between them and a score. They methodically marched the ball down the field, needing 17 plays to reach the end zone. Caleb White got the call on a one yard run for the first score of the game. Jacob Woodfield carried the ball in for the two point conversion to give the visiting Junior Lions an eight point lead.

Mount Ida recovered the ensuing onside kick on the Jessieville 40 yard line. They only needed seven plays to score a second time. Woodfield took the ball in from six yards out to give Mount Ida a 14-0 lead with 19 seconds left in the half.

Jessieville was the first to strike in the second half, scoring on a nine yard run with 3:40 to go in the third quarter. The two point conversion was good and Mount Ida sat on a 14-8 lead.

Jack Hoeksema was the next Mount Ida Junior Lion to score when he raced around the right side of the defense for a 31 yard touchdown run. White took the ball in on the two point conversion to give the Mount Ida Junior Lions a 22-8 lead.

Jessieville was able to cut the lead to six on a one yard run in the fourth quarter followed by a two point conversion, but Mount Ida responded with a drive that stopped one yard short of a touchdown. 

Jessieville came out firing, throwing the ball downfield, but an interception by Hoeksema put a quick end to Jessieville’s hopes of a comeback. Two plays later Woodfield punched the ball in from five yards out. He carried the two point conversion across the goal line as well to give the visiting Junior Lions a 30-16 lead with 2:09 left in the game.

Jessieville responded with an 83 yard kick off return for a score to cut the lead to 30-22, but it was too little too late as the Mount Ida Junior Lions held on for the win.

Mount Ida will open the 7-2a Conference schedule Thursday night with the Lafayette County Junior Cougars coming to town. Kick off is set for 7 p.m.

Article written by Dewayne Holloway

You’ve been FLOCKED! Mount Ida PTO wrangling pink flamingo herd

Dewayne Holloway
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You’ve been FLOCKED! Mount Ida PTO wrangling pink flamingo herd

Mayor Jo Childress and the crew at the Mount Ida Civic Center have been “Flocked!” A flurry of pink flamingos can be seen out front of the civic center and the Mayor’s house thanks to a friend and the Mount Ida PTO. 

Pink flamingo flocking has become a popular fundraiser and the Mount Ida PTO has joined the fray with a flock of their own. The flamingos will nest in your yard from two to four days, or you can help the PTO with a donation to have them removed. A $15 donation will be enough to have a trained flock technician to remove the furry fiends. A $20 donation will include relocation to a friend’s property. If you have had all the pink poultry you can stand then you can pay $30 for flocking insurance which will protect you from future flockings.

If you are unable to donate at this time just let the Mount Ida PTO know and they will remove the flock at no cost.

To arrange a flocking, flocking removal, or to purchase flocking insurance please contact your local flamingo flocking technicians Brandy Bradford, (870) 867-7467, or Lisha Taylor, (870) 490-2348. All donations support the Mount Ida PTO and its work for students in the Mount Ida School District.

Cogburn avoids felony conviction, receives one year in county jail for criminal trespass

Dewayne Holloway
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Cogburn avoids felony conviction, receives one year in county jail for criminal trespass

DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY

montcnews2@windstream.net

MOUNT IDA – A jury of 10 women and two men acquitted Roy Ray “Rayford” Cogburn of a class D felony charge of breaking or entering Friday, but did find him guilty of one count of criminal trespass.

He was also acquitted of criminal mischief, a class A misdemeanor. Cogburn was represented by Brian Johnson in the case.

The charges stemmed from an alleged break in at a building belonging to Barr Memorial Presbyterian Church in Norman. Prosecuting attorney Andy Riner argued that on the day of March 8, 2019, Cogburn unlawfully entered the aforementioned building where he came in contact with David Lysobey, a man who was working at the building at the time of the alleged incident.

Lysobey took the stand and shared that the building was once used to house the Greta Lane Food Pantry, but is being renovated to be used as a hostel. It was while he was working on the renovation that Lysobey stated that he encountered Cogburn in the building.

He shared that he had entered the building in the morning and had noticed a four wheeler parked by the back dock of the building. He said that upon entry to the building he noticed a box, or crate filled with various items from the building in the kitchen. He stated that he called his wife and asked what it was for and she had no knowledge of the box or its contents. He also noticed a zip drive missing from a radio that he used.

Lysobey stated that around 11:30 a.m. he took a break. While sitting at a table in the front room a man, whom he identified as Cogburn, walked into the room. He stated that it startled them both, but the man was not aggressive. He asked the man if he had seen a zip drive and Lysobey stated Cogburn pulled one from his pocket and gave it to Lysobey. Shortly after this Lysobey said that Cogburn left.

It was only after their interaction that Lysobey noticed the door jam had been damaged.

Lysobey stated that there was a room in the back of the building with a bed in it. He believed Cogburn had broken in and stayed the night in the building.

Lysobey added that there was no way for Cogburn to have entered the building without him knowing it and he had not given Cogburn permission to be there.

Lysobey stated that he then called his wife and filed a report with the sheriff’s office.

In cross examination Johnson asked Lysobey if he worked at the building every day. Lysobey stated that he was there most days. He also asked if other people worked there to which Lysobey replied two or three. Lysobey did state that he and his wife were the only people who could authorize someone to stay there and neither had given Cogburn permission.

Johnson brought out that Lysobey and Cogburn had a reasonable conversation. He also asked about how many photos were presented to Lysobey by the police for identification. Lysobey replied one.

Cogburn’s uncle, James Cogburn, stated that he had seen Roy Cogburn on a four wheeler matching the description of the one seen at Greta Lane the day of the incident.

County Investigator Robert Loudermilk testified that he encountered a man driving a four wheeler the day of the incident. He stated that he made contact with a man wearing a toboggan which covered his face. The man was riding a four wheeler matching the description of the one located at Greta Lane. Loudermilk shared that the man drove away on the four wheeler and was not apprehended at that time.

Johnson asked Loudermilk in cross examination if he could visually identify the man he saw as Roy Cogburn. Loudermilk said no because his face was covered.

Roy Cogburn did not take the stand.

Prosecuting Attorney Andy Riner argued in closing arguments that the breaking or entering charge comes down to intent. To be convicted of breaking or entering a person must enter, or attempt to enter a structure with intent to commit criminal activity. Riner then pointed to the box of items found in the building. He also pointed out that Cogburn had the zip drive that was missing from the radio in the building. Riner argued that this was proof that Cogburn had the intent to commit criminal activity when he entered the building.

Johnson argued in his closing argument in regards of criminal mischief that it had not been established when the door had been broken. There was no evidence presented linking Cogburn to the broken door.

As to the breaking or entering felony charge, he argued that there was no proof of intent to commit criminal activity. He stated that under the assumption his client was the man in the building all he had done was sleep overnight in the building. He stated that if Cogburn had been looking to steal something he could have walked out with things, but didn’t.

After deliberations the jury returned with a verdict of not guilty on both the breaking or entering charge, or the criminal mischief charge. They did find him guilty of the lesser included offense of criminal trespass, which is a class A misdemeanor.

In the sentencing phase of the trial Riner pointed to Cogburn’s extensive criminal history.

Cogburn’s history of felony convictions includes eight felony convictions in Pike County, one in Montgomery County and one in Howard County according to the ADC website.

Johnson argued that Cogburn wasn’t on trial for his prior convictions and asked the jury to provide a sentence fitting the current conviction.

Cogburn was sentenced to the maximum sentence of one year in county jail and a $2,500 fine.

He is currently housed in Randall L. Williams Correctional Facility in Pine Bluff. Once released from ADC he will report to the Montgomery County Jail to serve his one year sentence.

Lions’ field house renamed “Mike White Field House” in honor of former coach

Dewayne Holloway
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Lions’ field house renamed “Mike White Field House” in honor of former coach
Mike White is flanked by family and friends as he cuts the ribbon for the newly named field house.

DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY

montcnews2@windstream.net

MOUNT IDA – Mount Ida honored one of her favorite sons Friday night with a halftime dedication at the senior high football game against Jessieville.

Mount Ida dedicated the field house as the Mike White Field House in honor of former head football coach Mike White. Mark Davis emceed the halftime festivities which he opened with a moment of silence for Mike’s father, Earl Gene White. Davis followed with a recap of Mike’s coaching career. 

Mike took the Mount Ida Lions to three 2A State Championship Games, winning two in 2007 and 2016. This included back to back trips to “The Rock” in 2016 and 2017.

In 14 years as head coach of the Mount Ida Lions Football team White amassed a record of 125-46. He led the Mount Ida Lions to seven conference championships in both the 5-2A and 7-2A Conferences.

Mike first joined Mount Ida as an assistant football and head baseball coach before getting the head football coaching job. He continued to coach the baseball team for several years as well.

A home town boy, Mike has witnessed Mount Ida Lion football from every aspect. From a fan as a child to a player in high school, Mike and his brother David White were key parts of the Mount Ida Lion success in the 1990s under Coach Preston Stidman. He made the transition to college as a baseball player at the College of the Ozarks. He was joined by his brother David there as well.

After one year as a basketball coach at St. Paul High School he returned home as  a coach. Mike stepped down as coach earlier this year to fill the role as superintendent at Mount Ida, completing the cycle as an administrator and a fan once again. He is also a parent who has watched one athlete, Cade Jackson follow in his footsteps while his son Jackson is currently making his way through the pee-wee ranks.

Josh Baker, MVP from the 2007 State Championship Game, talks of Coach Mike White’s influence in his life. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway
Caleb Woodfield, a member of the 2016 state championship team, speaks of his experiences playing for Coach Mike White.
TJ Wilson, former starting quarterback for the Mount Ida Lions shares how Coach Mike White influenced his decision to become a coach.
Coach Preston Stidman, Mike White’s high school coach, presents Mike with a plaque.

Three of Mike’s players shared how he impacted their lives as both football players and young men. Josh Baker represented the members of the 2007 state championship team. Baker was the MVP of the championship game and now serves as a school resource officer at Mount Ida School District.

TJ Wilson spoke about how Mike’s influence helped him decide to become a coach himself. Wilson is currently in his final year at Arkansas Tech and stated he hopes to follow Coach White’s footsteps as a coach at Mount Ida some day.

Caleb Woodfield, who was a member of both the 2016 and 2017 teams who made back to back trips to state championship games, was the last player to speak. He thanked Coach White for his leadership and guidance. Woodfield is currently a member of the Ouachita Baptist University football team and is working toward a degree in coaching.

The last person to speak was Coach Preston Stidman. Coach Stidman has been a staple of the sideline throughout Mike’s career at Mount Ida and was also Mike’s coach in high school. Stidman stated that Mike was the best man he knew.

Mike was presented with a plaque for the field house and one for his office.

Mike White addresses those in attendance for the dedication of the Mike White Field House.

The festivities concluded with a ribbon cutting to dedicate the newly named field house and the singing of the school alma mater.

The event was arranged by the Mount Ida Booster Club. They would like to thank everyone who worked to help the special night so special.

Mount Ida True Value helps Mount Ida, Oden schools “Paint a Brigher Future” through paint grant

Dewayne Holloway
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Mount Ida True Value helps Mount Ida, Oden schools “Paint a Brigher Future” through paint grant

Students at Mount Ida and Oden started school with a fresh coat of paint in several areas at both schools thanks to a paint grant through Mount Ida True Value’s partnership with True Value Foundation’s Painting a Brighter Future program.
John Pollock, owner of Mount Ida True Value, stated that a True Value paint grant helps improve a school’s learning environment. It can also have an impact on student attitudes and academic performance. The program has provided paint to over 1,600 schools since its inception in 2009, covering nearly 17 million square feet of learning space.
Mount Ida True Value nominated Mount Ida and Oden for grants this year with each school district receiving 30 gallons of paint to help refresh their learning spaces. Paint was used for windows, restrooms, the cafeteria, yellow caution items and interior walls.
Paint received through the grant included True Value’s Ultra Premium Latex paint which has earned the asthma and allergy friendly certification mark. This designation was accomplished through an independent certification program established in the United States. This helps consumers identify products more suitable for people with asthma and allergies.


Pollack stated, “Through True Value Foundation’s Painting a Brighter Future program, we’re able to help Mount Ida and Ouachita River School Districts and give back to the community we love to serve.” He added, “The donation will not only save the schools money, but more importantly will create an environment that fosters learning, inspires creativity and instills community pride.”
True Value Foundation unites retailers in helping improve the lives of children in the communities True Value serves. The foundation advocates for youth and serves as a catalyst to provide tools and resources to help youth realize their dreams and achieve their potential. They encourage their partners to get involved and give back through volunteerism, mentorship, community improvements and raising funds.
The paint grant is one of many ways Mount Ida True Value has and continues to work to give back to Montgomery County.
Mount Ida True Value is located at 223 Highway 270 West in Mount Ida. They are open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The can be reached by phone at (870) 867-3131.

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