Andrew Bagley HELENA WORLD The Helena-West Helena School Board received updates on the continuing renovations to the Central High School Gymnasium, plans for the 305 Valley Drive facility, and approved a contract to outsource the ongoing maint e n a n c e of the d i s t r i c t ’ s water tank and the associated fire suppression system in the Central High School b u i l d i n g completed in 2019. Discus - sion of the gym project began with M c G e e making a request for the board to approve a change order to add retractable seating at the south end of the main court that would increase capacity to approximately 1900 seats. McGee said, “This will allow the district to host district and regional tournaments.” While the district will be at a disadvantage in a bidding competition for regional and state tournaments because of the absence of a true visitor’s side seating which was a part of the promised renovations during the millage Rick Kennedy HELENA WORLD As the HWH City Council was scheduled to meet again January 16, after this edition of the Helena World had gone to press, the city council held its first budget hearing on Janaury 9. And, as expected, city raises were the order of the day as both the court and police made appeals for pay increases. Judge Jason Carter made the first presentation and almost immediately asked for raises for his employees. Claiming his group were “taking on additional responsibilities” Carter asked for various increases ranging in amounts from $1.50 to $3.00 per hour depending upon employee. Carter also made a request for an additional position, a Probation Officer, to supervise offenders out in the community as well as organize community service initiatives. “We have a high number of Hall Byrd McGee Andrew Bagley HELENA WORLD After months of discussions about how to balance the county’s budget for 2024, the Quorum Court took the recommendation of County Judge Clark Hall to cut 22 positions from the authorized staff of more than 140 people, 15 that were not filled. In front of a full house and at times tense m o m e n t s that included a lengthy amount of verbal sparring between Hall and County Sheriff Neal Byrd and sniping between County Treasurer Santresa Mayfield and Circuit Clerk Tamekeia Franklin, the Justices of the Peace listened intently as Hall laid out the case to cut the positions, which will make up approximately $400000 of a $700000 shortVisit our website: www.helenaworld.org January 17, 2024 • Single copy $1.25 Volume 153 • Number 03 © 2023, Helena World Chronicle, LLC Please see CITY on 2A Please see UPDATE on 2A IT’S DELTA YOGA TIME First budget workshop highlighted by call for raises McGee gives facilities update to HWHSD Board Bagley Helena-based Delta Yoga Collective was recently featured in the January/February issue of Delta Magazine. Founded by Helena resident Jackie Dean, Delta Yoga Collective is a mobile yoga studio that partners with businesses and organizations throughout the area to bring yoga classes into their spaces. They currently offer weekly yoga classes in Helena, Marianna, Clarksdale (MS), and Batesville (MS). Helena classes are held at The Hunt Center downtown on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. They also host a monthly donation-based Sip & Stretch class at Delta Dirt Distillery. The January 21st Sip & Stretch will benefit the Helena Splash Pad fund. Find out more about Delta Yoga Collective by visiting their website: www.deltayogacollective.com Facing budget shortfalls, Phillips County cuts positions Please see COUNTY on 2A Franklin Support Local Journalism * Subscribe Today
Local The Helena World 2A — WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17 2024 Arkansas State University UPDATE Phillips County native, Kendall Ann Cunningham graduated from Arkansas State University, on December 16, 2023, at First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. She was actively involved on campus while obtaining her education from A-State. Kendall Ann will be continuing her education in January 2024 when she starts Cosmetology School at Arkansas State University – Newport at Marked Tree. Kendall Ann is the daughter of Gordon Cunningham (formerly of Helena) and Laura and Will Young (of Poplar Grove). She is the granddaughter of Rudy and Brenda Weaver and Marcia Cunningham. Kendall Ann is a 2020 graduate of DeSoto School in Helena. COUNTY CITY people not working, so they are unable to pay off their fines. Community service allows them to work off the fines and provide something for the city.” Carter said. Police Chief Vincent Bell then made his presenation, claiming “The police department has done very well.” Bell cited a 68-percent decrease in homicides as evidence of progress. Bell then made his pitch for an increase in officer salaries. Bell had previously approached the council regarding increases back in October. Bell said a raise was reasonable for the services the police provide to the community. Bell cited overtime decreases over the past two years in his contention that the department was being managed Bell also said “We need 13 more officers.” Bell also asked for three police cars, used at a price of $39,000 each, for adminstrative purposes. He said that he and his detectives have been driving personal cars out on assignments. Bell also asked for an additional detective, one that would be dedicated to cold cases. Bell said, “We have some cold cases, and we have families that are looking for closure.” Council member Maxine Miller said the council could make an appropriation, but then asked “Do we have that much money in the coffers?” City Treasurer Derrick Turner said “An appropriation in an authorization to spend money, but that doesn’t mean we have that in the bank.” Turner said city revenues come in monthly and quarterly. Turner said, “We don’t have $8 million sitting around in the bank.” Bell said, “We have nine officers.” Mayor Christopher Franklin, mostly quiet to this point, then said “We need to look at payroll. We have an officer making $90,000. The highest paid people in the city are in the police department.” Bell acknowledged that this officers are getting overtime, and he offered “We will not implement raises until we are fully staffed. Until then, there will still be overtime.” Bell said the city needed to have three shifts. Miller asked, “Is there a plan to cap the overtime?” Bell replied “I am getting ready to lose officers, and soon, we are not going to have any body.” City Clerk Sandi Ramsey said the city had “cash flow issues” to which Bell replied “Where did we get it last year.” Council member Don Etherly said, “We have people making $70,000, who are not supposed to be making $70,000. Do they want the time off? Or do they want the money?” Bell said, “They are not coming for $22,000 a year. We can not recruit for that. I have a responsiblity to fight for these guys.” Franklin said, “They want a comfortable salary.” Chief of Staff James Valley said, “How are you going to fund the budget? That question is going to be asked.” Turner said he projected $248,000 less in revenue based on a regression analysis that he did. Turner said, “The budget has to balance.” Miller asked whether Phillips County still owed the city money, but Turner replied “I don’t know how much they actually owe us.” Council member Joe St. Columbia asked about overtime at the landfill, even as the landfill was not a topic for the night. Turner said, “It is double what is budgeted. It is in line with what they did last year.” Valley said, “We have five employees out there.” Animal Control was placed in Code Enforcement, but Valley said “That is where it is located, but what are we going to do with it?” Valley said, “She needs to be under the street supervisor, and you need to decided whether we are functioning as animal rescue or animal control.” Kyle Miller was absent from the workshop. No official actions were taken. By state law, the city must pass a new operating budget for the year by February 1. campaign in 2017, the seating capacity would meet state minimums for seating to bid on a state tournament as large as Class 4A. During the discussion, Board President Sandra Bagley asked McGee when the gym would reopen. McGee replied, “We are off our timeline.” McGee reported that striping of the floor is set to begin on January 15. No date was heard on the recording of the meeting for when the gym would reopen. McGee did note that home games will be moved to Marvell. The Cougars are currently in the midst of their third season playing off-campus. The Board approved the $110,000 for the additional seating by a vote of 6-0 with Janice Williams absent. McGee also told the Board that various campus committees were still working with him to get a recommendation ready for the Board on a construction manager for the new roof and HVAC project at the district’s current administration building at 305 Valley Drive. Board President Sandra Bagley reminded McGee that the voters were told during the 2017 millage campaign that the administration would move to the uphill building on the Central High School campus. McGee urged board members to discuss the future of the administration building with him “offline” outside of the public meeting. The Board took no action on matters related to the administration building. In other facility business, the board approved McGee’s recommendation to enter a contract with VSC Security at a cost of $2301 per year to handle maintenance and testing of the district’s water tank and the fire suppression system it supplies. Maintenance Director Lyndon Johnson told the Board the agreement would include testing, sprinkler heads, and manifold heads. He said, “We can’t do testing.” fall. As Hall painted the picture that the elected officials had $4 million in requests for 2024 while Mayfield was only projecting $3.3 million in available funds, Hall said, I don’t like having to do this but you told me to come up with a plan that balances the budget and serves our county.” Hall said failure to act would force him to unilaterally cut the salary of the entire county workforce by February 1 and cited ACA 21-5-103 which says, “If, in any year, the funds available for the payment of salaries of elected county officers and employees of a county are inadequate to pay all such salaries and it becomes necessary to reduce salaries, the salary of each elected constitutional officer and each employee in the county shall be reduced in the same percentage.” Hall noted that this was unpleasant but was not a surprise to anyone since the county’s precarious budget situation had been discussed ad nauseam for months saying, “This has been discussed multiple times. We have been cutting expenses everywhere he could. After the JPs asked a few questions, Hall started to call for a vote when Byrd interjected, “How did we get to where we are at? I’ve been here since 2013. Six years ago, things changed.” Hall was elected County Judge six years ago. Byrd continued with very pointed remarks contending he was left out of the discussions. He said, “You meet with the County Treasurer and County Clerk. What about the Sheriff?...30-40% of Helena-West Helena’s calls are falling on us.” Byrd then complained that he could not get information which prompted Mayfield to say, “I speak to you all the time regarding the funds” Franklin contended that her Automation Fund could cover one of the two positions she was losing and that there were sufficient funds available to avoid cuts which prompted Mayfield to admonish her saying, “You can’t spend what you don’t have.” Mayfield then noted that grant funds she had received had run out and that her automation fund would have to cover the over $50000 still owed to the General Fund from her restricted accounts. After one outburst from the audience and some additional discussion about the wisdom of cutting the assessor’s office since that money is reimbursed by the state which prompted Hall to say the issue was managing the cash flow, the ordinance passed 7-0 with C. R. Walker abstained and Martin Rawls absent. In the aftermath, Byrd put out a press release criticizing the cuts and accusing Hall of saying he would close the jail by summer. A review of the meeting recording could find no reference of any mention of closing the jail. A review of the ordinance and verification of the current payrolls with the County Clerk revealed the following cuts and the number of positions unfilled. The ordinance reduces the Sheriff’s office from 13 deputies to 9. Two of those positions were currently unfilled. The number of jailers is reduced from 14 to 11. One of those positions is unfilled. One occupied secretarial position in the Sheriff’s office was eliminated. At the road department, which has an independent funding stream and is on sound financial footing, the ordinance reduced the number of authorized positions from 30 to 20. All ten of those positions were unfilled. The Circuit Clerk goes from five slots to three and one of those was unfilled. The Assessor’s office goes from five slots to 3 and one of those was currently unfilled.
The Helena World Opinions WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 — 3A With continuously rising costs for everyday essentials, hardworking Arkansans are stretched thin. When incomes run out, sometimes days or weeks before the next paycheck, it creates some difficult choices. To make matters worse, grocery prices have climbed nearly 21 percent since the beginning of 2021 resulting in an urgent role for nutrition assistance in communities across our state. The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance estimates one out of every three Natural State children is experiencing food insecurity. This means kids aren’t getting enough to eat and they are uncertain of where their next meal will come from. We know healthy, nutritious food helps students learn and contributes to their growth and development. A 2022 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences study found breakfast in the classroom also helps improve behavior. Leaders at all levels of government, in addition to nonprofits, are taking steps to fight hunger and address food insecurity in our state to help students thrive. The Arkansas State Legislature approved a bill the governor signed into law last year to cover the cost of reduced-priced school meals for students from low-income families. This policy change is helping families who depend on these programs to feed their children. As a former local school board member, I saw firsthand how substantial the nexus between nutrition and learning is, and how much more successful students were when they had proper nourishment. And while school pauses for the summer, childhood development, and the struggle many families have putting food on the table, does not. That is why closing the hunger gap when school is out has long been a goal of mine. With input from Arkansas nutrition advocates, my colleagues and I developed legislation to modernize federal child nutrition programs. The Keep Kids Fed Act, passed by Congress and signed into law in 2022, increases flexibility within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program and provides states new and improved options to ensure children who rely on free and reduced-priced lunches during the school year continue to have access to healthy, nutritious food in the summer months. This law helps children living in rural areas where families may lack transportation or time to make the daily trip to a feeding site. Thanks to our updates, these communities can offer alternative meal service options such as “grab-and-go” or home-delivered meals that could reach eight million more eligible kids. Starting this summer, states are able to provide a $120 Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer card to eligible children for grocery purchases. These benefits could help provide meals to more than 29 million kids nationwide over the summer. This month, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Arkansas’s participation in the program. I am extremely pleased Arkansas is utilizing this promising new tool we added to the toolbox for states to address food insecurity. I appreciate the governor’s leadership to implement the summer EBT program so hunger and malnutrition don’t stand between our children and success. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished to update and modernize federal nutrition assistance programs. As the ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I am committed to creating solutions to improve access to food and working with advocates to implement these new reforms so we can end child hunger. A New Tool to Combat Food Insecurity State ballot initiatives take center stage By Steve Brawner Columnist High-profile citizen-led ballot initiatives – and their path to the ballot – took center stage this week and could stay there throughout the election season. All the initiatives are still at step one in the process, which is being certified by Attorney General Tim Griffin. He’s rejected all of them at least once. This past week, Griffin rejected for the second time a ballot initiative that would write the state’s Freedom of Information Act into the Constitution. He also again rejected a companion initiated act that would spell out the details in state law. He actually rejected four different versions of the latter, as reported by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Supporters made the changes he suggested and sent the proposals back to him. Griffin also this week rejected the first draft of a proposal that would overhaul the state’s education system in reaction to last year’s LEARNS Act. The proposal by For AR Kids would require private schools receiving state funds to meet public school state standards. It also would obligate the state to fund pre-K, after-school and summer programs, among other changes. Another ballot proposal would legalize abortion in Arkansas through the 18th week. Abortion moreover would be legal through full term in cases of rape, incest, a fatal fetal anomaly or a threat to the mother’s life or physical health. Griffin, who had a 100% score from National Right to Life when he was in Congress, has rejected that effort twice. Supporters have submitted their third draft and say they’ve made the exact changes he’s said they need to make. If he does approve it, they’ll start collecting the 90,704 required valid signatures of registered voters. Some of these efforts’ backers say he is blocking, slow-walking or altering proposals he disagrees with. Arkansas Citizens for Transparency, the Freedom of Information Act group, has asked the Arkansas Supreme Court to compel Griffin to accept their submissions or write one himself. Attorney David Couch used that same tactic in 2018 to compel then-Attorney General Leslie Rutledge to accept an initiative raising the minimum wage. The court agreed, and Rutledge certified the proposal. M e a n w h i l e , Restore Election Integrity, a group that wants to require paper ballots in elections, has asked the Supreme Court to certify that initiative as well as another that would create limitations on absentee voting. Griffin rejected their first attempts. As reported by the Democrat-Gazette, the group says the law giving Griffin that power conflicts with the Arkansas Constitution. On the other hand, one could say that Griffin is doing his due diligence and statutory duty as the elected official who reviews these state-changing initiatives before they are enshrined into law. Amending the Constitution and passing an initiated act are relatively easy in Arkansas. They require only a bare majority of voter support here, and this is a small state where campaigns are cheaper than elsewhere. Somebody needs to be the gatekeeper. Like past attorneys general, Griffin does always offer guidance about how the proposals can gain his approval. For example, he has required supporters to change ballot titles to be more neutral rather than use what he would call partisan-flavored language. “Arkansas Reproductive Healthcare Amendment” became “Arkansas Abortion Amendment.” Another factor would be that some groups – especially of a liberal persuasion – know they can’t change laws through the legislative process in a state dominated by Republicans. No one is going to legalize abortion or significantly alter the LEARNS Act through this current Legislature. Instead of trying to win unwinnable candidate elections and then fruitlessly try to pass laws at the Capitol, they might can accomplish their goals by passing these big initiatives. All these proposals would change Arkansas. They may be the most compelling races on the ballot, considering Republican candidates are almost guaranteed to win almost everywhere except in those pockets of the state where Democrats are almost guaranteed to win. Maybe Mondy’s Advisory Committee can save us By Rick Kennedy Columnist Local activist and radio station owner Elijah Mondy had recently sent out one of his famous email blasts, noting that a Memphis TV station had run a recent story regarding financial issues within Phillips County, specifically at the jail. Mondy says “Those TV news reports are an embarrassment to Phillips County and the city of Helena-West Helena and demonstrates why our city and county is one of the poorest in the nation.” Mondy goes on to say, “It raises the question are we in such dire straits that the only people we can elect into office are people who are incompetent and have no civic skills.” Mondy bemoans the work of an “advisory committee” which apparently made a number of recommendations, but who’s report is apparently collecting dust some where. Mondy himself says, “It appears one of the items the committee came up with was ignored by the court and some of our recomm e n d a t i o n s have not been acted upon. I am now raising a question was the time of all of those on the county advisory committee and myself a waste of time.” My question here is whether Mondy really believed that an “Advisory Committee” was really going to have any serious impact in the first place? Elected officials in both HWH city government and PHillips County government have already proven that that they are about collecting paychecks and taking care of themselves and relatives. The people, that is you, me and Mondy, are merely pawns in the greater scheme of things. What you and I see as common sense solutions merely fly in and out of the ears of those in local authority at light speed. In county government, the geniuses at the Quorum Court recently decided to cut already unfilled positions, which an across the board cut, i n c l u d i n g their own salaries, should have been performed to get the county out of financial trouble. Instead, they cut a bunch of positions that were not filled, therefore not being paid, anyway. The payroll still continues with bloat, and the pain in the county will continue. We will still not have stripes on the county roads, and likely never will again. What Mondy needs is an advisory committee to get all new people in these positions. What Mondy needs to do is petition the state of Arkansas for the lack of prosections of corrupt local officials because the county prosecutor certainly isn’t going to do anything. What Mondy needs to do is ask for a Grand Jury to investitage things like $750,000 in payroll taxes that disappearred into thin air at the City of Helena West Helena. What Mondy also needs to do is read this newspaper, which has documented many of these same issues in city, county and school governance for years, instead of watching Memphis TV, who has no stake here. Mondy calls for “accountability” where none clearly exists. It is all a bunch of double-speak, word games, and spin doctoring. There have been no public apologies, no resignations, and no pay cuts. Mostly radio silence, a term Mondy should be familar with, which makes me believe people are perfectly happy with a broken jail and being called the poorest place and worst place to be in the state. There’s an old saying, “Sometimes to do things right, you have to do it yourself.” John Boozman US Senator
Local/Religion The Helena World 4A — WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 Dr. Keith Roach SPONSORED FEATURE DEAR DR. ROACH: I have had weight-loss surgery, specifically an adjustable lap band that was revised to a gastric sleeve in 2018. I have been given and read conflicting recommendations regarding the use of NSAIDs following these procedures. I have read that taking a low dose (400 mg) is considered safe. I have also read and been told to take the children’s liquid form at an adult dosage rather than the tablets. I am a 57-year-old female. I have largely avoided taking NSAIDs for years, but I have developed osteoarthritis and find that I am taking them more often (400 mg once daily, one to two times a week at most). I do ensure that I take them with food and also take a Pepcid whenever I take ibuprofen. — A.W. ANSWER: There are several types of weight-loss (bariatric) surgery, and the best evidence that I found among those who had a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass shows up to a 70% increase in the relative risk of developing peptic ulcers after surgery. This sounds pretty terrible, but it actually means that in an average time span of four years after surgery, 1.4% of people who didn’t take any NSAIDs got an ulcer, while 2.4% of the group that had the greatest amount of NSAID use developed an ulcer. However, the same study showed that only 0.2% of patients who underwent a sleeve gastrectomy developed an ulcer, and the use of NSAIDs did not significantly increase this number. Finally, other studies have shown that medicines like famotidine (Pepcid) reduce the risk of ulcers by about half when used long-term. NSAIDs always have risks, but for a person with a gastric sleeve, the risks of low-dose ibuprofen are modest and need to be weighed against the benefits for a person’s quality of life. *** DEAR DR. ROACH: My mother and one of her brothers had the flu in 1918. She said she was very sick, but unlike her brother, who was profoundly deaf from high fever, she didn’t experience any aftereffects. She died at 90 without getting the flu again or taking the yearly flu vaccine. I am 83, have never had a flu shot and have never had the flu. I have had all the COVID-19 vaccines, but never the yearly flu shots. Could I have received immunity from her? — F.D.B. ANSWER: No, you don’t get specific immunity from parents. Babies do get a type of “passive” immunity from their mothers, since antibodies are shared through the placenta to the fetus, but this only lasts for weeks or months. The 1918 influenza pandemic did leave survivors with very long-lasting immunity to some types of the flu (like H1N1). Unfortunately, this immunity does not extend to other types of flu viruses, so I still recommend getting the yearly flu vaccines. It’s my experience that when people tell me they have never had the flu, it’s not always true. Sometimes, the flu is mild and goes unrecognized. The flu is highly variable, and even young, healthy people with apparently good immune systems can succumb to the flu. You may have inherited some of your mother’s robust immune system, as this is partially heritable. However, I wouldn’t depend on it entirely and do recommend the vaccine to help your immune system reduce your risk of getting a severe flu. People over 65 may get a special, higher-potency flu vaccine. ***** This Sponsorship is available now. To see your name or business here, call Andrew Bagley at the Helena World. What dose of NSAID is safe after a Gastric Sleeve ? * Here’s a fun afternoon of play just waiting to happen: Check with your local grocery store or big box store to see if it has uncrushed cardboard boxes. Get several to create a cardboard city in your living room or child’s bedroom. They can be decorated to look like anything, or cut, trimmed and taped into most any shape. Kids even like to stock them with pillows and blankets for a cozy sleepover. When you’re done, break them down and recycle until the next adventure. -- J.J. in Florida * Sources who know say that if you drop a marble (clean glass) in your tea kettle, it will prevent it from scaling. * Like to use paper towels to dry your clean hands? Set them aside to dry, then you can use them for cleaning with glass cleaner or other solutions. * Use a shower curtain cut or folded in half under baby’s highchair to make cleaning up the floor easier. * Air-popped popcorn is better for you and healthier. If you have an air popper, you’ll also have a jar of popcorn kernels. Keep them in the refrigerator or even the freezer. You can use them straight from the fridge, and the bonus is that you’ll have less unpopped kernels and bigger, fluffier popcorn. -- E.M. in Wisconsin * Stuck at school with a sticky zipper? Just rub it with a pencil lead and zip back and forth a few times. It totally works. -- W.K., a middle-school student, in Georgia *** This Sponsorship is available now. To see your name or business here, call Andrew Bagley at the Helena World. Knocked Down But Not Knocked Out Sandra Bagley RELIGION COLUMNIST We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8–9, NIV It seems almost hard to believe, but the Rocky movie franchise has spanned nearly five decades, starting with the original “Rocky” in 1976 and moving into modern day with “Creed III” last year. Written by Sylvester Stallone, who also stars in the title role, the series chronicles the life of Rocky Balboa, a struggling amateur boxer who works as a debt collector for a loan shark in Philadelphia before getting a shot at the world heavyweight championship. Across nine movies, the series has become one of the most beloved in film history. Whether Rocky is chasing chickens, jogging up the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, battling cancer, or knocking out some really tough opponents, he proves his grit, determination, and rock-solid jaw. Overall, the first Rocky movie is considered one of the greatest sports movies ever, winning the Oscar for Best Picture in 1977 and inspiring millions of people even today. Although we enjoy watching the improbable rags-to-riches story, the boxing life seems to have little resemblance to our lives. However, as the apostle Paul showed, the sport of boxing is a metaphor for life in which we all can relate no matter where we are from, who we are or what we do, and as such, our language is full of common expressions that were derived from boxing. To state a few: a person may be down for the count and hope to have someone in their corner; if they give up, they throw in the towel, although they could be saved by the bell. A dirty tactic is considered a low blow or hitting below the belt; one is candid by telling it straight from the shoulder, and candidates toss their hat into the ring. Something of beauty is a knockout, someone of importance as a heavyweight, and an excellent location at an event is a ringside seat. Sporting events were big in Paul’s day as well as in our own. Corinth was the center for the Isthmian Games, which were second in prestige to the ancient Olympics. Drawing on the popularity of arena competition, Paul used examples of runners, boxers, gladiators, chariot racers, and trophies to depict important spiritual truths. In life, we do not know the time, date, and location of our next bout, whether in family, career, business, health, money, education, or political arenas. We may encounter intense battles and sometimes end up in the fight of our lives. This is why Paul encourages us to train with the attitude of a runner and a boxer... to run “not with uncertainty” and to fight: “not as one who beats the air” (1 Corinthians 9:26). Paul also reminds us, “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” When facing your next spiritual battle, know this: YOU WILL GET HIT The question is not whether we will find ourselves in a battle, but when. Sometimes we will not see it coming and get hit with a “low blow” such as a health, career or financial crisis, loss of a loved one, or relationship, marital or family problems. There are other times when we are totally aware of the hits and think we can handle them – we stagger from the repeated blows. In either case, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2). Before a boxer enters the ring to fight his opponent, he must submit himself to rigorous training so that he will be physically fit and have the stamina to win the battle. To fight the good fight, we must work out diligently in the Scriptures, discipline ourselves in prayer, and strengthen our heart for God in personal and corporate worship. YOU WILL GO DOWN We have an enemy who specializes in hitting below the belt, scheming, and watching for opportune times to sucker punch us. The Phillips translation puts it this way, “We are handicapped on all sides, but we are never frustrated; we are puzzled, but never in despair. We are persecuted, but we never have to stand it alone: we may be knocked down, but we are never knocked out!” (2 Corinthians 4:7-9, Phillips). When you are down, do not throw in the towel. God is in your corner. “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose… If God is for us, who can be against us?... we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:28, 31b, 37). YOU CAN GET UP In every Rocky movie, you have an idea of how the film will end. Rocky gets knocked down. Rocky gets up. Rocky never quits. In life’s ring, where challenges persist, remember that Jesus was once down, crucified, and buried. However, Jesus got up on the third day with all power in his hands. Because Jesus got up, we can get up, and through the resurrection power of Jesus we are able to do ALL things through Christ which strengthens us. .Rev. Sandra Bagley is an Associate Minister at New Haven Missionary Baptist Church, and an awardwinning columnist. Readers may send feedback to [email protected]. Sandra Bagley
The Helena World Church WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 — 5A First Presybterian-Marvell Helena First United Methodist Church For more information on a sponsorship of this church directory Please contact Wally Burchett at: Wally@ burchettmedia.com or call 910-528-0244 ASSEMBLY OF GOD FIRST Assembly of God 1807 Stringtown Rd. Pastor Dwight Miner 338-3882 S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m.. & 5 p.m. Wed. 5 p.m. Hope Church 417 E. Baldwin Pastor Qway Duvall 501-655-0359 Worship Service Sundays 10:45 BAPTIST Asbury M.B. Church Wallace St. Marvell Rev. Leroy Williams Min., Rev. Gray Asst. S.S 9:30, M.W. 11:00 a.m. 2nd & 4th Sundays Bible Study Wed. 6:00 Harmony M.B. Church 801 Airport Road Fred Garrison, Min. 572-9342 S.S. 10 A.M. W.S. 11am & 5pm Wed 7pm Beautiful Zion Miss. Baptist 218 Ponotoc 338-3977 Danny Robinson, Min., S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10 a.m. Beulah Missionary Baptist Onieda - Robert L. Goldsberry, Min S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. County Line Baptist P.O. Box 273, Marvell, AR 72366 Nate Lawerence, Min., 829-3260 S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Wed. 7 p.m. Elaine Baptist Church 200 Main St. Elaine Luke Watson/Pastor., 870-827-3469 S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11:00 a.m. & 6p.m. Wed. 7:00 p.m. First Baptist M.B. Church Comer of Miller & Walnut St., Helena, 338-8652, Derrick L. Hughes, Pastor S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 11:30 a.m. Helena First Baptist Church 600 Franklin, Helena Cliff Bernard/Pastor., 338-6764 S.S. 9:15 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wed. 6:45 p.m. First Baptist Ward St., Marvell S.S. 10:00 a.m.; Randy Williams, Pastor W.S. 11:30 a.m. Wed. 7 p.m. Every Sundays First Missionary Baptist Church 125 N. Coanza Von Daniels, Min., 870-228-5007 S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Fourth Street Baptist B.MA Pastor: Lance Madden SS, 10am; WS, 11am &6pm Wed.- Adult Bible Study/ Children/Youth Classes 6pm Fountain Head M.B. Baptist Willis DR Marvell Pastor Vincent Bell. 870-829-2558 S.S. 9:30 a.m.; M.W. 11:00 a.m. Evening Service 1st & 3rd Sundays 6:00 p.m. Galilee Missionary Baptist206 Adams 338-3024 S.S. 9:30 a.m. Pastor Jessie King Greater First Miss. Baptist Comer of Sam and Bonanza St. Arthur Hughes, Min. S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m., 1st & 3rd Sunday Lambrook Baptist 827-3918 S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Lexa Baptist 213 Cedar St. Pastor: Nathan Perry 572-6533 S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wed. 7 p.m. Morning Grove Missi. Baptist Hwy 44 - Elder Robert Davi, Pastor, 572-0667 S.S. 10:00 a.m.; W.S. 12:00 noon every Sun. Bible Class every Tues. Morning Star Baptist 885 S. Biscoe 338-6727 S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 11:00 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wed. 6 p.m. 1st & 3rd Sun Rev. Larry Edwards, Pastor Mount Oliver Miss. Baptist Onieda - Moses Tillman Sr., Min. S.S. 10:30 a.m.; W.S. 12 Noon every 2nd Sun. Mount Tabor Miss. Baptist 1160 Holly & Adams Streets S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 11:00 a.m. 2nd & 4th Sun. Tues. 7:30 p.m. 2nd & 4th Tues. New Haven Missionary Baptist Rev. Rodney D. Corbin, Pastor 404 W Street West Helena, AR 72390 S.S. 9:30 a.m.- W.S. 11:00 a.m. - Prayer, Mon. 6 p.m., B.S., Wed. 7 p.m. Ph. 870.572.6314 New Hope Missionary Baptist Jackson & Holly • Billy G. Williams, Min., 338-9095 S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Wed. 6 p.m. New Light Baptist 522 Arkansas Andre K. Valley, Min., 338-8677 S.S. 9:15 a.m.; W.S. 10:45 a.m. Bible Study 6:30 pm Wednesday New Zion Missionary Baptist - 225 Plaza L.A. Gamble, Min., 572-2159 S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 11:30 a.m. 2nd & 3rd Sun. B.S. 2nd Wed. Pleasant Grove Miss. Baptist Hwy. 316 Kenion Williams, Min. S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 11:00 a.m. 1st & 3rd Sun. Salem M.B.Church - Hwy. 44 So. S.S. 10:00 a.m. W.S. 11:00 am. 1st & 3rd Sunday Paster Randy Williams, Sr. St.John Missionary BaptistPerry ext., Helena S.S.9:30 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Rev. Walter Debro Jr- Pastor St. John M.B. Church Perry Ext., Helena, AR Rev. Walter Debro Jr., Pastor Sunday School 9:30 A.M. Sunday Worship 11:00 A.M. Each Sunday St. Joseph Missionary Baptist - Postelle S.S. 10 am.: W.S. 11:30 am. Wed. 6 p.m. Spring Lake Missionary Baptist S.S.9:30 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Rev. Garland Lee Restoration Outreach Center Int. and Non-Denominational Worship Service Sundays at 11:00 a.m. ICTC (I Can Through Christ) Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. I am the Sr Pastor Matthew McKing Sr. First St. Paul Missionary Baptist 3182 Phillips Rd. 300 Billy Ward, Minister 572-2870 S.S. 10:00 am; W.S. 11:30 every Sunday Bible Class 7:00 pm - Wednesday St. Paul Missionary Baptist Corner of Walnut & Adam St. -Amos Newell, Min., S.S. 9:45 am.: W.S. 11 p.m. Bible Study 6:30 p.m.-Tuesday St. Peter Missionary Baptist Old LR Road - Devin Brown, Min., 338-7164 S.S. 9:30 am.: W.S. 11:30 a.m. Bible Study: 6:00pm Wednesday followed with every choir rehearsal Second Baptist SBC 3rd & Baldwin St. Mike Collins, Senior Pastor., 572-3264 S.S. 9:00 a.m.: W.S. 10:00 a.m. & 7 p.m. Wed. 6:30 p.m. Second Baptist - Park & Hernando St. Jarvis Smith, Min., 572-9647 S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 11:00 a.m. NS. Sun., 6:30 p.m., BC., Tues. 5:00 p.m., Every 1st. Sat., Mo. Mus. 7:30 p.m. Second Baptist Church Lexa - 113 Mapl & Maine St 572-1525 S.S. 10:00 a.m.; M.W. 11:30 a.m.; Bible Study (First & Third Wednesdays) at 6 p.m. Silver Cloud 206 Riverview James L. Williams, Pastor 338-6822 Sunday School 9:30 , Morning worship 11:00 am, Wednesday night Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Trenton Baptist Pastor: Brother Mike Shelley S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Wed. 7 p.m. Truevine Missionary Baptist 415 W. Garland Dr. Pastor: TBA S.S. 9:30 a.m.; 1st and 3rd Sundays 11 a.m. Wed. Bible Class 6 p.m. Tucker Grove MB PC Road 115 Marvell, AR S.S. 9:30 am W.S. 11:00 am Rev. Earnest Womack Jr.- Pastor Mt Shelly MB Church Marvell Arkansas Pastor Vincent Bell West Acre Baptist Church S.S. 9:45 a.m. W.S. 11:00 a.m. Pray meeting Wed. 7:00 p.m. West Helena Baptist 702 Plaza St. S.S. 9:30 a.m.: W.S. 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wed. 6:30 p.m. Zion Hill Baptist - 1108 Pecan St. 338-3712 Leroy Harper Sr., Min., S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m., 1st & 3rd Sunday Zion Travelers Mis. Baptist Rev. Austin D. Hill SR Pastor 32610 HWY 44 Mellwood, AR 72367 S.S. 10:30am W.S. 11:30am CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic 123 Columbia 338-6990 - Sun. Mass: 10 a.m. CHRISTIAN First Christian Carruth St. - Marvell Alton Merchant, Min. S.S. 10 a.m.: W.S. 11 a.m.; E.S. 5 p.m. Bible Study: Wed. 6:30 p.m CHURCH OF CHRIST Hicks United Church of Christ Marvell Alton Merchant, Min. S.S. 10:00 a.m.; W.S. 9:00 a.m. Twin City Church of Christ Larry R Scott, Rev., 572-1215 S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m. & 5 p.m. Wed. 7 p.m. Southland Church of Christ Bro. Derek Wilson, Minister 5625 Hwy 242 West I Lexa, AR 72355 S.S. 10am - W.S. 1 lam 572-2240 CHURCH OF GOD Church of God - 1736 Hwy 49 Gene Rutledge, Min., 572-2099 S.S. 10:00 a.m.; W.S. 11:00 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wed. 7 p.m. Church of God of Prophecy 210N.9TH Pastor: Doris Smith, 572-7587 S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. Wed. 5 p.m. Elaine Church of God Dan Wessell, Pastor S.S. 10:00 a.m. W.S. 11:00 a.m. Living Water Ministry 227 N. 8th St. West Helena Judy Carter, Pastor 572-5327 S.S. 10:00 a.m.; W.S. 11 am & 6 pm. Wed. Bible Study: 7 p.m. New Beginning Church South Seven Audie Richardson Sr., - Pastor CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST Christ TempleFranklin & Jefferson, Helena Supt. Alex J. Smith, Pastor; Min. Abram Johnson, Pulpit Chairman; SS 9:00 am, MS 10:30 am, YPWW 5:00 pm. Evening Service 6:00 pm, Wednesday Prayer & Bible Band 7:00 pm, Holy Communion-Third Sundays Greater Powerhouse/Adams Temple 519 Plaza Street - Alex J. Smith, Min. First Lady-Clinton Smith S.S. 9:30 am.; W.S. 12 Noon, Tlies. Thurs, Fit, Nightly 7:30 pm St. Luke COGIC Elaine, Robert Tackett, Min. - S.S. 9:30 a.m. W.S. 11 a.m. 2nd & 4th Sun Upper Room Pentecostal COGIC Jalen Phillips, Pastor. Sunday Worship 10 am. Wednesday Prayer Service 7:00 pm. 870-995-5128 Power House COGIC - 2nd St Kim Smith, Min., 572-9901 S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. Tues. 7:30 p.m. Watson Temple Church of God Hwy 49, Lexa Tues. Bible Study 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fri. Regular Services 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sim. S.S. 9:30 to 10:30 Regular Services 10:30 to 1:30 p.m. Evening Services: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. EPISCOPAL St. John Episcopal Perry & Pecan St. Rev. Ray Brown, 338-8115 W.S. 10:30 a.m„ S.S. 9:00 a.m. Allen Temple A.M.E. - 120 S. Ashlar SS 9:30 am -10:45 am Worship: 11:00 am Each Sunday Pastor T.B. Lamb METHODIST Carter Chapel AME 419 Columbia Deborah Senter, Pastor S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Elaine United Methodist Pastor William Joe Head W.S. 9:00 am. First United Methodist in Helena 502 Porter 338-7418 Rev. Buddy Hamner S.S.9:30 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m. Lexa United Methodist Pastor: Kenneth Lee - Cedar - S.S. 9:55 a.m.; W.S. 9 a.m. Marvell United Methodist Pastor: Kenneth Lee - Hwy. 49 S.S. 9:55 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Pettis Memorial CMJZ. 121 Coranza 572-5046 Pastor William C. Gant S.S.9:30 a.m.; W.S. 5 p.m. Sun. CYF: 5 p.m. Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Center & Wallace St., Marvell W. Simmons, Min., 338-8651 S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. West Helena United Methodist - 109 N. 6th St. 572-2559 Pastor William Joe Head S.S. 9:30 am.; W.S. 11 a.m. PENTECOSTAL Pentecostal Porter Kenneth D. Harman, Pastor S.S. 10 am.; W.S. 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wed. 7 p.m. Apostolic Life Center Church 1335 Hwy 49, Marvell, AR Pastor Bishop S. R. Jackson S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Tues & Thurs 7 p.m. Bible Study Thurs 7:30 p.m. Pentecostal Church of Holiness 52 ST. Francis Glenn Jackson, Min., 388-8974 S.S. 10 am.; W.S. 11 a.m. Wed. 7 p.m. United 7TH DAY ADVENTIST Seventh Day Adventist Church Hwy. 49, Bill Neptune, Min. -W.S. Sat 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. Pastor Jeny Kenyon, 572-9141 Faith Lutheran Church 4525 North Washington Forrest City, AR 72335 Earl D. Burhhart, Deacon OTHER Greater Miracle Temple - 228 No. 2nd St Bro. Willie Manuel, Min. S.S. 9:30; W.S. 11:00 Tuesday Bible Study 7:30-9:00 p.m. Gods House “A Safe Place to Come To” Outreach Ministries, Inc. - Pastor: Elder Robert Davis 9th Street & Plaza 815 Plaza Street West Helena AR 72390 870-753-4050 870-995-3533 mobile Church Services Every Sunday: S.S. 9:30 am Morning Worship: 11:00 am Every Tuesday even. Bible Teachings 6:00 pm Every 2nd & 4th Sunday after service Lords Supper Free Food Pantry schedule: 1st Tuesday & 3rd Tuesday Call Pastor 870-572-0667 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Faith Outreach Church - 1430 Springdale Rd. Jim D. Harrison,Pastor -572- LORD W.S. 10 a.m. Mid-Week Service (Wed.) 7 p.m. This local church directory is made possible by these supporting businesses that are positioned around these page. The basic church listings are provided at no charge to all our area churches. If your church is not listed or an information change is needed, please contact Andrew Bagley at [email protected] Dean Watts For more information on a sponsorship of this church directory Please contact Wally Burchett at: [email protected] or call 910-528-0244
6A — WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 Puzzles/Comics The Helena World
Guest The Helena World Local WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023 — 7A Andrew Bagley HELENA WORLD The fallout from the December fights where the city police were turned away and a FOIA dispute remains ongoing between the HelenaWest Helena School District and the Helena World continued at the School Board meeting last Monday where five more were expelled and the School Board authorized over $20000 for a new security service to allow any staff person to hit a button and alert security. After revealing information in public, open session that it had previously claimed was exempt from disclosure under the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and that the school district continues to refuse to turn over to the Helena World at its first round of expulsion hearings, HWHSD Board Attorney Keshia NunnValley cautioned the board about what it should say in the open, public portions of the hearings, urging them not to read any information from their printed packets on each expulsion recommendation aloud. Board President Sandra Bagley reminded the board to refer to the students by the numbers listed on the agenda. The students referred to as Student 1 and Student 4 were not present and not represented. Those students were expelled for one calendar year with no district services on votes of 6-0. Board Member Janice Williams was absent from the meeting. The other three hearings were contested but closed at the request of the student or their representative. All three of those students were expelled for one calendar year with the district required to provide mental health services. Board VicePresident Drew Smith made the motions to modify Superintendent Keith McGee’s recommendation to expel the students for the one year but require mental health services. All three of those motions passed 6-0. A person with Student #5 expressed disdain for and questioned the fairness of the School Board after the vote. Referencing the Board’s two reductions of expulsion recommendations to 15-days and one semester at the first round of expulsion hearings she said, “They get their education but my boy is out for a whole f****** year.” During the regular meeting portion, the School Board approved McGee’s recommendation to purchasethe Centegix Service at a cost of $220,000. The service will be a “closed circuit system” where all staff will have a second badge with a button that can be punched and immediately alert security and lockdown a building when there is a threat. Board President Sandra Bagley asked HWHSD Police Chief Daniel Strickland, “Have you talked with other districts who have used this?” Strickland responded, “I have not but it’s needed.” McGee then interjected that it had been used by districts in central Arkansas like North Little Rock and Pulaski County. The board ultimately approved the purchase on a 6-0 vote. Also on the security front, Bagley made clear that she wanted evidence presented at the next board meeting that all of the security cameras were working, telling McGee to have that information at the next meeting. The Board has previously approved the necessary spending to make sure all of the cameras were working. McGee said the cameras on the outside of Central High School were still not functioning and that some on the inside had blind spots. Thank you for reading this edition of the Helena World Board expels five; authorizes $220,000 Security Upgrade Terri Ann Hall CONTRIBUTING WRITER With the ringing in of the New Year, Marvell – City and Marvell – Rural residents saw increases to their monthly sanitation fees which are located on the monthly water bill sent by the Marvell Water Department. Marvell – City residents were billed $1.50 more per month, while the Marvell – Rural residents saw a $5.00 per month increase. Marvell’s Mayor, Lee Guest, was contacted to weigh in on the monthly increase. “Both increases were directly from the two separate sanitation companies. Neither the City of Marvell nor the Marvell Water Department are involved in setting prices or any price increases.” WCA collects the garbage for residents in the Marvell City limits, while a company from Mississippi is responsible for collecting the garbage from the Marvell Rural routes. With inflation influencing increased prices for most goods and services, it is not surprising to see both sanitation companies imposing increases for 2024. Terri Ann Hall CONTRIBUTING WRITER The new year is starting off very busy for the Phillips County Cooperative Extension Service! The Phillips County Cooperative Extension Service has several Programs planned for January 2024! Below is a list of programs that agents have planned and scheduled for January. Best Care Childcare Provider Training: A professional development program for those who work in childcare. This is a one-day training, bring sack lunch, training will be all day. Date: Saturday, January 20 Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Location: PCCUA Fine Arts Center, 1000 Campus Drive, Helena Registration is required: Contact the Phillips County Cooperative Extension Service at 870-338-8027. Estate Planning Workshop: Date: Monday, January 22 Time: 2:00-4:00 pm Location: Phillips County Library, 702 Porter Street, Helena To register contact the Phillips County Cooperative Extension Service at 870-338-8027. Rice and Soybean Production Meeting: An Area Rice and Soybean Crop Production Meeting has been scheduled for Lee, Monroe, and Phillips Counties producers and consultants. CEUs will be offered. Date: Monday, January 29 Time: 8:30 am – 12 noon Location: Lon Mann Cotton Research Station, Highway 1 South of Marianna For more information contact the Phillips County Cooperative Extension Service at 870-338-8027. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access /affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact the Phillips County Extension office as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay. Terri Ann Hall CONTRIBUTING WRITER One of the most patriotic symbols in the United States is the American Flag. The American Flag has been symbolic of freedom, hope, and bravery for many generations. The stripes represent the original thirteen colonies, and the stars represent the 50 states. The colors of the flag have symbolic meanings, as well. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents justice, vigilance, and perseverance. This is a sight that is dear to many Americans. After many months, the weather begins to show signs of wear. What happens with this sign of freedom becomes damaged over time? The U.S. Flag Code says, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Basically, when an American Flag is worn beyond repair or tattered, it should be retired in a respectful manner. In accordance with the U.S. Flag Code, the Rotary Club of Helena will conduct a Community Flag Retirement Ceremony for faded, worn, and tattered United States flags and state flags that no longer properly represent our country. Businesses, schools, and individuals may drop-off their flags at any of the local collection locations. Drop off points are any Partners Bank location, Delta Regional Animal Hospital, Hickory Hill Pharmacy, Sibley Supply, and Schieffler Law Firm. Drop-off ends on Friday, February 16th. However, flags may also be brought directly to the ceremony on the 17th. The Rotary Flag Retirement Ceremony is Saturday, February 17th, from 9 a.m. – 12 noon at the American Legion Hut in Helena. The Rotary Club will take U.S. and State flags that are no longer fit to be flown. Marvell residents see increased sanitation service prices PC Cooperative Extension Service plans January Workshops Rotary Club plans Community Flag Retirement Ceremony
8A — WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 Local The Helena World Staff Reports HELENA WORLD Less than a month into 2024, the City of Helena-West Helena has recorded its first homicide. On Friday afternoon, Helena-West Helena Police officers responded to a call at 427 Alice Street where a stabbing had been reported. Upon arrival, police found 39-year-old Derrick Phillips bleeding profusely. First responders immediately began to make efforts to get Phillips treated and he was transported to Helena Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. Later that evening, the HWHPD arrested 20-year-old Cortavis Faulkner. Faulkner was booked into the Phillips County Detention Center at 5:51 that evening on a charge of Murder in the 1st degree, which is a Class Y Felony with a maximum punishment of life in prison. The HWHPD indicated in a news release that its investigation of this incident remains active and that those with any knowledge should contact the Helena-West Helena Police Department at 870-572-3441. HWH Police see first homicide of 2024 Barton’s Qulan Green struggles to score over Marianna’s Lamontrell Jones (Ieft) and Jamarie Anthony during last week’s 49-44 loss to the Trojans at Partners Bank Gymnasium. The loss at Walnut Corner put Marianna all alone atop the conference. The two teams will meet again in early February for the second installment of the Highway 1 War at the James Banks Gymnasium. Photo Credit: Cameron McMath/Cam’Nem Images Barton’s Kirsten Long leaps over Marianna’s Maheli Williams and Gabriel Hightower for the shot during the big Lady Bear win over the Lady Trojans. The Bears haven’t won a conference title since the ‘90s and will be looking to take another step in that direction on Friday when they host the PalestineWheatley Lady Patriots. Photo Credit: Cameron McMath/Cam’Nem Images Obits At the young age of 99, Ruby Doll Bracy went home to be with the Lord on January 10, 2024. Ruby Doll was born on November 24, 1924 in Helena, Arkansas as one of 6 children to the late Isador Baker, Sr. and Essie Mae Baker. Ruby Doll grew up in a small area in Helena called Catholic Holler. After graduating from High School, she married Warren Bracy, Sr and they made their home in West Helena, in the New Addition area in the 1940s. During a span of over 20 years, Ruby and Warren had 12 children together. She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Bracy, Sr and her brothers Rufus Baker (Detroit), Isador Baker (Detroit), and Willie Baker (Detroit). She was also preceded in death by her children: Warnette Bracy Neal, Joyce Bracy, Vivian Bracy, Harvey Bracy, Calvin Bracy, and Kenneth Bracy. She is survived by her sister, Lynette Greggs and brother Flenord Baker (Fredrica). She is also survived by her children, Warren Bracy, Jr., Carl Bracy (Kathy), Revel Bracy (Bobbie), Ruby Thompson, Brenda Patterson, Denese Bracy Jackson (William), and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, a great-great grandson, and many friends and neighbors. Home going Services will be held at First Missionary Baptist Church, 125 N Coanza, West Helena, Arkansas on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 11 a.m. Viewing will be from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Condolences can be made on the Brown’s Home for Funerals website. Bracy Andrew Bagley HELENA WORLD A 9-2 Trojan run to end the third quarter combined with Barton missing nine consecutive free throws in the final stanza enabled the 4th-ranked Mariann Trojans (10-5) to escape Walnut Corner with a 49-44 victory over the Barton Bears (13-2). In front of a full-house in Bear Country, Barton’s Conner Willis brought the faithful in maroon and white to their feet as he muscled it up inside to give the Bears a 32-26 lead with 3:20 remaining in the game. The Marianna turned up the defensive pressure, forcing the Bears to struggle to get the ball up the floor and eventually forcing a shot clock violations. Then the Trojans, who dominated the boards most of the night, got second chance points on baskets by Lasean Gamble and Nijhal Collins before a dunk by Lamond Cunningham tied the game at 32-32 with 1:00 to go in the third. The Trojans got an old-fashioned three-point play from Dekylon Arnold to make it 35-32 before Dequincy Wilson ended the drought for the Bears to pull Barton to within 35-34 entering the final stanza. Barton’s Dereel Daniels put the Bears back in front with 5:48 remaining at 36-35. But Marianna got two free throws from Arnold that were followed by a basket from Qulan Green to put Barton up 38-37 with 5:04 to go in the game. With everyone in the gym on their feet, Marianna’s Tyreaun Daniels put the Tojans up for good at 39-38. After the Bears missed two more from the charity stripe, Arnold made it a three-point game with a floater with 3:01 left. Barton missed four free throws before Marianna went 1-2 from the line to make it a two-possession game at 42:38 with 1:55 left. Green pulled Barton to within two but missed a chance to finish a three point play at the line and cut it to one with 90 seconds left. Down three with less than a minute to go, Ladvion Willis was fouled shooting a three. After making the first two, he missed the third, leaving the Trojans up 43-42 with 0:49 to go in the game. The teams traded baskets before Marianna got perfect free throw shooting from Collins and Arnold during the final 18 seconds to seal the victory. Barton led 19-17 at the half after consecutive baskets from Wilson and Terrion Davis in the final 45 seconds before the intermission. Arnold led Marianna with 19 points followed by Gamble with 8. Green, Willis, and Wilson had 10 each to lead the Bears. Barton will be at home Friday to face PalestineWheatley. Bears fall to Marianna in conference showdown Andrew Bagley HELENA WORLD The Barton Lady Bears (17-3, 5-0) continued one of their best seasons in almost three decades as they romped over the Marianna Lady Trojans (1-9, 1-5) by a score of 46-5 in a game shortened by officials after the mercy rule had already been put into effect early with the agreement of both coaches. With 5:37 remaining in the third and the clock running nonstop, one player for each team got a little chippy with one another and with Barton firmly in control, officials acted to end the contest out of an abundance of caution in front of the near capacity crowd at the Partners Bank Gymnasium. Barton’s Kirsten Long opened the scoring on the game’s opening possession and sophomore standout Da’Mya Wilson quickly added a steal and a score and the Lady Bears were off and running. Barton would score the game’s first 14 points before the Camaree Griffin banked in a three-pointer to put Marianna on the board with 5:15 remaining in the first quarter. Barton would score the next 12 points and ended the first quarter with a 26-3 lead. With Barton Head Coach Ryan Koerdt getting everyone playing time, Barton continued to build the lead and Marianna continued to be unable to get the ball in the basket. By the time the two teams went into the locker room at the intermission, the Bears held a 41-point lead and smiles were seen up and down the bench as Barton took one more step toward its first conference title since the 1990s. The Bears were led by Da’Mya Wilson with 21 points. Quintavia Wilson, Kirsten Long, and Indya Lewellen all had seven points each for Barton. The Lady Bears will host the PalestineWheatley Lady Patriots on Friday at the Partners Bank Gymnasium. Lady Bears dominate Marianna in shorten game Faulkner
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The Helena World Legals/Classifieds WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 — 11A Thank You For Reading This Edtion of the Helena World
12A — WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 Local/Region The Helena World Thank you for reading this edition of the Helena World Staff Reports HELENA WORLD NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District has announced a virtual public orientation for the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Management Study (LMR Comp) for Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 9:30 a.m. The virtual meeting details will be released once finalized. Interested parties unable to attend will be able to access meeting materials and the video orientation on the study’s website following the virtual session. The LMR Comp is a five-year, $25 million mega-study that will deliver recommendations for effective and practical management of the Mississippi River from Cape Girardeau, MO, to the Gulf of Mexico. The purpose of the study is to identify recommendations for the comprehensive management of the region across multiple purposes, including: hurricane and storm damage reduction, flood risk management, structure and nonstructural flood control, floodplain management strategies, navigation, ecosystem and environmental restoration, water supply, hydropower production, recreation, and other purposes as determined by the Secretary of the Army. The study area encompasses seven states: Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Due to the size and scope of the study, active participation and collaboration from the public and stakeholders throughout the five-year endeavor will be critical to identifying practical and sustainable recommendations for successful management of the river. In an effort to increase participation and collaboration, this virtual public orientation will provide an overview of the study, update the general public, interested parties, and stakeholders, and outline the path forward as the study progresses. For more information about the study, please visit the website: www. mvn.usace.army.mil/ About/LMRComp/ Staff Reports HELENA WORLD Playing their first American Midwest Conference contest at home this season, Central Baptist College men’s basketball hosted the Eagles of Williams Baptist University tonight at A.R. Reddin Fieldhouse. CBC (11-4, 2-0 AMC) led by 15 at halftime and cruised to an 87-67 win over WBU (7-4, 0-2 AMC). Hykeem Hancock led the way in scoring off the bench while Sage Borbon and Jonas Carlisle also finished in double figures, and Carlisle finished with the first double-double of his career as he led the way in rebounding. CBC dominated on the glass and played outstanding defense, holding WBU to just six made field goals and 22 percent shooting from the floor in the first half. The first 12:40 saw four ties and three lead changes and CBC led 16-15 with 7:20 to play in the first half following a three by Borbon. The Mustangs would close the half on a 22-8 run and carry a 38-23 lead into halftime. The Mustangs scored the first six points of the second half and the lead never got below 11 again for the rest of the night as CBC beat WBU for the seventh time in the last eighth meeting and the fourth time in a row. Hancock finished with a careerhigh 23 points on 8-11 shooting from the field, 3-6 from three and 4-4 at the free throw line Borbon had 19 points Carlisle filled up the box scoring, adding 13 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, handing out three assists and making four steals CBC outrebounded WBU 48-33 CBC outscored WBU 44-22 in the paint and 43-14 off the bench anchored by Hancock The Mustangs welcome HannibalLaGrange into A.R. Reddin Fieldhouse for an AMC contest on Thursday night. Public virtual orientation announced for Mississippi River study Barton Alum Hathcock leads CBC to big win Jakyra Jackson surges ahead of the Riverview defenders on the fast break during last week’s big win over the Lady Raiders in Searcy. The Lady Cougars, playing their third season away from campus, have won four straight and will be on the road at Episcopal tomorrow. Photo Credit: Doug Bielemeier Andrew Bagley HELENA WORLD The Helena-West Helena Central Lady Cougars (9-4, 4-2) extended their winning streak to four with two blowout wins over Rosebud and Riverview last week as they fight to stay in the race for the conference title while still unable to play any games on campus. Last Tuesday, Helena-West Helena had no trouble with Rosebud, coasting to the 60-37 victory on the road. The Lady Cougars were led by Jordan Gamble with 18 points, followed by Jakyra Jackson with 17. Zaria Smith added 10 for Helena-West Helena. In Friday’s game against Riverview, the Lady Cougars avenged a loss earlier this season as they mercy-ruled the Lady Raiders 58-20 in the second game between the two teams on Riverview’s home floor this season as Central’s vagabond season away from campus continued. Jackson led Central with 26 points, followed by Gamble with 18. The Cougars hit the road again tomorrow to take on Episcopal as they continue to fight to stay in the conference race. The Lady Cougars had a chance last night to pull within one game of leagueleading Bald Knob in a game played at Marvell after this edition went to press. We will have coverage of that game in next week’s printed edition. In men’s action, the Cougars (7-10, 2-4) defeated Rosebud 64-60 and lost to Riverview 69-52. Nomadic Lady Cougars extend winning streak
The Helena World Arkansas WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 — 13A Otis Kirk CONTRIBUTING WRITER Arkansas’ woes on the basketball court continued Saturday in Gainesville with Florida taking a one-sided 90-68 win. Florida (11-5, 1-2) and Arkansas (9-7, 0-3) were both seeking their first conference win of the season. It was never close. The Razorbacks took a 7-5 lead with 17:12 remaining in the opening half, but the Gators quickly turned that around and never looked back. Eric Musselman obviously wasn’t pleased with the result and what he has seen through three SEC games. “We’re through three SEC games and we’re not playing,” Musselman said. “We’ve been here four years and we’ve been a team that’s been super tough minded, we’ve been a team that competes, we’ve been a team that battles. We’ve been a team that has grit. We have not done this year at all.” For the first time this season, Musselman even opted to use a zone defense. It helped slow down the Gators momentarily then they made adjustments. “I haven’t played zone at all since I’ve been in college,” Musselman said. “But we’re not guarding anybody one-on-one, so the thought process was to put in zone in yesterday to try to help us with dribble-drives. It helped for a little bit as a change of pace. It maybe slowed Florida down for a little bit. “But just as with any zone and man, you’ve got to be able to guard either the guy in your area or the guy you’re assigned to, wither it’s man or zone. Our inability to play defense, to take away the three really doesn’t matter.” “We gave up nine threes the other night (9 of 27) playing Georgia when we were man to man. We went zone tonight and gave up nine threes. We need to play like our past teams have. This group just has not grasped concepts whether it’s man or you put in a zone.” Freshman Layden Blocker and sophomore Joseph Pinion, a former standout at Morrilton High School, had impressive showings off the bench. Blocker had 14 points, four rebounds and an assist in 24 minutes. Pinion added 12 points, two rebounds and one assist in 22 minutes. Both drew praise from Musselman. “Really happy with the play of Laydon Blocker and Joseph Pinion,” Musselman said. “Those guys, one of them’s plus-2, one of them’s minus-1. I just thought they played hard. I thought they played the right way. And their numbers are indicative of that. “That’s why their plus-minuses are what it is. And it wasn’t like they just played insignificant minutes. Those guys did play 21 minutes and 24 minutes. So I was proud of our two young guys on how they battled.” With their play on Saturday and many of the more experienced players struggling particularly since beginning of conference play could that pair see their playing time increase? “We’re trying everything,” Musselman said. “We’ve tried different starting lineups. The one constant with Layden Blocker is that he plays really hard. And the one constant that Joseph Pinion has exhibited through two years is he will try, and he will try and run our offense and try to do things within the framework of who we are. “Sometimes athletically Joseph might have a matchup that’s not advantageous, but he’s got heart, he’s got character. And he’s a guy that tries and plays up to his ability.” Musselman feels that at 9-7 he has to shake things up as the hole continues to be deeper. “I think we’ve changed up a lot of things a lot,” Musselman said. “I mean, I think we’ve changed the starting lineup. We’ve tried different things. But certainly those two young men tonight, because they played hard, we’ll probably look to go to them earlier than we have in some of these past games. At some point you’re going to play some guys. Certainly tonight that’s what I looked to do. “Younger players, when you’re not playing like you hope, that’s that the next thing you’re going to turn to as one of the alternatives after you’ve gone through about 15 other alternatives. Which we’ve tried. I mean, we’ve tried a whole bunch of stuff. We’ve already mentioned we’d never played a zone in 10 years.” Blocker was pleased with the opportunity for extended minutes and talked about the play of him and Pinion. “Honestly, I think the group — the second group he put out there — we did pretty good, especially in that first half, second half,” Blocker said. “You know, we came in there, bright energy. Got some stops, some steals. Got some key buckets. Joseph Pinion, he hit some key shots when he came in. And just overall as a team, I just feel like the energy. We came with that energy off the bench. And that’s what we need in the long run.” Tramon Mark had 12 points, four rebounds and two assists. Jalen Graham 10 points and five rebounds. Trevon Brazile had seven points and a teamleading seven boards. Jeremiah Daveport had 13 points, but Musselman wasn’t impressed with what the Cincinnati transfer did beyond scoring. “Yeah, I thought in the first half JD did a phenomenal job offensively,” Musselman said. “But the theme of the game, you guys, was rebounding. That was the one thing… I told the team that I thought if we outrebounded them, we would win the game. That was the sole focus that we could try to control and JD played 25 minutes and didn’t have a rebound, and then his plus-minus is minus-25 while he was on the floor. “But he did a great job offensively. He scored 13 points in the first half. The things with JD is he’s got energy, he’s got a good vibe about himself. He’s a really good young man that is playing with effort and energy. It’s just tonight, we needed rebounding from everybody. But I did think offensively, he stretched the floor out. I thought he played with great confidence offensively, as well, in that first half. And he had three assists. We only had eight, so he had three of them.” Hogs fall to 0-3 in SEC with loss at Florida Staff Reports HELENA WORLD The University of Central Arkansas Bears had a cold shooting night against ASUN preseason favorite Eastern Kentucky on Thursday night and it resulted in an 86-63 loss at the Farris Center. The Bears, coming off an 84-81 victory over North Alabama on the road last Saturday, shot just 26.7 percent from the field and made just 2 of 12 three-pointers. UCA did connect on 25 of 34 (73.5 percent) from the free-throw line. “They are a really good team,” said UCA head coach Anthony Boone. “And they showed why they are one of the teams picked to win the conference.” The Bears were within six points at 26-20 with six minutes left in the first half but would get no closer as the Colonels (7-9) shot 50 percent from the field and made 13 of 30 (43.3 percent) from beyond the arc. EKU improved to 3-0 in conference play. “One thing they did well is they guarded us really, really well,” said Boone. “Of course they looked at a lot of our games, but I think they picked up what Western Illinois did guarding us. They kind of isolated us and didn’t really come over to help on guys. We really depend on that because we like to pass around each other and find each other. We get a lot of assists that way. “Their goal was to not let us do that, and they’re athletic enough to play one on one and man up and not have to depend on help from their teammates. And they were successful doing that. And when we finally did get some open looks, we didn’t hit very many of them.” UCA, which had a season-low five assists, made a brief run early in the second half, cutting a 17-point halftime deficit to just 11 points on a Tucker Anderson layup with 17:00 remaining. But the Colonels were too much down the stretch and ended UCA’s two-game winning streak. Anderson, before leaving with an injury, scored 15 points and went 7 of 8 at the free-throw line. Junior Elias Cato also had 15 pionts, going 9 of 11 at the line. Sophomore Carl Daughtery, Jr., added 13 points and sophomore Glory Etim had 10 rebounds. Bad news for the Bears as UCA sees 86-63 loss to EKU
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