In October, the Central Arkansas Veteran’s Healthcare System is opening a new outpatient facility in Searcy, making it more convenient for local veterans to receive healthcare.
Currently, the nearest facilities are the Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center at Fort Roots in North Little Rock and the John L. McClellan Hospital in Little Rock.
Community-Based clinics offer primary care services for the servicemen and women, counseling for families, individuals, and groups as well as posttraumatic stress counseling. Clinics like the one in Searcy also offer programs such as the QuitSmart Smoking Cessation program. The community clinics also help reach groups of veterans who are unable to come to Little Rock to the hospital.
“We are excited to open the new clinic in Searcy,” says Dr. Tina McClain, Mental Health Associate Chief of Staff at Fort Roots. “The community-based clinics are often the only way we can reach homeless veterans.”
The Towbin and McClellan hospitals are two of the busiest in the Veteran’s Healthcare System. Although not an inpatient facility, the clinic should serve to lighten the patient load of the doctors in Little Rock.
“With a lighter patient load, our staff will be able to provide better care for everyone,” says McClain. “That really is our goal."
The veterans are also excited about the added convenience of the Searcy clinic.
“I’m real glad I won’t have to take a whole day off work just to get a check up,” says Vietnam veteran Wayne Cordell.
Many servicemen are just glad the clinic is finally opening due to long waits for appointments at McClellan.
“It’s about time they open something like this around here. It takes months just to get an appointment for a check-up down in Little Rock,” says Benny Goings.
Goings also says that sometimes he gets so frustrated by the wait that he goes to a local physician instead of waiting on an appointment with his usual doctors.
The facility in Searcy will be the only outpatient facility in Northeast Arkansas.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The End of the Beginning for Harding Freshmen (Revised)
The fear of the future caused me to hesitate as I filled out the application forms. The fear of living hundreds of miles away nearly kept me from packing my suitcase. The fear of independence made think twice about growing up. They were fears most college freshman felt before embarking on the adventure known as college life.
The school year is coming to an end and freshmen are facing the end of the beginning of their college career.
“It wasn’t what I expected,” said Bryce Noblitt, a biology major from Louisville, KY, reflecting on the year. “I don’t feel more grown up, but the biggest difference is if you have stuff that needs to get done and it doesn’t get done, it doesn’t get done. No one else will do it for you.”
Students new to the Harding lifestyle also found the student rulebook to be a little stifling.
“I have more rules at Harding than I did at my house, such as jumping through hoops to do stuff,” said Amanda Cox, a nursing major from Florissant, MO.
“For instance, it would be easier if my group of friends and I could go watch a movie in each other’s room.” However she said she understood the rules and still felt she was becoming a more independent person.
As for handling that new-found independence, many students said they enjoyed it.
“I love being away from my family, which I know sounds wierd,” said Daniel Hardison, a biology major from Bellefourche, SD, “but since my family lives in South Dakota, I had to depend on my-self and be more responsible, which made me grow personally.”
Hardison said he felt his biggest accomplishment this year was getting into the social club, TNT, a club that is not easy to get into.
Which brings us to club week, an event the student’s said they considered a big part of the first year experience, even for those who don’t take part. During club week, club members work the pledges hard to complete difficult tasks that are just below the point of hazing.
“I feel it is not exhibiting of Christ-like attributes,” remarked Kellum Tate, an english major from Birmingham, AL who was not apart of pledge week but noticed what was going on. “I know they work them hard to bring the pledge class together but I think what they do is demoralizing. If Jesus was a pledge-master he wouldn’t do that.”
Tate said some of her fondest memories came from her communications and critical thinking class, where she said she met her group of friends and learned a lot about her-self.
Just about every student I talked to said he or she felt if they could change one thing about their school year, it would be to study more for classes.
“My greatest achievement this year was having a social life and getting straight-A’s”, said Tate.
But more than anything, these freshmen said their favorite part of Harding Univerisity were the other students.
“Everybody has a different background and a different story and to hear those stories is amazing,” said Mary-Beth Byrd, an education major also from Louisville, KY.
Students said that it was not only reputation of the students that brought them to Harding, but the actual behavior of the upper-class students.
“The students really create a Christ-like atmosphere here on campus,” remarked Hardison. “I just love it.”
The school year is coming to an end and freshmen are facing the end of the beginning of their college career.
“It wasn’t what I expected,” said Bryce Noblitt, a biology major from Louisville, KY, reflecting on the year. “I don’t feel more grown up, but the biggest difference is if you have stuff that needs to get done and it doesn’t get done, it doesn’t get done. No one else will do it for you.”
Students new to the Harding lifestyle also found the student rulebook to be a little stifling.
“I have more rules at Harding than I did at my house, such as jumping through hoops to do stuff,” said Amanda Cox, a nursing major from Florissant, MO.
“For instance, it would be easier if my group of friends and I could go watch a movie in each other’s room.” However she said she understood the rules and still felt she was becoming a more independent person.
As for handling that new-found independence, many students said they enjoyed it.
“I love being away from my family, which I know sounds wierd,” said Daniel Hardison, a biology major from Bellefourche, SD, “but since my family lives in South Dakota, I had to depend on my-self and be more responsible, which made me grow personally.”
Hardison said he felt his biggest accomplishment this year was getting into the social club, TNT, a club that is not easy to get into.
Which brings us to club week, an event the student’s said they considered a big part of the first year experience, even for those who don’t take part. During club week, club members work the pledges hard to complete difficult tasks that are just below the point of hazing.
“I feel it is not exhibiting of Christ-like attributes,” remarked Kellum Tate, an english major from Birmingham, AL who was not apart of pledge week but noticed what was going on. “I know they work them hard to bring the pledge class together but I think what they do is demoralizing. If Jesus was a pledge-master he wouldn’t do that.”
Tate said some of her fondest memories came from her communications and critical thinking class, where she said she met her group of friends and learned a lot about her-self.
Just about every student I talked to said he or she felt if they could change one thing about their school year, it would be to study more for classes.
“My greatest achievement this year was having a social life and getting straight-A’s”, said Tate.
But more than anything, these freshmen said their favorite part of Harding Univerisity were the other students.
“Everybody has a different background and a different story and to hear those stories is amazing,” said Mary-Beth Byrd, an education major also from Louisville, KY.
Students said that it was not only reputation of the students that brought them to Harding, but the actual behavior of the upper-class students.
“The students really create a Christ-like atmosphere here on campus,” remarked Hardison. “I just love it.”
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Disinterest and Harding's Battle of the Bands
In the spring of '07, Harding University's Battle of the Bands was held at a local venue called Warehouse 2156. The concert boasted eight separate acts, and had record attendance as over 400 Searcy locals and Harding students packed into a 1600-square-foot, unventilated room, eager to hear the sonic revelations that Harding students had to offer them.
Now, two years later, Harding's perennial Battle of the Bands has registered itself as a mere afterthought in the minds of Harding students and bands alike.
This year's event was held last Saturday in Harding's Administrative Auditorium, and the final attendance count sat well below 100 heads.
"It was kinda disappointing, but, at the same time I knew that there was a lot going on with clubs and such that night, so I understood," said Dan Lee, vocalist and guitarist for Midnight Trio.
Harding Director of Campus Life, Corey McEntyre, has been in charge of organizing Battle of the Bands since he assumed his position in the fall of '07. McEntyre said he shared in the frustration expressed by the bands who performed last Saturday.
"It's really unfortunate that so few people got to be there," said McEntyre. "It was actually a really good show."
Harding junior Ben Williams confirmed the quality of the show. In reference to the two Harding acts, Williams said he thought the bands "displayed the great amount of talent that there is on this campus."
Corey McEntyre admitted to befuddlement in regard to the low attendance.
"Its hard to pinpoint exactly what the problem is," said McEntyre. "Some of it could be due to scheduling difficulties, some of it seems to be lack of student interest, and some of it has to do with the fact that there just aren't that many bands at Harding anymore. But in the end it still doesn't seem to add up."
The show consisted of performances by Midnight Trio, Men & Woman, and out-of-town acts, Cheyenne Medders and Annie Williams. If it is not shocking enough that only two bands from Harding performed, then the fact that every act shared members with at least one other might do the trick.
Amber Roe, a member of Men & Woman, said that it is "hard to believe" the Harding music scene is "entirely made up of a small group of closely related people."
But if Harding does have more to offer, then why did only two bands show up? Lee said he tends to think it has something to do with the title.
"I don't know why we call it battle of the bands anyway. It's never really been a competition of any sort," said Lee. "We should just call it a concert."
McEntyre also agrees it may be time for a new event title.
"We've stuck with the title this long simply because that's just what it's always been called," McEntyre said. "I think that people have negative mental associations with the title, 'Battle of the Bands.'"
Harding Senior, Randal Gabriel said the title makes him think "of a bunch of amateur punk kids playing bad music."
Williams, who attended the show, said he agreed with Gabriel but said that the stereotype "simply doesn't apply" to what went on Saturday night.
Williams said, "the degree of professionalism and the general execution of the entire event made me think that it was more of a showcase than a puny battle of the bands"
Despite the disappointments of this year's event, McEntyre said he is set on continuing to provide an opportunity for Harding musicians to showcase their talent.
One more hit for the record
It is was at Jerry Moore Field on Harding University’s campus that senior Adam Darby’s season has been anything but ordinary.
After sitting out last season with a hamstring injury Darby is back and better than ever. It was a surprise to hear that he had more to overcome than just the physical injury.
When Darby was asked about his injury he said, “ It was more of a mental thing to get over, and now I’m pretty much past it.”
He has just recently tied the Harding record for most homeruns in a single season at 14 and is hoping he will be breaking it this next weekend, although he says he is not making any guarantees
“I’m not making any promises, but I mean, it will probably happen.” Said Darby on getting the home run record
Darby is no stranger to breaking records he currently holds the records for most hits in a single season and most runs batted in. Darby stated that getting the record for homeruns would top them all. Darby is well respected by his coaches and teammates, all of which hope and believe Darby will also achieve this record.
Teammate Anthony Guglielmi says that he hopes Darby gets the record, He went on to say, “He’s done more than enough work to get it, and he really deserves it.”
Coach Randall Hunt says they never expected this much out of Darby, he said they always knew he was a great played but this season he exceeded expectations.
Now it seems its more than just his personal achievement but now the pressure is on to achieve a new record for the school, and although baseball records at Harding are broken every year it is the Most Home Runs in a single season record that has not been broken since two thousand three.
With determination and focus he brings his personal best to the field it is made clear by the crowd every time Darby steps up to the plate that they are supporting him. Each in our way hope that Darby can hit one more out of the park so that we might all be inspired to achieve our dreams.
The Bison Baseball team is set to play in the Gulf south conference Tournament this weekend.
After sitting out last season with a hamstring injury Darby is back and better than ever. It was a surprise to hear that he had more to overcome than just the physical injury.
When Darby was asked about his injury he said, “ It was more of a mental thing to get over, and now I’m pretty much past it.”
He has just recently tied the Harding record for most homeruns in a single season at 14 and is hoping he will be breaking it this next weekend, although he says he is not making any guarantees
“I’m not making any promises, but I mean, it will probably happen.” Said Darby on getting the home run record
Darby is no stranger to breaking records he currently holds the records for most hits in a single season and most runs batted in. Darby stated that getting the record for homeruns would top them all. Darby is well respected by his coaches and teammates, all of which hope and believe Darby will also achieve this record.
Teammate Anthony Guglielmi says that he hopes Darby gets the record, He went on to say, “He’s done more than enough work to get it, and he really deserves it.”
Coach Randall Hunt says they never expected this much out of Darby, he said they always knew he was a great played but this season he exceeded expectations.
Now it seems its more than just his personal achievement but now the pressure is on to achieve a new record for the school, and although baseball records at Harding are broken every year it is the Most Home Runs in a single season record that has not been broken since two thousand three.
With determination and focus he brings his personal best to the field it is made clear by the crowd every time Darby steps up to the plate that they are supporting him. Each in our way hope that Darby can hit one more out of the park so that we might all be inspired to achieve our dreams.
The Bison Baseball team is set to play in the Gulf south conference Tournament this weekend.
Is Facebook Lowering Students' Scores?
The social networking site facebook is becoming more popular than ever on campus and around the world. People of all ages are using the site to stay in touch with old friends, share photographs with family and even meet new people.
Controversial Paper Publishes Last Issue
Harding’s unofficial underground newspaper The Weather Report published its final issue Friday April 24.
The Weather Report is a satirical semi-monthly publication unaffiliated and in contention with Harding. The authors have kept themselves anonymous through creative distribution schemes and unsigned articles.
The last issue was delivered early Friday morning via students planted in each dorm. A small blurb on the back page announced the authors were graduating.
The publication has met mixed reviews on campus, with students and faculty taking stances for and against The Report. Fans approve of the calls for reform in university policy and the voice they feel the publication lends to students.
“I think The Weather Report has been constructive,” said junior Jordan Bailer. “It seems to be a unifying factor for students, and it’s gotten students talking, which is the point of free speech and journalism.”
Many students believe The Weather Report provides balance to messages and media on campus.
“Students are bored with straight opinions because they’re nothing but hot air and frustration,” said junior Sara Shaban. “Students have been waiting for something very much like The Weather Report.”
Detractors take issue with The Report’s alleged anti-Harding views.
“What is the point of anonymously throwing stones at Harding?” said graduate student Derek Glover. “They don’t even care to try and have a serious discourse on anything. It just seems like they’re going for shock value.”
Glover cofounded an official Harding publication The Libertas Exemplar, which The Weather Report frequently treated with satire. Glover believes The Weather Report should have gone through the same screening process as The Libertas.
“We jumped through every hoop we had to because we wanted to put our names on something that contributed positively to meaningful discussions,” Glover said. “They ignored those things so they could do little more than an immature high school gossip paper.”
The Weather Report’s first issue stirred controversy in Sept. 2008 due to allegations of racism and profanity. Deans issued a memo to faculty asking that all copies of The Weather Report be disposed of on sight.
Distribution strategies became more elaborate with each issue. The first was distributed only in the student center and restrooms across campus. Distributors slid the third issue under doors in the majority of dorms across campus.
One student feels relieved that the authors of The Weather Report have remained anonymous and enrolled through all five issues.
“When The Weather Report came out and caused all that hubbub, everyone was certain that the culprits would be found and kicked out,” said junior Conor McNabb. “I say kudos to them for doing their homework.”
Toad Suck Daze
Toad Suck Daze
With his family beside him, seven year old Andrew Sills watched in anticipation as his toad hopped alongside other members of the toad race. His toad did not win, but the memory of that day has lingered for fifteen years.
Sunday, May 3, Sills will be returning to the races for the first time.
“Toad Suck Daze” are almost here again, and vendors will soon fill the streets of Downtown Conway, selling everything from giant turkey legs to purple cowboy hats. The 28th annual festival begins at 12 p.m. on Friday and continues through Sunday evening.
Sills says he never thought about returning to Toad Suck Daze because he did not realize there was more to the festival than the toad races.
“It is all I remembered,” he said.
In addition to revisiting the toad races, Sills says he is excited to see what else there is to do.
With events ranging from a tamale eating contest to the “Toad Pageant,” Sills will probably discover the events at Toad Suck Daze to be as unique as the festival’s name.
The story behind its name comes from the time when steamboats sailed the Arkansas River. If the river was not the right depth for traveling, captains and crews would spend much of their time in the tavern.
“They suck on the bottles ‘til they swell up like toads,” the locals would say about the men’s drinking habits.
Though the tavern was replaced by Toad Suck Lock and Dam, the story is retold every first weekend in May at Toad Suck Daze. This celebration offers something for everyone, according the 2009 Honorary Co-Chairs of Toad Suck Daze, Cory and Jill Imboden.
Activities kick off with “Stuck on a Truck,” a contest to see who can remain touching a brand, new truck the longest. The winner receives the vehicle.
Other events include a carnival, car show, petting zoo, rock wall, a variety of concerts, and world famous toad races.
For a complete calendar of events, visit the Toad Suck Daze website at www.toadsuck.org. Admission is free.
“Please join us as we do our very best to give you a great time in a safe, family friendly environment,” invite Cory and Jill Imoden. “We look forward to seeing you there!”
With his family beside him, seven year old Andrew Sills watched in anticipation as his toad hopped alongside other members of the toad race. His toad did not win, but the memory of that day has lingered for fifteen years.
Sunday, May 3, Sills will be returning to the races for the first time.
“Toad Suck Daze” are almost here again, and vendors will soon fill the streets of Downtown Conway, selling everything from giant turkey legs to purple cowboy hats. The 28th annual festival begins at 12 p.m. on Friday and continues through Sunday evening.
Sills says he never thought about returning to Toad Suck Daze because he did not realize there was more to the festival than the toad races.
“It is all I remembered,” he said.
In addition to revisiting the toad races, Sills says he is excited to see what else there is to do.
With events ranging from a tamale eating contest to the “Toad Pageant,” Sills will probably discover the events at Toad Suck Daze to be as unique as the festival’s name.
The story behind its name comes from the time when steamboats sailed the Arkansas River. If the river was not the right depth for traveling, captains and crews would spend much of their time in the tavern.
“They suck on the bottles ‘til they swell up like toads,” the locals would say about the men’s drinking habits.
Though the tavern was replaced by Toad Suck Lock and Dam, the story is retold every first weekend in May at Toad Suck Daze. This celebration offers something for everyone, according the 2009 Honorary Co-Chairs of Toad Suck Daze, Cory and Jill Imboden.
Activities kick off with “Stuck on a Truck,” a contest to see who can remain touching a brand, new truck the longest. The winner receives the vehicle.
Other events include a carnival, car show, petting zoo, rock wall, a variety of concerts, and world famous toad races.
For a complete calendar of events, visit the Toad Suck Daze website at www.toadsuck.org. Admission is free.
“Please join us as we do our very best to give you a great time in a safe, family friendly environment,” invite Cory and Jill Imoden. “We look forward to seeing you there!”
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