Author Archives: caleb.booker08

Business Appreciates Veterans

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by Caleb Booker
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO — Gearhead Outfitters hosted its annual Military Gratitude event at The Mall at Turtle Creek.

The event allowed members of the community to write letters and donate money and/or toiletries to veterans and active members of the military.

At this event, Gearhead and people of the community put together care packages that include toiletries, basic necessities to help the ones who have served or are serving in the armed forces now.

“This is an event that happens every year where we raise money, accept donations and have a letter writing event,” said Braylon Graves, an intern at Gearhead Outfitters. “All proceeds go to a military organization of our choice.”

Whitney Eldridge, the director of marketing at Gearhead, talked about what they want to do at this event.

“Unfortunately, there’s a large homeless population of veterans, so we want to encourage and emotionally support them. We’re so thankful for all of their sacrifice and service,” Eldridge said.

Bobby Cornell, the service manager of Gearhead and a former Marine remembers his time being in the armed forces.

“Receiving the letters and care packages was like receiving a piece of home, it was awesome,” Cornell said.

About 100 people came by the tables during the Nov. 10 event. The team members of Gearhead collected over 600 letters from local schools along with many care packages.

Employees at Gearhead said they are looking forward to helping more veterans and active members again next year.

A-State Tennis Finishes Fall Tourney Slate

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by Caleb Booker
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO — The A-State Women’s Tennis team is motivated going into the Wofford Invite: the final tournament of the fall semester.

In three tournaments this season, the Red Wolves own a 5-14 record in singles competition. After two tournaments this season, A-State doubles-play record sits at 1-6.

“Right now, as far as the Wofford Invite I think it’s really important to finish strong regardless of how the rest of the fall season has gone,” said junior Shannon O’Brien of Hilton Head, South Carolina. “Just staying focused this week is really important.”

A redshirt junior from Cumming, Georgia, Shelby King first competed with O’Brien in doubles in January this year; the two have been competing in doubles often.

“I think we can prepare for the conference tournament by doing well in the matches leading up to it. So like during our season matches, I think we should practice what we want to do there,” King said.

A-State head coach Kel Lange holds high expectations in his fourth season.

“My expectation with this group is that we go from a team that is competitive in every match to a team that is competitive to win the conference championship,” Lange said. “We’re preparing every day for the conference tournament. Our conference tournament is going to determine if we’re going to make it to the NCAA tournament or not.”

The Wofford Invite takes place Nov. 2-4 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

A-State Women’s Bowling Opens Season

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Taylor Davis approaches the bowling lane.

Taylor Davis approaches the lane during the 2017 season. The team begins its 2018 season in late October. (photo by Taylor Davis)

by Caleb Booker
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO – The Arkansas State women’s bowling team begins its 2018-19 season with a lot of fresh faces.

Five freshmen join two transfers and three returnees this season. Even though the team lost five seniors last season, members remain optimistic for the upcoming season.

“We’ll be just as successful as previous years because we still believe in the process with everything we’re doing and are working as one unit,” said sophomore Leah Glazer of Henderson, Nevada. “I can see this season potentially being one of the most successful seasons the program has seen.”

2018 Junior Gold Champion Julia Huren of Westland, Michigan, noted the team is younger, but said she believes it will still have success.

“There has been a lot of excitement for the opening tournament in October,” Huren said. “The team should be successful. I think a very big key to success is being on the same page, as in having common goals in mind and being a well-rounded team player.”

The players aren’t the only ones excited about the season. Entering his 10th season as head coach of the team, Justin Kostick shared his thoughts about the direction the team is taking this season.

“This year is an exciting year. With only three returners and seven newcomers, it is going to be interesting to see how the team gels together,” he said. “I think we can have the same success or even better.”

The season begins Oct. 26-28 in Fairview Heights, Illinois at the Bearcat Hammer Open tournament. The Red Wolves finished in fifth place in the 2017 Bearcat Hammer Open with nine wins and four losses.

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Editor’s Note: Featured photo by Gord Webster [CC BY-SA 2.0]

Walking For A Purpose

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by Caleb Booker
Delta Digital News Service

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — A21’s fifth annual “Walk For Freedom” raised awareness about global human trafficking.

A21’s march took place in over 20 countries and in six continents around the world. The nonprofit organization aims to stop sex trafficking globally.

Lanley Scroggins organized the “Walk For Freedom” at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau this year. She is looking forward to helping the community better understand what sex trafficking is and why it needs to be stopped.

“I want to do my part to bring awareness to those around me and I hope that others catch a flame that compels them to be a part of the solution,” Scroggins said.

Brittany Smith participated in the event. She said this topic and the walk is important to her.

“It can draw the community closer together and help them take a stand for something that affects the whole world,” Smith said.

Participant Willie Brown said this event can help the community.

“From my perspective, we need to stop human trafficking. It really needs to be done and it will make our community a lot stronger,” he said.