Audio | Delta Digital News Service

Category Archives: Audio

LISTEN: Ridgefield Christian School basketball coach Morgan Colburn

Posted on September 26, 2024 by deltadnews

Audio Story by Garrett Finnicum

Garrett: Hello everyone, I’m Garrett Finnicum, and today we have an exciting story about a local high school basketball team that has captured the community’s attention. Joining us today is the team’s head coach, who will share some insights. Coach, please go ahead and introduce yourself.

Coach Colburn: Hi, I’m Morgan Colburn, and I am the coach here at Ridgefield Christian School. This is my second-year coaching, and I feel so blessed to be here.

Garrett: Well, first off, I just want to ask, what are your expectations coming into this upcoming season?

Coach Colburn: Our expectations have a lot to do with character, so we want to be a humble and hungry team. We talk about that nearly every day: being a team first. I mean, being humble is being team-first and not really caring about our own accomplishments so much and being hungry and wanting to come out and give our best every game. That’s my expectation of the boys, and that’s their expectation of themselves as well.

Garrett: How would you say the school community impacts the team?

Coach Colburn: Man, that’s a good question. I will say that our boys love playing together; they seem to really enjoy one another. We have done retreats; they have also played other sports together, and they just enjoy playing together. And then the school community—I have only been here one year, but I know that as we started to do well last year, more people started to show up to the games, and it was very enthusiastic. So, it was just a great atmosphere here at the school last year, and I would like to make it better. I would like us to have more support, and I would like our guys to be more supportive of other things and other events at the school, so that is a hope of mine. But I would say that we have great families, just great family support. And then when we do well, I think we get even more school and community support.

Garrett: How has past coaching experience helped you prepare for this job going into year two?

Coach Colburn: Yeah, so I have coached high school basketball at different levels and different places, mostly in Washington for probably 15 years. I have coached some good teams over the years. I coached in Honduras for a few years, and we got second in the nation—and you would not really think of Honduras as a basketball hotbed. We would have won in any six-foot-and- under league; we were tough, we were just small. Then I coached at a high school where we played in the state championship three years. Unfortunately, every year we got second. Really sharp kids, talented. I would say, honestly, the years that prepared me the most to do well—not just here at Ridgefield—were the years that I struggled. Not because it’s a struggle here, but the years where you have to find a way to put guys in the right situations make you a better coach than when you can just throw out eight studs and just be good. So, the years that were a struggle —you learn how to adapt your defenses, you learn how to attack people with only a couple players on offense—and those years make you more creative, make you sleep less, and make it hard. There is good in that struggle. I would say my worst years have prepared me the best.

Garrett: Well, that is all the time that we have today. Coach Colburn, thank you so much for doing this and giving us some inside information on this up-and-coming basketball team. I am just as excited as you are for the upcoming season to see them play.

Coach Colburn: Thank you, Garrett!

LISTEN: Students have a new food delivery service option this semester: Kiwibots.

Posted on September 24, 2024 by deltadnews

Audio and story by Jerry Don Burton

The cube-shaped robots on wheels autonomously deliver from Godfather’s Pizza, Einstein Bros Bagels and Freshens to over 60 locations on campus. The Kiwibots also deliver food from virtual dining services including Mr. Beast Burger and AQ BBQ.

Richard Matthews, Sodexo interim general manager, said Arkansas State University is the first college in Arkansas to use the Kiwibot service.

“This was the technology that Sodexo suggested that might benefit the campus,” Matthews said. “We want to make sure this is something that is not only utilized but something that you guys want here.”

Around 300 Kiwibot deliveries have been completed since the semester began. Matthews said A-State’s current fleet of 15 Kiwibots could comfortably handle 500 to 700 deliveries every day.

Luke Caldwell, a senior history major from Conway, Arkansas, used the Kiwibot service during the first week of school.

“I heard about it, I downloaded the app and I gave it a shot,” Caldwell said. “It was fairly user friendly.”

Orders are placed using the Everyday app. From the app, users can select a delivery location, arrange a time for pickup and choose a payment method. The Everyday app accepts payment via Flex dollars.

Caldwell said his order was cheaper than he anticipated. He said his order cost the same as it would if he had ordered in person because there was no delivery fee.

Justin Lewandowski, retail operations manager for Sodexo, said Sodexo uses Everyday as their food hub app. Kiwibots cannot deliver food from Chick-Fil-A and Starbucks because they partner with Grub Hub, a competitor food delivery app.

Caldwell said his experience ordering with Kiwibot was pleasant overall, but the wait time was slower than expected.

“I think the estimated time was 15 or 20 minutes. An hour and a half later, it had not even left the Union yet,” Caldwell said.

Matthews said Kiwibots may encounter issues in very cloudy conditions or when the network is busy or slow. He said they ordered network boosters to increase the effectiveness of Kiwibots in areas that may see disruptions.

Caldwell said he submitted a support ticket concerning his delayed order. He said a Kiwibot customer employee messaged him apologizing for the wait and offered free orders as compensation.

He said when he received his order, the Kiwibot stopped at a designated location outside his dorm at North Park Quads. Caldwell said he scanned a QR code on the Kiwibot to open the chassis and retrieve his food.

Caldwell said he will keep using the Kiwibot service, but would like to see more accurate wait times in the app.

According to Kiwibot’s website, the bots can detect people, cars, and other bots. Kiwibots utilize GPS, artificial intelligence, cameras and sensors to travel autonomously, plan routes and avoid obstructions.

Matthews said Kiwi Campus, the company that owns the Kiwibot service, sent an employee to A-State for two weeks over the summer to help create routes for the Kiwibots. He said they utilized geo-mapping to plot out optimal pickup locations and delivery routes.

Sodexo employees underwent training over the summer to learn how to use the Kiwibots. Matthews said there are also two Kiwi Campus employees stationed at A-State.

“Each employee has been trained on how to load it, how to accept the orders, how to open the bot and load the food in,” Matthews said.

Lewandowski said employees use a tablet to accept orders and open the Kiwibot. Employees then load the order, close the bot and the rest of the process is hands-off.

Matthews said Sodexo is looking to promote the Kiwibots across campus. He said he wants to raise awareness by having the Kiwibots participate in events like football games and hosting giveaways.

“We are going to make things fun with Kiwi. This October, coming up, you should start seeing more,” Matthews said. “We are going to have you guys name the robots so instead of them having a number they would have a name and they can respond to their name.”

Lewandowski said they run their ideas and plans through Kiwi Campus. He said the two Kiwi Campus employees at A-State also help with planning.

Lewandowski said he wants Kiwibot to become another member of the A-State community.

“We really want it to be a part of this campus where it is a reliable resource for the students,” Lewandowski said. “This is a partnership with Kiwi that we want to see grow and expand in the future.”

LISTEN: Emotional Support Animals Improve Owners’ Lives

Posted on March 18, 2023 by shelbyrussom

By Shelby Russom
Delta Digital News Service

Joshua VanDon sits with his ESA, Keena. (photo courtesy of Joshua VanDon)

JONESBORO, Ark. — People with diagnosed mental illnesses often benefit from emotional-support animals. These registered animals provide emotional support and love, alleviate stress and loneliness, and even ease the effects of mental illnesses to support their owners.

Kellie Davison of Jonesboro, therapist, and co-founder of Courage Counseling said ESAs are wonderful and help people with mental illnesses like anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. She said she always recommends her clients who do not have an ESA look into getting one.

As someone with PTSD and anxiety, Joshua VanDon of Paragould said people notice a change in him since getting his ESA, Keena, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois.

“My wife’s seen first-hand like the difference in myself once I got Keena and you know, having her here,” he said.

Maya Saala, an Arkansas State University first-year student from Pocahontas studying elementary education, said she initially did not realize just how helpful having her ESA registered cat, Obi, would be. She said she knew being around him made it easier to deal with her anxiety, but did not realize the extent of the emotional help he provided. Saala said she recommends ESAs to anyone who struggles with mental illness.

Maya Saala and her ESA, Obi. (Photo courtesy of Maya Saala)

“It’s just one of those things where it’s like, even if you don’t think you could benefit from one, you probably could,” she said.

Legally recognized as support systems, ESAs can travel with their owners, attend events, go into stores and much more. Davison said this was helpful for her mother, Sarah Simmons, who suffered from anxiety and bipolar disorder.

“She was able to travel with them and so it helped her get to do a lot of things she would have never been able to do,” Davison said.

To register an animal as an ESA, an emotional support animal owner needs a letter from their mental health provider stating the owner requires the assistance of the animal. Traveling and entering certain places, as well as living on a college campus with an animal, requires an ESA letter.

Davison said people should not abuse the ability to have an ESA. She, as well as other therapists, will not give the necessary documents to register an animal as an ESA to just anyone. She said she wants to ensure everyone who has an ESA is someone who truly needs it and will take care of the animal.

“When I think of an emotional support animal, I think of it as if you’re going to maintain your own mental health, you also need to maintain your dog’s health as well or your cat or whatever animal you’re utilizing as your emotional support animal,” Davison said.

Area business owners express their outlook on the potential rise in minimum wage

Posted on March 17, 2021 by emmaruthallen

Carri White, executive vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce

Emma Allen

Emma Allen is a junior in the multimedia journalism program in The School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. You can follow her on Twitter. She can be contacted at: emma.allen@smail.astate.edu.

Restaurants in Jonesboro affected by new restaurants coming to town

Posted on November 1, 2019 by madjison

JONESBORO – New restaurants provide employment opportunities for job seekers however, many current restaurant employees are bracing for a negative impact often caused when new businesses within the same industry come to town.

New florist offers more than a beard

Posted on November 1, 2019 by madjison

JONESBORO – Brides-to-be searching for the perfect bouquet can expect a different take on wedding bouquets from Bearded Bouquet owner Zach Jones.

Bike Trail Would Connect Jonesboro

Posted on April 13, 2019 by Denton Postlewait

By Denton Postlewait
Delta Digital News Service

A proposed bike trail would circle the city. (Photo by Denton Postlewait)

JONESBORO — Citizens and cyclist will soon be able to access the city easier and get safe exercise for the whole family with the Jonesboro Quality of Life and Connectivity Master Plan bike and pedestrian plan.

The A-State link is part of the greater biking and walking trail plan proposed by the city with funding coming from grant money. If approved, the grants would be an 80-20% match for a total of $500,000 from the Arkansas Department of Transportation and the Transportation Alternatives Program. The grants would provide $400,000 or 80%, while the city would provide the additional $100,000 or 20%.

Arkansas State Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Communications Bill Smith said the proposed plan will strengthen the bond between the university and the Jonesboro community.

“With Arkansas State, you have a lot of park space. There are trails on campus, there are places for families to come and visit and the A-State Museum,” Smith said. “Having a way for people to come into campus from the east is extremely impactful.”

Not only would the A-State link be helpful for students and employees of the university, but it would also give residents with children a safe and fun place to get exercise on the east side of the city. With the proposed link, citizens would pass through the A-State campus on a path to downtown Jonesboro.

Smith said the northeast corner of the city happens to be the only place in Jonesboro without access to a park. The University Heights phase would give citizens and students the opportunity to use active modes of transportation to travel to work or school.

Jonesboro Parks and Recreation Director Danny Kapalas said the city would start construction on the University Heights link in late 2020. It will be the first phase of a 68-page master street plan that passed a city council vote. From there, the community selected which phase would be completed first.

“We went to the public about which section needed to be the first phase,” Kapalas said. “This phase was unanimously picked.”

The impact of the plan will not provide road cyclists much in the way of safe riding. The plan’s design caters to modes of active transportation to citizens. Brent Walker, a local cycling instructor, said it will give people who walk or ride their bike a safe route to travel on.

“It will provide a safe environment for families, especially young children to ride,” he said. “Not everyone drives, so I think it will be good.”

The plan for the University Heights phase will be designed to give citizens safe access along Aggie Road, a notoriously dangerous road with many blind turns and narrow lanes. If approved, Smith said the path would open the entire east side of Jonesboro. The one benefit for road cyclists would be access to gravel and farm riding outside the city limits.

The University Heights phase as planned. (Photo by Denton Postlewait)

Click here to find out more about the proposed link or to read the entire 68-page master road plan proposal.

Bill Clinton Speaks at A-State

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Chase Gage

by Chase Gage
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO – Former President Bill Clinton spoke to a near-capacity crowd at the Fowler Center Monday night. The man from Hope delivered a speech about hope for the future.

At a time when America is arguably more politically divided than ever, Clinton urged listeners to love one another like human beings, not opposition. He drove home the message of treating people like people and getting rid of resentment and anger towards others.

Arkansas State University Chancellor Kelly Damphousse introduced the 42nd president to approximately 950 people.

“If you live in resentment and anger, it disempowers you. You want to be empowered,” Clinton said. “You have to open your heart and ears before you can open new doors. You’ll waste a lot of your life living in resentment and anger.”

Clinton, founder of the Clinton Foundation, said the current political discourse does not lay the foundation for citizens to have the types of conversations they need to be having. Instead of discussing economic inequality and how to fix it, or the emergence of artificial intelligence (an advancement that may kill more jobs than it creates), people are more worried about tearing each other down.

He proposed Americans should be more concerned about their grandchildren’s future instead of winning the next fight on a television talk show. People in disagreement are still people, and sometimes that is forgotten.

Bryant Moy, a graduate political science student at Washington University in St. Louis, said before the event that he hoped to hear the former president speak on civil discourse in the United States. He got his wish.

“He talked about trying to treat people as people. You can still have these deeply held, strong beliefs and resentment, but you have to cooperate with one another. I loved it. It was exactly what I wanted,” Moy said after the event.

Kaylee Bauman, a medical student at New York Institute of Technology from Michigan, said the speech was refreshing.

“(Clinton) talked about bringing everyone together, and then seeing all the different types of people in the room, it was great. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I thought his overall message was something that could apply to everyone in the room. I found it fascinating,” Bauman said.

President Bill Clinton spoke for about an hour Feb. 11 to more than 900 people in Riceland Hall at Arkansas State University as part of the “Riceland Distinguished Presentation Series.” The 42nd U.S. President previously spoke at A-State on three different occasions. (Photos by Ammar Taqi)

Monday night was not the first time Clinton spoke in Jonesboro. He recounted the story of when he spoke at the Arkansas State University Commencement ceremony in the late 1970s while he was Attorney General of the state. Due to rainy conditions, the ceremony was moved into the field house, where Clinton cut his speech off after only six minutes due to the hot, humid conditions. He most recently visited the university during the 2014 election cycle while campaigning on behalf of Mike Ross for the Arkansas gubernatorial election. He also dedicated the Dean B. Ellis Library in 1995 while in office as president.

Clinton told many stories that showcased examples of people treating others with love and respect. One such story involved fellow former president, George W. Bush and how the duo was able to put partisanship aside to work on creating a better world for the American people. Another story told of how Clinton’s grandfather would give food to those in need. The differences between the two examples demonstrated how respect for others can work on any level, in any situation.

“If you want America to lead the world to a better and more peaceful place, we have to think about empowering people, not putting them down,” Clinton said. “This is not a (partisan) issue. This is not a racial issue. This is a challenge.”

His message of a hopeful tomorrow rang throughout the hour-long speech. The future is up for grabs, for whoever wants to take it.

“We all have our resentments and regrets, but all we really have is tomorrow. You only become old when the weight of all your yesterdays outweigh your hope for tomorrow,” Clinton said. “There will never be a time free of problems. We have possibilities, but you have to face them and the problems they present not with resentment, but with an open hand, a listening ear and a loving heart.”

Listen to the full speech, courtesy of KASU’s Johnathan Reaves:

DeltaYou: A Public Radio Leader Retires

Posted on May 25, 2018 by Kimberely A. Blackburn

by Kimberely Blackburn
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO – A changing of the guard will soon occur at KASU, Jonesboro’s public radio station as its current station manager retires after 32 years of service and a decade of leadership.

KASU staff members reflected on their time with Station Manager Michael Doyle positivity. Mark Smith, development director, said Doyle served as his mentor for many years. He said he hopes the community joins him in celebrating Doyle and his work throughout the region.

“He has been a good leader for KASU and his natural charm has endeared him to so many in his public appearances for the station throughout the region,” Smith said.

Michael Doyle (left) shares a laugh with KASU Morning Edition host Brandon Tabor. Doyle recently announced his retirement as KASU station manager. Photo by Kimberely Blackburn

Reflecting back on Doyle’s leadership in community involvement, June Taylor, KASU’s broadcast production specialist, said he understood the importance of connecting with the community. Doyle served the community in taking up the banner of both entertaining and educating the Jonesboro community. Concerts showcasing local acts include “Bluegrass Monday” in Paragould, “Bluesday Tuesday” in Newport and the Johnny Cash Heritage Festival in Dyess.

Helping local acts perform at the Johnny Cash Heritage Festival proved to be a source of pride for the station. Doyle said these acts performed on the concrete slab where the old commissary stood in Dyess. Cash’s childhood home — recently restored by Arkansas State University’s Heritage Sites — served as the backdrop during the concert.

Although local acts did not perform with headliners Rosanne Cash and Kris Kristofferson, Doyle said performing on that stage served as a source of inspiration and pride for these artists. Helping Arkansans find a sense of pride in the state proved to be important to Doyle. When Arkansas native Glen Campbell died, a social media post composed by Doyle noted while others portray Arkansans as ignorant hillbillies, the state’s rich musical heritage should be a source of pride.

Hear Doyle’s entire social media post and his thoughts on Arkansas music

Arkansas Roots

Doyle first considered a classical music program to fill the noon hour. But after brainstorming with KASU staff members, “Arkansas Roots” debuted. Program director Marty Scarbrough said Doyle shares his own personal knowledge of Arkansas musicians, resulting in the program greatly benefitting its listeners. He said those who tune into the program learn of pioneers who inspired not only Arkansans but many others.

“Without people like them, we wouldn’t have people like Bonnie Raitt or Sheryl Crow,” Scarbrough said. “There wouldn’t be a James Brown or a Ray Charles without people like Rosetta Tharpe or Louis Jordan.”

Not only does the show broadcast the state’s extensive musical history, it also plays current acts who make music for the love of making music. Taylor said the program quickly resonated with KASU’s listeners. Because the program focuses on the roots of Arkansas, people discover upcoming musical events and learn about their community. That, she said, fulfills the purpose of public radio.

Legacy

Doyle said he hopes he leaves KASU better because of his influence. He said 10 years ago, the station gave him an opportunity to do something other than teach four classes a day. This opportunity gave him a chance to make a difference.

KASU staff members said that change will be felt. Since Doyle established such a clear vision for KASU leadership, Scarbrough said he doesn’t foresee any large changes. Taylor agreed and said his leadership kept staff on the right track, continuing on to the goal. Smith said he plans to hold Doyle to his promise of continuing on working at the station as a volunteer.

Doyle told a story of a man he met while doing doctorate work at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. After deciding to do something different for lunch one day, Doyle said he stopped in at the Wesleyan Center, a Methodist center for UTK students on campus. He said he found himself drawn to a man wearing a white shirt and tie and engaged him in conversation. After some time, Doyle learned the man served as the director of the center. Before the man’s tenure, very few students attended and the center appeared desolate and run-down.

The man worked to build the center up, performing repairs and engaging students in hopes they would visit. In doing so, the man’s doctorate work — the reason he first came to campus — fell by the wayside. Looking around, the man proclaimed the center became his doctorate. Doyle said he feels similarly about his work at KASU.

“I feel like I’ve left it better than I’ve found it,” he said. “So, this is my doctorate. I’ve never finished it, but I’m glad to have done something worthwhile. And I think this is it and I’m very appreciative of that.”

Kimberely Blackburn interviews Michael Doyle on NEA Expose’

Organizations Seek to Help Area Homeless

Posted on May 21, 2018 by Kimberely A. Blackburn

By Kimberely Blackburn
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO – With many of the Delta’s residents living without a home, area organizations assist in putting lives back together.

After being homeless for seven years, Travis Howard said he doesn’t like living on the streets. He said his parents raised him to live better than he currently does.

“My momma told me one time: ‘Before I die, I want to see you get better,'” Howard said. “(She said) I know it’s in you.”

The grandfather of three boys began coming to Jonesboro’s Helping Underserved Belong after its opening. The HUB assisted Howard in getting his birth certificate and insurance to help him find his way back from living on the streets.

Howard’s journey to homelessness began after he worked for many years in various jobs, including an assistant manager position. He said he attended two years of college and still likes to try and keep his mind sharp. He goes to the public library every day, reading newspapers.

Untreated physical and mental problems caused his downward spiral. He said he began drinking alcohol at the age of 13, but no one tried to get him into an alcohol-treatment program until he came to the HUB. Howard said he doesn’t blame others for his situation, he knows he can do better … but he needs help. Many, he said, don’t want to help, they just want to lock him up.

Providing Help

Kimberly Bartee, director of the HUB, said she hears stories similar to Howard’s too often. Many need help after a single event caused their lives to spiral out of control. She said after the HUB volunteers grow to know their guests as people, they begin to understand what needs to be done to truly help.

“They may have gone through drug rehab, but that was yesterday,” she said. “Who is that person today? Who do we want that person to be? Who does that person want to be?”

After being concerned with the homeless situation in Jonesboro, Mayor Harold Perrin created a task force in 2016 to determine how best to help. He said they created Jonesboro’s HUB after visiting a similar facility in Memphis. Perrin said while he plans to take the program further and build a shelter, more can be done now.

Hoping to help area panhandlers, Perrin said he authorized city employees to assist the homeless in finding work within the city organization. Finding a way to put them back into society will help them to help themselves, he said.

Director of Community Involvement Tiffny Calloway said Jonesboro receives Community Development Block Grant Funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This grant provides funding to aid in issues low-to-moderate income families face in their daily lives. She said the city allocated part of the funding to help Jonesboro’s homeless. These funds help fund the HUB and provide transportation and other basic services.

Jonesboro also received the Continuum of Care grant to provide housing and utility assistance to eight individuals for a year. Calloway said the grant will pay 100 percent of the utilities for the first few months, 75 percent for the next few months and gradually decrease to help the recipients get on their feet and save money.

A Place to Stay

The HUB works with Mission Outreach in Paragould to provide emergency shelter for Jonesboro’s homeless. Program director Cheri Peters said they assist Northeast Arkansas and parts of Missouri in providing shelter for those who need it. The facility holds 58 individuals and they house men, women and families in separate dorms.

The philosophy of Mission Outreach seems similar to the HUB’s as they both seek to determine what each individual needs, and works with those in the community to provide services. Mission Outreach works with Families Inc. to provide counseling services and local government offices to find needed identification documents.

Peters said after an individual obtains an identification card, they must find employment within two weeks. Mission Outreach provides transportation to and from their work and each one must save 75 percent of their wages.

While not an emergency shelter, Jacob’s Place in Searcy assists area women and families needing help getting back on their feet. Melanie Kiihnl, program director, said Searcy Ministerial Alliance established the shelter after a Searcy High School student did a study on the homeless situation in the area. The 2007 study found 80 homeless families in White County.

Jacob’s Place houses up to 15 individuals and those seeking shelter must submit to a criminal background check and drug screen. Kiihnl said they try to work with other area programs to assist when an individual fails either test. She said they often work with Wilbur D. Mills drug-treatment facility when one fails a drug screen.

Those staying in Jacob’s Place must obtain a job and save 40 percent of their wages.

Both Mission Outreach and Jacob’s Place enforce strict rules and regulations upon those staying at their shelters. All must do chores and be inside the facility by curfew. Mission Outreach’s doors lock at 9 p.m., and Jacob’s Place residents must be back by 10 p.m. Peters said the rules help to maintain order and maintain relationships with other families living near the facility.

While Jonesboro officials currently search for a place to establish a homeless shelter, Perrin said he believes the citizens of Jonesboro will take care of the needs of their own.

Howard said he wished a shelter existed in Jonesboro. He said it’s difficult to get and keep employment when one cannot keep up with personal hygiene. He often attempts to clean up in area hospital bathrooms, but can only take what he calls “bird baths.”

Until the city completes a shelter, Bartee said HUB volunteers will continue to help those in need, whatever their situation.

“To the druggie on the street who has a habit that they cannot beat, we’ve got resources for you,” she said. “To the person who just lost their house in a fire, we’ve got resources for you. To the grandparent who needs custody of their grandchildren or whatever they should need, we’ve got resources for you.”

Listen to Howard’s full interview

***

Editor’s Note: Featured photo by Jason Snyder [CC BY-SA 2.0]

Business Provides Pharmaceuticals Alternative

Posted on May 21, 2018 by kaycewilson

Kayce Wilson
Delta Digital News Service

BROOKLAND, Ark. – Arkansas residents may get away from pharmaceuticals because of the benefits of the cannabidiol oil derived from the hemp plant.

Many Arkansas businesses submitted their applications for a dispensary license in September 2017, but they will not receive clarification until official announcements expected sometime this year. One NEA business, Emerald’s Triangle LLC of Brookland, still awaits its results. Owner Richard Johnston said they planned to get into the medical marijuana industry once the store opened in 2016.

“I went to a convention in Los Angeles in February (2017) that was the big industry show that had to do with vape, CBD and medical marijuana. That’s where I decided to pick up my first company when it comes to CBD: Blue Moon Hemp,” Johnston said.

The store began to sell CBD products and contains CBD tinctures, topicals and powder in its selection. Buyers can purchase it in vape oil, edible and shatter form as well.

Employee Alfred Holland continually researches CBD.

“Israel has been on the forefront of CBD, and they’ve been doing research for over a decade,” Holland said. “It can be used for anything from fibromyalgia, general inflammation in all of the major parts of the body, osteoporosis, diabetes and some psychological issues like PTSD, depression, seizures and anxiety. Some even buy it for their animals.”

Emerald’s Triangle LLC continues to see a positive response from the community. Employee Zach Slater said the stigmas associated with the marijuana industry remain their main hurdle.

“The reception of the CBD has been great as more people learn the information, like what it does and doesn’t do, so some of the stigma behind the cannabinoid is kind of being dematerialized. I think that it will just grow bigger and bigger,” Slater said. “Some people need to realize that it’s not a fad dietary trend; we’re all at the very beginning of a new era.”

Emerald’s Triangle owns a closed group on Facebook where users can provide their input on CBD and find answers to their questions.

Paragould resident Hannah Foster said the use of CBD changed her life drastically.

“It helps with my insomnia, vomiting and nausea, eases the pain in my joints and bones, dulls my lisp so I can speak clearly, as in it helps slow down my talking and it helps anxiety dramatically,” Foster said. “You can put the tincture in any food or drink — I love it in my tea — or you can take it directly by mouth.”

What is CBD?

As the compound extracted from hemp plants, CBD allows the user to reap the physical benefits without the “high” associated with marijuana. CBD oil contains little to no traces of tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical which causes the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana. You can read more information here.

CBD affects the endocannabinoid system within the body that regulate the body’s functions, such as sleep, pain, mood and autoimmune responses. The therapeutic effects happen when the cannabinol interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors located throughout the body system.

CBD helps to reduce inflammation, a condition that worsens many pre-existing health issues. The secret to seeing positive results from CBD involves figuring out the right method and amount that will suit the condition.

Dr. Betsy Hendricks of Conway works at the Arkansas Center for the Study of Integrative Medicine. The center’s mission combines the mental, spiritual and physical aspects of health to heal and relieve those of their pain.

Food and Health Study Group member Elene Murray said Hendricks does her research.

“She’s a super sleuth. She’s traditionally trained but uses supplements and knows the labs to run for food sensitivities,” Murray said. “She helps people heal as where traditional medication just runs around in circles.”

Shaman’s Reach, a CBD product line manufactured in Brookland. (photo by Kayce Wilson)

The staff at Emerald’s Triangle LLC recently released Shaman’s Reach, a line of CBD products that they manufacture in Brookland.

Shaman’s Reach combines CBD and medicinal herbs aiming to target inflammation, pain, fatigue and even allergies. The most popular form of this product is a tincture, which is to be dripped under the tongue. There are also capsules, salves, isolates and infused honey as well as smokable products, which makes the product accessible to all. Their informational website regarding medical marijuana can be accessed here.

As the uses for CBD increase, many common issues are expected to decrease. The staff at Emerald’s Triangle said there’s a change coming.

“It’s happened in many other states and now Arkansas has a chance. They’re going to see that the opioid epidemic is going to drop, the addiction problems will drop, the prescriptions will drop. The state will save tons of money on insurance,” Johnston said.

Emerald’s Triangle LLC. recently opened a store in downtown Jonesboro where shoppers can get access to CBD and its other products. For more information on Emerald’s Triangle and CBD, click here.

Remembering the Westside Middle School Tragedy

Posted on March 16, 2018 by Miranda Reynolds

Sculpted sundial by Curtis Steele at Westside Middle School Memorial Garden

by Miranda Reynolds
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO – School shootings continue to bombard America; for some schools, it serves as a reminder of the past.

Westside Middle School experienced a school shooting March 24, 1998. This month marks the 20-year anniversary of the tragedy that killed five people.

Natalie Brooks, 11
Paige Herring, 12
Stephanie Johnson, 12
Brittheny Varner, 11
Shannon Williams Wright

The anniversary of the shooting remained in the Westside Consolidated School Board members’ thoughts in the February meeting. Vice President Darren Harpole addressed the board and audience with information regarding the Florida school shooting.

“We are working on this as a district. Our security team, we looked over our procedures. We talked about ways we can tighten stuff up so that we don’t leave anything out there,” Harpole said.

In further discussion of the topic, Harpole said the school strives to keep students safe.

Brandy Myatt, a student of Westside Middle School at the time of the shooting, remembers the day vividly.

She said talking her experiences through with friends and family proved to be difficult.

“With them not being there that day, they honestly don’t understand fully what we were going through,” Myatt said.

Myatt did not begin coping with the experience until the following summer.

Myatt does not support guns in school as a protection of students.

She said many ways exist to help those trying to coping.

“Take their time. Don’t rush the healing process, honestly. That’s where the ‘take their time’ comes in. Talk it out, if they can. If they can’t talk to their parents, then talk to their peers. If they can’t talk to their peers, then seek help. Get help any way that they can,” Myatt said.

Listen to more of Myatt’s interview with Miranda A Reynolds

Richard Carvell, retired department chair of Arkansas State University’s Radio and TV Department, worked from 1971 to 2008 in various positions. Carvell and his students stayed very hands on during the Westside Middle School shooting media coverage.

One of the more vivid memories Carvell explained dealt with the aftermath of the shooting.

As school shootings continue to occur, Carvell said he reacts in three ways.

“Of course I’m saddened at the loss of life and then I get angry. I think to myself and sometimes I say out loud, ‘Why aren’t we doing something to help the people who are going off the deep end and take out their frustration?’ We just don’t know enough to help those with mental problems,” Carvell said.

Listen to more of Carvell’s interview with Miranda Reynolds.

The Westside Middle School keeps those lives lost in a Memorial Garden located on campus.

New App Connects NEA

Posted on December 20, 2017 by kaycewilson

By Kayce Wilson
Delta Digital News Service

JONESBORO – ConnectNEA’s mission allows local small- and medium-sized businesses to connect with the Northeast Arkansas community.

Kent Wilson

Kent Wilson owns and markets ConnectNEA, which reaches across the Northeast Arkansas Delta. The application mirrors Village Vesl, which runs in some major cities in America. Wilson said seeing the app take off excites him.

“Once it begins to grow, the social aspect will begin to multiply among itself. It grows really fast, I think it will have a really nice impact on Northeast Arkansas,” Wilson said. “The flags that businesses will post will reach the NEA users in ways they couldn’t before.”

The app, available on iTunes or Google Play, allows businesses to post multiple geoflags at their chosen locations, which could include coupons or advertisements. Wilson said when a ConnectNEA user passes by a geoflag, their phone will “wake up” and show them the discount or ad posted at that location.

“People will be shopping at stores that they may not have known existed until now,” Wilson said.

Nonprofit organizations can also partner with the app. During each month, ConnectNEA users can vote for nonprofits they would like to see receive donations from the money the app has made.

The app also shows where construction is taking place in the area. NEA Parking Lot Maintenance keeps users updated with where they are doing renovations in the area.

Bono resident Whitney Welch said this should really help to bring together all kinds of businesses.

“I haven’t heard about this until just now, but I think it sounds great! I’m excited to know information about traffic or construction before I leave the house,” Welch said. “I feel like since technology is such a big part of our lives now, this app will only help things to improve.”

Since the app launched in October, very few businesses have created accounts. A “New Member November” contest encouraged users to invite friends to be entered into a contest to win a gift certificate.

Arkansas State University student Jazmin Selvy said this app will be a big help in Jonesboro.

“Since it’s a college town, I feel like everybody will benefit from this once they hear about it. I’m definitely going to be looking out for discounts and sales while I can,” Selvy said.

Wilson said a big reason he wanted to bring ConnectNEA to Northeast Arkansas was that he didn’t like hearing about people taking trips to Little Rock or Memphis for things that are already in this region.