Story and video by DDNS Reporter Benjamin McDowell
The Valley View Blazers left no doubt on Friday night, racing out to an early lead and never looking back in a 45-6 rout of West Memphis. The victory marked the Blazers’ second win at home this season and highlighted their ability to dominate in all three phases of the game — offense, defense, and special teams.
From the opening kickoff, Valley View seized control. West Memphis mishandled the return just 90 seconds into the contest, and the Blazers pounced on the loose ball with 10:51 left in the first quarter. A few plays later, running back Levi Manning powered in from 2 yards out to put Valley View on the board and give the home crowd an early reason to cheer.
The defense followed suit, applying heavy pressure on the Blue Devils’ offense. A strip sack on the next possession gave Valley View the ball back in favorable territory. Quarterback Taylor Hyneman quickly capitalized, delivering a 53-yard touchdown strike with just 1:37 remaining in the first quarter. In the span of a few minutes, the Blazers had built a double-digit lead and shifted all momentum in their favor.
The second quarter brought even more fireworks. Valley View’s offense continued to click, producing a 7-yard touchdown pass and later a 7-yard scoring run with 4:04 left before halftime. The Blazers’ special teams also made their presence felt, blocking two punts that set up short scoring drives. Each phase contributed to what would become a commanding 28-0 lead at the break.
“We had a fast start tonight,” Valley View head coach Sean Cockrell said. “We got up 28-0 and were playing well on both sides of the ball.”
That fast start carried over into the second half. The defense stayed aggressive, forcing hurried throws and disrupting West Memphis in the pocket. Midway through the third quarter, Valley View intercepted a pass with 7:54 left, once again flipping momentum back in their favor. Manning capped the ensuing drive with an 8-yard touchdown reception on fourth-and-7, extending the lead to 35-0 with 4:09 left in the period.
Before the quarter was over, the Blazers struck again. Another touchdown stretched the margin to 45-0, sealing the outcome and sending much of the Valley View crowd into celebration mode. With the game well in hand, Cockrell turned to his reserves in the fourth quarter, giving younger players valuable varsity reps while resting his starters.
West Memphis finally avoided the shutout late, punching in an 8-yard touchdown run with 4:21 to play. The score gave the Blue Devils a brief highlight, but it did little to change the overall storyline of the night: Valley View’s overwhelming dominance.
For Cockrell, the game was about more than just the lopsided margin. After describing his team’s previous effort as slower, he was pleased with the sharpness, energy, and balance his team displayed from start to finish.
The 45-6 win not only gave the Blazers another mark in the win column but also served as a reminder that when they start fast, they can be a tough team for anyone to slow down.
The Jonesboro Hurricane celebrate after the come back from behind victory. Video by DDNS Reporter Allie Carson.
In their first home game of the season, the Jonesboro Hurricanes defeated the DeSoto Jaguars after being down 21-34 at the half.
“Like I say every week, this group does not quit. They fight and fight and fight no matter what,” Jonesboro Head Coach Tyler George said.
DeSoto’s heavy rush offense was on full display on its opening drive. On a quarterback keeper, Eric Perry made it to the Jonesboro 25-yard line after a gain of 27 yards, soon followed by an 18-yard rush by running back Cade Rogers on 3rd and 4, pushing the Jaguars to the Jonesboro 2.
The Jaguars score and the Golden Hurricane received the ball. On 3 and 15, Hurricane QB Asa Myers throws one downfield and finds running back TJ Brown. A throw to wide receiver Kam Davis puts Jonesboro on the DeSoto 12, a 44-yard gain. Brown scored on the next play for the Golden Hurricane.
DeSoto wasted no time, however, scoring on their next drive, after some Jonesboro flags helped them move the chains and get out of trouble.
A pass-heavy Jonesboro soon tied the game once again after an endzone throw to Brown.
Rogers got into the end zone untouched by the Golden Hurricane defense to put the Jaguars ahead. The punt that followed ended up being recovered by Desoto after the football hit defensive back J’Karious Lattimore.
DeSoto gets the first big lead of the game, going up 14-28 against Jonesboro.
After Meyers gets tripped up after he’s forced to keep the ball, Jonesboro is forced to punt, handing the ball back to DeSoto at their 23.
Thankfully for the Golden Hurricane, their defense is able to hold the Jaguars and get the ball back after a three-and-out.
Clarence Mucherson returns the Desoto punt for 13 yards, putting the Jonesboro offense on the Jaguars’ 33-yard line.
Brown ran up the middle for his third score of the night, closing in on the Jaguars 21-28, but Desoto returned the favor for Perry’s fourth rushing touchdown of the night, making it a 13-point deficit going into the half after a blocked extra point.
The Golden Hurricane came out of the halftime break looking like a new team, scoring back to back touchdowns.
“Came in at halftime, made some simple adjustments, but really nothing major,” George said. “Just executing and doing our job. They came out in the second half on defense and did that. Got a big play on kickoff right there, offense scored back to back to back.”
Running back K’Den Hawkins scored a 67-yard rush 20 seconds into the half.
“We all know Hawkins is super explosive; those are things we can do. We’re trying to find different ways to get him a ball. We’ve been working that last week,” George said.
Hawkins’ touchdown was followed by a punt recovered by tight end Patrick Dutton on Jonesboro, which gave the Golden Hurricane the ball back immediately.
The very next play, Myers threw downfield to Davis, resulting in a 42-yard touchdown. For the first time all night, Jonesboro was in charge of the scoreboard 35-34.
On fourth and 5, Desoto was going for it, but a defender on Jonesboro knocked it away and it was recovered by the Golden Hurricane defense on their own 49-yard line. Soon, Davis scored a 45-yard touchdown, the third touchdown of the quarter, and there was still 8:45 to go.
Three punts later, and Jonesboro had the ball again with two minutes left in the quarter. Brown immediately finds a hole in the DeSoto defense and runs 52 yards to score his fourth touchdown of the night.
Stretching the lead 49-34, neither team scored in the fourth quarter, handing Jonesboro their first win of the season and DeSoto their second loss.
Myers had 299 passing yards throughout the night, while Perry of DeSoto had 90 yards. However, Perry recorded 141 rushing yards against Myers’ 24.
The rushing leaders on both teams, in comparison, were Rogers with 220 on DeSoto and Brown with 126 on Jonesboro.
Jonesboro defensive back Jaques Jordan had a total of 14 tackles on the night, 11 solo and three assists, and made the DeSoto offense lose 4 yards.
“Offensively, we can score the ball better than we have the last two years. So that’s really good. Defensively, it’s a scrappy group. They stay together no matter what, good, bad, or ugly,” George said.
JONESBORO – KASU is welcoming photographer Art Meripol to Arkansas State University with a reception and “art talk” for his photo exhibit, “We Shall Overcome.”
Headshot photo of Art Meripol. Photo courtesy of Art Meripol
The reception, hosted by KASU, will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Oct. 29, in the Humanities and Social Sciences building atrium.
The photo exhibit, also located in the humanities building and presented by KASU, comprises 25 photographs of various landmarks along the Civil Rights Trail. The exhibit opened to the public June 13. Meripol said his Civil Rights Trail photography is some of his most rewarding work.
“I’ve had a 50-year career and I’m more proud of this work than probably anything I’ve done in those 50 years, and I wanted to share it,” Meripol said.
LaDawn Lee Fuhr, KASU corporate relations specialist, said Meripol’s background in journalism, passion for history and skill in photography will be of interest to a wide range of people at the “art talk” and reception.
“We feel like bringing this history and this art together is great for the overall community,” Fuhr said. “We’re hoping that people will come out and see it and meet Art, talk to him, and understand his process.”
Audio story by DDNS Reporter Jerry Don Burton
Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. Meripol said he woke up at 4:30 a.m. to capture the center in pre-dawn light. Photo courtesy of Art Meripol.
Fuhr was a major force in bringing Meripol’s photography to A-State. She said the concept of the exhibit and reception blossomed from a conversation between her and Meripol.
After not having seen each other for decades, Fuhr and Meripol reconnected at the Old State House Museum in Little Rock on July 12, 2024. Fuhr said she was impressed by his photography work on “The Official United States Civil Rights Trail: What Happened Here Changed the World,” a book published in 2021 by Alabama tourism director Lee Sentell, and wanted to create an exhibit of his Civil Rights Trail photographs.
Meripol said he knew the project would be worthwhile, but was initially daunted by the work, time and logistics it would take to complete such an exhibit.
“Once I got started, I got pretty excited about the possibilities to go through all the work I did on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail and narrow it down,” Meripol said. “I think that was what intimidated me more than anything was trying to pick 20 or 25 pictures out of all that.”
A majority of the photos featured in the exhibit were taken in 2017, when Meripol said he traveled to 10 states in 12 days to expand coverage of the Civil Rights Trail. Starting in Alabama, where he is based currently, Meripol covered sites in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kansas, Washington, D.C., Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.
Little Rock Central High School. In 1957, nine teens known as the “Little Rock Nine” were the first African American students to enter the school following the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling that made segregated schools illegal. Photo courtesy of Art Meripol.
Meripol said some of his favorite career experiences came from his work photographing the Civil Rights Trail.
Meripol said one such experience was his visit to Medgar Evers’ home. Evers, a civil rights activist and the first NAACP field secretary in Mississippi, was assassinated in the driveway of his home in 1963.
Prior to his arrival, Meripol said the caretaker of the home did not know he was coming to take photos. He said she was suspicious at first, but they ended up having a wonderful time together.
“We ended up sitting at the kitchen table at Medgar Evers’ home with her, and she was telling stories of when she was in high school and how they all adored Medgar Evers,” Meripol said. “Just seeing her face as her mind went back to that time and her memories was just magic.”
Evers’ home was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2017.
Medgar Evers’ home. Evers was dedicated to ending racial segregation at the University of Mississippi, enforcing voting rights and expanding opportunities for African Americans prior to his assassination in 1963. Photo courtesy of Art Meripol.
Meripol said another particularly memorable experience was his time in Washington photographing the Martin Luther King Jr. and Lincoln memorials.
Due to flight delays caused by storms, Meripol didn’t arrive in Washington until midnight. He took an Uber at 4 a.m. to the memorial to capture it before sunrise. He said he could not have asked for better lighting and was so inspired in fact, he decided to walk to the nearby Lincoln Memorial.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, located in Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of Art Meripol.
The Lincoln Memorial is typically a high-traffic tourist attraction, making it hard to photograph. But, due to the storms, Meripol said the memorial was empty, save for one employee.
“A U.S. government employee, an older Black man, was polishing the floors in front of Abraham Lincoln with the morning lights streaming through the columns and lighting him up,” Meripol said. “And I shot maybe one of my single favorite pictures of my life.”
Lincoln Memorial. Photo courtesy of Art Meripol.
Meripol said he hopes his work inspires viewers to visit the historic landmarks in his photos.
“I have a picture of the Edmund Pettus Bridge where the Bloody Sunday marches happened for voting rights,” Meripol said. “I hope they see that picture and want to go experience the bridge themselves. If they do, they’ll walk over the bridge as the marchers did back in the early sixties.”
Edmund Pettus Bridge, located in Selma, Alabama. The bridge was the site of Bloody Sunday, a conflict on March 7, 1965, when police attacked civil rights demonstrators as they were marching to the state capital. Photo courtesy of Art Meripol.
Fuhr said Meripol’s photography is important for preserving and highlighting the history of the United States.
“It’s a trite statement, but it’s true. If we don’t know our history, we’re doomed to repeat it,” Fuhr said. “I think any of us have a connection to the history that made this country. I feel it’s important to be seen in such a beautiful way. Because there was such pain, but it’s presented in such an appealing, beautiful way that people can appreciate.”
Meripol said the United States has always acknowledged its failures, but the current political climate is leading to the burial of some history.
“When we start hiding those failures, then you don’t know what needs to be paid attention to,” Meripol said.
In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting funding for programs that “degrade shared American values, divide Americans based on race, or promote programs or ideologies inconsistent with federal law and policy.” A few months later, in August, the Wall Street Journal reported that the White House ordered a review of exhibits at the Smithsonian Museum to align with Trump’s interpretation of American history.
Civil rights leaders, advocates and historians have criticized these moves as singling out content on slavery and civil rights in an effort to minimize the contributions of Black Americans.
National Museum of African American History. Photo Courtesy of Art Meripol.
“There is an effort to try to hide those things, hiding Black history, which is American history. It hurts to see it happen,” Meripol said. “I’m hoping this exhibit will keep people discussing these things and finding ways to move forward.”
Fuhr said KASU’s involvement in creating the exhibit and reception aligns with the non-commercial public radio station’s mission to be a resource for the community.
“This is the kind of thing that public radio does that others don’t really do, which is to go deeper in the world and be able to bring this to the community.”
Mark Smith, KASU station manager, said the radio station is excited to bring Meripol’s photographs to the community. He said viewers will be immersed in the rich history and the craftsmanship on display.
Fuhr said bringing the exhibit to A-State was a joint effort between many individuals, both within and outside of A-State.
The event is sponsored by the A-State Office of the Provost, A-State College of Liberal Arts and Communication, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center and Arisa Health.
Kendall Moody, interior/exterior team leader for facilities management project services at A-State, was responsible for much of the physical preparation regarding the exhibit. Fuhr said his contributions were integral in ensuring the photos were placed properly without damaging the walls and columns of the humanities building.
Fuhr said the exhibit is planned to stay up until early 2026, but is interested in presenting the photos at other venues as a traveling exhibit.
“Each time I look at a photograph, I get a different sense of it, and so I want it up long enough for people to really appreciate it and really feel it,” Fuhr said.
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas State University System institutions reported strong 11th-day preliminary fall total enrollment growth of 7.6% with multiple record-setting performances, System President Dr. Brendan Kelly announced today.
“Six of our seven campuses had an overall enrollment increase, including record enrollment for A-State and an extraordinary upswing for Henderson,” Kelly said. “Our two-year institutions also attracted more students as workforce training programs grew. I appreciate the work of our teams across the ASU System to seek out and meet the needs of students and Arkansas employers.”
Total ASU System preliminary 11th-day enrollment was 30,339, up 2,132 students or 7.6% compared with official final enrollment of 28,207 in fall 2024. Full-time equivalent totals were up 7.2%.
Kelly noted that the traditional 11th-day enrollment measure, while positive for the ASU System, has become antiquated in today’s higher education environment because it doesn’t reflect collective enrollment throughout the year.
“Our campuses are enrolling and serving new students almost every week through online and non-credit training programs,” he said. “And ASU-Newport is piloting an initiative for eight-week general education courses that simply doesn’t align with the traditional reporting periods. The ASU System’s ultimate service numbers throughout the year are substantially higher.”
Arkansas State led the growth for the system with a record 17,926 students – a 7.4% increase of 1,239 over last fall’s record of 16,687. First-year students totaled 2,222, a 12% rise over last year, and include 1,764 Arkansans – who make up 79% of the class and represent a 30% increase from a year ago.
“This class is a clear sign that Arkansas families see A-State as their home for opportunity,” A-State Chancellor Todd Shields said. “It means they believe in what we are building here, and they trust this institution to shape their future and strengthen our home state.”
A-State on-campus enrollment grew by 7.8% while online program enrollment is up 6.7%. The A-State total also includes 1,053 students at Campus Queretaro in Mexico, which is a 10% increase over fall 2024.
Total preliminary enrollment at Henderson climbed 9.9% to 2,258, up 203 students from the fall 2024 total of 2,055. The number of first-time freshmen jumped 46% to 572 compared with 391 a year ago while transfer students were up 32% to 196 compared with 149.
“The Reddie Spirit is alive and well on campus as we welcome our returning students and the largest freshman class in six years,” Henderson Chancellor Trey Berry said. “Our faculty, staff, alumni and friends are committed to the success of our students, and it is inspiring to see the growth and tremendous energy throughout our campus community.”
Leading the way for the system’s two-year institutions in the fall reporting are ASU-Beebe with 3,588 students, which is an 9.5% increase over 3,277 last fall; ASU-Newport with 2,118 students, a 13.4% increase over 1,868; ASU-Mountain Home with 1,318, a 0.2% increase over 1,315; and ASU Mid-South with 1,180, a 15.5% increase over 1,022. ASU Three Rivers reported 1,951 students, a 1.6% decrease from 1,983.
The two-year institutions and A-State reported robust growth in high school concurrent credit enrollment with 5,650 students as the ASU System works with the state’s high schools to fulfill goals outlined in the Arkansas ACCESS Act.
On September 6th, 2025, for the first time, the Arkansas Razorbacks will take on the Arkansas State Red Wolves at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 pm. This is a historic matchup as it is the first time that the FBS schools in the state of Arkansas will finally play each other. Many people would not have thought it would happen because of a statement made by the previous Arkansas Razorbacks Athletic Director John Barnhill, who said that the hogs would not play against in-state schools like A-State, UCA, UALR, and UAPB. This policy was continued by his successors, Frank Broyles and Jeff Long.
But Jeff Long’s successor, Hunter Yurachek, broke this policy in 2018 by having Arkansas play against in-state schools for the first time in Arkansas Athletics history. Still, those games were scheduled for sports outside of football and basketball. However, on February 3, 2021, a jaw-dropping announcement was made, stating that hogs and red wolves would play a football game against each other on September 6, 2025, in Little Rock. Finally, the game that everyone has been waiting for in the entire state of Arkansas has a date. Fans of both programs were split on this, as A-State fans wanted this game to happen in the early 2010s when both Arkansas and Arkansas State were doing really well in football, with the hogs ranking inside the top 25, while the Red Wolves were winning conference titles and going to bowl games with a new head coach every single season.
Coach of the University of Arkansas Sam Pittman (left) and Coach of the Arkansas State Butch Jones (right) will coach the Arkansas-Arkansas State game.
Butch Jones and his players, Jaylon Raynor and Brandon Barnes, were asked about this matchup at the 2025 Sun Belt media days in New Orleans, LA.
“ Being able to go play in our state capital against the University of Arkansas, and you look at the excitement, you look at the revenue that it’s going to bring to the entire state comes to one place for a weekend, it is going to be a great challenge for us, but I think it is a great opportunity for us, and it’s truly a great opportunity for the entire state of Arkansas” said Coach Jones.
Junior Quarterback Jaylon Raynor said,” Definitely, it is a great opportunity for us to play Arkansas.” Sophomore safety Brandon Barnes said,” I would say that there is some excitement about being able to play a team like Arkansas.” Both players are excited for the game, but are focused on the fall camp and the first game against Southeast Missouri. Coach Jones was asked again about this matchup at the Sun Belt media day with the host of the Locked-on Sun Belt podcast, Dave Schultz.
“I will say it is in the world of college football expansion and conference expansion and coast to coast for two in-state schools to come together at a neutral site in Little Rock or the state capitol and play. That’s as big for our players or their players, it is for the entire state and the fan bases, but also the economic value that it brings to the state in Little Rock, AR.
Before the Sun Belt Media Days this year, Coach Jones was asked about the game between the Hogs and the Red Wolves back in March of this year on the Coaches and the Mouth Show with hosts Jeff Williams and Brey Cook.
“Obviously it’s a great challenge for us and it’s an uphill battle for us, but have so much respect uh, you know for everyone in that program, but when you look at what it does to the entire state of Arkansas, the excitement, the economy, you know, everybody going to Little Rock for the weekend, I think it’s really going to be a unique atmosphere and it’ll be a great experience for really both of our players, but especially our players playing a program and a team that’s, you know, been very, very competitive in the Southeastern Conference in terms of our program.” Said Coach Butch Jones.
Fans, players, and coaches of either team are not the only ones excited about this game; media members are excited about this game as well. One of the media members who is excited about this game is Chris Hudgison of Kait8 Sports, where he covers both the Razorbacks and the Red Wolves. Chris was asked about this matchup on Aug. 6 on the Chuck and Bo show with hosts Chuck Barrett and Bo Mattingly.
“It’s been fascinating, I think it was 2021 when the game first got announced, and it has been kind of like a snowball that slowly kind of getting down the hill, and then once it got closer, okay, now it’s 2025, now it’s actually happening, it’s been a combination of things.” Said Chris Hudgison of Kait8 Sports. Later in the show, Chris was asked about the matchup and whether could A-State pull off the upset against Arkansas. “It is possible, yes, because in college football, anything could happen. I think matchup wise, I think a-state has a decent chance offensively against the Razorback defense just because of all the experience coming back, obviously there is a big question mark at offensive line, but in terms of the skill position, there’s a lot of depth there, and having a essentially a 3-year quarterback, which doesn’t happen very often in the sunbelt with Jaylon Raynor, having experience in these type of settings against power 4 is gonna help. What I’m gonna be interested to see is the matchup between the very new A-State defense goes up against the Razorback offense, and special teams has been an ace in the hole for A-State, so if the game is close on the sixth, A-State has a definite more than a puncher’s chance to pull it off.” Said Chris Hudgison.
War Memorial Stadium will be the site of this first-ever game between the hogs and red wolves.
War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock will be the site of this first-ever meeting between the hogs and red wolves. Both teams have a history of playing in this stadium. Razorbacks have played at War Memorial more often than the Red Wolves, which has led fans to call the stadium the Razorbacks’ second home stadium, with Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville being the primary home stadium for the Hogs. The Red Wolves have not played at War Memorial Stadium since 2006, and have played their home games at Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro. The game on September 6th will be the first Red Wolves game at War Memorial Stadium in 19 years.
Everyone in the state of Arkansas is excited about this game. Fans of both programs will be divided when the game kicks off on September 6th, but they can all agree that September 6th will be a historic day for college football in the Natural State.
Arkansas State University Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields (left) and Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhavor (right) after the unveiling of new street signs in downtown Jonesboro that have the new Red Wolves logo on them. Photo courtesy of Arkansas State University.
JONESBORO, Ark. – The Jonesboro community showed up Friday for the annual Paint the Town Red block party downtown, signaling a new season of Arkansas State football. (You can see the video below, provided by Allie Carson.)
With the football season officially underway, the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce hosted a community event in downtown Jonesboro, featuring local band “Bloodhound,” speakers, games, food, prizes, and a rap performance by Dr. Todd Shields himself. (You can listen to the rap below.)
Cody Slater, the vice president of programming with the Chamber of Commerce, said that Jonesboro isn’t what it is without the partnership and cooperation with A-State.
“Jonesboro has grown exponentially. It (Arkansas State) has been a shining light. But I don’t think that happens without Arkansas State,” Slater said.
The winners of the Paint the Town Red decorating contest were announced during the event. Delta Zeta won the campus category, Divots Golf Lounge won the newcomer award, and the best small business award went to Fizz Facial Bar.
The overall best-decorated winner, for the second year in a row, was Kalmer Solutions.
A surprise unveiling of a secret project by Shields and Mayor Harold Copenhaver happened during the event.
The secret project was unveiled at the north end of Main Street, where Burke Avenue meets Cate Avenue, and was shown to be A-State logos on the street signs.
Coach Butch Jones had challenged Mayor Copenhaver for three years to make Arkansas State part of Jonesboro.
“I want to thank Mayor Copenhaver and the entire city because this was a vision about three years ago,” Jones said regarding the new street signs.
The logo will be displayed on every road that comes into A-State, already visible on multiple road signs near campus.
According to Shields, everyone loved the idea of having Red Wolves branding on street signs, something very prominent in other college towns.
“We talked to the mayor, he was all about it, but we had to go through the Arkansas Department of Transportation. They had to get the right approvals and that kind of thing,” Shields said. “It took a while, but that was the big thing.”
With the new signs and the entire event in general, A-State fans were hyped for the football season, with 18,241 total people turning up to Centennial Bank the next night to watch a 42-24 Red Wolves win. This Saturday will be the historic game between Arkansas State and the Arkansas Razorbacks at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
Players compete in a tabletop miniature game during NEA Game Fest. The four-day convention brings together gaming enthusiasts for tournaments, open play, and charity fundraising in support of the Friends of the Library. Photo courtesy of Rachel Simpson, NEA Game Fest Organizers.
JONESBORO, Ark. – The Northeast Arkansas Game Fest 2025 is set to return to Jonesboro on July 17. The game fest will bring four days of tabletop games and events to the Red Wolf Convention Center.
From July 17 to July 20, NEA Game Fest is a gaming convention run by the NEA Gamers Guild to raise money for charity. The game fest has been running since 2017 and is growing steadily as it gains popularity in the Arkansas area. This year’s charity being supported is the Friends of the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library.
The game fest will feature many different types of board games. NEA Game Fest includes four days of open gaming, game demos, board games, role-playing games, card games, miniature games, tournaments and more.
Badges are sold online, and there are multiple types of badges you can purchase to get into the event. For ages 16 and up, an adult badge costs $50 online. These badges grant access to the play-and-win library, prizes, giveaways, a silent auction and most events at no additional cost. Adult badges will cost $60 at the door.
“The money raised will assist with funding library programming, resources and materials. NEA Game Fest 2024’s fundraising total was more than $11,000 for the Friends of the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library, so we hope to meet or exceed this total for NEA Game Fest 2025,” said Rachel Simpson, NEA Game Fest coordinator.
Simpson said they are expecting around 250 attendees. Many people are returning to the event to enjoy the various board games and tabletop games available to play. Simpson also said that this year the event is in a new venue, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Jonesboro Red Wolf Convention Center, to fit more people.
Attendees play board and card games at NEA Game Fest. The annual event draws hundreds of gamers of all ages to support local charities through a weekend of gaming and community activities. Photo courtesy of Rachel Simpson, NEA Game Fest Organizers.
“From the humble beginnings at the Hoxie Community Center to our largest NEA Game Fest yet, it’s evident that tabletop gamers in the Mid-South and our sponsors are passionate about the hobby while supporting local charities — it’s infectious,” Simpson said.
“I’m coming back to NEA Game Fest as a yearly event, which I personally adore because it’s three whole days of games, companionship and rest. Tabletop games are a spectacular way to relax and make good friends. It’s something my fiancée and I, whom I actually met through the hobby of tabletop RPGs, love to do,” said Matthew Randle, an NEA Game Fest attendee.
Randle has attended the last two years of the game fest, with this year being his third. He said he is thrilled to see new games and role-playing games featured at this year’s event. Randle also said the festival is important for Jonesboro as a whole, giving families who are less inclined toward sports a chance to get out and have fun while supporting the public library.
“I feel like events in Jonesboro are important, but don’t foster that sense of community that something like NEA Game Fest does. That, and certain events in town really only pertain to people of certain age groups, while I feel like Game Fest caters to multiple age groups at once,” said Sebastian Stokes, an NEA Game Fest attendee.
Stokes said they have met many new people at the game fest, as well as discovered new games to play. Some of Stokes’ favorite games featured at NEA Game Fest are Blood on the Clocktower and Weird Frontiers. Stokes also said the game fest is a safe place for people of all backgrounds, and even if you can’t pay to get in, there are free board games for people to enjoy.
With four days of games, tournaments and fellowship, NEA Game Fest 2025 promises to bring players of all ages together for fun and charity. Organizers say they hope the growing event will continue to strengthen northeast Arkansas’s gaming community while supporting local causes one roll of the dice at a time.
State Senator Dan Sullivan (R) speaks during a town hall meeting in Jonesboro. Photo courtesy of DDNS reporter Shailey Wooldridge.
State Sen. Dan Sullivan hosted a town hall on May 3 at the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library. The conversation centered on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, emergency funding for severe weather victims, and library funding.
Robert Steinbuch, professor of law at the William H. School of Law at the University of Arkansas Little Rock and columnist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, co-hosted the event with Sullivan.
Some attendees expressed a disinterest in hearing Steinbuch’s answers to their questions, calling only for Sullivan to speak.
“We want to hear from Senator Sullivan,” Kimberly Warmth said to Steinbuch. “We didn’t vote for you. Your opinion doesn’t matter.”
The Jonesboro Police Department (JPD) was called early on into the meeting during a discussion about DEI, and officers stayed throughout the meeting.
“If it’s going to be this way, I want JPD here,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan asked for the removal of one attendee who left of their own volition.
Library funding
Kimberly Warmth, a NEA Regional Library Board chairperson, asked Sullivan about Senate Bill 184, which he had filed. The bill was unsuccessful and would have abolished the Arkansas Educational Television Commission and the State Library Board and placed them under the Arkansas Department of Education.
“I would like to know how you saw that as being something that was supportive of your district and what your thought process behind that was because I do not understand that,” Warmth said.
In response, Sullivan said PBS had a terrible audit, and the board refused to take action regarding the results. He asked the board to release a statement that it would protect children from sexually explicit content, and he said the board refused to do that.
DEI
A post made by Sullivan regarding free rides on Jonesboro buses for Social Justice and Equality Day, as well as legislation sponsored by Sullivan to end DEI initiatives in local government were discussed in length at this event.
“Why is the city using your tax $$ honoring a divisive concept such as Social Justice & Equality Day?” Sullivan said in a Facebook post regarding the free rides.
Sullivan said he questioned multiple City of Jonesboro Officials, including Mayor Harold Copenhaver, four members of the city council and Jonesboro director of communications, Donna Malone, about the free rides and didn’t get a response.
Shamal Carter, President of the Craighead County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and a guest speaker at the Social Justice and Equality Day event, attended the town hall. Sullivan said his remarks at the event were partisan.
Carter defended his comments during the town hall. He said the event was inclusive and had nothing to do with race, party or gender.
“As you (referring to Sullivan) went to social media, you made sure you pointed out it was more party-affiliated and had nothing to do with party,” Carter said. “I understand that it may not be comfortable, but we have to have uncomfortable conversations because you are, whether we elect you or not, and you represent us.”
John Thompson, a student at Arkansas State University, also attended this event. He asked Sullivan about his vote in support of Act 116, which ends DEI in public schools and higher education.
“I’m sure you know DEI stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion. I know that you and I may not ever agree on the equity part, but I just want to get some reassurance that you did not vote for that bill because you didn’t agree with diversity and inclusion on college campuses like Arkansas State,” Thompson said.
He also invited Sullivan to visit the A-State Black Student Association (BSA) and Multicultural Center, which Sullivan accepted and said he would.
Thompson voiced concern that organizations like the BSA might be banned from college campuses under Act 116. Sullivan said the bill states that universities cannot give preferential treatment, but students can form organizations as long as they are student-led.
Thompson then asked for assurance that the university wouldn’t face repercussions for allowing groups like the BSA if they were perceived as giving preferential treatment.
“You asked me to assure you that nobody will take action. I can’t do that,” Sullivan said.
Emergency funding for natural disaster relief
One attendee, Kimberly Roberts, asked Sullivan what his plan was regarding funding for those affected by severe weather as Gov. Sarah Huckabee-Sanders’s request for federal emergency aid (FEMA) from President Donald Trump was denied.
“How are you going to help? Since we’re moving back towards states’ rights and smaller government, what is your plan to help all these completely devastated people who now have no plan because nobody else is trying to help them,” Roberts said.
Sullivan said a caucus was scheduled for May 5, in which legislators would discuss using state emergency funds for disaster relief. He said there would be no vote on this issue, but he would provide an update on social media after the meeting.
Members of Red Wolves for St. Judge who attended the Scarlet Formal pose with a check of the amount raised for the 2024-2025 fundraising year, totaling $71,475. Members who raised $100 or more for St. Judge were invited to the Scarlet Formal.
Red Wolves for St. Jude, a philanthropic initiative organized and operated by students at Arkansas State University to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, hosted the Scarlet Formal at the Woodard McAlister Family Club to celebrate the end of the fundraising year with dinner from Olive Garden, dancing and giveaways.
At the end of the Scarlet Formal, Red Wolves for St. Jude executives announced the total amount of money raised in the 2024-25 fundraising effort: $71,475, surpassing their goal of $65,000.
“It’s super impressive what they have done. I mean, you go to other colleges. This is not normal at all, but it’s super inspiring, and it really helps us inspire the next generation,” Sebastian Villegas, a development representative for St. Jude and a Memphis native, said. “I think that’s super important, is getting the messaging out and Arkansas State does an amazing job with that.”
Olivia Wham, executive director of Red Wolves for St. Jude, said the Scarlet Formal culminates everything they have worked towards for the year.
“Showing students that their hard work comes together is very important to create a sense of community,” the senior finance and global supply chain double major from Mountain Home, Arkansas, said. “Red Wolves for St. Jude is not only an organization to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital but also to spread awareness of what we have in our backyard in Memphis.”
Kristin Rodgers, a Jonesboro woman and mother of a St. Jude patient, attended the event.
Rodgers said St. Jude gives people hope in the darkest moments of their lives and allows them to focus on getting their children better.
“You don’t have to worry about bills, you don’t have to worry about where you’re going to eat, anything like that. They just try to make it the happiest place for your child while they’re sick and the least stressful place for a parent,” Rodgers said. “We will do anything to help raise money for St. Jude because we’ve been the recipients of the money raised.”
Rodgers said she was blown away by how much money was raised by college students.
“I’m very thankful that college kids can think outside themselves and do something for others when they could do so many other things. They are busy with college and choose to spend time getting donations and raising money for such a wonderful place,” Rodgers said.
Wham said it’s hard not to be passionate about raising money for St. Jude.
“St. Jude is a children’s hospital that provides research from its findings worldwide and has significantly strengthened and advanced the medical community. They also give children world-class medical care for free. So that takes a lot of stress off of families,” Wham said. “In my family, we’ve had people pass away from cancer, and being able to give back and donate to a place that can advance medical care like this really warms my heart.”
Christina Green, a first-year nursing major from Memphis, raised $1840 and was recognized as the highest individual fundraiser.
Green said St. Jude means a lot to her and her family.
“My mom always worked in the restaurant industry, but she always saw St. Jude as her dream job, and she worked hard for it, and she got there, and she’s been there for coming up on four years now, and it moved us up to Memphis,” Green said. “It’s cool to know your mom works there, but to know you’re making a difference, kind of on your own adds a little bit more. I feel a bit of pride for it, a good amount of pride.”
During the annual meeting, Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver addressed plans to grow the city’s population to 100,000 people, the city’s strong financial health, and projected 2025 projects and revenues.
The mayor spoke for around 30 minutes to a packed crowd at Embassy Suites.
“The state of the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas is strong. It’s filled with potential because of the people it’s filled with,” Copehaver said. “Jonesboro is anything but static.”
Copenhaver said the city has $33 million in reserves and projected 2025 revenues of $93 million. Its achievements in 2024 include a 106-ton neighborhood cleanup, a revived glass recycling program, and numerous park and infrastructure improvements.
He said preparing for 100,000 people will require constant effort to maintain the city’s growth and prosperity.
This month, Jonesboro will break ground on the $70 million Sportsplex, which Copenhaver said will increase revenue for Jonesboro businesses.
Additionally, he said plans for repairing and adding miscellaneous streets, sidewalks, and road overlay projects will cost another seven figures.
“Among the most critical projects that need funding is extensive work on South Caraway Road and the associated pedestrian accommodations,” Coperhaver said.
The city will fund foundational pieces of the master parks plan, provide new vehicles and equipment for the police and fire departments, and update the Jonesboro E-911 center.
He said community engagement is necessary to address crime, provide opportunities for youth, and support local nonprofits and businesses.
Copenhaver said quality of life for parents is knowing their kids can safely cross streets, call 911 in an emergency, and receive a kind and experienced dispatcher on the other end.
“We all love to think big, but we can’t overlook the basic responsibility as leaders of this community. I believe, like you, we have a moral responsibility, a moral mandate, to prioritize projects that will save lives,” Copenhaver said. “Kids can’t be it if they can’t see it.”
Keynote speaker, Arkansas Department of Agriculture secretary, Wes Wardaddresses water infrastructure, food insecurity and trade initiatives at the Agribusiness Conference. Photo by DDNS Reporter Shailey Wooldridge.
Agriculture officials at Arkansas State University predict a challenging year for Arkansas agriculture. Farmers are expected to face difficulties in three areas: farm economy, agricultural and trade policy, and commodity markets.
Bert Greenwalt is a professor of agricultural economics at Arkansas State University. He said Arkansas agriculture is facing headwinds this year as farmers struggle with commodity prices decreasing over past years while farm input prices have declined very little.
“Farmers are in a cost-price squeeze situation, as it’s referred to, low profitability, struggling to make ends meet and looking to government, farm policy, the farm bill for some assistance,” Greenwalt said. “Unfortunately, our Farm Bill expired a couple of years ago and Congress has yet to address updates in the farm bill that would address the current situation.”
The Farm Bill is federal legislation passed by Congress governing various agricultural and food policies. It’s passed approximately every five years and covers a wide range of topics, from farm subsidies to food assistance programs. The bill affects farmers, ranchers, rural communities, consumers, and the environment.
“Agriculture is a cyclical business. Historically, there are ups and downs, like in some other businesses, and so we’re going through that downturn down cycle right now,” Greenwalt said. “Agriculture will continue to be an important industry in the United States and globally, but not all producers will remain in the industry over time.”
Greenwalt said one of the factors contributing to uncertainty in the agricultural economy today is the shifting trade policy in Washington. Since U.S. agriculture relies heavily on export markets, any disruptions, such as tariffs or trade wars, that affect trade or access to global markets are a significant concern for the industry.
“Farmers this time of year are making many plans for the coming year, what to plant, how to renew their lines of credit with lenders. So hopefully, some of this information will be useful to them as they complete their business planning for the season,” Greenwalt said.
Greenwalt is the co-founder and director of the annual Agribusiness Conference at Arkansas State University, which was held earlier in February. Keynote speaker at the conference Wes Ward addressed water infrastructure, food insecurity, and trade initiatives.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (ADA) secretary highlighted problems with water and wastewater systems across the state, including broken systems that have made it hard for people to access clean water.
He also addressed a decline in groundwater levels and the importance of ensuring enough water for irrigation in agriculture, which is crucial for the state’s economy.
“In August last year, we signed an executive order to update the state water plan. The deal is a comprehensive way to look at the needs for water resources throughout the state, both short term and long term,” Ward said. “Right now, there’s about $13 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure needs that impact every single one of us throughout the entire state.”
To address this, he said the state is working on two large irrigation projects to shift water use from groundwater to surface water for agriculture in eastern Arkansas. This will help ensure farmers have the water they need to grow crops.
In 2023, the USDA ranked Arkansas the worst state for food insecurity. Ward said the ADA staff is working to address this.
“A lot of what we’re focusing on this legislative session is just efficiency. We are working a lot about ensuring we’re working on food insecurity issues, but more so trying to identify and correct inefficiencies in government,” Ward said. “I would just ask if people are aware of issues on the state level, if there are things that we can do differently from an agriculture department, please don’t hesitate to visit us.”
Ward said there have been discussions about improving trade relations and access to markets for U.S. agricultural products. The ADA is working with NASDA and USDA to overcome barriers in international trade.
In January, a group from several U.S. states, including Arkansas, Montana, South Dakota, and Connecticut, traveled to India. Ward said the trip aimed to help open markets for U.S. agriculture, tackle trade challenges, and advocate for U.S. farmers.
“We can have a long conversation about India and what that might mean, but India’s the most populated country in the world; hopefully, in the future, there will be some good market opportunities, “ Ward said.
Haleigh Jackson, a graduate student majoring in Agriculture Business and Economics from Leachville, Arkansas, said staying current on agricultural issues and policy is crucial because they affect everyone in the farm sector.
“Agriculture touches everything,” Jackson said. “I think it’s good for everybody to come and learn about the things they use in everyday life.”
Scott Adams, land manager for Adams Land Company in Leachville, Arkansas, and owner of Buffalo Island Farms in Manila, Arkansas, has attended this conference for the past 19 years.
“The major take from it is, we’re going to have to get creative on restructuring entities, market, our crop during rallies, watch our inputs, where we can watch our inputs and just mind the situation and do our best to weather the storm if this is what we’re going to continue to try o do,” Adams said. “My biggest concern is the family farmer going away, smaller farms being dissolved into bigger farms, and it affecting our direct economy.”
JONESBORO — The seventh annual Living Legends Awards will be held at Arkansas State University to honor five new recipients as well as honor two individuals posthumously.
The ceremony honors those who have enriched the community, excelled at their fields, and inspired younger generations.
This year, honorees include the following:
Dr. Jenifer Rice-Mason retired from A-State in 2020 after serving more than 40 years where she led the department of Access and Accommodation Services.
Dr. Wilbert Gaines, an emeritus professor of physical education, was one of the first Black professors on campus. During his tenure he taught countless numbers of students and helped guide them to success through his work in the classroom and with campus organizations.
Shamal C. Carter, has spent his career working in the non-profit sector, volunteering in the community, and serving on various boards to benefit Jonesboro residents.
Dr. Nikesha Nesbitt is dean of the University College at A-State. She is part of several committees on campus and in the community.
Jervonne Newsome is an A-State graduate who remains the highest-ranked moot court competitor in university history. She works as a partner at a law firm in Dallas.
Legacy Awards will be presented to the families of two late members of the community:
Rennell Woods was an A-State graduate and a longtime member of the Jonesboro community. He was a licensed minister and received numerous accolades due to his giving nature.
Tierre Hamilton, a 2005 A-State graduate, was part of Kappa Alpha Psi where he provided metorship and support for others. He was known for volunteering and being an active member of the community.
“Selections are made by a committee and are based not on the quantity of nominations but the quality of the submitted nominations. We deliberate on both the A-State influence and the impact the nominee has made on the community,” said Ian Buchanan, Living Legends committee chairman.
“This event shines light on those who may not get it elsewhere. It also shows students that the impact they make can be legendary in the future. We believe this honor and distinction help recognize the work and footprints that are sometimes not noticed or given their proper due,” Buchanan added.
This event is held in conjunction with events at A-State for Black History Month. The Multicultural Center oversees the month of activities with the assistance of campus employees and student organizations.
JONESBORO – Several events will take place around Jonesboro and the Arkansas State University campus to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as part of the annual NEA Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations.
The NEA Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade Committee will host a youth program kickoff at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Jonesboro High School Performing Arts Center, 301 Hurricane Drive.
“This program will highlight the voices and talents of our youth, fostering the next generation of leaders inspired by Dr. King’s values,” said Ashley Wilson, committee co-chairman.
The community is invited to attend and celebrate the legacy of the civil rights leader.
The festivities will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, with the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade. The parade will start at the Lt. Col. Frederick Turner Jr. Military Science Building on the A-State campus.
It will depart the military science building, travel up Marion Berry Parkway to Johnson Avenue, proceed down University Loop, and conclude at the Fowler Center.
Performances from the Forrest City High School Band, Osceola High School Band, Jonesboro High School Steppers, and Drumline will be featured during the parade.
“We encourage community organizations to bring banners and participate in the parade to showcase their commitment to Dr. King’s vision of freedom, justice and democracy,” said Wilson.
Following the parade, the public is encouraged to gather at noon at Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive, for the 23rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration.
The theme for the program this year is “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice & Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence.”
Jonesboro native Jervonne Newsome will serve as the keynote speaker for the event.
“As a licensed attorney, minister and community advocate, Elder Newsome will deliver an empowering and thought-provoking message aligned with Dr. King’s mission of unity and social justice,” said Wilson. “The program will also feature inspiring performances, reflections on Dr. King’s legacy, and a call to action for continued community activism.”
Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver and A-State leadership will also speak during the program.
Dr. Carlitta Moore, vice chancellor for access and institutional engagement, says it’s a time to unite, reflect and carry on Dr. King’s vision.
“We are thrilled to be able to embark on this wonderful opportunity bringing together our community in partnership with Arkansas State University while honoring and celebrating the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This event not only serves as a chance to gather and strengthen bonds, but to reflect on the vision of Dr. King. Together, we look forward to creating a meaningful and inspiring experience which will continue to realize his ideals and ignite our shared values,” said Moore.
Delta Digital News Service 