From a change in leadership at the Arkadelphia Area Chamber of Commerce to a Group Living Inc. resident celebrating 50 years of service, 2023 has been a big year for some Clark County residents. Here’s a glance at some of the people who made the news in 2023:

Arkadelphia leaders honored for Black History Month

The City of Arkadelphia launched its inaugural celebration of local Black leaders, naming 12 honorees, some posthumously, who made an impact on their community.

Arkadelphia Town Hall was packed Monday morning as more than 75 people filed into the atrium to honor the inaugural class of Black History Month honorees. READ MORE about each recipient by clicking the article below.

Despite handicap, Erik Edington champions the golf course

Arkadelphia golfer Erik Edington never let the loss of a limb keep him from doing what he enjoys most. He finished first in a regional tournament.

Edington dabbled in golf prior to losing his arm but got serious about the sport after the amputation. It would be his dominant arm that he would lose, although he still swings right-handed. READ MORE about how he overcame his disability by clicking the article below.

Showband of Arkansas begins new era under Reddie alumnus

Henderson State University alumnus and longtime high school band director Nevada Mills was appointed this year to direct the very band he was once a member of. Mills also helped revive dwindling band participation since he began his role.

Mills directs the Showband of Arkansas, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, and the Reddie Pep Band. READ MORE by clicking the article below.

NAACP names Bruce Bell as local chapter president

Bruce Bell says he’s got the “same bite” as the late Henry Wilson when it comes to speaking out for the African American community. Bell was named Wilson’s successor in January to lead the Clark County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Bell admits he’s got big shoes to fill after Henry Wilson’s 2021 death. READ MORE by clicking the article below.

Tara Rollins picked to head Chamber of Commerce

Clark County native Tara Rollins comes from a long line of generational family businesses, which gives her an edge in aiding Arkadelphia’s small business community.

The Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce announced that Tara Rollins has its team as Executive Vice President and leader of the organization’s chamber of commerce. READ MORE by clicking the article below.

Bismarck’s Allens named Arkansas Farm Family of the Year

A year after a Clark County family was selected for the honor, Bismarck’s Jeremy and Magen Allen, owners of JA Farms, were named as the 2023 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year.

JA Farms is a diversified enterprise, including a feed business, trucking company and retail farm store in addition to the cattle and hay operations. READ MORE about their farming operation by clicking the article below.

Gurdon native appointed as federal judge

Adrienne C. Nelson, who hails originally from the small town of Gurdon, Arkansas, became the first Black female jurist in the state of Oregon to become a federal judge.

A Gurdon High School graduate has been appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as a federal district court judge in Oregon. READ MORE about how she overcame discrimination in 1980s Clark County by clicking the article below.

Beehive manager celebrates 50 years with Group Living

If you’ve stepped foot in The Beehive anytime since the mid-70s, chances are Ricky Wright greeted you with a smile.

Arkadelphia native Ricky Wright has served the community he loves through the local non-profit Group Living, Inc. for nearly 50 years. “I just love to help people out,” Wright said. READ MORE about his friendly personality and what he enjoys doing by clicking the article below.

Read more about the people who made local news in 2023 by clicking here and browse the headlines for someone you might know or want to learn more about. Click “More Posts” to view older articles.

With 2023 nearing its end, there are certainly more stories to be told in the year ahead. Some stories fall in our lap, while we hunt for others. If you know someone who has made great strides to improve his or her community, or whose life story would make a fun read, drop us a line at editor@arkadelphian.com.

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