State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice
LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas education officials are promoting more “acceleration’ in schools because they believe students can handle more rigorous content, the Secretary of Education told legislators.
Acceleration means teaching middle schoolers more subjects that used to be strictly limited to high schools. It means encouraging high school students to take concurrent college courses, so they already have college credits under their belt when they do enroll in a college or university.
The Secretary also spoke about the scores that Arkansas students achieved on recent standardized tests, in light of higher literacy standards embodied in the LEARNS Act of 2023. That act made sweeping reforms throughout all aspects of public education in Arkansas. The secretary particularly addressed questions about the effect those standards would have on this year’s third graders.
The LEARNS Act says that students who cannot read at third grade reading levels will not be promoted to the fourth grade. However, it allows exemptions, and the Secretary explained how those exemptions would likely affect students.
The question caused concern for some legislators, who noted that based on the scores of recent standardized tests, as many as 10,000 third graders might be held back from entering the fourth grade next year. The Secretary addressed those concerns, saying that students can get special help as early as in kindergarten if they have trouble reading.
Help might be an individual tutor, or summer classes focused entirely on literacy. The student may only need extra work in a small group. It’s important to monitor student progress so that teachers learn which methods are most effective.
The Secretary said that a lot of factors would be considered before a student is held back from fourth grade. For example, they may not be native English speakers or they may have a learning disability that exempts them from the standards in the LEARNS Act.
Over the long term, legislators and educators will watch what happens with this year’s third graders because about a third are not reading at proficient levels. It’s important to correct that trend so that they can thrive in later grades. Research indicates that academic problems usually get worse in middle school and high school for students who struggle with reading in elementary school.
The Secretary also briefed legislators about CTE, which stands for Career and Technical Education. It is a path towards a high school diploma for students who don’t go to a college or university. Legislation enacted in 2023 and 2025 creates more opportunities for those students to prepare for a productive career, working at a well-paid job that’s in demand.
In a nutshell, the goal is to prepare every high school graduate for enlistment in the military, enrollment in higher education or employment in a productive job.
It’s important that high schools prepare for in-demand careers, rather than menial jobs. The state Education Department’s initial list had 18 career pathways, including banking, accounting, business finance, several categories in computer science, welding, construction, automotive service, criminal justice and agriculture.
Stone Cold Lock Of The Week: Week 1
Last week started off with some absolute great games from Mansfield and Greenwood. With Mansfield’s game going into overtime and Greenwood’s going into the final minute. Now it is time for Week 1! Who could the game of the week be? A few good games on deck for Friday night.
Stone Cold Lock Of The Week
Booneville Vs Ozark
Now, Booneville lost to Poteau in Week 0 by a score of 28-0. Do not let that score fool you, the Pirates have an extremely talented squad. Ozark hosted Clarksville in Week 0 and handled business 46-14. It is interesting that in the past few years while at Salem, Booneville did not face current Ozark Head Coach Josh Watson. This will be the first of two games Ozark will play against 3A-1 teams, next week they travel to Charleston. I may have jinxed Booneville again just as I did last year, but how could you not pick the team that is just so consistent. This one will be a great battle of small school heavyweights.
The Rest Of Them
Lavaca vs Paris
How about that win last week for Lavaca, down by four going into the fourth quarter and winning by four. Paris rocked Waldron 27-0 last week as well. This was considered for the Lock of the Week; however, that Booneville – Ozark matchup is too good to pass up. So, Golden Arrows versus the Eagles. Lavaca must make the trek down Highway 22 to take on the Coach Jeff Weaver led squad. Neat thing, both head coaches are originally from Greenwood. I will certainly keep an eye on this score.
Mansfield vs Waldron
Scott County bragging rights on the line, but due to Waldron not having a great game against Paris. Then this will certainly not be much fun for the Bulldogs. Mansfield went into Overtime against last year’s State Title Runner-Up, and the Tigers are making a claim as being one of the top teams in Class 3A.
Pottsville vs Charleston
Charleston hosts the Pottsville Apaches in their first game of the season. Senior Carter Little looks to restart where he left off last season after passing for 3,395 yards. Pottsville graduated a senior class that upped the win total over the last three seasons from four wins to six, six, and seven, respectively.
Lamar (JV) vs Magazine
Last week Magazine handled Cedarville 32-14. We will see more of the same this week against Lamar JV.
Mountainburg vs Cedarville
The Dragons open their season with Crawford County rival Cedarville. After the 2020 and 2021 seasons the Pirates have backslid a bit in the 1-3A conference. In 2023 they book-ended their season with wins against Magazine and Hackett. This will be the second 1-2A conference team Cedarville will face. In 2024, Mountainburg beat Cedarville 50-22.
Greenwood vs Northside
What a game Greenwood had to play against 7A West member Bentonville West. There is a possibility that Wolverine team will spoil Friday nights for Fayetteville and Rogers. It came down to a penalty and receiver stepping out of bounds before the catch to seal the win for Greenwood. Northside is coming off a 27-7 loss to Fort Smith Southside. Greenwood will have one more 7A match-up before a bye week than a very anticipated home game against Shiloh Christian.
Here’s a random game, because Hackett is on a bye week.
Siloam Springs vs Alma
This is the return of Coach Doug Longhridge to Alma when he brings his Siloam Springs Panthers to town. The Panthers beat Rogers Heritage in Week 0. While the Alma Airedales dropped a heartbreaker in the Battle of the Bone to Van Buren 40-29.
| Games | Ross’ Picks | Adam’s Picks |
| LOTW: Booneville vs Ozark | Booneville | Ozark |
| Lavaca vs Paris | Paris | Paris |
| Mansfield vs Waldron | Mansfield | Waldron |
| Pottsville vs Charleston | Charleston | Charleston |
| Lamar (JV) vs Magazine | Magazine | Magazine |
| Mountainburg vs Cedarville | Mountainburg | Mountainburg |
| Greenwood vs FS Northside | Greenwood | Greenwood |
| Siloam Springs vs Alma | Alma | Alma |
Obituary: Senator Gary Stubblefield (1951-2025)
Arkansas State Senator Gary Don Stubblefield, who resided near Branch, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at UAMS in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born on February 28, 1951, at Bollinger Hospital in Charleston, Arkansas, to the late H.T. “Tottie” Stubblefield and Beulah Mae (Mantooth) Stubblefield. He was 74 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Ronnie Stubblefield.
***Additional obituary information will be posted soon.***
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 13th at Charleston High School Gymnasium. Burial will follow at Lowes Creek Cemetery, located north of Branch, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathi (Colley) Stubblefield; his children, Amber Sullivan and husband Jordan and Joshua Stubblefield and wife Brittany, all of Branch; a sister, Marilyn Sutherland of Hot Springs; a brother, Jimmy Stubblefield and wife Melinda of Cecil; (10) grandchildren, Marshall Speer and wife Kaitlynn, Mylee Scott and husband Daymon, Deacon Stubblefield, Denton Stubblefield, Delsey Stubblefield, Delta Stubblefield, Declan Stubblefield, Jhett Sullivan, Delise Stubblefield, and Dexton Stubblefield; and (4) great-grandchildren, Sage Scott, Revel Scott, J.R. Speer, and Lincoln Speer.
Pallbearers are Joshua Stubblefield, Marshall Speer, Daymon Scott, Jordan Sullivan, Deacon Stubblefield, and Denton Stubblefield.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Dunn, Kelly Boyd, and the Arkansas General Assembly.
The body of Senator Stubblefield will lie in state on Thursday, September 11th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Arkansas State Capitol rotunda in Little Rock. On Friday, September 12th, the body of Senator Stubblefield will lie in state from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston.
To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.
Woman Arrested After Allegedly Running Over Husband with Vehicle
A Greenwood woman is behind bars after authorities say she ran over her husband during a domestic dispute Sunday evening.
According to the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 9600 block of White Lane around 7:30 p.m. on August 31 after receiving a call about a medical emergency. When they arrived, emergency crews were already treating 34-year-old Clayton Masterson of Lavaca, who had been struck by a vehicle.
Investigators say Masterson’s wife, 34-year-old Dara Masterson, told deputies she had gone to the home to speak with her husband and gather belongings, as the couple was separated. An argument reportedly broke out, and as she attempted to leave, Dara Masterson said she felt threatened, backed up her vehicle, and struck her husband.
Clayton Masterson sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to Little Rock for treatment. Authorities said he was initially listed in critical condition but has since been upgraded to stable.
The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division took over the case, leading to Dara Masterson’s arrest. She faces charges of second-degree domestic battery, a felony, and driving while intoxicated. She remains in custody on a $10,000 bond.
Waldron High School to Host “Bulldog Futures Day”
Waldron High School is gearing up to host an exciting and impactful event aimed at preparing students for their futures. “Bulldog Futures Day,” a career exploration event, will take place on October 21, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM on the Waldron High School campus.
Designed to introduce students to a variety of career paths, Bulldog Futures Day invites professionals from numerous industries to share their expertise and experiences. Organizers are currently seeking presenters who are passionate about their careers and eager to inspire the next generation of workers, leaders, and innovators.
The event promises to offer students valuable insight into the working world through interactive presentations, career talks, and demonstrations. Whether it’s healthcare, construction, culinary arts, technology, or business, the goal is to expose students to as many options as possible to help them make informed decisions about their post-graduation plans.
“We want our students to see what opportunities are out there,” said Kristen Atchley, one of the event organizers. “This is a great way for the community to come together and invest in the future of our kids.”
Interested in presenting? Potential presenters can scan the QR code featured on event flyers to fill out a registration form. For more information, contact any of the event coordinators:
- Kristen Atchley – [email protected]
- Misty Waddle – [email protected]
- Tracie Adams – [email protected]
Bulldog Futures Day promises to be a meaningful opportunity for students and the broader Waldron community, highlighting the importance of career readiness and local mentorship. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this transformative day!
East Pointe Elementary Wins $10,000 Gym Makeover from NFL and Kids Heart Challenge
East Pointe Elementary is stepping up its commitment to student health and wellness after receiving a $10,000 grant to revamp its gymnasium. The award, presented through the NFL and the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge, will help transform the school’s gym into a dynamic space promoting physical activity and heart health.
The funding, awarded to Physical Education teacher Mrs. Laura Jones, is part of a national initiative by the AHA Southwest Region to support schools that foster healthy lifestyles among students.
With the grant, East Pointe Elementary plans to upgrade gym equipment and enhance facilities to better serve its students. In addition to the makeover, the school also received educational modules for hands-only CPR, equipping students with essential, life-saving skills.
The Kids Heart Challenge, in partnership with the NFL, provides resources and funding to schools across the country to encourage physical fitness and heart-healthy habits in young people. East Pointe’s award highlights its ongoing dedication to student wellness and marks an exciting new chapter in its physical education program.
