Final Presentation Celebrations of Lights At SAU

Final Presentation Celebrations of Lights At SAU

Magnolia (Arkansas) I chose my final presentation on the celebration of Lights at SAU. The celebrations of lights was this past Thursday right off campus on November 30, 2017.

These two pictures right here is before the parade started. I was standing outside at a friends house as seen in the photo.

This picture below is the start of the parade. As we can tell because the parade is being escorted by the Magnolia Police.
















Here is the first parade float approaching and as we see some kids carrying the American Flag.

Next we see members of the SAU bad marching down Jackson Street enjoying the parade.

Next is a big Santa Float with young adults throwing out candy canes.

The next photo is a picture of a sleigh being driven by two young people.

This photo right here is a picture of kids in a candy cane float.

Here is another float with a sign saying Live From Magnolia.

Here is a beautiful float with adults on it.

Here is a snowman float that just simply looked cool.

Here is my high school Columbia Christian School coming down Jackson Street handing out candy canes.

Here is Santa on the fire truck and the crowd goes wild. It was a very nice crowd for the parade.









Everyone loves Santa Claus.

And the parade is over but it was a good one for the year. I hope everyone has a great and blessed Merry Christmas and May God Bless you and your Family always. Make a difference for Christ today!

#20 Wild Card

Arkansas Head Coach Bret Bielema Fired Following the Loss to Missouri

Fayetteville (Arkansas) Seconds following the loss to Missouri 48-45 on Friday November 24, 2017.Arkansas Head  Coach Bret Bielema was fired due to a 4 win season in his five season at Arkansas.

Coach Bielema had a record of 29-34 in his fifth season at Arkansas. Here are some twitter reactions following the firing of Coach Bielema.

Arkansas will now look for their new head coach. Some possible candidates are Auburn's Gus Malzahn and Memphis's Head Coach Mike Norvell.

 Arkansas should know who their new head coach is Sunday or Monday of this week.

For more information go to the website https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/11/24/16616130/bret-bielema-fired-arkansas-coach

#19 Classmate Blog Critique

Classmate Blog Critique

For the classmate blog critique, I decided to take a look at Shaunacie blog and talk about what I like about hers.

First, I like the font style she uses in her blog. It is very easy to read and it is clear. She does a good job spacing in her blog so the words are not jammed together. I think this is a very well written as seen in Assignment 10 of her blog.

Second, I like the colorful background she uses to create her blog. The photo in her background makes her blog standout and it is eye catching. I also like the way she formats her blogs it is very nice and clean.

Third, I like the creative photos in her blog and how she puts them in her stories. I also like the interactive links in her blogs. For example, If I did not understand something in the blog. We can just simply click the link and it will explain the rest.

Finally, I think Shaunacie did a very nice job on her blog and needs to keep up the great work. I also want to say I think everyone in the class is doing a great job on their blogs and we all need to finish strong in the class and be proud of the work we are all accomplishing.

#18 News App Critique

BBC News App

BBC news in my opinion is one of the best news app out there. For example, the app is easy to access and user friendly. I like the fact that this app is fast and provides news updates on the dot.

Some top stories on the app are North Korea 'fires new ballistic Missle. Zimbabwe amnesty for cash stashed abroad and Harry and Meghan reveal wedding plans.

I like to use this app just to see the news going around the world instead of going to the google browser and search world news. This app has really good quality.

For instance, it is easy to find information on the app and the video quality is amazing. There is no lag in the app which I like. Also If I want to find news in the US or China there it is.

Also there is a live video feed on the app which is great because it is watching T.V. on a cell phone or laptop. 

BBC news is great and it is my personal news app and I would recommend people to download and use it.

 For more information go to the news app site here

Here is the official BBC News website online http://www.bbc.com/news/10628994

#17 Opinion State

Union County Now Requires Employee Background Checks

EL DORADO, (Arkansas) Several areas in Arkansas have seen cases of embezzlement in the past few years, prompting Union County Judge Mike Loftin to question if he was doing enough to protect local residents.

Loftin said the reason the Quorum Court passed a new ordinance requiring background checks for all county employees was to ensure the county is following correct standards. On Sept. 21, Ordinance 1457 was passed at the recommendation of attorneys Burt Newell and Gary Burbank, who suggested it as a starting point to ensure the county is protected if something does happen.

In my opinion this is a good idea and law for Union County because it keeps everyone safe and sound. It is always good knowing if the people working for your company our good people and are not in trouble with the law.

Therefore, I feel like every county in every state should apply this law because it will keep everyone safer and it will help business out. Good people will grow a business that I know. 

For more information go to our website. here

#16 Opinion Local

Rodney Cherry 51, of Magnolia (Arkansas) still missing, Search called off

Magnolia (Arkansas) The formal search has ended for Rodney Cherry, 51, who has been missing from his home northeast of Magnolia since Saturday.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that ground searches have ceased until further information is obtained about his possible whereabouts.

Cherry was last seen about 4 p.m. Saturday wearing camouflage pants, a gray-colored shirt, and an orange vest over a backpack. He walked away from his home on County Road 511 in the Greers Chapel community off Dudney Road – County Road 47.

The searching agencies include the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Magnolia Police Department, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas State Police, and the Wade Correctional Center’s canine team from Homer, LA.

Many civilians also took part in the search, and more are expected to continue to look for Cherry in the coming days.

A drone and a State Police helicopter were also used during times in the active search.

In my opinion this man had something go terribly wrong in his life and is trying to get out of the country due to legal issues. I do not think the search should be called off. I think they still need to look for him across the states.

I understand there are no more leads at this time but still should be in constant search for him. If I was in the officers shoes. I would continue to work hard and pray for more leads.

Finally, I would contact every state and send them a picture of this man. I also would contact every major airport with flights leaving the US.

People with information about Cherry’s whereabouts are asked to call 911 immediately.

For more information go to our website. http://www.magnoliareporter.com/news_and_business/local_news/article_f9c23070-cae4-11e7-b17c-b7efc3276d40.html

#15 Entertainment

Justice League coming to Theaters on November 17,2017

Justice League DC movie will be released in theaters on November 17,2017 world wide. The DC movie currently has 23 million views on you tube as seen below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9-DM9uBtVI

The DC movie has fans excited but nervous because of recent reviews of the DC movies.

For more information go to our website https://www.warnerbros.com/justice-league

#14 Trending on Social Media

Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift are CMA Award Winners

Taylor Swift won song of the year at the 2017 CMA Awards. While Garth Brooks took home the entertainer of the year award.

The song of the year was Little Big Town's "Better Man," which Swift wrote.

Brooks who has been on tour this year with his 2016 album Gunslinger was presented his entertainer of the year award by country music legend Reba McEntire.

"Getting this presented to me by the entertainer of a lifetime, I thank you," referring to McEntire. "Miranda [Lambert] said it best, Little Big Town said it best -- we're a family. 

All you guys down here on the front row: We can all agree on one thing. Let's all raise a toast. ... to the band and crew. I was talking to Kelsea [Ballerini] backstage about how we get to do this for a living. ... The most important thing other than God...is you [fans]. ...I love you guys. We're a family."

For more information go to the website. 

https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/Music/2017/11/09/Taylor-Swift-Garth-Brooks-among-CMA-Award-winners/3751510209328/

#13 International Hard of Feature News

Whale Carcass found dead on Donegal Beach

The carcass of what is believed to be a rare fin whale has washed up on a beach on Arranmore Island, County Donegal.

A member of the public reported seeing the 20 ft (6m) creatures body splayed across the rocks Saturday night. 

The whale's dead body may have been floating in the waters off the island for weeks before becoming beached, said Arranmore Lifeboat's Nora Flanagan.

Fin whales are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Ms Flanagan said the carcass had washed up in a "shaded cove on the eastern side of the island."

"If there was a high tide in the right direction and with the right wind it could be taken back out to sea and drop to the bottom of the ocean."

She said the public have been urged not to approach the carcass.

Dave Wall of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group said it appeared the whale had been dead for some time before being washed up on the shore.

He said it is not unusual for fin whales to be spotted off the coast of Ireland.

"Ultimately we will probably never know why this whale died," he added.

For more information on this story go to our website.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-41898653

#12 Numeracy

Thor Ragnarok Box office

Many people enjoy going to the movies as do I and seeing their favorite movies. A big type of movies customers enjoy seeing are super hero movies. 

Thor is big super hero movie out at the moment. The production budget of the movie is $180 million dollars.

The domestic total of the movie is $122,744,989 dollars plus the foreign gross profit of 308,384,671 dollars. 

This is a total of 431,129,660 million dollars made by this movie. As we can tell this a big money making money and it will continue to make more as time goes on.

Thor Ragnarok has been show in 4,080 theaters so far. It has been ranked #10 in opening weekends in the month of November.

Thor is 2 hours and 10 mins long and will be seen by many more fans. 

For more information go to our website. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=marvel2017.htm

#11 Civics

Bartlett High School continues to make civics a top priority.

A state organization recognized Bartlett High School for offering outstanding civics courses and extracurricular opportunities that help students become involved in local and state issues that impact local communities.

The Illinois Civic Mission Coalition honored Bartlett High School's 10 years of fostering a school climate. It cultivates and models civic learning and builds strong relationships within the surrounding community.

The U-46 school is among 67 Illinois high schools since 2006 and that have earned the designation of a democracy school. 

The Bartlett school assembled a democracy school team. Which consisted of teachers in world language, science, special education and language arts to support the Democracy School Initiative.

"We commend Bartlett High School for their tenacity and enthusiasm in expanding and improving civic learning across the curriculum and throughout Illinois," Sonia Mathew said. She is the Civic Learning manager at the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. "Through these practices and experiences students see firsthand the critical role they play in shaping government and society."

The school will receive a $3,000 dollar stipend in December. This will help the school continue civics and grow. 

For more information go to our website. http://www.dailyherald.com/submitted/20171011/bartlett-high-school-continues-robust-courses-and-opportunities-in-civics

#10 Listening Post

Listening Post 

What is a listening post? It is a place where people can go to get their news and to listen in on people's conversations about sports, religious, news, and other important topics in life. 

My listening post is my mom and dad and my gym. When I go home I hear my parents talk about sports and news. For instance, my dad will let me know what is going on in the world and let me know about trending stocks.

When I go to Physiques which is the gym I go to. I hear employees and trainers talk about how to help clients achieve their goals and hear many of them talk about SAU and how their classes are going. 

I also hear them talk about religion and how God has helped them through tough times in their lives. Which as a Christian is awesome to hear.

My trainer Keon is always talking about the Razorbacks and the Dallas Cowboys and he will let us all know what is going on in the sports world. 

Therefore, my parents and my gym are my two listening posts. One lesson I have learned from a listening post is to listen more because that is how we can all increase our knowledge in our everyday life.

#9 Public Records (State)

Arkansas State Police Reviewing Their Springdale Troop L

Fayetteville (Arkansas) Arkansas State Police are conducting an administrative review of their troop L division in Springdale, Arkansas authorities say.

The review stems from a few incidents. Including one where a trooper struck another officer with their vehicle during a chase (see attached video), according to police documents. 

http://www.fox16.com/news/local-news/ar-state-police-reviewing-its-springdale-troop/821218074

In that particular instance, a Trooper Alan Aiken struck Lt. John T. Overman with his patrol vehicle on January 11. 

Overman said Aiken mistook him for a suspect and struck him from behind. Overman was thrown across the hood of Aiken's vehicle and rolled up under the bumper. The lieutenant said a tire rolled over his lower legs, giving him "life-long" injuries, according to police documents. 

The documents state Aiken was reprimanded for "unacceptable" actions in that chase and ordered to be pulled from any pursuits he tries to join or terminate those he initiates in all but "extreme cases." 

"It is obvious that Aiken is either unable or unwilling to conform to the agencies expectations. He poses an extreme liability to the agency. The safety of the public, other officers and himself," Overman wrote in his complaint. 

In another case incident. Two employees were suspended for making false payroll claims involving paid leave. 

No further public records pertaining to Troop L's administrative review were immediately available according to a spokesman for Arkansas State Police. For more information go to our website. 

http://www.fox16.com/news/local-news/ar-state-police-reviewing-its-springdale-troop/821218074

#8 Public Records (Local)

The Columbia County prisoner bookings and releases

Magnolia (Arkansas) The following people below have been recently incarcerated at the Columbia County Detention Facility on Rawhide Road. This list does not include people confined under commitment orders or people returned to Columbia County from other penal facilities for court proceedings. The people listed below are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.

Billy Wayne Colinger, 35, of Magnolia, booked 7:28 p.m. Saturday by Magnolia Police Department, shoplifting, bond $640, court date 9 a.m. October 24.

Shannon L. Hardin, 55, of Magnolia, booked 10 a.m. Thursday by Magnolia Police Department, failure to comply with court order.

The following people have been released from the Columbia County Detention Facility. The people listed below are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Mass releases of prisoners with felony charges at certain times often, but do not always, indicate a transfer of the prisoners to other penal facilities.

Tara Lisa Beckham, 55, of Weatherford, TX, released 12:45 a.m. Sunday, booked 11:23 p.m. Saturday by Arkansas State Police, DWI first offense, drove left of center, bond $1,465, court date 1:30 p.m. January 9, 2018.

Kaden Dewayne Pugh, 18, of Magnolia, released 3:05 p.m. Saturday, booked September 27 by Magnolia Police Department, battery third degree, possession of controlled substance-meth, possession of marijuana first offense, bond $2,500.

Matthew Christoper Bane, 29, of Magnolia, booked 12:54 a.m. Saturday by Magnolia Police Department, DWI first offense, refusal of BAC, careless driving, improper lights, bond $1,950, court date 9 a.m. November 28.

Finally, Crystal Renea Hildreth, 28, of Magnolia, released 10:47 a.m. Friday, booked September 7 by Columbia County Sheriff's Office, failure to comply with court order, bond $25,000.

For more information go to our website. http://www.magnoliareporter.com/news_and_business/public_records/article_d66e243c-9109-11e6-88bf-775d3cdc64d8.html

#7 Campus Feature News

Smith Campus Center at Harvard University will feature Top floor Bar

Cambridge (Massachusetts) The new renovated Smith Campus Center will feature a bar for Harvard affiliates on the buildings top floor. It will also feature a remodeled arcade home for eight food vendors when it opens in September 2018.

The tenth floor-campus bar, overlooking the Charles River and the Allston campus will serve alcohol and have two fireplaces and "semi-private lounge spaces" that small groups will be able to reserve. 

Tanya Iatridis is the senior director of the University planning said she is envisions the bar to be "flexible" a place where students and facility members can informally gather during the day and evening.

I just have this vision," Iatridis said. "Some people eating lunch, talking with friends, individuals doing work, some people in front of a fire.  “It will change during the time of day, and in the evening, there might be some jazz going on."

The ground floor will feature a new welcome center. 

The new outdoor deck on the second floor of the building facing Dunster Street will serve as one of many public seating areas. The arcade will abut an indoor common space with couches and bleacher seating.

The arcade, welcome pavilion, and first floor common spaces, will be open to the public. Access to the tenth floor and portions of the second floor will be restricted to Harvard affiliates. 

The building will be open to the public throughout the day while Harvard affiliates will have 24-hour access to some study and meeting room spaces.

 As the University continues to draw criticism from some Cambridge residents and local businesses renovations to the building are still on schedule to be done by September 2018.

For more information of Harvard and the new renovation of the Smith Campus center visit our website below.

http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2017/10/2/new-bar-smith-center/

#6 Campus Crime

University of Maine police searching for a man that allegedly was involved in Sex crime on campus.

Orono (Maine) The University of Maine campus police are searching for a older man that was allegedly involved in a sex crime on campus.

The Campus police says 55 year old Mark Tenneson, of Livermore Falls is wanted for alleged unlawful sexual activity in a men's public restroom on the campus.

The report was received on Sunday October 1, 2017.

Tenneson is 5'9", 170 pounds and has blue eyes, gray hair and a beard as seen in the photo.

If you see this suspect contact. Call the UMaine police department immediately 207-581-4040.

For more information go to our website. http://wgme.com/news/local/umaine-police-seek-man-allegedly-involved-in-sex-crime-on-campus

#5 Hometown Feature News

Election is Nearing and the location for the proposed Magnolia ballfields and recreation center has been relocated to 114- acre Dudney Road Site

Two weeks before the city of Magnolia votes on this new recreational facilities the prospective sites have been switched. Mayor Parnell Vann told the Magnolia City Council that the city has an option to buy 114 acres off Dudney Road for construction of the recreational center.

Chad and Jamie Daniel made the offer to the city for the acreage. This site is recognized as the "Harrington farm" east of the Magnolia Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

Mayor Vann said he intended to appoint former Magnolia High School baseball coach David Sisson as the man to manage the baseball facility if it is built. 

Coach Sisson advised Vann to seek another site for the six proposed ballfields as the intention was to have the fields built near Walmart. Sisson told Vann it would be a safety issue and the 25 acres was "too tight".

If this proposed Recreational is able to get passed on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 in Magnolia it would have multiple advantages being relocated to the Harrington Farm property. 

Vann made a statement about Coach Sisson. "We know we have only one bite at the apple and it has to be the right bite," Vann said. "I trust Coach Sisson with this project." 

Vann also followed saying this is a great opportunity for the city of Magnolia. "This is a quality of life issue for our city," Vann said. "We cannot let this go by." 

The proposed Recreational Center would cost $16,395,000 if it were to pass. The recreational center would have a 25-meter pool and a dive well. A exercise pool for water aerobics, a therapy pool, and a splash pad. 

Followed by meeting and party rooms, concession stand and perhaps a restaurant and an indoor walking track. In addition too the six proposed ballfields. The original proposal called for a 50-meter pool.

All registered voters who live in the city of Magnolia are eligible to vote on Tuesday October 10 as stated earlier. However, early voting start this Monday at the Columbia County Courthouse.

For more information go to our website.

http://www.magnoliareporter.com/news_and_business/local_news/article_bcff0952-a35b-11e7-a2da-977d43a8b4c1.html

#4 Hometown Hard News

Magnolia Voters Pass Tax Millage Of $21 Million for the Magnolia School District

Magnolia (Arkansas) On Tuesday, September 19 the city of Magnolia passed a new tax millage and millage extension for the Magnolia School district. Which is a total amount of $21,330,000 dollars in new facilities and improvements that will go in effect soon.

The total vote for this election was 545 (57.12 percent) votes for the increased tax and 409 (42.88 percent) votes against from the 954 ballets cast. 

Voters in Magnolia approved raising the existing property tax millage by 3.4 mills to a total of 33 mills. They also approved the extension of 4.6 mills of existing debt service through the year 2047.

The current debt service millage goes back to 2001. After the terrorist attack for the $6 million dollar cost of Panther Arena and the Magnolia High Band. It will be extended for an additional 17 years instead of rolling off the tax books in 2030.

The Magnolia School district is very pleased with the passing of this new law and the future of the Magnolia School district. As seen in the picture above is Superintendent John Ward smiling at the passing of the tax millage.

The $21,330,000 millage and debt extension will be used for the following:

$7.5 million for a performing arts center at Magnolia High School.

$6.5 million for a ninth-grade academy at Magnolia High School.

$2 million for a student services and a health center at Central Elementary School.

$2,150,000 for parking lot resurfacing across the district.  A new parking lot at Central Elementary and a drop-off pick-up lane at East Side Elementary School.

$2.5 million for maintenance and renovation projects for the district of Magnolia.

For more information go visit the website.

http://www.magnoliareporter.com/education/article_392b7778-9dbb-11e7-9037-fbdc30786025.html

#3 Twitter News Leads with Story Links

#2 Twitter Breaking News Updates over a 24 hour Period on Hurricane Irma

This is a picture of Hurricane Irma in downtown Miami Florida over the weekend and it has caused much destruction over state of Florida. 

Richard Branson a billionaire entrepreneur stayed at his home over the weekend in the Virgin Islands during the destruction of Hurricane Irma in his wine cellar. Here are some pictures of the devastation
Irma caused.

https://twitter.com/richardbranson/status/907005796759764992
https://twitter.com/richardbranson/status/906996477435826176
https://twitter.com/richardbranson/status/906289831352967168https://twitter.com/richardbranson/status/906276327459872768

Irma went through Naples Florida yesterday and meteorologists from the weather channel stood out during Irma with winds around 125 mph which is crazy. Here is a video on twitter of the hurricane going through Naples.

https://twitter.com/NBCNightlyNews/status/906924379472310273

Hurricane Irma has temporarily displaced the ocean of Tampa Bay, Florida. Here is a video of it.

https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/906902741292863494

Hurricane Irma has impacted 53 plus million people and has killed at least 38 people in its path here is the path Irma went.


https://twitter.com/FoxNewsResearch/status/907255131355402241

Hurricane Irma has now been down graded to a tropical storm causing major flooding in the state of Florida and is moving toward the state of Alabama. This Hurricane is one of the worst hurricanes the United States has encountered. My thoughts and prayers are with the people who have and will be impacted by this storm. 

Finally, here is a video of the Hurricane moving north of Florida. Also a picture of the path of the storm.

https://twitter.com/ABC/status/907270398584217600



https://twitter.com/JeffBaskinFOX16/status/907063297333219328

#1 Defining News

What is Defining News? It is the sufficient source of news which is reliable and the truth. It is telling the good people of the world what is going on in their towns, schools, and around the whole entire world.

News is for the most part bad rather than good. Here is a good example of some bad world news. Hurricane Irma is heading to the mainlands and could lead people with flooded homes worse than Hurricane Harvey. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi7vejox47WAhWoj1QKHX3cBF8QqUMILjAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Fnews%2Fcapital-weather-gang%2Fwp%2F2017%2F09%2F05%2Fcatastrophic-hurricane-irma-now-a-cat-5-is-on-a-collision-course-with-florida%2F&usg=AFQjCNFW0OgpVCODe9cOIrzlvRKh0QMiPw

There is also breaking news such as sports related material. For example, Ezekiel Elliot's suspension.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjK7evyyI7WAhWI6YMKHSAkAEEQqUMIKjAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fnfl%2Fnews%2Fcowboys-jerry-jones-ill-have-good-news-this-week-on-ezekiel-elliott%2F&usg=AFQjCNHH5IU_l6JUAHMrZxJn2xhwf8zF3A

Social media is a great tool for news such as twitter. Here is a good example of news on twitter.
https://twitter.com/FoxNews/status/905562659789164544

 News should be the truth and only the truth. Sometimes I feel like the media likes to misinform the public on important topics. As a sports writer I tell the facts and only the facts whether I like it or not I will report it as is.

There is also political news such as the President of the Untied States Donald Trump when he got elected as the 45 president of the United States.

Finally defining news is information getting out to the public and social media is a great tool to get the news or just simply watching a variety of TV networks.