With the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, it is important to look back at what happened in 2024. Here's what happened in Calhoun County 2024:
January
Friday morning, January 18, Calhoun County awoke to storms just before dawn. This storm affected our whole town tremulously, resulting in damage to many of our local businesses and homes. No lives were lost and the resiliency of the people of Calhoun County is shown in the ability of the town to be back in order and prepared for the next winter storm before church Sunday morning.
The Judge hosted a town hall meeting in the Calhoun County Courthouse. It was an opportunity to ask questions about the tax issues that will be on the ballot, March 5. The taxes will be used primarily for building a roof over the CalCo Arena.
February
Hampton School District hosted a public town hall meeting to discuss the options for the 2024-2025 school year calendar. The two calendar options are four-day a week calendar or an alternative calendar.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has named Jaret Rushing, a 16-year veteran of the Division’s Cooperative Extension Service, as its first extension forestry instructor.
Local law enforcement and the Hampton Fire Department responded to a house fire Tuesday afternoon on 9th Street in Hampton. Two residents were inside the house. They were able to get out and were taken to then Calhoun County Sheriff's Office for EMS to check on them.
The old Church of Christ building by the Hampton Bulldog practice football field was burned down in a controlled fire. The fire was supervised by local law enforcement and the Hampton Fire Department.
Becca's Beyond Compare, located in downtown Hampton, is getting a new roof along with several other buildings in Hampton as a result of the January 12 storm. The roofing project is being done by Smith Roofing.
The Hampton School Board approved the year-round, or alternate, school calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. The alternate calendar was recommended by Hampton Superintendent Matt Scarbrough.
March
Hampton AR - Sheriff Vernon Morris announced that 75 free inkless child id kits are being made available to First grade parents through a collaborative effort to protect Arkansas children with Attorney General Tim Griffin, Arkansas Sheriffs Association, the National Child ID Program, AEP and Walmart.
New Baseball/Softball Season Starts with New Scoreboard. The Hampton FFA competed in the Southern District Career Development Events at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia. Six teams from Hampton qualified for state that takes place in April.
Hampton EAST was presented with the 2024 State Conference Judge's Choice Award at EAST Conference.
ProMed Ambulance Service gave a report to the Quorum Court Monday reflecting the increased impact on the community over the past year compared to the previous year.
April
Hogskin Spirit Week- Rewind Through the Decades Starts!
The solar eclipse passed over parts of the United States including in Arkansas on Monday afternoon. Students from Hampton schools were able to go see the partial eclipse outside with the use of protective glasses. The previous total eclipse over Arkansas was in 1918. The next totality seen in Arkansas will be August 12, 2045.
Hampton High School EAST helps the Calhoun Animal Rescue Effort.
May
Ava Sweeney, Claire Beaver, Kayon Thomas, and Landon Griffis nominated to attend Boys State & Girls State.
After the storm in January, Tracey Bemis noticed the tree had been destroyed. Bemis Tree Farm decided to donate a replacement and contacted Judge Floyd Nutt.
Laken Williams signs to play Tennis for South Ark. Charley Abigail Laws signs to cheer for Henderson State University. Lady Bulldogs make it to state after wins at Regionals. Class of 2024 Graduates! Events by Zachary was officially opened.
June
Hampton School District has made many changes for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. Both the elementary and high school will be getting a new principal. Taking the place as elementary principal will be Keli Inzer, a Hampton Native. Keli has been in education for over ten years and seven of those years have been dedicated to serving in the Hampton School District. Keli has earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Education with a focus Teacher Leadership along with a Master of Educational Leadership. Keli's roles at Hampton have gone from elementary classroom teacher, high school counselor, curriculum coordinator, ESL director and K-12 assistant principal. Another Hampton native will also be joining the district. Krysta Parker will be starting this next school year as High School Principal. Krysta's education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Mid-Level Education from UofA Monticello and a Master of Educational Leadership from Arkansas State. With fifteen years of experience Krysta has held many different titles in education including paraprofessional, middle school math teacher, assistant principal and principal.
Hampton Senior High boys basketball participated in a summer basketball camp at El Dorado High School.
Fordyce shooting occurred. Suspect Travis Eugene Posey, 44, of New Edinburg, will be charged with four counts of Capital Murder. Additional charges are pending. He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement. Posey was released to ASP custody and transported to the Ouachita County Detention Center, where he remains.
July
South Arkansas Sun's very own columnist, Jeri Shire keeps her hot streak alive for the seventh year! Jeri was awarded first place for Best Humorous Column of 2024 by the Arkansas Press Association.
Matt Scarbrough named to spring 2024 Dean's List at University of Central Arkansas.
August
First Day Back To School!
Jeremy Martin won Farm Family of the Year.
Matthew Bell, Calhoun County 4-H member, exhibited his 4-H rabbit at the Back-To-School Bunny Bash in Union County and received 3rd place in one of the largest classes with his Dutch doe. Matthew also competed in rabbit showmanship.
Calhoun County 4-H and Hampton FFA exhibitors gathered Sunday afternoon and started preparing the Calhoun County Fairgrounds for the upcoming Calhoun County Fair and Livestock Show.
September
County Extension Agriculture Agent Shaney Hill and her collaborator Mr. Wade Nutt at Woody's Peach Orchard are conducting a Pumpkin Variety Horticulture Demonstration.
HHS Homecoming Court 2024: Queen, Morgan Ogden; Maid of Honor, Ava Sweeney; Senior Maids: Destinee Cross, Addyson Hornaday, Jayce Sanders, Keniyah Stephens, Junior Maids: Sequoia Clemons, Jaycie Pendleton; Sophomore Maids: Angelica Bearden, Morgan Williams.
Calhoun County Livestock Show took place at the Hampton Fairgrounds.
October
Gus Sweeney runs the ball as the Hampton Bulldogs take the win against Clarendon.
Calhoun County 4-H member Brody exhibited the Grand Champion Market Hog at the Southeast AR District 4-H Livestock Show held in Pine Bluff.
Calhoun County 4-H member Hadleigh was the Grand Champion Goat Showman at the Southeast District 4-H/FFA Livestock Show held in Pine Bluff.
The UADA pumpkin demonstration at Woody's Peach Orchard was harvested we had a total of 92 pumpkins with a total demonstration weight of 1449 pounds.
Brianna Cruz, Diana Reeves, Harley Lambert, and Emma Gannaway all represented Hampton High School at the Jr High Choir All-Region Auditions.
There was a new Justice of the Peace for district 9, Michael Gardner. Michael was appointed to take Jay Scarlett's place.
Hampton Bulldogs Cross Country competed in the 1A/2A South Regional Meet. Audrey Bethea placed 1st and set a new personal record.
November
Hampton School Receives Red Ribbon Grant From Arkansas Sheriffs Association.
The Hampton High School SR Boys Basketball Team’s “Trick N Treating with the Bulldogs” Halloween event was a tremendous success, creating a night filled with Fun, Community Spirit, and Festive Halloween Memories!
Joseph Jones resigned as Chief of Police.
Trey Foster with Civil Engineering and associates came to the meeting to present the Water and Sewer Rate study. The State Act 605.
December
The Hampton Lady Bulldogs basketball team won the 2024 Dermott Thanksgiving Tournament.
Hampton High School Tennis Team gets spotlighted for their outstanding performance this season!
The Hampton High School Band and Choir preformed a Christmas Concert.
The Hampton Lady Bulldogs took the road to face the Smackover Buckaroos.
South Arkansas College has announced that its new student residence hall will be named in honor of William R. Howard of El Dorado, following a gift by Howard of more than $2 million to assist in funding the facility.
Elizabeth Escobar, an 8th grade student from Hampton, participated in the Region 3 All- region Honor band.
Victor Holguin and Bryce Walker both auditioned Saturday December 7 for the Region 3 honor band.
4-H collaborated with Hampton High School and made gingerbread houses with the 7th and 8th graders.
Letter to the Bulldog Nation- The Hampton Faculty and Staff wishes each of you a Merry and Blessed Holiday Season. Welookforwardto working with your children, our community, and each of you to make Hampton the number one school in the state. Thank you all for allowing me to lead your schools and be a part of such a wonderful community.
