Where’d the measles go?

Since the Arkansas Department of Health, in recent days, posted its first reported case of measles in 18 years, we’ve kept a steady eye on the ADH “press releases” tab. Unlike most media outlets we didn’t hop on the second-case bandwagon that was reported on the same day, but we’ve been watching, wondering whether there have, surely, been other measles cases officially reported. Nope, not according to ADH. But on Tuesday, April 22, the state’s health agency posted an article about a Little Rock block party celebrating National Women’s Health Month, an event held in coordination with Your Governor’s Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act. In case of rain, the event will be moved inside the state Capitol rotunda. We only wonder how many pro-choice rallies are allowed past the top steps of the Capitol, rain or shine. Just a thought. Measles, silenced?

Phelps’s Law of Physics: When pushing a loaded wheelbarrow with a flat tire, one chooses the path of least resistance.

Our most recent Facebook pick: A quadrant of photos depicting the word “My”, crackers, an ass, and Tide. Our interpretation: My saltines Donkey from Shrek laundry detergent. Insert your stupid shoulder-shrugging emoji here.

Just as we predicted less than a year ago, Your Highness Sarah Sanders has copied/pasted another Bible Belt state governor’s idea to post the Ten Commandments in Arkansas classrooms. Under Senate Bill 433, which also allows the display of “In God We Trust” in classrooms and tax-funded buildings, funds must be acquired through private donations, or the posters may be donated. That won’t be an issue, we’re certain! It only begs the question of any U.S. citizen granted rights to freedom of religion: who’s to say a group of Muslims should be denied their own version of the Judaism/Christian laws? They’re basically the same — just delivered to Moses by a god of a different name. Separation of church and state obviously means nothing to Sarah Sanders, and we’re most likely in the unapologetic, unspoken minority who learned in the seventh grade — our civics teacher was our own Baptist pastor! — that religion and government DO NOT MIX.

Dr. T: Heil, Sarah! Does that clear it up for you? #thebirdistheword

We hear from reliable sources that North Fork Truck Stop, which serves the best double cheeseburgers east of the Ouachita River, has plans to re-open after floodwaters nearly reached the establishment’s ceiling. We hope for quick repairs, and urge our readers to travel a few miles out of their way to give this place a try once it’s reopened — it’s well worth the 35-minute drive from Arkadelphia.

Joel Phelps proudly publishes arkadelphian.com. He’s been reporting the past few days while singlehandedly tackling a major renovation project and prays forgiveness from loyal readers who expect more. Drop him a line at editor@arkadelphian.com. Yeah, Gov. Sanders is welcome to opine, as well.