A collaboration between Delaware North and the Arkansas Greyhound Kennel Association is funding an enlarged animal shelter on the site of the former Mid-South Greyhound Adoption Center in West Memphis, Arkansas.
A donation of US $1.7 to the City of West Memphis from Delaware North business Southland Casino Hotel has been celebrated with a ceremonial groundbreaking for the new shelter which will be named The Carolyn & Ness Sechrest Animal Shelter and Adoption Center in honor of Ness Sechrest, chairman emeritus of the Southland board of directors and his wife, Carolyn.
Addressing the ceremony, Osi Imomoh, president and general manager of Southland Casino Hotel, said: “The Jacobs family and the Southland Board unanimously agreed that this facility would serve as an ideal location for a new and improved animal shelter.
“Then the effort involved key partners such as the city, led by Mayor Marco McClendon, and our valued partners at the Greyhound Kennel Owners Association, who graciously donated $40,000 to support the project.”
West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon, added: “Thanks to the incredible generosity of Southland Casino Hotel and the Jacobs family, this contribution not only demonstrates the strong commitment that Southland Casino has for our community but also reflects our shared vision for animals in need.
The new Carolyn & Ness Sechrest Animal Shelter and Adoption Center will be a beacon of hope for and a testament to their love and compassion for the animals and people of our city.”
In partnership with Arkansas State University Mid-South, Southland has also announced the establishment of new scholarships with a US $537,500 gift.
Southland is endowing four scholarships valued at US $500,000 total in honor of esteemed local leaders Mary Toney, the late Cortez Kennedy, the late Frank Martin and Hershel Owens who all contributed significantly to the development of Crittenden County.
Southland is also contributing US $37,500 to introduce and help fund a new 'last-dollar' Crittenden County Promise Scholarships program to cover remaining tuition costs after residents of the country who meet the eligibility criteria have received other aid they are entitled to.
Debra West, chancellor of ASU Mid-South, comments: “Southland has always been a staunch advocate for education in our community and a great partner to us at ASU Mid-South.
We are so thankful to them, to Delaware North, and to the Jacobs Family for the establishment of these four endowed scholarships, as well as for their contribution to the Crittenden County Promise Program, which is one of only nine promise programs in the state and only the third in the Delta.
“Studies have shown that the benefits of promise programs are far-reaching, as they help remove both the financial and the mindset barriers to college access.
Southland has always been a staunch advocate for education in our community and a great partner to us at ASU Mid-South. We are so thankful to them, to Delaware North, and to the Jacobs Family for the establishment of these four endowed scholarships
Through these scholarships, Crittenden County residents will now know that higher education is a viable and affordable option for themselves and for their children.”
About the Scholarship Honorees
Mary Toney, a West Memphis native who retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. in 1999 after a 30-year career, has immersed herself in numerous community efforts for more than four decades.
She has served as chair of the board of Mid-South Community College, the predecessor to ASU Mid-South, three times; is a charter member and president of Crittenden County Crime Stoppers; a former member and chair of the Arkansas Humanities Council; a former director for Citizens Bank in Marion; and a member of the Southland Board.
Cortez Kennedy, an Osceola native who died in 2017, was a star defensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks who was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
He was an ardent supporter of his Rivercrest High School, where he played on a state championship team in 1985, bringing fellow NFL players to football camps he held for local students.
After his football career, Kennedy lived in Wilson and supported economic development officials in drawing businesses and other community efforts in the region.
Frank Martin, a West Memphis native who died in 2020, was a successful businessman who owned a tax-preparation firm and was president of Delta Office Supply.
He served as West Memphis city treasurer for many years and was also a chairman of the West Memphis Design & Review Commission; treasurer and president of the West Memphis Chamber of Commerce; and president, vice president and treasurer of Crittenden Regional Hospital.
Hershel Owens of West Memphis is retired and previously served as chairman of the City of West Memphis Public Facilities Board and chairman of ASU Mid-South Board of Visitors.
He was a partner at Dodge, Thomas, Goss & Owens Certified Public Accountants; past chairman of Crittenden Regional Hospital’s board; and a former member of the First National Bank of West Memphis board.
