DE QUEEN SCHOOLS URGES FREE/REDUCED MEAL SIGNUPS NOW
De Queen Public Schools is urging parents to fill out the district’s free and reduced meal program registration. The registration completed two very important roles, district officials said: first, it ensures children of low-income families in the school district receive access to free meals or meals with reduced pricing. Secondly, the more completed registration forms the district receives, the more federal funding it is guaranteed through the national Title 1 program. In the past, De Queen Public Schools has used these resources to enhance and promote technology in the classroom and for other programs that benefit the entire student district.
District officials say around 70 percent of De Queen’s students qualify for either a free or reduced-price meal. Completed registration forms have been returned in fewer numbers than in previous years, officials said. This is likely due to the high number of virtual students – around 600, or about a fourth of all De Queen students – not completing their forms. District officials stress virtual students are also eligible for free and reduced school meals.
AMERASIAN HOMETOWN MISSIONS TO DISTRIBUTE FOOD 10/17
Amerasian Hometown Missions, located at 229 Hwy 71 North, De Queen, will be distributing commodities Saturday, Oct 17th beginning at 9 am. Sevier County residents only please. Contact 870 279 4154 for more information. Volunteers needed at 8 am.
SEVIER COUNTY DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER BOARD MEETING 10/20
COSSATOT CONSERVATION DISTRICT PECAN SALE NOW-10/30
It’s that time of the year again. It’s time to order pecans and other nuts for your holiday baking needs. Call Robin at Cossatot Conservation District office in De Queen at 870)584-3111. Ext 101, fax form to (855) 655-8286 or email to robin.stacy@ar.nacdnet.net. Deadline to order is October 30th. Order Form.
DE QUEEN TRUNK OR TREAT ON FOR HALLOWEEN 10/30
DE QUEEN – Volunteers with De Queen’s 2020 Halloween Trunk or Treat said this year’s event is still a go. In fact, after last year’s success, the event will be moving to the Sportsplex to accommodate even more activities and visitors. The event is scheduled for 4-6 p.m. on Halloween, Oct. 31.
Members of the community are invited to host a car or game at this year’s Trunk or Treat. There is no cost to enter a car or activity. Organizers are holding a candy drive to have as much candy donated for this event as possible. Anyone wanting to donate candy for the event can do so at Meraki Hair Studio, Top Line or Peak Therapy in the Town North Shopping Center.
Set up time for Trunk or Treat participants is 2:30. There will be a contest for best decorated car voted on by the kids. For more information and a sign up sheet, visit the De Queen Trunk or Treat event page on Facebook. You can also contact Alicia Gonzalez at 784-0628.
The November General Election is less than three months away and sure to be an interesting one between the ongoing pandemic and a presidential race. Sevier County Clerk Debbie Akin is informing county residents of some important dates and election information between now and election day on Nov. 3.
Early voting will be held the last two weeks of October at the Community Building in the Herman Dierks Park in De Queen.
Identification will be required from all voters in the upcoming election. Akin is reminding voters that social distancing recommendations will be in effect. Face masks are encouraged.
For those who plan to vote on Election Day, the county will have six voting centers open for use. Those include the De Queen Community Building, the Ben Lomond Community Building, the Lockesburg Methodist Church, the J.L. Walker Fellowship Hall in Horatio, the De Queen Church of Christ and the De Queen-Mena Educational Cooperative.
For more information or if you have any questions, contact the county clerk’s office at 642-2852.
_______________________________________________
ON-GOING PROGRAMS
_______________________________________________
LOCKESBURG CITY HALL CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19
Due to the rise in numbers of Positive cases of COVID-19 in Sevier County, The Lockesburg City Hall has been closed. You can pay your Water/Sewer Bills by phone 870-289-3261 or by using the Drop Box at the Front Door of City Hall. Thank You for helping Keep everyone safe.
De Queen First Assembly will have the food pantry on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 9 am to 10:30 am. Call 870-584-3435 for more information about De Queen First Assembly and their food pantry.
RESOURCE GUIDE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD
Attached is a Resource Guide for those in need of contact information during changes caused by Covid-19. Provided by Sevier County Sheriff’s Department, De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce and Angie Walker.
SEVIER COUNTY WATER ASSOCIATION OFFICE CLOSED TO PUBLIC
The Sevier County Water Association has announced their office is closed to the public until further notice. Payments can still be mailed in to P.O Box 700, De Queen Arkansas, 71832. Information is available online at scwa.myruralwater.com or call 870-642-5289.
SEVIERLY STRONG – STRONGER TOGETHER!
De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce has started a new facebook page which will allow local businesses to post change of hours, curbside and home delivery availability as well as online shopping incentives. Help spread awareness for our local businesses by inviting friends and fellow business owners to join the group. For the most up-to-date listing or to post your information, click here.
DE QUEEN SPORTS PROGRAMS
Due to Coronavirus concerns, The City of De Queen has announced they are postponing all city sports programs at this time. That includes T-ball and soccer for all age groups until further notice. This closure also extends to all organizations that use the city’s facilities for practice or games at the Sportsplex or Herman Dierks Park. The city will be keeping the public informed as the situation continues to change.
SEVIER COUNTY SENIOR CENTER CLOSED
The Sevier County Senior Citizen’s center has announced they will be closed until further notice. Meal delivery will still be available during this time.
SEVIER COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE HELP AVAILABLE
An agent will be present in the Extension Office in Sevier County at the De Queen Campus. Please call ahead at (870) 584-3013. If you have agri samples (soil, hay, hog water, etc.) to be sent off, please call the office for instructions.
PESTICIDE APPLICATOR TRAINING
The Division of Agriculture has made pesticide applicator training, certification available online.
Fast Facts:
- Private applicator training now available online at uaex.edu/pat
- $20 cost does not include license fee paid to state
- Valid for both initial certification and recertification
FOOD PANTRY DISTRIBUTION 2ND THURSDAY
Horatio Sotelo with Templo de Alabanza said they will be distributing commodities at the First Church of the Nazarene on Hwy 70B in De Queen the second Thursday of each month.
DAISY STATE PARK UPCOMING EVENTS
Copy and paste the link below for a list of upcoming events:
https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/daisy-state-park
EXTENSION HOMEMAKERS CLUB MEETINGS
The Extension Homemakers Clubs (EHC) of Sevier County hold regular monthly meetings for members to gain new knowledge through workshops, programs, activities and service projects. Everyone is welcome and information is available by contacting Janet Cantrell at 870-584-3013.
De Queen EHC meets the 2nd Wednesday of Each month in The REA building AT 9:30 a.m.
Gillham EHC meets the 2nd Friday of each month in member homes in Gillham at 10:00 a.m.
AMERICAN LEGION NOW ACCEPTING ALL HONORABLY DISCHARGED MILITARY SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN
Ricky Hendricks, Commander of Post 54 in De Queen has announced more people can join the American legion. Previously only veterans with certain years of service were eligible, but now policies have changed to allow for anyone who has been honorably discharged from the military to join the legion. The local Legion Hut in De Queen is located at 813 North 8th street and the group meets the 2nd Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. – MEETINGS CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE –
DE QUEEN FIRE DEPARTMENT ISSUES SAFETY REMINDERS
De Queen Fire Chief Dennis Pruitt has issued a reminder to citizens about carbon monoxide safety. For anyone who does not have a carbon monoxide detector or smoke alarm, call The Fire Department at 870-584-7224.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC NOW
You may now purchase copies of Arkansas Birth and Arkansas Death certificates at the Sevier County Health Unit, 304 N. 4th Street in De Queen.. For more information, call 870-642-2535
AR Birth Certificates are $12.00 for first copy and $10.00 for each additional Birth Copy. AR Death Certificates are $10.00 and $8.00 for each additional Death Copy.
At this time, they are only able to accept Cash or Check.
You can still purchase certificates at: 4815 W Markham St. Little Rock, AR 72205
IMAGINATION LIBRARY REGISTRATION FORMS
Imagination Library of Southwest Arkansas is an early childhood BOOK GIFTING program for all Sevier County children Birth to age Five. The children will receive an age appropriate book, monthly, at no cost to the parents, for children of Sevier County.
To register for the Gifting Program, forms may be picked up at KDQN studios, De Queen Auto Group or at any Sevier County Library or you can register at www.imaginationlibrary.com.
For more information, please call Z.Z. at 870-642-4886, Mary Ellen Dooley 870-584-8663, Melanie Marshall at 870-784-2882 or For Spanish information call Erika Buenrrostro at 870-784-5154.
HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed in Lockesburg, De Queen, Ashdown, Foreman, and Texarkana to help hospice patients and their families. Call Latoya Farris at 870-773-2621 or email: latoya.Farris@encompasshealth.com
DONATIONS FOR CHALICE CUPBOARD ACCEPTED MON-SAT
Donations for the chalice cupboard may be dropped off at the De Queen branch of the Sevier County Library.
AMERICAN LEGION POST MONTHLY MEETING
American Legion Post #54 meets the second Monday of each month, 7 pm, at the Legion Hut, 813 North 8th Street in De Queen.
HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED ON THURSDAYS
Application for the low-income home energy assistance program will be accepted in Sevier County at the De Queen Nazarene Church on Thursdays from 8am-noon.
CASA SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
CASA of the Ouachita Region is currently looking for volunteers to advocate on behalf on foster care children. More information on volunteering can be found by calling Yuliza Stubbs at 870-518-4026 or email aguirreyuliza@yahoo.com
CELEBRATE RECOVERY MEETING EVERY FRIDAY
De Queen First Assembly Celebrate Recovery is lead by Joe and Hattie Vance every Friday night at 6:00 p.m in De Queen. Information can be found by calling 870-584-3435 or email joehattiecr@yahoo.com
HORATIO COMMUNITY LUNCH
Community lunch every 3rd Saturday at Horatio 1st Assembly of God Fellowship Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Every one is welcome and there is no cost.
FREE CLOTHING AT SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST
Seventh Day Adventist church is hosting a free clothing giveaway session every Thursday from 9:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m. The church is located at 1446 red bridge road in De Queen.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT GILLHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Gillham Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for extra help. Informational meetings are held at the station on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month with the exception of December. Contact Marc Rosson at 870-584-9434 to find out more about volunteering opportunities.
SEVIER COUNTY 4H POP A TOP CAN DRIVE
All clean, empty aluminum cans are being collected to help Sevier County 4H youth in Arkansas with medical expenses. They will continue to collect the cans and cash them in before the state-o-rama event in July. Cans can be dropped off at the extension office in the Adams building of UA Cossatot’s De Queen Campus.