Aerobic Science Program at Rotary
At the November 3rd De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, Roger Foster (right) presented a program on Aerobic Science and the benefits of running exercises. A retired Dallas attorney who has run in over 70 marathons all over the country in his lifetime, Foster, who now resides at the Little River Country Club, says the key to running is knowing and managing your anaerobic threshold. Foster showed videos of people who have overcome obstacles to become successful runners. One example was a man who weighed over 400 pounds when he started running. Another example is a woman who was a heavy smoker at the age of 48 when she began a running program. Foster, who has coached runners for over 50 years, says the key to teaching is for the coach to run behind the beginning runner’s shoulder. Foster shared some tips on how to get started. 1. Know your health condition; get a physical before launching a running program. 2. Find a buddy who will start with you. 3. Invest in a good pair of running shoes. 4. Identify a convenient place to start walking. 5. Stay outdoors for more oxygen and scenery is a stress reliever. 6. Just go! Do it! Walk for 30 minutes and don’t push it at first. 7. Stretch after walking or running; mainly your calves, hamstrings, and piriformis. 8. Subscribe to Runners World magazine or their online site to keep up with the latest shoe surveys and training tips. 9. Read George Sheehan’s book “Running and Being”. Foster was introduced by Rotarian Z.Z. Kamruddin, who arranged the program.
Razzle Dazzle Performs at Rotary
At the October 27th De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, De Queen Elementary’s Razzle Dazzle musical group performed a patriotic set. Under the direction of Anissa Manasco, Razzle Dazzle is comprised of fifth grade students. The 5th graders who are participating in Razzle Dazzle meet every Thursday to have a working lunch. The group led the Rotarians in singing the national anthem. They then sang a nifty tune that listed all 50 states in alphabetical order. Manasco announced that Razzle Dazzle will perform a special Veterans Day program on Friday, November 14th at 9:30 and again at 1:30 in the De Queen High School Auditorium. The performances are free and open to the public. Members of Razzle Dazzle are: Lyla Lee, Elliott Hooker, Aubrey Leathers, Milly Bahena, Brylee Morris, Genesis Nieto, Sofia Clemeons, Hennessy Bahena, Mateo Hernandez, Adelae Kean, Clyde Barrientos, Joselyn Arroyo, Madison Gilbert, Ahlyson Aguirre, Elijah Holmes, Jalyn Pilant, Landrie Minor, Marley Rivas, Melanie Landa, and Azulenny Quintana. Razzle Dazzle was introduced by Rotarian Jason Sanders, who arranged the program.
Razorback Super Fan Visits De Queen
Arkansas Razorback #1 Super Fan Canaan Sandy (right) visited De Queen for the first time for their homecoming festivities on Friday, October 24th, to see Razorback high school commit Tucker Young (center) of Lakeside play. Tucker will play on the offensive line for the Hogs when he enrolls. Pictured with Tucker and Canaan is Bunyard Broadcasting's Jacob Bunyard (left). You can listen Jacob's interview with Canaan on YouTube by watching the DQTV broadcast of the Lakeside game.
Dierks High School Wins $25K in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights Contest Voting Deadline
Dierks High School has just been named one of 25 finalist schools nationwide to receive a $25,000 prize through T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights program, a nationwide competition celebrating the power of high school football to bring communities together. For more than 20 years, the Outlaws’ stadium has gone without upgrades, yet their town of farmers, small business owners, welders, teachers and cafeteria workers show up with pride to support the team. Winning the $1 million grand prize would do more than just replace outdated facilities — it would remind the students that they can be from a small town and still dream big. The school also was awarded $5,000 as part of the “5K Friday’s” sweepstakes earlier in the season. In addition to the $1 million football field upgrade, the Outlaws now have the chance to also win renovated weight room from Gronk Fitness, consultation with stadium experience experts, all expenses paid trip to the SEC Championship Game for 16 school representatives, and a tailgate party revealing the finalized upgrades in 2026. To help the school win the grand prize, voting is open Sept. 25-October 24 on the Friday Night 5G Lights website. The community can come back every day during the time period to cast another vote for their favorite school — the more daily votes, the higher the chance of winning the grand prize being announced on October 30. Pictured left to right are Dierks cheerleaders Raylie Walston, Lilly Hogg, and Aspen Pugh who visited your #1 Country Studios earlier Thursday morning, October 23rd, to talk about the contest.
De Queen Lake Trails Highlighted at Rotary
At the October 20th De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, Lorena Branson updated Rotarians on the progress of the De Queen Lake Trails at Pine Ridge landing and invited members to attend the grand opening of the trails on November 15th. Rogue Trail, a professional trail building company, won the bid from the ARDOT grant and began work at the site on July 7th. They finished their work at Pine Ridge last week. Signs have been installed. There are kiosks with maps and Q.R. codes. Four cedar boardwalks cross creek beds in various locations. Three benches have also been set up. The trail is almost four miles in length. The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, November 15th from 10 until 3. Registration begins at 9 AM. Highlights include the America 250 Patriot Marker Dedication by the Mine Creek-Paraclifta Chapter, NSDAR. Family fun activities scheduled for the day include a Kids’ Scavenger Hunt at 11:00, coordinated by Katie Hooker. At 11:30, Skip Copeland will provide a Bike Maintenance Demonstration. At noon, there’ll be a drawing, involving volunteers who worked at the trails, for four mountain bikes and helmets. At 1:00, former De Queen resident Holly Schilling Anderson, who currently leads the statewide points standings after winning the competition last year, will provide a mountain bike demonstration, followed by a bike ride that she’ll lead. Finally, at 2:00, Jill Smith will lead a group hike. Prior to the grand opening, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, there’ll be a trail clean up day from 8:00 until noon on November 1st. Volunteers, who should meet at the Oak Grove Pavillion, will be served a free lunch and receive a T-Shirt. Branson and Sandra Jackson modeled T-shirts with a theme of “Hike and Bike the Funky Butterfly at De Queen Lake Trails”. The shirts are on sale for $20 with all proceeds going toward the trails project. Branson said that the group has applied for a $120,000 grant from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Grant recipients will be announced in November. If successful, the grant proceeds will be used to construct a Bike Skills Park. Branson reported that liability insurance is in place for coverage at the site. Signage is up encouraging the use of helmets, bike at your own risk, and all dogs must be kept on a leash. Branson and Jackson, who also serve on the Sevier County Medical Center Foundation, reminded Rotarians of that organization’s upcoming chili fundraiser at lunch on November 5th as well as the Holiday Health Walk at the hospital on December 13th. Branson and Jackson were introduced by Rotarian Veronica Ozura, who arranged the program.
Rocky Comfort Pecan Festival
The 4th Annual Rocky Comfort Pecan Festival will be held on Saturday, October 18th, from 9 am-11 pm in Downtown Foreman on 126 Schuman Street. The event is coordinated by the Foreman Community Foundation Committee. There will be pecans, food court, fall fun, wild game cook-off, hay bale toss, music, classic car show, 5-K run, street dance, haunted house, face painting, arm wrestling tournament, craft vendors, farmer’s market, mechanical bull rider, kids zone, and costume pet parade. You can contact the Foreman Community Foundation Committee on Facebook for more information. Brother Rick Gregory stopped by your #1 Country Studios earlier Friday morning, October 17th, to speak about the event.
Sevier County Farigrounds Trunk or Treat
The Sevier County Fair Association and Pilgrims are partnering up to have Trunk or Treat at the Sevier County Fairgrounds on Friday, October 31st, from 5-8 pm. You can drop off candy at Simple Simon’s, Cutting Room, Southern Fringe Salon, Sevier County Extension Office, and Horatio State Bank. Candy drop off deadline is Friday, October 17th. Kathy Hodges (pictured) came in your #1 Country Studios earlier Friday morning, October 17th, to talk about the event.
Lithium the Topic at Rotary
At the October 13th De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, Sheryl Edwards (right) of LiTHIUMLEARNS and Arthur Orduna (left) of LiTHIUMWORKS talked about the much-anticipated lithium boom in Southwest Arkansas. Edwards, the Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, told Rotarians that the Smackover Formation runs from Florida to Texas on its way across southern Arkansas. The primary lithium activity is taking place in the Lewisville, Stamps, Magnolia, and El Dorado areas. When oil was discovered in this region in 1921, the oil barons didn’t appreciate the brine. By the 1950’s, bromine was discovered in the brine. Lanxess in El Dorado and Albemarle in Magnolia now employ over 1,000 people in the bromine extraction process. Lithium has since been discovered in the bromine, and it’s estimated that there are from five to nineteen million tons of lithium in southwest Arkansas at some seven to nine thousand feet below the surface. The United States uses some twenty percent of the world’s lithium in batteries for automobiles, data centers, and in other forms of energy, and even in the defense industry. But the United States currently only produces about one percent of the world’s lithium supply. Southwest Arkansas is about to change that. Edwards says that some 300 construction jobs will be available in the next couple of years as a company like Smackover Lithium plans to invest in a $1.5 billion plant to begin the process of direct lithium extraction. After the construction is completed, there’ll be 100 – 125 permanent jobs in each facility. Standard Lithium is expected to break ground on a plant in Lewisville in 2026 that should be completed and in operation by 2028. Whereas LiTHIUMLEARNS is preparing the workforce, Orduna says that LiTHIUMWORKS, administered by the Venture Center in Little Rock, plans to accelerate small businesses to provide what these major companies need locally. The second Arkansas Lithium Innovation Summit is scheduled to be held in Little Rock in late October. It’s expected to again attract lithium investors from all over the world. Edwards and Orduna concluded by telling Rotarians that the future is in our hands. Edwards and Orduna were introduced by Rotarian Veronica Ozura (center), who arranged the program.
Rotary Student of the Month Caden Lindly
De Queen High School senior Caden Lindly (left) was named the October Student of the Month by the De Queen Rotary Club. The son of Brandon and Angela Lindly, Caden is an active member of National Honor Society and serves as a representative on the Student Council. Alongside Beau McCullough and Bella Roberts, Caden is a team leader for the Fellowship of Christian Students and participates in the Technology Student Association. A two-time all-conference selection in basketball, Lindly is also a member of the golf team that qualified for state in 2024 and he’s also been named all-conference in track. As a freshman, he competed for the Leopard JV baseball team. Caden is a member of First Baptist Church in De Queen. He’s active in the church’s youth group and has participated in mission trips to Colorado and twice to New Orleans. Lindly will graduate in May with a high school diploma as well as an associate degree through the Leopard Launch Program with 60 college credit hours. He plans to attend Arkansas Tech University where he will major in Mechanical Engineering. He hopes to earn a master’s degree in aerospace or petroleum. Math is his favorite class, and Lindly has won many awards in the subject since the seventh grade. His father, Brandon Lindly, is the De Queen senior boys coach. Caden’s grandfather was also a basketball coach in Oklahoma.
Micah 6:8 Into the Light5K Run and Gun Raffle
Leah Hanson (left) and Debbie Akin (right) came in your #1 Country Studios to talk about some events Micah 6:8 is doing to promote classes for mental health first aid and training. Micah 6:8 will host their 2nd Annual 5-K Fun Run on Saturday, October 11th. Registration is now open and you can sign up online at runsignup.com or complete a form at Micah 6:8. Registration costs $30 to join before race day, but will go up to $35 if you wait until day of race. Race will begin at Micah 6:8 at 7:30 am, and race will end there. All people registered to race will receive a T-shirt and swag bag. Micah 6:8 will also host a gun raffle for a Weatherby Vanguard 7 mm Patriotic Edition. Tickets cost $5. Drawing will be held on Saturday, November 1st, at noon at Micah 6:8 Coffee Shop. You do not have to be present to win, but you must have a valid ID and pass all required background checks. Pickup and background check will be at Twisted Tines Outfitters in De Queen. For tickets or more information, contact Debbie Akin at 870-584-3115. Proceeds will benefit Micah Mental Health First Aid and training classes.
Central Volunteer Fire Department Chicken Dinner and Bingo Fundraiser
The Central Volunteer Fire Department will host a chicken dinner and bingo fundraiser on Saturday, October 11th. Pay your dues and get 1 plate. Dinner will be held from 12-2 pm. Dinner consists of a grilled chicken sponsored by Pilgrims, potato salad, and tea. Pay by donation. Bingo starts at 2 pm. 1 card for bingo costs $10, while 3 cards for bingo costs $20. If you want to sponsor a bingo game, call or text Ruby at 870-582-1661. Candice Bailey came in your #1 Country Studios earlier Wednesday morning, October 8th, to talk about the event.
Local Attorney Erin Hunter Speaks at Rotary
At the October 6th De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, City Attorney for De Queen and candidate for Prosecuting Attorney for the 9th West Judicial District covering Sevier, Howard, Pike and Little River Counties, Erin Hunter, discussed her background and her philosophies for justice. Hunter, who earned her Political Science degree and then her law degree from the University of Arkansas, began her career serving under Prosecuting Attorney Brian Chesshire as the sex-crimes prosecutor for all four counties. Besides currently serving as City Attorney for De Queen, Hunter is also now a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Polk County, where she says she has picked up some new ideas that she would like to see implemented in our district. Hunter also has previous experience in the position of Prosecuting Attorney for the 9th West Judicial District. She was appointed to the position by Governor Asa Hutchinson and served for two years. During that time, since she was appointed to the position, she continued to serve as City Attorney for De Queen for free. Mayor Jeff Brown estimated that Hunter’s willingness to do so saved the city some $150,000 in legal fees. If elected Prosecuting Attorney, Hunter pledged to keep her office on the courthouse square in downtown De Queen next to the post office. If elected, Hunter will be required to relinquish her position of City Attorney for De Queen. Hunter is facing incumbent Prosecutor Jana Bradford and Ashdown attorney Clayton Tinkes in the non-Partisan election on March 3rd. Early voting begins on February 16th. If a run-off election is necessary, it will be held on March 31st.
Hog Insider Otis Kirk Speaks at Rotary
At the September 29 De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, Arkansas Razorbacks’ insider Otis Kirk had a timely visit to discuss the UA football program situation. Head Coach Sam Pittman was dismissed Sunday after a 2-3 start and an embarrassing 56-13 loss Saturday to Notre Dame. Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek named Bobby Petrino as the interim head coach. Then, the Hogs parted ways with three defensive coaches including coordinator Travis Williams. Kirk, who writes for Pig Trail Nation, Sports Illustrated, and 14 newspapers around Arkansas, told Rotarians that the changes need to start with Yurachek as Athletic Director. He described Yurachek as having no personality, not well-liked by the big boosters, and his recent comments about Arkansas not being in position to compete for a National Championship in football will hurt recruiting. Kirk said that the Hogs will be huge underdogs in their last seven S.E.C. games. Other names of possible coaches that Kirk is hearing include Rhett Lashlee at S.M.U., Chris Silverfield at Memphis, Dan Mullen at U.N.L.V., and G.J. Kinne at Texas State. Timing is a factor too. 90% of the top athletes will sign during the early signing period in December. There’s only going to be one Transfer Portal window too in January. There’s not much time for a new coach to build a team. Kirk pointed out that the basketball team under Calipari and Dave Van Horn’s baseball team are in solid shape. In response to a question, Kirk said that Calipari has loaded up with a tough non-conference basketball schedule because he believes he’ll have a great team, and he wants to challenge them before conference and postseason play. Kirk (left) was introduced by Rotarian Jacob Bunyard (right), who arranged the program.
38th Annual Provo Rodeo
The 38th Annual Provo Rodeo will be held tomorrow, September 27th, at the Provo Arena in Lockesburg. This event will feature mutton busting, bull riding, team roping, barrel racing, and other events for young contestants. There will also be a fish fry and live music by local bands are often part of the day's festivities. Plates are $10 each. Registration will begin at 9 am with the first event beginning at 10 am. Amanda Hibbs and Amanda Miller came in your #1 Country Studios earlier Friday morning, September 26th, to talk about the event.
Sevier County Medical Center
Stacy Dowdy, CEO of Sevier County Medical Center, visited the #1 Country Studios on Wednesday, September 24th, to share the latest updates from the hospital and encourage community participation in two important surveys. Dowdy is asking residents to fill out the Community Health Survey to help the hospital evaluate public health needs and identify areas for improvement. The survey is available at this link. In addition, the Quality Service Survey is now available for residents to share feedback on how the hospital can improve its services. The survey is available at this link. Both surveys will remain open through Tuesday, September 30th. Dowdy also announced that Sevier County Medical Center is partnering with UAMS to provide blood work for newborns. Dowdy also reminded the public that the hospital cafeteria is open to everyone, not just patients. Daily menus are available for anyone interested in dining at the medical center. Also, throughout October, the hospital will share daily posts on social media to promote awareness and education for Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Chamber Director Speaks at Rotary
At the September 22 De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, Sevier County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Suzanne Babb (left) gave an update on upcoming events and activities. The core purpose of the Chamber is to support local businesses, advocate for the business community, promote community and economic growth, increase visibility and connections, and strengthen community pride and belonging. As Executive Director, Babb manages the Chamber’s day-to-day office operations, represents the Chamber at local governmental and state meetings, supports existing members and recruits new ones, and coordinates major community events. Babb outlined several popular upcoming events between now and the end of 2025. The Chamber-sponsored Denim & Diamonds fundraiser will be on Saturday, October 25th from 6-10 PM at the Rocky Hill Ranch. Tickets are $70 each and are available from any Chamber board member or at the Chamber office. A block of ten tickets is $65 each. At the door, admission will be $75. The Lockesburg Farmers Market Fall Finale is also scheduled for October 25th from 3-6 PM. On Halloween, Trick or Treat on the courthouse square starts at 4:30. The De Queen Trunk or Treat event, sponsored by Pilgrims and the Fair Association, has been moved to the fairgrounds and is scheduled from 5-8 P.M. Candy donations for this event are now being collected at a number of locations including First State Bank, Horatio State Bank and the Sevier County Extension Office. The grand opening of the De Queen Lake Trails will be held Saturday, November 15th. Also, that weekend, the 53rd Annual Cossatot Arts & Crafts Art Show and Festival will be held November 14th – 16th at the Art Center in the former King schoolhouse building. Finally, Christmas in Candyland will be the theme of Sevier County’s Christmas Festival and Parade in De Queen on Saturday, December 6th. Christmas parades will be held earlier that day in Horatio and Lockesburg. Babb outlined the recently completed building renovation project at the Chamber offices on Stilwell Avenue. The building dates to 1934 as a fire station and home to city offices. Finally, Babb announced that she was stepping back into a part-time role with the Chamber as she will soon be a grandparent to twins. The Chamber has begun advertising for the full-time position of Executive Director.
AR Latino Hall of Fame
The De Queen Rotary Club marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month and Rural Welcoming Week by welcoming Roberto Martinez (right), an inaugural inductee into the Arkansas Latino Hall of Fame. Martinez’s life story reflects the resilience of immigrant families, the value of hard work, and the importance of building bridges across cultures. A proud resident of De Queen, Martinez has served in leadership roles that reached far beyond Sevier County. He sat on the UA Cossatot Board of Trustees, on the board for St. Michael’s Hospital in Texarkana, and even on the Federal Reserve Board, where he gave rural Arkansas and Latino families a meaningful voice in national economic decisions. Locally, he and his family earned recognition as a Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year, and he played a vital role in bringing the Mexican Consulate to Arkansas, supporting immigrant students in pursuing higher education, and helping establish the county’s first Mexican grocery store. At Rotary, Martinez shared the journey that shaped his life. Born in Zacatecas, Mexico, Martinez immigrated to the United States in search of opportunity. His first job was in Tijuana, washing dishes in a Chinese restaurant. Through friends, he later moved to Chicago, where he met his wife and welcomed their only daughter. When his daughter reached school age, Martinez decided he wanted her to grow up in a rural community similar to the one he had known in Mexico. On a trip to visit family, he noticed Arkansas license plates carried the phrase “Land of Opportunity.” The message struck him deeply. On his return trip through Texarkana, he picked up a newspaper that listed a farm for sale in Sevier County with two poultry houses. Despite having no experience with chickens, he and his family seized the chance, bought the farm, and moved to Arkansas. The early years brought steep challenges. With little money, few resources, and no one to mentor him, Martinez learned the poultry business through trial and error. He also recalled the cultural divides of that time, when immigrant families often faced law enforcement intervention simply for being seen in public. Despite these hardships, Martinez persevered. He expanded his farm, added cattle, and through dedication and grit, earned recognition as the Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year. Martinez’s journey was not only about personal perseverance but also about helping the community grow together. He worked to bridge divides, reminding Rotarians that immigrant families provided essential labor for rural communities, while the community in turn offered opportunities for those families to succeed. His leadership helped create connections that strengthened both sides, building a stronger, more unified Sevier County. As he reflected, Martinez expressed gratitude for the many local leaders who supported him along the way. Today, he said, he is proud to see how far the county has come — a place where friendship, resilience, and shared opportunity continue to drive success. Martinez’s story serves as a powerful reminder that Sevier County thrives when people of all backgrounds work together.
De Queen Rotary Student of the Month
Emmie Hale (left) was named De Queen High School Student of the Month at the De Queen Rotary Club’s September 15th meeting. Emmie has attended the De Queen School District since Kindergarten and left briefly but came back home. She started her cheerleading career when she was three years old. She has been selected as a cheerleader all through Jr. and Sr. High School. Emmie has been awarded All American Cheerleader for four consecutive years. Emmie is a member of FFA and attended National Convention in Indianapolis. She has also been a member of DQTV for three years. She has been involved in a variety of pageants. In 2019, Emmie won Little Miss DHS and in 2025, she won Miss DHS 1st Runner UP. Emmie is excited to participate in the 2026 Miss DHS Pageant. Emmie is a member of Friendship Baptist Church, where she is involved with the youth group and volunteers with a variety of community projects. Emmie’s future plans are to attend Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. She is indecisive between sonography and an Art teacher. She has been named to the Honor Roll the last three years. Emmie is the daughter of Chris and Cassie Hale. Past President Michael Collins (right) presented Emmie her certificate.
State Treasurer John Thurston Speaks at Rotary
At the September 8 De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, Arkansas State Treasurer John Thurston outlined the duties of his office in Little Rock. Thurston was elected to the position of Treasurer in a 2024 statewide election after the unexpected death of Mark Lowery. Prior to serving as Treasurer, Thurston served as Secretary of State and Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands. Treasurer Thurston referred to his office as “the bank for the state”. $70 million passes through his office daily. These include monies for state agencies, as well as taxes collected by the Department of Finance and Administration. Thurston says his office reconciles the money daily for security purposes plus manages the office’s cash flow and liquidity as some tax dollars must be returned to cities and counties. Currently, the Treasurer’s office has $11.5 billion in a portfolio with goals of a solid return on investment. Thurston says a lot of those monies came from COVID federal dollars that will eventually have to probably either be spent or returned. Treasurer Thurston outlined three programs that his office administers. There’s a Certificate of Deposit program that local banks can submit bids for with a Tier One for smaller banks and a Tier Two for larger banks. The Arkansas Brighter Futures 529 College Savings Plan is a popular tool to save on taxes while investing in a child’s college plan now. Recent legislation now allows the 529 funds to be spent at technical or trade schools. A minimum of $25 is required to open a 529 account. If a child doesn’t attend college or a trade school, the money can be rolled into an individual retirement account. Non-profits can now apply for a 529 account. Funds can be used for private schools as well as to retire student debt. The ABLE program has also been established to assist disabled Arkansans with maintaining their benefits. For more information about any of these services or programs, you can go online to the Treasurer’s website at www.artreasury.gov . Treasurer Thurston was introduced by Rotarian Jay Bunyard, who arranged the program.
Coolest Thing in Arkansas
AMS Global has made it to the top 4 finals for The Coolest Thing Made in Arkansas with their Comfort Isle Restrooms. This company is located in Horatio. You can vote for AMS Global to win 1 time a day until Thursday, September 26th. You can vote through the QR code listed here. Pictured is Co-Owner of AMS Global Clint Nelson (left), and Sevier County Economic Director Veronica Ozura (right) who came in your #1 Country Studios earlier Thursday morning, September 4th, to talk about the event.
Horatio Schools Superintendent Speaks at Rotary
At the August 25 De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, Superintendent of Horatio Schools, Dr. Michael Odom, discussed the status of his schools as well as the state of education in general around Arkansas. Dr. Odom, serving in his first year as Superintendent of Horatio Schools, came to Horatio from the El Dorado School District. Prior to getting into administration, he taught music in public schools. Dr. Odom says his goal at Horatio is to provide the best education possible with three outcomes in mind: enroll, enlist, or employ. The hope is that graduates are either ready to enroll in a higher education institution, enlist in the military, or be prepared to be employed to go to work. Dr. Odom says that the student ACT and SAT scores are headed in the right direction and student enrollment is stabilizing at Horatio. The finances at Horatio Schools are in good shape as the state provided an uptick in funding per student. Enrollment during the third quarter last year at Horatio in grades K-12 stood at 635. That enrollment number declined to 620 at Horatio by the end of the 2024-2025 school year. However, the enrollment at the start of this school year has remained right at 620. So, Dr. Odom is hopeful that enrollment continues to at least stabilize and possibly even grow. There were several questions, as well as complaints, from Rotarians about school vouchers, paid for by taxpayers, being provided by the state for students to attend private schools. Dr. Odom responded by reminding the club that 90% of the students in Arkansas still attend public schools.
Bunyard Broadcasting Presents Checks to DQTV and to Student Interns
Bunyard Broadcasting representatives Jay Bunyard and Jacob Bunyard presented a $2,295 check to DQTV Instructor Tiffany Williamson on August 19th for advertising revenues earned during the recent soccer season. In addition, $600 checks were presented to student interns Brian Salazar and Keaton Tollett from the Arkansas Broadcasters Association Internship Program for their work on the video production of the soccer broadcasts. The partnership combines the radio play-by-play called by Horacio Sotelo and Francisco Hernandez on La Maxxima Spanish Radio AM 1390/FM 104.5 with the DQTV-produced video so that Leopards fans can watch select games through You Tube and other online media outlets. For more information on how your business can participate in this award-winning project, contact Bunyard Broadcasting’s Regional Sales Manager Jenny Higgins at 870-642-2446. DQTV coverage for the 2025-2026 school-year starts when the Leopards travel to Mena to kick off the football season on August 29th.
Rex Nelson Speaks at Rotary
At the August 18 De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, popular statewide columnist and broadcaster Rex Nelson (left) provided an economic update on several prominent projects happening around Arkansas. In southwest Arkansas, Nelson said now that royalty rates have been set, it’s full speed ahead for direct lithium extraction. Nelson foresees two-to-four multi-billion-dollar processing plants being constructed just south of Lewisville and just south of Stamps in Lafayette County, as well as just south of Magnolia in Columbia County. Moving northward to Fort Smith, Nelson raved about the F-35’s and the fighter pilot training program for the United States and its allies. Poland and Singapore already have pilots on site. In Northwest Arkansas, Alice Walton has a one-hundred-thousand-square-foot expansion going on at Crystal Bridges, already one of the finest art galleries in the world. Walton is also constructing the Alice Walton School of Medicine, the Whole Health Institute, and she recently purchased 100 acres on I-49 to construct a health care facility. In Central Arkansas, Nelson stressed distribution, logistics, and manufacturing growth. There are now 12,000 people employed at the Port of Little Rock. Amazon has a regional hub and will soon employ 5,000 on their own. Lowe’s, Dollar General, and Tractor Supply will soon follow Amazon. In South Arkansas near Camden, the Highland Industrial Park is now home to some 3,000 employees in the defense industry. Mississippi County in Northeast Arkansas is now the leading steel-producing county in the country after Big River Steel Two has come online. There are now five major steel mills in Mississippi County. Google has announced plans to open a billion-dollar data center in West Memphis. The second Buc-ee’s in the state will also break ground soon in West Memphis. Once Saracen Resort Casino in Pine Bluff opens it’s 14-story motel and convention center, that city will go back on the map to host meetings for various associations. Finally, closer to home, Nelson reported that Tom and Stuart Walton are committed to making Rich Mountain the best Gravity biking destination in North America. The bike lift construction will be underway soon. In conclusion, Nelson pointed out that The Natural State offers the best and the most hiking, biking, cycling, freshwater boating, fishing, scuba diving, hang-gliding, and other outdoor recreation opportunities than any other state in the country. Nelson was introduced by Jay Bunyard (right), who arranged the program.
Free Gas Friday Winner- Week 12
Jared Barnette of Dierks was the Free Gas Friday winner for Week 12. He registered at The Pizza Store in Dierks and picked up his check for $50 of free gas at the Sevier County Famers Coop on Wednesday, August 13th. Free Gas Friday will continue for the next 3 weeks, so make sure to register at our sponsoring locations by Friday of each week and make sure to tune in to the morning show on Fridays to see if you are the week's lucky winner.
District Governor Speaks at Rotary
At the August 11 De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, District 6170 Governor Jennifer Van Houte of Russellville challenged the local club to dream bigger. Van Houte, who also served as District Governor in 2017, was a Hurricane Katrina refugee who decided to stay in Arkansas. When asked about Rotary, Van Houte loves to share the “Toilet story”. Several years ago, a global Rotary group invested some $65,000 to construct bathrooms in India. At the schoolhouses in the rural areas of India, there were no toilets, no running water, and no bathrooms. Not a problem for the boys. They would simply go behind the building. But once girls turned about 13 years of age, they would have to skip a week of school each month because there were no bathrooms. Eventually, their grades would suffer, and the girls would drop out of school. The girls were looked down upon and often sold into slavery or sexual bondage. But all the sudden with bathrooms provided by Rotary in place, the girls in India began to graduate with grades as good as the boys. When the girls went out to look for jobs, the boys were no longer the obvious choice. In a couple of generations, this entire society looked upon men and women completely differently. Van Houte also proudly pointed out that Rotary is about a worldwide network of people. Van Houte reported that Polio remains very close to being eradicated around the world. One word has prevented total eradication – Taliban. When U.S. troops were pulled out of Afghanistan, Rotarians and other healthcare representatives were enjoying free and safe passage around the country while vaccinating children and running tests on drinking water. Within months, the Taliban stopped the vaccinations and water tests claiming that Americans were poisoning their children. Currently, there are now unfortunately about 20 cases of polio reported in that part of the world. Van Houte called Rotary a global force for good. A game changer. A problem solver. Rotarians have practiced their three-word motto – Service Above Self – for over a century. Van Houte wrapped up her speech by pointing out that Rotary has been active in De Queen for longer than any person alive here. She encouraged the De Queen Club to dream bigger, to give more. The District Governor was introduced by Club President Fernando Balderas, who arranged the program.
Coach Bell Previews Leopards at Rotary
At the August 4 De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, Leopard’s head football coach Richard Bell talked about his 2025 squad and goals. Entering his third year as head football coach and Athletic Director, as well as his 18th year in the De Queen School District, Coach Bell says that De Queen is always where he’s wanted to be and it’s always where he will be. A good crop of sophomores moves up from an eight-win junior high team that claimed a conference championship a year ago. The coaching staff this year in senior high includes Joseph Parson, Travis Lyda, Offensive Coordinator Phillip Binkley, and former Leopard Matt McLelland, who comes home after coaching at Ashdown. Junior High coaches include Drew Dykes, Adrian Mendoza, and Stephen Garcia. Coach Bell anticipates 150 athletes out for football in grades seven through twelve. After not fielding a third-fourth grade team last year, 27 players turned out this year, and another 48 kids are out for football on the fifth-sixth grade pee-wee team. The Leopards ended spring drills with 50 players. 40 athletes reported for the first day of fall practice Monday. After no victories in his first year at the helm of the Leopards in 2023, Coach Bell’s club recorded three victories last season. His goal is to improve again this season. Key dates on the calendar include a community-wide pep rally on the 18th at 8:00. Fans should bring bottled water or Gatorade. Media Day is scheduled for the 20th. The Leopards travel to Waldron for a preseason scrimmage on the 22nd. The Leopards open the 2025 season on the road at Mena on the 29th. Speaking about his role as Athletic Director, Coach Bell complimented Superintendent Jason Sanders and the school board for the tremendous improvements made to the athletic facilities at De Queen in the past few years. The district employees 20 coaches in junior and senior high. When interviewing prospectives coaches for open positions, Bell stressed that he looks for people who he would trust with coaching his own children. Coach Bell was introduced by Rotarian Greg Revels, who arranged the program.