De Queen P.E.O. Scholarship Winners
Senior Citizens Day
Joyce Short (left) and Sevier County Judge Sandra Dunn (right) visited your #1 Country Studios earlier Thursday morning, May 25th, to talk about the upcoming Sevier County 41st Annual Senior Citizens Day. The Senior Citizens Day will be held on Friday, June 2nd. Registration begins at 8 am. Area residents 55 years or are welcome. There will be numerous booths from area health organizations. To reserve a booth, call the Judge's Office at 870-642-2425.
Foreign Exchange Program Experience
Audrey Pradana came by your #1 Country Studios earlier Thursday morning, May 25th, to talk about her experience at De Queen schools. Audrey is a foreign exchange student from Indonesia. She has been in Sevier County for the previous 10 months. Audrey is a recent graduate of De Queen schools. She graduated with 152 total students at De Queen High School. She said Indonesia usually has 350-400 total students that graduate. Audrey won an academic award and was named Miss DHS this year as her accomplishments at the school. Audrey plans to major in engineering at the U of A in Fayetteville. She will be leaving for Indonesia on June 4th.
Tri Lakes Bass Festival
The 33rd annual Tri-Lakes Bass Festival will be held on Saturday, May 27th, from 6 am-1 pm at the De Queen Lake, Dierks Lake, and Gillham Lake. Registration will take place until Saturday, May 27th, but there will be a late fee assessed after 4 pm on Friday, May 26th. Registration fee is $65 per person. $75 fee for registration and bass wristband. Boat check and late registration begins at 5 am on Saturday. The first weigh in begins at 8 am and the final weigh in begins at 1 pm. Awards ceremony will begin at 2 pm at the De Queen Sportsplex Pavillion. Food trucks available on site. Your morning show cohosts will do a live remote at the event on Saturday. Pictured are Cheryl Hickson (left) and ZZ Kamruddin (right) who talked about the event earlier Wednesday morning, May 24th.
2nd Annual Cancer Survivor Co-ed Softball Tournament
Kyle Willis (left) and Jake Seymour (right) came in your #1 Country Studios earlier Tuesday morning, May 23rd, to talk about the 2nd Annual Cancer Survivor Co-ed Softball Tournament that will be held at the De Queen Sportsplex on Saturday, June 24th, beginning at 6 pm. To register a team, please call Kyle Willis at 870 784-1716 by Friday, June 23rd.
De Queen High School Boys Soccer Wins State Championship
The De Queen High School Boys Soccer Team won the State 4A Championship on Saturday, May 20th, with a 5-0 victory over Dardenelle in Conway. This is the 7th state championship the school has won in the 16 years De Queen has had a soccer team. Gustavo Garcia scored 2 goals against Dardanelle and Edwin Baltazar scored a hat trick (3 goals) in the state championship. Coach Stephen Sloan (right) expressed how hard working his group of kids is and how proud he is of them. Gustavo (left) and Edwin (center) discussed playing in the state championship and their future plans at your #1 Country Studios earlier Monday morning, May 22nd.
Sevier County Medical Center Speaks at Rotary
RN Ray Staggs talked to the De Queen Rotary Club on Monday, May 22nd, about stroke awareness. Staggs graduated from Arkansas Tech in 2007 and has 17 years of nursing experience. He is the head of the stroke facilitator program at the medical center. Staggs discussed several topics involving strokes including the two types of major strokes: hemorrhagic and ischemic. The Sevier County Medical will be a vendor at Senior Citizens Day on Friday, June 2nd. At this event, there will be a 17 foot inflatable brain where anyone can get a visual of what a stroke looks like in case a family member or friend is undergoing one.
Sevier County Fair Summer Extravaganza
Linda Frachiseur came in your #1 Country Studios earlier Friday morning, May 19th, to talk about the upcoming Sevier County Fair's 1st Annual Summer Extravaganza. The Extravaganza will be held on the Sevier County Fair Grounds (930 South Rockefeller) in De Queen, AR 71832 on Saturday, June 3rd, from 9 am- 3 pm. There will be an indoor community yard sale, bounce houses and obstacle course, concession stand, blood drive, and Rusty Relic Tractor. There will also be various vendors and artisans, gifts, crafts, freshies, wooden signs, clothing, jewelry, scentsy and much more.
Legacy Academy Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Legacy Academy announced Ethan Gallagher as the Class of 2023 Valedictorian and Dori Bartek as Salutatorian. Bartek is the daughter of Monte and Ann Bartek and intends to major in Communication at Ouachita Baptist University next fall. Gallagher is the son of Chad and Jessica Gallagher and intends to study business at one of the following colleges: Ouachita Baptist, Rhodes College, Oral Roberts University, Dallas Baptist University, and Washington and Lee University. Legacy Academy will hold their commencement ceremony on Thursday, May, 25th, at 7 pm on their campus in Lockesburg.
41st Annual Senior Citizens Day
The Sevier County 41st Annual Senior Citizens Day will be held on Friday, June 2nd. Registration begins at 8 am. Area residents 55 years or are welcome. There will be numerous booths from area health organizations. To reserve a booth, call the Judge's Office at 870-642-2425. Pictured are Former Judge Dick Tallman (left) and Current Judge Sandra Dunn (right).
De Queen Soccer Team Advances to State Championship
The De Queen High School Boys Soccer Team advanced to the state championship on Saturday, May 13th. The girls were eliminated last week, but Coach Stephen Sloan came in your #1 Country Studios earlier Monday morning, May 15th, to talk about how proud he was of his assistant coaches as well as the kids for their hard work and dedication all season long. There were 42 girls and 60 boys that came out to play this season. The boys will play Dardenelle on Saturday, May 20th, at 10 am for the 4A State Championship. Coach Sloan and Beau McCastlain asks the community if able to travel to the UCA campus in Conway to support the boys as they play to win a championship.
De Queen High School Graduation
The De Queen High School will hold their graduation on Monday night, May 15th, at the football field. Gates open at 6 pm. The ceremony will start at 8 pm. The school faculty ask that you parents and relatives stay off the field. You can bring lawn chairs and sit on the track but not on the field during the commencement. Students will line up on the field and walk for the graduation. There are 152 graduating in the 2023 De Queen High School Class. Pictured is Beau McCastlain who came in your #1 Country Studios earlier Monday morning, May 15th, to talk about the event.
RYLA Students Talk at Rotary
The 2023 RYLA camp participants talked to the De Queen Rotary Club on Monday afternoon, May 20th, about their experiences at the Rotary sponsored RYLA camp. Pictured in the front are Counselors Jennifer Medina and Maggie Lugo. Pictured in the back are campers Blake Sawyer, Trenton Carver, and Zailey Frachiseur.
Sevier County Medical Center Update
The Sevier County Medical Center stopped by your #1 Country Studios earlier Thursday morning, May 11th, to give an update about the hospital. Senior Citizen Day is just around the corner. UAMS will be at the hospital on Friday, June 2nd. They will provide a 17 foot inflatable brain. The purpose of the brain is to give people a walkthrough on what a visual stroke looks like. This will bring awareness on what strokes look like and how you can become aware if you have a loved one that may go through a stroke. The hospital has passed CMAS standards and is ready for operation. Pictured are Stacy Dowdy on the left and Lori House on the right.
Ashdown Regional Trap Team Champions
Ashdown High School Skills USA Students Recognized
DQTV Check Presentation
De Queen Quiz Bowl Team
Legacy Capstone Presentation
On Thursday, May 4th, Legacy Academy’s senior students presented their Capstone projects, the pinnacle of their academic journeys in which they demonstrate their ability to learn and master a new skill and to show the stages of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Dori Bartek, Ethan Gallagher, and Benjamin Lovell presented their projects, on How to Make a Movie, Becoming a Private Pilot, and How to Build a Chair, respectively. These projects took the students two years to complete, working independently over this period to create their initial proposal, interview experts, complete a research element, master their skill, and demonstrate their learning. Throughout all this, they kept a journal chronicling their growth on an academic and personal basis.
Rotary May Student of the Month
Kaitlyn Barnes was named the May Rotary Student of the Month on Monday, May 1st, at their weekly meeting. Kaitlyn is the daughter of Wes and Stacy Dowdy as well as James Barnes. Kaitlyn plans to begin at UA Cossatot next year before she transfers to the University of Arkansas to pursue a law degree.
Legacy Academy Hosts 2nd Ever Spring Follie
On Saturday, April 22, Legacy Academy held its second Spring Formal for upper-level students and parents. The evening began with dinner at Pecan Point, followed by desserts and dancing at Texarkana Regional Arts Center. Formal dances with dance cards, as well as fun music for spontaneous dancing, provided students fun. To prepare for this special event students learned classical ballroom dance and other dance styles, including the Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing, and traditional group dances.
Cross Country Scholarship Recipients
Jan Carlos Aguilar, Adriana Montiel and their families as well as Coach Jason Barker and Coach Dennis Chaney stopped by your #1 Country Studios on Wednesday, April 26th, to talk about their signing day. Both Jan Carlos and Adriana will receive scholarships to run cross country at the collegiate level. Jan Carlos will sign with Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC), and Adriana will sign with Rich Mountain. Pictured with the scholarship recipients and their families (front) are left to right in back: Coach Jason Barker, Coach Dennis Chaney, and your morning show cohosts Tyler Massey, Greg Revels, and Patrick Massey.
Belle Lindsey - 23rd Rotary Crystal Award Recipient
Legacy Academy Spring Follies
On Thursday, April 7, Legacy Academy students took part in their annual Spring Follies variety show, an evening of skits, songs and dances featuring every single student. Students (and teachers) wrote scripts, produced skits, choreographed dance moves, made sets and costumes, memorized lines and cues, and produced videos – and delivered it all brilliantly.
Legacy’s Pre-K and Kindergarten students opened the night with their Superheroes Unite dance, before each of the lower level classes entertained and wowed us with their moves, skills, and comedy. Upper level students collaborated together to create their own brand-new skits, as well as incorporating well-loved Spring Follies traditions. The night culminated in the first ever Senior Skit, a murder mystery where everything that can go wrong does go wrong! Even our teachers got in on the act, parodying students’ classroom antics and giving comedic insight into the mind of their hard-working teachers.
Sevier County Farm Bureau recognized for outstanding production in 2022
Sevier County Farm Bureau was recognized at the Farm Bureau Statewide Agents and Agency Managers meeting in March for total performance during 2022. The agency received the #1 Agency-Loss Ratio-FB Mutual award for outstanding insurance production.
Left to right: Stacy Janes, Allen Stark and Michael Collins. Lee Hammond, not photographed.
De Queen Rotary Student Awards
The De Queen Rotary Club stopped by the De Queen High School on Thursday, April 20th, to present the top 10-12th grade students in core subjects a plaque to award them for their hard work. To see the full list of winners and the subject where they won an award, visit our local news page.
Ashdown High School Students Earn Business Awards
The following students earned all 3 Microsoft Office Certifications in the Survey of Business Classes. Microsoft Office Certifications (Word, Excel & PowerPoint):R-1 Camden Ferguson, Phillip Clement, Joshua Green, Leah Linnett, Kinley Smedley, Janeth Rubio, Allison Pena, Alex Ybarra, Sidney Isenburg R-2 Christina Rutledge, Camryn Blankenship, Laynie Horn, Colton Rowe, Joe DelAngel, Mia Barnes, Abigail Sellers, Caroline Silva, Zah'nye Ramnarine R-3 Logan Vest, Summer Patterson, Madlyn Purcell, Logan Tabler, Theron Wilson, Fredrick Hunter, Zavier Conkleton, Von Derrick Hamilton, Tymin Tomlinson, Not Pictured: LaDainian Britt, Sanaia Gulley, Halleigh Williams, Bill Carver, Katlin Erwin, Cayden Smith, Mack Anderson, Bryce Fricks, Reagan Ritter, Kaylee Markham, Baxton Luman, DeShawn Clardy & Randi Day.
Drive -Thru 4-H Rabies Clinic
The local 4-H group will host a drive-thru rabies clinic on Monday, May 2nd, through Saturday, May 7th. Each rabies shot given this week will be made as a donation to the 4-H clubs in this area. Appointments can be made throughout the week. For more information, call the De Queen Animal Hospital. Pictured at the bottom are Zae-Lei Frachiseur and Evan Walcott who came in your #1 Country Studios earlier Monday morning, April 17th, as well as your morning show cohosts, Greg Revels, Tyler Massey, and Patrick Massey.
Ashdown Student Receives Official SkillsUSA Red Jacket
SkillsUSA has awarded an official red jacket to Chloe Silva, a senior at Ashdown High School in Ashdown, AR as part of the Journey of a Jacket Program, thanks to the support of SkillsUSA sponsors and individual donors. SkillsUSA awarded 50 SkillsUSA jackets to SkillsUSA members in 17 states. This program invited SkillsUSA members from across the nation to apply to receive their own official jackets. To apply, the students submitted an essay plus a letter of recommendation from their SkillsUSA advisor.
DHS Biliteracy Seal 2023
Congratulations to these 26 DHS Spanish 4 students who recently earned the Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy for demonstrating proficiency in English and Spanish by high school graduation. These outstanding students are 26 of 716 Arkansas students from around the state who have earned this distinction. A student earns the Seal by demonstrating proficiency in English and another language. English proficiency can be demonstrated through ACT, Aspire, or Elpa scores and the Spanish
proficiency is demonstrated through a national exam for Spanish in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Pictured are F.R- L to R: Joaquin Ambriz, Gustavo Garcia, Suzana Castro, Wendy Victoriano, Jazmin Munguia, Samantha Fernandez, Jaqueline Martinez, Diana Martinez, and Hannah Marrufo M.R. Mrs. Jane Moore, Spanish teacher, Jan Aguilar, Amairany Ortiz, Cynthia Buenrostro, Yocelin Salazar, Margarita Alvarez Hernandez, Jennifer Cruz, Noelia Hernandez, Karla Castro B.R. Renzo Garcia, Abraham Martinez, Jonathan Mendez, Milagros Mejia, Marlene Cuevas, Giorgia Nava (foreign exchange student from Italy), and Genesis Godoy. Not pictured: John Viana and Abigail Gonzalez San-Juan.
Rotary Community Service Awards
My Little Kodi Bug Book Signing
Arkansas Broadcasters Association Internships
Jacob Bunyard and Jenny Higgins of Bunyard Broadcasting stopped by the DQTV Studio at De Queen High School on Tuesday, April 4th, to present internship checks to Ashlee McCullough and Dayanti Villeda. The internship is designed to give students an introduction to broadcasting. Pictured left to right are Dayanti Villeda, Jenny Higgins, Jacob Bunyard, Beau McCastlain, and Ashlee McCullough.
Golden Easter Egg #2 Found
Tiffany Wise of Wickes found Golden Egg #2 under some rocks at the King School House. She was rewarded a $250 check from your #1 Country Studios for finding the egg. Pick up your 3rd clue sheet from your sponsoring locations and stay tuned to hear clues for the final egg starting next Monday, April 3rd.
Wendy Victoriano Awarded Distinguished UCA Scholarship
De Queen Honor Graduate Wendy Victoriano has been awarded a $34,000 Distinguished Scholarship from the University of Central Arkansas. Wendy is the daughter of Yolanda and Adelaido Victoriano. She is President of Student Council, a member of National Honor Society and Spanish Club. Wendy is a Leopard cheerleader and participates in soccer, track and cross country. Her plans are to major in radiography.
Dogwood Days Festival
Mike Eudy stopped by your #1 Country Studios earlier Wednesday morning, March 29th, to talk about the upcoming Dogwood Days Festival. Mike is set up to perform at 4 pm. To watch the morning show and listen to his songs, you can visit our Facebook page. Pictured with Mike (right) is Greg Revels (left).
2024 Eclipse Meeting
Suzanne Babb stopped by your #1 Country Studios Friday morning, March 14th inviting the public to hear Arkansas Tourism 2024 Eclipse Coordinator Kim Williams share her presentation to assist Sevier County with the upcoming 2024 eclipse. The meeting will take place later today, March 17th, from noon- 1:30 pm in the Weyerhaueser Room at U of A Cossatot
Tressie Click Awarded UCA Academic Scholarship
Tressie Click, daughter of Craig and Holly Click, has been awarded a $26,000 Academic Achievement Scholarship from the University of Central Arkansas. Tressie is a 2023 De Queen High School Honor Graduate. She is a member of National Honor Society and Gifted and Talented. Tressie plans to major in Chemistry.
Nathan Patterson Awarded UCA Scholarship
Nathan Patterson, son of Brad and Laurel Patterson, has been awarded the University of Central Arkansas University Scholarship valued at $18,000. Nathan is a 2023 Honor Graduate at De Queen High School where he is involved in Leopard Basketball, golf and National Honor Society. He plans to major in accounting.
OBU Awards Belle Lindsey the President's Scholarship
De Queen 2023 Honor Graduate Annabelle Lindsey has been awarded the Ouachita Baptist University President's Scholarship valued at $76,000 and a $48,000 track scholarship. Belle is the daughter of Alisa and Jonathan Lindsey. She is a member of the Lady Leopard basketball team where she was recently named All_State. She also participates in track, NHS, FCS and GT. Belle's plans are to major in communication sciences and disorders. Her goal is to become a speech therapist.
Golden Gloves Winners from D-2 Boxing
3 local Boxers competed in the State Golden Gloves representing D-2 Boxing and Fitness and De Queen, Arkansas on Friday, March 10th, and Saturday, March 11th.
KDQN/DQTV Check Presentation
Sevier County 4-H at the Capitol
14 members of Sevier County 4-H attended the daylong festivities on Feb. 28 to learn about state government, meet legislators and share their 4-H experience. Participating members include Sy Collins, Michael Robinson, Kyle Williamson, Audrey Pradana, Jake Seymour, Ty Wagner, Alley Stinson, Katie Williamson, Evan Wolcott, Zae-Lei Frachiseur, Landen Wise, Rex Herring, Kimberly Frachiseur, and Janet Cantrell. To learn more about 4-H, contact Kimberly Frachiseur at the Sevier County Extension office at 870-584-3013.
Otis Kirk Visits De Queen Rotary Club
Otis Kirk visited the De Queen Rotary Club Monday afternoon, February 27th. He talked about the Razorback athletics with the club members. Pictured is Otis Kirk (left) and the Rotary President and De Queen Superintendent Jason Sanders (right). Photo by John James.
Gayla Youngblood Named Horatio Schools SuperIntendent
The Horatio School Board announced Gayla Youngblood as Superintendent for the Horatio School District for the 2023-2024 school year. Ms. Youngblood graduated from Wickes High School, completed her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Henderson State University and Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M Texarkana. She has been an educator in Southwest Arkansas for 29 years. To read more about Ms. Youngblood, visit our Local News Page.
Ashdown FFA Week
The Ashdown FFA Chapter visited your #1 Country Studios earlier Friday morning, February 24th, to talk about FFA Week. To learn more about their upcoming events, visit their Facebook page. Pictured are Rylee Youngblood, Lexie Neal, Caroline Wrinkle, Haylee Smith, and Anna Arnold.
De Queen FFA Week
The De Queen FFA Chapter stopped by your #1 Country Studios on Thursday, February 24th, to talk about FFA Week. To learn more about their upcoming events, you can visit their Facebook page.
Horatio Schools FFA Week
FFA Week continues as the Horatio Schools FFA Chapter Visited your #1 Country Studios on Wednesday, February 24th. To learn more about their upcoming events, visit their Facebook page. Pictured left to right are Kinlee Stivers, Blake Sawyer, and Megan Midgett.
Cossatot River School District FFA Week
The Cossatot River School District FFA Chapter stopped by your #1 Country Studios Tuesday morning, February 21st, to talk about FFA Week. To learn more about their upcoming events, you can visit their Facebook page. Pictured left to right are Rudy Arce, Scott Morgan, and Braylee Jewell.
Ashdown Public School Teachers of the Year
Ashdown Public Schools announced their teachers of the year. Mavis Patillo was named the Ashdown Elementary Teacher of the Year, Christy Turner was named Ashdown Jr. High Teacher of the Year, and Amy Silva was named Ashdown High School Teacher of the Year. Christy Turner was named 2022-2023 Ashdown Public Schools District School Teacher of the Year. You can read more about the winners on our Local News Page. Pictured are the winners left to right: Mavis Patillo, Christy Turner, and Amy Silva.
Ashdown FBLA
The following Ashdown High School Student competed in District IV Competition Tuesday, Feb. 4th at Henderson State University. District IV is made up of schools from 14 counties. They qualified for State Competition at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock on Feb 3-4.
Audrey Kate Bishop placed 2nd in Electronic Career Portfolio, Bannon Price placed 2nd in FBLA Leader, Rylee Youngblood placed 3rd in Public Speaking, Nataleigh Wharton placed 3rd in Intro to Public Speaking, Alexa Pena and Ella Bowman placed 3rd in Social Media Strategies, and Paiten Miller and Rylie Fyock placed 4th in Website Design.
De Queen Chamber of Commerce Banquet
Cheryl Hickson and ZZ Kamruddin of the De Queen Chamber of Commerce came by your #1 Country Studios earlier Wednesday morning, January 18th, to talk about the upcoming Chamber Banquet on Thursday, February 23rd. This year is a Vegas theme. For more information, you can contact the Chamber Office at 870-584-3225.
Shamar Easter Makes it Offical
The Ashdown Schools hosted a signing day ceremony for Shamar Easter on Thursday night, February 2nd, at 5 pm in the Administration Building. Shamar chose to sign with the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville over numerous other schools. Shamar becomes the third recent Ashdown Panther to play football with the Razorbacks joining Montaric Brown and Ladarrius Bishop. Shamar will be a TE or receiver for the Razorbacks. Pictured with Shamar (center) are the Voices of the Ashdown Panthers on 102.1 The Good Path, Darrell Coker (left) and Jim Cross (right).
Richard Bell Named New De Queen Leopard Head Football Coach
One of the most decorated Leopard Football players in DHS history, who helped lead the Leopard Football program to conference championships and a state title appearance, will now be leading the program as the new Leopard Head Football Coach and Athletic Director. The De Queen Public Schools announced the hiring of Richard Bell as the new De Queen High School Leopard Head Football Coach for the 2023-2024 school year. To read more about Coach Bell, please go to our Local News page.
Beau McCastlain Named De Queen High School Teacher of the Year
The 2023 De Queen High School Teacher of the Year is District Communications Director and DQTV Instructor Beau McCastlain, known around DHS as “Coach Mac”. Coach Mac puts his heart and soul into the DQTV program. His expertise, leadership, dedication, and passion for this program have made it successful! DQTV students praise Coach Mac for “coaching” them to be their best and being great role models in their life. The 1996 DHS graduate returned to the Leopard Family in 2011 and spent the next eight years serving as the Head Baseball Coach and Assistant Football Coach while teaching Civics at De Queen Junior High. In 2020, Coach McCastlain moved into his current role as Communications Director and teacher of the DQTV program at DHS. To read more about Beau, visit the local news page.
Alicia Tatum Named De Queen Elementary Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Alicia Tatum has been named the 2023 De Queen Elementary Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Tatum joined the Leopard family as a first-grade teacher at De Queen Primary. In the following years, she received a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on
English as a Second Language and taught ESL. Mrs. Tatum is currently teaching third grade at De Queen Elementary and enjoys her fellow third-grade teachers who she counts as family, and the excellent De Queen Elementary team as a whole.“ To read more about Alicia Tatum, visit our Local News page.
Ester Hendersohot Named De Queen Jr High Teacher of the Year
Esther Hendershot is the De Queen Jr. High “Teacher of the Year.” Esther is in her eighth year of teaching Spanish I to ninth through twelfth-grade students and her tenth year as an educator. Mrs. Hendershot came to De Queen in 2015 after teaching English for two years at Yerger Middle School in Hope. She is a 2006 graduate of De Queen High School. When she speaks of the staff and students at DJHS, she talks about the influence and support they have offered over the years. To read more about Ester Hendershot, visit our local news page.
Jill Smith Named De Queen Middle School Teacher of the Year
The 2023 De Queen Middle School Teacher of the Year is Mrs. Jill Smith. Mrs. Smith grew up in De Queen Public Schools and is a 1995 graduate of De Queen High School. After gaining her degree in computer networking, she returned to the Leopard hallways as a teacher at DQ Elementary. The same building where her journey as a Leopard began when she was ten years old. During her time at De Queen Elementary, Mrs. Smith gained her English as a Second Language (ESL) certification and developed a passion for working with ESL students. That passion continues as Mrs. Smith currently serves as the ESL teacher for De Queen Middle School. You can read more about Jill Smith by visiting our Local News Page.
Beverly Maxwell Named De Queen Primary School Teacher of the Year
Beverly Maxwell, an educator who has helped shape and mold thousands of lives during her 42 years of teaching, has been named the 2023 De Queen Primary Teacher of the Year. Beverly Maxwell currently teaches Kindergarten at De Queen Primary and has been an educational leader and mentor for teachers and students since joining the staff in 2014. To read more about Mrs. Maxwell, please visit our Local News Page.
Miss DHS Pageant 2023
Miss DHS Pagaent took place Saturday night, January 24th, at the DHS Auditorium and included a field of seven contestants. Charissa earned the Miss DHS title while first runner-up went to Wendy Victoriano and second runner-up to Jaide Tatum. Penelope Sims was named People’s Choice and Miss Congeniality went to Lizaneth Gutierrez. The Miss DHS Pageant is hosted each year by the De Queen High School Junior Class.
Pictured from left, 2023 Miss DHS Charissa Audrey Pradana, People’s Choice winner Penelope Sims, Second Runner-up Jaide Tatum, First Runner-up Wendy Victoriano, Ashley Hernandez, Presley Parson, and Miss Congeniality Lizaneth Gutierrez (photo by Saul Felipe/De Queen Public Schools).
De Queen School Board Hires New Assistant Principles
The De Queen Public Schools Board of Directors met in a regular session Monday, January 23rd. The board approved the hiring of Ryan Hanney as the new De Queen Junior High Assistant Principal and Jarrod Fannin as the new DHS Assistant Principal for the 2023-2024 school year. Hanney will fill the position vacated by Jeff Holcombe who was named the new DJHS Principal and Fannin will be working alongside the DHS administration team of Audrey Chandler and Murray Neely.
Dixie Youth Baseball
The Sevier County Resident Dixie Youth Baseball league will start back after spring break. You can sign up in the school Cut off date is February 17th, and the draft will begin Wednesday, February 26th. Needing coaches and umpires. Can find more information on Facebook or you can call 870-784-1716.
Lil' Skinny
Ethan Kuntz of Nashville, Tennessee, also known as Lil' Skinny stopped by your #1 Country Studios on Thursday morning, January 19th, to talk about his upcoming performance tonight at 7:30 pm at the Hopkins Ice House in Texarkana. There will be a $5 cover charge. Pictured are Tyler Massey and Greg Revels with Lil' Skinny.
Horatio First Assembly Church Men's Ministry Kingdom Warriors Fish Fry
Horatio First Assembly Church Men's Ministry Kingdom Warrior will hold a fish fry fundraiser on Saturday, February 4th from 11 am- 2 pm or til fish runs out. The fundraiser will be held in the J.L. Walker Fellowship Hall Corner of Blackhawk and Hazard St in Horatio. For more information, call (870) 823-5471, (870) 584-8051, or (903) 563-4236. Pictured are John Gutierrez and Ricky Hendricks who talked about the event.
De Queen Chamber of Commerce Banquet
Veronica Ozura and ZZ Kamruddin of the De Queen Chamber of Commerce came by your #1 Country Studios earlier Wednesday morning, January 18th, to talk about the upcoming Chamber Banquet on Thursday, February 23rd. This year is a Vegas theme. The Chamber is still accepting sponsorships before Friday, January 27th. There are only 8 spots left. For more information, you can contact the Chamber Office at 870-584-3225.
Cossatot Arts & Crafts Masquerade Ball
Nancy Youngblood and Aurelie Morren of the Cossatot Arts & Crafts stopped by at your #1 Country Studios Wednesday morning, January 18th, to talk about the upcoming Masquerade Ball on Saturday, February 11th, at 6:30 pm at the Cossatot Arts Center on King Schoolhouse Road in Gillham, Arkansas. There will be finger foods, dancing, and other entertainment. There will also be a memory photo booth. The ball is for adults only. Tickets are $75 a couple or $40 for individuals. You must purchase tickets in advance. RSVP to Reba at (318) 953-1918 or Nancy at (479) 216-1537. You can also RSVP online at cossatotartsandcrafts.com.
Miss DHS Pageant 2023
The DHS Junior Class is sponsoring the annual Miss DHS Pageant on Saturday, January 21st. The pageant will be held at the DHS Auditorium at 7:00 pm.
Contestants include Charissa Audrey Pradana, Penelope Sims, Jaide Tatum, Wendy Victoriano, Ashley Hernandez, Presley Parson, and Lizaneth Gutierrez Quintana.
Jeff Holcombe Named De Queen Junior High School Principal
The De Queen Public Schools Board of Directors named Jeff Holcombe the new De Queen Junior High principal for the 2023-2024 school year. Mr. Holcombe will be replacing Bill Huddleston who will be retiring after serving 13 years as DJHS Principal and 36 years with De Queen Public Schools. Mr. Holcombe has been working alongside Mr. Huddleston as the DJHS Assistant Principal and is currently in his 15th year as a school administrator. He is also a DHS Alum who has served as a teacher and counselor during his 27 years as an educator. The longtime Leopard says his new role will be a dream come true.