Razorback Connection Scholarship Awarded to Rusty Bermeo
Downtown Revitalization Highlighted at Rotary
At the April 27th De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, the chairperson of the nine-member Downtown De Queen Revitalization Committee Neva Abrisz discussed upcoming plans to improve the downtown area. Abrisz retired and moved to De Queen from Sulphur Springs, Texas two years ago, where she was involved with that city’s downtown revitalization project. Abrisz credited former Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Suzanne Babb for her work starting the revitalization project in late 2024 by completing an application process with the Main Street Arkansas program, a division of the Historic Preservation Commission. Representatives of the Main Street program visited downtown De Queen and came away impressed with the various architecture. The downtown area has now been classified as an historical district from the Masonic Lodge building east on De Queen Avenue to the pavilion, as well as around the courthouse square. The local sponsoring group for the downtown revitalization project is the FRIENDS organization, which established a $5,000 start-up fund for the downtown committee and allowed use of its 501C3 for grant applications and contributions. Having submitted a successful grant application with Main Street Arkansas for $7,500, the downtown committee plans to launch a string lighting project next month like what Dr. Jason Lofton has started at his clinic with lights stretching across De Queen Avenue to Amp Fitness and the East Room. The group plans to expand the string lighting west on De Queen Avenue to Third Street and south down the alley beside De Queen Medical Equipment next month. In the future, depending on grants and fundraisers, the group hopes to be able to extend the string lighting further west on De Queen Avenue as well as south on Third Street. The group hopes to partner with the Arkansas Main Street Program to offer mini grants in the amount of $1,000 to allow downtown business owners to improve their facilities.
Legacy Academy Spring Formal
Legacy Academy recently hosted its annual Spring Formal at the beautiful Avalon Keep Botanical Gardens, offering students and families an elegant evening of celebration, community, and purpose. The event brought together students and parents for a night filled with dancing, fellowship, and fun. It was especially meaningful to see families join in, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere throughout the evening. Guests also enjoyed an exceptional meal catered by Ms. Gilmore and the Legacy Hospitality Team. The event provides an intentional opportunity for older students to learn and practice the skills needed to navigate formal social settings with confidence and grace. From dining etiquette to respectful dancing and meaningful interaction, students experienced how to participate in social events in a way that is pure, joyful, and honoring.
Horatio Alger $25,000 Scholarship awarded to Michael Sparks
De Queen Rotary Academic Awards
The De Queen Rotary Club presented students ranging from sophomores to seniors at De Queen High School Academic Awards on Wednesday, April 22nd. The Rotary Club is 103 years old and has presented academic awards for over 20 years for academic achievement. Awards were presented as follows: DeNashia Briggins (English 10, Alondra Gomez (Advanced English 10), Mijael Perez (English 11), Mariana Ramirez (English 12), Louis Trinidad (Geometry), Savannah Miller (Algebra II), Geraldine Rafael (AP Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry), Rylee Vaught (AP Statistics), Tristan Marrufo (AP Calculus), Ethan Reed (College Algebra), Katherine Peppers (College Trigonometry), Olivia Kitchens (Quantitative Reasoning), Andrea Morales (Biology), Jeremiah Coto (AP Biology), Miguel Ahumada (Chemistry), Victor Sanchez (AP Chemistry), Marina Loma (Physics), Cristian Ramirez (US History), Victoria Saldivar (World History), Kimberly Hernandez (Spanish I), Leilani Alfaro (Spanish II), Marely Cuevas (Spanish III), and Elaine Tovar (Spanish IV).
OBU Founder's Scholarship awarded to De Queen Senior
De Queen High School Student Awarded Scholarship
De Queen Firefighter of the Year
The De Queen Firefighter of the Year award was presented to Jace Sims, who was unable to attend the program due to a personal matter. The award was presented and accepted on his behalf by De Queen Fire Chief Dennis Pruitt (left). The firefighters vote to decide who gets the award. Sims has served full-time with the De Queen Fire Department for more than five years after putting himself through the fire academy at his own cost. An EMT, he is continuing to advance his training and has expressed interest in attending dive school.
Sevier County Sheriff's Office Employee of the Year
The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Employee of the Year award was presented to Ana Mejia (left), who was introduced by Sheriff Robert Gentry (right). Gentry described her as the “glue” that keeps the department running smoothly. “Over the past seven years, she has grown into a critical member of the team, serving as a certified auxiliary officer and the department’s internet technician,” he said. She’s reliable and willing to respond at any hour, and that level of dedication is rare these days.”
Sevier County Firefighter of the Year
The De Queen Rotary Club held their Community Service Awards meeting on Monday, April 26th, at Micah 6:8. The Sevier County Firefighter of the Year award went to Ricky Hendricks (left) of the Central Fire Department. Sevier County Judge Sandra Dunn (right) introduced Hendricks, highlighting his decades of service after beginning as a volunteer firefighter at just 18 years old. Now serving as Assistant Fire Chief and Certified Training Officer, Hendricks is also an EMT and is known for being among the first to respond to emergency calls. Dunn also highlighted his involvement in veterans organizations, including serving as the current Commander of Post 54 of the American Legion.
Legacy Academy Hosts Annual Spring Follies, Showcasing Student Creativity and Community
Legacy Academy proudly presented its annual Spring Follies, a student-led variety show that brought together students and staff for an evening of joy, laughter, and creativity. Spring Follies is a longstanding tradition at Legacy, embodying the school’s philosophy of “Work Hard, Play Hard.” The event featured a wide range of performances including skits, music, dance, and student-produced video segments. Highlights from this year’s show included Bad Talent Show, Legacy Family Feud, Grab the Mic, News Desk, and a variety of teacher and student parodies. The evening reflected the collaborative spirit of the school, with lower-level classes performing skits, upper-level students contributing to a variety of acts, and the senior class closing the show. Students across all grade levels participated, taking on roles both on stage and behind the scenes. The event encourages creativity, teamwork, and service, while providing opportunities for students to grow in confidence and public speaking. It also fosters a strong sense of community, uniting students, faculty, and families in a shared experience. For more information about Legacy Academy and its programs, please visit legacywarriors.org.
Local Students Connect Classroom Learning to Real-World Experience with Chocolate Company
As part of their language arts curriculum, students at Legacy Academy have been reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl while also learning how to compose proper letters through Shurley English Grammar. This interdisciplinary approach allowed students to practice formal writing skills in an engaging and meaningful way by reaching out to real chocolate companies. Their efforts were rewarded when Russell Stover responded with an incredible opportunity. The company arranged a live video call with the head of their Research and Development department, Ms. Penney, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at how chocolates are created. In addition, the company generously sent boxes of chocolates for each student to enjoy.
UA Fort Smith awards $9500 to De Queen Senior
DHS Valedictorian receives prestigious U of A award
Rylee Vaught receives prestigious award from the U of A
De Queen Soccer Association Featured at Rotary
At the April 13th De Queen Rotary meeting at Micah 6:8, Club President Fernando Balderas presented a $600 contribution to representatives of the De Queen Soccer Association Franklin Bahena, Ramiro San Juan, and Alvaro Hernandez. The local organization sponsors a travel team named Prodigy Warriors with 21 players ranging from 12 to 14 years of age. There’s also a co-ed Rec Program locally with over 200 boys and girls participating ranging from ages three to thirteen with 24 different teams. The Rec Program typically practices twice a week, depending on the schedules of volunteer coaches, and competes in game action on Saturday mornings during the spring and fall. The Prodigy Warriors practice and compete practically year-round by traveling to weekend tournaments as far away as Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Dallas. Although there’s only one boys’ travel team in place now, the De Queen Soccer Association hopes to add more teams, including a girls’ travel team. The interest among the kids is there. The major obstacle is the cost. There are registration fees for each kid at the state level. Tournament entry fees can range as high as $1,000. That’s before the personal costs for a family to incur for meals and motels at weekend tournaments, some three-to-four hours away. The De Queen Soccer Association is all about providing a safe place for younger kids locally to practice and play the game that they love. Bahena, San Juan, and Hernandez were introduced by Club President Fernando Baldreas, who arranged the program.
Jake Martin Named Rotary Student of the Month
De Queen High School senior Jacob “Jake” Martin was named the May Student of the Month by the De Queen Rotary Club on Monday, April 13th. Jake Martin is a decorated athlete at De Queen High School. As the Rotary Cup co-recipient for the 2025 season, Jake earned all-conference honors all three seasons in his high school career. As the Leopards quarterback, Martin led the team in touchdowns his senior season. In basketball, Martin earned all-conference honors and was named Defensive MVP. He’s an all-conference catcher on the De Queen baseball team. Martin also excels in the classroom with a 4.08 GPA while earning 33 college credit hours. He’s a member of National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The son of Jennifer and Dr. Kenneth Martin, Jake is active in the First Baptist Church youth group and has participated in mission trips to Colorado and to Louisiana. After high school, Martin plans to attend Arkansas Tech University, majoring in chemistry, with a minor in biology. He then plans to go to graduate school to earn a doctorate in pharmacy.
Kathryn Cooley Named Rotary Student of the Month
De Queen High School seniors Kathryn “Katie” Cooley was named the April Student of the Month by the De Queen Rotary Club on Monday, April 13th. Katie is a member of the Future Farmers of America chapter at De Queen High School and has earned three Purple Circle Awards. She showed a two-time Grand Champion Chianina bull in 2024 and 2025, a Grand Champion Hereford bull, and a reserve Overall English bull in 2025 at the Arkansas State Fair. She has served as secretary of the FFA Chapter for the past two years. Cooley has been on the livestock judging team for five years, including three years at the state level, and plans to attend Rich Mountain Community College where she has received a scholarship to be a part of the livestock judging team. She plans to major in agriculture science. She is also a member of 4-H, where she serves as a teen leader, photographer, and reporter. The daughter of Annie and Josh Cooley, Katie is a member of Kern Heights Baptist Church. She has served her community by helping set up a petting zoo for students, sponsoring children through the Angel Tree program, and volunteering in various church activities.
Golden Easter Egg #3 Found
Julian Dorse found Golden Easter Egg #3 at the 4th Mile Marker on Union Valley Road. He came by your #1 Country Studios earlier Friday morning, April 10th, to pick up his prize of $250. Picture with Julian (left) is Bunyard Broadcasting's Jacob Bunyard (right). Thanks to everyone that participated in this year's Golden Easter Egg Hunt as well as our sponsors for making this year's event a success!
Azulenny Ponce is Rotary Crystal Award Recipient
The Rotary Crystal Award has been presented annually to the outstanding senior female athlete at De Queen High School since 2000. At Monday’s April 6th noon meeting of the club at Micah 6:8, Rotarian Tammy Huddleston presented the award for the 2025-2026 school year to Azulenny Ponce. Azulenny has earned Top Doubles, Top Singles, and the Lady Leopard Pride Award during her three-year tennis career at De Queen High School. She has competed in basketball for six years. As a member of the 2025 Lady Leopards state championship team, Azulenny was named the Most Improved Player. Ponce is also a four-year starting goalkeeper for the Lady Leopards soccer team, earning all-conference honors the past three seasons. Azulenny currently serves as president of the Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, and the Technology Student Association, where she’s a three-time state champion in Photographic Technology. She’s the vice-president of National Honor Society and has over 40 hours of community service. Ponce was the first runner-up in this year’s Miss D.H.S. pageant. She’s an active member of the First Baptist Church youth group and has participated in mission trips to Colorado and New Orleans. After graduation in May, Ponce plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas in Conway to pursue a major in Business Marketing and a minor in Entrepreneurship, followed by earning a master’s degree in business. Azulenny’s career goal is to work in sports media marketing or become a marketing manager. In addition, she plans to obtain her esthetician license and open her own business
UCA Awards $26000 to Rayleigh Farley
Scholarship Awarded to De Queen High School Senior
Golden Easter Egg #2 Found
Joshua Downing of De Queen found Golden Easter Egg #2 under the 2nd rock at the big parking lot at the Marina near Stephen's Gap in Broken. Joshua came by your #1 Country Studios on Thursday, April 2nd, to pick up his $250 check for his prize. Clue sheets are going to our sponsors on Friday, April 3rd, and the clues for the final Easter Egg will begin on Monday, April 6th. Pictured with Joshua (left) is Bunyard Broadcasting's Jacob Bunyard (right).
Gabe Holmstrom Speaks to De Queen Rotary Club about Issue 3
Arkansas voters will decide this November on Issue 3 – a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at expanding economic development tools for communities across the state. The measure would allow lawmakers to create economic development programs, including local “economic development districts,” where cities and counties could offer incentives to attract businesses, housing and other projects. Gabe Holmstrom (left) works on behalf of Arkansas for Strong Communities, the ballot title measure campaign led by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce which hopes to see Issue 3 pass this fall. Holmstrom says Arkansas is currently at a disadvantage compared to neighboring states without more options for public-private partnerships. Holmstrom says at the end of the day the proposal is designed to give local communities more control. Holmstrom says those districts could look different depending on the needs of each community. He says the amendment would not raise taxes, but instead use new revenue generated by development projects. Supporters argue the measure could help address issues like lack of grocery access, housing shortages and vacant properties, especially in rural areas. They also point to examples where Arkansas communities have lost out on projects to neighboring states. If approved, the amendment would not fund specific projects right away, but would give state and local leaders the ability to create programs in the future. Holmstrom said the amendment is ultimately about giving Arkansas communities the ability to compete. Grant spoke at the De Queen Rotary Club at the club's weekly meeting on Monday, March 30th, after visiting your #1 Country Studios. Pictured with Gabe is Bunyard Broadcasting's Jay Bunyard (right).
Golden Easter Egg #1 Found
Kris found KDQN's 1st Golden Easter Egg just 2 days of searching, thanks to some help from friends and staff members. Egg #1 was hidden at the Overlook at Gillham Lake, duct taped under the taller of the two water fountains by the bathrooms, not visible to the naked eye. Good detective work combined with collaboration earned success and a $250 check from The KDQN Studios payable to Kris Downing. The clue sheet for Egg #1 had been designed as a fill-in-the-blank style flyer, whereas the Morning Brew hosts would give the “word” for that day's clue. Egg #2 Hunt starts Monday. Get your clue sheets at participating sponsors beginning on Friday of this week: McCurtain County (Sage & Stone Boutique, Gasquatch, Hochatown Rescue Center & Petting Zoo, Papa Poblanos, Parts House, GI Surplus, Johnna's Petals & More Flower Shop, Guacamole Brothers, and State Line Beer To Go), in Sevier County (Michaels Mexican Grill in Horatio, TJs, Flooring Outfitters, Sevier County Co Op and Fuel Station, Harris Drug and Gifts, Hot Tails Crawfish #3, H&R Block, Froglevel Range, Resendiz Garden Center / Think Coffee, Bakers Napa, SWARK Liquor, De Queen Auto Group, and Cactus Plaza), and in Little River County (Horatio State Bank Ashdown). Bunyard Broadcasting's Jenny Higgins (left) presented Kris (right) his check on Wednesday, March 25th.
Buenrostro Discusses Community Role at Rotary
At the March 23rd De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, Erika Buenrrostro (right), the Director of Student Success and Enrichment/Latino Outreach Liaison at U of A Cossatot talked about her personal experiences, her work at the college, and her motivation with Rotary. Growing up in an undocumented home where her father served as a co-pastor proved to be a challenge. Living in uncertainty while having to navigate various systems challenged Erika to work twice as hard to succeed. But her father’s heart for service has made a lasting impact on her life. Now as a mother, she’s instilling that heart for service in her teenaged son Edson (left). He accompanies her to feed families facing food insecurity as well as helping children living in vehicles feel like they belong. In her role at U of A Cossatot, Buenrrostro leads the Center for Student Success and oversees food pantries on four campuses. She writes grant applications to keep both running. Buenrrostro, named one of the top 100 women in Arkansas by a statewide publication two years ago and recently named an Honoree for VIDA Awards hosted by AVANZA Arkansas, has partnered her local business, Edsari Integrated Services, with organizations like AVANZA and the Mexican Consulate to bring needed resources to residents of Southwest Arkansas. As a Rotarian, Buenrrostro is serving a three-year term as the District Governor’s Assistant working with various clubs in our area. She joined Rotary because she loves what Rotary is doing in our community and around the world. In an observation from a recent Rotary seminar, Buenrrostro said that happy, engaged members build strong clubs. Buenrrostro was introduced by club president Fernando Balderas, who arranged the program.
Webb updates Rotary on storms, emergency response efforts
De Queen Rotary Club members received an update on recent severe weather and emergency response efforts during their weekly meeting Monday, March 16, with Sevier County Emergency Management Coordinator Matt Webb as the guest speaker. Webb, who also serves as the county’s 911 coordinator, fire service coordinator, floodplain manager and safety coordinator, discussed the impact of recent winter weather and ongoing efforts to improve emergency communication across the county. Following the March 3 primary elections, Webb is also set to take office as Sevier County Judge on Jan. 1, 2027. Focusing first on January’s winter storm, Webb said the system caused significant damage across Sevier County, particularly within the poultry industry. He reported that 32 chicken houses were damaged, with total losses estimated between $10 million and $15 million. Additional damage included carports and outbuildings. He noted that a number of damaged and destroyed structures were not insured due to their age. Ice accumulation and limited equipment made road clearing difficult. Webb also addressed severe weather threats, including high winds and tornadoes, referencing storms that moved through the region this past Sunday, March 15. He reminded residents that outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert those within roughly a 10-mile radius when a tornado has been sighted or rotation has been detected. He encouraged residents to take immediate precautions when sirens sound and to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially during overnight hours. Webb also discussed the county’s new alert system, Regroup Emergency Alert Platform, noting that while the service has experienced some issues since its implementation, improvements are being made to enhance reliability and user accessibility. The system provides notifications for severe weather, road closures and other public safety information, and can be customized based on user preferences, including language options. During a question-and-answer session, Webb noted that while the county has explored the use of storm cameras, ongoing subscription and connectivity costs remain a challenge. He also clarified that tornado warning sirens are owned and maintained by individual cities as they are typically located within city limits.
Bunyard Broadcasting Presents Checks to DQTV and to Student Interns
Bunyard Broadcasting representatives Jay Bunyard, Jacob Bunyard, Jennifer Higgins, and Toney Stowers presented a $2,040 check to DQTV Instructor Tiffany Williamson on March 10th for advertising revenues earned during the recent basketball season. In addition, $595 checks were presented to student interns Katie Williamson and Allison Quiroz from the Arkansas Broadcasters Association Internship Program for their work on the video production of the football broadcasts. The partnership combines the radio play-by-play called by Toney Stowers and Greg Revels with the DQTV-produced video so that Leopards fans can watch select basketball games through You Tube and other online media outlets. Bunyard Broadcasting and DQTV thank our 2025-2026 school-year sponsors for making this award-winning public-private partnership possible. They include Southwest Arkansas Accounting Services, De Queen Abstract Company, Jorge Rivas Garage and Wrecker Service, De Queen Auto Group, Air-Evac Life Team, First State Insurance, Hochatown Rescue Center and Petting Zoo, Flooring Outfitters, San Juan’s Automotive, Simply Chiropractic, and Southern Home Furniture & Interiors.
Code Inspector/Assistant Fire Chief Speaks at Rotary
At the March 9th De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, De Queen Assistant Fire Chief and Code Enforcement Officer Jay Litchford discussed the Fire Department and his various other duties with the City of De Queen. A licensed inspector for 13 years, Litchford oversees training, building codes, and permitting for the city. Litchford pointed out that the codes are the same inside the city as well as outside the city. However, inspections aren’t conducted very often outside the city. Litchford advised using licensed contractors for work around your home. The local fire department currently has 22 firemen, including five full-time firefighters on duty from 8 A.M. until 12 Midnight. The department responds to between 250 and 300 calls per year. If you receive a monthly water bill from the city, then your residence receives free fire protection from the De Queen Fire Department. A fire coverage membership for residences not on city water costs $100 annually. The current I.S.O. rating for the City of De Queen is three. That compares to a range of six-to-eight some ten years ago. As a community service, the De Queen Fire Department provides and installs smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in homes. There are nine fire departments in Sevier County. A mutual aid agreement is in place among the nine departments. Litchford (right) was introduced by Veronica Ozura (left), who arranged the program.
Rotary Student of the Month
De Queen High School senior Katherine Peppers was named the March Student of the Month by the De Queen Rotary Club. Katherine, the daughter of Steven and Margaret Peppers, is a member of National Honor Society, FFA, and the Technology Student Association. As a freshman, Katherine was a member of the archery team, where she received several awards, including Rookie of the Year and induction into the 50 Point Club. She also was a member of the cheer team from the ninth through the 11th grade. Katherine is a member of Old Center Church and participates in the First Baptist youth group, where she attends weekly bible studies and helps serve the community by participating in Bingo at the local nursing home every other month. She’s also active in the De Queen Homemakers group, where she’s involved in supporting community activities. In May, Katherine will graduate with her associate’s degree through the Leopard Launch program, earning a total of 51 college credit hours. Katherine’s future plans include attending Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, where she plans to major in plant science. SAU has already awarded her the prestigious Blue and Gold Scholarship.
Light the City
Light the City will have an informational meeting on Sunday, March 8th, at 6 pm at the old Mary and Martha Building located near the Sevier County Fairgrounds. Light refreshments will be served. This will be a night of vision, faith, and partnership. The meeting will give plans for the future and have some kids leading activities. Pictured left to right are Angela Matthews, Nick Matthews, and Tonya Wolcott, who came in your #1 Country Studios earlier Friday morning, March 6th, to talk about the event.