Sevier County voters to decide several local races this November    10/7/26

DE QUEEN – The voter registration deadline has passed for Arkansans hoping to cast a ballot in next month’s General Election, and Sevier County voters will have several contested races to decide when they head to the polls.

Monday, Oct. 5, was the deadline to register for the Nov. 3 General Election. The normal 30-day deadline fell on Sunday this year, moving the actual deadline to Monday under state law.

According to the official Notice of Election prepared by the Sevier County Election Commission, voters will see a mix of federal, statewide and local races along with four statewide ballot issues.

Locally, four races are contested, including three seats on the Sevier County Quorum Court.

In Justice of the Peace District 3, Republican Matthew Satterfield faces Democrat Cynthia Mickle.

The race for Justice of the Peace District 8 pits Republican Benny Simmons against independent Daniel Martinez.

In Justice of the Peace District 9, Republican Jeff Wahls faces Libertarian Walter L. Deshazo.

Sevier County’s other contested municipal race is for mayor of Horatio, where independents Coy Arnold and Benjamin Morgan Smith are seeking the office.

Most other county and municipal offices are uncontested this year.

Among them, Republican Matthew Webb is unopposed for Sevier County Judge, Republican Chad Dowdle for Sheriff and Collector, Republican Renea Bailey for County Clerk, Democrat Kathy Smith for Circuit Clerk, Republican Sheila Ridley for Assessor, Democrat Heather Barnes for Treasurer and Republican Tanner Bryan for Coroner.

In De Queen, Mayor Jeff Brown is unopposed for another term, as is City Clerk-Treasurer Heather Bruce. The city’s three alderman positions appearing in the election are also uncontested.

The mayors of Gillham, Ben Lomond and Lockesburg are likewise unopposed.

Several major statewide and federal races will also be contested.

Republican U.S. Senator Tom Cotton faces Democrat Hallie Shoffner and independent Jeff Wadlin. In Arkansas’ Fourth Congressional District, Republican Congressman Bruce Westerman faces independent James “Rus” Russell III.

The governor’s race features Republican incumbent Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Democratic State Senator Fred Love and independent Colt Shelby.

Republican Lieutenant Governor Leslie Rutledge faces independent Michael Kalagias.

Three candidates are running for Secretary of State: Republican State Senator Kim Hammer, Democrat Kelly Grappe and independent Michael Pakko. Republican Secretary of State Cole Jester is running for Commissioner of State Lands against independent Christopher Olson.

Other state and district offices appearing on the Sevier County ballot are uncontested, including Attorney General Tim Griffin, State Treasurer John Thurston, Auditor Dennis Milligan, State Senator Jimmy Hickey Jr. and State Representative DeAnn Vaught.

Voters will also decide four statewide ballot issues. Those include constitutional amendments concerning citizenship requirements for voting, the right to keep and bear arms and economic development districts. A fourth issue asks voters whether to authorize up to $500 million in state general obligation bonds for water, waste disposal, pollution control, irrigation, flood control and other water-related projects.

Early voting in Sevier County begins Monday, Oct. 19, which is also the statewide opening date for early voting.

According to the county election notice, early voting will be held at the De Queen Community Building in Herman Dierks Park. Voting will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays Oct. 19-23 and Oct. 26-30; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays Oct. 24 and Oct. 31; and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, with polls open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The county will operate vote centers in De Queen, Ben Lomond, Lockesburg, Horatio and Gillham, and voters from any Sevier County precinct may cast their ballot at any county vote center.

Arkansas voters can also use the state’s VoterView system to verify their registration information ahead of Election Day.

Property tax deadline is a week away    10/7/26

DE QUEEN – Sevier County residents have just over a week remaining to pay their personal and real property taxes without facing a penalty.

Sevier County Sheriff and Collector Robert Gentry is reminding taxpayers that Thursday, Oct. 15, is the deadline to pay personal and real property taxes without penalty.

To accommodate taxpayers ahead of the deadline, the Sevier County Tax Collector’s Office is offering extended hours through Oct. 15. The office will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and will remain closed on Saturdays.

Payments may be made in person at the Tax Collector’s Office, located at 115 N. Third St., Room 112, in the Sevier County Courthouse. Taxpayers may also pay online through ACT Data Scout.

A drop box is also available for payments. Those using the drop box should include their tax statement and an email address to receive a receipt electronically, or include a self-addressed stamped envelope to receive a receipt by mail. Residents are asked not to place cash in the drop box.

Following the Oct. 15 deadline, the Collector’s Office will be closed Oct. 16-21 while staff prepares the delinquent tax list.

For additional information, taxpayers may contact the Sevier County Tax Collector’s Office at (870) 642-2127.

Once a Leopard, always a Leopard: Brad Patterson    10/7/26

DE QUEEN – For Brad Patterson, being a De Queen Leopard is more than a connection to his alma mater. It’s a bond that has shaped his life, influenced his career and now inspired him to give back to the school district that helped make it all possible.

A 1994 graduate of De Queen High School, Patterson has experienced the district from many perspectives: as a student, a football player, a parent and now a member of the De Queen School Board.

Along the way, he has watched three of his four children graduate from De Queen, seen two return as teachers and witnessed his youngest son follow in his footsteps onto the football field.

For Patterson, those connections make his service on the school board especially meaningful.

“I feel like it’s something that I needed to do because the school system in De Queen has had so much influence in not only my life, but my family’s lives,” Patterson said. “I just really am appreciative of De Queen schools.”

Patterson’s connection to Leopard athletics began back in high school, when football offered him opportunities that would ultimately help shape his future.

An offensive right guard and defensive tackle, Patterson played both sides of the ball during an era when De Queen competed as a Class 2A school.

He was a member of the memorable 1993 Leopard squad that lost just one regular-season game before advancing to the state semifinals. De Queen’s season ended with a loss to Dollarway, which went on to capture the state championship.

“We had a good year,” Patterson recalled.

Among his favorite memories was defeating longtime rival Nashville on the Scrappers’ home field during their homecoming game his senior year.

Although he enjoyed other sports, Patterson eventually discovered that football was where he belonged. He remembers former coach Bob Sykes, who coached the offensive and defensive lines, pulling him aside following his sophomore baseball season.

“He said, ‘I appreciate you coming out, but I think your time is better spent in offseason football,’” said Patterson with a laugh.

The advice proved worthwhile.

Patterson’s success on the gridiron helped him earn an opportunity to continue playing at Ouachita Baptist University under legendary coach Buddy Bob Benson.

His introduction to college football came sooner than expected. When the player ahead of him suffered an injury, Patterson found himself in the starting lineup just two or three games into his freshman season.

“It was a really quick introduction into college sports,” he laughed.

Looking back, Patterson believes football provided much more than an opportunity to compete.

He admits that, as a young student, he had given relatively little thought to his future. The guidance of his coaches and the opportunities football created helped change that.

“Had I not been decent at football and listened to some of the coaches and done the things I did with football, I don’t know if my life would have gone the way it has because it opened up opportunities for me,” he said.

That experience continues to influence his appreciation for school athletics.

“Sports are a big—I love sports because they can provide kids and give them structure,” Patterson said. “It is an amazing thing to be able to participate in sports and learn teamwork.”

Today, Patterson is an advanced practice nurse specializing in family practice. He has spent the past eight years working with Dr. Walker’s office in De Queen, serving patients in the same community where he grew up.

Patterson’s family ties to De Queen Schools stretch back generations. His father graduated from De Queen in 1972, followed by Patterson in 1994. He and his wife, Laurel, have continued that tradition with their four children.

Three have graduated from De Queen High School, and two have returned to the district as educators.

His daughter, Katelyn Patterson, teaches English and journalism and helped produce last year’s school yearbook. His son, Matthew, teaches mathematics.

Another son, Nathan, is scheduled to graduate from the University of Central Arkansas in December with an accounting degree.

Meanwhile, the youngest Patterson, Landon, is a seventh grader at De Queen and is already carrying on the family’s football tradition.

After decades of involvement with De Queen Schools as a student and parent, Patterson added another connection to the district earlier this year.

In June, he was appointed to represent Zone 4 on the De Queen School Board, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of longtime board member Dr. Kenneth Martin.

Patterson was selected during the board’s June 8 meeting from three applicants seeking the position.

At the time of his appointment, Superintendent Jason Sanders welcomed Patterson’s perspective as both a district graduate and the parent of current and former De Queen students.

Patterson said his decision to serve came from a desire to repay a school system that has contributed so much to his family’s life.

His new responsibilities have also given him a greater appreciation for the work that goes into operating a public school district.

Having previously served on the hospital board during efforts to construct the Sevier County Medical Center, Patterson was already familiar with some of the responsibilities of public service. However, he admits the school board has presented a different set of challenges.

“It’s a lot more complicated than I really, truly thought,” he said.

“You don’t realize the effort that it takes to keep a school district going and the time and energy that so many people put in just to make this place run.”

Patterson said the district’s smooth daily operations can make the enormous amount of work taking place behind the scenes easy to overlook.

“You think everything runs so smoothly that it must be easy,” he said. “But it takes a lot of energy and effort.”

Although the position requires a considerable investment of personal time, Patterson considers it an opportunity to contribute to an institution that has given his family so much.

Nearly 33 years after helping lead De Queen to the state semifinals, Patterson remains an enthusiastic supporter of Leopard football.

With his youngest son now playing seventh-grade football, Patterson has another opportunity to experience the sport that helped shape his own life, this time from the sidelines as a proud father.

And with his new role on the school board, he hopes to help ensure that future generations of De Queen students have access to the same opportunities that once made such a difference for him.

From the football field to the medical clinic, from raising a family of Leopards to serving on the school board, Patterson’s life has remained closely connected to the community and school district he calls home.

For Patterson, giving back is simply the next chapter in a lifelong relationship with De Queen Public Schools.

Sevier County 4-H builds future leaders through service, skills and tradition    10/7/26

DE QUEEN – For generations of young people in Sevier County, the familiar green four-leaf clover has represented a world of opportunity.

It has meant summer camp, cooking and sewing. It has meant forestry, fishing, photography and public speaking. It has meant learning to lead a meeting, helping a neighbor after a disaster and developing the confidence to stand in front of a crowd.

National 4-H Week provides an opportunity to recognize a youth organization that has maintained a significant presence in Sevier County while continually expanding the opportunities available to local young people.

Sevier County 4-H is administered through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. The local program is led by Sevier County Extension 4-H Agent Kim Frachiseur, with Rex Herring serving as county Extension staff chair.

While agriculture remains an important part of 4-H, today’s program encompasses a remarkably broad range of interests.

Local members can develop skills or compete in areas including forestry, livestock judging, gun safety, fashion, public speaking, cooking, gardening, fishing and baitcasting, among many others. Arkansas 4-H serves youth from ages 5 through 19, with younger members participating as Cloverbuds before advancing into junior and senior programs.

The emphasis is on learning by doing, giving young people an opportunity not only to study a skill but to practice it, compete in it and eventually teach it to others.

Perhaps one of the most consistent themes in Sevier County’s 4-H history is community service.

Local members have repeatedly responded when others needed help, both nearby and hundreds of miles away.

In 2017, members of the Lakeside 4-H Club collected a trailer load of clothing, canned food and other supplies for flood victims in Pocahontas, more than 280 miles from De Queen. The club had previously collected donations for tornado survivors in Moore, Oklahoma in 2013 and Mayflower and Vilonia, Arkansas in 2014.

That tradition has continued through local projects as well.

Sevier County 4-H’ers have helped local organizations bring Christmas to hundreds of local children, with more than $50,000 in donated assistance distributed through projects that included Christmas 911, Shop with a Biker, Shop with a Cop, and the club’s annual Angel Tree program.

At the 2026 District 4-H O’Rama, Sevier County received the District Community Service Award for the second consecutive year. The county delegation also received the District Attendance Award and was named the District Spirit Award honoree for its sportsmanship, attitude and representation of 4-H values.

One local 4-H member’s commitment to service eventually earned one of the highest distinctions available in Arkansas 4-H.

In 2023, Sevier County’s Ethan Wolcott was inducted into the Arkansas 4-H Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for a member demonstrating exceptional achievement, commitment and service.

Wolcott had joined 4-H in 2011 and went on to become a Teen Star, Arkansas 4-H Ambassador, camp counselor and two-time finalist for the 4-H Governor’s Award.

He and his father, Chris, also established the Community Changers 4-H Club, built specifically around community service.

Among Wolcott’s projects was the “Be Cool Stay Cool” Fan Drive. The idea grew from his realization that some senior citizens might not have adequate cooling during the summer. 

The effort ultimately provided 94 fans for local senior citizens.

Following his Hall of Fame selection, Wolcott said he hoped to continue “helping my community and sharing 4-H with others.”

That tradition of achievement is continuing with another generation of Sevier County 4-H members.

Four local youth – Leighton Frachiseur, Haylee Hernandez, Remington Hopper and Landen Wise – were selected as Arkansas 4-H Teen Stars in 2026.

Teen Star recognition honors outstanding achievement in projects and activities, leadership and community service. It is also an important step in Arkansas 4-H’s leadership program. Teen Stars can later become eligible for selection as Arkansas 4-H Ambassadors and, eventually, state officers.

Sevier County also enjoyed an exceptional showing during District 4-H O’Rama this summer.

Local senior members placed in activities ranging from family and consumer sciences and forestry to fashion, food preparation, gun safety, health, veterinary science, fishing and baitcasting.

Junior members earned honors in fashion, livestock identification, instrumental performance, veterinary science, animal science, health, public speaking and other categories.

The accomplishments continued at the state level.

Five Sevier County members were named Advanced Record Book winners in 2026: Raegan Frachiseur in General Agriculture, John Moe in Health and Fitness, Ruby Hopper in Food Nutrition and Food Preparation, Katie Williamson in Family Consumer Science and Chip Stamps in Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Management.

Each earned a $1,500 sponsorship to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta.

Two more Sevier County 4-H members received college scholarships this year. Kyle Williamson received a $2,000 John W. White Scholarship, while Jacob Seymour received a $2,000 Arkansas 4-H License Plate Scholarship.

Those honors followed another particularly strong year in 2024, when nine Sevier County members were named Arkansas 4-H Teen Stars and Kyle Williamson was selected as one of just 30 Arkansas 4-H State Ambassadors.

Some of the strongest evidence of the program’s impact can be seen when older 4-H members begin teaching younger children.

That was on display this spring during Arbor Day in the Park at Herman Dierks Park in De Queen. The annual event brought approximately 250 to 300 Sevier County fifth-graders through a dozen educational kiosks focused on trees, forestry and natural resources.

Sevier County 4-H Teen Leaders led two stations themselves and assisted with several others.

Frachiseur said the event allows 4-H members to serve as role models while building their own confidence, responsibility and communication skills.

It also connects youth with an industry that remains important to the local economy.

“We want them to enjoy it while also beginning to understand just how important forestry is to our county,” Frachiseur said.

Other programs continue to emphasize skills that young people can carry into adulthood.

For example, Sevier County 4-H offered a cooking school and hands-on sewing workshop. Participants learned kitchen safety, nutrition and basic cooking skills while preparing breakfast foods including biscuits and homemade jam. 

More than a century after the foundation of 4-H, Frachiseur said at September’s meeting of the Sevier County Quorum Court that the program’s mission remains the same: “…helping young people discover what they can do, giving them opportunities to do it and eventually asking them to use those abilities to help someone else.”

Those interested in learning more about Sevier County 4-H, joining a club or volunteering with the program can contact the Sevier County Cooperative Extension Service at 870-584-3013. The Extension office is located at 183 College Drive in De Queen.

Horatio Lions place fifth in State 2A Golf Tournament    10/7/26

HORATIO – The Horatio Lions closed out their golf season Tuesday with a fifth-place finish at the Class 2A Boys State Golf Tournament.

The Lions competed against the state’s top Class 2A teams at Diamondhead Country Club on Oct. 6. Horatio entered the tournament after finishing as district runner-up earlier this season.

While fifth place was not the finish the team had hoped for, coaches praised the Lions for their hard work throughout the season and said Tuesday’s challenges would provide lessons and motivation heading into next year.

The tournament capped a strong postseason for the Horatio golf program. The Lady Lions recently finished as the Class 2A State Runner-Up after winning their third consecutive district championship. Horatio’s Abigail Turner also earned individual state runner-up honors at the girls state tournament.

The boys’ fifth-place state finish brings the 2026 golf season to a close for Horatio, with coaches expressing pride in the players’ effort, accomplishments and support for one another throughout the year.

De Queen basketball hosting fundraiser dinner in October    10/7/26

DE QUEEN – De Queen Senior High Basketball is offering grilled chicken sandwich meals later this month to raise money for the Leopard and Lady Leopard programs.

The fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30. Meals are $10 each and include a grilled chicken sandwich, chips, dessert and bottled water. Proceeds will help purchase warm-up gear and support tournament expenses.

Lunch will be available by pre-order only from 11 a.m. to noon that day at the De Queen High School baseball and softball field concession stand. Delivery will be available for orders of five or more.

Dinner meals will be sold at Bill Blackwood Stadium beginning at 5 p.m. ahead of that evening’s football game and will remain available until sold out. Those who pre-order dinner meals must pick them up by 5:45 p.m.

All orders are due by Oct. 20. Orders can be placed online by scanning the QR code on the fundraiser flyer or in person through a Leopard or Lady Leopard basketball player or manager.

For more information, contact Coach Burgess at (870) 784-4054 or Coach Lyle at (870) 584-6889.

Today is deadline to register to vote in Nov. General Election    10/5/26

DE QUEEN – Today is the deadline for Arkansans to register to vote in next month’s General Election.

Voters who are not already registered have through today, Monday, Oct. 5, to submit a voter registration application ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

More than 1.8 million Arkansans are registered to vote. This year’s ballot includes municipal, state and federal races.

Arkansas does not offer online voter registration, so residents must complete and submit a paper application. Forms are available through county clerk offices, revenue and DMV offices, public libraries and several other government agencies. Applications can also be printed through the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.

To register, a person must be a U.S. citizen, an Arkansas resident and at least 18 years old by Election Day. Certain restrictions apply to people with felony convictions whose sentences have not been discharged or pardoned.

Those who have already registered are encouraged to confirm their status through the state’s VoterView system. The website also allows voters to view sample ballots and find polling locations.

Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 19, and continues through Nov. 2.

Polls will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Anyone in line by 7:30 that evening will be allowed to vote.

Garza pleads not guilty to murder charge    10/5/26

DE QUEEN – A Sevier County man accused in the August death of 67-year-old Gregorio Pantoja has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.

Thirty-five-year-old Roy Garza entered the plea during his arraignment Oct. 1 in the Sevier County Circuit Court. Bond was set at $850,000, and Garza remains in the Sevier County Jail. He is scheduled to return to court next March.

The case dates back to Aug. 26, when Pantoja was found dead near a van where he had been living on Robinson Loop Road, just north of De Queen.

Investigators allege Pantoja’s injuries were consistent with either being struck by a vehicle or severely beaten. Authorities later connected evidence from the scene to a vehicle involved in a crash on Robinson Loop the previous evening.

According to the arrest affidavit, investigators reported finding vehicle parts at Pantoja’s property that appeared to match parts missing from that vehicle. A subsequent search also reportedly uncovered a tire iron with what appeared to be blood and hair on it.

Authorities said the physical evidence was not consistent with an accidental collision, and Garza was subsequently arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder.

Arkansans encouraged to participate in Earthquake Drill    10/5/26

NORTH LITTLE ROCK – Thousands of Arkansans will drop to the ground, take cover and hold on later this month, all in preparation for an earthquake officials hope never comes.

International ShakeOut Day is set for Thursday, Oct. 15, with the annual earthquake drill scheduled for 10:15 a.m. Schools, businesses, families and other organizations are encouraged to participate by practicing the three basic steps recommended when an earthquake strikes: “Drop, Cover and Hold On.”

More than 29,000 Arkansans have already registered for this year’s exercise. They will join about 1.4 million participants across the Central United States and more than 50 million worldwide.

Although Arkansas may not immediately come to mind as earthquake country, state emergency officials say the threat is real.

The state has recorded a number of earthquakes this year, many associated with the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The seismic zone extends through portions of the central Mississippi Valley and has a history of producing powerful earthquakes.

Emergency officials say a major earthquake in the region could cause significant damage, particularly in eastern and central Arkansas. That makes preparation important even though damaging earthquakes occur far less frequently than other natural hazards faced by the state.

The ShakeOut drill is designed to give participants a chance to practice how they would respond when shaking begins. Officials recommend immediately dropping to hands and knees, taking cover beneath a sturdy desk or table when possible and holding on until the shaking stops.

Organizers also encourage participants to use the drill as an opportunity to review family or workplace emergency plans, check disaster supply kits and secure furniture and other objects that could fall during an earthquake.

Participation in the ShakeOut is free and open to individuals, families, schools, businesses and organizations. Registration and additional earthquake preparedness information are available through the Great ShakeOut website.

Ashdown overcomes Genoa 26-20 in hardfought contest    10/5/26

GENOA – The Ashdown Panthers went on the road to battle the Genoa Central Dragons in a 7-4A Conference matchup Friday night.  It was the tale of two halves; Genoa won the first half 20 to 6 behind 210 yards rushing, but the Panthers stormed back to win the second half 20 to 0 with 181 second half passing yards on their way to a 26 to 20 hard fought victory. 

Shooter Johnson threw for 292 yards and four touchdowns.  The offensive line consisting of Carter Thrash, Bryce Seymour, Coy Bailey, Sam Scroggins and Jacayden Mitchell gave Johnson plenty of time to throw.  Bryson French had a night to remember with 10 catches for 228 yards and four touchdowns. 

   

Defensively, Mario Lewis, Luke Gill, Ethen Warner, Logan Erwin and Braden Erwin and Wesley Northcross were standouts.  The Panthers held the Dragons to only 23 yards in total offense during the second half.  The victory pushes the Panthers to 3 and 2 overall with a conference record to 2 and 0. 

The Panthers go on the road to battle the Malvern Leopards Friday night at 7:00. Jim Cross has the pregame show beginning at 6:30 on 105.5 The Good Path, on the free KILX App, and on Panthers Zone Television PZTV.

Leopards fall 28-15 during first game on the road    10/5/26

WHITE HALL – It was a tale of two halves Friday night as White Hall won the second half decisively to defeat De Queen 28 to 15.

The Leopards took the opening kickoff and drove 79 yards in 20 plays while taking over 14 minutes off the clock. However, they came away with no points as the drive ended with a fumble at the one-yard line.

After a three-and-out stop by the De Queen defense, the Leopards drew first blood on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Hunter Dinkins to John Maturino. After Evan Wolcott, our McDonalds Player of the Game, forced and recovered a Bulldog fumble, Abraham Perez kicked a 27-yard field goal with seconds left and the Leopards looked to be in good shape heading into halftime with a 9 to 0 lead.

The Leopards controlled the football for 20 out of the 24 first half minutes. 

However, White Hall came out motivated in the second half. The Bulldogs scored 28 unanswered points to take a 28 to 9 lead capitalizing on a couple of interceptions. The Leopards executed a perfect fake punt in the fourth quarter which set up a Hunter Dinkins 18-yard scoring run to cap the night’s scoring as the Bulldogs rallied for the 28 to 15 victory.

Dinkins led the Leopards rushing attack with 114 yards on 28 carries. Landon Wise added 72 yards on the ground. Wise also had a 21-yard reception on the fake punt. Defensively, Wise led the tackle charts with nine. Gabe Cotton was credited with eight tackles. Wolcott had seven stops, a ten-yard quarterback sack, a forced fumble and recovery. 

The Leopards return home on Friday to host Hot Springs at 7:00. 

 

Wesley Davis

DE QUEEN – An Oklahoma man accused of killing a two-year-old girl in Sevier County has pleaded guilty to the murder charge, bringing an end to a case in which prosecutors had been seeking the death penalty.

Wesley Davis changed his plea from not guilty to guilty during an appearance Thursday morning in the Sevier County Circuit Court. As part of the agreement, Davis accepted a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Two-year-old Ava Tabor was brutally and fatally injured during an incident in Lockesburg in March, 2025. This morning, Wesley Davis changed his plea to guilty in the murder case. He will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The plea removes the possibility of a death sentence and eliminates the need for the jury trial that had been scheduled in the case.

Davis, of Eagletown, Okla., was charged with capital murder in the death of two-year-old Ava Tabor following an incident in Lockesburg in March 2025.

According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a Lockesburg residence on March 1, 2025, after first responders reported an unresponsive child. Deputies said they observed injuries consistent with abuse.

Davis, who was caring for the child at the time, was detained and taken to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office for questioning. Investigators alleged Davis admitted to beating the child for approximately 30 minutes.

Ava was initially transported to Sevier County Medical Center before being transferred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. She died from her injuries on March 4.

Davis was initially arrested on a charge of first-degree domestic battery. Following the child’s death, the case was upgraded first to murder and ultimately to capital murder.

Former Prosecuting Attorney Jana Bradford later announced that the state intended to seek the death penalty against Davis.

During a previous pre-trial appearance, Davis’ attorney, Andrea Stokes of Little Rock, filed a series of motions challenging Arkansas’ death penalty laws. Among other arguments, the defense contended that capital punishment constitutes “cruel and unusual punishment,” challenged the constitutionality of Arkansas’ capital sentencing procedures and argued that the section of the capital murder statute under which Davis was charged was unconstitutionally vague.

Those issues will no longer need to be decided as part of a death penalty trial following Davis’ guilty plea and agreement to serve life without parole.

Under the sentence, Davis will spend the remainder of his life in prison without eligibility for parole.

Formal charges filed against De Queen murder suspect    10/1/26

Roy Garza

DE QUEEN – A Sevier County man has been formally charged with first-degree murder following the August death of a man found outside a residence just north of De Queen.

Roy Garza, 35, was charged this week in Sevier County Circuit Court with first-degree murder, a Class Y felony, in the death of 67-year-old Gregorio Pantoja. Garza remains in the Sevier County Jail on a $1 million bond and is scheduled to reappear in court Thursday, Oct. 1.

The charge stems from an investigation that began Aug. 26, when Sevier County 911 received a call shortly after 8 a.m. reporting a man possibly dying at a residence on Robinson Loop Road. Pantoja was found dead on the property near a van in which authorities said he had been living.

An arrest affidavit filed in circuit court provides additional details about the evidence investigators say led them to Garza.

According to the affidavit, Pantoja’s injuries appeared consistent with either being struck by a motor vehicle or severely beaten. Investigators reported finding blood around his van and said the driver’s side window of the van had been broken.

Investigators also found evidence that a vehicle had been driven through a closed metal gate and wooden fence to forcibly enter the property. White paint was found on the metal gate.

Authorities connected the evidence to a white Dodge Charger involved in a single-vehicle crash on Robinson Loop Road the previous evening.

According to the affidavit, Garza was found in the front passenger seat of the Charger when law enforcement arrived at the crash. Body-camera footage reviewed by investigators allegedly showed what appeared to be droplets of blood on the back of Garza’s shirt. The investigating agent stated in the affidavit that the location and pattern of the droplets did not appear consistent with injuries sustained in the vehicle crash.

Investigators said evidence recovered from Pantoja’s property appeared to match parts missing from the Charger. A taillight cover recovered at the scene allegedly matched the vehicle’s missing driver’s side taillight cover. Investigators also recovered a piece of exterior trim at Pantoja’s property and a corresponding piece from the opposite side of the Charger near the crash location.

The affidavit states the Charger was later searched under a warrant. Investigators reported finding a tire iron on the driver’s side floorboard that appeared to have blood and hair on it.

Investigators wrote that Pantoja’s injuries, the suspected blood around his van, the broken window and the tire iron were among the evidence indicating that the incident was not an accidental collision.

Based on the physical evidence and other information gathered during the investigation, authorities sought an arrest warrant for Garza on a charge of first-degree murder.

Garza was arrested following the investigation and made his initial court appearance Aug. 27. He was initially reported held on an $850,000 bond. Court documents accompanying the arrest warrant list bond at $1 million, and Garza currently remains in the Sevier County Jail on that amount.

Garza is scheduled to reappear in Sevier County Circuit Court Thursday.

The investigation was conducted by the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police, De Queen Police Department and the Ninth West Judicial Drug Task Force.

Gov. Sanders issues temporary order loosening restrictions on farm diesel    10/1/26

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas farmers and timber operators will temporarily be allowed to use dyed diesel fuel in certain highway vehicles under an executive order issued by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in response to sharply higher diesel prices.

Sanders signed Executive Order 26-15 on Monday, declaring a statewide emergency and suspending certain state penalties associated with using tax-exempt dyed diesel in qualifying vehicles operated by agricultural and forestry businesses.

The order took effect Wednesday, Sept. 30, and is scheduled to remain in place through Oct. 30 unless amended or extended.

The move comes as diesel prices have risen substantially during the 2026 harvest season. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the nationwide average price for on-highway diesel stood at $6.382 per gallon as of Sept. 28. The Gulf Coast regional average, which includes Arkansas, was $5.955 per gallon.

Those prices are significantly higher than what Arkansas farmers were expecting when planning this year’s crops. Sanders’ order notes that the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service’s 2026 crop enterprise budgets were prepared using an assumed diesel price of $2.46 per gallon.

The order also cites tight supplies as a contributing concern, saying U.S. distillate inventories were 13 percent below their five-year seasonal average as of Sept. 11.

Dyed diesel is chemically similar to regular highway diesel but is colored red to identify it as fuel intended for tax-exempt uses, including farm machinery and other off-road equipment. Under normal circumstances, it generally cannot be used to power vehicles traveling on public highways.

Federal diesel fuel taxes amount to 24.4 cents per gallon, while qualifying dyed diesel is generally exempt from that tax except for a small underground storage tank tax. Federal law also carries significant penalties for knowingly using dyed diesel for an unauthorized taxable purpose.

Arkansas similarly restricts the use of dyed diesel in highway vehicles. Sanders’ order temporarily suspends state penalties that would otherwise apply to qualifying agricultural and forestry operators using dyed diesel or mixing dyed and undyed diesel in eligible vehicles.

The exemption is limited. Vehicles must fall within specified weight classifications, be registered in Arkansas and be owned and operated by a person or business engaged in agriculture or forestry. The vehicles must also be primarily used for those operations and cannot be licensed under the International Fuel Tax Agreement.

The order defines qualifying agricultural operations as commercial farming businesses producing food, fiber, grass sod, nursery products or livestock. Forestry operations are defined as businesses engaged in harvesting timber from the cutting of trees through loading for transportation.

Sanders cited the importance of both industries in issuing the emergency declaration. Agriculture contributes more than $25.6 billion annually to Arkansas’ economy and supports more than 248,000 jobs, according to the order. Arkansas has approximately 37,200 farms and ranches covering 13.6 million acres, while forestland covers about 18.8 million acres.

The timing also coincides with fall harvest, with soybean, rice, corn and cotton producers continuing to harvest and transport crops across the state.

The order directs the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration not to assess the affected state taxes and penalties against qualifying operators during the emergency period. Sanders also directed DFA to request federal dyed-diesel penalty relief from the Internal Revenue Service.

That federal relief is significant because the governor’s order applies to Arkansas law and does not, by itself, eliminate federal restrictions. IRS guidance generally prohibits dyed diesel from being used in highway trucks even when those trucks are being used in connection with a farming business, unless a federal exemption or relief applies. Federal penalties for unauthorized use can be the greater of $1,000 or $10 per gallon.

The temporary Arkansas relief is scheduled to expire Oct. 30.

Deadline nearing to register to vote this November    10/1/26

DE QUEEN – Arkansans have less than a week remaining to register to vote in the November General Election.

The deadline to register is Monday, Oct. 5, with Election Day set for Tuesday, Nov. 3.

More than 1.8 million Arkansans are currently registered to vote. This year’s ballot includes municipal, state and federal races, as well as several contests in Sevier County.

Arkansas requires voters to complete a voter registration application. Forms are available through county clerk offices, revenue and DMV offices, public libraries and several other government agencies. Applications can also be printed through the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.arkansas.gov.

To register, a person must be a U.S. citizen, an Arkansas resident and at least 18 years old by Election Day.

The Secretary of State’s Office recommends voters confirm their registration before Election Day. That can be done through the state’s VoterView system, which also provides polling locations and sample ballots.

Early voting for the General Election begins Monday, Oct. 19. Regular early voting hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Early voting concludes at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2. Polls will be open on Election Day from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Sevier County Clerk’s office can be reached with election-related questions by calling (870) 642-2852 or visiting the office within the Sevier County Courthouse.

Miles Hermann to serve as Sevier County’s newest game warden    10/1/26

Miles Hermann of Hot Springs has been assigned as an AGFC wildlife officer in Sevier County following his recent graduation from the academy. (Photo submitted by Randy Zellers/AGFC)

SEVIER COUNTY – Sevier County has a new Arkansas game warden following the recent graduation of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s newest class of enforcement officers.

Miles Hermann of Hot Springs is among 11 new game wardens who officially graduated and received their badges during a ceremony Sept. 11 in Conway. Hermann has been assigned to serve Sevier County.

The new wardens began training May 10 at the AGFC’s H.C. “Red” Morris Training Center near Mayflower. Over 18 weeks, they completed 835 hours of instruction covering wildlife law enforcement, criminal law, firearms, self-defense, first aid, rescue and other skills required of Arkansas game wardens.

Hermann also distinguished himself academically during the training program. He received the Edward H. Armstrong Memorial Excellence Award, presented to the cadet who earns the highest overall grade-point average across all courses completed during the academy.

The award is named in honor of Edward H. Armstrong, the first AGFC training instructor at the Mayflower facility.

AGFC Enforcement Division Chief Col. Joe Williams told the graduating wardens they will encounter a wide range of situations during their careers, from enforcing hunting and fishing regulations to responding to boating accidents and other emergencies.

Williams encouraged the new officers to remain lifelong students and continue developing their skills throughout their careers.

Hermann now joins the AGFC Enforcement Division as the game warden assigned to Sevier County. Game wardens are responsible for enforcing Arkansas hunting, fishing and boating laws while also assisting with search-and-rescue efforts, boating safety and other public safety duties.

Sevier County Library Snippets    10/1/26

By Stephanie Haarmeyer, Sevier County Head Librarian

Lockesburg Library

Hang in There and Read! Join us at the Lockesburg Library with Mz. Wendy for a reading challenge for our young readers all about SLOTHS! We will enjoy fun games, sloth-themed activities and lots of amazing books.

Bring your curiosity and get ready to learn, laugh and read during our “Hang in There and Read” reading challenge and kids’ program!

Horatio Library

For the entire month of October, we will be offering after-school tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for students of all grade levels at the Horatio Library. We will also have a fun, festive fall backdrop that is perfect for those cozy fall pictures of your smiling family!

Here are a few important dates to remember: October 3 – Halloween Cards; October 10 at 10:30 a.m. – Popcorn and a Movie; October 17 at 10:30 a.m. – Make Your Own Halloween Decoration; October 24 at 10:30 a.m. – Popcorn and a Movie; and October 31 at 10 a.m. – Trick-or-Treating for the kids.

Gillham Library

Hey, it’s the Great Pumpkin Giveaway on October 24 at 1 p.m.! We will have a Halloween program and give away plastic pumpkins and pails filled with treats. You must attend the program to receive a pumpkin and treats.

If anyone needs school supplies, we still have some left. Come see us and check out a book or DVD — we have lots of good ones to choose from! We are open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

De Queen Library

Our Tots program has kicked off with a BANG! Come see us every Monday at 11 a.m. for our Tots program. Listen to a good book, make a fun craft and enjoy a tasty snack, all while spending time at the library.

We also have a Bookmark Challenge going on for different age groups. Come by and pick up a form, and let’s see who can make the best bookmark!

And don’t forget — we play Dominoes every Wednesday at 9 a.m.!

Paige Williamson to be crowned HHS Homecoming Queen this Friday    9/29/26

Horatio Homecoming Court – In the front row from left to right, Flower Girl Angalice Austin, Senior Maid Anastin Roberts, Football Bearer Walker Brackett, Queen Paige Williamson, Crown Bearer Willa Craig, Senior Maid Presley Sprick and Senior Maid Jalyn Pickett. In the top row are Sophomore Maid Lydia Craig, Junior Maid Scarlett Richardson, Calvin Jefferson, Joseph Fonseca, Captain Karson Bailey, Ty Dorsey, Collin Green, Junior Maid Abigail Turner and Sophomore Maid Camilla Rojo. Not pictured: Senior Maid Dara Farley, Sophomore Maid Blair Bissell, Christian Bennett and Salvador Aleman. (Photo submitted by Nicki Litchford/Horatio High School)

HORATIO – Horatio High School will celebrate Homecoming this Friday, Oct. 2, with the annual Homecoming Parade, crowning of this year’s royalty and the Lions’ homecoming football game.

HHS has announced Paige Williamson as the 2026 Homecoming Queen. She will be joined on the court by senior maids Dara Farley, Jalyn Pickett, Anastin Roberts and Presley Sprick.

Junior maids are Scarlett Richardson and Abigail Turner. Sophomore maids are Blair Bissell, Lydia Craig and Camilla Rojo. Angalice Austin will serve as flower girl.

The annual Horatio High School Homecoming Parade will also take place Friday. Lion fans, community organizations and others are encouraged to participate by decorating a float, car or truck, ATV or golf cart, or by creating a banner to show their Lion pride.

Those interested in participating in the parade may contact Mondie Allen at 870-832-1910 or email mallen@horatioschools.org or nlitchford@horatioschools.org.

Homecoming festivities will continue Friday evening as the Horatio Lions host the Prescott Curley Wolves with kickoff at 7 p.m.

DQ Superintendent Sanders discusses district grades, activities   9/29/26

DE QUEEN – De Queen Public Schools earned an overall “B” in the latest round of state school letter grades, tying for the highest districtwide rating among the 13 school districts in the De Queen-Mena Educational Cooperative.

Superintendent Jason Sanders said the results reflect continued academic improvement across the district and the work being done by teachers, staff and students.

“Overall, district-wide, we had a B rating,” Sanders said. “That ties for the highest rating in our 13-school co-op area. So we’re working hard to try to get that up to an A, but very proud of our teachers and our staff.”

The grades reflect performance during the 2025-26 school year. Other districts in the local coop earning a B rating include Cossatot River, Dierks, Foreman, Nashville, Mount Ida and Ouachita. Umpire K-12 received the only A rating in the coop. Mineral Springs received a C, up from a D recorded by the 204-25 school year.

Sanders said De Queen Primary and De Queen Elementary both received B ratings, with the campuses coming close to reaching the A level.

The latest grades follow other positive academic results released earlier this year. De Queen students improved in 26 of 29 testing categories measured by the state.

Sanders said individual campuses have also received recognition for their academic progress.

“Our elementary and our high school were recognized by the Office of Educational Policy and U.S. News & World Report for their improvement and going against the odds awards,” Sanders said. “We’re very proud of that. Again, a lot of hard work goes into that. Our teachers do a great job.”

The district is now approaching the end of the first nine weeks of the 2026-27 school year. Sanders said the grading period concludes around Oct. 9.

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15. Students will dismiss early at 2 p.m. that day, with conferences beginning at 3 p.m. There will be no school Friday, Oct. 16, for fall break.

Also, District Communications Director Tiffany Williamson encouraged parents to remain involved in their children’s education throughout the year, including through the district’s DQPSC mobile app. The app allows parents to communicate directly with their children’s teachers and receive district notifications.

“If you haven’t downloaded the app, go ahead and go to our Facebook page,” she said. “You can go to either the Android store, the Apple store, DQPSC, log in with your cell phone number that you have registered with the school and you’ll be able to communicate with all your kids’ teachers.”

The district also uses the app to send notifications about transportation delays and other information affecting students and families.

Sanders said attendance remains another major factor in student success and encouraged parents to make getting their children to school each day a priority.

“It’s just so important to get them to school,” he said. “It sets the tone for everything else. Just getting up, get going, go to school, get an education.”

He also encouraged parents to help children get enough sleep by limiting electronic devices in bedrooms at night.

Sanders reminded families that free breakfast and lunch are available to all De Queen students this school year. Students arriving close to the beginning of class can also take advantage of grab-and-go breakfast options.

Another priority, Sanders said, is encouraging students to become involved in activities outside the classroom.

“I’d highly encourage parents to get your student involved in something,” he said. “If you’re involved, you’re going to get more out of it.”

Sanders said that involvement does not have to mean athletics. Students have numerous opportunities through clubs, organizations and other extracurricular programs.

“I’m talking about any activity, not just sports,” he said. “Studies show the GPA, the attendance, their sense of belonging and pride in the school, everything goes up.”

Listening area forecasted to finally get some rain, cooler temps    9/29/26

DE QUEEN – Southwest Arkansas could finally receive some much-needed rainfall later this week following an exceptionally hot and dry September that has fueled drought conditions, burn bans and an elevated wildfire threat.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for the hot and mostly dry conditions to continue through Wednesday. De Queen is expected to reach around 94 degrees both Tuesday and Wednesday, with overnight lows in the upper 60s to around 70.

A significant change in the weather pattern is expected beginning Thursday as decent rainfall chances finally enter the region.

Showers become likely Thursday afternoon, with thunderstorms also possible. Rain chances increase to 60 percent during the day Thursday and 70 percent Thursday night.

The wet weather is expected to continue Friday, when showers and thunderstorms remain likely with a 70 percent chance of precipitation. Rain chances remain at 60 percent Saturday before gradually decreasing to 40 percent Sunday.

The wetter pattern would be welcome across the listening area following weeks of unusually dry conditions. The prolonged drought has left vegetation extremely dry and contributed to widespread burn bans and wildfires across the state. Sixty-six of Arkansas’ 75 counties are under burn bans as of Tuesday morning.

That included the Bunker Fire near Camden’s Highland Industrial Park in Calhoun County, which burned nearly 2,850 acres and required assistance from National Guard helicopters and firefighting resources from several states. Several sizable wildfires were reported in McCurtain County earlier this month.

Along with the rain, the approaching system is expected to bring noticeably cooler temperatures.

After highs near 94 Tuesday and Wednesday, temperatures are forecast to fall to around 90 Thursday, 84 Friday and near 80 Saturday and Sunday. Overnight lows could fall into the upper 50s by Sunday night, with sunny skies and a high near 80 expected Monday.

Forecasters caution that rainfall amounts will depend on exactly how the system develops, so it remains uncertain whether the expected rain will be enough to significantly improve drought conditions.

But after a September dominated by heat, dry weather and wildfire concerns, southwest Arkansas appears to have its best opportunity in weeks for widespread rainfall, beginning Thursday and potentially continuing through the weekend.

Rotary Club donates to Sevier County Cancer Survivors Committee    9/29/26

DE QUEEN – At the September 28th De Queen Rotary Club meeting, Sevier County Cancer Survivors organization member Linda Frachiseur accepted a $200 contribution and outlined the group’s highlights for the year. 

The Cancer Survivors aided 28 individuals this past year with donations totaling $6,011.

Frachiseur, who has been involved with the local cancer survivor’s effort for the past 25 years, says that most of the assistance is provided in the form of $100 gas vouchers at the Sevier County Farmers Co-op service station. 

Occasionally gift cards for out-of-town use are provided to individuals traveling for treatments in Little Rock or Houston. 

The major fundraiser for the local group is the annual cancer survivor dinner in June at the Church of Christ Family Center. Survivors and their caregiver eat for free. The meal is open to anyone else at a cost of $5 per plate or by donation. In previous years, businesses have donated enough door prizes so that every survivor in attendance goes home with one. 

Donations may also be made to the Sevier County Cancer Survivors account at Diamond Bank.

For more information or to request assistance, you may reach out to Frachiseur at 870-584-9592.

Following her presentation, Rotary president Josh Zylks gave Frachiseur a $200 check on behalf of the club.

Frachisuer was introduced by Rotarian Tammy Huddleston, who arranged the program.

Upcoming events for the De Queen Rotary Club include the annual Hurrah! Festival Breakfast served at the Senior Citizens Center in Herman Dierks Park Saturday, October 3rd from 7:30 – 9:30. Breakfast consists of bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, eggs, and a drink. Cost is $8 per plate, while kids 12 and under eat for $5. All proceeds benefit the Sevier County Museum. 

It will be Rotary Night at Leopard Stadium on October 9th when the Leopards host Hot Springs. The first 100 Leopard fans will get free admission when the gates open compliments of the De Queen Rotary Club.

Tonya Wolcott and Wes Dowdy were guests at Monday’s meeting. 

Leopards fall to visiting Zebras 41-21    9/29/26

De Queen’s Hunter Dinkins – a sophomore – scored two touchdowns against the Zebras and tallied up 174 yards rushing on the night. The Zebras were able to best De Queen 42-21 in their first-ever contest at Leopard Stadium.

DE QUEEN – Pine Bluff defeated De Queen 42 to 21 Friday night at Leopard Stadium in the 5A-South Conference opener.

However, the game was much closer than the final score indicated. The Leopards and Zebras were tied at 14 at intermission. The game was tied at 21 with just under five minutes to go in the third quarter. But Pine Bluff’s size, speed, and depth advantages finally wore down De Queen.

Sophomore Hunter Dinkins, our McDonalds Player of the Game, led the Leopards with 147 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. Quarterback Keegan McCoy connected with John Maturino on a nine-yard scoring pass to account for De Queen’s other score.

Defensively, Jordan Ledesma had a big interception and returned it 55 yards to set up a De Queen score late in the first half.

De Queen, now 0 and 1 in league play and 1 and 3 overall, will try to regroup as they travel to White Hall Friday night.

Continuance graded for former cop in sexual assault case    9/25/26

DE QUEEN – The case against a former De Queen police officer charged with third-degree sexual assault has been continued following an appearance this week in Sevier County Circuit Court.

Ty Phillips, 26, appeared in court on Sept. 22, where a motion to continue the case was granted. Phillips is now scheduled to return for a pre-trial hearing in December, with a jury trial currently set for January 2027.

Phillips is charged with third-degree sexual assault, a Class C felony. According to court documents, the charge alleges Phillips, as a law enforcement official and mandated reporter, was in a position of trust or authority over the alleged victim and used that position to engage in sexual activity.

The investigation began April 24 after an adult female was booked into the Sevier County Jail on an unrelated charge. During the booking process, she reported an alleged sexual assault involving a City of De Queen police officer that she said occurred in late March.

The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation after receiving the report. Phillips was arrested April 25 and immediately terminated from his position. He had worked for the department since 2023.

Phillips was initially held by a neighboring law enforcement agency before being released after posting a $50,000 bond. A no-contact order with the alleged victim was also issued in the case.

Phillips later appeared in Sevier County Circuit Court and was formally charged with third-degree sexual assault.

Charges are allegations, and Phillips is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

De Queen Schools warn of scam page targeting football livestream    9/25/26

DE QUEEN – De Queen Athletics is warning Leopard fans about a fraudulent social media page circulating a fake link to online coverage of tonight’s varsity football game.

Athletic officials said fans should not click the link or provide payment or personal information to any page claiming to offer paid access to a DQTV broadcast.

DQTV coverage is provided free of charge, and legitimate links will be shared through official De Queen Public Schools, Leopard Athletics and DQTV social media pages and YouTube channels. The district said away games are livestreamed for free, while home games are posted online following the game.

The warning comes as De Queen prepares to open 5A-South conference play tonight against the Pine Bluff Zebras. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Leopard Stadium. Both teams enter the conference opener with 1-2 records.

De Queen is coming off a narrow 44-43 Homecoming loss to Ashdown last week. The Leopards opened the season with a 55-49 overtime loss to Mena before defeating Hope 35-13. Pine Bluff has also split its first three games, falling to Little Rock Parkview 34-26, defeating Watson Chapel 52-6 and losing 42-7 to El Dorado.

Tonight is also Gold Out night for Leopard fans as part of De Queen High School’s football spirit themes.

De Queen Athletics is asking fans to help spread the warning and remind others that they should never have to enter payment information to watch official DQTV coverage.

Provo Kids Rodeo is this weekend    9/25/26

PROVO – The 39th Annual Provo Kids Rodeo is set for Saturday, Sept. 26, with a full day of rodeo events, food and live music planned for the community.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., with rodeo action getting underway at 10 a.m. The event is open to participants ages 18 and younger.

Activities will include events for young cowboys and cowgirls of all ages, along with horse events, mutton bustin’, mini bulls, team roping, double mugging, a calf scramble and more.

A fish dinner will also be served beginning at 11 a.m. for $10 per plate.

The day will wrap up with live music from Shinewell from 7-11 p.m. at the Provo Community Center Court.

Everyone is welcome.

Fair Board says Premium Sale broke another record this year    9/24/26

DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Fair Board says this year’s Premium Sale was the most successful in the event’s history, surpassing a record set just one year ago.

The 2026 Premium Sale was held Aug. 28 as part of the 89th Annual Sevier County Fair and Rodeo. The annual sale gives area businesses, farms and individuals an opportunity to financially support local youth who raise and exhibit livestock at the county fair.

Fair Board President Richard Van Voast said final numbers are still being calculated, but the board is confident this year’s sale exceeded all previous records, including the more than $119,000 raised in 2025.

The Premium Sale has become one of the biggest displays of community support during the annual fair, with dozens of young exhibitors benefiting from contributions made by local buyers and supporters. Funds raised through the sale reward exhibitors for the time, expense and responsibility involved in raising and showing their livestock projects.

Fair Board officials credited the record-setting year to the continued generosity of businesses, farms and individuals throughout Sevier County and the surrounding area.

Organizers are now working to collect the remaining contributions pledged during the sale. Anyone who received an invoice is encouraged to submit payment as soon as possible so the Fair Board can finalize the 2026 total and distribute the money to participating youth livestock exhibitors.

The board will announce the final fundraising total once all outstanding contributions have been received.

Shark’s owner Ray Saleh speaks at Rotary    9/24/26

Shark’s Restaurant owner Ray Saleh with De Queen Rotarian Joyce Lipsey.

DE QUEEN – At the September 21st De Queen Rotary Club meeting, Sharks Fish and Chicken, Steak and Lemonade owner Ray Saleh talked about his background as well as his goals and plans for De Queen’s newest restaurant.

Sharks opened in De Queen on August 19th at 603 East Collin Raye Drive in the former Kentucky Fried Chicken building. It’s the seventh such store called Sharks as his family has successfully begun a chain of franchise restaurants. Other Sharks locations include Magnolia, Conway, Sherwood, Camp Robinson, Little Rock, and Tulsa.

Born in Palestine, Saleh’s family moved to the United States when he was one. Much of his young life was spent growing up in Chicago. They moved to Arkansas to work with his uncle in the restaurant business.

Saleh says that he and his father have formed the perfect partnership. “Although he lives in Little Rock, each of us have different strengths and weaknesses which has always tended to match up perfectly,” Saleh said. 

Sharks serves what Saleh calls real food, including farm-raised catfish. “Everything is made fresh. It’s handmade every morning,” Saleh said. “We always want to be consistent,” Saleh added.

The store employs 16 people, including Saleh. Restaurant hours are from 10:00 A.M. until 10:00 P.M. Sunday through Thursday and from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 P.M. Fridays and Saturdays. 

Saleh says the top selling item on the menu is their freshly squeezed lemonade. When asked what he would recommend on the menu, Saleh said the “Pick Three Meat Item Combo” where guests can select three items from among several choices including fish, shrimp, frog legs, wings, chicken tenders, and more. When asked what he enjoys most on the menu, Saleh pointed to the Gyro Sandwich. It features seasoned fresh lamb. “It tastes like its freshly cut right off the skewer,” Saleh said. 

“Food brings people together for fun. I want to see people walking out of the restaurant like a penguin because they’re full and happy,” Saleh concluded. 

Saleh was introduced by Rotarian Joyce Lipsey, who arranged the program.

Sonny Kimmel, De Queen’s Police Chief, was a guest at Monday’s meeting.

Two Rivers Museum hosting fundraising evening this Saturday    9/23/26

ASHDOWN – The Little River County Historical Society will host its Third Annual “A Night at the Museum” fundraiser this Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Two Rivers Museum in Ashdown.

The come-and-go event will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the museum, located at 5 East Main Street. Proceeds will support the museum’s ongoing efforts to preserve and share the history of Little River County.

The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres prepared by Special Moments Catering, along with a silent auction featuring items donated by area businesses and supporters. Museum exhibits will also be open throughout the event, giving visitors an opportunity to explore artifacts and stories from Little River County’s past.

Organizers will recognize individuals and organizations whose contributions have helped support the museum and its preservation efforts over the years. A special community member will also share stories and reflections on Ashdown’s history.

Individual tickets are $30 each.

Legacy Academy hosts scholars induction    9/23/26

Submitted by Legacy Academy

LOCKESBURG – Legacy Academy celebrated one of its most meaningful traditions Thursday evening as eleven students were formally welcomed into the Scholar level during the school’s annual Scholar Induction Ceremony.

The ceremony marks an important milestone in a student’s journey at Legacy Academy. Students progress through four levels during their years at the school: Rookie, Protégé, Apprentice, and Scholar. Each level represents increasing growth in academics, maturity, responsibility, character, and leadership.

Reaching the Scholar level marks the culmination of that progression. As students enter the Rhetoric level of their classical education, they are challenged not only to grow academically, but also to recognize the influence they carry within the school community. Scholars are expected to model wisdom, integrity, excellence, service, and leadership for the students who follow behind them.

During Thursday’s ceremony, each new Scholar came forward to light a candle and sign the Scholar Pledge, publicly committing to the responsibilities of a Scholar. Parents then joined their students to present them with their navy Scholar blazers and pray over them as they stepped into this new season.

The 2026 Legacy Academy Scholars are:

Jocelyn Cisneros
Addyson Carrell
Shaylee Dossett
Vivian Garner
Sophie Keeton
Chris Lian
Roberto Reyna-Llanas
Manny Toledano
Maelei Erwin
Jed Schroer
Izzy Ward

For Legacy Academy, Scholar Induction is about more than recognizing academic advancement. The tradition reflects the school’s classical Christian mission to educate the whole student and to prepare young men and women to pursue what is true, good, and beautiful while developing the wisdom and character necessary to lead and serve others well.

Thursday evening’s ceremony celebrated how far these students have come while also reminding them of the responsibility that comes with the title of Scholar and the example they now have the opportunity to set for those coming behind them.

Court orders fitness to proceed exam for suspect in child’s death    9/23/26

DE QUEEN – A fitness to proceed examination has been scheduled for a De Queen man accused of killing his six-year-old stepson earlier this year.

According to Sevier County Circuit Court records, Jesus Chavez-Arellano is scheduled to undergo the examination on Oct. 29. The court order states that the defense requested the examination due to the “circumstances of the crime.”

A fitness to proceed examination is used to determine whether a defendant has the mental capacity to understand the criminal proceedings against them and assist in their own defense. It does not determine whether the defendant was legally responsible for the alleged crime.

Chavez-Arellano remains charged with first-degree murder in the Jan. 27 death of his stepson. He has pleaded not guilty and has been held in the Sevier County Jail on a $250,000 bond. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has also placed an immigration hold on him.

Authorities say Chavez-Arellano was the only adult present with the child between 6:45 a.m. and 2:32 p.m. on Jan. 27, when the boy was taken to Walker Pediatric Care in De Queen in an unresponsive state.

Despite lifesaving efforts by clinic staff and emergency personnel, the child was pronounced dead at Sevier County Medical Center at 3:15 p.m.

An autopsy conducted by the Arkansas State Crime Lab determined the boy died from internal bleeding caused by multiple blunt force injuries to the abdomen.

Chavez-Arellano was arrested following an investigation by the De Queen Police Department.

If convicted of first-degree murder, he faces a possible sentence of 10 to 40 years or life in prison.

Hunters take 150 gators on opening weekend, including two Millwood monsters    9/23/26

By Randy Zellers, AGFC

Hannah Jester put her tag on this 12-foot, 4-inch alligator that weighed 448 lbs. at Millwood Lake on Saturday night during her first season as an Arkansas alligator hunter. Photo courtesy Hannah Jester.

MILLWOOD LAKE – The first weekend of the Arkansas alligator hunting season, Sept. 18-21, yielded 150 gators across the state’s three alligator management zones. The second chunk of the hunt is set for sunset Sept. 25-sunrise 28.

Most hunting takes place on private property; hunters apply for permits to hunt public land during July.

Alligator management zone 3, which covers a piece of southeastern Arkansas along the Mississippi River from Louisiana to Monroe County, accounted for 90 alligators, nine with permits on public land and 81 on private property.

Zone 1, wedged into the southwestern corner of the state and the smallest of the three zones, produced 56 gators, 14 on public land and 42 on private land.

Four alligators were harvested on private land in zone 2, the largest zone, which reaches from the Louisiana state line to Pope County; none were taken on public land.

A new quota for public hunting at Millwood Lake in zone 1 was reached during the first weekend, which means that area is closed to hunting during the second weekend of the season. The area historically has had a lower harvest than permits allowed for, so the AGFC instituted a quota in 2025 to encourage hunters to take their alligator as soon as they could instead of holding out for a larger specimen.

Roger Alexander got this impressive alligator at Millwood Lake on Saturday night. The alligator measured 11 feet, 2 inches, but Alexander later checked his tape measure and said it may have been a few inches longer than that. Hunters who drew Millwood Lake permits filled that area’s quota during the first weekend. All other areas remain open to alligator hunting during the upcoming final weekend of the hunt. Photo courtesy Roger Alexander.

“We did not meet that quota last year, but Millwood Lake hunters took advantage of their first weekend this year and filled the quota during the first two nights of this year’s hunt,” AGFC Herpetologist Amanda Bryant said. “That will be the only area closed to hunting at the start of the last weekend of the hunt.” Check current alligator harvest remaining for each management zone at www.agfc.com/hunting/more-game/alligator/season-dates.

This year’s alligator season is well on its way to perhaps setting another record. Hunters set the mark with 205 alligators in 2025, which broke the record of 202 set in 2023.

“Public land hunters have found the largest alligators so far this year,” Bryant said. “Seven of the top 10 largest alligators from the first weekend were from public hunts by people who applied for permits in July.”

The Arkansas alligator population was dwindling in 1960. AGFC biologists could find a few remaining in Grassy Lake near Hope, so the Commission passed a regulation to protect the species in 1961.

The AGFC began relocating alligators from southern Louisiana in 1972 to bolster the Arkansas population. Most of those were spread across southern Arkansas, although a few went to Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. In all, 2,800 alligators were stocked in 12 years.

After the alligator populations rebounded and stabilized, AGFC received permission from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to open a hunting season for the species.  The AGFC’s first hunting season occurred on private and public land in 2007.

De Queen Fellowship of Christian Students hosts “See You at the Pole”    9/23/26

De Queen’s Fellowship of Christian Students hosted their annual “See You at the Pole” event Wednesday morning to bring the community together for worship and fellowship. (Photo submitted by De Queen High School)

Kynadee Helms named Rotary’s September Student of the Month    9/23/26

Kynadee Helms, a senior at De Queen High School, was honored as the September Student of the Month by the De Queen Rotary Club. Helms is pictured receiving her certificate from Rotary President Josh Zylks. She is the daughter of Jonathan and Callie Helms. (Photo submitted by De Queen Rotary Club)

DE QUEEN – De Queen High School senior Kynadee Helms has been named the De Queen Rotary Club’s Student of the Month for September, in recognition of her academic achievements, leadership and community involvement.

Helms, who has attended De Queen schools since kindergarten, is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as vice president of the Student Council. She previously served as Student Council treasurer during her junior year.

She is also active in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), where she currently serves as vice president. Her previous leadership roles include vice president of parliamentary law and vice president of public relations. Helms has also been a member of the De Queen tennis team since her sophomore year.

Beyond the classroom, Helms has demonstrated a commitment to community service, accumulating 96 volunteer hours. Her volunteer work includes assisting at a nursing home, the Salvation Army, the health fair and Light the City.

She is also a member of First Assembly Church and has been involved in its youth group.

Helms is on track to graduate in May with 59 college credit hours and all prerequisites completed for the nursing program at UA Cossatot in De Queen.

Following graduation, she plans to complete the registered nursing program at UA Cossatot before transferring to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock to pursue further education in the doula program.

Helms is the daughter of Callie and Jonathan Helms.

BLM hosting wild horse, burro adoption clinic in Idabel    9/23/26

IDABEL, OKLA. – The Bureau of Land Management will host a wild horse and burro adoption and sale event September 25-26, at the Idabel Rodeo Arena in Idabel, Oklahoma.

The two-day event will feature 180 wild horses and burros available for adoption or purchase. Viewing will begin at 8 a.m. on Friday, September 25, with bidding beginning at 10 a.m. Animals will be available for adoption or purchase until 6 p.m. on Friday, September 25, and continue from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, September 26. 

Animals offered at the event are adult and yearling horses along with burros that once roamed free on public lands in the west. BLM periodically removes excess animals from the range to maintain healthy herds and to protect other rangeland resources. The adoption and sale program is essential for achieving these important management goals.

Since 1973, BLM has placed more than 280,000 of these animals in approved homes across the country.

BLM staff will approve applications onsite. To qualify to adopt, applicants must be at least 18 years old, with no record of animal abuse. Qualified homes must have a minimum of four hundred square feet of corral space per animal, with access to food, water and shelter.

A six-foot corral fence is required for adult horses; five feet for yearlings; and four-and-a-half feet for burros. All animals must be loaded in covered, stock-type trailers with swing gates and sturdy walls and floors. BLM staff will be on hand to assist with the application process.

The Idabel Rodeo Arena is located at 1001 NW Ninth St., Idabel, Okla. 74745.  For more information, call toll-free 866-468-7826 or visit www.blm.gov.

Horatio Lions back in action this Friday at Centerpoint    9/23/26

HORATIO – The Horatio Lions will return to the gridiron this Friday night, Sept. 25, following an open week on their 2026 football schedule.

Horatio will travel to Centerpoint Friday for its fourth game of the season with hopes of reversing its 0-3 streak. The contest begins a stretch of seven consecutive weeks of football to close out the regular season.

The Lions last battled Foreman on Sept. 11, losing a tough contest 58-14.

Following Friday’s road trip, the Lions will return home Oct. 2 for Homecoming against Prescott. Horatio will remain at home Oct. 9 to take on Parkers Chapel before traveling to Smackover on Oct. 16.

The Lions will host nearby Cossatot River on Oct. 23 before making their final road trip of the regular season Oct. 30 against Camden Harmony Grove. Horatio will then close out the regular season at home Nov. 6 against Bismarck for Senior Night.

The Horatio junior varsity squad is also back in action this week. The JV Lions are scheduled to host Centerpoint Thursday, Sept. 24.

After an open date Oct. 1, the JV Lions will travel to Spring Hill on Oct. 8. They will have another open date Oct. 15 before traveling to Cossatot River on Oct. 22 to wrap up their scheduled games for the season.

Horatio’s remaining senior varsity schedule: Sept. 25 at Centerpoint; Oct. 2 vs. Prescott (Homecoming); Oct. 9 vs. Parkers Chapel; Oct. 16 at Smackover; Oct. 23 vs. Cossatot River; Oct. 30 at Camden Harmony Grove; Nov. 6 vs. Bismarck (Senior Night).

HHS Homecoming Parade is Oct. 2    9/23/26

HORATIO – Horatio High School is inviting Lion fans and community members to show their school spirit during the 2026 HHS Homecoming Parade on Friday, Oct. 2.

Participants are encouraged to decorate floats, cars, trucks, ATVs or golf carts, or create banners to display at Lion Stadium. Those interested in participating or seeking more information can contact Mondie Allen at 870-832-1910 or mallen@horatioschools.org.

Horatio Public Schools students participating in the parade must have a signed permission slip turned in to the high school office by noon Thursday, Oct. 1.  The parade will be part of Horatio’s Homecoming festivities, with the Lions hosting Prescott later that evening.

De Queen, Horatio School Districts earn B rating in state letter grades     9/21/26

DE QUEEN – De Queen Public Schools has earned an overall B in the latest Arkansas school performance grades, tying for the highest district rating in its education cooperative area.

The district announced the results following the release of the 2025-26 school letter grades by the Arkansas Department of Education.

According to district officials, De Queen showed academic improvement in 26 of 29 tested areas, reflecting growth across the district.

Officials credited the achievement to the combined efforts of students, teachers, staff, administrators and families.

The district said it is proud of the progress being made and hopes to build on that momentum moving forward.

Neighboring Horatio Public Schools also received an overall B in the latest state ratings.

Arkansas assigns letter grades based on standardized test scores, individual student growth and, for high schools, graduation and readiness for college or careers. The state revised its grading system following passage of the LEARNS Act in 2023.

Statewide, the latest results show fewer schools receiving D or F grades. A total of 109 schools that previously received one of those grades improved to at least a C.

The number of schools earning a B increased by 58 to 350. However, 80 schools also saw their grades decline into lower categories.

State education officials say the results reflect improvements in student achievement and academic growth, although they acknowledge that work remains in struggling schools.

Detailed performance reports for De Queen, Horatio and other Arkansas districts are available through the state’s My School Info website at myschoolinfo.arkansas.gov.

Ashdown escapes Leopard Stadium with 44-43 win at De Queen Homecoming     9/21/26

DE QUEEN – A night that began with the crowning of De Queen High School’s 2026 Homecoming Queen ended with a heartbreaker on the football field Friday as Ashdown held off the Leopards, 44-43, in the 78th meeting between the longtime rivals.

De Queen’s Evelyn Ponce was crowned Homecoming Queen during Friday’s festivities at Leopard Stadium. Ponce is a senior as well as a cheerleader and standout pitcher for the Lady Leopards softball team.

“It was really a surreal experience. It was really fun,” Ponce said. “Especially for my senior year. It was so much fun.”

Ponce said she learned she had been selected as queen on the first day of school, leaving only about a month to prepare for Homecoming.

“Not very much time, but I wouldn’t change anything about it,” she said. “I love it so much.”

Ponce is also a member of the National Honor Society and the district’s gifted and talented program. After graduating in May, she plans to attend college in Fort Smith, earn a bachelor’s degree in science and pursue a career as a dental hygienist, with hopes of eventually working in orthodontics.

Following the Homecoming festivities, De Queen and Ashdown put on an offensive shootout that came down to the final minutes.

The Panthers ultimately escaped Bill Blackwood Field with the one-point victory after their defense stopped De Queen just inches short on a two-point conversion attempt with a little more than a minute remaining.

Landen Wise turned in another huge performance for the Leopards, rushing for 223 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries. Wise has now rushed for 756 yards through De Queen’s first three games.

Ashdown quarterback Shooter Johnson was equally impressive, completing 19 of 23 passes for 394 yards and six touchdowns. Bryson French, an Arkansas Tech commit, caught seven passes for 221 yards and five touchdowns.

Ashdown jumped out to a 14-0 lead after the opening quarter and carried a 22-14 advantage into halftime.

De Queen Head Coach Drew Dykes said the Leopards were challenged at the break to show more mental toughness, and they responded by taking control during much of the second half.

“I was proud of them in the second half,” Dykes told KDQN’s Jacob Bunyard. “We challenged them to be more mentally tough and they came out, they played their tails off. You know, we came up one point short, but I was proud of them.”

The Leopards surged ahead 29-28 by the end of the third quarter. Sophomore Isai Morales, who was named the KDQN McDonald’s Player of the Game, then recovered his second onside kick of the night, helping De Queen extend its lead to 37-28 with nine minutes remaining.

Ashdown quickly answered when Johnson connected with French on a 65-yard touchdown pass, cutting De Queen’s advantage to 37-36.

The Panthers then recovered an onside kick of their own. Johnson and French connected again, this time for a 12-yard touchdown that put Ashdown back in front, 44-37.

De Queen refused to go away.

The Leopards marched 71 yards down the field, with Hunter Dinkins scoring on a two-yard run to make it 44-43 with just over a minute remaining.

De Queen elected to go for two and the lead. Dinkins stretched the football toward the goal line, but officials ruled his knee touched the ground before the ball crossed the plane, leaving the Leopards inches short.

Ashdown then ran out the remaining time to secure the 44-43 victory and its 14th consecutive win in the series.

Despite the loss, Dykes said the second-half response showed the kind of fight he wanted to see from his team.

“We came up one point short,” he said, “but I was proud of them.”

Both teams are now 1-2 as they prepare to begin conference play. De Queen will remain at home Friday night to host Pine Bluff in the Leopards’ 5A South Conference opener. Ashdown will open 7-4A play against Hope at Dick Hays Stadium.

ADH hosting flu clinics across Arkansas this week     9/21/26

DE QUEEN – The Arkansas Department of Health is offering free flu vaccinations across the state this week, with clinics scheduled in Sevier, Little River and surrounding counties.

No appointments are necessary and vaccines will be provided at no charge, regardless of insurance coverage. Residents are encouraged to bring their insurance cards if they have them.

In Sevier County, a clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the county health unit, located at 304 North Fourth Street in De Queen.

Little River County will hold its clinic Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the health unit on Keller Street in Ashdown.

Additional clinics are scheduled Tuesday in Texarkana, Wednesday in Hope and Thursday in Nashville and Mena.

The Hempstead County clinic in Hope will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at 808 West Fifth Street.

Howard County’s clinic is scheduled Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 201 East Hempstead Street in Nashville, while Polk County’s clinic will be held Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 702 Hornbeck Avenue in Mena.

Health officials recommend annual flu vaccinations for everyone six months and older, particularly older adults, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions.

Arkansas recorded 91 flu-related deaths during the 2025-2026 influenza season.

The health department says the vaccine cannot cause the flu and can help reduce the severity of illness if a vaccinated person becomes infected.

A complete schedule of clinics, including locations and hours, is available at www.healthy.arkansas.gov.

Some relief to heat heading the region’s way     9/21/26

DE QUEEN – Southwest Arkansas could finally see some much-needed rainfall today, although forecasters say the region’s prolonged drought and wildfire concerns are far from over.

The National Weather Service is calling for a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the De Queen area today, with the best opportunity for rain arriving this afternoon.

Otherwise, skies will gradually clear, with temperatures climbing to around 95 degrees.

There’s a slight chance of additional rainfall early this evening before skies clear overnight and temperatures fall to around 68.

The possibility of rain comes as Arkansas continues battling extremely dry conditions that have contributed to widespread burn bans and several significant wildfires.

Among those is the massive Bunker Fire near Camden’s Highland Industrial Park in Calhoun County.

The fire has burned approximately 2,850 acres, with the most recently reported containment figure at 75 percent. Firefighters have received assistance from National Guard helicopters from Arkansas, Oklahoma and Mississippi, which have dropped thousands of gallons of water on the blaze.

No injuries or structural losses had been reported in the latest available updates.

Meanwhile, forecasters say southwest Arkansas will finally begin seeing some relief from the prolonged heat this week.

Tuesday will remain hot, with a high near 93, followed by 91 on Wednesday.

Temperatures are expected to fall into the upper 80s Thursday and Friday, with overnight lows dropping into the lower 60s.

Highs will return to around 90 over the weekend.

While today’s rain chances are certainly welcome, forecasters have cautioned that scattered showers are unlikely to provide widespread relief from the drought.

Residents are urged to continue observing local burn bans and use caution with any outdoor activities that could spark a wildfire.

Hurrah! Festival returns for 36th year next month     9/21/26

DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Museum will celebrate America’s 250th birthday during its 36th Annual Hurrah! Festival on Saturday, Oct. 3, featuring a full day of entertainment, food, contests and activities for the entire family.

This year’s festival will take place on the museum grounds in De Queen from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The theme, “Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday,” recognizes the nation’s semiquincentennial anniversary in 2026.

The Hurrah! Festival is one of the museum’s largest annual events and serves as its primary fundraiser, helping support building maintenance, artifact preservation and future improvements.

Festivities will begin with the annual Veterans Parade at 9 a.m., followed by a spelling bee at 10 a.m. A patriotic costume contest is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

The festival will also feature an open car and truck show, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. Nine trophies will be awarded, and all entrants will receive a medal.

Live entertainment from local singers and musicians will continue throughout the day, while food and craft vendors will offer a variety of refreshments and handmade items.

The De Queen Rotary Club will once again host a breakfast at the De Queen Senior Citizens Center in conjunction with the festival.

The museum is also accepting vendor reservations for this year’s event. Food, craft and informational booths are available, with spaces assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Booth fees range from $40 to $65, depending on the type of vendor and whether electricity is needed. Food booths cost $60 without electricity or $65 with electricity, while craft booths are $50 without electricity or $55 with electricity. Informational booths are available for $40 without electricity or $45 with electricity.

New this year, the museum is offering a designated yard sale area. Spaces are available for $40 without electricity or $45 with electricity.

Proceeds from the festival help the Sevier County Museum continue its mission of preserving and sharing the area’s history.

Additional support for the museum comes through book sales, including its Sevier County True Crime series and other local history publications, as well as its $10-a-Month Club for ongoing donors.

For vendor reservations or more details about the 36th Annual Hurrah! Festival, call or text Museum Director Karen Mills at (870) 784-0039.

It’s Homecoming Day in De Queen     9/18/26

De Queen High School will host its 2026 Homecoming Ceremonies today. This year’s Homecoming Court includes, from left to right in the front row, Attendant Bellamy Guinn, Queen Evelyn Ponce and Attendant Zayne Maya. In the second row are Harper Young(10th) and Dana Gutierrez(10th). In the third row are Alisson Quiroz(11th) and Barbie Barba (11th). In the fourth row are Alize Bahena(12th), Dulse Hernandez(12th), Layken Young(12th), Noelia Munoz(12th), Ellie Perez(12th) and Yamilet Lopez(12th). (Photo submitted by De Queen Public Schools)

DE QUEEN – It’s Homecoming Day in De Queen, with a full afternoon of festivities leading up to tonight’s football matchup between the Leopards and Ashdown Panthers.

This year’s theme is “There Is No Place Like Homecoming,” inspired by The Wizard of Oz.

The Homecoming Parade is scheduled for two o’clock this afternoon, followed by the coronation ceremony at 2:30 inside the De Queen High School Coliseum.

Evelyn Ponce has been selected as this year’s Homecoming Queen.

She’ll be joined on the court by senior maids Alize Bahena, Dulse Hernandez, Layken Young, Noelia Munoz, Ellie Perez and Yamilet Lopez.

Junior maids are Alisson Quiroz and Barbie Barba, while Harper Young and Dana Gutierrez are the sophomore maids.

Bellamy Guinn and Zayne Maya will serve as attendants.

Tonight, the Leopards will look to build on last week’s impressive 35-to-13 victory over Hope.

Junior running back Landen Wise rushed for 344 yards and four touchdowns in that contest, helping De Queen overcome injuries to two key offensive players.

The Leopards enter tonight’s game with a one-and-one record under first-year head coach Drew Dykes.

The Homecoming game against Ashdown will be broadcast on KDQN 92.1 FM.

Ceremony tonight to unveil Dierks’ “Million Dollar Holler”     9/18/26

DIERKS – A small Southwest Arkansas community that rallied nearly two million votes to win a nationwide competition is preparing for a major celebration today.

Dierks High School will officially celebrate its one-million-dollar athletic field transformation, made possible by winning T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights competition last year. The new field has been dubbed the “Million Dollar Holler.”

The school beat out more than 2,100 schools nationwide to claim the grand prize.

The transformation includes new artificial turf, visitor bleachers, concession area improvements, a renovated entrance, upgraded audiovisual equipment and a new Gronk Fitness gym.

The community got its first look at the renovated stadium during last week’s home football game. Today’s event will serve as the official celebration, with T-Mobile returning to Dierks for a full afternoon and evening of activities.

Festivities begin with a pep rally at 1:55 this afternoon.

A community tailgate will follow from 5-7 p.m., featuring food trucks, giveaways, activities and tours of the renovated facilities.

The celebration continues tonight when the undefeated Dierks Outlaws host Central Arkansas Christian.

A special drone show is planned for halftime.

Dierks won the competition through a massive community voting campaign that brought together students, families, businesses and supporters from across the region.

The project represents one of the largest athletic facility improvements in the school’s history.

Another day of extreme heat during the summer that won’t end     9/18/26

DE QUEEN – Southwest Arkansas is facing another day of extreme heat, with forecasters warning that wildfire danger could become even more elevated heading into the weekend.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says temperatures are expected to climb to around 99 degrees today across Sevier, Howard and Little River counties, as well as neighboring McCurtain County in Oklahoma.

The forecast calls for no rainfall, with afternoon humidity dropping to around 29 percent. The entire region remains under a burn ban as of Friday morning.

Forecasters say weeks of hot, dry weather have left vegetation extremely dry. Combined with lower humidity and occasional wind gusts, those conditions could allow fires to spread more easily.

The ongoing drought has also prompted officials in De Queen and Horatio to urge residents to conserve water wherever possible.

And unfortunately, there’s little relief in sight.

Highs are expected to remain in the upper 90s through the weekend and into Monday.

A cold front is expected to arrive around Tuesday, bringing temperatures down somewhat. However, the National Weather Service says little, if any, rainfall is expected with that front.

Temperatures may finally drop into the lower 90s by Wednesday and around 90 degrees Thursday.

Residents are urged to observe local burn restrictions, avoid activities that could spark a wildfire and take precautions against heat-related illness.

Annie Cooley benefit dinner, auction this Saturday in De Queen     9/18/26

DE QUEEN – A community fundraiser will be held this Saturday, Sept. 19, to support Annie Cooley as she continues her battle against a rare form of cancer.

The benefit dinner and fundraiser will begin at 5 p.m. at the De Queen Church of Christ Fellowship Hall. The event is being coordinated with assistance from 41 Ministries, a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families.

Cooley is battling mucosal melanoma, a rare form of melanoma that can develop internally. She is currently receiving treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

Matt Corley, founder of 41 Ministries, said the organization connected with Cooley and her husband several months ago and has remained involved throughout her treatment.

Saturday’s benefit will feature a chicken dinner and a variety of auction items up for grabs. Pilgrim’s Pride is donating chicken for the meal, volunteers will handle the cooking and Prime Country Meats is providing beans and potato salad.

Proceeds will support Cooley and her family as they navigate the financial and personal challenges associated with her cancer treatment.

The fundraiser is one of several community benefits supported by 41 Ministries, which was founded by Corley following his own cancer diagnosis in April 2023.

A resident of Horatio, Corley established the nonprofit after friends organized a fundraiser to help his family during his treatment. He later used a portion of those donations to launch an organization dedicated to helping others facing similar circumstances.

Since its founding, 41 Ministries has provided more than $200,000 in assistance to over 100 cancer patients across southwest Arkansas and neighboring communities in Texas and Oklahoma.

The organization provides financial, physical, emotional and spiritual support to cancer patients, whom it refers to as its “warriors.” It also helps families organize benefits and other community fundraising efforts.

Corley said the ministry’s role in events like Saturday’s fundraiser is to help bring together the family, friends and community members who already want to make a difference.

“We kind of organize the family and the friends that already love them and direct that in a positive manner,” Corley said.

The organization operates without paid salaries, allowing donated funds to remain focused on helping cancer patients and their families.

“The commitment that we make to our donors is, it’s your local dollars going to help your local neighbor,” Corley said.

Community members are encouraged to attend Saturday’s benefit beginning at 5 p.m. at the De Queen Church of Christ Fellowship Hall to support Cooley and her family.

For more information about 41 Ministries, visit the organization’s Facebook page or contact Corley at (580) 395-0060.

Sevier County Housing Authority hosting clothing giveaway     9/18/26

SEVIER COUNTY – The Sevier County Housing Authority, through its Neighbors Helping Neighbors initiative, will host two clothing giveaways this month to provide free clothes and shoes to individuals and families in need.

The first giveaway is scheduled for this Saturday, Sept. 19, from 8 a.m. to noon at Bruce Circle in Horatio.

A second giveaway will take place Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the Sevier County Housing Authority’s main office, located at 304 S. 13th Street in De Queen.

Both events will offer free clothing and shoes in a variety of sizes.

Community members are also encouraged to contribute to the effort by donating clothing and shoes. Donations in De Queen may be dropped off at the Housing Authority’s main office at 304 S. 13th Street. In Horatio, donations may be left in front of the community building either before or on the day of the giveaway.

Organizers extended special thanks to First Baptist Church of Horatio, De Queen Church of Christ and other community members who have contributed to the initiative.

Lockesburg FBC hosting annual Sportsmen’s Supper, Fall Revival     9/18/26

LOCKESBURG – First Baptist Church in Lockesburg will host a free Sportsman’s Chili Supper on Saturday, Sept. 26, followed by its annual fall revival.

The chili supper will begin at 5 p.m. and is open to everyone. The event will feature drawings for firearms, fishing equipment and other sporting goods.

The church’s fall revival will run Sept. 26-30, featuring evangelist Tom Whitsett and music by Sherman Aten.

Sunday morning services will begin at 10:45 a.m., with nightly revival services scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church is located at 3466 S. Camellia in Lockesburg.

For more information, call 870-289-2121.

Ashdown School Board suspends superintendent after Prescott audit findings     9/16/26

ASHDOWN – Ashdown School District Superintendent Robert Poole is on unpaid administrative leave following the release of a state audit questioning more than $34,000 in spending during his previous tenure as superintendent of the Prescott School District.

Ashdown spokeswoman Ronda Pounds confirmed the suspension Tuesday and said the district would not comment further because it is a personnel matter. Federal Programs Coordinator Chris Scarborough has been named interim superintendent.

The decision was made on a 6-1 vote by the Ashdown School Board during its meeting this past Monday. According to reporting by Hope-Prescott News, the sole dissenting vote was from Dorothy Henderson who said Poole had not been found guilty of any formal charges. The board voted 7-0 to approve Scarborough as interim superintendent.

Poole served as Prescott’s superintendent from 2010 until taking over the Ashdown district on July 1, 2025.

The Arkansas Legislative Audit covers his final three years at Prescott, from July 2022 through June 2025. Auditors identified $34,037 in expenses they determined were unallowable, including purchases that appeared to have no legitimate school-related purpose.

Among the findings were more than $10,000 in golf-related purchases and fees, $7,160 in clothing and shoes and more than $5,000 in Apple products. Auditors also questioned purchases involving baseball equipment and credit card transactions without supporting receipts.

The investigation raised additional questions about an $11,654 golf cart charged to a $12.3 million elementary school construction project, along with missing district equipment and grant-funded supplies that could not be located.

Auditors also found that gate receipts from five baseball and softball games in the spring of 2025 were never deposited. As much as $2,610 from a Hall of Fame banquet was also unaccounted for.

According to the audit, the former superintendent has repaid $1,229.

The investigation was requested by the Eighth North Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney. The findings have since been referred to the prosecutor’s office and the Arkansas Attorney General, and a special prosecutor has been appointed.

Current Prescott Superintendent Larry Smith says the district intends to implement all recommendations made by auditors.

The audit findings do not, by themselves, establish criminal wrongdoing, said Smith in the announcement.

41 Ministries turns cancer battle into mission of helping others     9/16/26

HORATIO – What began with one man’s battle against cancer and an unexpected act of generosity has grown into a regional ministry that has provided more than $200,000 in assistance to over 100 people facing cancer.

Matt Corley, founder of 41 Ministries and a resident of Horatio, said the organization was born from his own cancer journey, which began when he was diagnosed with colon cancer in April 2023.

Corley underwent surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, that June. Six months later, however, cancer was detected in a distant lymph node. Doctors recommended 12 rounds of chemotherapy.

Before his first treatment, Corley said he and his wife prayed for two things: low side effects and high effectiveness.

“The answer to that prayer didn’t come all at once,” Corley said. “It came over a series of months.”

The chemotherapy initially reduced the cancer to undetectable levels. Although Corley’s cancer later returned, he said what he learned during those first months of treatment helped set him on a path toward assisting others facing similar battles.

Friends had also organized a fundraiser for Corley and his family during his treatment, raising more than $7,000. Corley promised the money would not go to waste.

Within weeks, he began seeing how it could be put to use.

Corley and others started reaching out to people undergoing chemotherapy, sharing information and practical tools they had learned through his own experience. Eventually, part of the money raised for Corley became seed funding to establish 41 Ministries as a nonprofit organization.

Since then, Corley said 41 Ministries has assisted more than 100 people across the region, providing more than $200,000 in support. The organization serves a broad area that includes Sevier, Little River, Hempstead, Polk, Miller and Bowie counties in Arkansas and Texas as well as McCurtain County in Oklahoma.

Corley’s own cancer battle has continued throughout the ministry’s growth. He said he has now undergone 25 rounds of chemotherapy and is participating in an active immunotherapy trial at MD Anderson, where he has received 20 treatments over the past 13 months.

“I’m still very much in the fight,” Corley said.

Despite that ongoing fight, Corley said he has been fortunate to miss work only on treatment days. That experience has also made him keenly aware that many cancer patients are not as fortunate and may face lost income, mounting bills, travel expenses and other hardships associated with treatment.

That is why, Corley said, 41 Ministries looks beyond financial assistance.

“We look at the entire person – mind, body, spirit,” he said.

The organization takes what Corley described as a four-pronged approach, working to address the physical, emotional and financial needs of what the ministry calls its “warriors,” while also opening the door to spiritual support.

Although Corley initially believed financial assistance would be the ministry’s greatest contribution, experience has changed his perspective.

“The biggest thing that we bring to the table for our warriors is a listening ear that understands and has experienced a similar fight,” he said.

That support often comes from people who have fought cancer themselves. Corley pointed to volunteers who, after winning their own battle, returned to help others through theirs.

“They returned back to the other side of the valley to walk with somebody else across,” Corley said.

That cycle has become a recurring theme for the organization. Corley said many of the cancer patients and caregivers helped by 41 Ministries later return as volunteers, looking for ways to support another family facing the same uncertainty they once experienced.

The ministry also helps families organize fundraisers and other community support efforts. Corley describes the organization’s role in those events with three words: “facilitate, administrate and motivate.”

Rather than taking over, 41 Ministries works with the family and friends already surrounding a cancer patient, helping them organize their efforts and navigate the sometimes-daunting process of putting together a benefit.

“We kind of organize the family and the friends that already love them and direct that in a positive manner,” Corley said.

One of those efforts is an upcoming benefit for Annie Cooley, who Corley said is battling mucosal melanoma, a rare form of melanoma that can develop internally.

41 Ministries connected with Cooley and her husband several months ago and has remained involved throughout her treatment. Corley said Cooley is currently receiving treatment at MD Anderson.

The organization is helping coordinate a benefit dinner and fundraiser for Cooley this Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. at the De Queen Church of Christ Fellowship Hall. Corley said Pilgrim’s Pride is providing chicken for the meal, volunteers will handle the cooking and Prime Country Meats is providing beans and potato salad. The event will also feature a number of items as part of the fundraiser.

For Corley, events such as Saturday’s benefit demonstrate one of the central principles behind 41 Ministries: local support helping local people.

“There is always somebody out there that we can do more for,” he said.

Corley said the organization has no paid salaries, allowing donated funds to remain focused on its mission.

“The commitment that we make to our donors is, it’s your local dollars going to help your local neighbor,” Corley said. “The money that’s donated to us, it does stay local. It does help our neighbors.”

41 Ministries maintains a Facebook page with contact information for those interested in donating, volunteering or learning more about the organization. He can also be reached by calling (580) 395-0060. But Corley said spreading awareness is particularly important because someone currently facing cancer may not know the ministry is available to help.

“If there’s somebody out there that was not aware that we were here that we can help,” he said, “we definitely want to be able to fill that need for them.”

Sevier County Health Unit hosting flu clinic Sept. 23     9/16/26

DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Health Unit will offer free flu vaccinations on Wednesday, Sept. 23.

The walk-in flu shot clinic will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sevier County Health Unit, located at 304 N. Fourth Street in De Queen.

There will be no out-of-pocket expense for the flu shot. Those who have health insurance are asked to bring their insurance information with them.

UA Cossatot wraps up Mississippi road trip     9/16/26

By Jake Howard, UA Cossatot

UA Cossatot’s soccer teams returned from a weekend trip to Mississippi highlighted by a shutout victory for the Colts men’s team and a pair of tough losses for the women.

The UAC men opened the trip Friday night with a 1-0 victory over Meridian Community College, improving their record to 2-1-2.

The Colts struck in the 18th minute when Gustavo Quiroz delivered a corner kick to Callum Rae, who found the net to give UAC the early advantage.

That goal proved to be all the Colts needed.

Meridian applied pressure throughout the remainder of the match and finished with a 14-6 advantage in shots. However, only four of the Eagles’ attempts were on target as the Cossatot defense repeatedly turned away scoring opportunities.

Goalkeeper Evan Beltran made four saves to record the second clean sheet of his young collegiate career.

The UAC women, meanwhile, opened their Mississippi trip Friday afternoon with a 6-0 loss to Meridian.

The Eagles scored in the 10th and 21st minutes to take a 2-0 lead into halftime despite Cossatot generating seven shots in the opening half. Meridian added four more goals during the second half before the match was called due to lightning in the 74th minute.

Francesca Dorreus led the Colts’ attack with five shots, while goalkeeper Erlande Desinord recorded six saves.

Cossatot traveled to Summit on Saturday to face Southwest Mississippi Community College, where the Colts fell 7-1.

Southwest Mississippi scored in the third and 39th minutes to build a 2-0 halftime advantage before adding another goal in the 66th minute.

Cossatot answered just one minute later when Dorreus found the net to cut the deficit to 3-1. The Bears then pulled away late, scoring four times between the 84th and 87th minutes.

Despite the final score, the Colts generated 10 shots against Southwest Mississippi, including seven on goal. Emily Garcia made seven saves in net.

The two losses dropped the UA Cossatot women to 0-6 on the season. They will have a week off before returning to action Saturday, Sept. 19, at 4 p.m. against Dallas College Eastfield.

Ashdown superintendent on administrative leave after audit findings     9/15/26

ASHDOWN – Ashdown School District Superintendent Robert Poole has been placed on administrative leave following the release of a state audit involving his previous tenure as superintendent of the Prescott School District.

Ashdown district spokeswoman Ronda Pounds says Federal Programs Coordinator Chris Scarborough will serve as interim superintendent.

According to reporting by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the Arkansas Legislative Audit investigation identified more than $34,000 in expenses at the Prescott School District that auditors say were unallowable and were allegedly made, initiated or approved by Poole between July 2022 and June 2025.

Poole became superintendent of the Ashdown School District in July, 2025.

The investigation was requested by the Eighth North Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney after Prescott school officials discovered what they described as questionable purchases and undeposited revenue from athletic events. A special prosecutor was later appointed in the matter.

Auditors said some purchases did not appear to have a school-related purpose. The report also identified a golf cart allegedly in Poole’s possession that was not listed as a Prescott School District asset.

Auditors also reported that grant money was used to purchase equipment and supplies that could not be located. Required grant closeout documents were also reportedly not submitted, leaving the district ineligible for additional funding during the 2026 fiscal year.

Other findings involved undeposited revenue from athletic events, the handling of banquet ticket sales and a Booster Club account operating under the school district’s federal identification number.

The audit report has been forwarded to the Eighth North Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Arkansas Attorney General.

Youth deer hunts planned this fall at Dierks, Millwood Lakes     9/15/26

ASHDOWN – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is accepting applications for special youth deer hunts this fall at Dierks Lake and Millwood Lake.

The first hunt will be held Oct. 24-25 at Dierks Lake. Six permits will be issued to hunters ages 6-15, with applications due by Oct. 2. A random drawing will be held and selected hunters notified Oct. 7.

Applications for the Dierks Lake hunt are available at the Dierks Lake Project Office, 246 Jefferson Ridge Road in Dierks, or by calling 870-286-2346.

A second youth hunt will be held Nov. 7-8 at Millwood Lake, where eight permits will be available for hunters ages 6-15. Applications must be submitted by Oct. 8, with a random drawing and notification of selected hunters scheduled for Oct. 9.

Applications for the Millwood hunt are available at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office, 1528 Highway 32 E. in Ashdown, or by calling 870-898-3343.

Participants in either hunt must have consent from a parent or guardian and must be accompanied during the hunt by an unarmed adult over age 21 who has completed hunter education and holds a valid Arkansas hunting license. Youth hunters must provide their own firearms and be proficient in their use. Access and hunting blinds will be provided.

Participants at Dierks Lake will be limited to firearms approved for Arkansas’ alternative firearms season, while youth participating in the Millwood Lake hunt will be limited to modern guns.

Officials with the Corps of Engineers stated that the special hunts are designed to encourage youth interest in the outdoors, promote conservation and ethical hunting and help improve the local deer herd.

Regional COSL auction in Mena next week     9/15/26

Submitted by COSL office

MENA – Commissioner of State Lands Tommy Land announced the upcoming auction of tax-delinquent parcels located in Howard, Montgomery, Pike, Polk and Sevier Counties on Sept. 23.

The regional auction begins at 10 a.m. and will be held at the Avalon Keep Botanical Gardens, located at 4651 Highway 8 outside Mena. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

“Regional auctions have been a popular and efficient adaptation,” Commissioner of State Lands Tommy Land said. “Bidders can be at the sales for multiple counties at a single event.”

Auctions are conducted alphabetically by county. Prospective bidders can find the Public Auction Catalog on the Commissioner’s website at www.cosl.org. The catalog includes auction date, time and locations and a complete listing of parcels offered. Bidders should review the buyer’s guide and statutes governing sales before coming to auctions.

The website also includes a video tutorial demonstrating how to research information about each parcel available for sale.

“We are also reminding property owners that since 2023, the redemption period for tax-delinquent parcels has ended at 4 p.m. on the last business day before the sale date,” Land said. “We must receive the petition to redeem and the payment by that time.”

Parcels sold at auction cannot be redeemed. “Auction sales are final,” he said.

Bidders must register for the auction before placing a bid and must have a federal or state ID from within the United States. Purchases must be paid in full at the auction site; bidders may pay with a business or personal check, or a credit or debit card. Cash is not accepted for purchase of tax-delinquent parcels.

Bidding begins at the amount of taxes, penalties and interest owed on a parcel. The 2025 taxes are not included in the bid, since they are not yet delinquent. The winning bidder must pay those taxes to the county tax collector by Oct. 15.

“Property taxes help fund schools, roads, libraries and public services including ambulances,” Land said. “Everyone benefits from paying those taxes. Property owner can avoid penalties and interest on delinquent taxes by paying before the Oct. 15 deadline each year.”

Properties that do not sell at auction will appear on the COSL’s post-auction sales list 30 days after the auction date. From there, they can be purchased through an online auction system. Another instructional video on the COSL website demonstrates that process to bidders.

Owners of delinquent parcels may redeem those delinquent taxes online at www.cosl.org using a credit or debit card. Those who prefer to pay by check or money order can print a Petition to Redeem from the website or call the office at 501-324-9422 to request the petition, which must accompany their payment.

Owners seeking to redeem a delinquent parcel within 30 days before an auction must use certified funds or may redeem with cash in our office at 7003 Valley Ranch Drive, off Highway 10 in west Little Rock. Cash is only accepted for redemption, and only for in-person payments at 7003 Valley Ranch Drive.

Little River County mourns loss of longtime community leader, Darrell Coker     9/14/26

ASHDOWN – Longtime Ashdown community leader, businessman and former radio broadcaster Darrell Wayne Coker has died, leaving behind a legacy of more than five decades of service to the community he called home.

Coker, born July 22, 1964, in Texarkana, was raised in Fouke before moving to Ashdown in 1974. He graduated from Ashdown High School in 1982 and went on to become a familiar face throughout Little River County through his business, civic and charitable work.

Funeral services for Coker will be held this afternoon, Monday, Sept. 14, at First United Methodist Church in Ashdown. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m.

Coker spent 33 years with Farm Bureau, developing relationships with customers throughout Little River County and the surrounding area. He also worked in real estate with Smith & Mounts for more than 40 years.

His involvement in the community extended well beyond his professional career. Coker served as president of both the Ashdown Rotary Club and Ashdown Chamber of Commerce and was involved with the Ashdown Scholarship Committee, Housing Authority Board and Texarkana Regional Initiative Board. He served as chairman of Intermodal in 2015.

Coker was also a longtime member of the Community Auction team, serving for more than a decade and participating in the event since its beginning. His community service was recognized in 2012 when he received the Steve Pearce Award.

Area sports fans may also remember Coker as a familiar voice on the radio. For eight years, he helped call Ashdown Panther football games, first on KDQN 92.1 FM and later on 102.1 The Good Path. His love for the Panthers reflected his lifelong connection to the Ashdown community.

Coker was also active in his church and devoted time to ministries including a food pantry and shoe ministry. His obituary describes his Christian faith as the foundation of his life and service to others.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Nancy Coker; son Brian Welch and wife Rachele and their children, Henry and Haddie Welch; daughter Lauren and husband Billy Abney and their children, Carson and Laynie Horn and Zane and Ava Abney; sister Marilyn Sue “Susie” Brown and husband Tim; nephews Doyal Ray Ward and wife Reala Jo and Dillon Ward and wife Erin; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Coker was preceded in death by his parents, William Marion Coker and Mary LaVerne Bonner Coker.

Through decades of work, civic involvement, broadcasting, church ministry and charitable service, Coker became a well-known presence in Ashdown and across Little River County. His funeral will be held at 2 p.m. today at First United Methodist Church in Ashdown.

Southwest Arkansas represented at foreign investment expo in Mexico City     9/14/26

Submitted by Sevier County Economic Development

MEXICO CITY, Mexico – Southwest Arkansas was represented on an international  stage this week as economic development leaders from Sevier and Howard counties took the region’s story  directly to nearly 200 vetted industry investors exploring expansion into the United States. 

Veronica Ozura, representing Sevier County, and Vanessa Weeks, representing Howard County, were invited to  speak at The USA Expansion Summit in Mexico City by Jaime Menéndez, co-founder of Expansion USA. The  invitation grew from a relationship first established when they connected with Menéndez at the SelectUSA  Investment Summit in Washington, D.C. earlier this year. 

For Ozura and Weeks, the opportunity was about more than representing two counties. It was about making  sure Southwest Arkansas has a seat at the table when conversations about future U.S. investment are taking  place. 

“Rural does not mean disconnected, and it certainly does not mean we should be overlooked,” Ozura said. “We  are intentionally building relationships, showing up in the right rooms and making sure Southwest Arkansas is  part of the conversation when companies begin looking at where to invest next.” 

Their presentation introduced investors to a region with established industry, workforce, transportation and rail  connections, available sites and strong partnerships at the local, regional and state levels. Just as importantly, it  demonstrated the willingness of Southwest Arkansas communities to work across county lines and compete  together. 

“When we work together, we give Southwest Arkansas a stronger voice,” Weeks said. “Howard and Sevier  counties each bring different strengths, but connecting those assets and telling our regional story gives all of us  a better opportunity to compete.” 

Also participating in the summit was Clarissa Bonillas, International Investment Specialist with SelectUSA  Mexico and the U.S. Department of Commerce at the U.S. Trade Center, U.S. Embassy in Mexico. Meaningful  conversations with Bonillas have helped strengthen an important connection between Howard and Sevier  counties and SelectUSA Mexico, with discussions already looking ahead to future events, continued  engagement and opportunities to connect Southwest Arkansas with companies exploring U.S. investment. The  relationship adds another important link to the growing network Southwest Arkansas is intentionally building  nationally and internationally. 

The trip represents the side of economic development the public does not always see: relationships being built  before a prospect calls, communities being positioned before a site search begins and Southwest Arkansas being  introduced to decision makers before the next investment is announced. 

From Washington, D.C. to Mexico City, Southwest Arkansas is showing up, working together and making sure  our rural communities remain on the map for what comes next.

Leopards overcome injuries to defeat Bobcats 35-15     9/14/26

Four-Touchdown Night – De Queen’s Landen Wise races downfield for the first of his four touchdowns during the Leopards’ 35-13 win over the Hope Bobcats Friday night.

DE QUEEN – The De Queen Leopards overcame injuries to two key offensive players, leaned on a career night from Landen Wise and forced four turnovers on defense to defeat the Hope Bobcats 35-13 Friday night at Bill Blackwood Field.

The victory was the first for De Queen under new head coach Drew Dykes and improved the Leopards to 1-1 on the season.

De Queen wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Sophomore Hunter Dinkins broke loose for a 70-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage, giving the Leopards a lead they would never relinquish.

But Dinkins finished the night with only two carries after leaving with an injury. Senior running back Luis Sotelo was also sidelined after just one carry, suddenly leaving De Queen thin in the backfield.

That put the workload squarely on junior Landen Wise.

Wise responded with a huge performance, rushing for 344 yards and four touchdowns on 30 carries. He also contributed on defense with one of De Queen’s four interceptions.

Despite the eye-popping numbers, Wise credited the Leopards’ offensive line for his performance.

“I wouldn’t say I carried the team on my back,” Wise said after the game. “I really thank my line for blocking for me and creating holes. But yeah, I really had to step up and it was tough, but I got it done.”

Wise’s performance continued a strong start to his junior season. After rushing for more than 1,000 yards last year, he has already accumulated 533 yards and seven touchdowns through De Queen’s first two games.

He said an increased commitment in the weight room during the offseason has played a major role in that success.

QB Sneak – De Queen quarterback Keegan McCoy pushes forward on a quarterback sneak during Friday night’s 35-13 victory over the Hope Bobcats.

“Coach Dykes really got in my head this summer that I need to take the weight room more serious like I didn’t last year and really try to eat and gain weight,” Wise said. “He told me it would help this season. It turns out it is.”

De Queen carried its lead into halftime before pulling away over the final two quarters. Dykes said the coaching staff made several adjustments during the break, including some input from two of his former coaches.

“We just changed a few minor things up,” Dykes said. “I even had some former coaches, Coach Bell and Coach Sloan that coached me, came in and helped us change a couple things and give some props to them. Coach Lyda helped some adjustments offensively.”

Dykes said the bigger factor was the ability of his players to keep battling despite the mounting injuries.

“The kids battled,” he said. “The last time I was on here, we talked about mental toughness and it took all of it tonight to battle through all the injuries. They did all that and I’m very proud of them.”

The Leopards’ defense turned in a strong performance of its own. De Queen sacked Hope’s quarterback four times and intercepted four Bobcat passes.

John Maturino recorded two sacks, while Evan Wolcott and Jimmy Downing added one apiece. Wise, Gael Angeles, Gabe Cotten and Jordan Ledesma each recorded an interception.

Dawson Ross led the Leopards with 14 tackles, while Cotten finished with 12.

Dykes praised defensive coordinator Coach Parson and his unit for overcoming personnel losses of their own.

“Coach Parson and the defense did a phenomenal job,” Dykes said. “They were down players too.”

Special teams also continued to be reliable for De Queen. Joshua Dominguez converted all five of his extra-point attempts and is now a perfect 10-for-10 on PATs this season.

The win gives Dykes his first victory as De Queen’s head coach and sends the Leopards into Homecoming Week with some momentum.

De Queen will remain at home Friday, Sept. 18, when the Leopards host the Ashdown Panthers for their 2026 Homecoming game.

It’s Homecoming Week in De Queen     9/14/26

DE QUEEN – Homecoming Week is underway at De Queen High School, with a full slate of activities planned leading up to Friday night’s homecoming football game between the Leopards and Ashdown Panthers.

The DHS Student Council selected Evelyn Ponce as the 2026 Homecoming Queen. She is joined on the court by senior maids Alize Bahena, Dulse Hernandez, Layken Young, Noelia Munoz, Ellie Perez and Yamilet Lopez; junior maids Alisson Quiroz and Barbie Barba; and sophomore maids Harper Young and Dana Gutierrez. Bellamy Guinn and Zayne Maya will serve as attendants.

This year’s theme is “There Is No Place Like ‘Home’coming,” with Spirit Week activities inspired by The Wizard of Oz taking place throughout the week.

Homecoming Week begins Monday with “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” when students are encouraged to dress for their future career. Tuesday will be “Lions, Tigers, Bears – Oh My!” with students dressing as a favorite book character or animal. Wednesday’s “Which Witch is Which?” theme will have students dressing like a friend.

Thursday will be “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and Color Wars Day. Kindergarten, fourth and eighth grades will wear yellow; first, fifth and ninth grades will wear green; second, sixth and 10th grades will wear red; third, seventh and 11th grades will wear blue; and seniors will wear purple. Staff members may wear black or the color assigned to the grade level they teach.

Spirit Week will conclude Friday with “No Place Like Home,” when students are encouraged to wear black and gold in support of the Leopards. The school dress code will remain in effect throughout the week.

Friday’s Homecoming Day festivities will begin at 2 p.m. with a downtown parade featuring the Homecoming Court around the courthouse square. The parade will continue down School Drive beginning at approximately 2:15 p.m. for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The afternoon coronation ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. inside the DHS Coliseum, followed by a pep rally.

Homecoming festivities will continue Friday evening at Leopard Stadium, with a ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. ahead of the Leopards’ matchup against Ashdown. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Horatio High School’s homecoming set for Oct. 2     9/14/26

HORATIO – Horatio High School is preparing to celebrate Homecoming 2026, with festivities set to include a community parade and the crowning of this year’s homecoming royalty.

HHS has announced Paige Williamson as the 2026 Homecoming Queen. She will be joined on the court by senior maids Dara Farley, Jalyn Pickett, Anastin Roberts and Presley Sprick.

Junior maids are Scarlett Richardson and Abigail Turner, while sophomore maids are Blair Bissell, Lydia Craig and Camilla Rojo. Angalice Austin will serve as flower girl.

Homecoming festivities will include the annual Horatio High School Homecoming Parade on Friday, Oct. 2. Lion fans, community organizations and others are encouraged to take part by decorating a float, car or truck, ATV or golf cart, or by creating a banner to show their Lion pride.

Those interested in participating in the parade may contact Mondie Allen at 870-832-1910 or by email at mallen@horatioschools.org or nlitchford@horatioschools.org.

The celebration will lead into the Horatio Lions’ homecoming football game that evening. Horatio is scheduled to host the Prescott Curley Wolves on Oct. 2 as part of the Lions’ 2026 football season.

Legacy marks 19th year with third annual LAUNCH event     9/14/26

Submitted by Legacy Academy

LOCKESBURG – Legacy Academy began its 19th year with its third annual LAUNCH event. Through games, worship, house activities, and intentional spiritual reflection, LAUNCH brings the Legacy Academy community together before settling into the regular rhythm of classes. 

A central part of LAUNCH is Legacy Academy’s house system, with students and staff belonging to one of four houses: Fidelis (faithful), Fortis (strong and brave), Invicta (unconquerable spirit), and Veritas (truth). This year, houses spent time creating their own “lore,” including origin stories, house relics, and spiritual emphases. Junior and Senior student House Leaders also selected a classroom value for their house to emphasize throughout the school year. New students and staff who have family members already at Legacy Academy join their family’s house, allowing the house system to build community without creating competition between family members.

This year’s schoolwide spiritual emphasis, “Strengthen the Net,” focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships that help to capture what God has planned for them. The emphasis reaches beyond student friendships to include relationships among students, staff, and parents.

During LAUNCH, students were encouraged to examine those relationships honestly and consider where they could grow. Many students identified ways they could strengthen their relationships with their parents, recognizing that healthy families are an important part of their own spiritual and personal formation.

Legacy looks forward to another great year, grateful for a close and engaged community. 

City of Horatio joins De Queen in urging public to conserve water     9/11/26

SEVIER COUNTY – The cities of De Queen and Horatio are now asking water customers to voluntarily conserve water as extreme heat, drought and a lack of rainfall continue across the area.

De Queen issued its request earlier this week as historically low water levels continue to affect the Cossatot River, which serves as the city’s drinking water source.

Mayor Jeff Brown said the river is lower than he has ever seen during his 20 years in De Queen.

The City of Horatio has now joined the conservation effort, asking its water customers to also reduce unnecessary water use because of the ongoing hot and dry conditions.

Officials in both cities stress that residents can continue normal household water use, including cooking, bathing, washing clothes and taking care of their families.

Instead, residents are being asked to cut back on unnecessary use, including watering lawns, washing vehicles, filling swimming pools and leaving hoses or sprinklers running.

In De Queen, the situation is being driven by extremely low levels on the Cossatot River.

Sevier County Judge Sandra Dunn declared a countywide emergency Tuesday because of the situation. Local officials are also working with the Tri-Lakes Water District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and hydrologists to increase the amount of water reaching De Queen.

Additional water has been released from Gillham Lake into the Cossatot River, but extremely dry conditions are causing much of that water to be absorbed before it reaches De Queen.

Horatio officials say their conservation request is also intended to be proactive rather than waiting for conditions to become more serious.

Both cities say even small reductions in water use can add up when residents throughout the community participate.

Officials will continue monitoring conditions and are asking residents to conserve wherever reasonably possible.

Local first responders continue effort to keep memory of 9/11 alive     9/11/26

Jay Litchford, assistant chief of the De Queen Fire Department, has organized a Memorial Walk through De Queen for the past several years to honor the first responders who died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. He’ll help lead the group again this Friday. Behind Litchford are several photo collages from his participation in the Oklahoma City 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

DE QUEEN – Twenty-five years have passed since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

For Jay Litchford, the passage of time has only strengthened the importance of remembering the first responders who went to work that morning and never came home.

Litchford, assistant chief of the De Queen Fire Department, has spent much of his adult life in the fire service. Each September, he and fellow firefighters carry on a tradition intended to honor the 343 members of the New York City Fire Department who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center.

For Litchford, that tradition began in 2018 with a challenge from a friend.

Litchford and Jake Phillips, now an Oklahoma state trooper, decided to participate in the Oklahoma City 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Litchford initially figured the challenge wouldn’t be too difficult.

Then he discovered what he had signed up for.

The climb consists of 110 floors, representing the height of the World Trade Center towers and the climb firefighters faced on Sept. 11.

“We climb 110 flights of stairs for them because they did it, so we’re going to honor them by doing it,” Litchford said. “They didn’t have a choice that day. That was their job. It was a big job, and they jumped right in and didn’t bat an eye one bit.”

Preparing for that first climb became a challenge of its own. Litchford said he lost nearly 100 pounds while training, exercising every day and often wearing the same type of turnout gear and air pack firefighters carry into emergencies.

Litchford said the physical strain helped put the sacrifice of Sept. 11 into perspective.

“You get to the top of that, you kind of get a sense of, man, what those guys had to go through,” Litchford said. “And unfortunately they didn’t make the 110 steps back down.”

Litchford has participated in stair climbs in Oklahoma City and Little Rock over the years. But he decided to bring the tradition to De Queen.

When stair climbs were canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, local firefighters decided they could still find a way to remember by hosting a memorial walk through the city.

That first walk through De Queen has since developed into an annual Sept. 11 tradition involving firefighters from across Sevier County, along with law enforcement officers, EMTs and paramedics.

“We all do it together,” Litchford said.

Participants gather at the De Queen Sportsplex and begin walking at 8:46 a.m. – the time the first hijacked airliner struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

From there, they make their way through De Queen to Walmart, carrying American flags and fire hoses. Many firefighters make the journey in full turnout gear and air packs. “Everything that that fireman had on the day he went in that World Trade Center, that’s what we try to have ourselves,” Litchford said.

The walk also serves as a visible reminder to the community. Motorists are encouraged to honk as the procession passes and residents gather each year along the route, offering encouragement and bottles of water. Fire trucks and an ambulance accompany the group, both for safety and because the firefighters remain on duty and must be prepared to respond if an emergency call comes in.

Litchford was a middle school student when the Sept. 11 attacks occurred. His father was a firefighter and EMT, and Litchford remembers immediately wanting to help. In the years that followed, Litchford entered the same profession as his father. He has now spent nearly 20 years with the De Queen Fire Department.

The job can mean responding to anything from a vehicle accident to a structure fire, with firefighters rarely knowing exactly what they will encounter until they arrive.

“It’s a job, and no matter how big or small it is, we’re going to handle it the best we can,” he said.

That sense of duty is also what Litchford sees when he thinks about the firefighters who entered the World Trade Center 25 years ago.

The 343 firefighters killed that day are at the center of the annual tribute, but Litchford also remembers the police officers, EMTs and other emergency personnel who died, as well as those who survived the attacks only to suffer illnesses years later after working amid the toxic dust and debris at Ground Zero.

A quarter-century after the attacks, remembering has taken on another dimension. An entire generation has now grown up with no personal memory of Sept. 11, 2001.

Litchford’s own children are among them. His three sons have accompanied him to the memorial events over the years, an effort he said is meant to share remembrance from one generation to the next. And he hopes the tradition continues long after today’s firefighters have hung up their gear.

“I hope for as long as I’m here and the firemen and the future that’s here, we’ll keep this going,” Litchford said. 

For Litchford and the other first responders who gather in De Queen each Sept. 11, the walk is ultimately a simple act. They put on the gear, shoulder the weight and walk. Litchford said it’s not because 110 floors or a journey across De Queen can recreate what firefighters faced inside the World Trade Center 25 years ago, but because, for a few miles and a few hours each September, they can carry a little of that weight themselves.

“We just want to try to do our part to make sure the names, courage and sacrifice of those who carried that duty that day aren’t forgotten.”

De Queen firefighters honored in commemoration of 25 anniversary of 9/11    9/11/26

EDSARI Integrated Services, in partnership with Avanza Arkansas, recognized three local first responders for their dedicated service, courage, and commitment to protecting and serving the community in observance of the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, and the 9/11 Day of Service. Pictured from left to right are DQFD Asst. Chief Jay Litchford, EDSARI-founder Erika Buenrostro, DQFD Capt. Pedro Felipe, DQFD Chief Dennis Pruitt, DQFD Firefighter Tyler Johnson, DQFD Lt. Jeff Marshall and DQFD Firefighter Jace Sims. (Photo submitted by Erika Buenrostro/EDSARI Integrated Services)

DE QUEEN – EDSARI Integrated Services, in partnership with Avanza Arkansas, recognized three local first responders for their dedicated service, courage, and commitment to protecting and serving the community in observance of the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, and the 9/11 Day of Service.

The three first responders recognized were Captain Pedro Felipe, Lieutenant Jeff Marshall, and Firefighter Tyler Johnson. Each received a Certificate of Recognition expressing appreciation for their service and continued dedication to helping make the De Queen community stronger and safer.

The recognition was held in the spirit of 9/11 Day of Service — Unite for Good, honoring the memory of those lost on September 11 while recognizing the first responders who continue to serve their communities today.

“September 11 reminds us of the lives that were lost, the courage of the first responders who answered the call, and the importance of coming together through service,” said Erika Buenrrostro, Executive Director and Owner of EDSARI Integrated Services.

“Twenty-five years later, we honor that legacy by recognizing Captain Felipe, Lieutenant Marshall, and Firefighter Johnson for the work they do right here in our community. We are grateful for their service, their sacrifices, and their commitment to others.”

Diego Morales, Executive Director of Avanza Arkansas, joined EDSARI Integrated Services in recognizing the three first responders and expressing appreciation for their contributions to the community.

Through this recognition, EDSARI Integrated Services and Avanza Arkansas reaffirm their commitment to remembrance, service, resilience, and community unity. The organizations encourage others to honor the legacy of September 11 through acts of service and appreciation for those who dedicate themselves to helping and protecting others.

Local listeners, readers, share their memories of Sept. 11, 2001     9/11/26

Twenty-five years have passed since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, but for many Americans, the memories of that Tuesday morning remain remarkably clear.

They remember the classroom they were sitting in, the job they were working, the road they were traveling or the person who told them to turn on the television. They remember gathering around radios and television sets as the enormity of what was happening became apparent. They remember the confusion, fear, disbelief and grief.

As part of our observance of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, we asked our readers and listeners a simple question: Where were you when you learned America was under attack?

These are some of the memories they shared.

Judy Smith Young: At work at the Health Department in Ashdown. We got to see Air Force One circling while waiting to land at Barksdale in Shreveport. It had its fighter plane escorts alongside. This was after all other planes had been grounded. We watched on TV in the lobby all the disasters of the day. It was such a solemn day.

Carrie Chandler: Working as an LPN at Pleasant Manor Nursing and Rehab. I was doing my morning med pass and one of my residents had her TV on. I sat in her room crying with her. I will never forget.

Marcus Simpson: I remember it like it was yesterday. I was in fifth grade when the office announced over the intercom, “Please turn on the news.” Our teacher turned on the TV and we watched in horror as the second plane hit the tower. I don’t recall how long it was before the news sank in, but I remember being told to get ready to go home. It was a day that will be etched in my memory forever.

Cindy Becerra: I had just gotten off my first job at Exxon and turned on the radio and heard it on KDQN. I was in shock. I went to my second job at Lillie’s Pad, now Stilwell’s, and told my mom, Lillie, and Mary. They turned the TV on. It seemed like everybody downtown showed up and came in to watch TV that day. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. It was one of the busiest days we ever had, with people coming in just to sit down and watch. It was something you just never forget.

Nickoles Hill: I was washing dishes on the Coast Guard Cutter Durable. We had the TV on in the mess deck and watched all of it unfold. Then every single person got a 100 percent mandatory recall. If they were home sick or on vacation, it didn’t matter.

Tonya Wolcott: I was driving to work when I heard the news that the first tower had been hit. Just a few minutes later, I arrived at my job as a dispatcher at the Sheriff’s Office. At that time, the jail was at the bottom of the courthouse and the only television in the courthouse was in the dispatch office. When I walked in, a few ladies were gathered around the TV. Just minutes after I arrived, we watched the second plane hit. Throughout the day, employees from around the courthouse came in and out of my office wanting to see what was happening. It was a day full of uncertainty, sadness and prayer.

Jan Durham: I was working at the De Queen Administration Office. Mrs. Burt and I went into the break room to watch it on TV. At that time, we really didn’t know what was happening. Years later, my sister, niece and I walked to Ground Zero. My knees were shaking thinking about all the people running on those same sidewalks and streets. It is something I will always remember.

Jan Wolfe: I was in the barn with a veterinarian and heard it on the barn radio, KDQN. I ran in the house, turned on the TV and watched the towers come down. I sat there the rest of the day in tears. I’ll never forget. We can never forget.

Paige Lee: Mrs. Hammond’s fifth-grade math class. Every classroom had a little TV hung up in the corner that was never used until that day. I remember the TV coming on and Mrs. Hammond panicking because she had a friend or family member who worked in the World Trade Center. There were a whole bunch of 10-year-olds who had no idea what was going on. We just knew we weren’t studying math that day.

Jason Curtis: When my sergeant woke me up and told me about it, I dropped a blank VCR tape in and recorded the next several hours of live coverage. An hour later, I was called out to monitor activity for the rush at gas stations.

Jazmine Roberts: Fourth grade. After the first plane hit, the teachers put both classes in one room and rolled one of the big TVs on a cart in. We watched the news as the rest of it happened. Teachers were crying and there were a bunch of 9- and 10-year-olds only half understanding what was happening.

Betty Crow: I heard the news on the radio just before I got to work. The cable guys next door hooked us up with free cable that morning so we could watch. Several of us went to the Methodist Church about noon, where the doors were open for anyone in the community to go pray.

Sandy Moore: I was working at Mineral Springs Schools. One of our teachers told me what had happened. We watched everything after the first plane. I will never forget when the first tower fell and one of our students looked at me with tears in her eyes. She asked, “Ms. Moore, were there people in that building?”

Larry Cook: Downtown Central Fire Station 1 in Texarkana. We were all shocked and thought the first plane was an accident. When the second plane hit, the feeling we all had won’t be forgotten. Calls started piling in. The first one was a bomb threat at the Bi-State Justice Building. We had a very busy day and the feeling of helplessness for the lives lost that day is indescribable.

Shauna Weaver: I was in Pinnacle, North Carolina, and my brother was in the Army and had just been stationed at Fort Hood. I was terrified to be on the East Coast and terrified for him being in the military.

Michael Michaud: Onboard the USS Nassau in Norfolk, Virginia. We were in indoctrination class and came back from break and turned on the news just in time to see the second plane hit. I knew at that moment this was no accident and I was going to spend the next few years on deployments. They held us on the ship until around 7 that night. I deployed four more times over the next four years.

Ruthie Buck: I was mowing my yard when my husband came back from getting mower gas and told me a plane had hit a building. I went inside, turned the TV on and saw the second plane hitting the World Trade Center. It took me about as long as it took the news to realize it was intentional. I called my dad and wanted my whole family to come stay with me because I thought we would all be safer together. I watched the coverage until it was time to go to work at Husqvarna at 3 p.m. I kept expecting them to close the plant — how could they work while the world was ending? But we worked. Everyone was in zombie mode.

Lenette Shelton Dossett: Working at Dr. Ridlon’s clinic in De Queen. My husband called and told me to turn on the TV. We nurses went into Dr. Ridlon’s office and he turned on his TV. We were all in disbelief and heartbroken. The atmosphere was somber and it affected our patients and coworkers. There were a lot of prayers and tears. I remember there being no American flags left in any store to purchase. Everyone proudly displayed them and supported our country and military.

Nancy Baker: This was before the modern cell phone, so my phone was on the wall with the message light flashing when I came in from the chicken houses about 11 a.m. Mama had left a message in a very unnatural voice telling me we had been bombed and to turn on my TV. My chickens did not get tended to the rest of that day.

Monica Bobbitt Pearce: Teaching fifth grade in De Queen. I was so worried about all the moms’ and dads’ babies who were in my care. I had to protect them.

Emmy Bailey: I was at home after working night shift. My 1-year-old and 3-year-old were watching “Sesame Street.” During a commercial, I switched channels and saw what I thought was a strange movie with a plane in the tower. Then I realized it was the news and thought it was a horrible accident. Then the next plane hit the other tower. That’s when the terror hit. I understood we were under attack in the USA. I remember the fear of not feeling safe and the fear of having to leave my kids to go to work. Some things cannot and should never be forgotten.

Lance Richard: I was in a class in Grafenwöhr, Germany. We didn’t have exact details about what was happening. All we knew was the Pentagon had been attacked. We were taken to an auditorium and briefed, then watched President Bush. Everything changed that day.

Allana Linville O’Neal: I was at home with my 1-month-old baby, watching it on TV and wondering what kind of world he was going to grow up in.

Steven Baber: I was at home sick with the stomach virus. I believe I was in first grade. My grandma was on the porch watching TV and I came in to sit next to her because I didn’t feel good. She was glued to the TV, which she never was. We were both speechless.

Lorie Dunn Jones: Working at the hospital. I was walking from the ER to administration and it came on the TV in the surgery waiting room. It was the most horrible feeling I have ever experienced.

Jeanne Hill Davis: Cleaning house when my sister called and told me to turn on the TV. What a horrible day. I called our youngest daughter at school and then pleaded with the security guard at our oldest daughter’s college to let me speak to her.

Looking back at 9/11 from The De Queen Bee archives     9/11/26

DE QUEEN –We’ve compiled a few stories from the Sept. 13, 2001 edition of The De Queen Bee to take a look at the reactions, emotions and tragedy that took place 25 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001:

Disaster rivets area’s attention

Robby Chapnick of Broken Bow may have taken one of the last photographs of the World Trade Center towers during a vacation to New York last month.

Chapnick, a salesman for Janitor Local Supply in Broken Bow, said he was in New York for a vacation from Sept. 1 to Sept. 8.

“I just went to be with friends in the Hamptons,” he said. “But we went into the city several times.”

On Saturday, Sept. 8, shortly before he returned home, he stepped out of the office of the agent for his artist friend and saw the twin towers.

“They’re beautiful,” he said. So beautiful that he asked a friend to take his picture with the towers in the background.

They are beautiful no more. On Tuesday morning, two planes crashed into the towers, bringing them to the ground.

Around De Queen, activity ground to a halt Tuesday morning as the community’s attention was riveted by the scenes of destruction playing out in New York and also in Washington, where a plane crashed into the Pentagon.

County Judge Dick Tallman said Tuesday morning that he had asked OES coordinator “Mac” McDaniel to contact the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management to see if any action should be taken locally.

The governor has activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center and local officials are awaiting instructions, he said. So far, there are no recommendations for Sevier County.

The judge said staff at the Sevier County Courthouse have been watching the destruction on a hastily installed cable TV hookup.

At De Queen High School, lessons ground to a halt just as the day was beginning.

A spokesperson in the school office said almost every class was watching news coverage of the event.

Ron Paul of First Baptist Church of De Queen said the church has had requests for spiritual guidance following the events. The church will be open at 7 p.m. Tuesday for a community prayer service, he said.

Local residents turn to prayer in time of sorrow

Southwest Arkansas residents knelt in prayer, flew their flags and filled their tanks while waiting for information that might explain the unspeakable events of Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001.

First Baptist Church and First Assembly of God were two churches that opened their doors Tuesday evening for those seeking spiritual guidance and comfort.

The sign at the Hwy. 70 West Sportsplex bore the message “Pray For Our Country” under two U.S. flags flying overhead.

De Queen Mayor Chad Gallagher asked city residents to fly their flags at half-mast in respect for victims of the disasters in New York and Washington.

Sevier County Judge Dick Tallman said there had been reports of a jet plane flying over Sevier County on Tuesday afternoon. He said it was a military plane enforcing the “no-fly” order issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Within hours after news of the attacks in New York and Washington, lines began forming at local gasoline pumps.

The judge urged residents to remain calm amid reports of soaring gasoline prices. In a radio message broadcast Tuesday afternoon, Judge Tallman said there was no immediate shortage of gasoline but that panic buying could create a shortage.

Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee cautioned gasoline dealers against unreasonable price increases. Arkansas has a price-gouging law that prevents businesses from charging more than 10 percent above the pre-disaster price of goods and services. The anti-price-gouging law is triggered whenever the governor or president declares an emergency and remains in effect for 30 days.

De Queen man had view of trade center

A De Queen man working in New York had a view of the grim sight at the World Trade Center Tuesday morning.

Gregory Hale, son of Larry and Cindy Hale of De Queen, has been working for former President Bill Clinton as deputy director of scheduling since July 23.

“When the first plane hit, I was at home. It was about 8:40 (a.m.). My roommate and I were watching the morning news and they said the World Trade Center had been hit. We thought it was just a private plane,” he said.

Hale said he was late for work and took a cab to the former president’s office. By the time he got there, another plane had hit the other tower.

“When we got to the office, everyone was upset and we found out more and more,” he said.

Former President Clinton’s office is located in a 14-story building that provides an incredible view of the city skyline, Hale said.

“We were sitting at the window and watching the smoke. We couldn’t tell it was crumbling. There was just a lot of smoke,” he said.

But the World Trade Center towers collapsed before the former president’s staff was evacuated from their own building.

The building where Hale works is about 150 blocks from the World Trade Center. But Hale lives on 60th Street, just 60 blocks from the disaster.

After they left the office, Hale said Clinton’s staff tried to work using cellular telephones. Clinton was visiting Australia and the staff was trying to “arrange flights to get him back home.” He had not returned as of Wednesday morning.

During the rest of the day, Hale said they saw ambulances streaming toward the scene from every direction. There was panic in the subway system and Hale said he had to walk part of the way home.

“People were crying. It was like something out of a movie,” he said.

Hale dashed off an email message to his parents letting them know he was safe. Cellular telephone service had been unreliable since the disaster, but he managed to make a phone call about an hour later.

Wednesday morning, Hale said, “everyone is mostly concerned with the families of people who are dead or injured.”

“There’s also a sense that America’s pride has been diminished,” he added.

“We never thought anything like this could happen to us. It’s just total chaos and disbelief,” he said.

Hurrah City Rumble returns this weekend     9/11/26

DE QUEEN – Two charitable groups based out of Sevier County are gearing up for a full weekend of rides, auctions, food and fellowship as the annual Hurrah City Rumble kicks off today.

Brothers Keepers Motorcycle Club Chapter 34 (BKMC 34), in partnership with Humilde Build Trucks, another locally based charitable organization centered around truck enthusiasts, will host the Hurrah City Rumble Sept. 11-13 at the De Queen Country Club.

The family-friendly event is open to the public and serves as a fundraiser for BKMC 34 and its charitable efforts, including the chapter’s annual Shop with a Biker program. The program has helped provide Christmas gifts to hundreds of children in Sevier and Little River counties who might otherwise go without.

Activities get underway Friday afternoon with a meet-and-greet beginning at 5 p.m. Registration for the popular Glow Ride begins at 8 p.m., followed by lineup at 8:30 and kickstands up at 9. Karaoke will follow the ride from 10 p.m. until midnight.

Saturday will feature a full day of activities beginning with registration for the Dice Run and the opening of the silent auction at 8 a.m. Riders will line up at 8:30, with the Dice Run departing at 9.

Other Saturday activities include biker bingo at 9:30 a.m., a Little Debbie eating contest at 11 and a “No Hands Banana Puddin’ Eating Contest” at 11:30. Lunch will be served from noon to 1:30 p.m. for $10 per plate and will include chicken, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, bread and a choice of tea or water.

The silent auction will close at 1:30 p.m., followed by announcements and a live auction at 2. Karaoke will continue from 5-11 p.m.

Registration for either the Glow Ride or Dice Run is $10 per motorcycle plus $5 for a passenger. A $25 armband covers both rides and includes a passenger. Cars and trucks can participate for $15 with unlimited passengers.

The weekend will continue Sunday with optional ATV riding from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A hot dog and chips lunch is planned for noon, with the event officially wrapping up at 5 p.m.

Organizers emphasize that the Hurrah City Rumble is a neutral, family-friendly event open to everyone, with food, fellowship and activities planned throughout the weekend.

BKMC Chapter 34 is a nonprofit organization whose members include active and retired firefighters. Proceeds from the Hurrah City Rumble will help support the club’s charitable work and Shop with a Biker program.

The chapter’s “12 Guns of Christmas” raffle is also returning this year, giving ticket buyers multiple opportunities to win.

Event updates and raffle information are available through the Brothers Keepers 34 Facebook page. For more information, contact Club President Joey “Crawdaddy” Shaver at (870) 279-3327.

City of De Queen urges water conservation as concerns grow over water levels     9/9/26

Although De Queen Lake is just a few feet below its normal conservation pool of 437 feet, falling water levels have exposed more of the lake’s banks, as seen in this photo taken over Labor Day weekend. The bigger concern locally is the Cossatot River, where water levels have dropped enough to raise concerns among City of De Queen officials. City water customers are encouraged to conserve water until sufficient rainfall brings the river back to normal levels. Boaters are also urged to use extra caution on area waterways and watch for barely submerged obstacles such as tree stumps.

DE QUEEN – The City of De Queen is asking its water customers to voluntarily conserve water as prolonged drought, extreme heat and a lack of rainfall continue to take a toll on the Cossatot River – the source of the city’s drinking water.

Mayor Jeff Brown said Wednesday morning that conditions on the river have reached a level unlike anything he has seen during his 20 years in De Queen.

“Everybody hears about out west, California and all those places seeing a shortage of water,” Brown said. “But right now, De Queen is too.”

Brown stressed that the city still has water and residents can continue normal household activities such as cooking and bathing. However, he said the river continues to drop and residents can help prevent the situation from becoming more serious by cutting back on unnecessary water use.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Brown said. “The Cossatot River, I’ve never seen it this low.”

The request applies specifically to customers of the City of De Queen water system, which draws its water from the Cossatot River. Brown said rural water customers who receive their water from De Queen Lake are supplied by a different source and are not currently affected by the city’s situation.

Brown said Sevier County Judge Sandra Dunn declared a countywide emergency Tuesday related to the situation. Because the Cossatot River lies outside the city limits, the county declaration provides access to additional resources that may be needed to address the water shortage.

City officials have also been meeting with representatives of the Tri-Lakes Water District and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as hydrologists from Little Rock, to determine what can be done to increase the amount of water reaching De Queen’s intake.

One option has been releasing additional water from Gillham Lake into the Cossatot River. Brown said those releases have to be carefully balanced because Gillham Lake is itself a water source serving other customers in the region. The severity of the drought has also reduced how much of that released water actually makes it downstream to De Queen.

Brown said the Corps had increased releases from Gillham Dam from 54 cubic feet per second to as much as 175 cubic feet per second following requests from local officials. A release that normally takes about 18 hours to reach the Cossatot River bridge east of De Queen took approximately 30 hours.

As of Wednesday morning, Brown said 131 cubic feet per second was being released at Gillham Dam, but only about 20 cubic feet per second was being measured at the bridge east of De Queen. He said the extremely dry conditions and depleted groundwater are absorbing much of that water before it reaches the city.

Conditions at De Queen’s water intake highlight the problem.

Brown said about seven-and-a-half inches of the city’s intake pipe was exposed above the river last week. The city normally pumps approximately 2,100 gallons per minute from the Cossatot, nearly 24 hours a day. Last week, that rate had fallen to around 1,500 gallons per minute.

That represents a loss of roughly 600 gallons per minute – or more than 800,000 gallons over a 24-hour period if sustained. De Queen typically uses between 3 million and 3.5 million gallons of water per day.

Brown said conservation now could help avoid more serious measures later.

Residents are particularly encouraged to stop watering lawns for the time being and avoid filling swimming pools, washing vehicles or other activities that consume large amounts of water but can reasonably be postponed.

“You can still cook. You can still take a shower. You know, do the normal things,” Brown said. “But anything that’s unnecessary that we can get by without doing, please help us out right now.”

Brown noted that conserving water is also important to maintaining operations at schools, medical offices and local businesses, including major industrial users like Pilgrim’s.

“Every little bit helps,” he said. “If you use 50 gallons of water and 100 people do that, that’s 5,000 gallons of water conserved.”

Ways residents can conserve water include:

-Avoid watering lawns until conditions improve.

-Postpone washing vehicles and filling or topping off swimming pools.

-Turn off faucets while brushing teeth or shaving.

-Take shorter showers and avoid unnecessary baths.

-Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.

-Check faucets, toilets and outdoor connections for leaks.

-Never leave a garden hose or sprinkler running unattended.

-Sweep sidewalks, driveways and patios rather than washing them with a hose.

-Limit other nonessential outdoor water use wherever possible.

Brown emphasized that De Queen has not reached the point where residents should expect their faucets to run dry. The purpose of conserving now, he said, is to make sure the city never reaches that stage.

“You’re not going to turn on the faucet and get a poof of dust like you see in the movies or anything like that,” Brown said. “It’s not that bad. Not yet. But we don’t want to get it there. When it gets to that point, it’s too late. So we’re trying to beat it to the punch and get a solution in place before we get to that point.”

Brown said city officials will continue working with county officials, Tri-Lakes and the Corps of Engineers while monitoring the Cossatot River. He said residents will be kept informed if conditions worsen or additional conservation measures become necessary.

For now, the biggest factor remains one local officials cannot control: rainfall.

“We can control those other projects. We can control the contractors and the timing of getting those done,” Brown said. “But we can’t control the rainfall.”

Missouri man arrested for trespassing, threatening deputy at SCMC     9/9/26

DE QUEEN – A Missouri man was arrested over the weekend after authorities say he refused to leave the Sevier County Medical Center and then threatened law enforcement.

According to the arrest report released by the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the hospital on Sunday, Sept. 6, after staff reported a man who had been discharged earlier that morning was still on the property.

The man was identified as 48-year-old Jason Stanley, who was listed in the report as homeless and from Missouri.

Authorities reportedly found Stanley lying on a bench outside the emergency room. Hospital staff said Stanley had been released and no longer required medical treatment, and requested that he leave the property.

Stanley was contacted and told he needed to leave. About 15 minutes later, according to the affidavit, Stanley approached law enforcement and appeared angry, walking quickly toward an investigator with both hands balled into fists.

Stanley was repeatedly instructed to leave but allegedly refused, saying a ride was coming to pick him up at the hospital. Authorities told him he would have to wait somewhere else.

According to the affidavit, Stanley then became visibly angry, took out his phone and allegedly threatened to call “associates” to come to the hospital and “take care of” the investigator.

Stanley was taken into custody on charges of second-degree terroristic threatening and criminal trespass. Authorities allege he continued making threatening statements while being transported to and booked into the Sevier County Jail. Both charges are misdemeanors.

Light the City to launch after-school program beginning next week     9/9/26

DE QUEEN – Light the City is preparing to take another major step in its growing youth outreach efforts with the launch of a new after-school program next week at The Center in De Queen.

Light the City founder Nick Matthews said the program will officially begin Tuesday, Sept. 15, at The Center, located in the former Mary and Martha facility on Rockefeller Avenue near the Sevier County Fairgrounds.

The program will run from 3:30-5 p.m., with students in kindergarten through fifth grade attending on Tuesdays. Students in grades six through 12 will attend on Thursdays.

Matthews said interest has already been strong, particularly among younger students. Around 55 children in kindergarten through fifth grade had registered as of this week.

“We may have to make some adjustments,” Matthews said. “We’ll see what happens.”

The after-school program is the latest expansion for Light the City, a faith-based organization founded by Matthews with a mission to “ignite hope, strengthen families and transform communities.”

Light the City has held several large youth rallies since its formation, including its most recent gathering during the Sevier County Fair. Matthews said the event drew a strong turnout and praised the Sevier County Fair Board for helping make the event possible.

The organization’s attention now turns toward its new after-school program, which Matthews said will combine several aspects of youth development.

Students will receive a healthy snack after arriving and have some time to socialize before breaking into groups for a Bible and life lesson. Matthews will then lead students through age-appropriate functional fitness activities and games.

The goal, he said, is to provide something that benefits children physically, mentally and spiritually while also giving them an opportunity for face-to-face interaction away from their devices.

“We’ll make it fun for them,” Matthews said.

Transportation will also be available for students who need it. Matthews credited De Queen School District Superintendent Jason Sanders, Coach Bell and others within the district for supporting the effort and helping provide bus transportation from school to The Center. Light the City will also have vans available to assist with transportation.

Matthews said transportation waivers should be submitted as soon as possible so school officials can determine how many students will need bus transportation when the program begins.

Registration, however, will remain open after the program starts. Matthews said children do not have to join at the beginning of the semester and can sign up later if they become interested.

The after-school program fulfills one of the major goals Matthews outlined when Light the City took over the former Mary and Martha property earlier this year.

The building and approximately five acres were made available to the organization by Kim Martin and Olivia Romine. The property has since become known simply as The Center and serves as the home base for Light the City’s youth programs.

Matthews said the facility previously hosted an after-school program before becoming largely dormant in recent years. When the opportunity arose to use the property, he saw a chance to revive that concept while adding Light the City’s emphasis on fitness, faith and personal development.

“I’ve always kind of wanted to do something similar to this,” Matthews said. “I feel like it’s a need in our town, in our community.”

The organization has since acquired weights and other fitness equipment through donations and purchases.

The Center is designed to serve children ages 5-18, with programming centered on physical fitness, mental well-being, faith-based encouragement and positive interaction.

Parents interested in enrolling their children in the after-school program can register through Light the City’s website at www.lightthecity.org. Transportation waiver forms are also available through the website’s youth programs section.

Sevier County Chamber’s Denim & Diamonds returns this weekend     9/9/26

DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Chamber of Commerce is preparing for one of its top networking events of the year as the annual Denim & Diamonds Gala returns this Saturday, Sept. 12.

This year’s gala will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at Rocky Hill Ranch, located at 324 Hwy 24 west of Horatio. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The evening will feature dinner, live entertainment, an open bar and a live auction, as well as great networking opportunities for business owners and members of the community.

This year’s entertainment will be provided by 2Pianos, featuring the dueling piano stylings of Josh Lawrence and Paul Whitt.

Dinner will be prepared by Chef Wes Dowdy and include shrimp and prime rib.

Tickets are currently on sale and are limited. Tickets purchased by Sept. 11 are $70 each, while the price increases to $75 on the day of the event.

Admission includes dinner, the open bar, live entertainment and live auction. The event is open to those 21 and older. More information and tickets are available through the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce by calling (870) 584-3225, visiting www.sevierchamber.com or by stopping at the chamber office at 311 Stilwell Avenue in downtown De Queen.

Extension to host cattle reproduction worksop in Hope     9/9/26

Submitted by UAEX

HOPE – Beef cattle producers can get insights into breeding, pregnancy diagnosis and animal selection at a beef cattle reproduction workshop on Sept. 25 at the Southwest Research and Extension Center, located at 362 Hwy 174 North in Hope, Arkansas.

The one-day workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration is $40 and includes lunch. The registration and payment deadline is Sept. 22. Producers can register at https://uada.formstack.com/forms/beef_cattle.

Ramiro Oliveira, assistant professor and extension beef cattle production specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, will lead the workshop.

Topics to be covered include:

-Establishing a breeding season

-Estrous synchronization, artificial insemination and natural service

-Pregnancy testing through palpation, ultrasound and blood testing

-Culling and animal selection

Participants will also get hands-on training in blood sample collection, chute-side pregnancy testing, and synchronization protocol.

Oliveira, who joined the Division of Agriculture in May, conducts research and develops programming to help cattle producers boost resiliency and profitability of their operations.

“This is the first time I’m doing this particular workshop, and I’m planning on offering it multiple times in the fall and spring in different counties across the state,” Oliveira said.

Workshop sponsors include Premier Select Sires, Nashville Animal Hospital, Estrotect and Ideaxx Laboratories. For more information, contact Ramiro Oliveira at roliveira@uark.edu or 870-899-4172.

SCSO releases August activity report     9/9/26

DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office has released its activity report for the month of August.

Deputies worked a total of 1,962 hours on duty during the month and logged 23,508 miles. Total fuel usage was reported at 1,532 gallons.

Deputies responded to 142 calls in August and worked nine motor vehicle accidents. They also conducted 109 traffic stops, resulting in 24 citations and 85 warnings.

A total of 26 arrests were made during the month. Deputies also served 51 civil papers and completed 1,188 building checks.

Investigators handled one homicide investigation during August and executed three search warrants.

SCSO investigators also arrested two sex offenders for allegedly failing to register and attended a 40-hour Internet Crimes Against Children, or ICAC, class.

Harvest to host food bank in Lockesburg on Sept. 16     9/9/26

LOCKESBURG – Harvest Regional Food Bank will hold a food distribution for Sevier County residents later this month, providing TEFAP USDA food boxes to qualifying households.

The distribution is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church Lockesburg, located at 3466 S. Camellia. Food boxes will be distributed directly from a Harvest Regional Food Bank truck. Recipients should first enter the church to check in before returning to their vehicles and joining the distribution line.

Traffic will line up along West Magnolia Street and through the church parking lot. The line will extend along West Magnolia to South Park Avenue.

Recipients must bring a photo ID or other proof of address showing they are Sevier County residents. Distribution is limited to one food box per household and no more than two households per vehicle.

De Queen area mourning loss of two young men over Labor Day weekend     9/8/26

DE QUEEN – The De Queen area is mourning the loss of two young, well-known members of our community who passed away over the weekend.

Andrew Tyler “Drew” Sikes, 37, formerly of De Queen, passed away Sunday, Sept. 6, in Aspen, Colorado, while hiking a 14er — an activity he loved. A 2008 graduate of De Queen High School, Drew was remembered for his love of hiking, sports, fitness, baking and, above all, his family. Many in De Queen will also remember him from his time at Stilwell’s Restaurant and AMP Fitness.

Justin Darrin Richardson, 39, of Horatio, also passed away Sunday, Sept. 6, at Bellah Mine Park near Gillham. Justin served his community in several roles over the years as a certified EMT, firefighter and former Sevier County Sheriff’s Department deputy. He was most recently a salesman with De Queen Auto Group. He was a member of Kern Heights Baptist Church and was known for his devotion to his family and his faith.

Both men grew up in the De Queen area and leave behind family members, friends and many others throughout the community who knew them.

A memorial service celebrating Justin’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Kern Heights Baptist Church in De Queen.

A memorial service for Drew will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Drew Sikes Memorial Scholarship Fund.

See the Obituaries page for the full obituaries and service details.

Cossatot Friends of NRA Banquet is this Saturday     9/3/26

DE QUEEN – The annual Cossatot Friends of NRA Banquet returns to De Queen this Saturday, Sept. 5, with an evening of food, games, raffles and fundraising in support of shooting sports programs.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. at the De Queen High School Cafeteria, located at 1803 W. Coulter Drive.

This year’s event will feature exclusive firearms and merchandise along with food, games and other activities. The 2026 Friends of NRA Gun of the Year is a Daniel Defense H9 9mm handgun equipped with a Vortex red dot.

Tickets are $45 for individuals and $55 for couples, while a table for eight is available for $500. Special firearm tables are also available.

Friends of NRA events raise money for The NRA Foundation, which provides grants supporting shooting sports and firearm safety programs. According to organizers, 100 percent of the net proceeds from Friends of NRA events are awarded to qualified local, state and national programs.

Organizer J.P. Atkins, speaking about the event, said Friends of the NRA has made a major impact since its founding in 1992.

“Since its inception, Friends of the NRA has held nearly 23,000 events, reached over 4.5 million attendees, and raised more than $1 billion for the NRA Foundation,” Atkins said. “Half of those proceeds go to local projects like 4-H shooting sports, while the other half supports national programs like the Eddie Eagle gun safety initiative.”

Atkins pointed to Sevier County’s own 4-H program as a past recipient of NRA Foundation grants, which have helped build and improve the local shooting range and supply local shooting sports programs.

The annual Cossatot event traditionally includes a variety of raffles and games throughout the evening, with firearms, outdoor equipment and other merchandise among the prizes.

For more information on Saturday’s event, contact Monte Bartek at (870) 279-5439 or J.P. Atkins at (870) 584-9557.

Brice Higgins takes reins of Horatio football program     9/3/26

Brice Higgins, pictured far left, stepped up to lead the Horatio Lions football program after the district’s coaching search took an unexpected turn over the offseason. Higgins has been with the district for 10 years and is best known as the Lady Lions head softball coach. He is pictured above with his team after leading them to the semi-finals of the Class 2A State Softball Tournament and ending the season with a 30-7 record. (Photo submitted by Horatio Schools)

HORATIO – For Brice Higgins, taking over the Horatio Lions football program was about making sure the players already committed to the program had someone committed to them.

Higgins stepped into the head coaching position ahead of the 2026 season after previously serving as an assistant with the Lions. He is entering his 10th year with the Horatio School District and is best known for his success as head coach of the Lady Lions softball program. He led the team to the semifinals of the Class 2A State Softball Tournament this past spring. The Lady Lions closed the season with an impressive 30-7 record.

Higgins replaces Paul David Willis, who announced his resignation earlier this year. Higgins has a long relationship with the program, working as an assistant under Willis and before him head coaches Robert Collum and Lance Castleman.

When Horatio’s football coaching search took an unexpected turn during the offseason, Higgins said his decision to step forward centered largely on the players, particularly the seniors.

“I was really just making sure that these kids had some sort of solid presence here to make sure these seniors got their senior year,” Higgins said.

His first game as Horatio’s head coach came Friday night on the road against Fouke. The Lions ultimately fell 56-12, but Higgins said the final score didn’t necessarily tell the whole story. Horatio remained within striking distance through much of the first half.

“Halfway through the second quarter it’s 14 to 6, and it kind of just got away from us,” Higgins said. “But as long as we stay healthy, I think we’ll be able to compete in some games.”

Health will be particularly important for a Horatio roster that doesn’t have much room to spare.

Higgins said the Lions had built their roster to 23 players shortly before the start of school but lost several players during the opening weeks. Horatio took 18 players to Fouke for the season opener.

Among the Lions expected to play significant roles this season are seniors Joseph Fonseca, Ty Dorsey, Colin Green, Karson Bailey and Christian Bennett.

Fonseca scored Horatio’s lone touchdown against Fouke, while Higgins said Dorsey, Green, Bailey and Bennett provide much of the foundation along the Lions’ offensive and defensive lines.

Following the season opener, Horatio continues its nonconference schedule against Dierks this Friday at home and at Foreman next week before a bye week and the start of conference play.

The Lions again face a difficult road as one of the smaller football programs competing in Class 3A.

“We are one of the smallest 3A football teams in the state,” Higgins said.

Size isn’t the only challenge. Higgins said Horatio’s conference schedule includes several teams ranked among the state’s best, with three top-10 teams in the league.

But Higgins sees the value of Horatio football extending beyond what happens on Friday nights.

Like many smaller schools across the country, Horatio faces the challenge of attracting and retaining enough players to sustain its football program. Higgins said those challenges aren’t unique to the Lions. Summer workouts, practices and the physical demands of football require a commitment that can be increasingly difficult to get from young athletes.

For Higgins, however, those demands are also part of what makes football valuable.

“I think it comes down to just the responsibility that it takes to the commitment,” Higgins said. 

Higgins added that building the Lions program requires looking well beyond the current varsity roster.

In addition to coaching football and softball, Higgins teaches elementary PE. That gives him an opportunity to see the younger students who could eventually become the next generation of Lions.

“I can kind of see what’s coming,” Higgins said.

Higgins said one advantage Horatio continues to enjoy is a community willing to stand behind its students and athletic programs.

“Our community does a good job of supporting the kids that are in activities, whether it be football or softball,” Higgins said. “Regardless, they make sure these kids are taken care of from the top to the bottom.”

With a small roster and a difficult Class 3A schedule ahead, Higgins isn’t pretending the Lions have an easy road in 2026. But for a program undergoing a transition, keeping football alive, giving this year’s seniors their season and beginning to build for the future are victories in their own right.

And Higgins believes that if the Lions work hard, they’ll have opportunities to compete along the way.

Sevier County Fair 2026 livestock show winners     9/3/26

DE QUEEN – The following is a list of livestock show champions and award recipients from the 89th annual Sevier County Fair, held Aug. 20-29 at the fairgrounds in De Queen:

Lamb Show

Grand Champion Black Face Cross – Bristol Lee

Reserve Champion Black Face Cross – Raegan Frachiseur

Champion Market Lamb – Kix Lee

Reserve Market Lamb – Bristol Lee

Champion Breeding Ewe – Ruby Hopper

Reserve Breeding Ewe – Hayes Litchford

Pee Wee Showmanship – Boston Litchford

Jr Showmanship – Raylee Hundley

Sr Showmanship – Kix Lee

Goat Show

Open Goat Show Grand Champion – Willow Lawrence

Grand Nubian Goat – Daxton Jones

Grand & Reserve Sable Goat – Ruby Hopper

Overall Grand & Reserve Dairy Goat – Ruby Hopper

Grand & Reserve Meat Goat – Kenley Johnson 

Grand Wether Dam Goat – Hadlee Frachiseur

Grand Champion Market Goat – Adleigh Lawrence

Reserve Market Goat – Wayland Risley

Peewee Showmanship – Adleigh Lawrence

Jr Showmanship – Hadlee Frachiseur

Sr Showmanship – Raegan Frachiseur

Cattle Show

Grand Angus Bull – Gracie Sutton

Reserve Angus Bull – Brilee Melton

Grand Red Angus Bull – Jace Blanton

Grand English Bull – Gracie Sutton

Reserve English Bull – Brilee Melton

Grand Brahman Bull – Everlee Craig

Reserve Brahman Bull – Calem Van Voast

Grand Simbrah Bull – Jace Blanton

Grand American Bull – Everlee Craig

Reserve American Bull – Jace Blanton

Grand Charolais Bull – Jace Blanton

Grand Simmental Bull – Jace Blanton

Reserve Simmental Bull – Emily Johnson

Grand Sim Solution Bull – Katelyn Griffin

Grand Exotic Bull – Jace Blanton

Reserve Exotic Bull – Katelyn Griffin

Grand Angus Heifer – Brilee Melton

Grand Shorthorn Heifer – Gracie Sutton

Grand Beefmaster Heifer – Lyda Surber

Reserve Beefmaster Heifer – Ayriana Surber

Grand American Heifer – Lyda Surber

Reserve American Heifer – Caselyn Van Voast

Grand Simmental Heifer & Grand Exotic – Jace Blanton

Reserve Simmental Heifer & Reserve Exotic – Emily Johnson

Grand American Commercial Heifer – Wade Melton

Reserve American Commercial Heifer – Cannon Vallee

Grand English Commercial Heifer – Brilee Melton

Reserve English Commercial Heifer – Emily Johnson

Grand Exotic Commercial Heifer & Grand Overall Commercial Heifer – Kix Lee

Reserve Exotic Commercial Heifer & Reserve Overall Commercial Heifer – Bristol Lee

Grand Steer – Seely Adcock

Reserve Steer – Monica Rivas

PeeWee Showmanship – Lyda Surber

Jr Showmanship – Seely Adcock

Sr Showmanship – Brilee Melton

Swine Show

Grand Champion Berkshire – Bentley Hankins

Reserve Champion Berkshire – Seely Adcock

Grand Champion Chester White – Ruby Hopper

Reserve Champion Chester White – Chancee Webb

Grand Champion Duroc – Raegan Frachiseur

Reserve Champion Duroc – Hadlee Frachiseur

Grand Champion Poland China – Kinnah Ferguson

Grand Champion Spot – Ruby Hopper

Reserve Champion Spot – Margaret Moe

Grand Champion Tamworth – John Moe

Grand Champion Yorkshire – Lilly Stivers

Grand Champion Hampshire – Kolten Dockins

Reserve Champion Hampshire – Kimber Chandler

Grand Champion Light Cross – Bentley Hankins

Reserve Champion Light Cross – Adleigh Lawrence

Grand Champion Dark Cross – Adleigh Lawrence

Reserve Champion Dark Cross – Bentley Hankins

Grand Champion Market Hog – Adleigh Lawrence

Reserve Market Hog – Bentley Hankins

Grand Berkshire Gilt – Adleigh Lawrence

Reserve Berkshire Gilt – Kambree Haarmeyer

Grand Duroc Gilt – Kinnah Ferguson

Grand Poland China Gilt – Kambree Haarmeyer

Champion Registered Gilt – Adleigh Lawrence

Reserve Registered Gilt – Kambree Haarmeyer

Grand Commercial Gilt – Adleigh Lawrence

Peewee Showmanship – Kimber Chandler

Jr Showmanship – Seely Adcock

Sr Showmanship – Bentley Hankins

Grand Champion Dorset – Kalee Simmons

Reserve Champion Dorset – Raylee Hundley

Grand Champion Hampshire – Boston Litchford

Reserve Champion Hampshire – Raylee Hundley

Grand Champion Natural – Jake Seymour

Reserve Champion Natural – Hayes Litchford

Grand Champion Southtown – Ruby Hopper

Grand Champion White Face – Kix Lee

Reserve Champion White Face Cross – Kalee Simmons

Two now charged with capital murder following death of Hempstead County child     9/2/26

HOPE – Two people are now facing capital murder charges as authorities continue investigating the death of a 4-year-old child in Hempstead County.

The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office announced that additional charges have been filed against James Ivey, 33, of Emmet following the continued investigation by sheriff’s office investigators and Arkansas State Police agents.

Ivey is now charged with capital murder, kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a minor. Those charges are in addition to charges previously filed against him in connection with the investigation.

Ivey remains in the Hempstead County Detention Center on a $2 million bond stemming from the previous charges. He is awaiting his first court appearance on the new charges.

Authorities also announced the arrest of Tiffany Edwards, 28, identified by the sheriff’s office as the mother of the 4-year-old victim, Dovie Rockett.

Investigators said additional information concerning the circumstances surrounding the child’s death was uncovered as the investigation continued.

Edwards has been charged with capital murder, kidnapping, endangering the welfare of a minor and first-degree domestic battery. She is being held at the Hempstead County Detention Center pending her first court appearance.

The sheriff’s office said Dovie died as a result of injuries sustained in an alleged abuse incident.

Hempstead County deputies are scheduled Thursday to travel to North Little Rock to escort Dovie’s body from a mortuary there to Lewis Funeral Home in Magnolia. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the funeral home.

Hempstead County Sheriff James Singleton said investigators have continued working to determine the circumstances that led to the child’s death.

“This investigation has never stopped,” Singleton said. “From the moment our investigators were notified of the circumstances surrounding this child, they have worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and determine exactly what happened.”

Singleton said the additional charges and arrest resulted from evidence developed as the investigation progressed.

“Our investigators have followed the evidence wherever it has led them, regardless of who may be involved,” he said.

Singleton also praised Hempstead County investigators and Arkansas State Police special agents for their work on the case.

“A child lost her life,” Singleton said. “She deserved to be protected, and she deserved a chance to grow up and live her life. We owe it to her to pursue the truth and seek justice.”

The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office said it will continue working with Arkansas State Police and prosecuting authorities. Additional charges could be filed as evidence is reviewed and the investigation continues.

Authorities said no further details regarding the evidence or specific circumstances surrounding the charges are being released because the case remains an active criminal investigation.

Bond set at $850,000 for Sevier County murder suspect     9/2/26

DE QUEEN – Bond has been set at $850,000 for a Sevier County man accused of first-degree murder in connection with the death of a man found Aug. 26 just north of the De Queen city limits.

Roy Garza, 35, made his first court appearance Aug. 27 following his arrest in the death of Gregorio Pantoja. Garza remains in custody and is scheduled to make his next court appearance Sept. 17.

Sevier County Dispatch received a report of a possible deceased person at approximately 8:07 a.m. Aug. 26 on Robinson Loop. Deputies responded and found Pantoja deceased on the ground. The scene was secured and investigators were called to the location.

Investigator Chet Stubbs and Chief Deputy Chad Dowdle responded and requested assistance from the Arkansas State Police. State Police special agents later arrived and assisted with processing and investigating the scene.

According to Sheriff Robert Gentry, deputies canvassed the area and interviewed neighbors. Investigators used those interviews and other evidence to develop a timeline and identify Garza as a suspect.

Garza was subsequently brought in for questioning and arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder.

Pantoja’s body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for an autopsy.

Gentry said the investigation remains ongoing and thanked the Arkansas State Police, 9th West Judicial Drug Task Force and De Queen Police Department for assisting the Sheriff’s Office.

SCMC administrator Stacy Dowdy announces resignation, says hospital on sound footing    9/2/26

SCMC CEO/Administrator Stacy Dowdy announced her resignation on Tuesday after more than two years in the position. She explained she is leaving for personal reasons and feels comfortable doing so given the hospital’s good financial and operational position. (File photo)

DE QUEEN – Sevier County Medical Center CEO/Administrator Stacy Dowdy is stepping down after more than two years leading the hospital through a period that began with significant financial and operational challenges and ends with the facility on much more stable footing.

The hospital announced Tuesday that Dowdy submitted her resignation for personal reasons. Dowdy said she expects to remain at the hospital for at least the next four weeks as the search for her successor gets underway.

Dowdy was promoted to CEO/administrator in the early summer of 2024 after the hospital’s Board of Governors declined to renew the contract of then-CEO Lori House.

She stepped into the position during a tumultuous period for the young hospital, with financial pressures requiring a series of difficult decisions.

Looking back on those early days, Dowdy said the hospital was dealing with significant difficulties involving reimbursements, hospital operations and the survey and regulatory processes required of the facility.

“It was a very hectic time for us back then,” Dowdy said. “But we all knew we needed to maintain a functioning hospital for Sevier County and that remained at the center of our effort.”

Turning the hospital around, Dowdy stressed, was never the work of one person. She credited the Board of Governors, hospital leadership and employees throughout the facility with getting Sevier County Medical Center through the difficult period.

“We could not have turned this hospital around without any of them,” Dowdy said. “But we have done just that, and we continue to provide great service to our community and the surrounding communities.”

Measures taken to stabilize the hospital particularly affected employees, including staff reductions, pay cuts and sharing duties.

“We treat every patient that walks through these doors as we would want our families to be treated,” she aid. “They are doing the very best jobs that they can, and without them, this hospital wouldn’t be what it is today.”

Among the accomplishments Dowdy highlighted from her tenure was the hospital’s work to build relationships with other health care organizations as rural health care increasingly moves toward a regional model.

She also pointed to Sevier County Medical Center earning CIHQ accreditation, which she said reflects the hospital’s quality metrics and efforts to provide high-quality patient care.

Perhaps the most significant change, however, is the hospital’s financial condition.

Dowdy acknowledged that operating a critical access hospital will remain challenging, particularly as facilities contend with declining insurance reimbursements. But she expressed confidence about Sevier County Medical Center’s current position.

“The goal is to always keep your nose above water, and we’ve done just that,” Dowdy said. “I’m very proud to say that the hospital has stabilized. We’re in a good financial position.”

Funding is expected through the Rural Health Transformation Program this fall, which Dowdy said should help support new initiatives and services.

Although Dowdy is leaving the CEO position for personal reasons, she said she and her husband, Wes, are remaining in the community.

A committee has been formed to select the hospital’s next administrator and CEO. Dowdy said the group includes representatives from the Board of Governors, hospital employees and the Sevier County Quorum Court.

Dowdy described her experience leading the hospital as one she will carry throughout both her professional and personal life. She credited the board for supporting the hospital’s stabilization and growth plans and employees for carrying those plans forward.

She added that one of the lessons of the experience has been the importance of relationships in rural health care.

“Health care is hard wherever you go,” she said, adding that the work becomes easier when those involved realize “they’re not doing it alone.”

Dowdy closed by thanking not only those within the hospital, but the broader community and area health care providers who supported Sevier County Medical Center during her tenure.

“I just look forward to continue seeing the growth of the hospital and the success of the hospital,” she said.

Housing shortage takes center stage at De Queen City Council meeting    9/2/26

DE QUEEN – The city’s need for more housing was a big topic at Tuesday night’s meeting of the De Queen City Council, with local economic development advocates asking city officials to consider ways they could encourage larger-scale residential construction.

Katie Hooker of Weyerhaeuser, speaking on behalf of the Sevier County FRIENDS economic development organization, told council members that a shortage of available housing is affecting both existing employers and efforts to attract new investment to the area.

Hooker stressed that she was not asking the council to take immediate action or approve a specific proposal. Instead, she asked city leaders to consider what other roles De Queen could play in addressing the housing shortage.

One of the most visible examples, she said, is Pilgrim’s, which employs roughly 1,500 people locally. Hooker said approximately 450 of those employees live outside Sevier County, with the company providing daily bus transportation for workers commuting from Texarkana and Ashdown.

Many of those employees would prefer to live closer to their jobs, Hooker said, but the local housing supply remains a barrier.

Hooker praised recent residential construction in the area but said developments adding only a handful of homes at a time are not enough to meet the needs of the local workforce.

The housing issue also presents a challenge when De Queen attempts to recruit new employers or encourage existing companies to expand. Prospective businesses want to know not only whether an area has an adequate workforce, Hooker said, but also where those workers will live.

As one possible approach, Hooker suggested the city explore a tiered incentive reducing water and sewer hookup fees for developers constructing larger numbers of housing units at one time.

Under one example presented to the council, a developer constructing 10 to 29 units could receive a 25 percent reduction in hookup fees. She estimated that saving approximately $500 per home in hookup costs would amount to $15,000 for a 30-unit development or $30,000 for 60 units. While relatively small compared with the total cost of construction, Hooker said such savings could help make projects more financially attractive to developers.

A tiered policy could also encourage developers to increase the size of their projects while ensuring incentives are available equally rather than negotiated individually, she said.

Hooker argued that increasing housing could have benefits extending well beyond local employers. Workers who currently earn their wages in De Queen but live elsewhere also spend much of that money outside the community.

Providing housing for those workers and their families could increase enrollment in local schools while generating additional spending at grocery stores, downtown businesses and elsewhere throughout the community.

“When a major employer has to spend money every day transporting workers because housing isn’t available locally, that’s a cost that we can see and a challenge that I think we can help with,” Hooker told the council.

She said grant funding or other outside resources could potentially help support an incentive program rather than requiring the city to absorb its entire cost.

Hooker said the FRIENDS organization has spoken with several developers about potential projects in the area and continues looking at available property and infrastructure. She acknowledged that available land is somewhat limited but said options remain for development.

Hooker said the ultimate goal is to give De Queen another tool when approaching developers and demonstrate that the community is willing to partner in bringing additional housing to the area.

In other economic development news Tuesday night, Sevier County Economic Development Director Veronica Ozura announced that Bell Lumber & Pole is already expanding its recently-opened De Queen facility.

Ozura also told council members she plans to attend a Foreign Investment Expo in Mexico City as part of an effort to promote De Queen and Arkansas to companies considering investment opportunities in the United States.

Sevier County Medical Center CEO/Administrator Stacy Dowdy also attended Tuesday’s meeting alongside several members of the hospital’s Board of Governors. Dowdy announced her resignation from the hospital, with additional details included in a separate story in this edition.

The council also approved an increase in reimbursements paid to De Queen’s volunteer firefighters when responding to fires.

At the request of Mayor Jeff Brown, the reimbursement for fire calls will increase from $30 to $50. Brown said the increase is intended to help volunteer firefighters offset rising fuel costs associated with responding to calls. Reimbursement for medical calls will remain at $30.

Brown also introduced Southwest Arkansas attorney and Dierks native Dustin Bissell as a potential candidate to become De Queen’s next city attorney.

Current City Attorney Erin Hunter will become prosecutor for the Ninth West Judicial District beginning Jan. 1, 2027. If ultimately approved by the council, Bissell would take over as city attorney on that date.

Brown said he plans to present council members with a proposed contract for Bissell at their October meeting.

AGFC Hosting deer season open house tonight in De Queen     9/1/26

DE QUEEN – Area deer hunters will have an opportunity tonight to meet with wildlife experts and learn about changes affecting the upcoming hunting season.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will host a deer season open house from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight at the Adams Building on the UA Cossatot De Queen Campus.

The come-and-go event will feature no formal presentations. Instead, hunters and landowners can speak one-on-one with wildlife biologists about deer hunting, habitat and food plots, public hunting areas and wildlife diseases.

Representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are also expected to attend, with information available on nearby areas including Millwood and Tri-County Lake.

A major topic will be chronic wasting disease, or CWD. Sevier County was added to Arkansas’ CWD Management Zone after an adult male deer harvested in the county last season tested positive for the disease. Biologists will be available to explain what that designation means for local hunters, including rules concerning the transport of harvested deer.

Experts can also answer questions about other wildlife health concerns, including epizootic hemorrhagic disease and New World screwworm.

Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry will also be on hand with information about donating harvested deer to help provide food for families and school backpack programs.

Tonight’s open house runs from 6 to 8 at the Adams Building on the UA Cossatot De Queen Campus. No registration is required.

Veronica Ozura provides chamber update at Rotary Club     9/1/26

DE QUEEN – Sevier County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Veronica Ozura provided an update on the organization’s activities during Monday’s meeting of the De Queen Rotary Club.

Ozura, who also serves as Sevier County Economic Development Director, described 2026 as a year of building, with the Chamber focusing on stability, communication, consistency and providing greater value to its members.

She said the Chamber is also working to increase awareness of products and services available locally and encourage residents to shop in Sevier County before looking elsewhere.

Ozura highlighted several Chamber-sponsored events, including the annual membership banquet, Memorial Day weekend bass tournament, Halloween on the Square and the Shop Local campaign in November. This year’s Christmas Festival, scheduled for the first weekend of December, will carry the theme “Christmas Around the World.”

The Chamber’s next major event is Denim and Diamonds on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Rocky Hill Ranch Events Center west of Horatio. The evening will feature Dueling Pianos, a prime rib and shrimp dinner, an open bar and live auction. Tickets are $70 and available through Sept. 11.

Ozura said the Chamber also plans to begin offering workshops covering topics such as artificial intelligence, business resources and changing trends.

She told Rotarians the overall goal is to provide local businesses with greater visibility, networking opportunities, training and resources while keeping more money and economic activity within Sevier County.

Ozura was introduced by Rotarian Jay Bunyard, who also discussed the partnership between the Chamber and the FRIENDS economic development organization.

Chamber’s Denim & Diamond Gala set for Sept. 12     9/1/26

DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Chamber of Commerce is preparing for one of its top networking events of the year as the annual Denim & Diamonds Gala returns Saturday, Sept. 12.

This year’s gala will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at Rocky Hill Ranch, located at 324 Hwy 24 west of Horatio. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

The evening will feature dinner, live entertainment, an open bar and a live auction, along with opportunities for local business owners, community leaders and residents to connect.

This year’s entertainment will be provided by 2Pianos, featuring the dueling piano stylings of Josh Lawrence and Paul Whitt.

The dinner menu will also follow the evening’s “dueling” theme with a prime rib and shrimp entrée. The meal will include twice-baked potatoes, green bean bundles, fresh baked rolls, trio cake and sweet and unsweet tea. Dinner will be prepared by Chef Wes Dowdy.

Tickets are currently on sale and are limited. Tickets purchased by Sept. 11 are $70 each, while the price increases to $75 on the day of the event. Groups purchasing 10 or more tickets at once can receive a discounted price of $65 per ticket.

Admission includes dinner, the open bar, live entertainment and live auction.

The event is open to those 21 and older. More information and tickets are available through the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce by calling (870) 584-3225, visiting www.sevierchamber.com or by stopping at the chamber office at 311 Stilwell Avenue in downtown De Queen.

Cossatot River Trail Run returns Sept. 26     9/1/26

WICKES – Runners will once again take on the rugged terrain of the Ouachita Mountains later this month as the Cossatot River Trail Run returns Saturday, Sept. 26.

The annual endurance event will be held at Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area and features two distances along the Cossatot River: a 12.5-mile “Half Marathon” and a 25-mile “Marathon.”

Both races utilize the park’s River Corridor Trail, offering runners a challenging mixture of rocky, root-filled, grassy and dirt single-track terrain. The course includes about 2,000 feet of elevation gain for the half marathon and 4,000 feet for the marathon.

All participants will park and finish at the Cossatot River State Park visitor center near Wickes.

Race-day packet pickup will be held from 6 to 7 a.m. at the visitor center. The 25-mile marathon begins at 6 a.m.

Packet pickup for the half marathon closes at 6:50 a.m., with a shuttle departing the visitor center at 7 a.m. Runners will be transported to the Bushy Creek Recreation Area, where the 12.5-mile race begins at 7:50 a.m.

A 2 p.m. cutoff will be in place for both races, giving marathon participants eight hours to complete the 25-mile course.

The Cossatot River Trail Run is a cup-free event, so participants will need to bring their own water-carrying system. Aid stations along the course will provide food and hydration.

Participants can also expect a fully marked and supported course, race photography and volunteers stationed throughout the event.

Runners will receive a Cossatot River Trail Run soft T-shirt, with those registering by Sept. 5 guaranteed a shirt and requested size. Half marathon and marathon finishers will receive medals specific to their respective distances.

First-place awards will be presented to the top male and female runner in each distance. The marathon will also feature the event’s “DFL,” or “Dead Freakin’ Last,” awards.

Historic temperatures for the event period range from about 51 to 72 degrees.

Online registration for the Sept. 26 Cossatot River Trail Run is available through UltraSignup.

Level 3 sex offender re-arrested in Sevier County for CSAM, violating requirements     8/31/26

DE QUEEN – A Level 3 registered sex offender was arrested in Sevier County after authorities say a traffic stop led investigators to evidence of child sexual abuse material on an unreported cell phone.

According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy and Arkansas State Police special agent conducted a traffic stop involving 54-year-old Shawn Jobe on Aug. 23.

Jobe was arrested during the stop on an outstanding warrant. During the investigation, authorities reportedly discovered a cell phone in Jobe’s possession that had not been reported as required under Arkansas sex offender registry requirements.

Authorities identified Jobe as a Level 3 registered sex offender in Arkansas who most recently resided in Polk County.

Jobe was transported to the Sevier County Jail, where investigators interviewed him concerning the unreported cell phone and received a warrant to search it. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the phone contained child sexual abuse material.

A probable cause affidavit seeking more than 100 counts related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) was prepared and forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review and formal charging.

Jobe remains in custody at the Sevier County Jail on the warrant as well as violating sex offender registration requirements and possession of CSAM

The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing.

Hempstead County man arrested for abusing child     8/31/26

EMMET – The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division (ASP CID) has arrested a Hempstead County man following a joint investigation into the severe abuse of a 4-year-old girl.

James Richard Ivey, 33, was arrested August 28, 2026, by Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), U.S. Marshals Service and ASP CID Special Agents. He is being held at the Hempstead County Detention Center on felony charges including Rape, First-Degree Domestic Battery, and First-Degree Terroristic Threatening.

The investigation began around 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, when HCSO deputies responded to the emergency room at Southwest Regional Medical Center in Hope. Medical personnel were treating a 4-year-old girl who had been transported to the facility by ambulance from her home in Emmet.

The girl’s injuries included severe bruising, lacerations and electrical burns. HCSO requested investigative assistance from the ASP CID.

The child was subsequently transferred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, where she remains in critical condition.

The investigation is active and ongoing. No additional details are available for release at this time.

Leopards fall to Mena Bearcats in overtime at home opener     8/31/26

DE QUEEN – The De Queen Leopards came agonizingly close to snapping a nine-game losing streak Friday night, falling 55-49 in overtime to the Mena Bearcats in one of the wildest games played at Leopard Stadium in recent memory.

The 90th all-time meeting between the longtime rivals turned into an offensive shootout, with De Queen and Mena trading scores and the lead throughout the night before the Bearcats finally prevailed with a touchdown in overtime.

The game marked the head coaching debut of De Queen graduate Drew Dykes, whose Leopards entered the season looking to end a nine-game skid and earn their first victory over Mena in nine years.

De Queen gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about throughout the evening. The Leopards battled from start to finish and repeatedly answered when Mena threatened to take control of the contest.

The Bearcats proved equally determined, however, and the back-and-forth battle ultimately remained deadlocked at the end of regulation to force overtime.

Mena finally delivered the deciding blow with a touchdown in the extra period, escaping Leopard Stadium with the 55-49 victory.

Despite the heartbreaking finish, De Queen turned in an outstanding team effort in Dykes’ debut. Hunter Dinkins led the way with a tremendous performance out of the De Queen backfield. Dinkins carried the ball 23 times for 198 yards and three touchdowns, earning the title of KDQN’s McDonald’s Player of the Game.

Landen Wise added 189 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 20 carries.

Keegan McCoy completed 4 of 5 passing attempts for 48 yards. John Maturino was the leading receiver with two receptions for 24 yards

Joshua Dominguez was a perfect 6 of 6 on extra-point kicks.

Evan Wolcott, Draeden Bennett, Logan Dallas, and Wise led the tackle charts defensively with seven stops each. 

Silas Collins recovered a Bearcat fumble. Wise and Isai Morales recovered key onside kick attempts.

In all, De Queen rolled up 505 yards in total offense while dominating the Time of Possession 31 minutes to 17.

Although the Leopards came up just short of ending their losing streak, Friday night’s performance provided plenty of encouraging signs as De Queen begins the 2026 season under its new head coach.

The Leopards will have an open date next week before returning to Leopard Stadium on Friday, Sept. 11, when they host the Hope Bobcats.

In other area games Friday night, Ashdown fell 36-8 on the road to the Atlanta, Texas, Rabbits in the Panthers’ season opener.

Nashville opened its season with a 49-25 victory over the Bismarck Lions.

The Cossatot River Eagles made history Friday night with the debut of their first senior varsity football season. The Eagles fell 56-6 to the Danville Little Johns in their inaugural contest.

Horatio also came up short in its season opener on the road, with the Fouke Panthers defeating the Lions 56-12.

Uncommon yellow diamond found at Crater of Diamonds State Park     8/31/26

MURFREESBORO, – Barry G. Smith, of Germantown, Tennessee, recently visited Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park, where he discovered a stunning canary yellow diamond in the park’s ancient volcanic soil.

Smith arrived at the park on Sunday, August 16, with his wife and two granddaughters, Sage and Juniper. Planning a fun week of exploring Arkansas and Missouri, the Smiths chose Crater of Diamonds State Park as one of the exciting destinations to take the girls.

Not expecting anything more than a fun time, the family rented a wagon and basic kit from the park and began their diamond search. About 30 minutes later, Smith spotted something glimmering in the East Drain of the park’s 37.5-acre diamond search area. At first, he thought it was mica, a small, glittery mineral common in the search area. However, a closer look revealed something much larger.

Smith placed the find in his shirt pocket, thinking it might be quartz or maybe even a diamond, and continued digging with his grandkids until around noon. “It started to get so hot we couldn’t stand it, so we decided to head in around lunchtime,” he said.

Before going to lunch, Smith took his find to the Diamond Discovery Center to have it inspected. Park staff immediately oohed and aahed when Smith placed the shiny gem on the counter. After further inspection, staff confirmed that Smith had found a gorgeous 2.29-carat yellow diamond!

“I was dumbfounded when I first saw the diamond,” said Facility Supervisor Ralph Hall. “Its overall shape and color immediately reminded me of the Pearadin Schumacher American Dream Diamond found earlier this year.”

Diamonds from the Crater are white, brown, or yellow, with yellow being the least common. Yellow diamonds are created when nitrogen is absorbed into the crystal structure during formation. Nitrogen impurities absorb blue light and reflect yellow wavelengths, giving the diamond its yellow hue.

When asked if he was excited about his find, Smith replied with an enthusiastic, “Oh, absolutely!” He later added, “I never expected to find a diamond here. The potential was there, but you never come here expecting to find one.”

Park staff recommends closely watching temperatures before visiting, dressing in UV-protective layers, bringing plenty of drinking water, and taking regular breaks in the shade.

Many visitors choose to name the diamonds they find at Crater of Diamonds State Park. Smith has chosen to name his gem the Sage Juniper Diamond, after his granddaughters.

About the size of a black-eyed pea, the Sage Juniper Diamond is the third-largest Crater diamond found this year. As of this publication, 351 diamonds have been registered by park guests in 2026. An average of one to two diamonds is found at the park each day.

Sevier County man arrested on murder charge     8/28/26

Roy Garza

DE QUEEN – A Sevier County man has been arrested on a first-degree murder allegation after another man was found dead Wednesday morning on Robinson Loop just north of the De Queen city limits, according to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office.

Sevier County Dispatch received a report of a possible deceased person at approximately 8:07 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26. Deputies responded and found a deceased male lying on the ground. The scene was secured and investigators were called to the location.

Investigator Chet Stubbs and Chief Deputy Chad Dowdle responded and requested assistance from the Arkansas State Police. State Police special agents later arrived and assisted with processing and investigating the scene.

The deceased was identified as Gregorio Pantoja.

According to Sheriff Robert Gentry, deputies canvassed the area and interviewed neighbors. Investigators used those interviews and other evidence to develop a timeline and identify a suspect.

Roy Garza, 35, was subsequently brought in for questioning and arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, pending formal charges by the prosecuting attorney.

Pantoja’s body will be sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for an autopsy.

Gentry said the investigation remains ongoing and thanked the Arkansas State Police, 9th West Judicial Drug Task Force and De Queen Police Department for assisting the Sheriff’s Office.

Charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

89th Sevier County Fair wraps up this weekend with Premium Sale today, two nights of rodeo action     8/28/26

DE QUEEN – The 89th annual Sevier County Fair heads into one of its biggest days today, Friday, Aug. 28, with the annual Premium Sale this morning followed by the first of two nights of rodeo action at the Sevier County Fairgrounds.

The Premium Sale will begin at 10 a.m. at the Sale Barn and will once again give local businesses, farms and individuals an opportunity to support Sevier County youth livestock exhibitors.

The sale serves as a capstone to months of work by local 4-H and FFA members who have raised, cared for and prepared their livestock projects for competition at the fair.

During the Premium Sale, buyers bid on animals exhibited by local youth. The animals remain with the exhibitors, while the money raised goes directly to the young people to help offset expenses such as feed, veterinary care and future livestock projects.

Community support pushed last year’s Premium Sale to a record $119,360, benefiting more than 80 Sevier County youth.

Sevier County Fair Association President Richard Van Voast said the support provides an important reward for the work exhibitors put into their projects throughout the year.

“Every penny goes back to those kids,” Van Voast said. “It gives them the opportunity to keep showing, to pay bills and to learn the responsibility that comes with these projects.”

A lunch for Premium Sale buyers will follow today’s sale.

The action will continue this evening at the De Queen Auto Group Arena for the first of two nights at the Sevier County Fair. The rodeo will feature $1,500 added in bull riding and $900 added per event. Junior barrel racing will also be offered for riders 15 and younger, with $200 added each night.

Over 300 competitors signed up for this year’s event (around twice from last year!). Because of the busy roster, organizers will begin with the National Anthem, prayer and Pledge of Allegiance at 7:45 both nights.

The rodeo will be presented by stock contractor Bar NH Rodeo Company and is sanctioned by CRRA/ACRA/ARA/UPRA.

Youngsters can take part in mutton bustin’, with registration beginning at 6 p.m. and the event starting at 7 p.m. The competition is open to children age six and younger weighing 60 pounds or less.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-10 and free for children five and younger.

The rodeo will also feature vendors, a mechanical bull, bounce houses and snow cones. Kody Gray will serve as funnyman during the event.

Saturday night’s rodeo will bring the 89th annual Sevier County Fair to a close following more than a week of livestock shows, educational exhibits, youth activities and other events.

“Voice of the Eagles:” Joe Blaze Bush takes mic for Cossatot River football     8/27/26

De Queen graduate Joe Blaze Bush, pictured left, is the new Voice of the Eagles for Cossatot River High School’s inaugural senior varsity football program. The Eagles will make their varsity debut this Friday with Bush behind the mic on KQOR “The Mountain” 102.1.

WICKES – When the Cossatot River Eagles take the field at Danville Friday night for the first senior varsity football game in school history, another first will be taking place in the broadcast booth.

Joe Blaze Bush will be behind the microphone as the first-ever Voice of the Eagles on KQOR “The Mountain” 102.1 FM, beginning what he hopes will be a long association with Cossatot River football from the ground floor of the new program.

For Bush, the opportunity combines a longtime interest in broadcasting with his own background as a football player and his ties to communities throughout the area.

Bush has lived in De Queen since 2009 and attended Horatio before transferring to De Queen High School following the COVID-19 pandemic. His arrival at DHS coincided with the launch of the school’s DQTV program, where Bush was among the first group of students involved.

Bush said his interest in sports broadcasting developed from his own experience playing football, which began in seventh grade and continued through his senior year. “I always knew since I was little, OK, I’m going to have to have a job where I talk because I do it quite a bit anyway,” Bush joked.

Once he discovered that broadcasting offered an opportunity to make a career out of talking about football, Bush knew he had found something he wanted to pursue. He said the opportunity to join DQTV was a major factor in his decision to transfer to De Queen.

Bush already brings broadcasting experience to his new position. He spent the past two seasons calling Mount Ida Lions athletics, including football and baseball. The Lions reached the state semifinals in each of his two football seasons behind the microphone.

Moving from an established and successful program to one preparing for its first varsity game is a major change, but Bush said that is also part of the appeal.

“Getting to be in on the ground level is a huge, huge thing,” Bush said. “I’m super, super excited for it.”

Bush has already spent time getting acquainted with the new program. He attended Cossatot River’s inaugural football kickoff event, visiting with Head Coach Dakota Barrett and was on hand for the Eagles’ preseason scrimmage.

The transition has also been helped by some familiarity with Barrett’s system. Bush noted Barrett’s Mount Ida background and said much of what the Eagles are doing is similar to what Bush saw during his time broadcasting the Lions.

As a broadcaster, Bush said one of his priorities is making sure the players themselves remain the focus.

“I want to mention everybody,” he said.

That includes players who may only see limited action. Bush remembers being one of those players himself and said he made an effort at Mount Ida to identify substitutions and give recognition to athletes who might otherwise rarely hear their names over the radio.

“It’s really just about the athletes, about the guys,” Bush said. “I was one of those second-half guys. And so I know what it feels like.”

Friday will mark the first chapter in a season filled with historic firsts for the Eagles.

Cossatot River will travel to Danville for its varsity debut before playing its first home varsity game Sept. 18 against Baptist Prep.

Bush said excitement surrounding the new program has been high. Cossatot River draws students and supporters from communities including Cove, Vandervoort, Wickes and Grannis, and Bush said fans turned out in force for both the kickoff event and preseason scrimmage.

“They’ve got a great, great backing there at Cossatot River,” he said.

One road game Bush already has circled will take the Eagles to Horatio, where he attended school from seventh through ninth grade. Horatio is now led by Bryce Higgins, one of Bush’s former coaches.

“It’s a familiar atmosphere, familiar place,” Bush said.

His connections to the Cossatot River district go back even further.

Bush attended Vandervoort Elementary during the final year before the consolidation that ultimately created the Cossatot River School District. Now, years later, he will have a front-row seat as the district establishes another piece of its history.

“It’s kind of come full circle for me,” Bush said. “Former Vandervoort Hornet, now getting to be a Cossatot River Eagle.”

And like any broadcaster joining a new program, Bush is already working on a signature call.

With Cossatot River running the veer offense, Bush has been playing with the phrase “Veer, soar, score” as a possible touchdown call.

Whether that phrase sticks remains to be heard. But Friday night, when Cossatot River takes the field at Danville, Bush and the Eagles will share something that can never be repeated: the chance to call – and play – the first one.

Check out the action live on KQOR “The Mountain” 102.1.