Sevier, Howard Counties join growing list of burn bans      3/21/25

Other counties in the area with active burn bans include Polk, Howard, Pike, Miller, Montgomery and Hempstead.

Much of the rest of the state has also prohibited outdoor burning, including all of northwest Arkansas as well as most of central Arkansas and a number of counties in southern Arkansas.

Under the burn ban, all outdoor burning is strictly prohibited.

According to the Arkansas Forestry Division, the entire state is under either a high or extreme risk for wildfires. That risk is associated with strong winds and an uncharacteristic dry period for this time of year in Arkansas.

The public is being asked to take extreme caution. Local firefighters have had to respond to a number of fires in recent days due to out of control blazes. Crews have also been battling dozens of fires statewide. According to statewide reporting, crews had battled around a hundred fires in Arkansas as of Thursday afternoon including a fire at St. Joseph’s Orphanage in North Little Rock.

Under high and extreme wildfire risk conditions, fires can ignite easily, spread quickly and burn intensely. The Arkansas Forestry Division warns that every fire started has the potential to become large and out of control.

Sevier County Farmers Market hosting vendor meeting Thursday night      3/19/25

DE QUEEN – Organizers with the Sevier County Farmers Market are hosting an informational meeting Thursday evening to get local gardeners and crafters prepared for the upcoming farmers market season.

The meeting will be held tomorrow night at 6 p.m. in the pavilion in downtown De Queen.

Everyone interested in setting up at this year’s farmers market is encouraged to attend. As always, sign-up is open to more than just gardeners – if you make it, craft it, bake it or raise it, you’re invited to join in this year’s Sevier County Farmers Market. The market is open to not just Sevier County residents but also to surrounding counties including Howard, Little River, Polk and McCurtain.

The market will be held from 7 a.m. to 12 noon (or sold out) each Wednesday and Saturday between May-September. The farmers market will now be hosted at the pavilion in downtown De Queen. Cost to set up a booth is $7 per day or $75 for the entire season.

For more information on what to plant in your garden right now, and for specific questions regarding your garden, reach out to the Sevier County Extension office by calling (870) 584-3013 or visit uaex.uada.edu.

And for more information on the Sevier County Farmers Market, visit the group’s Facebook page or call (870) 784-6695.

DHS Quiz Bowl team heading to state competition      3/19/25

Horatio High School Band receives Excellent Rating      3/19/25

Arkansas to begin providing free breakfasts to K-12 students      3/19/25

Arkansas legislators passed a bill this session with overwhelming bipartisan support to provide students with free breakfast before the school day. That bill was recently signed into law by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

SB59 guarantees each student free breakfast regardless of if they qualify for free or reduced meals under federal law. The legislation also repurposes Medical Marijuana tax revenue to ensure both Summer EBT and Arkansas’ free lunch and breakfast programs are fully funded into the future. The program will begin with the 2025-26 school year.

Jason Sanders, superintendent at De Queen Public Schools, praised the new law. He said research shows students perform better in all aspects of the school day if they start the day with breakfast.

“We’re very thankful to the governor for pushing this. This was an item that she felt strongly about and so she found some extra revenue and we will be able to provide a free breakfast for all students next year, regardless of their free or reduced lunch status,” said Sanders. “Research shows that kids do better when they’re not hungry. Times are tough right now in Southwest Arkansas, rural communities, so we think that this will be a positive.”

Sanders added, however, that parents can help capitalize on the new development by ensuring their children arrive at school early enough to take advantage of a free breakfast.

“Parents, please get your kid to school early enough. It’s going to help the parents out. It’s going to help the kids out. We just need everybody to chip in and get our kids to school enough time before that first period starts so we can give them breakfast and get them started on a good day.”

Governor Sanders previously announced Arkansas will continue its Summer EBT program this year after serving nearly a quarter of a million children last summer. The Governor previously signed legislation to provide free school lunches for students who previously qualified for reduced-price meals.

Sevier County OEM Coordinator speaks at Rotary      3/18/25

DE QUEEN – At the March 17 De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, Sevier County Office of Emergency Services Management Coordinator Matt Webb discussed his role and outlined future plans and opportunities.

When Webb, a 2007 graduate of Lockesburg High School, assumed his role in emergency services in early 2024, his first task was to prepare for the April Total Solar Eclipse. Although the first responders were ready, the anticipated crowds didn’t come to Sevier County. However, Webb says the preparations were worthwhile. The clouds cleared and everyone here enjoyed the natural phenomenon.

In May of 2024, Sevier County experienced two confirmed tornadoes. The first featured 60 M.P.H. winds and did some damage in the Red Colony area. The second storm on May 24 was more severe. The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado with 110 M.P.H. winds. Webb says that had this tornado been just two miles in either direction, the City of De Queen would have been in its path. That storm moving in a northeasterly direction was on the ground for 8.3 miles. There was no advance warning for either weather event.

Webb described the weather radar in Shreveport as not great. Their radar doesn’t pick up activity very well below 10,000 feet, and most tornadoes are in the 5,000-6,000 feet range.

That’s why Webb and others are organizing a Sky-Warn group locally. A Storm Spotters class was held on February 25. The group hopes to provide better notification of potential inclement weather to the public.

It was a dry summer last year, and Webb says that the area firefighters were quite busy and did a wonderful job of containing fires. Sevier County firefighters also helped Howard County fight a huge fire east of Dierks. “It’s good to know that we can count on nearby counties to help us too, if we need them”, Webb added.

A representative from Arkansas Children’s Hospital conducted an emergency burn victim class for first responders on March 8 with more than 60 in attendance. 

On March 13, Jason Carlton spoke to local emergency personnel about responding to trauma. Carlton emphasized that it’s ok to talk about situations and to seek help if needed.

Future plans for the Office of Emergency Services include a countywide extrication class with the “Jaws for Life” equipment. Four of the eight fire departments in the County are now equipped for that type of emergency.

Webb hopes to obtain grants to upgrade communications equipment around the county from analog to digital and to explore AWIN radio access for better statewide communications.

With two major highways and two railroads in the county, Webb plans a full-scale exercise in the near future for law enforcement officials and first responders to deal with a staged hazardous materials accident. The event will be well publicized ahead of time so that residents will be anticipating the exercise.

Webb encouraged Rotarians to sign up for the free Code Red service. You can find a link at www.kdqn.net as well as on most of the city websites. Code Red will call and/or text your cell phone to warn of potentially dangerous weather conditions.

Finally, Webb hopes to find a grant to expand weather sirens to serve residents in the county. Currently, De Queen has four sirens. Lockesburg and Horatio have two. Ben Lomond and Gillham have one. Each siren covers only about a one-mile radius. Webb plans to conduct tests once a month on a Friday.

Webb was introduced by Rotarian Bill Lee, who arranged the program.

Stacy Dowdy, CEO at Sevier County Medical Center, was inducted as a new member. Her sponsor is Jamie Smith.

Daisy State Park hosts grand opening for new facilities      3/18/25

DAISY – Daisy State Park welcomed guests, local officials and community members Friday for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of its new Visitor Center and playground. This milestone marks an important step in the park’s ongoing efforts to enhance visitor experiences and expand outdoor recreation opportunities.

The newly opened Visitor Center serves as a hub for park information, featuring educational exhibits, visitor services and modern amenities designed to improve the guest experience. The playground, a welcomed addition for families, provides a safe and engaging space for children to enjoy the natural beauty of Daisy State Park.

“This is an exciting day for Daisy State Park and the many visitors who come here each year to experience the beauty of Lake Greeson and the surrounding Ouachita Mountains,” Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said. “The new Visitor Center and playground further our mission of providing high-quality outdoor recreation and education for all who visit.”

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees explored the new facilities and enjoyed guided tours of the Visitor Center. Families took advantage of the playground’s new features, while park guests expressed enthusiasm for the park’s continued enhancements.

Daisy State Park, known for its boating, fishing, hiking and camping opportunities, remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The improvements unveiled today are part of Arkansas State Parks’ commitment to preserving natural resources while expanding amenities for visitors of all ages.

For more information about Daisy State Park and its new facilities, visit www.arkansasstateparks.com or call (870) 398-4487.

Horatio FCCLA hosting raffle fundraiser      3/18/25

HORATIO – Everyone is asked to help support the Horatio High School FCCLA Chapter through an ongoing raffle fundraiser.

The grand prize is a 6 sided custom-made metal fire pit. There are lots of other prizes, as well including: a Kate Spade Bag, Horatio Lion Basket, Hernandez Authentic professional framed painting, professional bakery basket, customized charcuterie board and numerous gift cards.

Tickets are $10 each.

Money raised goes to conferences, membership dues and travel expenses, etc.

The FCCLA Raffle Drawing date is April 4.

To purchase a ticket, reach out to any Horatio FCCLA member, call the high school at (870) 832-1940 or reach out through the Horatio Lions Facebook page.

Lady Leopards are Class 4A State Champs!      3/17/25

HOT SPRINGS – In front of a loud and proud crowd of De Queen fans, the Lady Leopards completed a dream season at Bank O.Z.K. Arena in Hot Springs Friday with a 62 to 54 victory over previously unbeaten Pulaski Academy to bring home the Class 4A State Basketball Championship.

After trailing 14 to 12 early in the second quarter, the De Queen girls went on an 18 to 6 run to take what seemed like a commanding 30 to 20 lead into the locker room at halftime. The tenacious De Queen defense held the Lady Bruins to just a 25% field goal shooting percentage and no three-pointers in that first half while forcing a dozen P.A. turnovers. Eight of the 20 Pulaski Academy points in that first half came from the free throw line.

But the momentum turned quickly less than ninety seconds into the second half when Tournament MVP Shalyn Lyle was whistled for her fourth personal foul and headed to the bench. The Lady Bruins pulled to within two points at 41 to 39 at the end of the third quarter to set up a dramatic final eight minutes of basketball.

Shalyn returned to the game to start the fourth quarter and the two teams who combined to go 71 and 2 this season went back and forth. P.A. tied the game at 50 with four-and-a-half minutes to play. But like they had done in the regional tournament final the week before, the Lady Leopards found that extra energy to outscore P.A. 12 to 4 the rest of the way to secure the 62 to 54 win.

In that 12-4 run, Landri Liggin put De Queen back in front with a jump shot followed up by a steal and layup. Ellie Morphew hit a layup off a nice pass from Shalyn. Then Jessie Lyle converted four free throws followed up by two more free throws from Emma Chambers to seal the victory.

Emma Chambers led De Queen’s balanced scoring attack with 13 points. Senior Jessie Lyle scored 12 points. Landri Liggin poured in 11 points and was credited with seven steals. Shalyn Lyle, Tournament MVP and playing her final game as a Lady Leopard, also scored 11 points and dished out five assists. Ellie Morphew dominated the glass with 12 rebounds to go along with six points. Lynli Liggin, Kate Lindsey, Heavenly Pickings, and Azulenny Ponce contributed valuable minutes off the bench in a total team effort.

Coach Bret Burgess took a moment after the game to reflect on the game, the lead up to it and his return to De Queen.

“Pulaski Academy was undefeated for a reason. I mean they’re excited, they’re well coached, a great team. They come down to the wire,” said Burgess. “Two really good basketball teams that competed to the end and we’re fortunate enough to turn around and make the right plays, enough to turn around and get the win. It’s unreal.

“I was at De Queen for ten years and then I left for four and we came back. To do this at a place I love so much, I mean it means so much. I watched these kids grow up. I had them in elementary PE and now to come back and finish it off the right way is just, it  doesn’t get better than that.”

MVP Shalyn Lyle shared a few thoughts following the big state championship wind and all the support the team received from De Queen fans this season.

“Being back here with these girls my senior year has been awesome. We all really wanted it and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way than with these girls,” she said. “This community, these past four weeks ever since we got to Regionals and even even before the season started, they just had so much faith in us and there’s no doubt about it we couldn’t have done it without them and that support.”

Coach Bret Burgess and his team had an incredible year in his first season as head coach of the Lady Leopards going 35 and 1 while claiming the school’s first state championship since 2003.

Widespread storm systems kill three in Arkansas, injure 32      3/17/25

Three fatalities have been confirmed in Arkansas along with 32 people reported injured in a total of eight counties, mostly in central and Northeast Arkansas, in connection to a storm system that moved through the state Friday night and into Saturday morning.

In total, 40 people have died across Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama and Mississippi as powerful storm systems swept through the Midwest and the South. Those systems spawned tornadoes, hurricane-force wind, baseball sized hail and other extreme weather.

Currently, sixteen counties in Arkansas have reported damage to ADEM. These counties include: Baxter, Clark, Fulton, Greene, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Nevada, Phillips, Randolph, Sharp, Stone, and Woodruff.

Most counties are still assessing the full extent of the damage, but reports indicate impacts to homes, businesses, and downed power lines and trees. No major damage was reported in Southwest Arkansas and the system seems to have missed our region of the state.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has declared a State of Emergency in response to the extensive damage and power outages affecting numerous counties across Arkansas. The State of Emergency will remain in effect until Saturday, March 29, 2025, unless otherwise terminated. 

Horatio School District hires new superintendent      3/14/25

HORATIO – The Horatio School District has selected a new superintendent to replace outgoing Superintendent Gayla Youngblood, who will retire following the end of the current school year.

At its Tuesday meeting, the Horatio School Board hired Dr. Michael D. Odom as its new superintendent.

In a statement, the district said Odom brings a wealth of experience and dedication to education. Odom has served in multiple capacities throughout his career in K-12 schools.

“With a background that spans from the classroom to the district office, Dr. Odom has impacted the lives of students and educators alike as a music teacher, elementary principal, high school principal, and central office administrator,” said district officials. “His extensive career in education has also included roles as a maintenance worker, bus driver, and classroom teacher, giving him a well-rounded understanding of school operations at every level. His leadership and vision have contributed to the success of various educational programs, curriculum initiatives, and school improvement efforts. Dr. Odom believes in big thinking, finding solutions, and working hard for kids!”

Odom and his wife Ashlie, a fellow educator in the El Dorado School District, have four children, Samuel, Elizabeth, Emma Claire, and Annabelle. The Horatio School District family is excited to welcome Dr. Odom and looks forward to his leadership in fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment. He is excited to continue HSD’s tradition of academic and extracurricular excellence.

The Horatio School District is inviting everyone to a Meet and Greet with Dr. Odom on Tuesday, April 15, from 2-4 p.m., at the Horatio High School library located at 1101 Metcalf in Horatio.

New superintendent named at Ashdown Public Schools      3/13/25

ASHDOWN – The Ashdown School Board has voted to hire Mr. Robert Poole as the next superintendent for Ashdown Public Schools. He will officially assume his role on July 1, 2025.

Mr. Poole brings a wealth of experience to Ashdown, with 15 years as a superintendent and 25 years in education. Since 2010, he has served as the superintendent for Prescott School District. His career in education also includes roles as an elementary assistant principal, federal programs director, and teacher of physical education, health, and driver’s education.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Poole to Ashdown Public Schools,” said Board President Chuck Davis. “His leadership experience, passion for education, and dedication to student success make him an excellent choice to guide our district into the future.”

Interim Superintendent Debbie Greathouse echoed that sentiment, stating, “Mr. Poole’s extensive background in education and commitment to community involvement will be invaluable as he leads Ashdown Public Schools. I look forward to working with him during this transition.”

A graduate of Ouachita Baptist University, Mr. Poole earned his Bachelor of Science degree before obtaining a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Harding University. His professional and civic accomplishments include being named Prescott Nevada County Citizen of the Year and serving on numerous boards, including the Arkansas Leadership Academy, Prescott Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, and the Arkansas Association of School Administrators. He has also been actively involved in the Prescott Kiwanis Club, the Arkansas Rural Education Association, and the Legislative Finance Committee.

Mr. Poole and his wife, Chady, have two children, both of whom will be students at Southern Arkansas University in the fall.

The community is invited to a Meet and Greet with Mr. Poole on Friday, March 21, from 2-4 p.m. at the Ashdown Public Schools Administration Building, located at 751 Rankin Street.

Keri Staggs named March Student of the Month by Rotary Club      3/13/25

DE QUEEN – The Rotary Student of the Month for March is Keri Staggs. Keri is a member of TSA, National Honor Society, and National Art Honor Society, in which she served as president in 2024. She also competed in Arkansas Young Artist Association’s competition and won third place in mixed media. Keri also participates on the Robotics Team, and in 2024, earned the “Best Attitude and Effort” award. 

The daughter of Lonnie Ray Staggs, Jr. and the late Mrs. Julie Staggs, Keri will have earned 20 hours of college credit by the time she graduates in May. Her future plans are to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and major in Biomedical Engineering. The U of A has awarded Keri a $10,000 scholarship. In her studies, she’s particularly interested in prosthetics and the use of stem cells to help rebuild bone and tissue. Her hobbies include drawing and painting. 

Rotary President Michael Collins presents the Student of the Month Award for March to Keri Staggs.

Ashdown Scholarship Committee seeking donors      3/13/25

ASHDOWN – The Ashdown High School Scholarship Committee will soon be awarding scholarships to 2025 AHS seniors, as it has since its formation in 1986, and contributors are encouraged to either continue donations as they have in previous years or become new scholarship donors and contribute to the success of new Ashdown High School graduates in their post-secondary endeavors.

“Last year, we awarded 78 scholarships with a total value of $51,040” states Ronda Pounds, chairperson of the committee.  “This brings the total scholarships to over $677,630 awarded to 1,287 students over the course of our 39-year history.”

Pounds also states that 100% of all donated monies are awarded every year and that all donations are tax-deductible.

The Scholarship Committee has also authorized an alumni fund through which former students of Ashdown High School and businesses may contribute to the program in any amount and at any time.  Such contributions may be made in honor or memory of friends and loved ones.

As in previous years, scholarship recipients will be announced and scholarships awarded at a tea sponsored by the committee.  The date for this year’s tea is Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 p.m. in the Ashdown High School cafeteria.  “All donors are welcome at the tea,” Pounds continues, “and welcome to participate in presenting the scholarship they are giving if they would like.”

To be awarded to 2025 AHS seniors, contributions must be received by April 1.  They may be mailed to or dropped off at the Ashdown School District Administration Office at 751 Rankin Street, Ashdown, Arkansas 71822. 

An online donation option has been added at www.ashdownschools.org, select the “Online Payments” tab, select “District” (from a mobile device, click on the three red bars), select “Scholarship Fund”, next enter information including “in memory/honor of” and your nam

City of De Queen to establish first-ever temporary entertainment district      3/12/25

DE QUEEN – The City of De Queen has approved an ordinance allowing the creation of a temporary entertainment district in the downtown area, paving the way for the onsite sale and consumption of alcohol at certain events. The decision aims to enhance community festivals, starting with the annual Fiesta Fest.

The ordinance was adopted during the March meeting of the De Queen City Council.

Mayor Jeff Brown, in an interview, explained that the idea was inspired by the success of a similar initiative in Mena, where an entertainment district was temporarily established for the Lum and Abner Festival. Seeing its positive impact, Brown and city officials decided it could be a good fit for De Queen’s Fiesta Fest, which is organized by UA Cossatot.

“We thought this would be a great way to enhance Fiesta Fest and make it even more enjoyable for attendees,” said Brown. “It’s something that has worked well in other cities, and we believe it can be a positive addition here as well.”

The newly approved district will span from First Street to Third Street and from Stilwell Avenue to Heynecker, placing it in the heart of downtown where Fiesta Fest has been held the last several years. The ordinance allows approved festivals to set up a beer garden, provided they obtain the necessary permits from the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Division. Additionally, organizers must complete required paperwork with the city.

Mayor Brown emphasized that the district is strictly temporary and does not mean that alcohol will be freely available year-round. “This is just a temporary permit. De Queen is not turning into Bourbon Street,” he clarified. Sales will be limited to the duration of the festival, ending at 10 p.m. as per city regulations.

The ordinance applies to any approved festival held downtown. Organizers must submit their application at least 30 days in advance, undergo city approval, and ensure compliance with all safety measures. Alcohol must be purchased within the district and served in designated cups; outside alcohol will not be permitted. Furthermore, sellers will be required to check identification and issue wristbands to verify legal drinking age.

Security remains a priority, with uniformed police officers present at events to ensure safety and responsible behavior. “The chief of police or myself as mayor can shut it down at any time if needed,” Brown stated. However, based on Mena’s experience, he expects the district to function smoothly and become an asset to the city.

“Fiesta Fest already does so much for the community, especially with its scholarship program,” Brown added. “If this entertainment district helps bring more people out to enjoy the festival and support a great cause, then it’s absolutely worth doing.”

Fiesta Fest is a major community event that provides scholarships for students, and city officials believe the entertainment district will boost attendance and contribute positively to the festival’s atmosphere. Brown expressed optimism about the ordinance’s impact, noting that Mena’s festival saw increased participation without any significant issues.

“We think it’ll go off without a hitch, but if it proves problematic, we’ll reconsider,” he said.

Lady Leopards roll over Mineral Springs in season opener     3/12/25

DE QUEEN – Taking the field without three starters still participating in basketball, the De Queen Lady Leopards and pitcher Perry Nickerson were still too much for Mineral Springs in the season opener Tuesday afternoon by a final score of 9 to 0.

At the field behind De Queen High School, Nickerson, the UA-Rich Mountain signee, went the distance shutting out the Lady Hornets while scattering five hits. Perry Belle fanned 15 and didn’t walk a batter in seven innings. Our McDonalds Player of the Game also helped her own cause at the plate as Nickerson had two hits, two runs scored, a walk, and a stolen base.

The Lady Leopards started slowly offensively but finished the afternoon with ten hits. Presley Parson, Camila Figueroa, and Katelyn Ponce had two hits each. Catherine Socash ripped a double. Courtney Socash and Natalie Binkley added singles. 

Our next broadcast will be Thursday weather-permitting from the Leopards baseball diamond as De Queen hosts DeKalb, Texas at 5:00. Airtime with Toney and Greg is set for 4:45 on your #1 Country 92.1. 

UA Cossatot launches first-of-its-kind Fiber Engineer Program      3/12/25

DE QUEEN – At the March 10 De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, University of Arkansas-Cossatot instructor Marty Allen described a new Fiber Network Engineer program that prepares certified network engineers for employment.

The 15-week program, that features free tuition for students through a grant from the State Broadband Office of the Arkansas Department of Commerce, will launch on April 14 and continue through July 28. 

Space in this first class is limited to ten, and five students have already signed up for the initial offering. The course will be offered on the Lockesburg campus.

After this initial pilot program, courses will be offered starting in August and in January each school year. Funding has been received to support the course for a four-year period. 

Students will learn through hands-on training as well as through virtual labs for seven-and-a-half hours per day, four days per week for 15 weeks. Upon completion of the course, students will receive a certification.

Allen predicts that students who complete the design and installation training can start to work earning $50,000 per year. 

Allen, who began working with fiber networking while in the military in 1987, has an extensive background in Broadband Fiber to the home, I.T., and a history of championing high-speed internet access. He’s worked with South Central Connect in Arkadelphia, Four States Fiber, and statewide through the Diamond State Networks. 

After hands-on and virtual training, Allen says the students will also gain skills in writing resumes, job interviews, as well as certification tests. 

With funding for the Fiber Network Engineer program provided by the state, free tuition is available. There are also free supportive services, such as gas cards, available. Also, at the completion of the course, students may keep their tools valued at close to $1,000. 

Prospective students must be 18 years of age, have a valid drivers license, and possess basic computer skills. 

Allen says it’s a great opportunity for students because there simply aren’t enough engineers in this field, and the Fiber Network Engineer program at UA Cossatot will be certainly unique. “There’s no other program like it in the world”, Allen said. 

In regard to providing adequate Broadband for consumers, Allen added: “Broadband used to be a luxury, but now it’s a necessity”. 

There are still five openings left for the initial class that begins April 14. For more information about the Fiber Network Engineer program, call the college at 870-584-4471.

Allen was introduced by Rotarian Madelyn Jones, who arranged the program.

Guests at Monday’s meeting included Tammy Coleman, UA-Cossatot’s Director of Public Services and Workforce Development, as well as Ester Carranza and Ashley Hernandez of the DQTV program at De Queen High School who were in attendance to film a report highlighting the Rotary Club and its community projects.

Sevier County 4-H’ers participate in 4-H Day at the Capitol     3/12/25

Submitted by Kim Frachiseur

Sevier County 4-H

LITTLE ROCK – Sevier County 4-H members participated in 4-H Day at the Capitol, where they met legislators, learned about the legislative process, and shared how they are making a difference in their communities through 4-H.

They were among the 500 4-H members from 54 of Arkansas’ 75 counties who participated in the event held every other year when the Arkansas Legislature is in session. The statewide gathering is also a chance for 4-H to showcase its impact on a large scale.

The Sevier County delegation included 4-H members John Moe, Chip Stamps, Evan Wolcott, Max Rosson, Wade Melton, Kambree Haarmeyer, Leighton Frachiseur, Caselyn Van Voast, Braylee Reynolds, Margaret Moe, and Raegan Frachiseur along with Rex Hering and Kim Frachiseur.

The 4-H member group attended a Tribute to Arkansas in the Capitol Rotunda where several of the state’s elected officials spoke to them, including Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge, State Treasurer John Thurston, Secretary of State Cole Jester, and Attorney General Tim Griffin, who called the 4-H gathering “the single largest group ever assembled in the Arkansas Capitol” that he could recall.

Later in the day, members of the House and Senate read resolutions proclaiming March 4 as 4-H Day.

A highlight of the day was visiting with DeAnn Vaught and learning about her role as our local Arkansas Representative. Vaught spoke about the importance of young adults taking part in the legislative process and how they could make a positive impact. 

Civic engagement and leadership are part of Arkansas 4-H’s mission mandates; the others are Healthy Living and Science.

4-H Day at the Capitol is just one event that helps 4-H members understand how they can lead and encourages them to think about citizenship and civic responsibility — tenets of the 4-H program, along with leadership, healthy living and science and technology.

To learn more about 4-H, contact Kimberly Frachiseur at the Sevier County Extension office at 870-584-3013.

Lady Leopards advance to State Finals this Friday      3/07/25

MAGNOLIA – The De Queen Lady Leopards rode a huge second half to an 84 to 53 victory over the Little Rock Mills University Lady Comets in the semifinals of the Class 4A State Tournament in Magnolia Saturday afternoon. The De Queen girls, now 34 and 1 on the season, will battle undefeated Pulaski Academy Friday at 12 Noon at Bank O.Z.K. Arena in Hot Springs for the state championship.

The Lady Leopards fell behind 10 to 2 early, and trailed Mills University 33 to 32 at intermission. After what must have been a very encouraging halftime speech from Coach Bret Burgess, the De Queen girls scored the first 12 points of the third quarter and went on to outscore the Lady Comets 52 to 20 in that decisive second half to roll to the 31-point victory. 

Emma Chambers, our McDonalds Player of the Game, kept the Lady Leopards in the game in that opening quarter. Chambers finished with 21 points and grabbed five rebounds to pace four De Queen girls in double figures. Shalyn Lyle scored 18 and dished out five assists. Landri Liggin poured in 16. Jessie Lyle added 15. Ellie Morphew led the rebounding charts with 11 to go along with five points. 

The tenacious De Queen full court pressure forced 30 Mills turnovers. De Queen also converted 22 of 24 free throw attempts. 

Pulaski Academy, also of Little Rock, improved to a perfect 36 and 0 on the year after defeating the Nashville Scrapperettes by 20 points in the other semifinal Saturday night. The Lady Leopards and the Lady Bruins square off for the Class 4A State Championship Friday at 12 Noon at Bank O.Z.K. Arena in Hot Springs. Airtime with Toney and Greg is set for 11:45.

In Friday’s quarterfinal in Magnolia, De Queen turned back Clinton 75 to 40. Jessie Lyle led the way with 17, including five three-pointers. Landri Liggin scored 16 and grabbed six steals. Emma Chambers finished with 11. Freshman Heavenly Pickens was our McDonalds Player of the Game. Heavenly came off the bench to give De Queen a spark late in the first half with seven points and five rebounds. 

Tickets on sale now for De Queen families and fans for Friday’s State Final      3/07/25

De Queen Athletic Director Richard Bell has provided us with the link for Leopards fans to purchase tickets for this Friday’s Class 4A State Championship Girls Basketball Game between the Lady Leopards and Pulaski Academy!!

The district has 1,000 tickets to sell through the AAA to parents/guardians/supporters and 500 for students. The state championship game kicks off at 12 noon on Friday at the Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs!

Tickets can be purchased at the following link ahead of general ticket sales tomorrow:

https://gofan.co/event/3385993?schoolId=AAA

This event is a mobile entry event–tickets must be presented on a smart phone for entry. Screenshots and printed tickets will not be accepted.

GO LEOPARDS!

De Queen to close campuses on Friday      3/07/25

Millwood Lake tops the charts in 2024 bass tournament report      3/07/25

By Randy Zellers/AGFC

SARATOGA — Between a recent February flurry of big bass and a steady showing in Arkansas bass fishing tournament trails, it came as no surprise to the Arkansas Black Bass Program team when Millwood Lake proved to be the best Natural State fishing tournament destination of 2024.

The southwest Arkansas fishery was ranked number one through an assessment of fishing quality indicators in the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s recently released Arkansas Tournament Information Program annual report. 

“We compile information like number of fish caught by angler, total weights, winning weights and number of fish weighed that exceed 5 pounds,” Eric Naas, AGFC Black Bass Program biologist, said. “From that information, we can monitor a lot of trends throughout the tournament community and how it can help us manage the fisheries that we get data on.”

Naas says the overall results are similar to last year, but they continue to show small increases in some categories anglers always pay attention to.

“Average first-place weights went up slightly, as well as the average number of bass caught per angler per tournament day,” Naas said. “In 307 tournament reports, the average angler weighed 2.12 bass per day compared to 1.87 in 2023. Anglers also weighed an average of 4.31 pounds of fish per day in 2024 compared to 3.75 pounds per angler per day in 2023. That may not seem like much, but considering it’s stretched over 300 tournaments, it’s a nice increase.” 

Naas stresses that figures pulled from the report can be affected by the low frequency of reports for certain lakes.

“Some lakes may only have six or seven tournament reports while others have dozens, and one bad tournament day can throw off the final results a lot if there aren’t many cards to balance things,” Naas said. “That’s why we only rank lakes with at least five tournament reports, but even then, we’d like to get more reports.”

Roughly 73 percent of the tournament results actually were tracked down by Naas, who spent many hours scanning the social media accounts and websites of tournament organizations and fishing groups.

“We can get a lot of the data we need from those posts you see of tournament results, but if organizers would add a few more details, like the number of fish caught over 5 pounds and the number of fish per angler, we could make use of a lot more reports,” Naas said. “Of course, filling out the online form at www.agfc.com/atip takes only a couple of minutes and they can do that right at the boat ramp, too.” 

Millwood has been a mainstay near the top of the rankings since the ATIP report was created, but this is the first time since 2016 that it took top honors.

“There are a lot of factors that go into Millwood’s high production for anglers,” Naas said. “For one, it has a vast amount of fishable water compared to the deep highland reservoirs in the state. Being a lowland reservoir, it’s also very fertile with a lot of nutrients in the lakebed and water. Combine that with south Arkansas’s long growing season, and you have a good combination of factors to grow a lot of fish and let them grow large. That and the (AGFC’s) Florida Bass Program.”

According to database records, Millwood bass have seen ample influence from Florida bass through the AGFC’s hatchery system. Since 1984, more than 7.84 million Florida largemouth bass have been stocked in Millwood to increase growth potential in the population.

“Millwood has one of the best contributions of Florida bass in the state,” Naas said. “Especially considering the size of the reservoir.”

Jeremy Risley, AGFC Black Bass Program coordinator, says Millwood is a perfect example of how the AGFC has used Florida bass in its stockings to increase overall growth in the lake.

“When we stock a Florida bass, we’re not just stocking those fish to grow big and be caught,” Risley said. “The idea is to get their genetics into the system and keep them high. We’ll actually have fairly few ‘pure’ Florida bass in the system, but the more genetics of Florida bass a largemouth has, the better its chances of having good growth when conditions are favorable.”    

Among Millwood’s impressive stats last year was the largest five-fish limit weighed, a 33.44-pound sack caught during a Brad’s Custom Rod and Tackle Tournament Trail event. Unlike many prespawn tournaments with hefty weights, this 30-pound-plus sack was weighed in July, when many fish typically are entering their lowest weight period of the year. 

“Last year was a good year for top weights, with 23 total derbies having winning weights over the 20-pound mark,” Naas said. “Only 15 tournament result cards with 20-pound-plus bags were turned in during 2023, by comparison.”

The effects of high water in the White River chain of lakes are also fairly obvious when you compare the last five years of reports. Beaver Lake, which has seen a pattern of higher water during spring for the last few years has climbed from a ranking of 15 in 2020 to the third-place spot in 2024, falling just short of Nimrod Lake (the top lake in the report during the last three years). Freshly flooded habitat has created a burst of productivity not only for the bass, but also for the forage in the lake, creating ideal growing conditions. During the same time frame, nearby Bull Shoals Lake dropped from the number one spot in 2020 to a ranking of 12 last year. 

“Bull Shoals is starting to see the same effect Norfork had with too many high-water years in a row,” Risley said. “It’s created too many mouths to feed and overall growth has slowed as a result.”

You can’t talk about bass tournament fishing without at least touching on forward-facing sonar. Risley and Naas both acknowledge the shift in fishing styles on many bodies of water, but the latest evidence indicates the overall impact of LiveScope on tournament weights may not be as drastic as once feared. 

“We did track one tournament series last winter that had three tournaments allowing live sonar and three that the technology was banned,” Naas said. “The weights increased, but only slightly. Winning weights were an average of 3 pounds heavier and the average weight per bass caught was 0.5 pounds heavier, but the number of fish caught and number of 5-pound-or-larger fish was consistent between the tournaments. It’s a very small sample size, but that’s what we have to go on. The more data our tournament anglers and directors give us, the more we will be able to monitor any effects of the technology on bass tournament weights.”

Risley agrees and says he does see a slight increase in weights now compared to tournaments before forward-facing sonar became popular, but a lot of factors can go into tournament results.

“Timing, location, weather and local conditions have so much impact on tournament weights that it’s nearly impossible to make a blanket statement without a lot of data points to compare,” Risley said. 

Visit www.agfc.com/atip to see the complete report and reports from the last decade. Tournament directors can also find an online reporting form to enter their tournament information on this page to help generate future reports.

$1 million bond set for suspect in child’s death      3/07/25

DE QUEEN – Bond has been set for an Oklahoma man accused of fatally beating a two-year-old girl in Sevier County this past weekend.

Judge Bryan Chesshir set bond at $1 million on Thursday in the Sevier County Circuit Court for 19-year-old Wesley Davis. Davis is accused of beating two-year-old Ava Ann Marie Tabor this past Saturday, March 1. The little girl passed away from her injuries on Tuesday at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.

In addition to the bond, Judge Chesshir also issued a no contact order between Davis and the victim’s family.

Davis was babysitting the toddler and reportedly confessed to beating the child following an investigation into the incident. Family have stated the attack lasted around 30 minutes. Davis called for medical help when the child became unresponsive. Deputies from the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office responded to the home in Lockesburg after receiving reports from Lockesburg First Responders about the incident. Upon arrival, deputies observed injuries on the child consistent with domestic violence.

The two-year-old victim was initially transported to Sevier County Medical Center’s emergency room before being transferred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock for further treatment. Tragically, on March 4, 2025, the child succumbed to her injuries

Davis is now facing a charge of first-degree murder. If convicted, he could face up to 40 years or life in prison.

Juvenile charged after threat made at Horatio Schools      3/07/25

HORATIO – On Wednesday, March 5, the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office received information from Horatio School officials in the afternoon hours about a student who made threats to another student.

The Sheriff’s Office interviewed the juvenile suspect and obtained statements from witnesses about the verbal threat made. The juvenile has since been charged with first degree terroristic threatening.

The juvenile appeared in court on Thursday for their first appearance regarding this incident. School officials suspended the juvenile until other upcoming court appearances.

Riley Cate Carlton crowned as 2025 Miss DHS      3/07/25

DE QUEEN – Riley Cate Carlton was crowned the 2025 Miss DHS during the 48th Miss DHS pageant on Feb. 22. 

She was crowned by the 2024 Miss DHS Jaide Tatum. Riley Cate is the 18-year-old daughter of Jason and the late Melanie Carlton. She is a senior and enjoys playing guitar, reading, hiking, and photography. 

Some of Riley Cate’s favorites include watching New Girl and La La Land, listening to White Ferrari by Frank Ocean and scrolling through Tik-Tok. 

Riley Cate is an active member of the National Honor Society, FCCLA, TSA, GT, and is the photography editor for Journalism. She was also recently awarded Rotary Student of the Month. 

After high school, Riley Cate plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas as a nursing major, and has been awarded the Future Leader Scholarship.

Arkansas deer harvest falls just short of 200,000      3/07/25

The last arrow has been launched for the 2024-25 Arkansas deer hunting season, and the tally of checked deer stands at 199,863. Although the raw data still needs to be analyzed, the preliminary results indicate an increase of nearly 4 percent over last year’s final harvest of 192,392.

Although 200,000 is a nice round number, it doesn’t make or break a deer season. AGFC Deer Program Coordinator Ralph Meeker says it is quite close to where Arkansas needs to be in terms of sustainable harvest given the state’s available habitat, hunting effort and reproductive capability of the deer herd.

“It’s a good rough measure, but we really look more closely at the harvest by deer zone to determine trends, and we still have to do some analysis there before we make any formal presentation,” Meeker said. “A lot of factors play into that statewide harvest number. Mast crop production, flooding and the closing of flood prone zones, inclement weather on the opening weekends of alternative firearm or modern gun deer season, and hunter effort can all affect regional harvest numbers which in turn affect the overall statewide harvest figure.”

The statewide harvest continues a steady climb, indicating that Arkansas’s deer population continues to recover after an unusually high spike in harvest following the COVID-19 epidemic.

“The deer population actually saw a bit of a double-whammy then,” Meeker said. “The deer season  prior to COVID (2019-20), we saw a small drop in the harvest, likely indicating a slight population decline. But in the 2020-21 season, we saw many more hunters go to the woods and many of those were more inclined to harvest an additional deer for the freezer with some of the talks of food shortages circulating. That’s likely why we saw a dramatic decline from our record-high 216,835 in 2020 to 181,379 the next year.”

Deer are resilient, and Meeker says the population is showing signs of recovery . In 2022-23, deer hunters harvested 185,579 deer, followed by a harvest of 192,392 deer in 2023-24.

“We also have a lot of reports of fawns seen this year by hunters, so we’re cautiously optimistic that reproduction is picking up to continue filling that void.”

This season marked the introduction of two new seasons: an early archery buck-only season and an alternative firearms season that allowed firearms shooting straight-walled cartridges to replace the muzzleloader season. The AGFC deer team watched numbers closely to determine any effects these changes may have had on overall harvest.

“So far, it doesn’t look like the new seasons had a dramatic effect on overall harvest,” Meeker said. “Successful deer hunters still harvested an average of 1.2 deer per hunter, so it was more of a shift in harvest to different methods.”

Meeker said the adoption of straight-walled rifles definitely boosted the overall muzzleloader harvest.

“During the last decade, we’ve seen a slow decline in muzzleloader harvest,” Meeker said. “This year, we had pretty close to the same muzzleloader harvest as last year, but the addition of straight-walled firearms more than doubled the total for that season. We’re pretty close to the same harvest numbers for alternative firearms combined that we saw for muzzleloaders in 2017, when it peaked.”

The alternative firearms increase came at the same time as a slight decrease in the modern gun harvest, again likely indicating a shift in season instead of an additive overall harvest.

Toddler dies from injuries; suspect now faces murder charge in Sevier Co.       3/06/25

LOCKESBURG – A tragic case of domestic violence in Sevier County has resulted in the death of a 2-year-old girl and the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect.

On March 1, at approximately 8:40 p.m., deputies from the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in Lockesburg after receiving reports from Lockesburg First Responders of an unresponsive toddler. Upon arrival, deputies observed injuries on the child consistent with domestic violence.

A potential suspect, identified as 19-year-old Wesley Davis, was detained at the scene and transported to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office for further questioning. During an interview, Davis reportedly provided a confession and was subsequently arrested on charges of Domestic Battery  in the First Degree, a Class Y felony.

The 2-year-old victim was initially transported to Sevier County Medical Center’s emergency room before being transferred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock for further treatment. Tragically, on March 4, 2025, the child succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at 11:28 a.m.

Following the child’s passing, the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with Prosecuting Attorney Jana Bradford to update Davis’s charges to First-Degree Murder, another Class Y felony. An updated affidavit is currently in process.

The suspect’s relationship to the victim has not been officially released.

Authorities expressed gratitude to Lockesburg first responders and SouthWest EMS for their quick response and immediate notification of law enforcement. The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office also acknowledged the medical teams at Sevier County Medical Center and Arkansas Children’s Hospital for their efforts in treating the young victim.

“Our condolences and prayers go out to the family and friends of the child, along with all first responders, EMS personnel, law enforcement officers, and medical staff involved in this tragic case,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.

The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue gathering additional details.

Travel Show coming to De Queen tonight       3/06/25

DE QUEEN – Planning your next getaway? The KRM Vacation Travel Show, taking place tonight in De Queen, will offer a fantastic opportunity for local residents to explore a variety of travel options for both domestic and international trips—whether by land or sea.

Hosted at the De Queen Church of Christ Fellowship Hall from 5-7 p.m., this exciting event will feature an array of travel industry experts, cruise representatives, and vacation planners ready to help you discover your dream vacation, no matter your destination or budget. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach escape, a thrilling international adventure, or an unforgettable cruise getaway, this Travel Show has something for everyone.

This exciting opportunity is being made possible through a partnership between Bunyard Broadcasting, Inc./Arklahoma Print & Digital Solutions and KRM Vacation Travel located out of Searcy.

Cruise Ship Adventures Await

One of the main highlights of the event will be the chance to learn about cruise vacations. Representatives from major cruise lines will be on hand to discuss everything from tropical getaways to exotic international cruises. You’ll have the opportunity to get firsthand information on the latest cruise packages, itinerary options, and special discounts, making it easier than ever to plan a perfect cruise vacation. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, there’s no better time to discover the exciting world of cruises.

Explore Domestic and International Destinations

In addition to cruises, the Travel Show will also provide information on domestic and international vacation opportunities. Want to explore the wonders of the U.S. national parks? Dream of a European tour? Interested in an Asian or South American adventure? Local travel agents will be available to discuss the many possibilities for travel both within the United States and across the globe. Learn about the best times to travel, tips for securing the best deals, and special packages that can make your dream vacation a reality.

Connect with Travel Experts

This event is not just about gathering information—it’s a chance to make connections with travel professionals who can help you plan your trip every step of the way. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, get expert advice and even book your next vacation directly at the event. Whether you’re interested in group tours, business adventures, family-friendly vacations or luxury escapes, the travel experts will be there to guide you in choosing the best options for your needs.

Take Advantage of Exclusive Discounts and Giveaways

Attendees will also have the chance to take advantage of exclusive discounts and promotions available only at the Travel Show. There will be giveaways, travel prizes and other exciting offers that could make your next vacation even more affordable. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to score great deals for your next adventure.

A Great Day for All Ages

The KRM Travel Show is perfect for anyone who loves to travel or is planning a future vacation. Whether you’re an individual traveler, a family or a couple looking for the perfect escape, this event will provide something for everyone. Be sure to stop by and get the inspiration and information you need to turn your travel dreams into reality.

Details:

Date: Tonight!

Time: 5-7 p.m.

Location: De Queen Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, 1305 West Collin Raye Drive, De Queen, AR 71832

Admission: Free to attend!

Mark your calendar, bring your travel aspirations, and get ready to explore the world at the KRM Vacation Travel Show on March 6 in De Queen. Your next great adventure is just around the corner!

Sevier County’s FRIENDS organization to join Welcoming America Network       3/06/25

Submitted by Veronica Ozura

DE QUEEN – FRIENDS, also known as Sevier County Economic Development, has joined the Welcoming Network, a global network of local governments and nonprofits committed to making communities more welcoming. Led by the nonpartisan nonprofit organization, Welcoming America, FRIENDS will have access to research, technical assistance, webinars, and collaborative programs with other Welcoming Network organizations. 

Through a multi-sector approach, Welcoming America leverages the Welcoming Standard as a comprehensive roadmap to identify areas in which members can make their community more equitable. As a member, organizations receive timely resources related to a variety of topics including: government leadership, language access, healthcare, economic development, and more.

Veronica Ozura, Economic Development Director stated “We are excited to welcome FRIENDS to the Welcoming Network. FRIENDS understands that creating a meaningful impact in our community requires ensuring that all members have access to opportunities for growth. This can only be achieved by fostering representation and amplifying every voice in our community. By joining the Welcoming Network, we gain valuable resources and opportunities that will help showcase and expand the incredible work happening in Sevier County. We look forward to collaborating with them.”

About FRIENDS

The FRIENDS foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth and community development in Sevier County, Arkansas. Through collaboration with local partners and stakeholders, FRIENDS aim to enhance the region’s economic landscape by supporting initiatives that retain businesses, attract investment, and improve the quality of life for all residents. Learn more about FRIENDS BY Visiting: BuildSevierCounty.org or Like and Follow them on Facebook at:  Sevier County Economic Development – AR.

About Welcoming America

Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. Through the Welcoming Network, we work to change systems and culture by providing communities the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share new approaches to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Visit welcomingamerica.org to learn more.

Gov. Sanders announces legislation to repeal Arkansas grocery tax       3/06/25

By Antoinette Grajeda/Arkasnas Advocate

Arkansas’ governor on Tuesday announced legislation to repeal the state grocery tax and expand liability protections for food banks and their donors.

Access to food has become a challenge in recent years for many Americans due to inflation and the rising cost of groceries. 

Cave Springs Republicans Sen. Bart Hester and Rep. Kendon Underwood are sponsoring the Grocery Tax Relief Act. The bill will eliminate the state grocery tax, but have no impact on county and municipal grocery taxes, according to a press release. 

Arkansas joins other states like Missouri that are considering eliminating taxes on groceries, and Illinois, which last year approved legislation to end its grocery tax at the start of 2026. Of the ten states that tax groceries, Arkansas has the lowest rate at 0.125%, according to an AARP report. 

The Grocery Tax Relief Act follows through on the promise Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders made during January’s State of the State address to eliminate the state’s grocery tax. Both pieces of legislation announced Tuesday will address the cost and availability of food in Arkansas, Sanders said during a press conference. 

“For too many families the grocery bill went up while their paychecks stayed the same, and for those families at the bottom of the income ladder, that means missed meals and empty dinner tables,” she said. “…we’re getting rid of Arkansas’ most regressive tax and giving a helping hand to Arkansans who need it the most.”

If approved by lawmakers, the Grocery Tax Relief Act would go into effect Jan. 1, 2026, which Finance and Administration Secretary Jim Hudson said would give merchants time to reprogram their systems. Officials project the law would have an estimated annual impact of $10.9 million beginning in fiscal year 2027, the first full year the act would be in effect. 

The loss in revenue from the elimination of the tax would impact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage Commission and Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission, which were designated 0.125% of the state’s general sales tax when voters approved Amendment 75 to the state Constitution in 1996. 

Because Amendment 75 references a section of Arkansas code, state officials said they will be able to remove certain foods as taxable items from the code instead of requiring voters to pass another constitutional amendment to eliminate the state’s grocery tax. 

According to DFA spokesman Scott Hardin, the annual loss of revenue from the eliminated grocery tax would affect the following programs: 

• Constitutional Officers Fund – $110,000 
• State Central Services – $220,000 
• Game Protection Fund (Game & Fish) – $4.77 million 
• Parks & Tourism Fund – $4.77 million 
• Department of Heritage Fund – $950,000 
• Keep Arkansas Beautiful Fund – $110,000 

State organizations were made aware of the effects of the grocery tax bill on their budgets and will be able to manage the change in revenue, Sanders said. 

“These agencies have very healthy, strong budgets, [I’m] very confident in their ability to continue to do what we’ve been doing, which is breaking tourism records,” she said. 

Outdoor recreation is a $7.3 billion industry for Arkansas that supports more than 68,000 jobs and generates nearly $2 billion in tax revenue, according to a new Heartland Forward report.

Food insecurity

The Good Neighbor Act is sponsored by Sen. Breanne Davis, R-Russellville, and Rep. Chad Puryear, R-Hindsville. The bill expands liability protections to food banks and their donors, including hotels, restaurants, farmers, hospitals, schools and religious organizations, according to a press release. 

At a rate of nearly 19%, Arkansas has the highest prevalence of food insecurity in the nation, according to a 2024 U.S. Department of Agriculture report.

Arkansas has taken steps to address food insecurity for its residents, including opting into the new federal Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, which provides $120 in food benefits for children who qualify for the federal free or reduced-price meal program. About 260,000 Arkansans benefited during the inaugural year of the program, which will again be available to families this summer. 

State lawmakers also passed a 2023 bill to cover the co-payment for low-income students who qualify for reduced-price meals, and approved a new law last month that will provide free school breakfast to all students, regardless of their eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. 

Act 123 of 2025 will use tax revenue from the state’s medical marijuana program to fund the Summer EBT program and the free lunch and breakfast initiatives.  

Neither the Grocery Tax Relief Act nor the Good Neighbor Act had been filed as of mid-afternoon Tuesday.

Lady Leopards secure first round of 4A State Tournament       3/05/25

MAGNOLIA – Any thoughts of a possible letdown after the regional tournament championship ended early as the De Queen senior girls raced to a 25 to 10 lead at the end of the opening quarter and cruised to a 69 to 45 win over Pottsville in the opening round of the Class 4A State Tournament in Magnolia Tuesday.

The suffocating De Queen full court pressure forced 27 Lady Apache turnovers on the afternoon as the Lady Leopards defense was the key to notching their 32nd win of the season.

Senior Shalyn Lyle led her team to victory with 24 points. Shalyn dished out seven assists and grabbed six steals to earn our McDonalds Player of the Game award. Three other Lady Leopards were in double figures as Emma Chambers scored 12 points and grabbed four steals. Landri Liggin, paced the early De Queen scoring, finishing with 10 points and was credited with three steals. Battling foul trouble, Jessie Lyle also scored ten.

Now 32 and 1 on the season and three victories away from the school’s first state championship since 2003, the Lady Leopards will now await the Highland-Clinton winner in the quarterfinals Friday at 1:00. Airtime from Magnolia with Toney and Greg is set for 12:45 on your #1 Country 92.1.

SCSO releases February activity report       3/05/25

DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office has released its activity report for the month of February:

Deputies worked a total of 1,958 hours on duty throughout the month of February and clocked 23,856 miles.

Total fuel used was calculated at 1,436 gallons. Deputies received a total of 119 calls and worked 10 motor vehicle accidents and 101 traffic stops. Of those stops, 16 resulted in a citation with 85 warnings. 

Fifteen arrests were made in February. A total of 99 civil papers were served and deputies completed 1,712 building checks.

Investigators with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office worked one unattended death, one terroristic complaint, one rape, executed three search warrants and were involved in one jury trial.

In addition, the Horatio School Resource Office worked four incidents at Horatio Elementary and five incidents at the high school.

De Queen coaches provide spring sports update at Rotary       3/05/25

DE QUEEN – At the March 3 De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, the club heard about the spring sports season now underway at De Queen High School with previews of the boys and girls track squads, baseball, softball, as well as girls and boys soccer.

Drew Dykes says the senior high track teams have eight meets scheduled this spring beginning with a trip to Prescott on March 6. The De Queen track squads were both conference runners-up in 2024, and Coach Dykes believes that the Lady Leopards have a shot to win the league title this year. 

The girls are led by pole vaulters Ava Billingsley and Kate Lindsey. The 4 X 800-meter relay team, consisting of Ellie Perez, Emma Chambers, Jaden Valdez, and Stephanie Villeda, looks to claim several first place finishes this spring.

The Leopards are paced by their distance runners: Rodrigo Garcia, Randy Rodriguez, and Arturo Quintano. 

Coach Dykes gave a special shout-out to ninth grader Nai Briggins, who has the best time so far in the 300-meter hurdles of any girl from Class 1A to Class 6A in the state at 49.1 seconds. 

Baseball Coach Ethan Crocker has seven of his nine starters returning from a team that advanced to the regional tournament last year. Sam Graham, who has signed to play for UA-Rich Mountain, is the Leopards leading hitter. De Queen’s top two pitchers, Logan Petrishen and Konnor Shelton, return. Rylan Pickett, a transfer from Horatio, is a newcomer to watch. 

The fields, located behind De Queen High School, have a new concession stand as well as more comfortable seatback chairs and stadium seating. De Queen will host the regional baseball and softball tournaments in May. 

Softball coach Chad Lites used the word “excitement” to describe his team. The Lady Leopards return all but one starter and Coach Lites described his girls as “great people”. 

Three starters for the Lady Leopards softball team are still involved with basketball season. Coach Lites recognized four senior starters: Katelyn Ponce at third base, designated player Presley Parson, Catherine Socash, who Coach Lites called the best catcher in the conference, and pitcher Perry Nickerson, a four-year starter, who has signed to play for UA-Rich Mountain. The softball team opens up April 10 in Ashdown.

Girls soccer coach Estiven Garcia thanked Rotary for the support the club gives student athletes at De Queen High School. After fielding a young team a year ago, Coach Garcia returns all but one starter. He cited Ellie Perez as a much-improved player.

Despite dropping a 4 to 1 decision to Class 6A Fort Smith Northside on February 28, Coach Garcia was pleased with how his girls were better prepared physically this year. He hopes the Lady Leopards can advance to the final four in the state in Class 4A. 

Finally, Coach Stephen Sloan, proud owner of seven state championship rings, gave a preview of the Leopards soccer squad.

The boys soccer team started out with 90 players. 60 boys made it through preseason drills. However, only 40 can earn a spot on the travel squad. The Leopards made it to the state semifinals in 2024. 

In a 2 to 1 loss to Class 6A Fort Smith Northside in a benefit game on February 28, Coach Sloan played five freshmen significant minutes. So, the future of De Queen soccer is bright as the Leopards just need more playing experience. Coach Sloan is looking forward to seeing how his team stacks up in games against three schools from higher classifications on March 8 at Hot Springs Lakeside.

The coaches were introduced by Rotarian Greg Revels, who arranged the program.

Nathan Hodges, just assigned to Sevier County by SWEPCO, was a guest at Monday’s meeting.

Lady Leopards advance to state after nail-biter win against Nashville       3/02/25

MONTICELLO – The De Queen Lady Leopards won the Class 4A Region 4 Tournament in Monticello Saturday night with a thrilling 60 to 53 overtime win over Nashville to secure a number one seed in the upcoming state tournament at Magnolia. The De Queen girls have now beaten Nashville in two of the three meetings this season. 

The Lady Leopards opened up a 33 to 25 halftime lead and extended the lead to 45 to 35 at the end of the third quarter to appear to be in command. However, the Scrapperettes opened the fourth quarter with a 14 to 0 run to take a 49 to 45 lead. After a timeout, the De Queen girls battled back to send the game into overtime tied at 52.

Landri Liggin, our McDonalds Player of the Night, took charge in overtime as De Queen  outscored Nashville 8 to 1 in the extra period to secure the 60 to 53 win.

Jessie Lyle led the Lady Leopards with 27 points, including seven three-pointers, and she dished out three assists. Landri Liggin was clutch, with the game on the line, and finished with 16 points, including four three-pointers. Shalyn Lyle scored 11 and grabbed seven  rebounds. Ellie Morphew led the rebounding charts with 11 as the De Queen girls will enter the state tournament with a 31 and 1 record. 

As Regional Tournament champs, the Lady Leopards will play Pottsville, a four seed, in the opening round of the Class 4A  State Tournament in Magnolia Tuesday at 4:00. Toney and Greg will have the play-by-play on your #1 Country 92.1. 

The De Queen girls reached the Regionals championship game with a 69 to 54 win over Camden Fairview in Friday night’s semifinals at Monticello as the Lady Leopards beat the Lady Cardinals for a third time this year. Shalyn Lyle scored 27, grabbed seven steals, and six rebounds. Landri Liggin added 18 points and dished out three assists. Ellie Morphew owned the boards with 16 rebounds. 

Ashdown Junior High recognized for outstanding growth       3/02/25

ASHDOWN – Ashdown Junior High School has been recognized by the Office for Education Policy (OEP) at the University of Arkansas for outstanding academic growth on the ATLAS assessment. The school received two prestigious awards for the Southwest region: High Overall Growth and High ELA Growth.

Each year, the OEP releases its Outstanding Educational Performance Awards to honor schools where students show the most improvement. These awards are based on content growth scores calculated by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, reflecting how much students improved compared to peers with similar academic histories. This growth measure is considered one of the best indicators of a school’s impact on student learning.

Ashdown Junior High’s recognition highlights the hard work and dedication of its students, teachers, and staff. Principal Mrs. Cunningham expressed pride in the school’s achievements, stating, “The A-Team has worked very hard to help our students reach their growth goals. We are excited to celebrate their hard work and ongoing achievements!”

Superintendent Debbie Greathouse also commended the school’s success, emphasizing the importance of continued academic development. “At Ashdown Jr. High, we strive to create an environment where every student can reach their full potential.  Receiving these OEP Awards for academic growth highlights the incredible progress our students have made and reflects the commitment of our educators to fostering excellence in the classroom.”