Southwest Arkansas Daily- KDQN

The festivities continue with a veterans parade at 9 a.m. All veterans from across the area, from World War II to the War on Terror, are invited to participate in the parade through Herman Dierks Park and the adjacent Sevier County Museum grounds.

The festival continues with numerous activities through 3 p.m. As in previous years, the 2023 Hurrah Festival will include knife-making and blacksmithing demonstrations as well as performances by local talent. Music with Jackson Van Winkle at 11 that morning. Michael Eudy will perform at 1 p.m. with his Wayfaring Strangers to take the stage at 2 p.m. Dozens of food and craft booths will be set up along Walter Leeper Drive and a car and truck show will be held throughout the day.

Registration for the Open Car & Truck show begins at 9 a.m. Entry cost is $20 per vehicle. A number of trophies will be awarded to participating cars and trucks

All of these events and more will be held at the Sevier County Museum located on Walter Leeper Drive in De Queen on Oct. 7. For more information call Museum Director Karen Mills at (870) 784-0039.

The annual Hurrah Festival is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Sevier County Museum.

Benefit this Saturday for Brenda Stewart of De Queen     09/26/23

DE QUEEN – A benefit fundraiser will be held this weekend for a De Queen woman to help her cover medical costs related to her husband’s illness.

The benefit will be held for Brenda Stewart on Saturday, Sept. 30 beginning at 5 p.m. in the De Queen Church of Christ Family Center. De Queen Church of Christ is located at 1305 W. Collin Raye Drive.

Dinner will be provided by donation. The event will also include both a silent and live auction.

All proceeds will be used to help cover medical expenses incurred during an illness suffered by Stewart’s husband.

An account has also been set up at First State Bank of De Queen.

State Rep. DeAnn Vaught weekly update     09/26/23

By State Rep. DeAnn Vaught

This week, the Arkansas Rice Federation announced it will donate 240,000 pounds of rice to the Arkansas Food Bank. That is the equivalent of 1.8 million servings and will go a long way to help alleviate hunger in every county of the state.

September is both Arkansas Rice Month and Hunger Action Month. Hunger Action Month is a time when people, organizations, and communities come together to raise awareness about hunger and take steps to combat it.

The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance estimates that 22.5% of Arkansas households and 1 out of every 3 children in the state are facing food insecurity. The USDA defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. This can be a temporary situation for a family or can last a long time.

The Arkansas General Assembly worked to address childhood hunger in the 2023 Regular Session by passing Act 656. This act requires the Department of Education to provide federal funds disbursed for purposes of funding child nutrition programs to each public school that serves a school breakfast or a school lunch to cover the cost of eliminating reduced-price copayments and requires the department to use funds to provide a school breakfast or a school lunch if federal funds appropriated to the department for child nutrition programs are insufficient. The act also requires the department to provide an annual report that includes an overview of each child nutrition program offered in public schools.

We will continue to review ways to reduce food insecurity in our state. This is a perfect time for all of us to take action. By raising awareness, donating or volunteering at our local food banks, and engaging with our communities, we can work together to ensure no Arkansan goes hungry.

Superintendent Tyler Broyles said the recommendation to close the campus is due to consistent low enrollment, making the campus financially infeasible to sustain itself.

“Over the last five years, the Umpire campus has lost more than 40 students, which is more than 30 percent of its enrollment five years ago,” said Broyles. “Last year, the campus operated with a more than $400,000 deficit due to its average daily membership (ADM) of approximately 92 students K-12. ADM is what funds a school and is the average number of attendance days for a campus.”

That number, Broyles added, will mean less revenue for the campus. In addition, he said higher expenses is forcing the district to subsidize the negative operating balance at the Umpire campus.

“Making the recommendation this early in the year will, if the Umpire Campus does close, give Umpire teachers time to find new jobs if they choose, Umpire students time to transfer schools if they prefer, and allow time for CRSD staff to facilitate the logistics of the campus closure,” Broyles added. “It is only a recommendation to the board at this point, so we welcome all voices to be heard at the board meeting so that the school board can discuss and decide on the matter at the meeting.”

Officials said no loss of jobs or teaching positions are expected if the recommendation is in favor of closing the campus. All staff members at Umpire would be offered positions throughout the rest of the district. Any overage in staff would be addressed by attrition, meaning the district will not rehire as staff members leave or retire.

In addition, Umpire territory would remain a part of the Cossatot River School District. Umpire students who wish to attend another district would go through school choice or a legal board transfer. A Cossatot River school bus would continue to pick up students in the Umpire area.

The district is welcoming community members to attend the board meeting to make their voices heard before the school board votes on the recommendation.

District officials stress there are rules that must be followed to have your name placed on the agenda to speak. Details can be found by visiting the website at www.cossatot.us and clicking on the “More” tab. Community members can also call 870-385-7101 for assistance.

Horatio Public Schools recognized for fighting hunger     09/25/23

HORATIO – Horatio Public Schools is being recognized for its efforts to end child hunger in the area.

Last week Beth Tody, representing Excel by 8, presented school officials with the 2023 Acting Out Against Hunger Award. Representing Horatio Public Schools at the awards ceremony Elizabeth Walker of the Horatio School Board and Curtis Black, principal of Horatio High School.

This award, given each September during Hunger Action Month, is presented to a handful of Arkansas individuals, businesses, schools, and organizations who go above and beyond to serve their communities.

Burn bans lifted across listening area     09/25/23

DE QUEEN – Thanks to some much needed rainfall in recent days, most of Southwest Arkansas is no longer under a burn ban.

Officials in Sevier County have lifted a weeks-long burn ban last week. On Friday, Little River County announced its burn ban would also be lifted. Howard and Polk are no longer under burn bans, either.

This weekend’s heavy rainfall also prompted state foresters to lower the risk of wildfire from moderate to low in Sevier and surrounding counties.

Hempstead, Nevada and Lafayette Counties in Southwest Arkansas remain under burn bans at this time, according to the Arkansas Forestry Commission. Burn bans remain in effect in portions of central and eastern Arkansas as well.

Area burn bans were implemented several weeks ago following recent drought like conditions, high temperatures and an increased risk of wildfires throughout the county. Fortunately, more rain is expected in the coming days alongside the much needed cooler temperatures.

Fall color change, just a month away, could be lackluster in 2023     09/25/23

MENA – One of the greatest shows in Arkansas will soon be underway – maybe.

That is, of course, the fall color change. Every autumn nature paints the mountains and valleys of the Ouachitas here in our corner of the state with incredible hues of gold, red and orange. Thousands of visitors travel here each fall to see the transformation.

However, researchers with the Cooperative Extension Service say a combination of dry days and brutal highs in the 100’s earlier this summer may cause Arkansas’ fall foliage display to fizzle out in 2023.

“It’s going to be a pretty bad fall across the state,” said Vic Ford, a forester who is head of agriculture and natural resources for the Cooperative Extension Service. “A lot of trees are already turning brown.”

Arkansas is about a month away from the start of the seasonal color change. Arkansas Tourism predicts the most dramatic displays of fall foliage for our area traditionally falls between early and mid-November. That happens a little earlier in the northern half of the state, typically late October.

It remains to be seen what effects the hot summer temperatures and lack of rainfall – which was scant enough to force Sevier County into a burn ban – will have on the upcoming fall foliage display.

With the dry spell recent upended, the chances for color might improve slightly.

The good news is, area residents don’t have to look far to experience the fall color change – however short and dull it may be.

The Talimena National Scenic Byway offers spectacular panoramic views of the Ouachita National Forest. No doubt, both first time visitors and long-time residents of the area already know the Talimena National Scenic Byway is one of the most scenic drives in the state. The road goes for 54 miles along forested mountain tops between Mena in Southwest Arkansas and Talihina, Okla. The drive is beautiful year-round and stands out in fall because of the color that can be seen there. In Mena, the route goes up Rich Mountain, Arkansas’ second-highest peak, and by Queen Wilhelmina State Park.

There is usually a period of a week or so when the fall foliage in a particular area is at its prime. Typically, the peak occurs around two or three weeks after color changes begin.

Sevier County residents reminded tax deadline is Oct. 16     09/25/23

DE QUEEN – Arkansas residents and property owners are reminded that they have until Oct. 16 to pay their personal and real property taxes and avoid a 10 percent late penalty.

Taxpayers in Sevier County can pay their taxes online at tax.countyservice.net/sevier.

The Sevier County Collector’s office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each weekday Oct. 2-16 to accept payments. The office will be closed from 1-2 p.m. each weekday for lunch. The office will also be open Saturday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 14 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon to accept payments.

The office is located at 115 North Third Street in the Sevier County Courthouse.

Sevier County taxpayers are reminded they can use the office’s drop box for payments. Please include your statement and a receipt will be mailed to you. Taxpayers using the drop box are asked not to put cash inside.

The Sevier County Collector’s Office will be closed Oct. 17 through Oct. 20 in order to prepare the delinquent tax list. The office will return to normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 23.

Sevier County residents reminded tax deadline is Oct. 16     09/22/23

DE QUEEN – Arkansas residents and property owners are reminded that they have until Oct. 16 to pay their personal and real property taxes and avoid a10 percent late penalty.

Taxpayers in Sevier County can pay their taxes online at tax.countyservice.net/sevier.

The Sevier County Collector’s office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each weekday Oct. 2-16 to accept payments. The office will be closed from 1-2 p.m. each weekday for lunch. The office will also be open Saturday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 14 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon to accept payments.

The office is located at 115 North Third Street in the Sevier County Courthouse.

Sevier County taxpayers are reminded they can use the office’s drop box for payments. Please include your statement and a receipt will be mailed to you. Taxpayers using the drop box are asked not to put cash inside.

The Sevier County Collector’s Office will be closed Oct. 17 through Oct. 20 in order to prepare the delinquent tax list. The office will return to normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 21.

Staying legal with the start of deer season this Saturday     09/22/23

Arkansas’s archery deer season opens Saturday, Sept. 23, and hunters are busy making those last-minute preparations for success. Double-check your license purchase and electronic game tags on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s new mobile app or website before you hit the field so things run smoothly when you seal the deal on that trail camera stud you’ve been watching for the last month.

According to Page 43 of the Arkansas Hunting Guidebook, immediately after shooting a deer, the hunter is required to tag it with a self-made tag listing the hunter’s name, customer identification number, the sex of the animal, the hunting zone, the time and the date of harvest. That tag remains with the deer until it is officially checked, which must be done within 12 hours of harvest. Of course, with today’s cell phone reception and smartphones, in many places, you can forgo tagging altogether if you can check the deer where you shot it. Here are three easy ways to check your deer and stay legal this season:

The AGFC recently launched its new, streamlined smartphone app with its license system refresh, but there are a few steps to take to make sure you get the full benefit of the application. The first step is to delete any older AGFC app from your phone and download the latest version, which is available on the Apple Store and the Google Play Store. Once it’s downloaded, you’ll need to create a new account using this handy guide.

Once downloaded, be sure to check your license and the electronic tags that accompany it to ensure they are activated. Once activated, electronic tags on the app will work to check your deer anywhere, even if you are not within a cellular signal, but it’s important to make sure your tags are available before you head to the woods in case you don’t have a cell signal to download them later.  

If you don’t have the app, you can still check your deer electronically with a few simple steps on your phone, as long as you have a signal. Visit www.agfc.com and click the “Buy Licenses | Check Game” button at the top of the homepage. From the main license page, click “Report a Game Check” from the menu and you will be taken to a login page. Once logged into your account, you will be taken to a page titled “My Surveys” that has electronic tags available to complete for each deer your license allows. Click on the tag you wish to use and complete the survey to finish the checking process.

Of course, you can always call 833-289-2469 to check your deer once you have a phone signal. A staff of operators will be available to walk you through the checking process. With up to 300,000 hunters in the woods this year, a short wait is inevitable during high-traffic times, so checking via website or app will likely be a faster, more user-friendly experience for many.

Once checked, a deer does not need to have a physical tag attached unless it leaves your immediate possession (i.e. at a processor, taxidermist or deer camp freezer). At those times, you will still need to tag the deer with your name, customer identification number and check confirmation number to ensure the deer can be traced back to the proper hunter if a game warden drops by to visit with the camp and how their hunting season is going so far.

SWAR District Fair kicks off Sept. 26 in Hope     09/22/23

HOPE – The Southwest Arkansas District Fair returns Sept. 26-30 in Hope.

Armband days at the carnival Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Advanced armbands and tickets for Roughstock productions Bullriding Nationals sold through Monday, Sept. 25 at all Hope Farmers Bank & Trust locations as well as the San Luis store at Third and Washington and the Fair Office in the Coliseum between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Advanced armbands and tickets only be sold at these locations through Monday. 

More info at the Southwest Arkansas Fair Facebook page. And remember to preregister for Tuesday’s parade at 870-703-2416.

Pannell was pronounced deceased by an attending medical physician at 7:20 a.m.

Investigating state trooper Kyle Jones reported conditions as clear and dry at the time of the accident.

Sevier County burn ban is lifted     09/21/23

How many will visit Sevier County? Well, that’s impossible to tell with any real certainty. But a good answer would be, probably more than we think.

The county and specifically Gillham on its northern periphery lies within one of the prime viewing locations for the eclipse. The small town’s four minutes and 18 seconds is the longest period of totality in Arkansas – that is, the amount of time the sun is entirely eclipsed by the moon.

To be fair, other places have longer durations, including Dallas and San Antonio. But good luck finding a decent spot.

There’s also the Mexican state of Zacatecas. A couple of its cities can boast a greater period of totality than Gillham. However, you might hold off purchasing airfare or planning a road trip, at least just yet. The U.S. State Department has issued a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Zacatecas due to high crime generally and kidnapping of Americans more specifically.

So, unless you want to fight through Texas-sized hordes of spectators or risk finding yourself in a trending CNN newstory, Gillham, Arkansas might just be the best place on the planet to watch the 2024 eclipse.

The estimates on the number of people expected to visit Southwest Arkansas aren’t without historical precedent. The last total eclipse in the United States, back in 2017, saw more than a million people visit Wyoming. That’s around twice the state’s population.

Another point to keep in mind: Wyoming, with its two minutes and 26 seconds of totality, was one of the best places to see the eclipse that year. Gillham’s totality next year is almost twice as long.

Everyone in the eclipse-watching community – and it’s apparently a big one – knows that detail by now.

An eclipse chaser from Bulgaria will be set up in his RV along the driveway belonging to the author of this article. That driveway just west of De Queen, measured all the way to Bulgaria, is a distance just shy of 6,000 miles. The author wonders, if this guy from Eastern Europe is willing to travel to Sevier County to see the eclipse, who else will?

Probably, a lot.

The next natural question is, what do we do with them all? Ensure they have a good time, of course. Officials with our local governments and economic development organizations hope they leave with a desire to come back.

The event also offers a huge opportunity for local businesses and artisans to earn some great revenue. Brook Kaufman, Wyoming’s eclipse czar in 2017, said anything that wasn’t nailed down (and even a few things that were) got scooped up by tourists wanting to immortalize their experience with a local souvenir or two.

A safe bet is that Sevier County – in fact, the entire region – will be no different.

But while there’s been a lot of discussion locally and across the state about the economic opportunities presented by the eclipse, there’s another discussion whose focus is sharpening: how to get everyone through the whole thing smoothly and safely.

Earlier this week a number of Sevier County officials, first responders and medical providers met up to discuss that very topic.

The meeting was hosted by Sevier County Judge Sandra Dunn and Sevier County OEM Coordinator PJ Minor. Those in the room represented the organizations (though not all) tasked with ensuring the safety of Sevier County. Representatives from most of the county’s volunteer fire department (VFD) were present, along with Chief Deputy Chad Dowdle from the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office. Also there were Lockesburg Mayor Danny Ruth, a representative from the health unit, Sevier County’s road foreman and Dr. Randy Walker and his wife, Angie (who also serves on the quorum court).

When it comes to keeping traffic flowing, responding to emergencies, clearing roads and providing medical treatment, these folks represent a part of Sevier County that’s certain to have its hands full on Eclipse Day 2024.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on Southwest Arkansas to see the eclipse, particularly with Gillham experiencing the longest period of totality in the state. There is talk in neighboring McCurtain County, Oklahoma, with its booming tourism industry around Broken Bow Lake, that up to half a million people may visit to catch a glimpse.

Officials discussed encouraging local residents to stay home the day of the eclipse and the days surrounding it. De Queen Public Schools will close its campuses for the day to reduce school traffic. Local residents will want to consider stocking up on food, fuel and other essentials as well since shortages are very possible.

Other concerns discussed during the meeting including preventing trespassing by eclipse watchers, litter, keeping traffic flowing and dealing with accidents and medical emergencies. Cell towers are likely to be overwhelmed by the influx of visitors so first responders plan to rely heavily on radio communications.

Dowdle said the sheriff’s office plans to have all of its deputies on rotating 12 hour shifts to assist wherever they’re needed. The county’s nine volunteer fire departments will also have a major role to play, from directing traffic to responding to emergencies.

The Walkers discussed a plan to set up first-aid stations around the county to serve as quick medical reaction teams in areas were traffic is likely to be congested. There was also talk of using ATVs and side-by-sides to provide fuel and medical treatment to people stuck in traffic.

All were in agreement that more meetings are needed in the weeks and months ahead to develop a strategy in time for the eclipse.

The days leading up to the April 8, 2024 eclipse are likely to be some very exciting times across the region. It will be a great chance to show off our communities, tourism opportunities and businesses. The economic potential is also sure to be great.

But, as one person put it during the meeting, it’s likely also to be chaos. The question will be, how much can that chaos be managed?

Fortunately, the county is blessed with a large group of dedicated first responders, from police officers and sheriff’s deputies to EMTs, county road crews and volunteer firefighters. They’ll be tasked with a mission they’re familiar with, only on a much larger scale: getting tens of thousands of people into and out of the county in one piece. It’s going to be an interesting few days, to put it mildly.

Once it’s over and everything returns to normal, we’ll hopefully all be able to look back fondly at the 2024 eclipse. But we’ll probably be glad that it won’t happen again for a very long time.

From the O-Line to the Office, reflections from a lifelong Leopard     09/21/23

DE QUEEN – In addition to covering the current season through the Leopard Pride Football Program, we at KDQN like to take the opportunity to highlight the history of Leopards football and the many great people behind De Queen’s program – Leopards who stood out on the gridiron, those who give back to their community and those who embody the spirit of Leopard Pride each and every day.

In our next edition, we spotlight a member of the Leopard family who can claim all of those achievements: De Queen Junior High Principal Jeff Holcombe.

Like many other boys in those easier times in De Queen, Holcombe started playing football just about as soon as he could. Hanging around with his Blackwell and Dykes buddies as a kid, and developing an early admiration for the Dallas Cowboys, he knew athletics be a lifelong passion.

Holcombe played for the Leopards throughout high school as a defensive and offensive tackle.

“You could say I had the right build for it,” Holcombe laughed.

The 1986 season saw Holcombe, now a senior, take the field for his final year. The season, he said, wasn’t a memorable one in the annals of Leopards football.

“Let’s just say it was very competitive.”

The Leopards ended the season 2-8. But the fall of 1986 included one triumph De Queen can always be proud of.

“We beat Nashville and you just can’t help but be happy when that happens.”

Holcombe’s prowess on the field was so apparent he received that year’s Rotary Cup. He admits it was a huge surprise.

“It was awesome,” he said. “That was usually awarded to the quarterback or running back, not a lineman.”

Holcombe praised his coaches for helping shape him and his fellow teammates into men. Those coaches included familiar names like Phillip Miller, Bobby Miller, Murray Neely and Lee Hammond.

“They made us run so many springs we’d lose count,” he said, laughing. “But they made us tough. Even in our bad seasons they showed us that sports is about faith and resilience, dedication, leadership and sheer willpower.”

After graduation Holcombe went on to achieve his degree in kinesiology from Southern Arkansas University. After some soul-searching and a few dozen applications, he decided to earn his Master’s degree and pursue a career in education. He enjoyed a couple of years working for the Cove School District. In 1997 he fulfilled his goal of making it back to De Queen.

“I always eventually wanted to make it back to De Queen,” said Holcombe. “And thanks to Superintendent Bill Blackwood I finally had that opportunity. There was and still is something about De Queen and, like I said earlier, our faith and our resiliency.”

Holcombe’s addition to De Queen Public Schools highlighted an interesting personal note: his father, Bobby, taught high school English in De Queen for 27 years. His mother, JoAnn, was De Queen’s first school nurse.

“I took my dad’s class once and decided pretty quickly that I was going to be a fly on the wall,” he laughed.

Holcombe’s career with De Queen Public Schools began, like his father, as a teacher. Not long after he became an elementary counselor and then at the high school level. He credits that experience for an instinctual ability to interact with his students on a one-to-one basis.

“As a counselor you learn how to deal with a lot of emotion, how to help with a lot of difficult moments in a student’s life,” he explained. “You learn how to help kids shape their goals, their plans. It was tremendously rewarding.”

Holcombe eventually became assistant principal for De Queen Junior High. The next big change came in time for the current school year. This past summer, Holcombe officially tookover as junior high principal from retiring Bill Huddleston. After nearly three decades with De Queen Public Schools, Holcombe said he couldn’t be prouder to have this opportunity.

“I couldn’t ask for a better way for things to turn out,” he explained. “We have an amazing school system with an amazing administration and a great school board. Most schools aren’t that lucky. A huge part of our school’s success is our teachers. The work our teachers do is so important, so greatly appreciated . I’m honored to be able to have a part in helping them continue their success in the classroom.”

From the gridiron to the principal’s office, Holcombe continues to champion the spirit of Leopard Pride each and every day.

Holcombe and his wife, Sheila, have an 11-year-old son, Joshua, in addition to Brock, 19, and Blake, who is 30. They also welcomed their grandson, Ollie, earlier this year.

Chamber hosting Business Education Workshop in DQ tonight     09/21/23

DE QUEEN – Planning for the next year’s Total Solar Eclipse continues across the region and local economic development officials are offering a workshop this evening to help businesses prepare for those kinds of large tourism events.

The Sevier County Chamber of Commerce will present the workshop – titled Smart Planning for Restaurants, Convenience Stores & Food Trucks – from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Skilled Trades Building on UA Cossatot’s De Queen campus.

Topics to be covered range from food transportation and delivery to menu planning, storage and employee management. The business education workshop’s goal is to offer local restaurants and other food outlets with information on how to make the most of a large tourism event – such as the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse which is expected to draw in tens of thousands of eclipse chasers to Southwest Arkansas alone. Particularly with Gillham and the surrounding region offering the longest period of eclipse totality in Arkansas.

Rep. Vaught speaks to Horatio students about overcoming life’s obstacles     09/21/23

Submitted by Horatio Public Schools

HORATIO – Representative DeAnn Vaught provided students with an inspirational presentation of overcoming obstacles that are often placed in life.

Using her own struggles, hardships, and tragedies as examples, Representative Vaught was able to connect with students, and not only serve as an example of never giving up and overcoming obstacles, but how hope can push students through tough times into reaching triumphs beyond their imagination. 

Through Mrs. Vaught’s personal insight of her struggles, she also talked to students about suicide and suicide prevention, as well as the importance of reaching out when we are struggling.   She reminded students of the people and resources available to them in order to help save a life. 

This was crucial as students across the nation are reminded to reach out for National Suicide Prevention Month. 

Labrada Vann, 42, received the six year prison sentence in the Arkansas Department of Corrections on Monday following a three-day trial in the Sevier County Circuit Court last week. In addition, the court set a $250,000 appeals bond.
Vann was found guilty by a jury on Friday on a single count of first-degree sexual assault. The charge resulted from an inappropriate relationship Vann maintained with a student while serving as the vice-principal of Horatio High School.

Monday’s sentencing drew the 15-month case to a close.

Vann was arrested in April of 2022 on a felony count of first-degree sexual assault. According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, investigators were contacted by the Arkansas Crimes Against Children Hotline in April in reference to a possible inappropriate relationship between Vann and a student. The sheriff’s office began an investigation into the allegations and an arrest warrant was then issued for Vann.

Vann’s six-year sentence was the shortest that could be imposed for first-degree sexual assault. The harshest sentence could have spanned up to 30 years.

Accident claims life of Hot Springs man in Sevier County     09/19/23

DE QUEEN – A multiple vehicle accident in Sevier County claimed a man’s life and left three others injured Monday afternoon.

According to the Arkansas State Police, the accident occurred around 4:15 Monday afternoon on Highway 71 near the Cossatot River Bridge. Four vehicles were involved in the accident, including a 2009 Pontiac G5, a Chevy van, GMC Sierra and a Freightliner semi-truck.

The fatal crash report states that the driver of the Pontiac G5 was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 71 when it lost control, crossed the center line and entered the southbound traffic lane. The loss of control caused the Pontiac to strike the Sierra, which struck the van and finally the semi-truck.

The driver of the Pontiac, identified as 60-year-old Ricky Hill of Hot Springs, was killed in the accident. The driver of the Sierra, a De Queen man, and two passengers, a Dierks man along with an unidentified minor, were injured in the accident and transported to the Sevier County Medical Center.

Road conditions were reported by investigating State Trooper Ernesto Echevarria as clear and dry at the time of the accident.

Catch full livestreams of Leopards football with exciting play-by-play     09/19/23

DE QUEEN – Again this school year, the De Queen School District’s DQTV program and KDQN have partnered up to create work-based learning opportunities for DQTV students while providing Leopard fans with live streaming coverage of football games and other select sporting events throughout the school year.

Through this partnership, fans can catch livestreams of each Leopards’ home and away football games this season. By combining KDQN’s play-by-play audio with online streaming video for Leopards football games, fans unable to attend in person can enjoy the complete coverage through their home computer or mobile device.

KDQN has a rich tradition spanning decades of bringing Leopard fans exciting play-by-play and complete coverage of Leopard sporting events through radio broadcasts. By combining resources, KDQN and DQTV will be able to expand that tradition of coverage to a newer media platform on DQTV’s Youtube channel while continuing to provide the traditional radio broadcast on 92.1 FM.

Leopard Alumni and any other followers of Leopard Athletics have the opportunity to watch games, no matter where they are. Another added bonus is that it creates an open door for students to gain valuable experience and a possible career in radio/media broadcasting.

Through grants from the Arkansas Broadcaster’s Association, KDQN has provided internships for DQTV students to provide excellent learning opportunities for students while growing the next generation of Arkansas broadcasters.

During the 2022-2023 school year, Bunyard Broadcasting presented three checks totaling $8,670 to DQTV for live sports coverage during football, basketball, and soccer seasons.

Leopard fans can enjoy the DQTV Livestream by subscribing to DQTV’s Youtubeor by following the DQTV links located on www.kdqn.net or www.dequeenleopards.org.

State Rep. DeAnn Vaught weekly update     09/19/23

By State Rep. DeAnn Vaught

Our work for the Extraordinary Session is now complete and the legislation passed has been signed into law.

Last week, the House passed HB1007 and SB8. These are identical bills reducing the top personal income tax rate from 4.7% to 4.4%. The bills also reduce the corporate income tax rate from 5.1% to 4.8%. In addition, the bills provide an income tax credit of $150 to taxpayers making less than $90,000 annually. The credit will be retroactive to January 1, 2023.

The House also passed HB1012 and SB10. These are identical bills amending the Freedom of Information Act of 1967 by exempting records that reflect the planning or provision of security provided to the Governor, constitutional officers, the General Assembly, Justices of the Supreme Court, or Judges of the Court of Appeals. The bills also direct the Arkansas State Police to provide the legislature with a quarterly report on the expenses incurred by the Executive Protection Detail. 

The House passed HB1008 and SB5. These are identical bills amending the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Program Act and the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program to provide access to additional funding for children with disabilities.

In addition, the House passed SB3. This bill states that a state agency or a state or local official shall not mandate an individual to receive a vaccine or immunization for COVID-19 or any subvariants of COVID-19.

The House also passed SB1. This bill would create the Arkansas Reserve Fund Set-Aside in the Restricted Reserve Fund and direct the transfer of $710.6 million in surplus funds to the newly created reserve fund.

Governor Sanders has since signed all the bills passed during this session into law.

You can watch all the committee meetings and House floor proceedings from the session at arkansashouse.org.

Rotary Club hosting 5K in De Queen this Saturday     09/19/23

DE QUEEN – The De Queen Rotary Club is inviting all area runners to participate in its annual 5K fundraiser scheduled for this weekend.

The 5K will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23 starting at 9 a.m. on the De Queen cross country course located at De Queen High School.

Pre-registration ended Sept. 18 but late and race day registration is available for a $30 entry free. Those registering late or on race day will receive a shirt but it may arrive at a later date.

Registration begins at eight the morning of the race.

Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers, male and female, in each division. Age divisions include 18 and under, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49 and 50 and over.

Applications can be picked up at KDQN Studios, AMP Fitness, Better Body and Revels and Company. Forms can be mailed to Greg Revels, P.O. Box 271, De Queen, AR 71832. For more information email Greg Revels at greg@revelsandco.com

Checks can be made payable to Rotary.

In celebration of the De Queen Rotary Club’s 100^th anniversary this year, members are hosting the 5K to raise funds to construct an inclusive playground at De Queen’s Herman Dierks Park. An inclusive playground is one that can be used by mobility-impaired children.

Vann was arrested in April of 2022 on a felony count of first-degree sexual assault. According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, investigators were contacted by the Arkansas Crimes Against Children Hotline earlier that month in reference to a possible inappropriate relationship between Vann and a student. The sheriff’s office began an immediate investigation into the allegations before issuing an arrest warrant. 

Vann maintained a plea of not-guilty throughout her case and, according to court records, underwent a psychological exam to determine if she was fit to continue as a defendant. The evaluation, performed by a state psychologist, determined she was.

Sentencing is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 18. Upon a conviction, the charge of first degree sexual assault carries a prison sentence of six to 30 years.

The DHS Student Council selected this year’s homecoming theme to be board/video games. Spirit days include: Monday- “Sweet Dreams” in Candy Land (dress in your favorite pair of pajamas),

Tuesday-Scrabble (dress as something that starts with your first name initial), Wednesday-Minecraft “Building Spirit” (dress in construction gear), Thursday-UNO Color Wars (Dress in your designated class color for color wars day. (Yellow-Kinder, 4th, & 8th; Green-1st, 5th, & 9th; Red-2nd, 6th, Sophomores; Blue-3rd, 7th, & Juniors; Wild=Purple-Seniors), Friday- “Make Camden Fairview Angry Birds by showing Leopard Pride” (dress in black and gold for the Leopards). School dress code will apply to spirit week.

The homecoming festivities will begin at 1:45 p.m. with a downtown parade around the square with the parade continuing down School Drive at 2:15 p.m. for Kindergarten through 12th grade. The afternoon coronation ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the DHS Coliseum followed by a pep rally. The evening ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Leopard Stadium before the Leopards vs. Cardinals game starting at 7 p.m.

The event begins Friday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m., and will feature 120 animals for adoption. Adoptions take place Sept. 23, noon-6 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 23, 8 a.m.-noon.

As part of the program’s efforts to find every horse and burro a good home, BLM now offers up to $1,000 to adopt an untrained animal. This incentive will be offered for every animal in Idabel. On July 26, 2021, BLM announced additional steps to secure the health and safety of animals through the Adoption Incentive Program, including conducting inspections of wild horses and burros within six months of the adoption date.

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:  

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old with no record of animal abuse.  
• Homes must have a minimum of 400 square feet of corral space per animal, with access to food, water and shelter. 
• Corral fence must meet height requirements: 
  • Adult horses – 6 feet  
  • Yearlings – 5 feet 
  • Burros – 4.5 feet   
• Trailers must be stock type, covered, with swing gates and sturdy walls/floors.  

BLM staff will be on hand to provide more information and assist with the short application process. 

The Idabel Rodeo Arena is located at 1001 Northwest Ninth Street, in Idabel. For more information, call toll-free 866-468-7826 or visit www.blm.gov.

Temporary lane closures in Sevier County during bridge inspections this week     09/18/23

DE QUEEN – Sevier County Judge Sandra Dunn is informing the public that the Arkansas Department of Transportation will conduct inspections of several bridges in Sevier County this Wednesday and Thursday.

On Wednesday the bridge on Bellah Mine Road and the one-lane bridge on Johnson Bridge Road over the Rolling Fork River will be inspected. On Thursday, the Woodside Bridge over the Saline River will be inspected.

These inspections will require lane closures and possibly full closure of the roadways for a short period. Closures will be scheduled to avoid school traffic.

This year’s HHS Homecoming Queen is Reese Walker. She will be escorted by Senior Maids Cadee Glasgow, Demi Leonard, Kinley Rankin, Emma Ray, Kristin Roberts and Raylee Van Voast. Junior Maids are Evelyn Gomez and Kiara Hernandez. Sophomore Maids are Alysson Gutierrez and Whitney Lansdell.

Kole Fernandez will serve as Football Bearer while Isabell San Juan will be the Crown Bearer.

SCMC seeking critical access hospital designation     09/15/23

DE QUEEN – Officials with the Sevier County Medical Center said the hospital is another step closer in receiving its designation as a critical access hospital.

The hospital recently completed its first mandatory survey to receive the designation. On Thursday, Sevier County Medical Center CEO Lori House said a rule change now requires all hospitals seeking status as a critical access hospital to complete two such surveys.

“CMS decided that all hospitals changing their status have to go through two reviews,” explained House. “We’ve had our first review and had it cleared. We’re just waiting on our second one and it should be any day.”

Critical access is a designation given to hospitals once they meet certain criteria, including location in a rural area and at least 35 miles away for another medical center. The site of the Sevier County Medical Center was specifically chosen to meet that distance requirement.

Once achieved, the designation would increase Medicare payments to 101 percent of cost for inpatient, outpatient and swing-bed services.

The hospital’s ability to eventually pay for itself has been a topic of concern for county officials throughout this past year. Earlier this summer the hospital was authorized for reimbursement for services provided to Medicare and Medicaid patients. That authorization also opened up the ability for the hospital to begin billing a number of private insurance providers. Those were significant achievements and vital for the hospital’s future.

House said receiving the critical access designation is another big step towards achieving solvency.

“For us, it means that we’re going to collect enough money to sustain the hospital,” said House. “The designation is made specifically for small, rural hospitals to provide needed care right here at home.”

House and other officials stress another factor in creating financial sustainability is encouraging the public to use the hospital. Use of the hospital is growing, said House, with more than 7,000 people seen since the facility opened in January. Officials expect those numbers to grow as more services are offered in the future.

“August over July, we saw right at 200 more people,” said House. “That’s a testament to our community that they’re coming out and using our services. I can’t say enough about our therapy department. We have some of the best therapists in this entire area from speech and occupational to physical therapy.”

A new partnership between the hospital and another group will provide 32 weeks of prenatal care beginning next month. The hospital is also finalizing plans to offer wound care and swing-bed services, hopefully before the end of the year. Both would be vital services for the community as well as additional sources of revenue for the hospital.

BLM to host wild horse adoption event in Idabel     09/15/23

IDABEL, Okla. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will hold a two-day wild horse and burro event Sept. 22-23 at the Idabel Rodeo Arena in Idabel, Okla.

The event begins Friday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m., and will feature 120 animals for adoption. Adoptions take place Sept. 23, noon-6 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 23, 8 a.m.-noon.

As part of the program’s efforts to find every horse and burro a good home, BLM now offers up to $1,000 to adopt an untrained animal. This incentive will be offered for every animal in Idabel. On July 26, 2021, BLM announced additional steps to secure the health and safety of animals through the Adoption Incentive Program, including conducting inspections of wild horses and burros within six months of the adoption date.

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:  

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old with no record of animal abuse.  
• Homes must have a minimum of 400 square feet of corral space per animal, with access to food, water and shelter. 
• Corral fence must meet height requirements: 
  • Adult horses – 6 feet  
  • Yearlings – 5 feet 
  • Burros – 4.5 feet   
• Trailers must be stock type, covered, with swing gates and sturdy walls/floors.  

BLM staff will be on hand to provide more information and assist with the short application process. 

The Idabel Rodeo Arena is located at 1001 Northwest Ninth Street, in Idabel. For more information, call toll-free 866-468-7826 or visit www.blm.gov.

Chamber to host Business Education Workshop for local restaurants     09/15/23

DE QUEEN – Planning for the next year’s Total Solar Eclipse continues across the region and local economic development officials are offering a workshop this month to help businesses prepare for those kinds of large tourism events.

The Sevier County Chamber of Commerce will present the workshop – titled Smart Planning for Restaurants, Convenience Stores & Food Trucks – on Sept. 21. The seminar will take place from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Skilled Trades Building on UA Cossatot’s De Queen campus.

Topics to be covered range from food transportation and delivery to menu planning, storage and employee management. The business education workshop’s goal is to offer local restaurants and other food outlets with information on how to make the most of a large tourism event – such as the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse which is expected to draw in tens of thousands of eclipse chasers to Southwest Arkansas alone. Particularly with Gillham and the surrounding region offering the longest period of eclipse totality in Arkansas.

Chamber officials ask businesses interested in attending to RSVP at dqchamber@gmail.com or by calling (870) 584-3225.

The quorum court approved a request from Sevier County Sheriff Robert Gentry to purchase a jet-foot boat to assist with riverine search and rescue operations in the county. Gentry said the boat would allow the sheriff’s office to perform rescue operations without the need to await assistance from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).

Gentry said two months ago several members of a family were swept down the Cossatot River while swimming at the Halter Hole. Gentry said the family was rescued, but were forced to wait nearly two hours for an AGFC boat unit to arrive on scene.

“It was a long time to wait,” said Gentry. “If we had had our own, we could have gotten to them much sooner.”

Gentry said he will select a handful of deputies to serve as operators for the boat in a rescue effort. The boat, which will cost $24,700 once outfitted, will include a livescope, trolling motor and trailer.

During the meeting Sevier County Judge Sandra Dunn and County Clerk Renea Bailey accepted an award on behalf of the county from the Arkansas Center for Research in Economics (ARCE). A representative of the organization attended the meeting and said the award recognizes Sevier County for its efforts to improve and uphold transparency in government.

In other business, Dunn announced that the County Judges Association of Arkansas (CJAA) has created a memorial scholarship in memorial of former Sevier County Judge Greg Ray. Dunn said the scholarship raised approximately $8,200 through a CJAA fundraising auction.

Justices of the Peace also approved an amendment to the county’s 2023 operating budget to cover the cost of adding a full-time employee to the Sevier County Airport. The amendment also included funds for an additional employee in the county clerk’s office to train in the position of a current employee set to retire next year.

The county also approved a technology resources policy for its employees.

The meeting also included an update on the Sevier County Medical Center by Chief Nursing Officer Stacey Dowdy. Dowdy announced a new partnership to provide 32-week prenatal care through the hospital beginning next month. The program would also provide referrals to other medical facilities for at-need expecting mothers, as well as gas cards and other resources.

Dowdy said the hospital recently assisted in the delivery of a baby through its emergency services for a mother who had received no prenatal care.

“Fortunately both mom and baby did well, but it did highlight the need for prenatal resources in our area,” said Dowdy.

The hospital is also expecting to open a wound care center and swing bed program in the near future. In addition, Dowdy said the Sevier County Medical Center is advancing through the process of being designated as a critical access hospital.

Following a discussion on the hospital’s finances and a request by JP Callie Efird, Sevier County Judge Sandra Dunn said she would provide the quorum court with the entire financial report from the Sevier County Medical Center issued each month by the hospital’s accounting firm, Horne LLP. The reports previously provided to the quorum court, explained Dunn, are briefs of the hospital’s full monthly financial statement and more easily digested by a reader than the full report.

Charges filed against De Queen woman after threatening deputy     09/14/23

DE QUEEN – Charges have been filed against a De Queen woman arrested last week for public intoxication and threatening the life of a Sevier County deputy.

According to the arrest affidavit, on Sept. 4 around 10:30 that evening a Sevier County deputy was dispatched to Highway 70 in reference to a woman walking along highway with a handgun. The reporting party advised authorities that the woman had left a residence on the highway after showing a pistol hidden under her shirt.

Deputies located the woman and upon approaching her they reported seeing her drink from a can of beer she was holding. She was placed into custody for drinking on the highway and identified as Maribel De La Cruz Rodriguez. A female officer with the De Queen Police Department arrived to conduct a search of Rodriguez and reported finding the handgun inside the woman’s bra.

While being processed at the jail, Rodriguez allegedly threatened one of the deputies in Spanish, saying she would “kill you when I find you.” This was overheard by a bilingual detention officer who advised deputies of the threat.

Rodriguez was then booked on a felony charge of terroristic threatening as well as misdemeanor public intoxication.

DQ Rotary to host 5K for Centennial fundraising project     09/14/23

DE QUEEN – The De Queen Rotary Club is inviting all area runners to participate in its annual 5K fundraiser scheduled for later this month.

The 5K will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23 starting at 9 a.m. on the De Queen cross country course located at De Queen High School.

Pre-registration continues through Sept. 18 at a cost of $25. Late and race day registration is $30. T-shirts are guaranteed to everyone who pre-registers by Sept. 18. Those registering race day will receive a shirt but it may arrive at a later date.

Registration begins at eight the morning of the race.

Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers, male and female, in each division. Age divisions include 18 and under, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49 and 50 and over.

Applications can be picked up at KDQN Studios, AMP Fitness, Better Body and Revels and Company. Forms can be mailed to Greg Revels, P.O. Box 271, De Queen, AR 71832. For more information email Greg Revels at greg@revelsandco.com

Checks can be made payable to Rotary.

In celebration of the De Queen Rotary Club’s 100^th anniversary this year, members are hosting the 5K to raise funds to construct an inclusive playground at De Queen’s Herman Dierks Park. An inclusive playground is one that can be used by mobility-impaired children.

Benefit set for Brenda Stewart     09/14/23

DE QUEEN – A benefit fundraiser will be held this month for a De Queen woman to help her cover medical costs related to her husband’s illness.

The benefit will be held for Brenda Stewart on Saturday, Sept. 30 beginning at 5 p.m. in the De Queen Church of Christ Family Center. De Queen Church of Christ is located at 1305 W. Collin Raye Drive.

Dinner will be provided by donation. The event will also include both a silent and live auction.

All proceeds will be used to help cover medical expenses incurred during an illness suffered by Stewart’s husband.

An account has also been set up at First State Bank of De Queen.

The deputy, who was in a marked patrol unit and in full uniform, stated that he heard a gunshot while waiting in his vehicle approximately 150 feet from the individual’s vehicle. He then said he heard a second shot after witnessing Ramasco standing on his front porch with his arm stretched out in the deputy’s direction.

Deputy Jones stated that he quickly created distance between himself and the shooter by taking cover further down the driveway. He then received information from dispatch that Ramasco was on the phone with 911 and stated that he was no longer armed and was sitting on his front porch.

Sevier County Sgt. Greg Davignon arrived a few moments later to assist Jones in placing Ramasco into custody.

Ramasco reportedly admitted to firing a .357 revolver from his porch. The handgun was recovered with three spent casings and three live rounds in the cylinder. Jones noted in the arrest affidavit that Ramasco had a very strong odor of alcohol on his person.

Statements were collected from two other witnesses at the scene who also heard two gunshots coming towards them from Ramasco.

Ramasco has been charged with a single felony count of aggravated assault. Bail has since been set at $5,000.

De Queen High School receives high rank in U.S. News study     09/12/23

DE QUEEN – De Queen High School has been recognized as a high ranking high school through a recently announced study by a national media outlet.

The local high school earned a high National ranking among the 2023-2024 Best High Schools, released by the US News. By earning a national ranking in the top 40%, De Queen High School achieved status as a U.S. News Best High School and gained eligibility to display a U.S. News-trademarked 2023-2024 Best High Schools award “badge”.

The highest-ranked U.S. public schools in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best High Schools rankings are those whose students demonstrated outstanding outcomes above expectations in math, reading, and science state assessments, earned qualifying scores in an array of college-level exams and graduated in high proportions.

Furthermore, the media outlet’s ranking shows De Queen High School’s graduation rate is among the top one percent of Arkansas high schools.

Audrey Chandler, DHS principal, said, “I’m so proud of our students, teachers, parents, and the community.” Chandler continued, “It starts at home and we have excellent support from our parents.” “Our teachers work hard to make a difference, and I’m proud to be part of a wonderful school and district that supports me.”

Additional charge filed against LRCO jail escapee     09/12/23

ASHDOWN – An additional charge has been filed against a registered sex offender who escaped from the Little River County Jail last month and apprehended soon after.

Travis Cain Lewis, 25, was being held for aggravated assault in addition to other felony charges when he escaped from the jail on Aug. 11. Little River County Sheriff Bobby Walraven said Lewis was able to escape through a weak spot in the fence of the newly-constructed jail.

The sheriff’s office was notified of the escape after Lewis was seen crossing a road near the jail. Lewis was recaptured around four miles from the jail following an all-night search. He was found sitting under a tree on Highway 32 West and was taken back into custody without incident.

Walraven said steps would be taken to properly secure the weak spot along the jail fence.

Lewis was facing numerous felony charges when he escaped from the jail, including failure to register as a sex offender or report an address change, possession of a controlled substance, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault on a family member and theft of property.

The charges stem from in an incident in late July in which Lewis reportedly assaulted and robbed his 77-year-old grandmother.

For his breakout from the Little River County Jail last month, Lewis has now facing a charge of first degree escape. Lewis remains in jail and is scheduled to appear for a pre-trial hearing in December.

Dept of Ag announces reimbursement for Organic Cost Share Program     09/12/23

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications from producers for reimbursement under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Certification Cost Share Program. Organic certification fees paid between the dates of October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023, are eligible. Applications for reimbursement are available at cognitoforms.com/ ArkansasAgriculture1/NationalOrganicCertificationCostShareApplication and are due by November 1, 2023.

Reimbursement for 75 percent of eligible certification costs up to $750 is available for operators who have been certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent. Certification costs that have already been reimbursed through the USDA Farm Service Agency or other agencies are not eligible. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture administers the USDA National Organic Certification Cost Share Program through funding provided by the USDA.

“Anything we can do to help offset costs for Arkansas producers is a win for agriculture, which is our state’s largest industry,” says Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the USDA on this program that provides important cost-share assistance to an expanding sector of Arkansas’s agricultural industry.”

According to the latest data available from the USDA National Agricultural Statistic Service, certified organic production in Arkansas has grown significantly since 2012. From 2012 to 2021, the number of farms producing certified organic commodities increased from 32 farms to 82. Sales of certified organically produced commodities increased from $789,000 in 2012 to over $110 million in 2021, an increase of over 13,900 percent.

For questions about the application or the reimbursement process, contact Karen Reynolds at 501-529- 1630 or karen.reynolds@agriculture.arkansas.gov.

State Rep. DeAnn Vaught weekly update     09/12/23

By State Rep. DeAnn Vaught

The 94th General Assembly convened for a special three-day session on Monday, Sept. 11.

In the call for the session, the Governor outlines several proposals to be introduced including tax cuts, amending the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, and legislation addressing vaccine mandates.

The tax cut proposal to be introduced would reduce the top personal income tax rate from 4.7% to 4.4%. It would reduce the corporate income tax rate from 5.1% to 4.8%.

In addition, the proposal would provide an income tax credit of $150 to taxpayers making less than $90,000 annually.  The credit would be retroactive to January 1, 2023.

The General Assembly will also consider legislation to transfer $710 million in existing surplus funds to the Arkansas Reserve Fund.

The Governor’s call directs the General Assembly to consider legislation amending the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act of 1967. Changes listed in the call include adding protections regarding security for the Governor, the General Assembly, and constitutional officers. The call also lists adding protections for the deliberative process and attorney-client privilege of state-level entities.

Another item to be considered in this special session will be legislation to prohibit Arkansas public entities from mandating COVID-19 vaccines or vaccines for variants. The proposed legislation will also require the Arkansas Department of Health to maintain publicly available information on the risks of COVID-19 vaccines.

The special session is expected to adjourn on Wednesday, September 13.

All committee meetings and House floor proceedings are live-streamed and archived at arkansashouse.org. The House website also includes links to the legislation being considered.

Everyone was invited to join them on their memorial journey through town or just come out and show support as they made their way along Collin Raye Drive.

We at KDQN thank all of our first responders for their constant diligence and courage and for taking this time to memorialize the thousands who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

Horatio High School Homecoming is Friday    09/11/23

HORATIO – Homecoming festivities kick off today at Horatio High School ahead of this Friday’s crowning ceremonies.

Activities are planned each day this week with the afternoon ceremony scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Friday at Lion Stadium. A pep rally will begin after the coronation and will be followed by the Homecoming Parade at 2:30 p.m.

This Friday’s evening ceremonies begin at 6:30 p.m. ahead of the Homecoming Game against Lafayette County at 7 p.m. at Lion Stadium.

This year’s HHS Homecoming Queen is Reese Walker. She will be escorted by Senior Maids Cadee Glasgow, Demi Leonard, Kinley Rankin, Emma Ray, Kristin Roberts and Raylee Van Voast. Junior Maids are Evelyn Gomez and Kiara Hernandez. Sophomore Maids are Alysson Gutierrez and Whitney Lansdell.

Kole Fernandez will serve as Football Bearer while Isabell San Juan will be the Crown Bearer.

De Queen High School announces 2023 Homecoming Court    09/11/23

DE QUEEN – De Queen High School has announced the 2023 Homecoming Court ahead of ceremonies scheduled for Oct. 13.

The 2023 DHS Homecoming Queen is Alexa Monroy. She will be accompanied by Senior Maids Olivia Cooley, Elizabeth Marrufo, Ashlee McCullough, Juliette Perez, Jocelyn Rosas, Kenlee ward, Presli Young and Karla Zapata.

Junior Maids are Megan Buendia and Katelyn Ponce. Sophomore Maids are Emmie Hale and Mareli Melendez.

Festivities will begin the week of Oct. 9 ahead of the big Homecoming Game against Camden Fairview on Oct. 13 at Leopard Stadium. That Friday will include afternoon and evening coronation ceremonies. We’ll share more details on De Queen High School’s 2023 Homecoming Ceremony as the event nears.

Arkansas special session begins today, topics include cuts to FOIA    09/11/23

A special session of the Arkansas Legislature convenes today falling a call by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders Friday afternoon.

The session will cover tax cuts, COVID-19 regulations and limitations to the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

On Friday, Sanders said the session would focus on cutting $250 million in annual personal income taxes and $58 million in annual corporate income taxes. In addition, the proposal would lower the personal income tax rate to 4.4% and the corporate income tax rate to 4.8%

The proposal includes offering a single $150 tax relief payment to Arkansans making less than $90,000 yearly.

The governor said legislation during the session will also focus on updating sections of the Freedom of Information Act. The changes would remove requirements from the Arkansas State Police to disclose sources and methods used to protect the governor outside of the Governor’s Mansion.

Sanders added that Arkansas State Police will be required to prepare a report on a quarterly basis for legislature that provides the cost of security for the first family.

Laws will also be updated to federal government standards to keep internal deliberations in the executive branch exempt from FOIA, Sanders said.

A number of media organizations and associations in the state have called out the changes to Arkansas’ FOIA rules as an attack on public transparency. On Friday, the Arkansas Broadcasters Association issued the following statement expressing its opposition to the governor’s proposed change:

“There’s a reason the state’s Freedom of Information Act is known as ‘The People’s Law.’ It’s a critical part of keeping the public informed of the work being done by their government. While we certainly understand the need to protect sensitive security information and ensure the safety of our elected officials and those around them, this bill goes further than that to create other exemptions that could drastically affect the public’s access to even basic government information.”  

The governor said legislation introduced in the special session would look to restrict mandates and other rules tied to the COVID-19 response, including banning vaccine mandates for all state employees.

Sevier County Quorum Court to meet this afternoon    09/11/23

DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Quorum Court is scheduled to hold its next monthly this afternoon in the Sevier County Courthouse.

The meeting is scheduled to begin with an award from the Arkansas Center for Research in Economics (ARCE) to the Sevier County Clerk’s Office for its efforts to uphold transparency in government.

Also scheduled are reports from the Sevier County Medical Center, Sevier County Airport and Southwest EMS.

Several ordinances will be voted on, including one to adopt a Technology Resources Policy for the county. Two ordinances will consider amendments to the 2023 operating budget to add a new employee for both the Sevier County Airport and Sevier County Clerk’s Office.

The quorum court will then vote on a proposed resolution authorizing the county judge to donate a small section of property (.08 acres) next to the Sevier County Airport for highway purposes. Justices of the peace are also being asked to purchase a boat for rescue and recovery operations in the county.

The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. in the conference room of the Sevier County Courthouse and is open to the public.

118 years later in 2023, tonight’s contest marks the 96th meeting between the two schools.

Nashville leads the all-time series with 67 victories. The Leopards have claimed 26 wins. There have been two ties over the decades.

The last De Queen victory in the rivalry came here in historic Leopards Stadium back in 2017 when Hunter Earney had a career night during a thrilling 49-42 win. Earney rushed for 292 yards and four touchdowns on 27 carries. Earney also had a 40-yard “pick six” that put the Leopards ahead for good. The all-state running back accounted for 394 all-purpose yards as he paced the Leopards to a memorable victory.

Other series highlights:

Seventy years ago, this season back in 1953, Coach Ben Burton’s Leopards clobbered the Scrappers 33-15 enroute to a 10-0-1 season, with the only blemish a 7-7 tie against Hope. The 15 points that the Scrappers managed to score on October 16, 1953, were the most points the stingy De Queen defense, anchored by Don Park, allowed in a game that season. The Leopards outscored their opponents in 1953 by a combined margin of 354-82.

Sixty-five years ago, this season back in 1958, Coach Jack Bell’s Leopards blanked the Scrappers 39-0 enroute to a 9-1 season. James R. Norwood and future Razorback John Whitaker were credited with outstanding games. Coach Bell would later move on into a long tenure as Superintendent of De Queen Schools. 

Sixty years ago, this season back in 1963, legendary hall-of-fame coach Don Hubbard’s black and gold club blanked the Scrappers 21-0 on their way to an 8-2 season. Bob McKinley and Richard Knight were mentioned as key players in the victory. Sophomore Danny Pike, who later starred at running back for the U.S. Naval Academy had some big carries as well.

Fifty years ago, this season back in 1973, Coach Wayne Freppon’s Leopards cruised past Nashville 19-6 on their way to an 8-2 campaign. Quarterback Chuck Barnhill led a potent De Queen offensive attack. The only two De Queen losses that season were to eventual Oklahoma state champion Broken Bow and to eventual Arkansas state champion Prescott. 

Thirty-five years ago, this season back in 1988, Coach Phillip Miller’s Leopards slipped past the Scrappers 13-12. Rocky Halter and Brad Laws ran successfully behind a big De Queen offensive line anchored by Bryan Blackwood and Matt Buffington.

Twenty-five years ago, this season back in 1998, Coach Jeff Jones’ Leopards whipped Nashville 37-20 enroute to a 14-1 state runners-up season. Justin Powell and Tommy Stephens had big nights rushing the football. Quarterback Eric Pearce hooked up with Derek Van Voast for a couple of big pass plays, including a score. Current Leopards head coach Richard Bell was a standout sophomore middle linebacker on that 1998 team.

Helen Parker, pioneer in women’s athletics and longtime Ashdown coach, passes      09/08/23

ASHDOWN – Helen F. Parker, a decorated coach, pioneer in women’s athletics and a community leader of Ashdown, passed away on Wednesday. She was 94.

Family and friends of Parker said she lived a long and fulfilling life and that very few have affected the lives of so many like she did. She was born March 18, 1929, to Tom Park and Belle Tarpley Park in Okolona, Ark.

Helen graduated from high school in Glendale and immediately enrolled in the summer session at Henderson College. Her future husband, Buddy Parker, had finished three years of military service during WWII and returned to Henderson to complete his education. The two met and the rest is history. They married on August 22, 1947, and in 1948 Buddy accepted a coaching job in Ashdown.

Buddy and his bride rode a bus to Ashdown to begin their sports careers. Helen initially began teaching at the elementary school and at day’s end she would walk over to the high school to help Buddy. Being a tomboy during her formative years, it was very easy to run around the basketball court. A couple of years later she was hired to coach the girls’ basketball team at the high school. She coached for an amazing total of 35 years before becoming the Assistant Athletic Director for Ashdown Public Schools. She retired in 1992 after spending 46 years with the Ashdown School District.

During her coaching career she was honored with numerous awards. The first was the Distinguished Service Award from the National Federation of High School Coaches Association in 1982. Only 16 people across the nation are awarded this each year. In 1983, the Arkansas High School Coaches Association presented her with the Curt King Award for not only teaching her girls how to play basketball but also how to be young ladies, take pride in themselves and to never give up.

In recognition of her many years of dedicated service to the Ashdown School District, in 1994, the high school gymnasium was officially dedicated the “Parker Gym.” In 1996, she was among five former coaches inducted into the Arkansas High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame. However, the crowning achievement of her life came in 2001, when Helen was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. The last award she received was the Coach’s Administrator honor in 2009.

She was extremely proud of when she and area coaches and individuals across Arkansas held a writing campaign asking the Arkansas Athletics Association to allow girls to play in the same sports as boys. They won their petition and athletics were opened to both groups. Helen’s basketball and volleyball teams won multiple Arkansas state championships.
In addition, she also taught Physical Education (PE), along with sponsoring the cheerleaders.

Another passion of Helen’s was the Ashdown Senior Center where she volunteered for over two decades. She taught the seniors how to line dance and do other exercises as well as delivering meals to those who could not get in line for their food.

For many years Helen enjoyed participating in the plays put on by The Business and Professional Women’s Club of Ashdown, even serving as President. Helen was a member of the Methodist Church in Ashdown. She led the teenagers for numerous years in the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) program. Helen’s life goal was to serve others and she fulfilled this goal amazingly.

Preceding her in death were her spouse, Buddy Parker; her parents; a brother, Tom Park, Jr., who was a prisoner of war in WWII; and a sister, Relda Park Ebert.

Survivors include two nieces, Dana Park of Missouri, and Jackie Ebert of Iowa; three nephews, Britt Park of Missouri, Sam Park of California, and Tommy Ebert of Arizona. Additional survivors, all in Missouri, include her sister-in-law, Frieda Park; great-niece, Veronica (Aaron) Park Everly; and two great-nephews, Lance (Kaitlin) Myer and Chris (Alicia) Park. Other survivors include many other relatives in Okolona, Ark., and numerous former students and friends.

Visitation is scheduled for this evening from 3-6 p.m. at Madden Funeral Home in Ashdown. Services are this Saturday, Sept. 9 at 11 a.m. presided by Bro. Jim Cross. Interment will follow at Ashdown Cemetery where she will be laid beside the love of her life Buddy Parker who died in 1985.

Memorials should be sent to Ashdown Cemetery, P.O. Box 1135, Ashdown, Ark. 71822, or the First United Methodist Church at 145 Commerce, Ashdown, Ark. 71822.

Special thanks go to Dierksen Hospice, as they walked through this tough time with the family along with Bro. Jim Cross, Jo Moore, and her caretakers Mary Sellers and Barbara Penny. Unspeakable love and thanks go to Tina Darden and her life-long friend, Wynell Choate.

State forester predicts lackluster color change this fall      09/08/23

Submitted by Cooperative Extension Service

Thanks to a string of dry days with highs in the 100s, Arkansas’ fall foliage display may fizzle this year.

“It’s going to be a pretty bad fall across the state,” said Vic Ford, a forester who is head of agriculture and natural resources for the Cooperative Extension Service. “A lot of trees are already turning brown.”

“There’s a lot of drought stress going around,” he said. When drought hits, one of the tree’s survival mechanisms is to cut sap flow to its leaves, preventing moisture from evaporating from the leaves, which leads to browning and early leaf fall.

“Leaf color change of the type we like to see in fall is driven by day length and temperature,” Ford said. “The shorter day encourages the green chlorophyll to break down, revealing the yellows and reds. Cooler temperatures allow the non-green colors in the leaf to develop more fully.”

The Drought Center map for Arkansas showed areas of abnormal dryness in eastern Arkansas along the Missouri border, some patches in southwest Arkansas, but a broad swath of dryness north of the Arkansas River extending from the Mississippi River as far west as Faulkner and Pulaski counties. Five counties have areas of severe drought including all of Lee County, and parts of St. Francis, Woodruff, Monroe and Phillips counties.

The dryness was also prompting counties to impose burn bans across the state as the wildfire danger increased across most of the state.

“In areas where there might be more moisture, you may get some color, such as on northern slopes,” he said.

If the dry spell is upended, the chances for color might improve slightly.

“Any moisture in the next couple of weeks could produce color in places that are marginal,” Ford said.

Speaking from Hope, he said that “elms are just turning totally brown and the privet has wilted completely.”

La Niña gives way to El Niño

While cooler temperatures were in the forecast, the National Weather Service at Little Rock was not expecting abundant rain.

“Looking ahead, La Niña has faded, with a transition to a moderate to strong El Niño in the coming months,” the weather service said. “As we head through the remainder of summer/early fall long-term data is showing largely below normal precipitation across Arkansas.

“In addition to a lack of thunderstorms, there could be extreme heat at times,” the weather service said. “Given the scenario, and if there is no rain by way of a tropical system, drought is a growing concern in the short term. We will continue monitoring the situation.”

The Cooperative Extension Service is the land grant outreach arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Arkansas bear season kicks off Sept. 13      09/08/23

Arkansas’s bear season kicks off Sept. 13, and hunters should check out some of the new regulations from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission if they plan to be loaded for bear this year in The Natural State.

Both residents and nonresidents are now required to have a bear permit to pursue and check a bear in Arkansas. The new Resident Bear Permit (TBEAR code in the license system) is free. The new Nonresident Bear Permit (NRB) costs $300. These permits are in addition to a Sportsman’s License (license code CS or RS) for residents or a Nonresident Annual Hunting License (NBG) for nonresidents. Both permits are available through the AGFC’s new license system online, through license vendors and through the AGFC’s mobile app.

According to AGFC Bear Program Coordinator Myron Means, the permits are an effort to learn more about bear hunters’ experiences and successes in The Natural State.

Southwest Arkansas now has its own bear season following a 2022 decision from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Last year the commission approved a number of proposed regulation changes, including establishing a bear season in Bear Zones 3 and 4.

Modern Gun Bear Hunting is now allowed in Bear Zones 3 and 4 through a limited quota hunt. Zone 2 encompasses northern Sevier and Howard Counties as well as all of Polk. Southern Sevier and all of Little River are in Zone 3, which historically has prohibited the hunting of bears. That, however, changed following the updated AGFC regulations.

Visit www.agfc.com/bear for more information on bears and bear hunting in Arkansas.

The Blue Zipline & Farm will host the fourth annual Ouachita Bigfoot Festival and Conference Sept. 22-23. Bigfoot believers will descend from across the region to the Blue Farm, located at 142 Polk Road 185 near Mena. The two-day festival will feature a ton of different events ranging from speakers and concerts to a fishing derby and night-time squatchin’ expeditions.

Numerous vendors are expected to be present along with flea market, food trucks, bounce house, kids games and more. The festival will also include a reptile and amphibian exhibit this year as well as the large native fish aquarium operated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

In addition to events all day both days, area bigfoot researchers will present a conference from 1-4 p.m. on Friday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Different discussions will be held each hour including by field researchers Dan Nedrelo and Eudell Head, among others. Attendees are invited to ask questions, bring photos and share their own experiences.

Night-time small group squatchin’ expeditions will be held in nearby areas known for their bigfoot activity over the years. The expeditions are open to those 15 and up and will be limited tot he first 40 participants. Squatchin’ starts at 9 p.m. Friday and 10:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Saturday night, the Leif Shivley Band will take the stage with a performance inspired by legendary acts such as Lynyrd Skynard and Led Zeppelin. Tickets are $15 at the amphitheater gate or $10 if purchased in advance.

Admission to the festival and conference is just $2 while children four and under are free. Advance purchase tickets are available and include camping on the festival grounds, concern admission and entry to both days. Service animals and pets are welcome.

As in previous years, the 2023 Ouachita Bigfoot Festival & Conference will serve both as a hub for area bigfoot aficionados and a fundraiser for local charitable causes. Proceeds from the event will go towards the School Lunch Fund of Polk County, which benefits school children whose families are suffering a financial hardship.

For more information and to purchase advance tickets, visit www.blueziplinefarm.com or call (479) 216-8639.

Howard County Fair & Rodeo is this week     09/06/23

HOWARD COUNTY – The Howard County Fair kicked off this week and will continue through the weekend with a number of events including livestock shows, a premium sale, carnival and rodeo.

A number of livestock shows are scheduled for today, ranging from the dairy cattle and goat show to tonight’s sheep show. Rabbit and poultry judging will be held Thursday morning. The Livestock Pageant and Old Timer Show is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday.

The Howard County Premium Sale will be held Friday at 9 a.m. followed by a luncheon at 11 a.m. The Ranch Rodeo will begin at 7:30 that evening. Fair organizers will host a dog show at 5 p.m. on Saturday with Bronc Riding and Bull Riding at 8 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

Cost to enter this Friday’s Ranch Rodeo is just $5 for everyone six and up. The rodeo kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at the Howard County Fairgrounds.

The Howard County Carnival will also be held at the fairgrounds beginning this Thursday and continuing through Saturday from 6-10 p.m. each night. The $25 armband allows unlimited rides, but individual ride tickets will also be available.

For more information on this year’s Howard County Fair, visit the Howard County Fair Association on Facebook.

The accident occurred around 10:15 that evening and the roadway was described by the investigating state trooper as heavily saturated due to rain.

Leopards to host Kindergarten Night this Friday before DQ-NV game     09/05/23

DE QUEEN – It’s Kindergarten Night at Leopard Stadium this Friday, Sept. 8 ahead of the Saline Rivalry game against Nashville that evening.

The De Queen Leopards will be hosting the Nashville Scrappers and the school is inviting all kindergarten students to come out and support the Leopards. Kindergarten students will get in free to this game by wearing their new Little Leopard t-shirt. The students will receive those shirts at school this Thursday, Sept. 7. They may wear them to school on Friday and then to the game that night.

Kindergarten students are invited to be on the field for the pre-game excitement to help make the tunnel for the football players. De Queen Primary asks that one parent or guardian accompany the student to the field and then walk the student back to the stands afterwards. Students and parents are asked to be on the field by seven Friday night.

HES inviting grandparents to lunch this Friday     09/05/23

HORATIO – Horatio Elementary School will celebrate Grandparents Da;y this Friday, Sept. 8 with a special lunch that day.

All grandparents in the Horatio Lions family are invited to lunch at the Horatio elementary School cafeteria. Enjoy lunch from the cafeteria or bring your own. Lunch trays will be offered for $4 each.

Lunch times for kindergarten students is 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. for first graders, 11:30 for second graders, and 12 noon for fourth graders. Fifth graders eat at 12:30 with sixth graders going to lunch at 1 p.m.

Sevier County Quorum Court scheduled to meet Sept. 11     09/05/23

DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Quorum Court is scheduled to hold its next monthly meeting on Sept. 11.

The meeting is scheduled to begin with an award from the Arkansas Center for Research in Economics (ARCE) to the Sevier County Clerk’s Office for its efforts to uphold transparency in government.

Also scheduled are reports from the Sevier County Medical Center, Sevier County Airport and Southwest EMS.

Several ordinances will be voted on, including one to adopt a Technology Resources Policy for the county. Two ordinances will consider amendments to the 2023 operating budget to add a new employee for both the Sevier County Airport and Sevier County Clerk’s Office.

The quorum court will then vote on a proposed resolution authorizing the county judge to donate a small section of property (.08 acres) next to the Sevier County Airport for highway purposes. Justices of the peace are also being asked to purchase a boat for rescue and recovery operations in the county.

The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. in the conference room of the Sevier County Courthouse and is open to the public.

State Rep. DeAnn Vaught weekly update     09/05/23

By State Rep. DeAnn Vaught

Labor Day is more than just a day off work. It’s a day to celebrate the invaluable contributions of workers in our communities. In Arkansas, we have a good reason to celebrate.

The most recent report from the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (ADWS) shows unemployment in our state at 2.6 percent. The jobless rate nationwide stands at 3.5 percent.

The median household income in Arkansas has increased steadily in the last 5 years and is now at $52,123.

ADWS releases the Arkansas Labor Market and Economic Report every year detailing projections for the job market. The most recent report shows Insurance Carriers are projected to be the top-growing industry in Arkansas. The Motion Picture and Video Industry is also projected to become one of the fastest-growing industries in the state, after having the worst drop in its history during the pandemic shutdowns.

Stockers and Order Fillers are predicted to be the top growing occupation as grocery stores and other retail establishments battle to keep store shelves stocked.

The report notes there has been a decline in the number of teachers, tellers, and farmers.

The highest-paying occupations in the state are Emergency Medicine Physicians, Ophthalmologists, Obstetricians, Surgeons, and Radiologists.

From those with a doctoral degree to high school graduates, all education categories are projected to see a positive net growth in occupations.

In the 2023 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed several bills aimed at increasing job growth and opportunities.

Act 517 increased the tax incentive for production and postproduction costs for a state-certified film project from 20% to 25% of costs and provided an additional 5% tax incentive for certain hiring, spending, and production activities.

Act 746 creates the Rural Economic Development Initiative to provide funds to planning and development districts for distribution to projects in rural areas to further rural economic development and revitalization.

Whether you are searching for the right job or the right person for the job, the Division of Workforce Services can help. ADWS offers a variety of services, like job search and résumé assistance, career counseling, workforce readiness training, and referrals to employers who are hiring. Learn about the labor market and the occupations that are most in demand in your area by visiting www.dws.arkansas.gov.

In a manner of minutes another dispatcher was made available and her position was taken by a coworker. Sheriff Gentry gave praise to Officer Strang of the De Queen Police Officer, who graciously covered the shift until other members of the dispatching staff could arrive to take the place of the mother.

Fortunately, Sheriff Gentry reported the baby is doing fine and would be heading home soon. He praised local law enforcement and first responders for their action that night and said he is thankful for their efforts then and always.

Area closings for Labor Day     09/01/23

DE QUEEN – Area government offices, banks and some local businesses will be closed Monday, Sept. 4 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

That includes the City of De Queen. The trash schedule for the week of Sept. 4 will be as follows:

Monday will be picked up on Tuesday.

Tuesday will be picked up on Wednesday.

Thursday and Friday will remain the same.

The Sevier County Courthouse and Landfill will also be closed in observance of Labor Day and will reopen with normal operating hours on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Tonight marks 77th matchup between Leopards and Panthers     09/01/23

ASHDOWN – Tonight’s matchup between the Ashdown Panthers and the De Queen Leopards is the 77th meeting between these two old rivals. The Panthers lead the all-time series with 37 wins. De Queen has 34 victories. There have been five ties over the decades.

The first football game between the two schools was played in 1927. In that game some 96 years ago, the Leopards, then known as the De Queen Orange Owls, defeated Ashdown 19-6.

The Panthers have won 18 out of the last 20 meetings between the two schools, including the last 12 in a row.

Last year in De Queen, the Panthers exploded for 21-first quarter points and cruised to a 45-0 win. The Razorbacks Shamar Easter had a 68-yard scoring run on a jet sweep on the very first play from scrimmage. Jonathan McElroy had touchdown passes to Jayden Fricks and Kaiden Winfrey to spark Ashdown. Nash Brown led the tackle charts with ten stops and recovered a fumble.

The last time the two teams tangled here in Ashdown in 2021, the Panthers raced to a 35-0 halftime lead by capitalizing on two Leopard fumbles on kickoff returns and cruised to a 42-0 victory. De Queen had four costly fumbles on the night. Alex Keilbach threw for 101 yards and two touchdowns. The senior signal-caller also rushed for two scores.

The last Leopards victory in the rivalry came in 2008 at Dick Hays Stadium by a final score of 41-32 as Greg “Fatty” White rushed for 141 yards and four touchdowns.

De Queen won another thriller in Leopard Stadium the prior season in 2007 by a final score of 32-27. White had another big game with two rushing touchdowns and a 15-yard “pick six”. De Queen pulled it out on a 44-yard pass from Zack Taylor to Kyle Atkins with just over a minute to play.

De Queen dominated Ashdown in the golden decade of Leopard football back in the 1950’s, winning all ten contests from 1950 – 1959 by a combined margin of 352 – 50.

Since that initial contest back in 1927, De Queen and Ashdown have hooked up for entertaining cat fights 75 other times on the gridiron. Tonight’s 77th meeting between these two old foes should be memorable as well!

Millwood Lake to host modern gun youth hunt     09/01/23

ASHDOWN – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office is taking applications from youth hunters who would like to participate in a special deer hunt Nov. 4 and 5 at Millwood Lake.

Eight permits will be issued to hunters ages 6-15. Applicants must submit a completed application form by Oct. 6.

Application forms may be picked up at the Millwood Tri- Lakes Project Office located at 1528 Highway 32 E, Ashdown, AR or by calling 501-340-1457 or 870-898-3343.

A random drawing and hunter notification will occur on Oct. 11. Participants must have guardian consent, have completed a hunter’s education course, and be accompanied during the hunt by an unarmed adult over 21 years old.

Hunters must provide their own firearms and youth must be skilled enough to safely operate the firearms. Access and hunting blinds will be provided to help youth enjoy a safe and successful outdoor recreational experience.

This opportunity helps create an interest in conservation, the outdoors and to develop a good hunting ethic, while improving the deer herd in the area.

Recreation information can be found on the Internet at www.swl.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/littlerockusace and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/usacelittlerock. 

Registration for the Open Car & Truck show begins at 9 a.m. Entry cost is $20 per vehicle. A number of trophies will be awarded to participating cars and trucks

All of these events and more will be held at the Sevier County Museum located on Walter Leeper Drive in De Queen on Oct. 7. For more information call Museum Director Karen Mills at (870) 784-0039.

The annual Hurrah Festival is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Sevier County Museum.

AGFC programs like Archery in the Schools, Fishing in The Natural State and schoolyard habitat are often funded with these grants, but any needs for conservation education a school has, even class supplies to teach the Outdoor Adventures program, are eligible for grant funding.

Visit www.agfc.com/conservationgrants for more information on the program, a link to the application site and a county-by-county list of grant money available.

FBC Lockesburg Sportsman Supper, Fall Revival begins Sept. 23     08/31/23

LOCKESBURG – The First Baptist Church of Lockesburg will host an outdoors-themed event and revival beginning Sept. 23.

The Sportsman’s Chili Supper will be held Sept. 23 starting at 5 p.m. at the church, located at 3466 S. Camellia in Lockesburg. In addition to supper, the event will include drawings for runs, fishing equipment and other sports items.

Admission is free and open to all.

The church will host is annual Fall Revival beginning 10:45 the morning of Sept. 24 and continuing at 6:30 nightly through Sept. 27.

Big Bobby Russ will serve as the evangelist for FBC Lockesburg’s Fall Revival while music will be provided by Eric Beecham.

For more information call (870) 289-2121.

Over $12,000 available to Sevier for educational grants through AGFC     08/31/23

 

A random drawing and hunter notification will occur on Oct. 18.
Participants must have guardian consent and be accompanied during the hunt by an unarmed adult over 21 years old, who has completed hunter’s education and has a valid Arkansas hunting license. Youth hunters will be limited to modern gun only.
Hunters must provide their own firearms and youth must be skilled enough to safely operate the firearms.

Access and hunting blinds will be provided to help youth enjoy a safe and successful outdoor recreational experience.

This opportunity helps create an interest in conservation, the outdoors and to develop a good hunting ethic, while improving the deer herd in the area. 

Recreation information can be found on the Internet at www.swl.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/littlerockusace and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/usacelittlerock. 

2023 Leopards Football program launches with new Head Coach Richard Bell     08/30/23

DE QUEEN – The Leopards are launching into the 2023 season with a new head football coach. And, while his title is new, his name will be a familiar one to De Queen fans.

During a specially-called meeting back in February, the De Queen School Board voted to hire Richard Bell as the new Leopard head football coach. Bell previously served as defensive coordinator for the football program and has been with De Queen Public Schools for the past 16 years.

Bell was chosen from several applicants the district received following the announcement that Coach Jarrod Fannin would resign from the position. Fannin, who served for a year as head football coach, began the 2023-2024 school year as an assistant principal for De Queen High School.

Superintendent Jason Sanders said Bell was a perfect choice for the position given the qualities he has demonstrated the past 16 years at De Queen Public Schools – factors such as his familiarity with De Queen’s student-athletes, his known work ethic and his dedication to the De Queen School District.

“He’s been here for 16 years in De Queen,” said Sanders. “Think of the coaches he’s worked with. We need stability more than anything and Richard brings that. He has a son that’s going into the seventh grade and has been very active with pee-wee football. He really stood out to us and we feel like he’s going to give us five years or more of stability in our football program. He’s a hard worker, he communicates great with young kids and he’s going to be a great recruiter for the team. We’re excited to have him.”

Bell is one of the most decorated Leopard football players in De Queen High School history. He helped lead the program to conference championships and a state title appearance. He was the 2000 winner of the Rotary Cup Award, and holds a season school record of 167 tackles which still stands today.

Bell will be the 33^rd head football coach in Leopards history, according to our research. He is the fourth coach to lead the Leopards in the past five years.

While his playing career was impressive, Coach Bell’s coaching career has allowed him opportunities and experiences that have helped mold him into the perfect choice to lead the program. Coach Bell has been coaching the Leopards in multiple roles since 2008, including leading the junior high basketball and track programs as a head coach, and is currently serving as the DHS Head Boys Track Coach.

During his time with the football program, Coach Bell has been a

constant presence on the defensive staff for the Leopards and served as the Defensive Coordinator for the past five seasons. More importantly, Coach Bell played a major role in leading the Leopard Football program through multiple transition periods over recent years.

Assistant Superintendent and Athletic Director Lance Pinkerton stated Coach Bell’s contributions over the past 16 years earned him this opportunity.

“I am very excited to have Coach Bell leading our Leopard football program. He has been a Leopard his whole life and has dedicated the last 16 years to Leopard Athletics as a coach.” Pinkerton said, “I believe Richard has earned this opportunity and will do a great job. De Queen Schools, our community, and all current and future Leopards can be proud to have him as our coach. It’s a great day to be a Leopard!!”

Coach Bell is excited about his new role and the opportunity to help prepare student-athletes for the future.

“The success of De Queen student-athletes has been and will continue to be my number one career goal.” Bell said, “I look forward to working with this administration and all the staff at DeQueen to help these students have the best experience possible. As the saying goes, once a Leopard, always a Leopard!”

Sanders said the district received applications from both within and outside the district. He took a moment to share the district’s appreciation for those who applied and especially all the athletic coaches and directors within the school.

“I’d just like to take this chance to thank all of our athletic coaches in all of our sports,” said Sanders. “They spend a lot of time and hours with a lot of kids. They make a big impact on them and they do more than just sports. They’re there as a mentor for the kids and life coaches for our kids. I can’t say enough about the positive impact they have for our student-athletes.”

Coach Richard Bell officially took over the head football coach position beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.

Burn bans continue across state with lack of rainfall     08/30/23

DE QUEEN – Despite some rainfall across the region this past weekend – and by some, we don’t mean much, having recorded less than a tenth of an inch over those 48 hours – burn bans remain in effect across Southwest Arkansas this week.

Sevier County’s burn ban went into effect last Friday following a week of triple-digit temperatures and several weeks of little to no rain.

Sevier County joined a growing list of Arkansas counties issuing burn bans in recent days due to the lack of rainfall and scorching temperatures. Last Wednesday, Little River County issued a burn ban. Howard County also issued a ban on outdoor burning last week. Most of Southwest Arkansas is under a burn ban at this time, including Hempstead, Nevada, Miller, Ouachita, Lafayette and Columbia. Nearly a dozen other counties in the state have also issued bans.

In an order issued by Sevier County Judge Sandra Dunn, under the ban all outdoor burning will be prohibited without a written permit from the Sevier County Office of Emergency Management.

Typically these bans remain in effect until the affected county receives enough rain to remedy the fire threat.

Temperatures have dropped since last week’s scorching triple digit days but there is no chance of rain forecasted for the next week.

Registration for the Open Car & Truck show begins at 9 a.m. Entry cost is $20 per vehicle. A number of trophies will be awarded to participating cars and trucks

All of these events and more will be held at the Sevier County Museum located on Walter Leeper Drive in De Queen on Oct. 7. For more information call Museum Director Karen Mills at (870) 784-0039.

The annual Hurrah Festival is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Sevier County Museum.

AGFC programs like Archery in the Schools, Fishing in The Natural State and schoolyard habitat are often funded with these grants, but any needs for conservation education a school has, even class supplies to teach the Outdoor Adventures program, are eligible for grant funding.

Visit www.agfc.com/conservationgrants for more information on the program, a link to the application site and a county-by-county list of grant money available.

FBC Lockesburg Sportsman Supper, Fall Revival begins Sept. 23     08/31/23

LOCKESBURG – The First Baptist Church of Lockesburg will host an outdoors-themed event and revival beginning Sept. 23.

The Sportsman’s Chili Supper will be held Sept. 23 starting at 5 p.m. at the church, located at 3466 S. Camellia in Lockesburg. In addition to supper, the event will include drawings for runs, fishing equipment and other sports items.

Admission is free and open to all.

The church will host is annual Fall Revival beginning 10:45 the morning of Sept. 24 and continuing at 6:30 nightly through Sept. 27.

Big Bobby Russ will serve as the evangelist for FBC Lockesburg’s Fall Revival while music will be provided by Eric Beecham.

For more information call (870) 289-2121.

A random drawing and hunter notification will occur on Oct. 18.
Participants must have guardian consent and be accompanied during the hunt by an unarmed adult over 21 years old, who has completed hunter’s education and has a valid Arkansas hunting license. Youth hunters will be limited to modern gun only.
Hunters must provide their own firearms and youth must be skilled enough to safely operate the firearms.

Access and hunting blinds will be provided to help youth enjoy a safe and successful outdoor recreational experience.

This opportunity helps create an interest in conservation, the outdoors and to develop a good hunting ethic, while improving the deer herd in the area. 

Recreation information can be found on the Internet at www.swl.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/littlerockusace and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/usacelittlerock. 

2023 Leopards Football program launches with new Head Coach Richard Bell     08/30/23

DE QUEEN – The Leopards are launching into the 2023 season with a new head football coach. And, while his title is new, his name will be a familiar one to De Queen fans.

During a specially-called meeting back in February, the De Queen School Board voted to hire Richard Bell as the new Leopard head football coach. Bell previously served as defensive coordinator for the football program and has been with De Queen Public Schools for the past 16 years.

Bell was chosen from several applicants the district received following the announcement that Coach Jarrod Fannin would resign from the position. Fannin, who served for a year as head football coach, began the 2023-2024 school year as an assistant principal for De Queen High School.

Superintendent Jason Sanders said Bell was a perfect choice for the position given the qualities he has demonstrated the past 16 years at De Queen Public Schools – factors such as his familiarity with De Queen’s student-athletes, his known work ethic and his dedication to the De Queen School District.

“He’s been here for 16 years in De Queen,” said Sanders. “Think of the coaches he’s worked with. We need stability more than anything and Richard brings that. He has a son that’s going into the seventh grade and has been very active with pee-wee football. He really stood out to us and we feel like he’s going to give us five years or more of stability in our football program. He’s a hard worker, he communicates great with young kids and he’s going to be a great recruiter for the team. We’re excited to have him.”

Bell is one of the most decorated Leopard football players in De Queen High School history. He helped lead the program to conference championships and a state title appearance. He was the 2000 winner of the Rotary Cup Award, and holds a season school record of 167 tackles which still stands today.

Bell will be the 33^rd head football coach in Leopards history, according to our research. He is the fourth coach to lead the Leopards in the past five years.

While his playing career was impressive, Coach Bell’s coaching career has allowed him opportunities and experiences that have helped mold him into the perfect choice to lead the program. Coach Bell has been coaching the Leopards in multiple roles since 2008, including leading the junior high basketball and track programs as a head coach, and is currently serving as the DHS Head Boys Track Coach.

During his time with the football program, Coach Bell has been a

constant presence on the defensive staff for the Leopards and served as the Defensive Coordinator for the past five seasons. More importantly, Coach Bell played a major role in leading the Leopard Football program through multiple transition periods over recent years.

Assistant Superintendent and Athletic Director Lance Pinkerton stated Coach Bell’s contributions over the past 16 years earned him this opportunity.

“I am very excited to have Coach Bell leading our Leopard football program. He has been a Leopard his whole life and has dedicated the last 16 years to Leopard Athletics as a coach.” Pinkerton said, “I believe Richard has earned this opportunity and will do a great job. De Queen Schools, our community, and all current and future Leopards can be proud to have him as our coach. It’s a great day to be a Leopard!!”

Coach Bell is excited about his new role and the opportunity to help prepare student-athletes for the future.

“The success of De Queen student-athletes has been and will continue to be my number one career goal.” Bell said, “I look forward to working with this administration and all the staff at DeQueen to help these students have the best experience possible. As the saying goes, once a Leopard, always a Leopard!”

Sanders said the district received applications from both within and outside the district. He took a moment to share the district’s appreciation for those who applied and especially all the athletic coaches and directors within the school.

“I’d just like to take this chance to thank all of our athletic coaches in all of our sports,” said Sanders. “They spend a lot of time and hours with a lot of kids. They make a big impact on them and they do more than just sports. They’re there as a mentor for the kids and life coaches for our kids. I can’t say enough about the positive impact they have for our student-athletes.”

Coach Richard Bell officially took over the head football coach position beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.

Burn bans continue across state with lack of rainfall     08/30/23

DE QUEEN – Despite some rainfall across the region this past weekend – and by some, we don’t mean much, having recorded less than a tenth of an inch over those 48 hours – burn bans remain in effect across Southwest Arkansas this week.

Sevier County’s burn ban went into effect last Friday following a week of triple-digit temperatures and several weeks of little to no rain.

Sevier County joined a growing list of Arkansas counties issuing burn bans in recent days due to the lack of rainfall and scorching temperatures. Last Wednesday, Little River County issued a burn ban. Howard County also issued a ban on outdoor burning last week. Most of Southwest Arkansas is under a burn ban at this time, including Hempstead, Nevada, Miller, Ouachita, Lafayette and Columbia. Nearly a dozen other counties in the state have also issued bans.

In an order issued by Sevier County Judge Sandra Dunn, under the ban all outdoor burning will be prohibited without a written permit from the Sevier County Office of Emergency Management.

Typically these bans remain in effect until the affected county receives enough rain to remedy the fire threat.

Temperatures have dropped since last week’s scorching triple digit days but there is no chance of rain forecasted for the next week.

In a statement, district officials said they learned of the allegations involving the teacher on Aug. 23. Those allegations were immediately investigated and the appropriate agencies, including law enforcement, were notified. The employee was placed on administrative leave the same day as those allegations became known.

The employee has since resigned from De Queen Public Schools and the resignation was accepted at a special school board meeting held Monday night.

The situation has now been turned over to the Professional Licensure Standards Board at the Arkansas Department of Education.

District officials say they are unable to provide further comments or the teacher’s identity due to this being a personnel matter. In a statement, the District said its expectation is for all students in its Leopard Family to be safe and supported. In addition, the district encourages parents and students to notify the administration immediately with any information concerning the health and safety of its students.

The district said it will continue to cooperate with all appropriate agencies if additional information becomes available.

District officials said De Queen Public Schools takes all reports of employee misconduct very seriously and that district employees are always expected to maintain a professional relationship with each student both in and outside of the classroom.

In an order issued by Sevier County Judge Sandra Dunn, under the ban all outdoor burning will be prohibited without a written permit from the Sevier County Office of Emergency Management.

Typically these bans remain in effect until the affected county receives enough rain to remedy the fire threat.

Daily highs have been in the triple digits all week and are expected to remain above 100 degrees through Saturday. Temperatures are expected to drop into the low 90s next week along with a slight, 20-30 percent chance of rain across the region.

Luis Sotelo, our McDonalds Player of the Night, had a huge game for DeQueen. Sotelo rushed for 251 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries.

In the preliminary 8th grade contest, De Queen and Nashville battled to a 14-14 tie.

The Cubs travel to Prescott next Thursday night.

Leopards, Bearcats face off for 87th contest tonight     08/24/23

MENA – Tonight marks the opener for the 2023 Leopards football season as they travel to Mena in a storied rivalry dating back more than 110 years.

The first football game ever played in Mena was on November 23, 1912. De Queen was the opponent, and MHS prevailed with a 20-6 victory.

Since that initial contest back in 1912, De Queen and have battled 85 other times on the gridiron. Tonight’s renewal of this old rivalry will be the 87^th meeting between the two schools.

De Queen leads the all-time series with 51 wins. Mena has 30 victories. There have been five ties over the past 12 decades.

Last year at Leopard Stadium in De Queen, the Bearcats pulled out a heartbreaking 16-14 victory on a 22-yard field goal as time expired.

The last time the Bearcats and Leopards squared off in Mena was to open the 2021 season.

Despite the fact De Queen leads the all-time series, the Bearcats have won nine of the last 13 meetings between these two, including the last six in a row.

The Leopards and Bearcats face off to open regular season play at 8 p.m. tonight at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium.

LRCO Rodeo this weekend, Polk and Howard fairs coming up     08/24/23

FOREMAN – Fair and rodeo season continues this weekend with the Wing Rodeo Company presenting the Little River County Rodeo tonight and Saturday night beginning at 7:30 both evenings. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for students.

In some other fair events across the region, the Polk County Fair kicks off on Wednesday, Aug. 30 and continues through Saturday, Sept. 2. The fair will include an exhibit building filled with craft, produce and photography entries, as well as livestock shows and a carnival each evening.

Then it’s the Howard County Fair Monday, Sept. 4 through Saturday, Sept. 8. Events that week include a variety of livestock shows, a hay bale decorating contest, pageant and a rodeo both Friday and Saturday nights.

For more information, visit the Howard County Fair Association on Facebook.

Brothers Keepers Rumble on the Green starts tonight     08/24/23

DE QUEEN – The De Queen and Texarkana-based Brothers Keepers Motorcycle Clubs are joining forces this weekend to host a variety of events in De Queen to raise money for children’s programs in the area.

The two clubs are presenting their first-ever Rumble on the Green beginning tonight and continuing through Saturday. Activities begin with karaoke tonight along with pool at seven at the De Queen Country Club, located just east of De Queen.

Chef of the Texarkana Brothers Keepers and Crawdaddy of the De Queen chapter stopped by our studios on Thursday to discuss what is expected to be one of tonight’s highlights: the glow stick ride. Everyone with a motorcycle, ATV or side-by-side is invited to join in for $10. The ride will start around 9 p.m.

“We’ll start at the country club, head to Stilwell Avenue in De Queen, then up Ninth Street to De Queen Lake, up to Bellah Mine and then back to the country club after,” said Joey Shaver, who goes by Crawdaddy.

Glowsticks will be available at the De Queen Country Club before the ride. As will all the events this weekend, the $10 entry fee for the glow ride will go towards the clubs’ service projects.

Events continue this Saturday with games at 9:30 that morning, a live auction at 12 noon, a pie-the-president challenge at 2 p.m. and free bounce houses all day. Food vendors will also be on sight.

Saturday will also see challengers face off in the Brother’s Keepers 1^st Annual Rib Rumble. A number of teams have signed up to determine the best rib cooks in the area. Prizes range up to $1,000 for first place. The competition kicks off at eight Saturday morning and continues through 4 p.m.

Chef and Crawdaddy stressed that 100 percent of funds raised this weekend will go to the De Queen chapter’s Shop with a Biker program and the Texarkana chapter’s support of the Watersprings Ranch, which provides Christian-based long-term residential group homes for children who have been abused, neglected and abandoned.

“Every cent we raise will go towards kids who need it,” said Chef. “That includes Shop with a Biker here in Sevier County and the Watersprings Ranch in Texarkana. We just felt this was a great opportunity for our clubs to join forces and do something big to help kids in our area.”

For more information on the 1^st Annual Brothers Keepers Rumble on the Green and Rib Rumble, visit the event pages on Facebook. The Brother’s Keepers is a nationwide motorcycle club comprised of firefighters, EMS and other first responders.

Dr. Clay Sherrod is a former educator and a researcher in earth and physical sciences, astronomy, and archeology, and has devoted over three decades to the advancement of public knowledge and appreciation of the pure and applied sciences. He also serves as a consultant and designer of scientific and astronomical equipment to major corporations worldwide.

Join Dr. Sherrod at 6 p.m. tonight in the Weyerhauser room of the Skilled Trades Building at UA Cossotot in De Queen, to learn more about the 2024 solar eclipse and how it will affect Sevier County. To keep up with upcoming events, go to seviercountychamberofcommerce.org.

For over a decade, fees have remained at their current levels with some remaining unchanged since 2004. As a result, the Recreation Resource Advisory Committee has been established to ensure fee proposals are reasonable and publicly acceptable. By law, fee change proposals for National Forest recreation areas are presented for public comment and must be approved by the RAC. Members of this committee are citizens representing a broad array of recreational interests.

Proposed fee changes include:

• Wolf Pen Gap OHV Trail Complex: The proposed fees are to be phased in over a period from March 2024 to March 2028, beginning with a fee of $5.00 per OHV/ATV/UTV per day, or $40.00 annual yearly pass; then increasing to the final fee of $10.00 per OHV/ATV/UTV per day, or $60.00 for annual yearly pass in March 2028.
• Little Missouri Falls Day Use Site: Proposed fee of $5.00 per motorized vehicle, per day. 
• Shady Lake Recreation Site, Caretaker’s Cabin and area: Proposed use fee is to be $100.00 per night for use of the cabin and $10.00 per tent, per night, set up adjacent to the cabin. A maximum of four tents, no more than 48-inches in height at center pole, would be allowed.

America the Beautiful Interagency Passes will be honored for applicable discounts.

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004 allows the Forest Service to retain 80 percent of fees collected at recreation sites to use locally in the operation, maintenance and improvements of these sites.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed fee changes to the developed recreation program. The comment period is set to end by close of business on October 31, 2023. To ensure that your comments are considered, please send your comments no later than the above date to: Ouachita National Forest, Attention: Bill Jackson, P.O. Box 1270, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71902 or via email at r8_ouachita_recreation@usda.gov. Comments can also be provided online at: https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=72a44f7743c948b69e9b273c6cfc5f60.

Oral comments may be provided in person at the Ouachita National Forest during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) or by calling 501-321-5253 and indicating a desire to provide comments on the proposed recreation fee changes. For more information on the proposed project, visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita.

Horatio Elementary starts “Monthly Read to a Second Grader”     08/23/23

DE QUEEN – The risk posed by the current and dangerously hot temperatures prompted school officials to push back the start of the Leopards’ away game against Mena this Friday to 8 p.m. Horatio’s kickoff has also been postponed until eight that evening. Thursday’s Cubs games have also been pushed back: 6:30 for eighth grade and 7:30 for ninth grade.

Tonight’s Community-wide Pep Rally for the De Queen Leopards has also been pushed back due to the heat and will now be held at 8 p.m. at Leopard Stadium. Cost of admission remains a hand towel or bottle of Gatorade per person.

It’s expected to be another hot one today across the region with the National Weather Service issuing another Excessive Heat Warning for Southwest Arkansas, Southeast Oklahoma and Northeast Texas through 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

Today’s high is 101 with a heat index value up to 108. Thursday and Friday are both expected to reach 103 to 104 degrees – not counting the heat index.

Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to or exceeding 110 degrees are expected throughout the region this week. Forecasters stress that the extreme heat and lingering humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

Accreditation is the process by which an authorized third-party organization investigates, evaluates, and affirms the educational efforts of a school. Consequently, it becomes the launchpad for continual school improvement. Based on rigorous research-based standards and evidence-based criteria, the process probes the whole institution—from policies to learning conditions and cultural context—to determine how well the parts work together to meet the needs of every learner. It helps education providers meet improvement goals and sustain commitments to better learner outcomes.

To earn Cognia accreditation, a school district or system also must implement a continuous process of improvement, and submit to internal and external review.  Schools in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a five-year term.

Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia, stated, “Cognia Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school and its community on the primary goal of preparing lifelong learners in engaging environments where all students can flourish. Legacy Academy is to be commended for demonstrating that it has met high standards, and is making progress on key indicators that impact student learning.” 

Chad Gallagher, Legacy Academy’s founder, said, “Achieving this milestone gives us a platform from which we can continue to impact education in Southwest Arkansas, while it also recognizes the impact that we have already made in the lives of the families we serve. The Lord has always been so very faithful to us since our founding and has provided us with all the resources, people, and grace that we have needed at every turn. We are confident and full of faith that He will continue such as we remain steadfast in our obedience to Him and our mission to provide Christ-centered education in our region of the state.”

Cognia is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). Parents and interested community members can learn more about the Cognia Accreditation at cognia.org

Legacy Academy, located in Lockesburg, Arkansas, is built upon a faith-based system of education and development as outlined by the Bible. It is committed to providing excellence in academics through a Christ-centered education that provides students the foundation for an excellent life. 

Chamber hosting Arkansas astronomer for eclipse meeting this Thursday     08/22/23

DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Chamber of Commerce will host Dr. P. Clay Sherrod, astronomical researcher and founder of the Arkansas Sky Observatory, for an eclipse presentation at 6 p.m. this Thursday, Aug. 24. With the highly anticipated 2024 solar eclipse on April 8 of next year, creating a totality event right here in Sevier County, Dr. Sherrod will focus on some of the challenges that this celestial event could cause for the area.

Many businesses and community members are already preparing for the potential impact. Sevier County chamber director Suzanne Babb says that according to their members in the vacation rental sector, the owners contacted are stating they are all booked up for that weekend, some for the entire week. Several other businesses are planning to schedule deliveries around the April 8^th date, and mayors and the county judge are also putting infrastructure plans into place. 

According to Dr. Sherrod, the great migration of eclipse chasers is nothing to take lightly: “Whether you are a resident or a business owner, the eclipse WILL affect you.” His presentation will cover information that will be specific to our Sevier County, and he will be glad to answer any questions or concerns.

Dr. Clay Sherrod is a former educator and a researcher in earth and physical sciences, astronomy, and archeology, and has devoted over three decades to the advancement of public knowledge and appreciation of the pure and applied sciences. He also serves as a consultant and designer of scientific and astronomical equipment to major corporations worldwide.

Join Dr. Sherrod at 6 p.m. on Aug. 24, in the Weyerhauser room of the Skilled Trades Building at UA Cossotot in De Queen, to learn more about the 2024 solar eclipse and how it will affect Sevier County. To keep up with upcoming events, go to seviercountychamberofcommerce.org.

Worker Safety Conference scheduled Aug. 24 in Ashdown     08/22/23

ASHDOWN – Domtar and Cooper Tire, in conjunction with the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, will host a Workers’ Safety Conference this Thursday, Aug. 24. The conference will be held at the UA Cossatot campus in Ashdown.

Whether you are employed by a private company, a business owner, or work for a public agency, organizers of this conference say you and your co-workers can benefit greatly from attending this safety conference. The purpose of this event is to enhance workplace hazard recognition and strengthen a culture of workplace safety, thereby reducing em-

ployee injuries and illnesses.

While these conferences are intended for hourly employees, we encourage all companies to also send members of their safety committees, supervisors or managers with safety responsibilities, and any others who might benefit from basic safety training.

Nursing home administrators and nurses may also use this training for continuing education purposes.

The registration fee of $35 covers lunch and conference materials. Pre-registration is encouraged, as this allows the event organizers to plan accordingly. To register online, visit www.labor.arkansas.gov/online-services and click “Seminars and Conferences.” There is a $1.25 fee for online registration.

For more information, visit www.labor.arkansas.gov or call (501) 682-4500.

An Excessive Heat Warning is currently in effect for Southwest Arkansas, Southeast Oklahoma and Northeast Texas through 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to or exceeding 110 degrees are expected throughout the region. Forecasters stress that the extreme heat and lingering humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

The threat posed by these dangerously hot temperatures prompted school officials to push back the start of the Leopards’ away game against Mena this Friday to 8 p.m.

It can’t be stressed enough the importance to staying mindful to the danger of these conditions: drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room if possible, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors, especially the elderly. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Anyone suffering from symptoms of heat stroke should be medically treated immediately.

In addition, Delarosa will face an additional 20 years of supervised release and agreed to forfeit her city retirement.

As part of her plea deal, if the first installment of $164,000 is not paid by Aug. 9, Delarosa agreed that the court could sentence her to the maximum punishment under state law. The court’s partial suspended sentence under Delarosa’s plea deal stated she would be sentenced to an additional 24 years in prison if she failed to make the first reimbursement by that date.

The case came to light in 2021 following an audit into the missing funds. Special Agent Joe Pickett, with the Arkansas State Police Special Investigations Unit, led the investigation of this case and found a total of $501,193 unaccounted for under Delarosa’s time as clerk for the Dierks City Water Department. Authorities also found bank accounts under her name that had unexplained cash deposits, along with possible gambling winnings, totaling approximately $261,000. 

Delarosa reportedly turned herself over to authorities in August of 2021 after state auditors discovered the missing funds. The funds were misappropriated from the Dierks Water and Sewer Departments between 2015-2020.

Airport is focus of Sevier County Quorum Court meeting     08/21/23

DE QUEEN – Sevier County’s airport and its increasing role in the community was the main topic of discussion during the August meeting of the Sevier County Quorum Court.

Officials with the J.Lynn Helms Sevier County Airport, including Dr. Randy Walker and DQPD Chief Scott Simmons, along with Sevier County Judge Sandra Dunn, announced that the airport had received a $500,000 grant to relocate the open-air hangers located parallel to the airport’s runway.

Although currently grandfathered in, the hangers have been deemed by the Federal Aviation Administration to be too close to the runway. Airport officials said it was only a matter of time before those hangers would need to be relocated to meet federal standards. The $500,000 grant – which requires a $50,000 match from the county – is expected to cover the projected costs. Walker and Simmons said construction is almost ready to begin on that project.

In some other airport-related developments, county officials discussed the possibility of securing a second courtesy car in the future to meet growing demand by pilots flying into the airport.

Upon a request, the county also agreed to help fund the creation of a full-time attendant position at the airport. The position would include up to 40 hours a week and include maintenance of the airport and helping check-in arriving pilots.

Simmons said a plane crash in Hot Springs in June which killed a pilot and injured a passenger might have been averted if an attendant had been onsite at the Sevier County Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report of that incident stated the pilot was unable to fuel his plane at the Sevier County Airport due to being unfamiliar with the self-serve fueling mechanism. The pilot then left Sevier County to fuel in Hot Springs but suffered a total loss of engine power as it approached the Hot Springs runway.

The NTSB report stated that the Sevier County Airport’s fuel pump was functioning normally and that the pilot’s plane was suffering from other issues.

Simmons said a full-time attendant would serve other functions at the airport, including mowing and organizing courtesy and rental vehicles for arriving pilots. He added that the airport is expected to see a lot of traffic for next year’s total solar eclipse.

The airport is generally seeing more traffic in recent years, with the FAA reporting on its website that the facility averages 27 flights a day.

The new position will pay $13 up to 40 hours a week.

In other business, Lorna Branson with the Friends of De Queen Lake Trail Project reported that the non-profit group has received a grant of more than $8,000 to build several benches at the trailheads as well as a kiosk, bike racks and bike repair station. The grant will cover the entire cost of these additions.

The quorum court also approved an appropriation to from the hospital’s construction fund to pay for construction-related expenses.

Shane Markham, age 33, was charged with delivery of methamphetamine from an incident dated to Feb. 16 of this year.

Christopher Green, age 31, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia from an incident dated to Aug. 12.

And Shane Lamm, age 50, who was charged with possession of a firearm by a certain person and first degree terroristic threatening.

Leopards, Cubs prevail during scrimmage game in Waldron     08/21/23

WALDRON – Football season is officially underway as the De Queen football teams made the 80-mile trip north to take on the Bulldogs in scrimmage action last Friday night.

In the preliminary contest the Cubs rushing attack was unstoppable as they piled up 367 rushing yards on just 21 attempts and 4 touchdowns on their way to 26-14 victory over the Junior Bulldogs. Dwayne Mona led the way with 5 carries for 143 yards and 2 touchdowns. Luis Sotelo added 6 carries for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Cub’s defense was stifling at times and held Waldron to 167 yards in 23 plays. The Cubs were lead on defense by Drayden Bennett who made 4 tackles 2 of which were for loss and Eric Cortez who made 3 tackles and had 2 tackles for loss.

The Cubs open the season at home Thursday vs. the Nashville Junior Scrappers. The 8th grade game will start at 5:30 and the 9th grade game will go off at 7pm.

In the nightcap the Leopards used a strong rushing attack and one big pass to down the Bulldogs 21-6.

De Queen gained 233 yards on the ground on 31 carries while holding Waldron to 77 yards rushing 27 attempts. Donovan Ester led the way with 9 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Cole Binkley added 50 yards on 10 carries and a 50 yard hook up with Ulyces Coto. Luke Pearce scored on a 45 yards romp and had 3 carries for 54 yards. In addition to the 50-yard reception Coto had 4 carries for 31 yards and a 10-yard touchdown run.

On the defensive side of the ball several Leopards looked sharp. Coto and Henry Campuzano had 4 tackles and a pass defended. Zaiden Decasez had 3 tackles and 1 tackle for loss, Julio Sotelo and Pearce had 3 tackles. The Leopard defense held the Bulldogs 119 total yards on 32 plays including 2 of 7 for 42 yards through the air.

The De Queen Leopards open the regular season at Mena to take on the Bearcats this Friday at 7:30.

Horatio Lions to host Fall Sports Night tonight     08/21/23

HORATIO – The Horatio Lions will host a Fall Sports Kick Off event beginning at 7 p.m. tonight at Lion Stadium.

Fans will have the opportunity to come by and see the junior and senior high football teams, as well as junior and senior high cheer squad, Lions golf team, cross country, band, and pee-wee football and cheer.

Cost of admission is just $3.

Booster Club memberships are available for $30 and includes a t-shirt. Becoming a Booster Club member will also include a drawing to win a parking pass for the season.

Grannis voters approve city’s first-ever sales tax     08/21/23

GRANNIS – Grannis voters cast their support for the city’s first-ever sales tax during a vote held on Aug. 8.

In all, 60 people cast their ballots during the sales tax election – 37 for and 23 against. The measure was approved and will mark the first time the City of Grannis has ever implemented a sales tax.

The one-cent sales tax will be levied on the sale of goods and services within the city limits of Grannis.

Grannis Mayor Dwight Billings said the additional revenue will help the city maintain the 17 miles of roads for which Grannis is responsible.

“That’s a lot of roads for a community our size and as everyone knows, fixing them isn’t cheap these days,” said Billings. “This sales tax is really going to help us tackle some of the road issues we’re having.”

Billings added that he is thankful to all the Grannis citizens who came out to vote during the election and support the new sales tax.

“The city can’t be more appreciative to those folks for coming out and voting in support of this measure,” said Billings. “This is going to be a good thing for our community.”

Sevier County Block Party rescheduled to Aug. 29     08/21/23

DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Block Party Committee has rescheduled its third event of the summer from Tuesday, Aug. 22 to Tuesday, Aug. 29. The event will still be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Herman Dierks Park in De Queen.

The event date was changed so not to interfere with a community wide pep rally planned by De Queen Public Schools on Aug. 22.

The whole community is invited to come by the Herman Dierks Park on Aug. 29 for an evening of free food, games and fun for the whole family. Organizers invite all area churches, organizations and businesses to get involved in this and other block party events scheduled this year.

Come out that evening for hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn, lemonade and more at the Lockesburg City Park. The evening’s activities will also include a Little Debbie eating contest in both a youth and adult division.

Additional events this year include at the Gillham Fire Department on Sept. 12 and the Ben Lomond Community Building on Oct. 3.

The Sevier County Block Party was started by Sevier County Sheriff Robert Gentry, Jail Administrator Chris Wolcott and others with the sheriff’s office in 2018 to help foster stronger relations between Sevier County’s communities and the law enforcement agencies that serve them.

For more information visit the Sevier County Block Party Committee on Facebook.

Leopards, Cubs prevail during scrimmage game in Waldron     08/21/23

 

Sevier County Library System update     08/21/23

DE QUEEN – The Gillham Library will have new hours beginning Sept. 5 of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

The De Queen Library will host a couple of story time reading events for local children in September. Both will be held at 4 p.m. to allow kids to attend after school. Details on those story times, including dates, will be shared on the Sevier County Library Facebook page.

Head Librarian Johnye Fisher announced that four children were winners of the Summer Reading Contest and read a total of nearly 300 books between them. Each won a backpack full of school supplies. The De Queen Library will host a reading contest in September for its adult readers. More information will be shared on the library’s Facebook page.

Fisher reminds library patrons of the LibbyApp, which is available for free on Google Play and the Apple Store. You must search for “Arkansas Digital Library Consortium” and hold a valid library card to browse the vast selection. For more information, call (870) 584-4364.

The Horatio Library will host two programs each Tuesday in September for children not quite in school yet. These will be held from 10-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. each Tuesday in September. The Horatio Library also hosts domino gatherings each Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and well as its Saturday Needle Crafters Club from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The Horatio Library offers a study time for students on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-4:30 p.m. For more information, call (870) 832-6882.

The Lockesburg Library will host a planning meeting on Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. for those interested in starting a coin collecting club in Sevier County. The library encourages both adults and children interested in coin collecting to attend. For more information, call (870) 289-2233.

COSL to host tax-delinquent property auction in Nashville on Tuesday     08/21/23

NASHVILLE – Commissioner of State Lands Tommy Land announced that his office will auction tax-delinquent parcels located in Howard, Montgomery, Pike, Polk and Sevier Counties on August 22.

The regional auction begins at 10 a.m. and will be held at the Carter Day Training Center, 200 Lake Nichols Drive in Nashville. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.

“These new regional auctions will allow bidders to attend the sales for multiple counties without traveling to multiple locations or taking several days off work,” Commissioner of State Lands Tommy Land said. “This will also allow us to be more fiscally responsible by conducting fewer events.”

Auctions will be conducted alphabetically by county. Prospective bidders can find the Public Auction Catalog on the Commissioner’s website at www.cosl.org. This resource includes a buyer’s guide; statutes governing sales; auction date, time and location; and a complete listing of parcels offered.

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

“Owners of delinquent parcels going for auction should be aware that the redemption period has changed,” Land said. “Parcels must be redeemed by 4 p.m. on the last business day before the sale date. That means we must have their money and petition to redeem in our hands by that time.”

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

Bidders must register for the auction before placing a bid. Purchases may be paid for with a business or personal check, or a credit or debit card. Cash is not accepted for purchase of tax- delinquent parcels.

“Property taxes help fund schools, roads, libraries and public services including ambulances,” Land said. “Everyone benefits from paying those taxes — and the property owner benefits from paying on time, by avoiding interest and penalties on delinquent taxes.”

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 within 30 days before an auction must use certified funds or may redeem with cash in our office at 1020 W. 4 th Street in Little Rock. Cash is only accepted for redemption, and only for in-person payments at 1020 W. 4 th Street.

DHS announces LEAP program     08/21/23

DE QUEEN – De Queen High School has announced the launch of a new program designed to provide students with the tools and support they need to thrive academically and personally.

District officials said LEAP, which stands for Leopard Encouragement & Advisory Period, is a dynamic initiative that aims to foster a culture of growth, empowerment, and collaboration among De Queen students. This program reflects the district’s aim of nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with essential life skills.

Through LEAP, students will:

Learn: Acquire valuable life skills that extend beyond textbooks and classrooms, enhancing their personal and academic journey.

Excel: Elevate their abilities in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, setting the stage for success in their studies and future endeavors.

Achieve: Amplify their potential through mentorship and peer collaboration, cultivating a supportive environment that fuels their aspirations.

Progress: Propel forward with confidence, resilience, and a holistic understanding of their own capabilities, ready to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

At its core, LEAP is designed to encourage students to take a leap toward personal growth and success. The program offers dedicated advisory sessions where students engage in discussions, interactive activities, and skill-building exercises that go beyond traditional classroom learning.

Arkansas implements new statewide animal at large reporting form     08/21/23

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has announced the launch of the Arkansas Animal at Large online reporting form. This new reporting form will provide a state-wide method of notification of lost livestock. 

Both those who have found livestock and those who have lost livestock may post notifications with photographs and descriptions of the animals, the dates they were lost or found, and the county in which they were lost or found. The posted information will serve as the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s publicly accessible record of all livestock currently in the custody of impounders within the state.

“The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is pleased to offer this new resource to our state’s citizens,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “The Animal at Large reporting process gives agricultural producers a new tool to find lost livestock and ensure safe return.”

Act 594 was sponsored by Senator Ben Gilmore and Representative Howard Beaty and had broad support from the Arkansas agriculture industry. In addition to providing better avenues for enforcement and resolution of disputes, Act 594 updated, modified, and clarified 27 statutes and repealed 59 antiquated laws regarding livestock running at large. Prior to Act 594, many of the statutes regarding fencing and livestock running at large dated back to the 1800s, with some statutes not being substantially altered since the 1940s.

Access the Animal at Large reporting forms at mip.agri.arkansas.gov/livestock/public /home/fencing _home. Act 594 can be found at arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTP Document?path=%2FACTS%2F2023R% 2FPublic%2FACT594.pdf.

No fishing license needed in Arkansas on Aug. 23     08/21/23

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission unanimously approved a special free fishing day during a regularly scheduled meeting at AGFC Headquarters this week. Anyone will be able to fish in Arkansas without a fishing license or trout permit Aug. 23.

The free fishing opportunity comes as a result of an update to the AGFC’s license system. The AGFC has been working with its license system vendor, PayIt Outdoors (formerly Sovereign Sportsman Solutions), to update the license purchasing experience for Arkansas hunters and anglers. The process will require the license-purchase system to be unavailable for data transfer Aug. 23, preventing anyone from purchasing or renewing their license on that day. All other fishing regulations will remain in place Aug. 23.

In other business, the Commission:

• Heard the first reading of the following four regulations change proposals:
  • The establishment of a free bear tag for all resident bear hunters to gain valuable data on the number of hunters pursuing bears and the bear-hunting experience in Arkansas;
  • The establishment of a new $500 lifetime hunting and fishing license to be available to any resident 10 years old or younger, in accordance with legislation passed during the Arkansas General Assembly in April;
  • The adoption of specialized deer tags within the AGFC’s new license system, including Deer Management Assistance Program tags, chronic wasting disease management tags, CWD replacement tags and urban deer hunt tags; and
  • A clarification of regulations on tagging and checking harvested wild turkeys to keep the process consistent with tagging and checking deer and other big game.