Today is final day of early reg for Judge Ray Memorial Tri-Lakes bass tournament 05/26/23
DE QUEEN – The 33rd annual Judge Greg Ray Memorial Tri-Lakes Big Bass Festival kicks off this Saturday on De Queen, Dierks and Gillham Lakes.
Officials with the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce say early registration continues through four this afternoon. Just come by the chamber office in downtown De Queen or here at the KDQN studios to fill out a registration form. Early registration is $65 or $75 with the registration bundle. If you can’t make it today, onsite registration will be held at each three lakes beginning at five Saturday morning at a cost of $70.
Onsite registration will be held at Oak Grove on De Queen Lake, Coon Creek and Little Coon Creek on Gillham and at Jefferson Ridge on Dierks.
The tournament begins at 6 a.m. with hourly weigh-ins beginning at 8 a.m. and continuing through 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon. We’ll be covering the hourly results live throughout day so tune in to Your Number One Country, 92.1 to catch the action on-air.
An awards ceremony will be held following the tournament at 2 p.m. at the De Queen Sportsplex Pavilion. Food trucks will be on site.
This year’s cash awards include the $10,000 Snag the Bass presented by De Queen Auto Group. The prize will go to whoever catches the tagged bass during the event. The bass is being released secretly before the tournament at one of the three featured lakes.
This year’s cash award for the overall biggest bass has been increased to $2,000. Organizers are also offering a $200 hourly bonus for the overall hourly winners of the combined three lakes.
The tournament is hosted each year by the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, contact Jarod Lyon at (870) 582-5719 or the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce at (870) 584-3225.
Howard Co. judge issues warrant regarding mismanagement at cattle ranch 05/26/23
HOWARD COUNTY – A warrant has been issued this week by Howard County Circuit Court Judge Tom Cooper for the arrest of 31-year-old James Barrett Hall of Bismarck for one count of criminal mischief in the first degree. The charge is a class B felony and related to mismanagement of a cattle ranch that reportedly resulted in the death of numerous animals.
According to the affidavit from an investigator with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Judd Wall contacted the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Law Enforcement Division on Jan. 7, regarding the loss of his cattle due to starvation and lack of care in Howard County.
The next day, Special Agent Justin Smith along with Wall informed Smith that he had an agreement with Hall since July of 2022 to oversee the care and pasturing of Wall’s cattle in Howard County. Wall stated he had paid Hall $16,135 from July of 2022 to January of 2023.
Wall reported his cattle were in poor shape and that there were several dead animals on the property. Wall stated he took the live cattle to a ranch in Okolona.
On Jan. 10, a veterinarian examined the live cattle and reported they were in poor to emaciated condition.
Smith also interviewed a neighbor that reported he had not seen anyone tending to the cattle in months and that the cattle did not stay fenced in.
Wall told investigators that Hall never advised him of the loss of any cattle and was invoiced every month for the number head that they had originally agreed upon.
A cattle appraiser with the Nacogdoches Livestock Exchanged estimated the deceased cattle had a fair market value of $72,550.
AGFC issues safety reminder ahead of Memorial Day weekend 05/26/23
Memorial Day weekend may still technically be part of spring, but it’s the unofficial beginning of summer in most Arkansans’ minds. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission wants everyone to have a great weekend enjoying all The Natural State has to offer, but please remember to take safety seriously. Wear your life jacket, only operate a boat sober and respect the power of the water.
Capt. Stephanie Weatherington, AGFC boating law administrator, says the number one safety precaution boaters should take is to have a properly fitting life jacket for everyone on board.
“By law, all children 12 and under must have their life jacket on and secured any time they are on the boat, but everyone should wear them any time a boat is underway,” Weatherington said. “Nearly every boating fatality we deal with could have been avoided if the victim had worn a properly fitting life jacket.”
The second most common issue Arkansas game wardens run across on the water is people boating while intoxicated. Not only does being caught boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs carry a stiff fine, it also is grounds for a person to lose their driver’s license just as though they were ticketed for driving a car under the influence.
Weatherington says the effects of alcohol also are magnified by the conditions boating creates.
“The sun, heat, wind and motion all intensify alcohol’s impact on a person,” Weatherington said. “A person who normally wouldn’t feel much effect of one or two beers in an indoor setting may find themselves impaired much more quickly on the water.”
The added impact of alcohol can be a danger to passengers as well as drivers. Although not illegal, passengers who consume too much alcohol can make poor judgements that can lead to injuries and death as well.
Finally, a special note goes out to those who are looking to enjoy boating on rivers or streams where current can be present. Always respect the power of the water and don’t risk paddling in current unless you are prepared and have experience paddling around obstacles.
Mayor Jeff Brown
State Representative DeAnn Vaught
State Senator Larry Teague
Attorney General Leslie Rutledge
US Senator John Booman
US Representative Bruce Westerman
Previously Reported
Arkansans asked to answer, “What’s the Coolest Thing Made in Arkansas?” 05/25/23
The coolest thing made in Arkansas in 2022 was Lockheed Martin’s High-Mobility Rocket-Artillery System, or HIMARS. The weapons system is produced just down the road in Camden. (photo credit Lockheed Martin) What’s the coolest thing made in Arkansas?That’s the question Arkansans are being asked to answer as part of the 2023 “Coolest Thing Made in Arkansas” campaign. Hosted by Arkansas Business – in partnership with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, Entergy and AEDC’s Manufacturing Solutions – the promotion seeks to highlight the state’s manufacturing sector and the vital role it plays on both the national and international scene.Bonnie Jacoby, Vice President of Sales and Training at Arkansas Business, said the campaign launched last year after a casual conversation she had with Randy Zook, president and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.“This program has actually been a few years in the making,” said Jacoby. “[Zook] asked me, ‘What is the coolest thing made in Arkansas?’ As we progressed that conversation, he brought up a program that the Wisconsin State Chamber had done called The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin. We wanted to mimic that program here in the state with the whole goal to create awareness for the variety of products that are manufactured in Arkansas.”Last year’s inaugural campaign resulted in 16 finalists in a single-elimination, bracket-style contest. Those products ranged from snack foods to industrial equipment pioneered by Arkansas-based companies like Nabholz and Aerojet Rocketdyne. The winner, however, was a clear choice for the Coolest Thing Made in Arkansas – Lockheed Martin’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS.The HIMARS is produced in Camden and has received widespread international attention as a critical part of the U.S. assistance package to Ukraine in its defense against the ongoing Russian invasion.Jacoby said the HIMARS was a bit of a surprise winner of the 2022 competition because many Arkansans – and even a few Lockheed Martin officials – had no idea this sophisticated weapons system was produced right here in Arkansas. “Even within the company, there were people who had no idea it was made in Camden, Arkansas,” said Jacoby. “Most people don’t have the opportunity to know everything that they do, so it was a good opportunity for [Lockheed Martin] to raise awareness.” Jacoby stressed, however, that Arkansas products don’t have to be as impressive as the HIMARS to become a finalist in the Coolest Thing Made in Arkansas campaign.
“We actually had one of our products last year that made it to the feature four that was up against a popular snack food and actually beat them because they used social media engagement to be able to pull that off,” explained Jacoby.
The campaign’s primary goal is to highlight the products made in Arkansas and the needs they fill not just within the state, but across the nation and globe. Jacoby hopes the effort will encourage Arkansans to be even prouder of the state’s manufacturing sector.
“For the average person who lives in a city, they may know a manufacturing company’s name, but not necessarily understand what they make or its impact, whether it’s on a statewide basis, national basis or even an international basis,” said Jacoby. “So we want to be able to raise awareness not only among business and political leaders but also within that local community so people understand a little bit more about the products that are manufactured here and develop a greater sense of pride for them.”
The nomination period for the 2023 Coolest Thing Made in Arkansas Campaign remains open through June 2. Nominating a product couldn’t be easier – just visit www.coolestthinginarkansas.comand cast your vote. This year’s winner will be announced in October.
There’s an ongoing effort in Little River County to nominate one of the region’s premier industries and employers, the Domtar Ashdown Mill. Specifically, organizers hope to get Domtar’s fluff pulp in the finalist list for this year’s Coolest Thing Made in Arkansas competition. The fluff pulp produced in Ashdown is used as raw material in the absorbent core for a wide variety of personal care products. The mill introduced fluff pulp during one of its largest every capital projects and established itself as the third-largest fluff pulp producer in the world.
Again, for more information on this year’s campaign, and to nominate an Arkansas-made product, visit www.coolesthinginarkansas.com.
Free Meals to Go program for area kids begins in June 05/25/23
HORATIO – The Free Meals to Go feeding program is kicking off in June to help local children who otherwise might miss a meal during the summer break from school.
The program will be held June 19-22 and 26-29, as well as July 17-22 and July 24-28. Horatio Elementary will provide meals Monday through Friday during those dates. The Winthrop Library will provide meals on participating Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; Lockesburg Library on Wednesday and Thursday; Horatio Library on Tuesday and Thursday; and the Gillham Library on those specific Tuesdays.
All meals will be distributed between 11 a.m. and 12 noon. No registration or application is required.
AHS educator receives award for historical thesis 05/25/23
ASHDOWN – Ashdown Public Schools has announced that Isaac Cross, history teacher at Ashdown High School of Innovation, successfully defended his master’s thesis “LITTLE ROCK’S UNIQUE POLITICAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR BLACK ARKANSANS, 1865 – 1905.”
For this thesis, Mr. Cross was awarded the Angelo and Rosa Denova Graduate History Award, which is a monetary award presented annually for the best graduate-level history paper composed during the current academic year.
The winning essay is expected to combine original historical research on significant subjects, based on source material, with good English composition and superior style.
Reggie Fryar named head coach of AHSCA soccer squad 05/25/23
WICKES – Reggie Fryar, a coach with the Cossatot River School District, has been named the head coach of West coaching staff for the Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star Girls Soccer Game. CRSD is expected to have two girls on the team, with more information to come later. The game is Friday, June 23 at 5 p.m. at UCA. Earlier this spring, Coach Fryar was voted as CRSD’s overall district teacher of the year.
Harvest Mobile Pantry returning to Lockesburg June 7 05/25/23
LOCKESBURG – As part of its ongoing mission to fight hunger in the region, the Harvest Regional Food Bank will again be setting up its mobile pantry in Lockesburg next month.
Organizers will host the pantry on Wednesday, June 7 from 9-11 a.m. The truck will be parked at the First Baptist Church of Lockesburg at 3466 S. Camellia Street in Lockesburg. Recipients will be asked to come inside the church to check in before receiving commodities. Once checked in, recipients will then go back to their vehicle and proceed to line up along W. Magnolia and the church parking lot.
Recipients are asked to bring photo identification or proof of address to verify they are a resident of Sevier County. Distribution is limited to one box per household and two households per vehicle. The mobile pantry will provide food to the first 144 qualifying households who arrive.
The next mobile pantry will be held in September.
Last year, Harvest distributed 3.2 million meals and served over 60,000 individuals throughout Southwest Arkansas and Northeast Texas. The organization states that nearly 20 percent of local residents miss meals due to food insecurity, including one in four children.
Horatio woman accused of shooting mother to appear in court next week 05/24/23
DE QUEEN – A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for next week for a Horatio woman suspected of shooting her mother earlier this year. According to court records, 28-year-old Kaylee Cornett will appear before the Sevier County Circuit Court for a pre-trial hearing on June 1. Cornett was charged in March with felony counts of attempted murder and criminal attempt in regards to a shooting incident that occurred on Feb. 5. The arrest affidavit states that Sevier County deputies were dispatched to the Sevier County Medical Center that day in reference to a woman with a gunshot wound to the left side of her head. The woman arrived by private vehicle and was identified as 58-year-old Kimberly Jill Lorenc of Horatio. She reportedly told investigators that she was asleep in her bed and woke up due to pain from her head. It was determined during medical treatment that the pain was a result of a gunshot wound.
Investigators received a search warrant for the victim’s home on Central Road in Horatio. Deputies interviewed the only other resident of the home, identified as Cornett – the victim’s daughter. Cornett reportedly told investigators that she found her mother bleeding from her head and then transported her to the hospital for treatment. She said no one else was inside the home when the incident occurred.
During their search, deputies allegedly discovered both a spent and live 9mm bullet inside the home. A further search allegedly resulted in the discovery of two loaded firearms hidden inside the A/C intake inside Cornett’s room.
Cornett appeared in person in the Sevier County Circuit Court on March 9 for an arraignment. She has been charged with felony attempted murder and criminal attempt. Cornett has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
If she maintains her not-guilty plea during next week’s hearing, Cornett is currently scheduled for a jury trial on June 21.
Cornett remains in the Sevier County Jail on a $150,000 bond. A motion was filed in April by Cornett’s legal counsel seeking to reduce that bond amount.
Yarborough Landing to be closed for next two months for improvement project 05/24/23
MILLWOOD LAKE – The parking area at Yarborough Landing on Millwood lake will be closed for the next couple of months for the expansion and improvement of this popular fishing and boating access.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Millwood Lake Project Office, Little River County and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are working together to improve the access for area anglers. The first phase of this project consists of site work, drainage, base preparation and asphalt on a 163,943-square-foot parking area, which will provide 138 spaces for vehicles with trailers and 11 single vehicle spaces.
Construction is expected to take a minimum of eight weeks. Once the parking lot expansion is complete, the renovation will continue with a new tournament courtesy dock.
Anglers wishing to access Millwood Lake can still use boat ramps at Millwood Lake State Park, Jack’s Isle, Beards Bluff and other accesses throughout the lake.
Free fishing weekend set for June 9-11 05/23/23
One weekend each year the State of Arkansas hosts a free fishing weekend. This year, Free Fishing Weekend will fall on June 9, 10 and 11.
Residents and nonresidents may fish this weekend without a fishing license or trout permit. This applies to the entire state of Arkansas. So if you’ve been considering a new hobby this is the weekend to try your luck in many of Arkansas’ fish filled waters. Regulations for waters still apply such as daily, slot and length limits. If you decide hitting the water is for you, you can purchase a Resident Fish License for $10.50 and a Trout permit for $10.00. That’s a cheap investment for a good time and a reason to make up some big stories.
An annual tradition sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and approved by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Free Fishing Weekend gives many people the opportunity to enjoy the amazing angling The Natural State has to offer.
Nomination deadline is May 31 for Arkansas Century Farm Program 05/23/23
To qualify, Arkansas farms must meet the following criteria:
The same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by Dec. 31, 2023. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage and adoption.
The farm must be at least ten acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.
Qualifying Arkansas farms will receive a personalized Arkansas Century Farm certificate and metal sign listing the farm name and year established.
Arkansas is home to more than 42,000 farms, of which 96 percent are family owned and operated. Since the program began in 2012, 568 farms have been certified. Find lists of previously inducted Arkansas Century Farm families at agriculture.arkansas.gov
Contact Beth Moore at 501-539-4027 or beth.moore@agriculture.arkansas.gov with questions. Applications must be received via email or postmarked on or before May 31, 2023, to be eligible for designation as a 2023 inductee.
41st annual Sevier County Senior Appreciation Day is June 2 05/23/23
DE QUEEN – The Sevier County 41st Annual Senior Citizens Appreciation Day is scheduled for Friday, June 2. Registration begins at eight that morning. All area residents 55 years of age or older are welcome. There will be numerous booths from area health organizations and a free meal provided by Pilgrim’s for every senior in attendance. To reserve a booth, call the Sevier County Judge’s Office at (870) 642-2425. Judge Ray Memorial Tri-Lakes Bass Festival is this Saturday 05/23/23
DE QUEEN – The 33rd annual Judge Greg Ray Memorial Tri-Lakes Big Bass Festival is scheduled for this Saturday on De Queen, Dierks and Gillham Lakes.
The event is scheduled for 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 27 at all three lakes. The early registration fee is $65 and enters each angler into a chance to win some of the more than $20,000 in cash prizes for this year’s bass tournament. On-site registration is $70. Anglers can take advantage of the $75 registration bundle which includes the chance to win an extra $50 if your catch takes first place during the hourly weigh-in.
This year’s cash awards include the $10,000 Snag the Bass presented by De Queen Auto Group. The prize will go to whoever catches the tagged bass during the event. The bass will be released secretly before the tournament at one of the three featured lakes.
This year’s cash award for the overall biggest bass has been increased to $2,000. Organizers are also offering a $200 bonus for hourly winners.
The tournament is hosted each year by the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce.
Registration forms are available now at the KDQN studios and the chamber office on the courthouse square in downtown De Queen. Registration forms can also be obtained by calling the chamber at (870) 584-3225. Also, call the chamber if you or someone you know would be interested in serving as a volunteer for this weekend’s tournament. Volunteers are needed to help register anglers, perform boat checks and conduct the hourly weigh-ins.
For more information, contact Jarod Lyon at (870) 582-5719 or the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce at (870) 584-3225.
State ag dept launches pine tree mortality survey 05/23/23
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division (Forestry Division) has released a survey for members of the public to report pine tree discoloration and/or mortality, specifically in southeast Arkansas. The survey can be found at arcg.is/1HyHCu0.
The increase in pine tree discoloration and mortality is an issue that has been observed in Arkansas and neighboring states. No specific cause has been identified and several possible causes are being considered.
This survey will provide Forestry Division staff and partners with data to further investigate this issue. The survey will collect information about the date and location of the observation, the environment where the observation occurred, and other general observations.
To analyze the causes of pine tree mortality and identify solutions, the Forestry Division is working with multiple partners, including the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources; the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service; and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Plant Industries Division.
State Rep. DeAnn Vaught Weekly Update 05/23/23 By State Rep. DeAnn Vaught
Employment in Arkansas has increased for seven consecutive months. The latest report from the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services shows the unemployment rate at 2.8%. By comparison, the national unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Compared to this time last year, there are 12,869 additional employed Arkansans.
While low unemployment rates are indicative of a healthy and growing economy, our efforts for economic development don’t end there.
The General Assembly is continuing to work on ways to foster innovation, encourage technological advances, and increase wages across the state.
In the 2023 Regular Session, we passed several pieces of legislation designed to continue increasing economic growth.
Act 746 creates the Rural Economic Development Initiative. The Rural Economic Development Initiative is established to provide funds to planning and development districts for distribution to projects in rural areas to further rural economic development and revitalization. If funding permits, a planning and development district may apply to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for funds.
The 94th General Assembly also passed Act 485, an Act to Enhance Economic Competitiveness by Phasing Out the Throwback Rule. Athrowback rule mandates that sales into other states or to the federal government that are not taxable will be “thrown back” into the state of origin for tax purposes. The Arkansas Tax Reform and Relief Legislative Task Force recommended the repeal of the throwback rule as it harmed economic competitiveness with other states that did not impose the rule.
The General Assembly also passed the following acts concerning economic development during the recent session:
Act 34
This act eliminates the requirement for municipalities to collect a gross receipts tax on food or hotel stays to create an entertainment district.
Act 477
This act requires the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of developing a spaceport by 2024 if funding become available.
Act 517
This act increases the tax incentive for production and postproduction costs for a state-certified film project.
Act 196
This act reduces the maximum potential unemployment compensation benefits from 4 months to 3 months and reduces unemployment insurance tax rates for employers.
Act 106
This act disqualifies a person from collecting unemployment compensation for any week he or she fails to respond to a job offer or fails to appear for a job interview.
We will continue researching ways to improve the economy in every area of our state. You can find more information about economic development in our state by visiting arkansasedc.com
Leopards earn seventh state soccer championship 05/22/23
Leopard Memo Ambriz poses with the State Championship Trophy after De Queen’s victory on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of De Queen Public Schools) DE QUEEN – The Leopards are bringing home another state soccer title after defeating Dardanelle at the championship game on Saturday. De Queen ended up out performing and just plain out-classing the team from Dardanelle during the Class 4A State Soccer Tournament in Conway over the weekend. The Leopards, who entered the final game with 16 consecutive wins, defeated the Sand Lizards 5-2.
The Leopards seemingly had no problem dominating the game, leading 5-0 until the final 10 minutes of the matchup. Three of those goals were netted in by Edwin Baltazar, a rare feat called a “hat trick” in soccer. Baltazar, who’s been one of the best seniors on the team, got to end his high school career with some serious bragging rights.
Dardanelle was able to find the net twice in those final minutes of the game but that was not even close to enough to stop the Leopards momentum.
The Leopards bring home their 7th state tournament trophy, with six of those championship victories over seven seasons between 2009-2015. This year’s title victory was the first in eight years – though the Leopards earned state runner-up in both 2017 and 2021. It’s a reminder, say Leopards fans, that De Queen remains a powerhouse team in Arkansas for soccer. And to quote local soccer fan Erik Smith, if a team wants to win a state championship for soccer in Arkansas, they’ll have to go through De Queen first.
Panthers are runners-up at 4A State Baseball Tournament 05/22/23
By Jim Cross The Ashdown Panthers went to the UCA campus in Conway Friday on a quest for their first baseball state title in school history against the Lonoke Jackrabbits, who were stacked with five Division One prospects including three that have committed to play for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
The Panthers battled toe to toe with the Jackrabbits but came up a little short with a 6 to 3 defeat that gave the Panthers the runner up trophy in the Class 4A State baseball tournament.
The Jackrabbits took a 6 to 0 lead after six innings, led by Lonoke’s all-world pitcher Steele Eaves, who finished the game with 11 strikeouts, featuring a 92 mile per hour fastball and an overpowering slider.
However, the Panthers never-give-up-spirit showed itself in the 7th and final inning. Grayson Porter led off with a triple. Wood Walton reached on an error. That was followed by a double off the bat of Gunnar Altenbaumer to score Porter. Then pitch hitter Vonderick Thomas blasted an RBI double. Walt Jones was hit by a pitch and all of the sudden, the tying run came to the plate.
Eaves got his 11th strikeout for the second out in the inning. Then Caleb Blakenship kept the Panthers alive with a RBI single scoring Thomas.
Eaves then induced the Panthers into a game-ending groundout to shortstop to preserve the victory.
Walt Jones and Grayson Porter held the powerful Jackrabbit lineup to only three hits on the day.
The Panthers end their year as state runner up, capping a fabulous season for first year coach Austin Cross.
Yarborough Landing to close beginning today for improvements 05/22/23
MILLWOOD LAKE – The parking area at Yarborough Landing on Millwood lake will be closed beginning May 22 for the expansion and improvement of this popular fishing and boating access. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Millwood Lake Project Office, Little River County and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are working together to improve the access for area anglers. The first phase of this project consists of site work, drainage, base preparation and asphalt on a 163,943-square-foot parking area, which will provide 138 spaces for vehicles with trailers and 11 single vehicle spaces.
Sevier County Chamber announces Yard of the Month program 05/19/23
DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Chamber of Commerce is unveiling a new program to help encourage residents to keep the county looking good.
The new campaign, titled “Sevierly Beautiful,” will launch with a Yard of the Month program to recognize Sevier County residents who go the extra mile to beautify and maintain their property. Winners will be announced each month and presented with a gift certificate and a sign to display in their yard.
Suzanne Babb, executive director of the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce, wants the program to not just recognize those who make Sevier County look good, but to encourage others to do so as well.
“This is something that was done several years ago and we’re excited to bring it back,” said Babb. “With lots of visitors expected for next year’s eclipse, we want that first impression to be really good. Plus, there’s a sense of pride that spreads in a community when residents take that extra effort to make their yards look good. It’s something that will help encourage more people to do the same.”
In addition to the award and sign, winners will be highlighted on the radio and local newspaper as well as on social media. Winners will be limited to no more than once per year. The year-round program will include best decorations for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The judging committee will focus on a number of criteria, ranging from general yard appearance to use of Arkansas native plants and landscaping design.
Babb said members of the community are welcome to nominate homes for the program.
“You can nominate yourself, you can nominate your neighbor or just a beautiful yard you see while you’re driving around,” said Babb. “We have judges that will go out at the end of each month and pick the Yard of the Month.”
The chamber hopes to expand the program to highlight local businesses and their efforts to beautify the county. Other projects within the “Sevierly Beautiful” campaign are also expected in the coming months, especially ahead of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. That event is expected to be the greatest tourism draw ever to occur both in Sevier County as well as the entire state.
For more information, and to nominate a Sevier County home for the Yard of the Month program, call (870) 584-3225 or stop by the chamber office at 315 W. Stilwell Ave. in downtown De Queen.
Leopards face Sand Lizards for state soccer title this Saturday 05/19/23 DE QUEEN – The Leopards head out Saturday morning to compete in the 4A State Soccer Championship in hopes of earning their seventh state title.
The Leopards punched their ticket to the state finals after a thrilling win against Berryville last Saturday. The Leopards are now set to face the Dardanelle Sand Lizards this Saturday, May 20 for the 4A State Soccer Championship matchup. Game time is 10 a.m. on Saturday at the UCA Bill Stephens Track/Soccer Complex.
Foreman Testicle Festival is Saturday 05/19/23
FOREMAN – Don’t miss the 23rd annual Testicle Festival Saturday May 20 at the Backyard Social Club, 287 Hwy 41 South in Foreman.
Gates open at 11 a.m. with a $5admission. Brunch with your favorite drinks and Calf Fries starting at 4 p.m. Limited menu with catfish, nuggets, burgers and fries. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy music beginning at 3 p.m. with several bands. The popular 23rd annual t-shirts will be on sale.
Don’t miss the Testicle Festival Saturday May 20 at the Backyard Social Club, Highway 41 South in Foreman.
Legacy Academy announces top grads ahead of May 27 commencement ceremony 05/19/23 Salutatorian Dori Bartek
LOCKESBURG, ARK—Legacy Academy announced Ethan Gallagher as the Class of 2023 Valedictorian and Dori Bartek as the class’s Salutatorian. Valedictorian Ethan Gallagher
Bartek is the daughter of Monte and Ann Bartek. She will be attending Ouachita Baptist University on scholarship in the fall, majoring in Communication.
Gallagher is the son of Chad and Jessica Gallagher. He intends to study business at college. He’s received scholarship offers from Ouachita Baptist, Rhodes College, Oral Roberts University, Dallas Baptist University, and Washington and Lee University. He hopes to finalize his college of choice soon. Legacy Academy will hold its commencement ceremony on Thursday, May, 25th at 7 p.m. at its campus in Lockesburg.
Date and venue change for Harvey fundraiser 05/19/23
BROKEN BOW, Okla. – An unexpected tragedy occurred for the Harvey family on May 9th, 2023, when their daughter, Stormi Lea Harvey, was lost in a two-car accident in Valliant, OK. Stormi Harvey, 7 months pregnant, was transported to McCurtain County Memorial hospital where her baby was delivered before her passing. Stormi was just 23yrs old.
There has been a date and venue change to a fundraising event planned for this weekend. Outlaw BBQ located in De Queen will be hosting a benefit dinner from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 at the Broken Bow Middle School Cafeteria. Visit Outlaw BBQ on Facebook. An Event has been created on that page with details for the benefit dinner. There will also be an online auction to aid the Harvey family with funeral costs. It will be held from Sunday, May 21st, 2023 to Sunday, June 4, 2023 with all proceeds donated to the Harvey family.
Many area businesses from Oklahoma AND Arkansas have donated items. If your business would like to donate an auction item, please call Ashley (Outlaw BBQ) at 479-322-9840 or Karis at 580-433-5810. These folks will arrange to pick up your donations.
You may also drop off Auction Items at the KDQN Studios in De Queen, Arkansas or contact Jennifer Higgins, Regional Sales Manager, at 850-781-5500 for assistance.
You can make a monetary donation for this family at Bunch-Singleton Funeral Home in Broken Bow, Oklahoma to assist this family with funeral arrangements OR you can make a monetary donation at McCurtain County National Bank. An account has been set up under the name: Stormi or Tyler Harvey to assist the family with medical costs for Baby Harvey as well as funeral arrangements for Stormi Harvey.
Horatio High School graduation is tonight 05/18/23
HORATIO – Horatio High School will say “farewell” to the Class of 2023 during a graduation ceremony this evening.
The commencement ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Lions Stadium. Horatio High School Principal Gayla Youngblood announced that the 2023 Summa Cum Laude graduates are Brooklyn Roberts and Megan Midgett.
The high school school is hosting a number of events today, including a senior student appreciation at 9 a.m. and the senior walk through Horatio Elementary at 11 a.m. A parent appreciation event will be held at 12 noon.
Speaking of, Horatio Elementary will host kindergarten graduation on May 22 at 8:30 that morning. Sixth grade graduation is also set for May 22 at 1 p.m. The last day of school for Horatio students is May 25.
Benefit planned after expecting mother passes away 05/18/23
An unexpected tragedy occurred for the Harvey family on May 9th, 2023, when their daughter, Stormi Lea Harvey, was lost in a two-car accident in Valliant, OK. Stormi Harvey, 7 months pregnant, was transported to McCurtain County Memorial hospital where her baby was delivered before her passing. Stormi was just 23yrs old.
Outlaw BBQ located in De Queen, AR will be hosting a benefit dinner for the Harvey family in Wright City, Oklahoma from 12noon to 4pm on Sunday, May 21st at the Choctaw Nation Building 105 W. 10th Street – Wright City, OK 74745. Visit Outlaw BBQ on Facebook. An Event has been created on that page with details for the benefit dinner. There will also be an online auction to aid the Harvey family with funeral costs. It will be held from Sunday, May 21st, 2023 to Sunday, June 4th, 2023 with all proceeds donated to the Harvey family. More info to come.…
Many area businesses from Oklahoma AND Arkansas have donated items. If your business would like to donate an auction item, please call Ashley (Outlaw BBQ) at 479-322-9840 or Karis at 580-433-5810. These folks will arrange to pick up your donations.
You may also drop off Auction Items at the KDQN Studios in De Queen, Arkansas or contact Jennifer Higgins, Regional Sales Manager, at 850-781-5500 for assistance.
Other Ways to Help:
You can make a monetary donation for this family at Bunch-Singleton Funeral Home in Broken Bow, Oklahoma to assist this family with funeral arrangements OR you can make a monetary donation at McCurtain County National Bank. An account has been set up under the name: Stormi or Tyler Harvey to assist the family with medical costs for Baby Harvey as well as funeral arrangements for Stormi Harvey.
Tri-Lakes Big Bass Festival just 10 days away, registration continues 05/17/23
DE QUEEN – One of the region’s biggest fishing competitions is just 10 days away. The 33rd annual Judge Ray Tri-Lakes Big Bass Festival is scheduled for May 27 on De Queen, Dierks and Gillham Lakes.
The event is scheduled for 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 27 at all three lakes. The early registration fee is $65 and enters each angler into a chance to win some of the more than $20,000 in cash prizes for this year’s bass tournament. On-site registration is $70. Anglers can take advantage of the $75 registration bundle which includes the chance to win an extra $50 if your catch takes first place during the hourly weigh-in.
This year’s cash awards include the $10,000 Snag the Bass presented by De Queen Auto Group. The prize will go to whoever catches the tagged bass during the event. The bass will be released secretly before the tournament at one of the three featured lakes.
This year’s cash award for the overall biggest bass has been increased to $2,000. Organizers are also offering a $200 bonus for hourly winners.
The long-running and hugely-popular bass tournament was renamed last year in honor of the late Sevier County Judge Greg Ray. Ray was an instrumental organizer of the event for many years.
The tournament is hosted each year by the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce.
Registration forms are available now at the KDQN studios and the chamber office on the courthouse square in downtown De Queen. Registration forms can also be obtained by calling the chamber at (870) 584-3225.
For more information, contact Jarod Lyon at (870) 582-5719 or the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce at (870) 584-3225.
CRSD hires Lisa Cowart as new principal for Cossatot Primary 05/17/23
WICKES – Cossatot River School District is welcoming a new administrator with the hiring of Lisa Cowart as principal for Cossatot River Primary School.
Cowart comes to the district with 10 years in education, including as the special education coordinator at Centerpoint School District. Before then she served as a kindergarten teacher.
Cowart holds a bachelors degree from Henderson State University and a masters in educational leadership from Arkansas State University.
She and her husband Graig live in Lodi where they operate a poultry and cattle farm.
Arkansas BBB warns of home warranty deceptive advertising 05/17/23
Arkansas homeowners are being targeted by a deceptive advertising campaign that appear to be from their mortgage company. According to numerous BBB Scam Tracker reports, the letters are a deceptive solicitation for a home warranty service.
How the scam works
You receive a letter that appears to come from your mortgage provider. It’s allegedly from the company’s “Home Warranty Dept,” and claims that your home warranty must be renewed.
One BBB Scam Tracker report noted: “At the very bottom of the letter in small print is the comment, ‘Not all consumers have previous coverage. We are not affiliated with your current mortgage.’” Another homeowner reported: “The mailing is made to look like a check: it has the tear-away sides and inside is a ‘Renewal Fee Voucher’ for $199.00. It’s not a check: it’s an attempt to get you to sign up for a home warranty.”
If you don’t read the fine print (or it doesn’t appear in the letter you receive), you’ll likely be concerned your home warranty has lapsed and your mortgage is at risk. You won’t be dealing with your mortgage lender if you call the number and “renew” your warranty. Instead, you will have given money and personal information to a company that employs deceptive advertising tactics.
Recent examples submitted to BBB vary widely in appearance and presentation. Still, they have two things in common – they all ask the homeowner to take urgent action on their home warranty, and they all appear to come from the homeowner’s mortgage company.
New homeowners may be particularly at risk for buying into these deceptive claims.
The major provisions of the new Protect Arkansas Act are well known, but they are only a few of the many measures passed during the 2023 regular session.
One provision in the act will eliminate the practice of credit bonding. People who are charged with a crime must put up 10 percent of the bond amount, to ensure they will attend hearings and trials. However, some bail bondsmen allow the accused people to pay in installments, so they have not even put up 10 percent of their bond at the time they go to trial.
The act requires prison officials to place inmates in a unit within 250 miles of their children, if possible. Restrictions on visits by inmates’ children are loosened, and female inmates who deliver a baby while in prison are allowed more opportunities to be with the newborns.
Specialty courts, such as drug courts, can hire behavioral health experts to work with people with mental health issues who come before the courts.
A little-noticed provision in the act creates a statewide dog program, for children and vulnerable victims who must participate in criminal justice proceedings. The dogs are a calming influence in what might otherwise be an intimidating setting.
The most well-known provisions of Act 659 are those that require the most violent offenders to serve 100 percent of their sentences. Other serious offenders must serve at least 85 percent of their sentence, and inmates will have to complete drug rehab and job training in order to accumulate good time.
The legislature enacted a series of other anti-crime measures. For example, the theft of catalytic converters has risen more than 1,000 percent over the past few years. That’s because they contain valuable metals.
In response, the Arkansas legislature passed Act 264 to make theft of a catalytic converter a felony, and to require scrap metal dealers to keep records when they purchase used catalytic converters.
Act 508 creates the offense of operating a “chop shop,” where stolen motor vehicles are altered to disguise their identification numbers, or broken down for parts for resale.
Act 762 makes it a crime to erase serial numbers from motor vehicles, boats, farm equipment and their parts.
Deaths due to fentanyl have skyrocketed. Exact numbers are difficult to calculate because many other illegal drugs are laced with fentanyl. In 2021 the state Health Department estimated that 618 deaths from drug overdoses in 2021 and 65 percent were caused by fentanyl. Those numbers were a driving force when the legislature passed Act 739 of 2023 to increase criminal penalties for knowingly exposing another person to fentanyl.
Recently, law enforcement and health officials have discovered that a loophole in the law allowed retail stores to sell a derivative of hemp that contains THC, the active ingredient in marijuana that causes intoxication. They’re generally known as Delta-8 products, and thanks to Act 629 they are now illegal.
Act 420 increases the criminal penalties for physically abusing referees and umpires at sporting events.
Act 354 makes it easier for victims to sue businesses that profit from human trafficking, such as hotels and trucking firms.
Bond set at $10k for Dierks woman accused of Booster Club embezzlement 05/16/23
DIERKS – Bond has been set for the former bookkeeper of the Dierks Booster Club after she was accused of stealing over $52,000 from the organization. According to records with the Howard County Circuit Court, 39-year-old Kacie Nicole Quinn of Dierks appeared for an arraignment last week where she posted a $10,000 bond for a single count of theft of property in addition to two counts of fraudulent use of a credit/debit card.
Quinn is accused of stealing more than $52,000 over the course of a year from the Dierks Booster Club.
An investigation by the Dierks Police Department earlier this year determined funds were missing from the Dierks Booster Club. The Arkansas State Police was then called in to assist in the investigation. Authorities eventually tied the missing funds to Quinn, who is alleged to have transferred them to her personal account. Items purchased with the funds allegedly include beer, a personal massager and baby clothes.
All in all, the stolen funds amounted to around $52,000. Quinn is alleged to have stolen the funds between the summer of 2022 until the investigation earlier this year. The stolen funds were initially raised by the Dierks Booster Club through various fundraising efforts.
A pre-trial hearing for Quinn has been set for this August.
Panthers earn spot in state championship game this Friday 05/16/23
CONWAY – The Ashdown Panthers advanced to the Finals of the State Championship Friday at UCA after a 6 to 1 victory Sunday against Morrilton followed up by a 17 to 2 victory in the semi final game against Brookland.
Walt Jones pitched 6 strong innings while Grayson Porter closed in the seventh to beat Morrilton. Timely hitting by Gunnar Altenbaumer and Nash Brown led the Panther attack.
On Monday, Ashdown scored in every inning highlighted by a 7 run 5 hit first inning. The Panthers scored 3 runs in the 2nd inning, 2 in the 3rd and 5 in the 4th while blasting 14 hits off Brookland Bearcats pitching.
The hitting stars were many: Walt Jones scored 3 runs, Nash Brown had 2 hits including a triple, Caleb Blakenship had 3 runs batted in, Derek Hilton had 3 hits, Grayson Porter had 3 hits and Mason Washington had 5 runs batted in. Porter struck out 7 batters in 3 innings while Kyler Jones closed the final 2 innings. The Panthers will play Lonoke for the 4A State Championship Friday at UCA at 10 a.m. The pre game show will begin at 9:45 on The Good Path.
Canva workshop in De Queen 05/16/23
DHS commencement ceremony for Class of 2023 is tonight 05/15/23
DE QUEEN – De Queen Public Schools will be hosting the De Queen High School Commencement for the DHS Class of 2023 on Monday, May 15th at 8 PM. The Leopard Family is excited for the students who will soon be graduating and we are looking forward to watching as they celebrate with their family and friends. To help us ensure that Monday night goes smoothly and safely, we have included some important information and reminders. Please read, share, and follow the guidelines below to help us make Monday night’s graduation a great night to be a Leopard!!! DHS Graduation Ceremony Policies and Guidelines
Leopard Stadium gates will open at 6 PM. If there is inclement weather, the ceremony will move to the Leopard Coliseum, and doors will open at 7 PM. If inclement weather is in the forecast, De Queen Public Schools will notify the public by 5 PM of a change in venue on the day of graduation.
Balloons will not be allowed to enter the stadium until after the ceremony is over. This is so that all spectators have a clear line of sight to the graduates and to avoid any safety hazards. Family members are welcome to bring in balloons once the ceremony has concluded.
Please stay off the field turf during the ceremony. Lawn Chairs will be allowed on the track but need to be kept away from the turf so that the graduates have enough room to walk by.
Ceremony Conclusion: Please remain off of the field until the graduates have finished their walk to the south end of the field in front of the video board. This is for the safety of all graduates and their families.
Once the graduates have finished their walk the field will be open for families to find their graduates, celebrate, and take family photos. This procedure will prevent a bottleneck of graduates and spectators in the north end of the stadium and allow everyone enough space to move freely.
Regarding Stole/Cords: Graduates are only allowed to wear stoles and cords issued by DHS, UAC, or the military. We encourage parents and family to keep all other stoles in their possession until after the ceremony.
Graduates can pick up their official diplomas at the DHS office on Tuesday, May 16.
Leopards to battle Dardanelle in state soccer championship game 05/15/23 DE QUEEN – The Leopards punched their ticket to the 4A State Soccer Championship after a thrilling win against Berryville on Saturday.
The state tournament kicked off on Thursday, May 11 for the Leopards with a 4-0 victory over Lisa West Academy. The Lady Leopards also secured a victory that day with a 2-1 win against Heber Springs. Both teams were back in action on Friday.
While the Lady Leopards fought all game and played their hearts out, they fell 2-1 against Praire Grove and ended their run for the state championship title. The Lady Leopards closed out their season undefeated in the regular season and as conference tournament champions.
“These young ladies made steady improvement and were playing some great ball at the end of the year,” said Head Coach Stephen Sloan. “Proud of our seniors and what they have meant to this program. Some grest soccer players, but even better young ladies. Thank you for all you gave to the program.”
The senior Lady Leopards leave after three years with two conference titles, a semifinal appearance at state and two quarterfinals appearances.
“That’s something to always look back on and be super proud of,” said Sloan.”
The Leopards advanced to the semifinals on Friday following their 2-0 victory over Farmington. With their win against Berryville on Saturday, the Leopards are now set to face the Dardanelle Sand Lizards this Saturday, May 20 for the 4A State Soccer Championship matchup. Game time is 10 a.m. on Saturday at the UCA Bill Stephens Track/Soccer Complex.
Sloan said his boys are champing at the bit to earn another state championship to the already-impressive list claimed by the Leopards since 2009.
“We’re ready, we’re excited and can’t wait to get there, take on Dardanelle and hopefully bring home another state championship for the De Queen Leopards,” said Sloan.
“Click-it-or-Ticket” campaign kicks off May 22 05/15/23
The Arkansas law enforcement community is urging motorists to buckle up during the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) national Click It or Tickethigh-visibility enforcement effort. The national seat belt campaign, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs from May 22 to June 4, 2023.
“We want seat belt use to be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “It’s not only the safe thing to do — it’s the law. During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out. Buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash. We see the results of not wearing a seat belt all the time. We see the loss of life. So often, tragedy could have been prevented by just wearing a seat belt.”
According to NHTSA, there were 11,813 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States in 2021. In that same year, 57% of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.) were not wearing their seat belts. That’s why nighttime enforcement is an important focus of the Click It or Ticketcampaign. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations both day and night.
No matter the type of vehicle you’re driving in or the type of road you’re driving on, the best way to stay safe is to wear your seat belt. Unfortunately, many families are suffering because their loved ones neglected to follow this simple step. In fact, 228 of the Arkansas motorists killed in 2021 were not buckled up. Additionally, NHTSA data show that seat belt use is higher among females than males. In fact, nearly twice as many males were killed in crashes as compared to females in 2021. Of the males killed in crashes during that same year, more than half (54%) were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 42% were not buckled up.
“If the Click It or Ticketenforcement effort alerts people to the dangers of not wearing a seat belt, we’ll consider our mission a success,” said Colonel Hagar. “If you know someone who does not buckle up, please ask them to consider changing their habits. Help us spread this lifesaving message. Seat belts save lives. Remember to buckle up.”
For more information on the Click It or Ticketmobilization, please visit NHTSA.gov/ciot or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136, and go to https://www.tzdarkansas.org/to learn about Arkansas’ Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities.
Open House in DQ today to welcome Edward Jones Advisor LaTonya McElroy 05/12/23
LaTonya McElroy is the new financial advisor for the Edward Jones office in De Queen. DE QUEEN – Edward Jones will host an open house in De Queen today to introduce the company’s new advisor to the community.
The U.S.-based financial services firm has hired LaTonya McElroy to serve as the new advisor for its De Queen-based office. The come-and-go style open house will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its location on 501 W. Collin Raye Drive.
McElroy came to Edward Jones in December of 2022 with over two decades of human resource and relationship-building experience. She said her move to Edward Jones felt like a natural transition given her professional skillset.
“I started out in staffing and then migrated to training, HR director, HR manager, vice president, senior vice president, EVP, chief people officer,” said McElroy. “I absolutely loved helping people, serving people. I called myself the chief care bear because my position was about taking care of people.”
What was lacking, said McElroy, was a chance to help her colleagues properly prepare for retirement.
“It is a natural move because where I felt we were missing a piece [in my previous career] was that we weren’t really helping people prepare for retirement,” said McElroy. “In a lot of cases, people were not prepared. They would have to come back to work. The reality that I now get to do this every day – help people prepare for retirement – is something I feel blessed for.”
McElroy said she is honored to take over as Edward Jones’ De Queen advisor from Doug Akin, who served with the firm for over 15 years. Akin untimely passed away in 2022, but McElroy said his legacy and his faith are an inspiration as she moves in to the position.
“He built the business on his values,” said McElroy. “He loved God, he loved his clients and he loved his community. Other financial advisors and other people I’ve met who knew Doug told me how funny he was, but Doug also took his clients and his work very seriously. I share the values Doug had. I love God, love my family. I will never be Doug, but I definitely want us to continue that level of service, treating people right, and doing the right thing, just like Doug always did. We want nothing more than to do just that and partner with people to reach their long-term goals.”
Like Akin, McElroy said her mission through Edward Jones is to help everyone reach a level of financial security – whether that means retirement or meeting nearer term goals.
“Just because you stop working, doesn’t mean your money has to,” explained McElroy. “Whether it’s renovating your home one day, sending your children or grandchildren to college, we’re here to help people achieve those goals.”
McElroy’s faith runs deep in her family. Her husband is pastor of a Texarkana church and together they have served in various ministries for the previous 16 years. Together they have raised five children – four of whom are either in college or are engaged in successful careers of their own. The fifth is currently nearing his high school graduation.
In 2012, McElroy was featured in the Four States Living Magazine’s professional highlights as a Fabulous 40 & Under professional.
For more information on Edward Jones, contact McElroy at the De Queen office by calling (870) 642-2431 or stop by during this Friday’s open house between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the office on 501 W. Collin Raye Drive in De Queen. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Long-time board member Jeff Irvan recognized by Horatio Public Schools 05/12/23 16 years of service – Jeff Irvan was recognized by Horatio Public Schools officials with a retirement plaque in honor of his 16 years of service to the Horatio School Board and the entire school district. School officials said Irvan has served as a model of leadership for the school board during his 16 years with the organization. Irvan, right, is pictured receiving the plaque from Horatio Superintendent Zane Vanderpool (photo courtesy of Horatio Public Schools).
NWS issues Hazardous Weather Outlook ahead of potential thunderstorms 05/12/23 DE QUEEN – The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the listening area ahead of more storms expected to impact the region today and through the weekend.
Currently, this is a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms today with similar chances tonight and through Sunday evening. Rain and thunderstorm chances in fact persist through the end of next week.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service are not anticipating severe weather, but said gusty winds, heavy downpours and dangerous cloud to ground lightening are possible during some of the strongest storms expected this weekend.
The Hazardous Weather Outlook, which will persist through next Wednesday, includes Sevier, Howard, Little River and McCurtain Counties.
HealthCare Express hosting 3rd annual De Queen Street Dance 05/12/23
DE QUEEN – HealthCare Express will host its third annual Street Dance in De Queen this weekend for a night of fun and raising support for local veterans.
The Street Dance kicks off at 5 p.m. on De Queen Avenue in downtown De Queen and will continue until nine that evening. De Queen Avenue will be blocked to traffic to allow a whole night of dancing and fun.
The event will include live music, vendor booths, arts & crafts, food and more. The price of admission is a can of food or other nonperishable food item. The De Queen Fire Station will be open until midnight to collect those items. The food collected at the Street Dance will be given to the American Legion Post #54 in De Queen to distribute to local veterans facing food insecurity.
HealthCare Express is a veteran-owned business and organizers say they are excited to partner with the American Legion Post #54 to assist local veterans in need.
Lion Daven Rodriguez competes in Meet of Champions 05/12/23 Daven Rodriguez raced to a seventh place finish in the 400-meter dash at the 2023 Arkansas Meet of Champions on Wednesday. Despite rough weather and track conditions, he again proved himself one of the best in our state. Daven earned a trip to compete against the best student-athletes from across the state after winning the Class 2A State Championship in the 400-meter dash earlier this week. (photo courtesy of Horatio Public Schools)
Arkansas posts best turkey harvest in years 05/12/23
LITTLE ROCK — With the last weekend of the 2023 Arkansas turkey season in the rearview mirror, hunters have tallied 9,193 checked birds. This is an increase of 21% percent from 2022 and the first time since 2017 that the harvest topped the 9,000-bird mark.
Last year’s brood survey also indicates good reproduction, which should translate to more mature gobblers on the ground next year as well. Arkansas may not boast the turkey habitat of traditional turkey hotspots such as Missouri or Tennessee, but numbers are trending up thanks to favorable weather in some areas during the nesting seasons since 2020. Gobbler carryover appears to have been good last year thanks to the “No Jakes” harvest regulation and continued efforts by agencies and private landowners to put good habitat on the ground.
The harvest isn’t the only increasing number in Arkansas’s turkey woods. With the help of the Arkansas State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the AGFC has been able to add or open 3,206 acres of land for public access since 2018.
Through sales of its state license plate, created in 2015, the NWTF-AR board of directors direct revenue toward conservation and education across Arkansas. These efforts include land acquisition, habitat enhancement, scholarships and mentored hunting programs.
Area commencement ceremonies kick off May 15 05/11/23
DE QUEEN – Area schools will host their graduation ceremonies in the coming days and weeks to say farewell to this year’s senior class. The graduation ceremony for the 2023 Class of De Queen High School will be held May 15. Seniors are asked to meet at 6 p.m. at the arena for class pictures. The graduation ceremony will kick off at 8 p.m. at Leopard Stadium. The commencement ceremony for the Cossatot River High School Class of 2023 will be held May 15 beginning at 6 p.m. at Stevenson Gymnasium on the high school campus.
Horatio High School will say “farewell” to the Class of 2023 during a graduation ceremony scheduled for May 18.
The commencement ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. on May 18 at Lions Stadium – weather permitting.
Horatio High School Principal Gayla Youngblood announced that the 2023 Summa Cum Laude graduates are Brooklyn Roberts and Megan Midgett.
Legacy Academy in Lockesburg will honor its seniors as the school year comes to an end.
Seniors’ last day of class and grades is today. Seniors will participate in the school-wide annual Water Day this Friday. Seniors will return to campus on Wednesday, May 17 for Senior Day. This will include the senior walk of the hallways, a senior reception with parents and students, where they and others will reflect on their time as students at Legacy Academy.
A Senior Assembly, where members of the senior class will share with the student body scriptures and the impact upon their spiritual lives that Legacy Academy has provided and their parting counsel and advice to underclassmen. The school-wide Honors and Awards Ceremony will be held the following evening on May 18 in the school auditorium.
The commencement ceremony for Legacy Academy’s Class of 2023 will be held Friday, May 26 at 7pm in the evening at the Warrior Gym on Legacy’s campus in Lockesburg.
Horatio woman, Broken Bow bull to compete in upcoming PBR championships 05/11/23
For the second time in history, the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) will hold its prestigious World Finals in Fort Worth, Texas, with the 2023 PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast set to buck into the state-of-the-art Dickies Arena from May 12-21.
With each out at a PBR event comprised of two athletes, both rider and bull, not only will one rider be crowned the 2023 PBR World Champion inside Dickies Arena, but one bovine athlete will also be anointed the 2023 YETI PBR World Champion Bucking Bull, earning an accompanying $100,000 bonus, at the conclusion of the seven-day event.
Among the more than 100 animal athletes that have qualified, one animal athlete from Broken Bow, Oklahoma’s Julian Cattle Co. has qualified to compete – Brimstone.
For more on the complete list of qualifiers, click here.
Held alongside the PBR World Finals, the Women’s Rodeo World Championship (WRWC) will return to Fort Worth, Texas, for the fourth consecutive season. Among the more than 200 women’s athletes that have qualified, Horatio, Arkansas’ Brylee Braden will begin the competition as a Top 3 seed in the Breakaway Roping.
The Women’s Rodeo World Championship, the world’s richest women’s only rodeo, will take over the iconic Cowtown Coliseum May 18-20, as the world’s preeminent women’s rodeo athletes duke it out for the title of 2023 Women’s Rodeo World Champion.
For three nights only, the world’s best women in rodeo competing in four disciplines will battle it out in one of the most exciting female-only live sporting events to witness, going head-to-head in team roping, breakaway roping and barrel racing. A collective $750,000 will be on the line, with $182,500 being paid out in each discipline and each event champion leaving the Cowtown Coliseum with a minimum of $60,000.
Belle Lindsey places third in 300m hurdles at Meet of Champs 05/11/23
A huge congrats to De Queen High School senior Belle Lindsey, who finished third in the 300 hurdles in the meet of champions on Wednesday. Her fellow Meet of Champions competitor from De Queen High School, Donyae Whitmore finished ninth in the shot put. These Leopards competed against the best in the state from all classifications.
Foreman to host 23rd annual Testicle Festival May 20 05/11/23
FOREMAN – Don’t miss the 23rd annual Testicle Festival Saturday May 20 at the Backyard Social Club, 287 Hwy 41 South in Foreman.
Gates open at 11 a.m. with a $5admission. Brunch with your favorite drinks and Calf Fries starting at 4 p.m. Limited menu with catfish, nuggets, burgers and fries. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy music beginning at 3 p.m. with several bands. The popular 23rd annual t-shirts will be on sale.
Don’t miss the Testicle Festival Saturday May 20 at the Backyard Social Club, Highway 41 South in Foreman.
Bunyard Broadcasting awards over $2,800 to DQTV through broadcast partnership 05/11/23
DE QUEEN -On Tuesday Bunyard Broadcasting, Inc. CEO Jay Bunyard, CFO Jacob Bunyard, and Regional Sales Manager Jennifer Higgins presented a check in the amount of $2,805 to DQTV’s Beau McCastlain, De Queen School District Communications Director and Television Production Program Instructor.
This third check for the 2022-2023 school year represents sponsorship proceeds from the KDQN – DQTV partnership for the live coverage of the De Queen Leopards and Lady Leopards during soccer season.
This live coverage would not have been possible without the support of these Leopards soccer boosters: Pruett’s Foods, Pinnacle Propane, De Queen Auto Group, Kawasaki of Idabel, Southern Home Furniture and Interiors, Jorge Rivas Garage and Wrecker Service, Don’s EZ Pay, Health Care Express, Outlaw Bar BQ, Sevier County Farmers Cooperative, Simply Chiropractic, Southeast Feed, Southwest Arkansas Accounting Services, Tri-Lakes Realty, and Gentry Chevrolet.
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.
Sheriff’s Office investigating vandalism at Horatio Cemetery 05/09/23
Several headstones at the Horatio Cemetery were recently vandalized. HORATIO – Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in determining who vandalized a Sevier County cemetery over the weekend. According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, an individual or group shamefully vandalized several headstones at the Horatio Cemetery located next to the Pit Stop. The incident is believed to have occurred over the weekend.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office by calling (870) 642-2125.
Sevier County, De Queen Schools to go solar 05/09/23
DE QUEEN – Solar power is getting a big boost in Sevier County following the approval of contracts by the Sevier County Quorum Court and De Queen School Board with a leading Arkansas-based solar energy provider on Monday.
The contracts authorize the county and De Queen School District to receive solar power through a 28-year agreement with Scenic Hill Solar. Based in Arkansas and founded by former Lt. Gov. Bill Halter, Scenic Hill Solar has become the state’s top producer of solar power with dozens of arrays spread across Arkansas.
Halter presented proposals during both the Sevier County Quorum Court and De Queen School Board meetings on Monday. A major focus of Halter’s presentation was the lower energy costs associated with solar power. For De Queen Public Schools – one of the county’s largest energy consumers – going solar is expected to cut energy costs by nearly $1.3 million over the 28-year contract period.
De Queen Superintendent Jason Sanders said this kind of cost-reduction opportunity does not often arise.
“What that means for De Queen Schools is an average savings of our projected energy costs of approximately $40,000 a year over the next 30 years,” said Sanders. “There aren’t many decisions I can recommend to the school board to approve that have the possibility of saving up to $1.2 million.”
The solar farm Scenic Hill Solar is preparing for the University of Arkansas System will be the largest in the state when it is completed and provide solar power to all of its statewide campuses. Currently, the largest solar arrays in the state provide power to L’Oreal’s two manufacturing facilities in Arkansas and are also operated by Scenic Hill Solar. The company has also established arrays for the City of Hot Springs and a 160-acre solar farm for Producers Rice Mill in Stuttgart.
The De Queen City Council voted last week to approve a similar 28-year contract with Scenic Hill Solar. Talks are also underway to convert the Sevier County Medical Center to solar power. The contracts include a rate around half that currently offered through SWEPCO and include a fixed escalation rate of three percent annually. City officials estimate nearly a million dollars in energy cost savings over the 28-year contract.
Scenic Hill Solar will build and maintain Sevier County’s solar farm as part of the agreement. Once the array is completed, the company will then sell its power to the participating entities at a reduced rate. Company officials estimate the array could be operational within eight to 10 months.
The system will connect to SWEPCO’s existing grid. That means power would still be available to participants in the event the solar array is damaged or suffers a system failure.
Scenic Hill Solar founder Bill Halter said his company has focused on creating solar power in Arkansas by relying almost entirely on American-made components. The goal, he explained, is to help America become a leader in a field that has been traditionally dominated by China.
“By bringing together the best American companies in all of the different component parts that are necessary to put together a solar power plant, even down to the steel, we offer opportunities for collaboration for all of those American companies,” said Halter. “By doing that, it is part of our effort to help restore American companies to a position of preeminence in what is, right now, the fastest growing industry in America and the fastest growing source of new jobs in America.”
Scenic Hill’s project in Sevier County will not include residential solar. He said that is a purposeful decision to allow the company to focus on the energy needs of Arkansas’ middle markets – government, educational institutions, commercial entities and industries.
“We are happy to refer people to good providers of residential solar, but the reason we stay focused on this sector is that we believe we can be the best in this particular segment of the market,” said Halter.
The next steps for Scenic Hill Solar includes locating a potential site for a four megawatt solar farm in Sevier County. The company hopes to construct the array for all four participating entities in one location, but could rely on multiple locations if so needed.
Either way, solar power is coming to Sevier County in a big way. Within less than a year, the sun’s energy will be harnessed right here in Sevier County to power the lights at Leopard Coliseum, the pumps that bring water to De Queen residents and the computers which allow officials to conduct county business.
“There are a lot of advantages for this underlying technology and, to bring it all together, this is the reason we’re here today in De Queen. We’re excited about the project with the city and the county, and we’re hoping to announce a couple of more projects in Sevier County in the very near term,” Halter said.
Friends of De Queen Lake Trail project to receive $240,000 05/09/23
DE QUEEN – Organizers behind the effort to build a network of mountain bike and hiking trails at De Queen Lake were overjoyed on Monday when they officially received nearly $250,000 to help complete the project.
During its meeting on Monday, the Sevier County Quorum Court authorized the county to receive a $200,000 grant on behalf of the Friends of the De Queen Lake Trail – the organization behind the project. Justices of the Peace also approved a motion to provide the 20 percent match required by the grant, a total of $40,000.
For Lorena Branson, one of the main organizers behind the project, the grant marks a huge step forward to completing the much-anticipated trail.
“This is huge,” said Branson. “This means the money we’ve already raised can be used to enhance the trail, future payments for more trails. It’s just a big win for the county and I’m over the moon excited.”
The group has nearly four miles of mountain biking trails nearly complete, just lacking some final work. The group hopes to continue to add to the trail by expanding the main path and adding on additional loops.
“There’s 3.6 miles right now that just have to be fine-tuned by a construction company and then there are some other loops in this area,” said Branson. “We hope to expand and use the $240,000 to do that.”
The Friends of the De Queen Lake Trial anticipate the completed trail network to serve as a significant tourist attraction given the growing popularity of mountain biking. The goal, said long-time organizer Erik Smith, is to get De Queen on the map for mountain bike enthusiasts.
“The ultimate goal is to get the 3.6 miles cleaned up, those four smaller additional trails going, and have around seven to eight miles of trails right there at Pine Ridge,” said Smith. “From what I understand, between 12 and 15 miles makes you a real destination. If we get to that mark we’ll be a spot that’s really attractive for riders to visit.”
The project’s trailhead, which has been open to the public since the beginning, is located behind the bathrooms at Pine Ridge Campground on De Queen Lake. Organizers plan to use the newly-awarded funds to construct permanent markers in addition to finalizing trail construction.
Branson and Smith said the group is also working on ways for the community to support the project, including through trail section naming opportunities and an adopt-a-trail program to help keep it clean and maintained.
For more information, and to keep up to date with the trail project, visit Friends of the De Queen Lake Trail on Facebook.
Today is RSVP deadline for upcoming eclipse seminars 05/09/23
DE QUEEN – State officials are planning to host several seminars in Southwest Arkansas next week to help get local communities prepared for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse and the deadline to participate is today.
The discussion is being organized by the Create Bridges team at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and will be offered at all three of UA Cossatot’s campuses: May 16 in the Weyerhaeuser Room on the De Queen campus; May 17 in the Barbara Horn Civic Center in Ashdown; and May 18 in Classrooms 101-102 on the Nashville campus.
The event is free and will include lunch. Pre-registration is required by contacting Brandon L. Mathews at bmathews@uada.edu or by calling (501) 671-2085. RSVP by May 9.
Organizers invite everyone to join the “Solar Eclipse Gurus” and the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society during the half-day workshops. Topics will focus on an overview of the 2024 Eclipse, business and retail preparedness, community planning tips and education for landowners who want to provide accommodations during the event. The event is tailored for business owners, restaturant and lodging providers, landowners, churches, government officials and schools.
The April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse has been described by state tourism officials as the biggest tourism event to ever occur in Arkansas. Southwest Arkansas, particularly the Gillham area in Sevier County, will have the greatest times of totality in the state according to www.Eclipse2024.org.
Horatio High School to send off Class of 2023 on May 16 05/09/23
HORATIO – Horatio High School will say “farewell” to the Class of 2023 during a graduation ceremony scheduled for May 18.
The commencement ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. on May 18 at Lions Stadium – weather permitting.
Horatio High School Principal Gayla Youngblood announced that the 2023 Summa Cum Laude graduates are Brooklyn Roberts and Megan Midgett.
Cossatot River High School graduation is May 15 05/09/23
WICKES – Cossatot River High School is preparing to send off its 2023 graduating seniors next week.
The commencement ceremony for the Cossatot River High School Class of 2023 will be held May 15 beginning at 6 p.m. at Stevenson Gymnasium on the high school campus.
In other year-end events, the district will host the 2022-23 Athletic Banquet on Thursday, May 18 at 6 p.m. Tyson Foods will be providing the main dish of grilled chicken. Organizers are asking athletes to provide sides, desserts, and drinks as specified below:
Boys basketball team members should bring a can an of pork n’ beans to Coach Richardson no later than Tuesday, May 16.
All girls basketball team members should bring a container of potato salad.
All baseball and softball team members should bring a package of Hawaiian rolls.
All soccer teammembers should bring a dessert.
All cheerleaders should bring drinks (two-liters or 12 pack cans).
Umpire High School is inviting parents, students and community members to the 2023 Academic Award and Club Reception banquet on May 16 beginning at 6 p.m. Awards to be presented include for basketball, track, cross country, Archery, eSports, FFA, High School Academics, and Honor Roll. The Elementary Awards Assembly will be on May 19 at 9 a.m. immediately following the Kindergarten graduation ceremony.
De Queen teams earn trip to state soccer tournament 05/08/23
BAUXITE – The De Queen girls and boys soccer teams won hard-fought conference tournament championships over the weekend at Bauxite High School. The Lady Leopards defeated Bauxite 1-0 in overtime, while the Leopards outlasted Hope in a shootout 5-3.
After the game was scoreless at the end of regulation, the Lady Leopards won it in overtime over Bauxite 1-0 on a goal by Emily Garcia, assisted by Samantha Hernandez. Coach Stephen Sloan also credited Wendy Victoriana for a big game. The boys game ended with a shootout as Renzo Garcia scored the winning goal in the Leopards 5-3 win over Hope.
The De Queen teams now advance to the Class 4A State Tournament. The Lady Leopards meet Heber Springs Thursday at 5:00. That’ll be followed by the Leopards and Lisa Academy of Little Rock at 7:00. Both of Thursday’s contests will be played at Bauxite High School. The State Tournament host is Robinson in Little Rock.
Panthers & Lady Panthers dominate tournament in De Queen 05/08/23
DE QUEEN – Both the Ashdown baseball and softball teams claimed the championships in the Class 4A South Regional Tournament on Saturday afternoon in De Queen. The Panthers rolled over top-seeded Nashville on the baseball diamond 14-2 in five innings as heard live on 102.1 The Good Path, while the Ashdown girls outlasted top-seeded Malvern 8-7 in the softball final.
The Ashdown baseball bats came out on fire with 13 hits in 5 innings on the way to a 14 to 2 victory, avenging two earlier losses this season to the Scrappers. Grayson Porter pitched four-and-a-third innings of no-hit baseball with 7 strikeouts. Ashdown scored runs in all 5 innings, highlighted by a 4 run third inning. Derek Hilton had 3 hits while scoring 4 runs.
Wood Walton had 2 hits and 2 runs batted in, Nash Brown, Walt Jones and Mason Washington also had 2 hits each for the Panthers. With the victory, the Panthers take a #1 seed and a bye to this week’s state tournament in Lonoke. The Panthers will play Friday at 3:00 against the winner of Thursday’s contest between Robinson and Morrilton. That game can be heard live with Jim Cross on 102.1 The Good Path and on the KILX App. Airtime is set for 2:45 Friday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Ashdown girls also battled back to claim the softball championship at De Queen Saturday with an exciting 8-7 win over Malvern. Ashdown rode outstanding pitching throughout the tournament from Maddie Cook and Zaniya Alexander. Kylie Erwin was the big stick at the plate. Kylie had three hits on both Thursday and Friday, knocking in four runs in Thursday’s victory and adding a big homerun on Friday. Other big hitters for the Ashdown girls throughout the regional tournament included: Jaela Coleman, LaKenya Williams, and Jeana Paredes. Ashdown’s girls won the Class 3A State Championship in 2022.
They’ll begin their quest for the 4A State Championship in 2023 at Lonoke High School Friday at 3:00. After earning a first-round bye, the Ashdown girls will take on the winner of Thursday’s Wynne-Morrilton winner.
DHS Class of 2023 to graduate May 15 05/08/23
DE QUEEN – De Queen High School is informing its Leopard families ofa few important dates to keep on the calendar as the current school year winds down.
The high school is hosting final exams today and tomorrow. Graduation practice is scheduled for this Wednesday, May 10 beginning at 8:30 a.m. Graduation practice will be followed by the Senior Picnic.
On Thursday, the high school will host the Senior Walk through the campus. Seniors are asked to meet behind the agri building at 7:45 that morning. The De Queen High School Scholarship Banquet will be held that evening at 6 p.m.
Graduation practice will be held again on May 12 at 8:30 a.m.
The graduation ceremony for the 2023 Class of De Queen High School will be held May 15. Seniors are asked to meet at 6 p.m. at the arena for class pictures. The graduation ceremony will kick off at 8 p.m.
Finally, the annual sports banquet will be held at 6:30 p.m. on May 22 in the De Queen High School cafeteria.
Tuesday is deadline to sign up for upcoming eclipse seminars 05/08/23
DE QUEEN – State officials are planning to host several seminars in Southwest Arkansas next week to help get local communities prepared for next year’s Total Solar Eclipse and the deadline to register for the free events is this Tuesday.
The discussion is being organized by the Create Bridges team at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and will be offered at all three of UA Cossatot’s campuses: May 16 in the Weyerhaeuser Room on the De Queen campus; May 17 in the Barbara Horn Civic Center in Ashdown; and May 18 in Classrooms 101-102 on the Nashville campus.
The event is free and will include lunch. Pre-registration is required by contacting Brandon L. Mathews at bmathews@uada.edu or by calling (501) 671-2085. RSVP by this Tuesday, May 9.
Organizers invite everyone to join the “Solar Eclipse Gurus” and the Central Arknsnas Astronomical Society during the half-day workshops. Topics will focus on an overview of the 2024 Eclipse, business and retail preparedness, community planning tips and education for landowners who want to provide accommodations during the event. The event is tailored for business owners, restaturant and lodging providers, landowners, churches, government officials and schools.
The April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse has been described by state tourism officials as the biggest tourism event to ever occur in Arkansas. Southwest Arkansas, particularly the Gillham area in Sevier County, will have the greatest times of totality in the state according to www.Eclipse2024.org.
Ashdown Scholarship Tea sets new awards record 05/08/23
A record amount of scholarships were awarded to Ashdown seniors during the annual Ashdown Scholarship Tea held last month.
The event was held on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Ashdown High School. Seventy-six scholarships valued at nearly $50,000 were given to a total of 41 Ashdown High School Seniors.
The Scholarship Committee has awarded over 100% of all donated moneys for some time due to investments. Organizers say they plan to continue this trend and strive both to recognize students’ needs and to reward their hard work and high aspirations.
Last year, the Ashdown Scholarship Committee awarded 68 scholarships with a total value of over $40,000. The committee has authorized an alumni fund through which former students of Ashdown High School, businesses, or other individuals may contribute to the program in any amount and at any time.
Such contributions may be made in honor or memory of friends and loved ones. Scholarships are tax deductible and may be sent to Ashdown Public Schools, 751 Rankin St., Ashdown, AR 71822. You may attention your correspondence to: Ashdown Scholarship Committee or call 903-826-4434 if you have any questions.
Committee Chairperson Ronda Pounds said, “Each year we are so thankful to be able to award these scholarships through generous donations from alumni, businesses, and our local community. We would like to thank all of the donors for allowing us to continue honoring our deserving seniors from Ashdown High School. We would also like to encourage businesses, as well as individuals to support the scholarship program.”
ASP to escort 300-ton kiln as it travels through South Arkansas 05/08/23
The Arkansas Department of Transportation and Arkansas Highway Police will be assisting in the transportation of a 300-ton piece of equipment along state highways from Crossett to Gum Springs.
The piece of equipment requiring transport is a kiln furnace imported from Italy and weighing more than 600,000 pounds. Its journey from Crossett to the Veolia Thermal Hazardous Waste Treatment Operation in Gum Springs is expected to take six days. The journey will take the massive piece of equipment through a part of Southwest Arkansas, though not quite in our listening area.
Nonetheless, the kiln’s travel through the region is expected to get a lot of attention and more than a few sightseers.
The equipment will be transported by Barnhart Crane and Rigging of Memphis, Tennessee. It is scheduled to leave out of the Crossett Port Wednesday, May 10, arriving in Gum Springs Monday, May 15.
Travel times will begin at 8 a.m. each weekday and at sunrise on the weekend. The transport will move no more than 5 to 20 miles per hour. Expect travel delays.
If you feel like traveling to watch the giant kiln as it travels through Arkansas, the best times may be as it makes its way from Rosston to Prescott between Saturday and Sunday and then on to Gurdon and finally Gum Springs between Sunday and Monday.
The equipment will move along the following route:
Wednesday, May 10 (8 a.m.) – US-82 at Crossett Port to AR-275 in Strong
Thursday, May 11 (8 a.m.) – US-63 to US-167 in El Dorado
Friday, May 12 (8 a.m.) – US 167B to US-79 to Stephens
Saturday, May 13 (Dawn) – Stephens to US-278 to Rosston
Sunday, May 14 (Dawn) – US-278 to US-371 to 2nd Street in Prescott; AR-24 to AR-53 to Gurdon
Monday, May 15 (8 a.m.) – AR-53 to US-67 to Gum Springs
State Rep. DeAnn Vaught weekly update 05/08/23
By State Rep. DeAnn Vaught
Since its inception in 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has identified 557 cases of human trafficking in Arkansas. Close to 1,500 victims were identified in these cases.
Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons or modern-day slavery, is a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services or to engage in commercial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle or overt, physical or psychological.
For the last several years, the General Assembly has made a continual effort to strengthen our laws regarding human trafficking. In the most recent session, we passed legislation to expand civil remedies for trafficking victims, increase fines for trafficking convictions, and clarified language in existing laws.
Act 354 allows a victim of human trafficking to bring a civil action against a person or entity who knew or should have known that the individual was being trafficked.
Act 327 increases the fines for a human trafficking conviction and trafficking-related charges to a range between $5,000 and $15,000. The bill directs that the fines be divided between specified funds that support exploited children and trafficking victims.
Act 330 ensures victims are eligible for crime victim reparations even if they do not cooperate with law enforcement.
Act 722 creates the offense of sexual solicitation of a minor and classifies the offense as a Class B felony.
Act 736 adds the words “reasonably should know” to Arkansas code regarding trafficking of persons offenses. It allows individuals to be charged if they knew or reasonably should have known they were benefitting financially or actively engaged in trafficking.
Act 772 clarifies the definition of “serious harm” under the Human Trafficking Act of 2013.
We will continue to review ways to prevent future trafficking cases and raise awareness of the issue.
To report suspected human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text the hotline at 233733.
Charges filed against woman accused of stealing $52k from Dierks Booster Club 05/04/23
DIERKS – Charges have been filed against the former bookkeeper of the Dierks Booster Club after she was accused of stealing over $52,000 from the organization. According to records with the Howard County Circuit Court, 39-year-old Kacie Nicole Quinn of Dierks was charged May 1 with a single count of theft of property in addition to two counts of fraudulent use of a credit/debit card.
An investigation by the Dierks Police Department earlier this year determined funds were missing from the Dierks Booster Club. The Arkansas State Police was then called in to assist in the investigation. Authorities eventually tied the missing funds to Quinn, who is alleged to have transferred them to her personal account. Items purchased with the funds allegedly include beer, a personal massager and baby clothes.
All in all, the stolen funds amounted to around $52,000. Quinn is alleged to have stolen the funds between the summer of 2022 until the investigation earlier this year. The stolen funds were initially raised by the Dierks Booster Club through various fundraising efforts.
Farm Bureau announces 2023 County Farm Families of the Year 05/03/23
LITTLE ROCK – The 76th annual Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program has announced its 2023 County Farm Families of the Year. This year’s Farm Families include, in Sevier County, the family of Steven Wagner of De Queen; in Little River County, the Tyler Davis family; in Howard County, Mark Myers family; and, in Polk County, the family of Rodney Sellers of Vandervoort. Since 1947, the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program has helped to recognize outstanding farm families throughout the state. The objectives of the Farm Family of the Year program are:
To give recognition and encouragement to farm families who are doing an outstanding job on their farm and in their community;
To recognize the importance of agriculture in the community and state; and
To disseminate information on improved farm practices and management.
Selection criteria for the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year includes efficiency of production, conservation of energy and resources, leadership in agricultural and community affairs, home and farm improvement, and home and farm management.
Lady Leopards runners-up at state track meet 05/04/23
CLARKSVILLE – The De Queen Lady Leopards came up six points short of the team title to finish as runners-up at the Class 4A State Track Meet Tuesday at Clarksville.
The De Queen girls finished with 59 points, second to Warren’s 65. The Ashdown girls finished a close third with 55 points. Belle Lindsey had a big day winning the 300-meter hurdles in a time of 46.78 seconds. Lindsey tallied 36 points in the individual events and also ran a leg on the 4 X 400 relay team that finished fifth. Lindsey was second in the high jump and 100-meter hurdles. She was third in the long jump, and fifth in the triple jump. For Ashdown, Zamariyah Rhone won the 100-meter hurdles in a time of 15.45 seconds.
On the boy’s side, De Queen finished fifth with 38 points, just ahead of Ashdown’s 36. Magnolia won the boy’s title. Donyea Whitmore won the shot put with a toss of 49 feet, 8 inches. Donyea also took second in the discus. Juan Maldonado scored points in the 1600 and 3200-meter runs.
Event winners in the State Track Meet – Lindsey, Whitmore, and Rhone qualify for the upcoming Meet of Champs.
Regional baseball, softball tournament kicks off today in DQ 05/04/23
DE QUEEN – The Class 4A South Regional Tournament kicks off in De Queen today with the following schedule:
BASEBALL:
10:00 Nashville versus Monticello
12:30 Star City versus Arkadelphia
3:00 Stuttgart versus Magnolia
5:30 Ashdown versus Crossett* LIVE ON 102.1 THE GOOD PATH AND THE KILX APP WITH JIM CROSS
SOFTBALL:
10:00 Malvern versus Star City
12:30 Stuttgart versus Nashville
3:00 Monticello versus Magnolia
5:30 Ashdown versus Hamburg* LIVE ON #1 COUNTRY 92.1 WITH TONEY STOWERS
FAA to investigate plane crash in Lafayette County 05/04/23
A Homer, Louisiana man died in a plane crash Lafayette County around 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 30.
According to the crash report, the small plane took off from a private landing strip about 5 miles southeast of Lewisville before it crashed in a wooded area. The Arkansas State Police identified the victim as Christopher Bailey of Homer.
According to the owner of the private runway, Jerry Estes, Bailey left the runway and went up about 300 feet. Bailey then made a turn to the south, followed by a turn to the east before going down.
Estes said three planes were taking off from his runway Sunday afternoon. Bailey was the last of the three pilots to take off. Bailey was also the only person on board the plane.
The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the incident.
De Queen City Council approves solar contract 05/03/23
DE QUEEN – The City of De Queen is looking to go solar after approving a contract Tuesday night to use the renewable energy source to power the city and its services.
The city council approved the contract with Scenic Hill Solar, an Arkansas-based national solar power development collaboration founded by former Arkansas Lt. Gov. Bill Halter. The 28-year contract will not cost the city anything outside of its energy usage.
Instead, De Queen Mayor Jeff Brown said the switch to solar-provided electricity is expected to save the city a considerable amount of money through lower energy costs. Brown said the city averages around $750,000 a year in electricity costs and will save as much as $1 million in electricity costs over the 28-year contract period.
“Going to solar could save us hundreds of thousands, if not up to a million dollars during that time,” said Brown. “It’s going to save the city and De Queen taxpayers some considerable money over the next few decades. We use a lot of power just counting the pumps that run 24/7 at the water and sewer plants.”
Local economic development officials stated that Scenic Hill Solar is looking to purchase land in Sevier County for a solar array, but could provide the energy from outside the county.
Brown said there is no definite date for when the city will transfer to solar energy. Tuesday night’s contract signing, however, officially gets the ball rolling.
The Sevier County Quorum Court is scheduled to vote on a similar contract with Scenic Hill Solar durings its next meeting on May 8.
Solar energy, with its reduced costs and renewable source, is becoming increasingly popular among government and educational entities. Last year, the UofA System announced it was going solar through a 25-acre facility located off campus.
Assessment deadline is May 31 05/03/23
DE QUEEN – Sevier County Assessor Sheila Ridley and her office are reminding everyone that personal taxes must be assessed by May 31st to avoid a penalty as provided by law.
A 10 percent penalty will be applied if you assess your taxable property after the May 31 deadline.
When you assess your taxes all changes in real estate structures must be reported.
Be sure and apply for Amendment 79, the homestead credit, if you haven’t already. You do not need to reapply for this credit each year. If you are 65 years of age or older you can receive a property tax value freeze.
You can call (870) 584-3182 to assess personal property or come by 115 N. Third Street, Suite 117 at the Sevier County Courthouse in downtown De Queen. You can also email assessor@seviercountyassessor-ar.gov.
LRCO Chamber seeking sponsors for July 4th celebration 05/03/23
ASHDOWN – The City of Ashdown and the Little River Chamber of Commerce are currently seeking sponsorships for this year’s Fourth of July celebration.
The event is scheduled for July 4 and kicks of at 4 p.m. the afternoon of the nation’s birthday. A ton of activities are planned for the event, including live music, food trucks, kids games, bouncy houses and of course a fireworks show at dark.
Sponsorships available range from $1,500 for the headliner band sponsor and stage sponsor to $300 to sponsor the birthday cake and $200 for the kids pet parade.
Sponsorships provide an opportunity to be visually seen in the community, push more people to your business, events named after your business as well as social media presence and marketing.
For more information, call the Little River Chamber of Commerce at (870) 898-2758 or email director@littlerivercoc.org.
Benefit this weekend to help DQ teenager critically injured in accident 05/02/23
DE QUEEN – Friends and family of a young De Queen man severely injured in a motor vehicle accident last week will host a fundraiser this weekend to help cover medical expenses. The benefit fundraiser and truck show will be held this Saturday, May 6 for Jonathan Hernandez of De Queen. Hernandez was critically injured following an accident that occurred during the severe weather the night of April 28. Funds raised during the event will help cover medical and other expenses related to the accident. Organizers say Hernandez is expected to remain at Arkansas Children’s Hospital for the next six to eight weeks and remains in critical condition.
The fundraiser and truck show will kick off at 1:30 Saturday afternoon in the Dollar General/Town North Shopping Center parking lot. Anyone wanting to help set up or volunteer at the benefit is asked to arrive by 12 noon.
If you’re wanting to enter the competition and win a prize at the truck show, there is a $25 entry fee.
The event will also include food, music and raffles for such items as a set of truck rims, pots and appliances.
Organizers say every cent raised will be given to Hernandez and his family.
For more information, call (870) 784-0651.
Three Eagles athletes sign to play at college level 05/02/23
WICKES – Three student-athletes with the Cossatot River School District have been signed to play college sports this fall.
During signing ceremonies held the last week of April, the three Eagles seniors made their pledge to participate in athletic programs at several Southwest Arkansas colleges. The three students include Hunter Burke, Hannah McClain and Kyla Ferguson.
Burke has signed a letter of intent to play men’s basketball for the Nighthawks at National Park College in Hot Springs.
Hannah McClain will be continuing her basketball career as a member of the Lady Colts women’s basketball team at UA Cossatot in De Queen.
Kyla Ferguson signed her letter of intent to play women’s soccer at UA Rich Mountain in Mena as a member of the Bucks soccer team.
Cossatot River School District issued congratulations to all three athletes on their accomplishments throughout high school. District officials said they look forward to watching these student-athletes perform as they move on to the college level.
Legacy Academy hosts Spring Formal 05/01/23
By Ben Wright
LOCKESBURG – On Saturday, April 22, Legacy Academy held its second Spring Formal for upper-level students and parents. The evening began with dinner at Pecan Point, followed by desserts and dancing at Texarkana Regional Arts Center.
Formal dances with dance cards, as well as fun music for spontaneous dancing, provided students fun. To prepare for this special event students learned classical ballroom dance and other dance styles, including the Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing, and traditional group dances.
Spring Formal is unique at Legacy because students are able to dress up, have a nice dinner, and a fun time with their friends, doing it all within a context of friends and family which honors Christ.
It was a lovely evening with students, parents, and staff all joining together and having fun.
Eclipse seminars this month for Southwest Arkansas 05/01/23
DE QUEEN – State officials are planning to host several seminars in Southwest Arkansas this month to help get local communities prepared for next year’s Total Solar Eclipse. The discussion is being organized by the Create Bridges team at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and will be offered at all three of UA Cossatot’s campuses: May 16 in the Weyerhaeuser Room on the De Queen campus; May 17 in the Barbara Horn Civic Center in Ashdown; and May 18 in Classrooms 101-102 on the Nashville campus. The event is free and will include lunch. Pre-registration is required by contacting Brandon L. Mathews at bmathews@uada.edu or by calling (501) 671-2085. RSVP by May 9. Organizers invite everyone to join the “Solar Eclipse Gurus” and the Central Arknsnas Astronomical Society during the half-day workshops. Topics will focus on an overview of the 2024 Eclipse, business and retail preparedness, community planning tips and education for landowners who want to provide accommodations during the event. The event is tailored for business owners, restaturant and lodging providers, landowners, churches, government officials and schools.
The April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse has been described by state tourism officials as the biggest tourism event to ever occur in Arkansas. Southwest Arkansas, particularly the Gillham area in Sevier County, will have the greatest times of totality in the state according to www.Eclipse2024.org.
Lady Leopards softball season ends following Friday loss 05/01/23
DE QUEEN – The De Queen Softball team’s season came to an end Friday when they ran into a red hot Magnolia team. The Lady Panthers defeated the Lady Leopards 15-0 in five innings.
Magnolia pounded out 17 hits on the day and played error-free softball to earn a Regional Tournament berth. The Lady Leopards managed only two hits on the afternoon, singles by Ale Rodriguez and Allison Dockins, and committed four costly errors in the field.
The De Queen girls finished 11 and 10 on the season, and finished tied for fourth in the 7-4A Conference standings with the Lady Panthers. However, Magnolia advances to Regionals based on a points system.
The three seniors, Rodriguez, Dockins and Jenith “Ithy” Sierra finished outstanding careers. The future is bright for De Queen Softball as the Lady Leopards will return seven starters next season.
Lady Panthers head to regional tournament this Thursday 05/01/23
NASHVILLE – The Ashdown Panthers went on the road to battle their old rival the Nashville Scrapperettes in the last conference game of the season with the #2 seed in the upcoming regional tournament up for grabs.
The Panthers knocked the cover off the softball and finished with a 10 to 4 victory to wrap up the #2 seed in the 7 4A Conference softball race. The Panthers scored 1 run in the first 2 innings followed by 2 more in the 3rd but then erupted for 5 runs in the 4th inning to put the game away.
The Panthers pounded out 16 hits led by Zaniya Alexander and Jala Richard who had 3 hits each while Jeana Paredes,Kylie Erwin, Karielle Forbes, and Shamari French had 2 hits each.
The Panthers will continue their season in the opening round of the Regional Tournament Thursday night in De Queen.
Discovery geocaching at Crater of Diamonds 05/01/23
Most people come to Crater of Diamonds to search for diamonds, but the park has a lot more outdoor activities to offer, including camping, fishing, and even geocaching. Geocaching is an outdoor scavenger hunt that people around the world participate in and which has seen a lot of popularity in recent years. It is a great way to get out on a trail and explore a new area you wouldn’t normally explore. Crater of Diamonds has several caches hidden within the park boundaries for you to find!
Geocaches are hidden items ranging in size from micro to large. They can be hidden in plain sight along trails, in cities, and in every Arkansas State Park. Each cache contains a logbook and if large enough, may contain items left behind by other finders, called swag. Swag can include trinkets, playing cards, keychains, etc. It is encouraged that if you take an item from the cache, you also leave an item of your own. Sometimes there is no physical cache to find, just coordinates that lead you to a unique geologic feature. These are called EarthCaches.
There are many tools you can use to find geocaches. The geocaching website, www.Geocaching.com, lists coordinates to free geocaches that you can put into a GPS unit or the map app on your smartphone. You can also download geocaching apps to your mobile device, ranging from free, for limited use, to subscription-based apps that unlock coordinates for “premium” geocaches. The park has five ”premium” geocaches.
Crater of Diamonds State Park has two traditional geocaches and one EarthCache to find. One geocache, called Crater of Diamonds ParkCache, is part of a series with 51 other caches that can be found all over the state! This Arkansas geocaching adventure is based on visiting all 52 state parks. Once you find all 52 ParkCaches, the clues inside each cache will give you the coordinates of a secret 53rd cache located somewhere in the state. To participate, you can download the clue sheet at www.ArkansasStateParks.com/activities/geocaching.
If you have never geocached before and are curious how it works, the park often offers geocaching hikes on the Little Missouri Trail. Hike dates and times can be found on the Events calendar at www.CraterofDiamondsStatePark.com.
State Rep. DeAnn Vaught weekly update 05/01/23
By State Rep. DeAnn Vaught
In the months leading up to the 2023 Regular Session, myself and several other legislators met with mental health providers, medical professionals, and behavioral health stakeholders to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the mental and behavioral health care currently available in the state.
This study resulted in several recommendations and as a result, the 94th General Assembly passed several bills intended to improve access and quality of mental health care.
Testimony in the working group meetings revealed that more than that more than 36,000 adolescents in Arkansas had a major depressive episode in the last year and that pediatricians across the state were spending the majority of their day working on behavioral health issues. One of the recommendations from the group was to incentivize medical homes, through supplemental reimbursement rates, to address prevention and early intervention through universal, team-based enhanced primary care services for children.
That recommendation led to the passage of Act 513. This act directs the Arkansas Medicaid Program to provide a supplemental reimbursement rate for physician practices enrolled in the patient-centered medical home program that participate in a team-based, evidence-based pediatric practice transformation model of care.
In an effort to increase the number of mental health counselors, the legislature passed Act 260 creating the Counseling Compact in Arkansas. It allows licensed professional counselors in Arkansas to treat clients in person or via telehealth in other compact member states. Currently, 17 states are members.
Other pieces of legislation passed addressing mental health include the following:
Act 494 requires the Arkansas Medicaid Program and insurance policies to reimburse for behavioral health services.
Act 316 requires screening for depression in birth mothers at the time of birth and mandates that insurance policies cover the screening.
Act 30 allows an individual who voluntarily seeks mental health treatment in a mental health institution or facility to petition the court for a license to carry a concealed handgun two years after treatment.
Act 61 creates a specialty court program for families involved in a dependency-neglect proceeding affected by substance abuse or mental health disorders.
The General Assembly also passed Act 512 which creates the Arkansas Legislative Study on Mental and Behavioral Health so we can continue to review the needs of our state and make recommendations for future legislative sessions.
We’d like to remind Arkansans that if you or someone you know is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis call 988. When people call, text, or chat at 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing lifeline network.
Sevier County named an ACT Work Ready Community 04/28/23
DE QUEEN – Local economic development officials are praising a new development that aims to connect quality employees with high-demand jobs.
The Sevier County Economic Development office was informed late last week that the county achieved certification as an ACT Work Ready Community.
Tiffany Maurer, Economic Development Director for Sevier County, said the designation will put Sevier County on the map for prospective businesses looking to enter or expand within the state.
“It’s a big key in the step towards becoming a competitive community that’s recognized and designated by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission,” said Maurer. “From a workforce development perspective, especially for large employers and industries that have those really desirable jobs our community is looking for, it shows them that we do have the qualified workforce to come to this area and that there’s a workforce here that can support them.”
The certification allows people in a workforce to highlight their training as an employee while also identifying any skills gaps that could hinder them from landing a high-demand – and high-paying – job. Maurer said Sevier County, as a Work Ready Community, can better attract new industry by demonstrating the job skills available locally.
“It shows people outside of our community that we have people who are work-ready,” said Maurer. “It shows what kind of competencies our area already has. It’s getting harder and harder to find great candidates for positions so this helps by matching those competencies with the businesses who need those positions filled.”
Maurer said her office worked with a number of local community and business leaders to achieve the designation – including the county’s public schools and top employers.
“The first thing I did was assemble a team and we have an awesome one,” said Maurer. “We have folks from the De Queen-Mena Educational Coop, people from the Workforce Development department at UA Cossatot, De Queen and Horatio High Schools are involved and we’ve even worked with the DQTV kids at De Queen High School. And then we have several different local employers involved as well.”
The Work Ready Communities program encourages everyone in the workforce to receive their own certification – a solid step, said Maurer, towards being hired for a high-demand position. Her office also invites more local employers to recognize the WorkKeys program to assist in the goal of raising the potential of Sevier County’s workforce.
For more information, contact Maurer at tmaurer@cccua.edu or call (870) 584-1184. Additional information on the Work Ready Communities project can be found at www.workreadycommunities.org.
Trial moved to July for former Horatio educator accused of sexual assault 04/28/23
HORATIO – A former Horatio High School administrator charged last year for allegedly maintaining a sexual relationship with a student is now scheduled to appear in court this summer following a continuance motion yesterday.
According to court records, 41-year-old Labrada Vann appeared before the Sevier County Circuit Court on Thursday for a pre-trial hearing on a felony count of first-degree sexual assault. A jury trial was scheduled for next week. However, that trial has been postponed to July following a continuance motion by her attorney.
Vann was arrested in April of 2022 on a felony count of first-degree sexual assault. During the time of the alleged incident Vann served as the vice-principal for Horatio High School. She has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
According to court records, Vann’s attorneys sought a mental health evaluation to determine if she could stand trial in the sexual assault case. The evaluation was conducted in February and results returned in March state that Vann was deemed fit to continue as a defendant.
The evaluation was performed by a psychologist of the Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services.
Upon a conviction, the charge of first degree sexual assault carries a prison sentence of six to 30 years.
Continuance issued for Lockesburg woman in manslaughter case 04/28/23
DE QUEEN – A continuance was issued in the Sevier County Circuit Court for a Lockesburg woman charged for her involvement in the 2021 death of a former law enforcement officer.
According to court records, 35-year-old Kayle Helms was charged last year with a single count of manslaughter following the death of 50-year-old Chris Brackett in 2021. Brackett was a former Sevier County Sheriff’s deputy and Arkansas State Trooper. Helms, who was pleaded not guilty, appeared in the Sevier County Circuit Court on Thursday for a pre-trial hearing.
The court accepted a motion by Helms’ defense counsel to postpone the trial. That has been rescheduled for this July.
According to the arrest affidavit, Helms said she and Brackett were practicing self-defense techniques the night of Aug. 12, 2021 when the handgun she was holding accidentally discharged. The incident occurred at Brackett’s home near Lockesburg.
Helms was formally charged in March 2022 with one count of manslaughter, a Class C felony. Upon a conviction, the offense carries a sentence of three to 10 years in prison.
Sevier County Farmers Market now open 04/27/23
DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Farmers Market is open and will soon be in full swing with a variety of fresh produce and other homemade goods and crafts.
The local farmers market is open each Wednesday and Saturday from 7-12 noon, or until sold out, under the pavilion at the Herman Dierks Park in De Queen.
The market is not just open for locally grown produce, but locally made crafts and other goods as well. The farmers market is always open to new vendors on a per-day basis or for the whole season.
The farmers market will host a special session this Saturday, April 29 with music by De Queen native Brother Mike Eudy . He will perform from 8-11 a.m. at the farmers market in De Queen.
To learn more about the Sevier County Farmers Market, visit the group’s page on Facebook or call (870) 642-2718.
GVFD, LVFD fundraisers this weekend 04/27/23
SEVIER COUNTY – A couple of local volunteer fire departments will present their annual fundraiser events this weekend.
That includes the Gillham Volunteer Fire Department which kicks off its annual chicken dinner benefit at 4 p.m. this Saturday, April 29. The event will be held until seven that evening with chicken dinner plates by donation. The menu includes chicken and all the fixings.
Organizers will also host a cakewalk and silent auction.
The Lockesburg Volunteer Fire Department fish fry fundraiser is this Saturday, April 29 as well. The event begins at 5 p.m. at the fire station on 3348 N. Camellia Street in Lockesburg. The menu includes fried catfish with all the fixings. The fundraiser will also feature live music and an auction.
Arkansas duck season opener back to traditional date 04/27/23
Arkansas’ duck season will begin a little earlier this year than in 2022 following a unanimous decision by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission last week.
During the April 20 commission session, the board voted to set the 2023-2024 duck season to begin Nov. 18.
The decision to move the season back to the traditional opener of the weekend before Thanksgiving was made following public input, according to Commission Chairman Bobby Martin.
“We did get overwhelming [feedback],” Martin said in a statement. “The thing that I see as encouragingly interesting, one of the big reasons that I think the public, particularly waterfowlers, fought to try to hold it before Thanksgiving was the emphasis and priority around family and young hunters. The fact that so many people hang on to that is a signal that [the traditional opening day] is a legacy of a generation that we do not want to let go of in any way at all.”
Specklebelly, Canada and light goose seasons also will change with this modification, as will the Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt and Special Active Duty Military and Veteran Hunt.
The 2023-24 waterfowl season dates are:
Duck, Coot and Merganser – Nov. 18-26, Dec. 9-23, Dec. 27-Jan. 31 White-fronted Goose – Oct. 28-Nov. 10, Nov. 18-26, Dec. 9-23, Dec. 27-Jan. 31 Canada Goose – Sept. 1-Oct. 15, Nov. 18-26, Dec. 9-23, Dec. 27-Jan. 31 Snow, Blue and Ross’s Goose Season – Oct. 28-Nov. 10, Nov. 18-26, Dec. 9-23, Dec. 27-Jan. 31 Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt – Dec. 2 and Feb. 3 Veteran and Active Duty Military Waterfowl Hunt – Feb. 3
Other statewide regulatory changes for 2023 include the creation of a $500 lifetime hunting and fishing license from children under the age of 10.
The Commission is also proposing an increase to nonresident license fees. That includes bumping up the cost of a nonresident annual fishing license to $60 and to $500 for a fishing guide license. The annual hunting license for a nonresident would, if approved, raise to $410.
These and other proposed changes will be open for public comment for the next 30 days. The Commission is expected to vote on the proposed changes at its May 18 meeting. Comments may be submitted via email at AskAGFC@agfc.ar.gov.
For a full list of proposals for the 2023-204 seasons, visit www.agfc.com.
Arkansas to begin using traffic cameras in workzones 04/27/23
Arkansas law enforcement officers will soon be able to utilize cameras to enforce speed limits in highway and interstate work zones.
Senate Bill 481 was signed into law by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and is now Act 707. The law allows for automated speed enforcement devices to capture images of speeding vehicles in work zones; the image will be automatically transmitted to an officer stationed at the end of the work zone and the officer will have the authority to issue a warning or ticket to the offender.
Arkansas Highway Police and Arkansas State Police will be able to utilize these automated enforcement devices in highways and interstate work zones. All data and images will be automatically deleted if no warning or ticket was issued. An officer must be present for a warning or ticket to be issued.
“These are not cameras that send drivers tickets by mail,” said Arkansas Highway Police Chief Jeff Holmes. “This equipment simply allows officers to better enforce speed limits within work zones in real-time, keeping our drivers and workers safer.”
The new law takes effect in August. When speed cameras are being utilized, drivers will have plenty of warning in the form of signage. The cameras will only be utilized in active work zones.
ArDoT planning numerous projects in Sevier, Little River Counties 04/26/23
DE QUEEN – The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDoT) is planning a number of construction and improvement projects for Southwest Arkansas in the coming months.
In March, ArDoT approved bids for two overlay projects totaling around $9.3 million. Both projects were awarded to R.K. Hall, LLC out of Paris, Texas. According to District 3 Engineer William Cheatham, they include resurfacing 4.1 miles of Highway 71 beginning at the intersection of Highways 71 and 108 going to the north side of Wilton.
The second project includes resurfacing 10.6 miles from the Highway 70/71 junction in De Queen and going north towards the Polk County line.
Both projects have an estimated completion date of November.
Two other overlay projects for Sevier County were rejected earlier this month. Cheatham explained this is typically due to lack of bidders or exceeding estimated construction costs. The projects included over 10 miles of Highway 71 between Lockesburg and Wilton.
ArDoT is also in the preliminary planning stage for the replacement of seven bridge structures along Highway 71 in and south of Lockesburg. They include Big and Little Belleville Creeks, Little Russey Creek, Johnson Creek, Sycamore Creek and the De Queen & Eastern Railroad Overpass in Lockesburg. There is no estimated start date for this project, but officials said it is in the works.
ArDoT has a major project planned for Highway 70 W. possibly beginning this fall. That includes the replacement of three bridges west of De Queen, including over the Rolling Fork River and both Mud and Cane Creek. Work is tentatively scheduled to begin this November.
The most recent program management report for Sevier County shows a total of $122 million in projects earlier completed in or planned for the county since 2013. That figure totals just over $61 million for Little River County.
Belle Lindsey earns 2023 Rotary Crystal Award 04/25/23 De Queen Superintendent Jason Sanders presents the 2023 De Queen Rotary Club Crystal Award to Belle Lindsey.
DE QUEEN – The De Queen Rotary Club has annually presented the prestigious Crystal Award to the outstanding De Queen senior girl athlete since 2000. The Club named Belle Lindsey the 23 recipient of the award at Monday’s noon meeting. rd
The daughter of Jonathan and Alyssa Lindsey, Belle excelled in basketball and track for De Queen, earning All-Conference and All-State honors in both sports. She received the 1,000 point award for scoring in her basketball career, and she holds numerous school records in track and field.
Belle is active in National Honor Society, Gifted and Talented, Fellowship of Christian Students, and was named a Rotary Student of the Month. She also won several scholastic awards for her academic work during her high school career. After graduation, Belle plans to attend Ouachita Baptist University on a track scholarship where she plans to major in Communication Science and Disorders.
Rotarian Tammy Huddleston presented the Crystal Award on behalf of the Club.
Sevier County Library monthly update 04/25/23
DE QUEEN – Sevier County librarians are informing the community of a few upcoming events and programs.
That includes a Mother’s Day story time at the De Queen Library on May 13. The event will begin at 4 p.m. and the first 25 children who attend will receive a gift for their mom.
Catherine at the Horatio Library said the April 15 Farm Day was a success with kids getting a chance to meet baby birds, goats and Felix the Library Dog. The library challenge winners was Julie Blair. Catherine reminds her patrons that many popular titles are offered at the Horatio Library and that the library will soon be launching its summer reading program.
The Lockesburg Library will host its Pokemon Club on Saturday, May 6 beginning at 10 that morning. Special crafts are planned the week of May 10-13 in honor of Mother’s Day. Other weekly themes for children include LEGO and robots. Check out the library’s Facebook page for more information or call Ms. Wendy at (870) 289-2233.
Gillham librarians remind the public that the library has plenty of gardening books to help them prepare for the upcoming summer growing season. The library is continuing to host dominoes every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sevier County Head Librarian Johnye Fisher reminds the patrons they can use the LIBBYAPP if they wish to check out a book not currently available in-person. Follow the instructions for the app (available in any app store) and follow the directions or visit the Sevier County Library on Facebook. You must have a valid library card to browse the online selection. Call (870) 584-4364 for more information.
Accident claims life of Horatio man 04/25/23
HORATIO – A single vehicle accident in Sevier County claimed the life of a Horatio man over the weekend.
According to the Arkansas State Police, 22-year-old Allan Martinez of Horatio was traveling southbound on Highway 41 in his 2005 Pontiac GTO on Saturday when the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. The accident occurred around 6:20 that morning.
Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene by Sevier County Coroner Rusty Williams.
The investigating state trooper reported road conditions as clear and dry at the time of the accident.
Sevier County Farm Bureau earns top agency award 04/24/23 Sevier County Farm Bureau was recognized at the Farm Bureau Statewide Agents and Agency Managers meeting in March for total performance during 2022. The agency received the #1 Agency-Loss Ratio-FB Mutual award for outstanding insurance production. Those accepting the award included Farm Bureau De Queen Manager Allen Stark, Stacy Janes, Michael Collins and Lee Hammond (not pictured).
De Queen Public Schools announces new food service partnership 04/24/23
DE QUEEN – At its April school board meeting, De Queen Public Schools announced its new partnership with Chartwells K12 as the district’s new Food ServiceManagement company starting July 1, 2023.
De Queen Public Schools is partnering with Chartwells K12 as our new food service provider plan to build on the success of our current program by serving food kids love to eat, offering innovative programs that encourage fun and discovery, and creating a place where students can connect and recharge with others. Chartwells K12 is dedicated to ensuring students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than when they came in.
“The De Queen food service program is already rock solid, Ms. Sonya McKinley and her team are fantastic and working hard every day, I’m excited, Chartwells can bring this wonderful team more resources, purchasing power, and help bring their ideas to life. We couldn’t be more thrilled, getting to partner with such a motivated team and school district is a blessing.” Kellye Neal, Chartwells Regional Sales Director
“Our cafeteria staff does a really good job feeding kids. We feel confident that Chartwells can take our food service program to the next level. Chartwells and its parent company Copass Group manage food service for clients such as the Kansas City Chiefs (Arrowhead Stadium), Disney Parks, The University of Arkansas, and 25 public school districts across Arkansas. This is going to be such an amazing partnership!” Jason Sanders, Superintendent of De Queen Public Schools.
“We are very excited to have Chartwells join our Schools. It is always scary to change things up, but I do believe it will be a great change for our Food Service Program. They are the biggest Food management company out there.” Sonya McKinley, De Queen Public Schools Food Services Director
“As the son of an Arkansas public school teacher, I understand the important role that school nutrition plays in the success of students. We are excited to become part of the De Queen SD, to help ensure the students get nothing but the absolute best!” Jason Kuhn, Chartwells Area Director
Over the course of the upcoming school year, Chartwells will be introducing new menu options, gathering feedback, and making other changes to enhance the mealtime experience. Some of the things students can look forward to when it comes to mealtime include new recipes, concepts, and programs coming this fall.
High cattle prices don’t equate to high profits for Arkansas producers 04/21/23
It’s true: Cattle market prices are at what some analysts have called “historic highs.” Unfortunately, profits are not.
For the entirety of 2023, slaughtered steer prices across all U.S. markets have remained above those of the previous year by 20-30 cwt, ranging from $155 to $170, and practically soared above the 2017-2021 average by 40 cwt or more. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, fed steer prices reached above $175 cwt last week, topping the 2014-2015 record of about $172.
But of course, a dollar in 2023 is not what it was in 2014. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation during those nine years has reduced the value of a dollar spent in the consumer price index by 28 cents.
James Mitchell, extension livestock economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said inflation is just one reason to keep today’s market prices in perspective.
“I wouldn’t say we’re near ‘record territory,’” Mitchell said. “I’d say we have prices as high as we’ve seen in the last 10 years in nominal terms — which is still great. You have to be careful how you interpret that, however.”
Mitchell also emphasized that the cattle industry, as a whole, abides by a cyclical nature.
“We’ve had three, four consecutive years of liquidating cow herds, of tighter and tighter feeder cattle supplies, and that’s driven significantly higher,” he said. But producers shouldn’t expect that upward trend to continue indefinitely.
For cattle producers in the U.S. Southeast and elsewhere, 2014-2015 was an unforgettable season, for reasons both good and bad. Prices spiked to record highs at the end of 2014, owing largely to market demand, at a time when feed, fuel and other input prices remained relatively low. When supply began catching up, however, market competition pulled the floor out from beneath those prices, leaving many producers with larger herds they had to either maintain or sell off at much-lower-than-anticipated prices.
Mitchell said that today’s high input prices, while largely the bane of many producers’ existence, will at least help sustain the cattle market prices.
“All the inputs are much higher than they were 10 years ago,” he said. “Corn is still high, fertilizer is still high, fuel is still high. So, because profitability hasn’t moved up as high as prices have, I do think we’re going to see prices stay high for a more prolonged period amount of time. When we got into the fall of 2015, it seemed like prices just fell out from under us, and we continued along that path for the next couple of years.”
As always, spring and summer weather will play the wild card in cattle production. While Arkansas has seen a fairly wet few months, that augers nothing for the summer, when rainfall will be more critical for providing grazing material to livestock.
“We’ve been pretty fortunate in Arkansas, but I’d argue that moisture really doesn’t matter now as much as it does in the next few months,” Mitchell said. “We need timely, adequate rainfall through the spring and summer, when it matters most for both forage production and hay production. It doesn’t matter a whole lot if we’ve got rain in February and March.”
Even if Arkansas does see a dry summer, the state’s cattle producers still have a lead on some neighboring states that have dwelled in the doldrums of drought for more than a year now.
“We still have two of our biggest cattle states, Oklahoma and Texas, that are still very much in drought, so that’s limiting the options for a lot of those producers,” Mitchell said. “Kansas is in even more of a severe drought scenario.
“The prices may be high, but if we don’t have grass to feed cattle, there’s nothing we can do about it,” he said.
Howard County woman accused of faking cancer 04/21/23
NASHVILLE – A Howard County woman has been charged with allegedly faking a cancer diagnosis and taking in $32,000 from community benefits.
Nancy Myers, 37, of Umpire, was charged April 19 in Howard County Circuit Court with theft of property.
According to case information, Myers had been telling people since around the end of 2021 and “continuing until present” that she has cancer. Numerous people in the community gave Myers money to help with medical expanses and a benefit held in June 2022 raised approximately $32,000.
In early 2023, numerous concerned citizens reported that they did not believe Myers actually had cancer. The Howard County Sheriff’s Department opened an investigation and Myers was interviewed. “ During the early stages of the interview Myers stated that she had been diagnosed with cancer and had received several cancer treatments,” according to case information. Myers eventually told investigators that she had not been diagnosed with cancer and had not received any chemotherapy treatments, a fact she said she knew before the benefit was held for her cause.
Myers also said she still had some of the money that was raised for her but that she had spent around $10,000 on things like car payments and other normal expenses.
A bench warrant for Myers was also issued on April 19.
Airport compass rose project honors De Queen female aviator 04/21/23 The Arkansas and Oklahoma Chapters of the Ninety-Nines Organization for Women Pilots met with local airport officials on April 15 to recognize Jody McCarrell with a giant painted compass rose. A native of De Queen, McCarrell, pictured standing in front of the walker, is a local aviator and former president of the Ninety-Nines International.]
DE QUEEN – If you happened to drive by the Sevier County Airport this past Saturday, you might have seen a lot of activity around the usually quiet runway.
That day pilots from across the region gathered there to honor a local female aviator with a new addition to the airport. The Arkansas and Oklahoma Chapters of the Ninety-Nines Organization for Women Pilots met with local airport officials to recognize Jody McCarrell with a giant painted compass rose.
A native of De Queen, McCarrell is a local aviator and former president of the Ninety-Nines International. Now in her 80s, she was present during Saturday’s event held in her honor along with family members and friends.
Julie Hall-Den Boer, chair of the Arkansas Ninety-Nines Airmarking Project, discussed the details of the event and the group’s decision to honor McCarrell.
“The Arkansas Ninety-Nines, the Oklahoma Ninety-Nines, the De Queen airport community members, friends and family all joined together to paint the compass rose on the newly-resurfaced tarmac,” said Hall-Den Boer. “This compass rose is special because it is also honoring a local aviator, Jody McCarrell. She has accomplished many, many things through her decades of flying experience.”
The blue and white compass rose points to true north and features the Ninety-Nines logo. Hall-Den Boer said the addition serves both as an attraction for Sevier County’s airport and also as a navigational aid for pilots.
“It’s been professionally surveyed to point to magnetic north,” explained Hall-Den Boer. “In every airplanethere is a magnetic compass that has an accompanying magnetic aviation card. What the compass rose is important for, is for someone to actually calibrate their airplane’s magnetic compass.”
An aerial view of the compass rose at the Sevier County Airport captured by Camilla Smith.
A number of pilots with the Ninety-Nines arrived at the Sevier County Airport on Saturday to honor McCarrell in person. Hall-Den Boer said it was a great event, but received tremendous assistance from the local aviation community. She singled out Dr. Jason Lofton for his idea to honor McCarrell and said DQPD Chief Scott Simmons who helped organize the ceremony.
“A huge thank you to the whole De Queen airport community for the support of this project from the very beginning,” said Hall-Den Boer. “Dr. Jason Lofton had the original idea to do this compass rose to honor Jody McCarrell and we had some excellent support from Chief Scott Simmons who really helped with the logistics to make this happen.”
Hall-Den Boer is a pilot herself – in fact, captain of a Lehr jet. She’s not flown into the Sevier County Airport just yet, but said the community can be proud of the facility and the role it serves.
“The Sevier County Airport is definitely an airport that is growing and on an upswing,” said Hall-Den Boer. “The improvements that have been made to the facility are fantastic. Visiting with some of the airport board members, it sounds like there are a lot more exciting changes in the future for the airport. It’s a very nice airport from a pilot’s perspective as a place to fly in to and out of.”
Dr. Jason Lofton said he developed the idea to honor McCarrell after getting to know her as a patient in his family practice in De Queen. Lofton said he was fascinated with McCarrell’s experiences as a pilot and her leadership through the Ninety-Nines.
“When I see my patients, I like to find out more about them and their interests,” said Lofton. “Mrs. McCarrell let me know she was a pilot and I had an interest in being a pilot myself. I was just so impressed with her, she has thousands and thousands of hours of flying and lots of neat stories. She told me about the Ninety-Nines and I checked out their Facebook. I saw where they painted a compass rose at the Searcy airport and thought we could try to do something like that in honor of Mrs. McCarrell.”
Lofton reached out to the Ninety-Nines and this past Saturday the project was completed.
“Thinking about how much she’s done for women’s aviation, I thought let’s try and do a compass rose in honor of her,” explained Lofton. “One thing led to another and we were able to get that project going here.”
The Ninety-Nines was founded in 1929 by 99 women pilots including Amelia Earhart and Arkansas native Louise Thaden. The organization has since grown to include over 7,000 members in over 40 countries. For more information about the organization, visit www.ninety-nines.org.
DE QUEEN – The Leopards punched their ticket to the 4A State Soccer Championship after a thrilling win against Berryville on Saturday.
DE QUEEN -On Tuesday Bunyard Broadcasting, Inc. CEO Jay Bunyard, CFO Jacob Bunyard, and Regional Sales Manager Jennifer Higgins presented a check in the amount of $2,805 to DQTV’s Beau McCastlain, De Queen School District Communications Director and Television Production Program Instructor. 
BAUXITE – The De Queen girls and boys soccer teams won hard-fought conference tournament championships over the weekend at Bauxite High School. The Lady Leopards defeated Bauxite 1-0 in overtime, while the Leopards outlasted Hope in a shootout 5-3.
LOCKESBURG – On Saturday, April 22, Legacy Academy held its second Spring Formal for upper-level students and parents. The evening began with dinner at Pecan Point, followed by desserts and dancing at Texarkana Regional Arts Center. 
Formal dances with dance cards, as well as fun music for spontaneous dancing, provided students fun. To prepare for this special event students learned classical ballroom dance and other dance styles, including the Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing, and traditional group dances. 
