Southwest Arkansas Daily- KDQN

“Voice of the Leopards” Jay Bunyard calls 400th De Queen football game      10/03/24

DE QUEEN – The weather was great and the crowd was growing as “Voice of the Leopards” Jay Bunyard stepped into the booth for his 400^th consecutive football broadcast for De Queen the night of Sept. 27.

It was Homecoming night and the stands were filing up ahead of the coronation ceremony ahead of kick off. Moments after the ceremony, Bunyard and several others were called down to Bill Blackwood Field for a surprise recognition. The crowd roared when Bunyard was honored for calling his 400^th straight football game. He was presented with a plaque from De Queen Schools, a proclamation from Arkansas State Representative DeAnn Vaught and a football signed by the entire football team.

“I was very honored,” said Bunyard in his usual humble fashion. “I appreciate De Queen Schools for the team-autographed football and plaque, as well as De Queen Vaught for the House of Representatives citation. It was a privilege to share the limelight with Arkansas Education honorees Jason Sanders, Beau McCastlain and Tammy Lites.”

The cherry on top was a thrilling 39-13 Leopards victory over visiting Hope during De Queen’s Homecoming game. The win pushed the Leopards up to 3-1 on the season and marked the first conference victory since 2018.

“Homecoming was very nice,” he added. “And to top it off with a big Leopards victory made it a most memorable night.”

Perhaps surprisingly, there haven’t been many close calls in Bunyard’s 38 straight seasons as the “Voice of the Leopards.” There is one memorable event years back that forced a last minute vacation reshuffle. In 1998, he and his wife, Teresa, booked a trip to Cancun Thanksgiving week. The Leopards had a remarkable 14-0 season, earning a trip to the state championship game in Little Rock the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

“We made the decision to cut the vacation short and fly back on Thursday instead of Saturday, in order to call the game,” he said. “But other than that, I’ve been blessed with good health. I can’t even remember a bad cold on a football Friday night.”

Bunyard’s experience announcing Leopards football decades goes back almost a decade before he officially started taking track. He called around 50 games on a tape-delayed basis prior to starting the streak in 1987. He said a lot has changed since that first broadcast and his 400^th this past Friday night.

“I had a classmate send me a cassette tape this summer with the recording of a game I’d called in 1978,” he explained. “Although I was decent for a 17-year-old, I was still pretty bad. I learned to put more enthusiasm into it as the years went by.”

Bunyard said he’s had the honor to work with many other broadcasters over the years in the press box.

“I remember the first live broadcast in Mena to start the 1987 season, Steve Cole was with me then,” he said. “We had promos recorded from Razorbacks greats Greg Thomas and Tony Cherico. Steve and I thought we were big-time.”

Other announcers like Scott Packnett and Travis Blakney came on as students and developed into partners. He counts 17 different broadcast partners over the years, averaging around two to three years.

“It takes a commitment to be there every Friday night,” he explained. “There’s family time, deer camp, etc. When I think of that 2-3 year lifespan for a broadcast colleague, that’s when I stop and think about me hitting 400 was a pretty cool accomplishment.”

For years Bunyard called games alongside Grant Smith and now calls games alongside Greg Revels and Toney Stowers.

“I’m having as much fun with them as I have ever had,” he said. “Also, I’ve always tried to give kids a chance to work at it. That’s why I sure enjoy the DQTV partnership.”

Bunyard counts many memorable moments over the past 400 games. For instance, leaving at daylight and getting home at daylight to call playoff games like Highland, Wilson Rivercrest, Osceola and other locations in the other far-flung corners of Arkansas.

“Of course, other standouts are victories against that old rival from across the Saline River, the Nashville Scarppers. The Leopards topped the Nashville team in 1989, 1993, 1998, 2011 and 2017.

On another occasion, a car took out a telephone pole outside the stadium while Bunyard was calling a game at Lakeside.

“I called the game on Coach Gary Segret’s office phone looking out the window in his coach’s office,” he said, laughing. “Also, I’ve been in better treehouses than the press box at Lewisville. I literally felt like that if I stepped wrong, I’d fall through a hole some 20 feet to the ground!”

 

Bunyard reserves special praise for the press box at Leopard Stadium. “It’s always been the best. Shanna Pinkerton is doing an awesome job preparing meals for us now.”

Bunyard credits so much of his knowledge and interest in Leopards football and its history to one of his mentors: the famed late editor of The De Queen Bee, J.R. McKinley. Bunyard said those were big shoes to step in when he took over the mantle of preserving Leopards football history.

“ I’ve been a bit concerned about preserving the history of Leopards football,” he admitted. “I picked J.R. McKinley’s brain as much as I could while he was with us. I have piles and piles of notes and statistics that would mean nothing to anyone but me. But one of the reasons that I thought we needed to purchase the De Queen Bee was to protect those archives. When the Leopards are winning, there’s absolutely no better ‘football town’ than De Queen.”

No surprise, Bunyard has no plans to retire or any particular goal he’s trying to reach in terms of a broadcast streak. When asked about the future, and particularly about hitting the 500 mark, he responded, “Why not?”

400 consecutive Leopards football broadcasts is an amazing achievement to note in De Queen and demonstrates a devotion to one’s school that’s hard to match. For this author, whose four years experience in broadcasting (and not a day in calling sports) is a minuscule drop in the proverbial bucket, it’s an inspiring accomplishment and one the entire community should be proud of.

Hunters haul 181 alligators from Arkansas waters during recent season      10/03/24

Arkansas hunters managed the second-highest harvest of alligators on record during the last two weekends in the sloughs and swamps of The Natural State. The 181-alligator harvest falls short of last year’s record effort of 202 alligators checked, but maintains the overall upward trend in what is still a relatively new opportunity for hunters.

Amanda Bryant, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Herpetologist, said she was pleased with the healthy harvest, particularly the hunt’s higher-than-normal success rate.

“Typically we see about one-third of public land tags filled, but this year we had 54 percent success rate on public land,” Bryant said. “And 96 percent of the private land quota was filled.”

This year’s weather may have increased the harvest, as Hurricane Helene may have caused a few hunters to check an alligator during the first weekend who normally would have held out for a larger one.

“Most unfilled alligator tags are because people hold out for a larger alligator than what they’re seeing, but maybe some of the forecasted rain had people more willing to take a little smaller alligator,” Bryant said. “Then the last weekend turned out pretty nice after all, and we continued to see decent numbers taken throughout the end of the season.”

Cody Gourley of Amity was one of those hunters whose patience paid off when he wrestled a 12-foot, 6-inch beast to the side of his boat on Millwood Lake during the second weekend of the hunt.

“We went out the first weekend and saw 70 to 75 gators per night, but we just couldn’t get close enough to a big one to make it happen,” Gourley said. “I tried to use a harpoon on one or two, but I couldn’t get it to stick. The second weekend, I was getting to the point that any alligator would have been good for me. My uncle said we should hold out until midnight that Saturday night before we looked for a smaller gator. At about 9:30, we saw this one and knew it was in that larger category.”

Gourley says he rigged up a snare for his second weekend, using instructions from the AGFC’s website.

“The snare was a much more intimate experience,” Gourley said. “We had to be right there within 8 feet of that gator before I could loop on the first snare. Then once we snared it, it was a fight.”

Gourley said he was in a 14-foot boat to be able to reach backwaters other hunters couldn’t.

“When the gator came up and I saw just how big it was, I was shocked,” Gourley said. “We couldn’t even get it in the boat, so we had to float it beside us as we made our way back to the ramp. It was unlike any hunt I’ve ever been on.”

Biologists have received a few calls from local anglers who were concerned about the alligator population in Millwood becoming too large, and Bryant says the harvest on the lake was encouraging.

“We had eight public tags for Millwood this year, and six of those were filled.” Bryant said. “It’s great to see so many of the tags being filled here, and hopefully it’s a step toward reducing the perception of human-wildlife conflict in this area.”

Bryant says increased harvest, especially on private land, has contributed to fewer nuisance calls in south Arkansas in the last few years.

“We see a strong relationship between the added harvest opportunity and lower nuisance calls,” Bryant said. “Some of it may be because people are more accustomed to seeing alligators now than they did 20 to 30 years ago, but a lot has to do with the private land hunt enabling landowners to handle the nuisance alligator on their own during the hunt.”

This year, Alligator Management Zone 1 (southwest Arkansas) and AMZ 3 (southeast Arkansas) tied for the most alligators harvested.

“Usually Zone 3 has the most harvest, but this year was evenly split at 87 alligators each,” Bryant said. “Alligator Management Zone 2 [south-central Arkansas] had seven alligators checked.”

Alligator hunting is by permit only in Arkansas. The AGFC issued 50 public hunting permits through a public draw system, with hunting allowed only on designated areas of certain WMAs, lakes and rivers in south Arkansas.

Alligator hunting on private property is managed through a quota system. Anyone may purchase a private land alligator hunting permit, but hunting season ends early if the quota for the alligator zone is met. This year, all zones remained open during the entire hunting season.

Alligator hunting in Arkansas is open from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise during the last two weekends each September. All alligators must be snared or harpooned by hand and subdued before being dispatched. Visit www.agfc.com/alligator for more information.

Port strike will have likely have impact on Arkansas exports      10/03/24

By Mary Hightower/UAEX

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday that consumers shouldn’t expect food shortages in the near term because of the port strike; however, economists say a long strike could prompt changes on grocery shelves and at the checkout.

Nearly 50,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association went on strike Tuesday after it and the United States Maritime Alliance failed to reach a settlement by the  Sept. 30 deadline.

The strike has shut down ports along the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, key to the movement of U.S. cotton, meat and poultry exports. These commodities are important for Arkansas, which is No. 3 in the U.S. for broilers and cotton, No. 24 in cattle and calves, according to the 2024 Arkansas Agriculture Profile.

USDA said that “our analysis shows we should not expect significant changes to food prices or availability … we do not expect shortages anytime in the near future for most items.”

USDA also said that bulk shipping of products such as grains would be unaffected by this strike. Bulk grain loading facilities typically operate with their own employees or with different labor unions.  

Cotton and shipping

“Cotton is entirely dependent on containerized shipment,” said Scott Stiles, an extension economics program associate for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, 20 percent of the U.S. cotton crop has been harvested. 

“Eleven-point-eight million bales of the 2024 crop are projected to be exported,” Stiles said. “I would conservatively estimate that 55 percent of the 11.8 million bales would be shipped out of ports affected by this strike.”

Stiles said that some shipments bound for Asia can be diverted to the West Coast. 

“The East Coast has largely handled cotton shipments to markets such as Turkey,” he said. “If the strike is prolonged like the last one in 1977 that lasted six weeks, will Turkey switch its cotton purchases to Brazil or West Africa?”  

U.S. export sales of cotton are already off to the slowest start since 2015, Stiles said, and any “interruption in the U.S. ability to export only makes this situation worse.” 

Eight-six percent of U.S. cotton demand is attributed to exports. 

“Producers have watched market prices slide from 85 cents in February to 66 cents in August,” Stiles said. “Prices have recovered recently to the 73- to 74-cent area but have stalled as it became apparent that the port labor dispute would not be resolved by the Sept. 30 deadline.”

December cotton futures closed 52 points lower today to settle at 73.09 cents per pound.

Meat and poultry

Should the strike be prolonged, consumers could be seeing changes.

“Approximately 20 percent of broilers are destined for export markets,” said Jada Thompson, poultry economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. With the volume of ocean-bound freight that runs through East Coast ports, the strike “could have very real consequences either in spoiled products, lost revenues, or additional, unexpected storage costs.”

James Mitchell, a livestock economist with the Division of Agriculture, said, “this could have a significant impact on beef and pork trade flows. Beef trade to Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, and Honduras, for example, is affected, accounting for approximately 12 percent of beef exports through July 2024. The Caribbean makes up 4 percent of pork exports through July 2024.”

The strike “doesn’t impact all beef and pork exports uniformly.  We export a wide variety of products to many different places. And those products are all valued differently,” he said. “The dollar impact will depend on which types of products are affected, the quantities, and the value of those specific export products.”

Neal Springs RR crossing on Highway 41 to close Oct. 5-6 for repairs      10/02/24

HORATIO – Officials are informing the public of a two-day closure of Highway 41 south of Horatio this weekend to allow crews time to complete repairs to the railroad crossing at Neal Springs.

The closure will take place Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6. Through traffic on Highway 41 at the railroad crossing will be closed both days. Canadian Pacific-Kansas Southern (CPKS) Railroad received authorization from the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) to close the crossing in order to remove the concrete crossing and 150 feet of track panel. A new section of track panel will be installed, along with a resurfaced curve and crossing.

CPKS stated in its application that it plans to install a new rubber crossing system and asphalt approaches.

Due to the limited number of bridges in that area, the only proposed detour over the Little River is Highway 71. Commuters traveling north on the affected route can take the 41/234 Junction east through Winthrop to Highway 71 and then go west at the 71/24 Junction to head to Horatio, or continue north on Highway 71 to reach Lockesburg and De Queen.

The Highway 41 railroad crossing will remain accessible to emergency response vehicles. There is no anticipated impact on Horatio Public Schools as the work is expected to begin and complete within the weekend.

This weekend marks the popular 34^th annual Hurrah! Festival in De Queen, which draws in many visitors from across the region. Those traveling from Little River County and further south are particularly advised to reconsider their routes due to the work on Highway 71.

PCSO deputy cleared in August fatal shooting      10/02/24

GLENWOOD – West Judicial District Prosecutor Jana Bradford has determined that the use of lethal force by a Pike County Sheriff’s Deputy was justified in the officer-involved shooting on Aug. 29 which resulted in the death of a Pike County woman.

The Pike County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) asked the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the Arkansas State Police (ASP) to investigate the shooting.

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, the PCSO responded to a location on Highway 84 West near the Pike County community of Glenwood following reports of a woman with a knife. The woman, later identified as Jennifer Provence, 43, did not comply with a deputy’s commands to drop the knife. The deputy fired his service weapon, hitting Provence, who died from her injuries at the scene.

ASP CID prepared an investigative file and submitted it to the prosecuting attorney, who determined the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas laws.

De Queen Rotary Club hears presentation on AR Latino Hall of Fame      10/02/24

DE QUEEN – At the Sept. 30 De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, Jorge Gonzalez of the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the upcoming Arkansas Latino Hall of Fame induction ceremony of which a Sevier County man will be one of the five honorees. The North Little Rock Chamber is sponsoring the event.

Robert Martinez of Horatio will be inducted as part of the inaugural class of the state’s Latino Hall of Fame at a sold-out dinner on Thursday, Oct. 24 at the North Little Rock Wyndam Riverfront. The venue seats 400.

Four individuals, including Martinez, along with one group will make up the inaugural class of five members. Approximately 50 Sevier County residents are expected to travel to North Little Rock to attend the event. The induction ceremony will be available for viewing on the P.B.S. livestream. There is also a Spanish news outlet that plans to show the event via Facebook live.

Gonzalez thanked Daniel Martinez and Veronica Ozuru for their service and participation on the statewide Latino Hall of Fame board. 

Gonzalez said that there were 56 nominations for the inaugural class. Besides being a successful rancher in Southwest Arkansas, Gonzalez said that Robert Martinez stood out to the selection committee because of his dedication to the community that’s been demonstrated through his volunteer work and service on various boards, committees, and nonprofit entities.

“Robert has served with CHRISTUS St. Michael’s board in Texarkana, on the Federal Reserve Board for the St. Louis region, on the U of A Cossatot board, Farm Bureau board, St. Barbara’s Catholic Church board, and he was instrumental in bringing the Mexican Consulate to Little Rock, which regularly sends a mobile office to Southwest Arkansas to assist Hispanic residents”, Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez was introduced by Rotarian Daniel Martinez, who arranged the program. Daniel is Roberto’s great nephew.

Club Secretary Tammy Huddleston reminded members that the Rotary Club is hosting a Golfing Outing Raffle now through October 21st. The grand prize will be a golfing package for four people on any course at beautiful Hot Springs Village. Tickets are just $25 each, with only a total of 200 tickets offered for sale. All proceeds will go toward the many worthwhile local projects of the De Queen club.

The drawing will be held live on KDQN 92.1 on Thursday, Oct. 24. See any De Queen Rotarian to purchase a ticket and help out a great local cause.

Guests at Monday’s meeting included Carter Berkelman of the Housing and Urban Development based in Little Rock.

Deadline to register to vote this November is Oct. 7      10/02/24

DE QUEEN – The deadline to register to vote for the November General Election is fast approaching.  If you are not already registered, you have until Monday, Oct. 7 to turn in your registration form. The General Election and Nonpartisan Runoff Election will be held on Nov. 5.

 

Early voting begins on Oct. 21. Polls for early voting will be open between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Early voting ends at 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to the election. In Sevier County, all early voting will take place in the community building in De Queen’s Herman Dierks Park.

 

Submitting your voter application at a state agency, in a voter registration drive, or through the U.S. Postal Service does NOT guarantee your registration. You should follow up on the status of your registration just as you would on any other personal business matter. Before considering yourself a registered voter, you must receive an acknowledgment of your registration from the county clerk. Feel free to call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. You may also check your voter registration status online by visiting www.voterview.org.

 

Voter registration applications may be found at sos.arkansas.gov. If you are registering to vote by mail you must provide either your driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number on your Arkansas Voter Registration Application, or check the box in #9 on the application to indicate that you do not possess either a driver’s license or Social Security number.

U.S. Sen. Boozman discusses fire department regs, Israel and govt spending      10/02/24

DE QUEEN – U.S. Senator, John Boozman recently took a moment to join us on KDQN and weigh in on a number of topics ranging from the government funding deadline to American support for Israel in its ongoing conflict against terrorism in the Middle East.

Lawmakers averted a government shutdown last Thursday, just days ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline. The negotiated legislation pushes the funding crunch to December, right before Christmas and a new Congress and president take office.

Boozman said it was vital lawmakers work together to avoid a full government shutdown like that seen for 35 days in the winter of 2018-2019. Boozman hopes the temporary spending bill will help Congress advance a more fiscally conservative budget into the new year.

“This is really important because when you shut the government down, it would involve defense, it would involve all of the agencies that do so much, that would have to scramble around. For instance, you’re working in a meat processing plant and the person that certifies the meat can’t come in because they’re off the payroll. The military would not get paid unless we pass a special law saying that they’re going to get paid,” he said. “Once the election is over, regroup and get together and pass something that is responsible. We’re $35 trillion in debt. We have to make sure that whatever we do respects the American taxpayer’s money, which this is. It’s not my money. It’s not anybody in Congress’s money. This is the taxpayer’s money.”

Boozman also addressed a proposed update to regulations enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that he believes would restrict the ability for fire departments to operate in their communities. These regulations focus primarily on increasing the amount of annual training within fire departments and mandating they regularly replace older equipment.

Concerns have arisen less over the proposed changes themselves, but rather the cost and administrative effort it would take to adopt them. Fire departments across the state and nation are already struggling to fill positions and balance budgets. Boozman said it’s a concern he hears increasingly from first responders in Arkansas.

“About 80-90% of our firefighting in Arkansas is done by volunteer fire departments. I don’t know of any group that does a better job of stretching their dollars further. But when you have to mandatorily retire a truck because it’s got a certain age on it when it’s perfectly fine, those are the kind of things that they’re very concerned about,” said Boozman. “The feeling is amongst the fire departments that we would lose many of our departments. We’re engaging with OSHA and a number of other senators and congressmen. The Arkansas delegation is involved greatly and so we’re going to push back and make sure that they understand the unintended consequences of some of the actions that they’re trying to do with the new rule.”

Finally, Boozman expressed his desire to see continued U.S. support for Israel in its regional conflicts in the Middle East. That situation escalated early last week after Israel responded with aerial attacks against the Lebanese-based terrorist group Hezbollah. Hezbollah has reportedly fired over 10,000 rockets into Israel since Oct. 7, 2023. Those attacks have displaced more than 60,000 people in northern Israel.

Boozman said Israel needs U.S. support to ensure its victory and survival as the region’s sole democratic state.

“This is one of our greatest allies. They’re the shining light in a very troubled part of the world, the only democracy in the region and for so many reasons we need to be very, very supportive of Israel. And we have been. We can be proud of that,” he said.

“But we need to make it such that there’s no question. They shouldn’t have to worry or be concerned that we’re not going to be there for them. You can imagine if somebody shot a rocket from a thousand miles away into one of our communities what the reaction would be from the United States, rightfully so.”

Alternating lane closures begin today on Hwy 71 near Lockesburg      10/01/24

LOCKESBURG – Alternating lane closures are scheduled on Highway 71 near Lockesburg daily from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from Tuesday, October 1 through Sunday, October 27.

Weather permitting, lane closures will be in place on Highway 71 from the intersection of Highway 71 and Highway 24/371 (E Main Street) in Lockesburg, extending 4.5 miles south to Johns Branch Creek. The alternating lane closures will allow crews to perform pavement preservation work.

Traffic will be controlled with cones, flagging, and signage.

Drivers are urged to use caution while traveling in the area.

Additional travel information can be found at IDriveArkansas.com or ARDOT.gov.   

September weather report for the listening area      10/01/24

DE QUEEN – The month of September brought some much-needed rainfall and some relief from burn bans, triple digit temperatures, and heat advisories that we encountered during the month of August. 

6.03 inches of rain were recorded at the KDQN studios during September, bringing our total precipitation for 2024 up to 38.85 inches. We measured 3.86 inches of rain on Sept. 11.

The coolest morning was 50 degrees recorded on the 9th and 10th. The hottest afternoon was 92 degrees on the 6th and 7th.

Bunyard Broadcasting, Inc. is the official reporting station for the National Weather Service in De Queen.

Leopards winning streak continues after victory against Hope      09/30/24

DE QUEEN – With De Queen Catherine Socash and her homecoming court looking on, the De Queen Leopards pulled away from Hope 39-13 in the 5A South Conference opener Friday night.

The Leopards offense scored touchdowns on their first four possessions of the night to race to a 26-13 halftime lead. The Leopards rolled up 441 yards in total offense on the night.

Meanwhile, the Leopard defense was credited with six quarterback sacks as they held Hope scoressless in the second half.

The victory snapped a 38-game conference losing streak dating back to the 2018 season. Afterward, Toney Stowers caught up with victorious Head Football Coach Richard Bell.

Our McDonald’s Player of the Game was quarterback Cole Binkley, who rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries and threw for 77 yards and a score.

The Leopards are riding their first three-game winning streak in 15 years, dating back to the 2009 season. However, De Queen hits the road to Little Rock this Friday night to take on the two-time defending state champions – the Parkview Patriots.

 

 

Catherine Socash crowned 2024 DHS Homecoming Queen      09/30/24

DE QUEEN – It was a big day Friday for De Queen High School Homecoming Queen Catherine Socash and her court. Following the parade through downtown De Queen and School Drive, and the pep rally at the high school, Queen Catherine and her court were presented at Leopard Stadium Friday night prior to the kickoff with Hope.

KDQN’s sidelines reporter for the Leopards, Toney Stowers, had the opportunity to present the bouquet and football tot he queen since he was named the 2024 Loyal Leopard Award winner as presented by the Athletic Booster Club. The 2023 homecoming queen Alexa Monroy crowned this year’s queen prior to kickoff Friday night.

 

Tonight is De Queen High School’s 2024 Homecoming      09/27/24

DE QUEEN – Tonight is homecoming at De Queen High School!

Activities have been scheduled throughout the week ahead of this evening’s ceremonies, where Catherine Socash will be crowned as the 2024 DHS Homecoming Queen. She’ll be escorted by Macaden Smith and nine De Queen High School homecoming maids.

Those maids, and their escorts, include:

Alize Bahena and Trenton Matthews
Ashley Hernandez and Lance Wise
Jordan West and Cole Binkley
Katelyn Ponce and Kanen Billingsley
Lizaneth Gutierrez and Ulyces Coto
Marlene Tellez and Henry Campuzano
Noelia Munoz and Philip Chang
Stephanie Villeda and Esteban Alvarez
Vianey Dominguez and Juan Penaloza

Adleigh Lawrence and Silas Carver will serve as the ceremony’s attendants. The DHS Student Council selected Disney Magic for this year’s homecoming theme.

The De Queen Leopards Football team will play its homecoming game against the Hope Bobcats this evening with kickoff at 7 p.m.

The 2024 Homecoming festivities will begin at 1:45 p.m. on Friday with a parade in downtown De Queen around the Sevier County Courthouse square, continuing down School Drive at 2:15 p.m. for kindergarten through 12th grade. The afternoon coronation ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the DHS Coliseum followed by a pep rally. The evening ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Leopard Stadium before the Leopards vs. Bobcats game starting at 7 p.m.

Leopards look to increasing winning streak to 3-1 against Bobcats tonight      09/27/24

DE QUEEN – The Leopards hope to carry on their hard-fought winning streak tonight as they host the Hope Bobcats and De Queen High School’s 2024 Homecoming Ceremony tonight at historic Bill Blackwood Field.

The Leopards broke a 27-game losing streak after defeating Horatio 35-0 on Sept. 6. They earned another victory in a 19-18 nailbiter contest against visiting Lafayette County on Sept. 13. They hope to increase their record to 3-1 on the season (after the season opening loss to Mena Aug. 30) when they host the Bobcats this Friday.

In a special note regarding tonight’s game, it will mark the 400th consecutive broadcast of “Voice of the Leopards” Jay Bunyard! Despite some illnesses over the years, re-arranged vacations and other hurdles, Bunyard has not missed announcing a Leopards game in the past 38 years!

De Queen and Hope

The Series

This Friday’s matchup between the Hope Bobcats and the De Queen Leopards is the 42nd meeting all-time between the two schools. The Bobcats have claimed 29 victories, while the Leopards have been victorious 11 times. There has been one tie in the matchup over the decades. That was a 7-7 tie to open the 1953 season. That was the only blemish on the De Queen record that season as Coach Ben Burton’s Leopards finished 10-0-1.

The first meeting between the two schools was back in 1930, when Hope blanked De Queen 12-0.

The Leopards and Bobcats played annually from 1947 – 1969. In that last meeting in 1969 before a 43-year lapse in the series, Hope defeated De Queen 28-0. De Queen’s last victory over Hope before the 43-year lapse in contests came in 1965 when quarterback Murray “Tuffy” Neely led the Leopards to a 7-0 win over Hope. 

From 1949 to 1959, the Leopards lost only 18 games combined during those 11 seasons. Five of those 18 losses came at the hands of the Bobcats. 

Many Leopard fans will argue that the 1957 club was the best team in De Queen football history. Although Arkansas didn’t have state play-offs that season to determine champions, the Leopards did roll to a perfect 12-0 season, and outscored their opponents by a combined margin of 331-66 in those 12 games. Which opponent gave De Queen their toughest game? You guessed it. The Leopards slipped past Hope 13-12 on September 20, 1957. 

One year later in 1958, the Leopards finished 9-1. The only blemish on their record that year was a heartbreaking 6-0 loss to Hope in the second game of the season. So, Hope has always been a pesky opponent.

After a 43-year lapse in the series following the 1969 season, the Leopards and Bobcats resumed playing annually again in 2012 when Hope and De Queen became members of the 5A-South Conference. 

Since the rivalry resumed in 2012, Hope has claimed nine of the twelve victories. De Queen wins came in a three-year span from 2016 – 2018. Hope has won the last five encounters.

In 2016, Hunter Earney rushed for 182 yards and three touchdowns as the Leopards whipped Hope 35-7. Drew Dykes threw for 106 yards and ran for two scores.

In 2017, Marquez Ester rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns while Earney added 114 yards on the ground and a touchdown as De Queen rolled to a 40-14 victory over the Bobcats. Rolando Sotelo and Mack Carver also ran for touchdowns as the Leopards rushed for 377 yards on the night. 

Then in 2018, The Leopards prevailed 21-14 in overtime during a downpour at Leopard Stadium. Ironically, this win over Hope marks the last Leopards 5A-South Conference victory. More details are available on this contest in “This Week in Leopard History” elsewhere in tonight’s program.

Since that first meeting between De Queen and Hope back in 1930, it’s been a spirited Cat Fight despite the long 43-year lapse between games in the series. Tonight’s contest should be memorable as well!

Deadline approaching to register to vote in Arkansas this November      09/27/24

The deadline to register to vote for the November General Election is fast approaching.  If you are not already registered, you have until Monday, October 7 to turn in your registration form. The General Election and Nonpartisan Runoff Election will be held on November 5.

Early voting begins on October 21. Polls for early voting will be open between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Saturday. Early voting ends at 5:00 pm on the Monday prior to the election.

 

Submitting your voter application at a state agency, in a voter registration drive, or through the U.S. Postal Service does NOT guarantee your registration. You should follow up on the status of your registration just as you would on any other personal business matter. Before considering yourself a registered voter, you must receive an acknowledgment of your registration from the county clerk. Feel free to call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. You may also check your voter registration status online by visiting www.voterview.org.

Voter registration applications may be found at sos.arkansas.gov. If you are registering to vote by mail you must provide either your driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number on your Arkansas Voter Registration Application, or check the box in #9 on the application to indicate that you do not possess either a driver’s license or Social Security number.

Provo community to host 37th annual Kids Rodeo this Saturday      09/27/24

PROVO – Organizers will present the 37^th annual Provo Kids Rodeo this Saturday, Sept. 28 beginning at 10 a.m.

The rodeo will feature a variety of events for youth aged up to 16-years-old. These include mini bull riding, horse speed, horse barrel, horse pole bending, a boot race and stick horse competition for the little ones, and much more. Rodeo registration begins at 9 a.m.

Other activities include live music and a calf scramble.

Chicken dinner plates will be on sale beginning at 5 p.m. for $10. The meals are being provided and prepared by Pilgrim’s.

All events will take place at the Provo Arena, located at 112 Community Road, Lockesburg, AR 71846.

For more information check out the 37^th annual Provo Kids Rodeo event page on Facebook.

Legacy Academy hosts Scholars Induction Ceremony      09/27/24

Submitted by Ben Wright/Legacy Academy

LOCKESBURG – Legacy Academy held its Scholar Induction Ceremony on Thursday, September 19 inducting four new Scholars into their final stage of learning at Legacy Academy. Legacy Scholars are Rhetoric level students, sophomores to seniors.

Each year, selected Sophomore students are inducted to join other upper level students. This year’s newly promoted Scholars are:

● Jude Gallagher 

● Olivia Lofton 

● Jacob Martinez 

● Manolo Vázquez

In this ceremony, Legacy Academy recognized these students’ status as role models and upperclassmen, and the school now becomes a stronger entity as these students signify their commitment to upholding the values of the Christian faith in their school in sight of their peers, their teachers, their families and God.

After accepting a charge from school founder, Chad Gallagher and signing their own honor pledge, students were given their navy blazers – which become part of their formal uniform – by their parents. The navy blazer is the culmination of their career at Legacy Academy and signifies their new role as leaders on campus. Parents then laid their hands on and prayed for their children at the culmination of the ceremony.

Earlier in the ceremony, the new Rookies were set in (K-2nd grade), new Protégés were promoted (3rd-6th), and the new Apprentices (7th-9th) were recognized. The entire school body took part as existing students in each rank joined the new inductees to re-affirm each of their charges.

Founder Chad Gallagher said, “We had a great night celebrating Scholar Induction, and setting in our students as Rookies, Protégés, Apprentices and Scholars. We are so thankful to have a school community that values the heart values above all else and that celebrates young men and women upholding these standards in their daily lives. These special events are important milestones for our students – at whatever age – as they commit publicly and in their hearts to honor God and to follow His purpose for their lives. We are proud of them and we are committed to securing for them a bright future of hope, faith and joy.”

Legacy Academy is a Classical Christian school in Lockesburg, AR built upon a values-based system of education and development as outlined by the Bible–the inerrant Word of God. In addition to academic excellence, Legacy develops students of integrity, character, and confidence who are aware of their individual purpose, worth, and societal responsibility. 

Lockesburg FBC Sportsman’s Supper, Fall Revival begins Saturday      09/27/24

LOCKESBURG – First Baptist Church of Lockesburg will host its annual Sportsman’s Chili Supper and Fall Revival beginning this weekend.

The Sportsman’s Chili Supper will be held this Saturday, Sept. 28 beginning at 5 p.m. at the church, located at 3466 S. Camellia Street in Lockesburg. The event will include drawings for guns, fishing equipment and other sports items.

The Fall Revival will be held 6:30 p.m. each night Sept. 28-Oct. 2. Don Whitt will be the evangelist while music will be provided by Jamie Parker. A Sunday morning worship will be held 10:45 a.m.

For more information contact First Baptist Church of Lockesburg by calling (870) 289-2121.

Unique eatery and fixture of downtown De Queen to celebrate 15th year      09/24/24

DE QUEEN – A cornerstone of downtown De Queen will celebrate its 15th anniversary next month.

Chad and Jessica Gallagher opened the doors to Stilwell’s Restaurant Oct. 1, 2009.
Located at the intersection of Stilwell Avenue and Third Street on the southeast corner of the Sevier County Courthouse Square, Stilwell’s has become a fixture of downtown De Queen with its selection of coffee, sandwiches, desserts and other menu items. The restaurant was also an early leader in the revitalization of De Queen’s downtown – an effort that has breathed new life into the city’s most historical district.

The restaurant features an exposed brick wall highlighting its vintage provenance. Photos of De Queen a century ago grace another wall while the rest of the interior creates a coffee shop atmosphere one would expect only in a bigger city.

It’s no coincidence Stilwell’s was opened in downtown De Queen. For Chad Gallagher, the restaurant was part of his hope to see this area of town thrive.

“When we opened Stilwell’s, we purposely chose to be downtown because we’ve just long held that our downtown districts can either be an asset or they can be a real detriment. There is no such thing as neutral for them,” he explained. “Across the state we’ve seen communities really ramp up their downtowns and get across that tipping point and see those areas thrive. We always wanted to do our part to contribute to that effort and I think that Stilwell’s has been a good anchor business for the downtown over the last 15 years.”

Of course, offering visitors a unique dining experience was another major goal in opening the restaurant. This included offering items made from scratch and recipes crafted by his mother-in-law, Angelea Talley.

“She ran Stilwell’s for us initially and did an amazing job. She came up with recipes and put hours and hours of work for the first five years in getting the restaurant going and set up,” he said. “In starting Stilwell’s itself, really what was in our minds and our hearts was to offer the community something that was a little different than what we already had. We have a lot of other great restaurants and hardworking restaurant families serving the community, so we wanted to offer something a little bit  different.”

In addition to Jessica’s mother, Chad credits his long-time manager Cindy Lofton as well as Ken George, who has run the restaurant’s kitchen for the past decade.

Chad said the restaurant’s success is also a testament to the support of Stilwell’s customers, many of whom are daily patrons.

 

“Our customers have been faithful and loyal and we have fantastic customers who come by every day in addition to those who drive out of town once a week just to have a meal at Stilwell’s,” he said. “It really is humbling. We just try to work hard every day to make sure that we are meeting their expectations and doing good by them.”

At 15 years, Stilwell’s is also by all accounts De Queen’s longest-opened restaurant with the same owners. Some have been around longer, but have seen their ownership change in those same years.

“The restaurant business is a tough business. It takes a lot of time and the profit margin is actually really narrow. So we’re really pleased to say we’re still going strong and excited about the future,” said Chad. “When I think about celebrating 15 years, it’s to look back and say, you know, small business can work in a small town community. It just takes committed people who work hard and great customers that appreciate it… it’s been a winning combination.”

Chad said the restaurant’s success has also contributed to another of the family’s goals: supporting local youth and faith-based charitable initiatives.

“We want to show gratitude by trying to support those efforts, to be good partners, build a better community – whether that’s by providing a meal for a funeral, supporting a local event or project, or donating to the fair,” said, who along with his wife founded Legacy Academy in 2017. “We love that Stilwell’s has afforded us the opportunity to try to jump in and support the amazing stuff people in Sevier County are doing.”

The restaurant will mark its 15th anniversary with a small celebration on Oct. 2. While it will be a regular day for the restaurant, the Gallagher’s invite everyone to come by, even if just to say hello. The KDQN Morning Brew Crew will be live on location from 10 a.m. to 12 noon with the Number One Country Treasure Chest in addition to on-air spotlights on Stilwell’s and the restaurant’s history.

“We’re excited to have everyone come by and hang out with us, it’ll be a fun time,” said Chad.

Hurrah! Festival returns Oct. 5 in celebration of local history      09/24/24

DE QUEEN – The annual celebration of all things De Queen is just over a week away.

The 34th annual Hurrah! Festival will be Saturday, Oct. 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Sevier County Museum. The yearly festival is a celebration of De Queen, its people and their history. The event also serves as the primary fundraiser for the Sevier County Museum.

This year’s theme will focus on a tribute to Sevier County arts and entertainment.

Activities at this year’s festival will include craft and food booths, knife-making demonstrations with Riverside Machine, a veterans parade, live music (including guest singer/musician Alexis from Texarkana) and an open car/truck show. 

In addition, everyone is invited to start the day off with breakfast hosted traditionally by the De Queen Rotary Club. Breakfast will be served from 8-10 a.m. at the De Queen Senior Citizens Center. Menu includes bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, eggs and a drink.

Vendors are encouraged to reserve a booth at this year’s festival. Booths will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. To reserve a booth, or for more information, contact Museum Director Karen Mills by calling (870) 784-0039, or stop by the museum.

The museum is open between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. 

Hunters check 1,231 deer during Arkansas’ early buck hunt      09/24/24

Arkansas bowhunters harvested 1,231 deer during the state’s first statewide early buck hunt earlier this month. The jump-start to deer season was added during the biannual regulations-setting process this spring to offer hunters the opportunity to pursue a buck still “in velvet.”

Ralph Meeker, deer program coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, said the hunt’s harvest was within the range expected by biologists when the hunt was announced.

“When we look at historical harvest for the first three days of archery season, hunters typically check between 2,000 and 4,000 deer, depending on the weather,” Meeker said. “But a lot of those deer are does, so when you look at only the buck component of that harvest, it’s around 800 to 1,500 antlered deer.”

Arkansas’s regular archery season has traditionally begun on the fourth Saturday in September.

Meeker says the results of Arkansas’s first statewide early deer hunt also fall fairly close to those found in Tennessee and Mississippi, two neighboring states with similar hunts.

“We had great weather during the hunt, and a lot of hunters were able to enjoy a cooler morning in the stand than anticipated,” Meeker said.

While many hunters enjoyed harvesting an early deer, the timing of this year’s hunt did fall slightly outside the peak time for the deers’ antlers to be shrouded in velvet.

“After talking to meat processors and hunters I know, I’d estimate that only about 10 to 15 percent of the bucks were still in velvet and I’d lean closer to that 10 percent side,” Meeker said. “The hunt is set for the first full weekend in September, and this year it happened to land on the latest possible calendar date for that criteria. As the calendar rotates, we’ll begin to see earlier hunts in future years. We see several bucks “in velvet” harvested in the first few days of the urban hunts, which typically open Sept. 1.”

The hunt also shouldn’t take much of the excitement out of the opening weekend of regular archery deer season, as many hunters still have tags and freezers to fill.

“I think a lot of hunters had to choose between early bucks and doves this year, so they’ll still be out there for the statewide archery opener,” Meeker said. “There are still a good number of people who archery hunt to just harvest a deer. The early hunt mainly attracts those die-hard bowhunters, so I think we’ll still see a lot of people in the woods for archery season. It also was a great opportunity for hunters who wanted to get out in the woods a little when they made their first trip to deer camp to clean up, plant food plots and get ready for the rest of the season. It was nice to give those folks a choice.”

Regular archery season in Arkansas is Sept. 28-Feb. 28. Visit www.agfc.com/deer for more information.

Arkansas property tax payment deadline is Oct. 15      09/24/24

DE QUEEN – Arkansas residents and property owners are reminded that they have until Oct. 15 to pay their personal and real property taxes and avoid a 10 percent late penalty.

Taxpayers in Sevier County can pay their taxes online at www.actdatascout.com.

The Sevier County Collector’s office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each weekday Oct. 1-15 to accept payments. The office will be closed from 1-2 p.m. each weekday for lunch. The office will also be open Saturday, Oct. 5 and Saturday, Oct. 12 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon to accept payments.

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

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

The Sevier County Collector’s Office will be closed Oct. 16 through Oct. 18 in order to prepare the delinquent tax list. The office will return to normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 21.

Over eight pounds of cocaine seized in Hempstead Co. traffic stop      09/24/24

HOPE – A Texas man is facing felony charges in Southwest Arkansas after he was arrested on suspicion of trafficking more than eight pounds of cocaine.

On Sept. 17, at approximately 7:42 a.m., Arkansas State Police (ASP) stopped a grey 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer around the 28-mile marker on Interstate 30 East in Hempstead County for a traffic violation.

Troopers searched the SUV and found three bricks of cocaine wrapped in tape in a baby wipes box. When weighted, the suspected cocaine totaled 8.4 pounds. Street value, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, equals $420,000.

Troopers arrested the driver, Chris Alvarado, 32, of Dallas, Texas, and transported him to the Hempstead County Detention Center. Alvarado is charged with Felony Trafficking of a Controlled Substance.

AAA associate director speaks at De Queen Rotary      09/24/24

DE QUEEN – At the Sept. 23 De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, the Associate Executive Director of the Arkansas Activities Association, Steve Roberts, called the Triple A the most misunderstood organization in the state.

Roberts is a former successful head football coach at Southern Arkansas University as well as at Arkansas State University. He also played college football tight end for legendary De Queen native Coach Buddy Bob Benson at Ouachita Baptist University. Roberts explained that the Triple A’s role is to simply administer the rules that its member schools adopt.

Roberts said that every member school from 1A to 7A gets one vote. It takes a two-thirds vote to change the Association’s constitution. Bylaws can be changed with a simple majority vote. The state legislature can also pass laws that the Triple A must adhere to. “The schools make the rules”, Roberts said.

Roberts addressed a couple of frequently asked questions like why does De Queen compete in Class 5A in football, but in Class 4A in all other sports? There are about 200 schools that play football. However, there are some 320 school districts that compete in some sport other than football. The biggest 16 schools that play football are in 7A. The next 16, based on enrollment, are in 6A. The next 32 schools, including De Queen, are in 5A.

Roberts explained that the classifications are based on enrollment over a three-year average. On October 1, school districts will submit their enrollment numbers for grades nine through eleven. School districts want to show as high of an  enrollment as possible to the Arkansas Department of Education as that also determines their funding received.

Another frequently asked question is why is De Queen in the same conference as a Little Rock school? Roberts explained that the schools voted to have four eight-team conferences in Class 5A. Little Rock is closer to De Queen geographically than the next option, a Pine Bluff school.

The Arkansas Activities Association is making a strong effort to publicize the importance of students participating in a school activity besides academics. Roberts said that surveys show that students involved in an activity have higher grade point averages, have better attendance, score higher on the A.C.T. test, and have fewer discipline referrals. A student involved in a school activity has a 99 percent graduation rate compared to 89 percent for students not participating. 

The Triple A project for this school year is to call attention to the mental health crisis that students are experiencing. Fourteen percent of senior high students have contemplated suicide. Forty percent describe themselves as severely depressed. Roberts said that the Triple A is making an effort to inform students that it’s ok to talk about it. They should seek out a coach, an administrator, a teacher, or a counselor to talk it out as to what they’re going through.

Roberts was introduced by Rotarian Jason Sanders, Superintendent at De Queen Schools, who arranged the program. The two worked together on the football coaching staff at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia.

Daniel Martinez was inducted as a new member. Daniel is employed at Pilgrims in De Queen. His Rotary classification is Poultry Industry. Daniel was sponsored for membership by Rotarian Veronica Ozura.

Club Secretary Tammy Huddleston reminded members that the Rotary Club is hosting a Golfing Outing Raffle now through Oct. 24. The grand prize will be a golfing package for four people on any course at beautiful Hot Springs Village. Tickets are just $25 each, with only a total of 200 tickets offered for sale. All proceeds will go toward the many worthwhile local projects of the De Queen club. The drawing will be held live on KDQN 92.1 on Thursday, Oct. 24. See any De Queen Rotarian to purchase a ticket and help out a great local cause.

Guests at Monday’s meeting included Ken Madden and Lee Ferguson of Searcy, and Lance Pinkerton.

 

Special youth deer hunt at Dierks Lake Nov. 2-3      09/24/24

DIERKS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Dierks Lake Project Office, is accepting applications for a youth deer hunt at Dierks Lake on Nov. 2-3.

Seven permits will be issued to hunters ages 6-15. Applicants must submit a completed form by Oct. 12, available at the Dierks Lake Project Office, 246 Jefferson Ridge Road, Dierks, or by calling (870) 286-2346. A random drawing and hunter notification will occur on Oct. 16.

Participants must have guardian consent and be accompanied by an unarmed adult over 21 years old, who has completed hunter education and holds a valid Arkansas hunting license. Youth hunters are limited to modern guns, must provide their own firearms and be skilled in their use. Access and hunting blinds will be provided.

This event promotes conservation, outdoor interest and ethical hunting while improving the local deer herd.

It’s Homecoming Week in De Queen      09/23/24

DE QUEEN – It’s homecoming week at De Queen High School!

Activities are scheduled throughout the week ahead of this Friday’s evening ceremonies, where Catherine Socash will be crowned as the 2024 DHS Homecoming Queen. She’ll be escorted alongside nine De Queen High School homecoming maids.

The De Queen Leopards Football team will play its homecoming game against the Hope Bobcats this Friday, Sept. 27. Homecoming festivities kick off with Spirit Week beginning today and continuing through Friday.

The DHS Student Council selected Disney Magic for this year’s homecoming theme. Spirit days include:

Monday- “Marvel Monday”(Dress as your favorite Superhero)

Tuesday-“Disney Day” (Dress as a Disney Character)

Wednesday-“Wreck-It Ralph-Construction” (Dress in construction gear)

Thursday-“Inside Out Color Wars” (Dress in your designated class color for Color Wars Day.) (Yellow-Kinder, 4th, & 8th; Green-1st, 5th, & 9th; Red-2nd, 6th, 10th; Blue-3rd, 7th, & 11th; Purple=12th)

Friday- “Beauty & the Beast-Homecoming” (dress in black and gold for the Leopards).

The school dress code will apply to Spirit Week.

The homecoming festivities will begin at 1:45 p.m. on Friday with a parade in downtown De Queen around the Sevier County Courthouse square, continuing down School Drive at 2:15 p.m. for kindergarten through 12th grade. The afternoon coronation ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the DHS Coliseum followed by a pep rally. The evening ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Leopard Stadium before the Leopards vs. Bobcats game starting at 7 p.m.

Partnership brings threatened species back to Cossatot River      09/23/24

By Randy Zellers/AGFC

UMPIRE — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission last week released 80 leopard darters into the wild thanks to the help of many partners at the state and federal level, as well as Conservation Fisheries, LLC, a private hatchery specializing in propagating rare and threatened species.

According to Chance Garrett, fish ecologist for the AGFC, this release is the first of two scheduled for the Cossatot River in western Arkansas this year and is the first historical reintroduction effort of leopard darters anywhere.

“We plan to release another 250 leopard darters in early October,” Garrett said. “All of the fish were grown from broodstock that originally came from the Mountain Fork River which flows from Arkansas into Oklahoma.”

The leopard darter was added to the Endangered Species Act’s threatened status in 1978. It is only found in Oklahoma and Arkansas and has seen substantial declines in its remaining populations.

“They originally thought it was only found in Oklahoma, but some populations were found in the Rolling Fork and Cossatot after its listing,” Garrett said. “Those two populations are thought to no longer exist, so this effort to re-establish them is extremely important.”

Garrett says if the effort is successful, it may change the way the species is managed in the future.

“This is actually the second year of the project,” Garrett said. “The first year we saw low survival at the hatchery level, but those fish that did survive were added to the broodstock for this year’s effort. The people at Conservation Fisheries have been doing this sort of work longer than I’ve been alive, so they’ve really been a key source of information on how to move forward with the project with the success we’ve seen so far.”

Additional partners in the effort included Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Arkansas State Parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service representatives from Oklahoma and Arkansas, USDA Forest Service’s Ouachita National Forest, and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The fish, all measuring only an inch or two at stocking size, were transported from the hatchery to their final destination in under a day.

“They left the hatchery in Knoxville, Tennessee that morning, and Jeff Quinn, AGFC Rivers and Streams Program supervisor, and I met them in Memphis,” Garrett said. “Then I drove them to the Cossatot on the other side of Arkansas by 6:30 p.m. or so.”

Once at the river, the fish had to be tempered to the water they would call home.

“It’s similar to how you’d add fish to an aquarium at home,” Garrett said. “They’re in bags, so you have to let them slowly acclimate to the temperature of the river water by floating the bag in it. Then you let some river water in to help them adjust slowly to the chemistry of that location. After a while, they’re ready for the final release.”

Staff worked well into the night to make sure the fish had the best chance possible of surviving. The morning after the release, they scanned the pool where the fish were introduced.

“We found some still in the pool, but the rest had already dispersed,” Garrett said. “Hopefully we’ll see them in future survey efforts. I’ll be out there as much as I can to keep an eye out for them. Ultimately our goal is to see some spawning activity in spring.”

With a little luck, perhaps the partnership can turn the tide for one of the longest-standing members of the Endangered Species Act.

USACE hosting special youth-only deer hunt Nov. 2-3      09/23/24

ASHDOWN – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office, is accepting applications for a youth deer hunt at Millwood Lake on Nov. 2-3, 2024.

Eight permits will be issued to hunters ages 6-15. Applicants must submit a completed form by Oct. 8, available at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office, 1528 Highway 32 E, Ashdown, AR, or by calling 870-898-3343.

A random drawing and hunter notification will occur on Oct. 10. Participants must have guardian consent and be accompanied by an unarmed adult over 21.

Hunters must provide their own firearms and be skilled in their use. Access and hunting blinds will be provided to ensure a safe and successful experience.

This event promotes conservation, outdoor interest, and ethical hunting while improving the local deer herd.

“We are the 22” recruiting to help local veterans      09/23/24

By Ethan Nahté/The Mena Star

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, utilized to raise awareness. There are different organizations and phone numbers to call for help, including some that are geared specifically for groups of people that might require intervention specialists who have a similar background.

Cameron Pinson, the recruiting director for We Are The 22 and the group’s Region 3 lieutenant, is one of those who works alongside interventionists to assist Arkansas veterans and military personnel.

“We’re a vet-to-vet, peer-to-peer suicide intervention group,” Pinson said. “We show up 24/7/365 anywhere in the state. A two-person team will get in front of a vet anytime they’re in crisis. We run a dispatch line very similar to 911. When you call you get a live person. Everybody in our organization has been in the military. We’re just tired of losing brothers and sisters.”

The veteran suicide intervention group is the only one of its kind in Arkansas, and they stated they are the only ones in the U.S. that are vet-to-vet. Since the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization began in May 2017, they have responded to over 500 veterans in suicidal crisis.

“We are 100% veteran-based organization. We’re the only ones showing up in person. There’s nobody else in the United States doing what we’re doing. We don’t have a home base per se. We’re all volunteers spread out across the state. We’re broke down into five regions at the moment with a total of 122 personnel across the state.”

Being spread out actually comes in handy if an intervention team is needed somewhere quickly and they don’t have to drive from central Arkansas to the far corners or clear across the state. We Are 22 is seeking volunteers in Sevier County and the surrounding region.

“We are definitely in need of responders in this area. Our long-term goal is to have two responders per county in every county in Arkansas.”

What are they seeking in recruits in addition to having a military background? Pinson said, “We do a new responder training to be qualified for the organization. We do require an honorable discharge or medical discharge. We do background checks, shelter meetings, events, copies of all paperwork for their service needs, build a file on them and get them started.

“The application process is online at WeAreThe22.org/. You can go on there and there’s couple of hyperlinks.”

Click the “Get Involved” drop down and select from the choices. Pinson said he’ll be the one to get in contact with applicants.

Behind the name

For those who are unaware of what the organization’s name refers to, Pinson explained, “The 22 stands for 22 veteran suicides every 24 hours. We Are The 22 — we’ve all been there, we’ve all dealt with it, and understand the struggle. We can relate and talk more openly. That’s how we got our name.”

Unfortunately, over the past few years that number for veteran suicides has grown, making the need for suicide intervention groups to recruit and spread the word even more dire.

“The number is actually running about 38 to 40 a day right now. The last time they done a study was [either] 2014 or 2016 I think, and that’s when they come up with 22 a day, I think. The number’s grown substantially.”

For veterans in crisis

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, please call 911. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. This information is beneath the first link on the We Are The 22 website.

If you or a veteran in Arkansas is in need of help, or need someone to talk to, the We Are The 22 crisis line is 1-855-932-7384.  
Pinson reiterates, “We’re available 24/7/365. We can do a phone response to talk to somebody on the phone anytime of the day, anywhere in the world. We’ve had some responses in another country, and some in Europe. Call and reach out. We’re always here to help.”

Do not let fear hold you back.  

“It’s okay to not be okay,” Pinson said. “We’re living in a society where we’re trying to break that stigma and spread awareness. Mental health is a big thing in the world. I’ll sit and talk to somebody else about my struggles any day of the week, and everybody in the organization will.”

Another member at their booth set up at The Elks BBQ Cookoff and Toys for Tots Car Show added, “It doesn’t matter whether you are a male or a female veteran, we’re still there for you.”

Sevier County Hospital cleared in $6.25m ARPA audit      09/18/24

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas’ Legislative Joint Auditing Committee has cleared the Sevier County Medical Center (SCMC) of any misuse of the $6.25 million in federal funding the hospital received in 2022 to help open its doors.

The committee announced its findings on Sept. 12 during a session at the State Capitol. Several officials with the Sevier County Medical Center were present for the hearing, including Sevier County Judge Sandra Dunn, SCMC Director Stacy Dowdy, SCMC Board Member Mike Branson and Hospital Treasurer Greg Revels.

The Arkansas Legislative Audit (ALA) focused its review for a period primarily between December of 2022 – when the funds were first awarded – to December of 2023. In its findings presented last week, ALA determined that nearly all of the funds were spent in accordance with the approved guidelines established when the grant was approved.

The only discrepancy was $77,228 in funding which has not yet been spent. ALA informed the hospital it has until Dec. 31 of this year to expend the remaining total.
Otherwise, the remaining $6,172,722 showed no signs of misuse, misappropriation or any other improper handling.

“This is really encouraging for the hospital and one less thing hanging over our heads,” said Dowdy. “Just because you have an audit, it doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. You don’t expect to get $6.25 million dollars and not get audited. However, that just shows everyone, the hospital and the community itself, that monies were spent accordingly, like they were supposed to be spent.”

The grant was awarded to the hospital in December, 2022 to aid in purchasing items necessary to open the hospital. The funds were provided through the American Rescue Plan Act, which was designed to help the country recover from the negative economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant, as outlined by the state legislature, only allowed funds to be spent on hospital equipment and supplies – not construction costs or any other expenses.

Dowdy said the hospital would have struggled to open its doors in January of 2023 without that ARPA funding.

“Without that grant, we might not have got our feet underneath us and got up and running like we did,” said Dowdy. “We had quite a few setbacks with the hospital being built during COVID, construction delays, and money wasn’t coming in as it needed to. Having that extra funding to help with equipment and supplies really pushed us forward.”

The audit into the grant was initiated by Sen. Jimmy Hickey, Jr., in late 2023. At the time Hickey said he requested the audit after hearing concerns from a fellow senator that the hospital was behind on paying some of its construction-related bills after receiving the $6.25 million in ARPA assistance.

The audit was performed by the ALA, which performs routine audits on all publicly-funded entities in the state, including cities and counties.

County officials were confident the audit would clear the Sevier County Medical Center and provide some positive news for the hospital, which is showing encouraging signs of financial sustainability (as reported in last week’s edition of The De Queen Bee). Officials were also encouraged by the sole finding in the audit: that a small percentage of the grant funds has not yet been spent.

“We’re just glad that the audit report was accepted and it was my impression that all was found to be appropriate and legal with regard to the hospital’s use of the grant funds,” said Sevier County Judge Sandra Dunn. “We believe the matter is completed. Hospital personnel are searching their records to see if there were expenses not previously reported under the grant that would be eligible for reimbursement with the remaining $77,000.”

Horatio superintendent addresses school safety concern earlier this week      09/18/24

HORATIO – Officials with the Horatio School District are reaching out to members of the Lions family to inform them of an incident involving a suspicious communication earlier this week.

In a letter to the public, Horatio Superintendent Gayla Youngblood said the district was aware of a rumor circulating in regard to school safety that involved a text message shared throughout the community.

Youngblood said local law enforcement officials established there was no basis of truth in the message.

“Please know that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We take every precaution to ensure a safe learning environment and always act swiftly on any information we receive,” she said. “Our school safety plan includes secured entrances, visitor management systems at front offices, a school resource officer, surveillance systems, routine safety drills, mental health support and armed personnel at both campuses.”

Youngblood said parents and guardians play a crucial role in helping the district maintain a safe school environment.

“While we are doing everything possible to ensure safety within our schools, we know that it is a shared responsibility,” she said. “Encourage your child to speak up if they see or hear anything. Regularly monitor their online conversations and activities. If you notice anything concerning, report the information to school administration. We will immediately begin an investigation and notify law enforcement.”

Today marks start of bear archery season for Zones 1-2      09/18/24

Bear hunters have few changes to worry about going into the 2024 bear season, with the most substantial difference being the elimination of shooting bears wearing telemetry collars.

This is the second year for bear hunting in Arkansas’ Zone 3 and 4. Zone three includes Sevier County south of Highway 70, the southern half of Howard County and all of Little River. Sevier County north of Highway 70 has historically been open to bear hunting as a part of Zone 2 (which also includes the entirety of Polk County).

Local zones, dates and regulations:

Zone 2

Archery season opened Sept. 18 for Zone 2 while the state’s new Alternative Firearms season (Formerly muzzleloader) will be Oct. 19-27. A special youth modern gun bear hunt will be held Nov. 2-3.

Zone 2’s modern gun hunt will be Nov. 9-30.

Zone 3

Zone 3 does not yet feature an archery hunt, Alternative Firearms season or special youth modern gun hunt. Zone 3 is limited to modern gun, set for Dec. 21-27 (or earlier, if five-bear quota is reached; it was not in 2023). Hunters must call (833) 345-0398 the evening before the hunt to check the harvest number.

The statewide bag limit is one bear, either sex, by any method.

Here are a few others things to remember as you head out for Arkansas’s bear archery season, which opens today (Sept. 18) for Zones 1-2.

Necklace No-No

It is once again illegal to harvest any bear that is wearing a radio telemetry collar. At 2 inches wide, the leather collars are obvious when in the field, and with nearly all bear hunters harvesting their bear within archery range, there’s no mistaking a collared bear for one with no neckwear. This change actually is a reinstatement of a former regulation.

During the last two years, the AGFC has gathered baseline data on how hunting influences bear populations in newly opened areas. Arkansas held its first modern-day bear hunt in Bear Zones 3 and 4 during the 2022 hunting season, and information about harvest needed to be unbiased. Since protecting bears with collars introduced bias into the harvest, the restriction against taking a collared bear was lifted for those two years.

“We have a lot of time and taxpayer dollars invested in every bear that we collar,” Stacey Clark, assistant chief of wildlife management for the AGFC, said. “The trapping process can take days, and the information we gain through winter bear den health checks is invaluable in managing the species. We also want to make sure we do what we can to protect the female bears, as they are your producers of the next generation of bear cubs. Since all bears outfitted with radio collars are female, protecting them falls in line with our management strategies.”

Most collared bears also have an ear tag to help identify them, but many other bears sport ear tags without wearing a collar. These bears were nuisance bears that found their way into people’s backyards and had to be relocated. As long as they don’t have the collar, the bear is legal to harvest.

Get a Permit
Both residents and nonresidents must have a bear permit in addition to a valid license for big game to hunt and check a bear in Arkansas. Resident bear hunters will need a Sportsman’s License (license code RS or CS) as well as a free Resident Bear Permit (RBT). Nonresidents must purchase a Nonresident Bear Permit (NRB), which costs $300 and must have a valid Nonresident Annual All Game Hunting License (NBG) for an additional $410. Both resident and nonresident hunters under 16 years old do not need a license to hunt, but they do need the proper youth bear permit. The Youth Resident Bear Permit (YBT) and Youth Nonresident Bear Permit (YBTN) must be obtained before pursuing a bear. Both of these permits are free.

All bear permits are available through the AGFC’s new license system online, through license vendors and through the AGFC’s mobile app.

Bear permits were introduced last year to better evaluate hunter participation and success throughout the state.

Pulling Teeth (and Hair)

Successful hunters must submit a premolar tooth from the bear they harvest as part of the checking process. This isn’t a new requirement, but it is often overlooked during the excitement of tagging a bear.

When a hunter initially checks their bear, they will receive a packet in the mail from the AGFC within a few days. They will have seven days from the arrival of that packet to pull and return a premolar tooth to the AGFC. The tooth enables biologists to age the bear and match it up with data collected during the checking process.

Clark says the easiest time to pull the tooth is immediately after harvest.

The tooth packet also will include a separate envelope for a hair sample. While this is voluntary, it takes only seconds to collect. Hair samples should be pulled from the bear’s hide, not cut, as the hair follicles are the portion of the sample most needed.

An instructional video on how to collect these samples is available at the AGFC YouTube Page.

Who Likes Liver?
In addition to tooth and hair samples collected from harvested bears, the AGFC is asking hunters who take a bear this season to contribute to ongoing research concerning the presence of pesticides and other chemicals that may be present in portions of Arkansas and their effects on the bear population in The Natural State. Anyone willing to participate can drop off a section of the bear’s liver to one of the AGFC’s chronic wasting disease drop-off locations for testing.

The locations of all CWD containers are available and updated at www.agfc.com/CWD.

“We only need a sample about the size of a baseball,” Clark said. “Just place it in aluminum foil and take it to one of those freezers. They can add their information to one of the CWD tags and we can process it from there.”

In addition to liver samples, any hunter who shoots a bear that has signs of mange should call the AGFC’s Wildlife Hotline to report the incident.

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

Third annual Rocky Comfort Pecan Festival is Oct. 19      09/18/24

FOREMAN – One of the area’s newest festivals returns next month in celebration of fall and the local pecan industry.

The third annual Rocky Comfort Pecan Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Foreman Community Center. Events kick off at 9 a.m. and continue until nearly midnight.

The Rocky Comfort Pecan Festival was founded in 2022 to celebrate the rich history of the Foreman area and to promote the pecan industry in Little River County. The event saw a huge growth in interest over the past two years. More than 5,000 guests and 73 vendors attended the 2023 celebration.

A ton of activities are planned for this year’s festival including a cornhole tournament, beauty pageant, competitive arm wrestling, a haunted escape, street dance and more. A classic car and tractor show will also be featured on site. Music is planned for all day in addition to a craft fair, food court and farmers market.

Vendors are currently being sought for next month’s festival. A 12×12 space is available for $25 and $100 for vendors requesting electricity.

A QR code linked to the vendor application can be found on the flyer placed in various locations throughout Southwest Arkansas. The flyer can also be found on the upcoming events page at www.kdqn.net.

For questions or more information, contact Debi by calling (903) 417-2233.

Tickets on sale now for Sevier Chamber Denim & Diamonds Gala      09/18/24

DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Chamber of Commerce says tickets are now available for its fourth annual Denim & Diamonds Gala, set for Saturday, Oct. 12, from 6-10 p.m. at the Rocky Hill Ranch Event Center.

Tickets include a meal and an open bar serving cold beer and wine. Tickets are $75 per person and are on sale through the opening of the event for an Early Bird price of $65. Tickets are limited. Organizers say the event will be an entertaining night for all who attend. Attendees must be at least 21-years-old.

Buy your ticket at the door or by calling the chamber office at (870) 584-3225. You can also stop by the chamber office located on Stilwell Avenue in downtown De Queen.

The event will include music and dancing as well as a prime rib dinner. Organizers will also host a live auction as part of the night’s activities.

The Sevier County Chamber of Commerce said this event is designed in part to help bring the business sector and the community together for fun, networking and fundraising for the chamber. Funds raised will be used to continue the chamber’s mission of highlighting Sevier County’s business community and supporting growth initiatives in the county.

County officials lift Sevier burn ban, again      09/17/24

DE QUEEN – Sevier County’s burn ban has again been lifted, and this time local officials hope it will be permanent.

Matt Webb, coordinator for the Sevier County Office of Emergency Management, announced on Monday that the countywide burn ban was no longer in effect. He said the decision was made following consultation with the chiefs of Sevier County’s fire departments.

He also reported that the majority of Sevier County had received between 4-6 inches of rain in recent weeks, drastically lowering the risk of wildfires.

The county lifted its burn ban on Sept. 9 only to reimpose it the day after due to several fires that became uncontrolled during the interval. At that time, rainfall had been spotty across the entirety of Sevier County. Last week, rainfall had totaled over four inches in De Queen while almost none was reported in and around Paraloma.

Conditions improved enough since last week to merit lifting the burn ban, said Webb.

However, residents are urged to exercise extreme caution if burning as the risk for out-of-control fires is still present. Anyone who suspects they see an uncontrolled fire is advised to contact 911 immediately.

Second apparent assassination attempt against Trump on Sunday      09/17/24

PALM BEACH, Fla. – A second apparent attempt at assassinating former president and 2024 Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump was narrowly averted on Sunday at his home in Palm Beach, Fla.

According to the U.S. Secret Service, an armed individual was arrested on Sunday within the Mar-a-Lago golf course and resort owned by Trump. The suspect was identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh of Hawaii.

Routh allegedly hid within Trump’s private golf course for 12 hours while lying in wait for a chance to assassinate the former president. He was spotted by agents with the U.S. Secret Service, who fired on Routh before he fled the scene. Routh did not open fire nor was he injured during his discovery.

He was later apprehended on a nearby highway following an eyewitness tip.

A loaded SKS-type rifle and other items were found stashed in what authorities described as a “sniper’s nest” Routh had established on the president’s property.

Routh has an extensive criminal history in North Carolina, including a 2002 conviction for illegal possession of an unregistered machine gun.

Routh appeared in court on Monday where he was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The FBI is investigating Sunday’s incident as “an attempted assassination” of the former president.

Trump posted on Truth Social Sunday night to praise local law enforcement and the U.S. Secret Service for doing “an incredible job” to keep him safe. He pointed to rhetoric from the Biden-Harris administration as responsible for the second attempt on his life.

Routh’s suspected motives remain unclear at this time. According to social media posts made public by nationwide news outlets, Routh was initially a supporter of Trump in 2016 but later turned against the former president in part over foreign policy concerns. Routh reportedly traveled to Ukraine at one point where he tried and failed to raise a volunteer force against the invading Russians.

Sunday’s apparent assassination attempt follows another attempt made against Trump in July. Trump was speaking at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania when a gunman opened fire. A bullet grazed Trump’s head while an attendee, 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, was killed while shielding his family. Two other spectators were critically wounded.

The gunman, Thomas Matthews Crooks, was killed by Secret Service agents tasked with protecting the former president.

The incident resulted in an immediate investigation into the failures of the U.S. Secret Service to prevent the assassination attempt. That failure sparked tremendous outrage and the eventual resignation of the Secret Service director.

BLM to host horse adoption clinic in Idabel, Okla.      09/17/24

IDABEL, Okla. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will hold a two-day wild horse and burro event Oct. 4-5 at the Idabel Rodeo Arena in Idabel, Okla.

The event begins Friday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will feature 150 animals for adoption. Adoptions take place for a second day on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

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

Animals offered at the event are adult and yearling horses along with burros that once roamed free on public lands in the west. BLM periodically removes excess animals from the range to maintain healthy herds and to protect other rangeland resources. The Adoption and Sale Program is essential for achieving these important management goals. Since 1973, BLM has placed more than 280,000 of these animals in approved homes across the country.

BLM staff will approve applications onsite. To qualify:  

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

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

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

Arkansas rural fire departments encouraged to apply for grants      09/17/24

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division is now accepting applications for wildland fire suppression kits through September 30, 2024.

The Forestry Division has requested, through a United States Forest Service grant, to provide 85 kits this year to rural volunteer fire departments across the state. Since 2014, more than 757 wildland fire suppression kits have been distributed. 

Volunteer fire departments are the primary partner to Forestry Division crews in wildfire response and suppression, but they are often in need of specialized equipment and gear necessary for safe wildfire suppression. The necessary equipment and gear in the kits include: lightweight wildfire-resistant coveralls, wildland gloves, rakes, backpack water pumps, and leaf blowers.

Rural volunteer fire departments are encouraged to apply online, but paper applications are available upon request. Applications are scored according to specific criteria to include the population of the fire district, the number of square miles covered, the average number of wildfires a department responds to annually, and other factors. 

The selected departments will be notified in November and kits will be delivered in the spring of 2025 or as soon as supplies are received.

Fire departments may contact Kathryn Mahan-Hooten at kathryn.mahan@agriculture.arkansas.gov or (501) 679-3183 with questions. More information about the program can be found at the Department’s website.  

Patriot Rail funds new wheelchair ramp for local American Legion Post      09/12/24

DE QUEEN – Local members of Patriot Rail gathered with American Legion Post #54 to officially commemorate a new feature at the veteran organization’s meeting hall in De Queen.

Patriot Rail recently funded and installed a new wheelchair ramp at the American Legion hut on Eighth Street. Ricky Hendricks, commander of Post #54, said the Legion is extremely grateful for this effort by Patriot Rail.

“It’s a blessing for us, because we have a lot of older veterans and they need an easier way to get inside than having to climb steps,” said Hendricks. “This is a really great donation and we’re very thankful.”

The American Legion was also gifted a sign by Tri-Lakes Services of Gillham.

The American Legion will be providing free meals to veterans at the upcoming Hurrah! Festival in De Queen on Oct. 5. Meals will be available to the public by donation.

The local Legion post has been very active in the community in recent years. Hendricks said the local group does what it can to help local veterans.

“We try to help veterans anyway we can,” he said. “We set VA grave markers for veterans at no charge, and we’ve done over a hundred now. We also do honor guards at funerals, with rifles and bugles. If a family of a veteran can’t get the military to come out and provide this service, they can reach out to us through their funeral home.”

Hendricks encourages more veterans, particularly younger people who served, to join the American Legion.

“As long as you have at least one day of federal active service, you’re eligible to join the Legion,” said Hendricks. “We’d love to have anyone who’d like to join us to come be a part of this post and support other veterans.”

American Legion Post #54 meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Legion hut on Eighth Street in De Queen. 

Riley Carlton named September Student of the Month by De Queen Rotary      09/12/24

DE QUEEN – At the Sept. 9 De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, Kimberly Martinez was inducted as a new member. Kimberly is the Executive Secretary for the Complex Manager at Pilgrims in De Queen. Her Rotary classification is Poultry Industry. Kimberly was sponsored for membership by Rotarian Veronica Ozura.

Riley Carlton was honored as the De Queen High School Senior Student of the Month for September as selected by the DHS administration. The daughter of Jason Carlton and the late Melanie Carlton, Riley Cate is a member of National Honor Society and the FCCLA. She also serves as Treasurer of the Student Council, and is the Chief Photography Editor for Journalism and the Yearbook.

Riley is involved in taking college classes as part of the Leopard Launch program at De Queen High School. She currently has 27 hours of college credit and will graduate with an Associate’s Degree in May.

Riley Cate is a member of Unity Baptist Church in Texarkana, where she is very active in her youth group. She also plays bass guitar for the Worship Team.

Riley’s future plans are to attend the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, where she plans to pursue a career in Nursing. In fact, she was just notified earlier Monday morning that she had been accepted at UCA!

When questioned about why she wanted to be a nurse, Riley said: “The nursing profession is about helping people, love, inspiration, and compassion. And, it offers a great opportunity to lead others to Jesus Christ.”

Riley Cate was introduced by Rotarians Audrey Chandler, DHS Principal, and Jason Sanders, De Queen Schools Superintendent. 

Assistant Club Secretary Madelyn Jones announced that the De Queen Rotary Club will be hosting a Golfing Outing Raffle now through Oct. 24. The grand prize will be a golfing package for four people on any course at beautiful Hot Springs Village. Tickets are just $25 each, with only a total of 200 tickets offered for sale. All proceeds will go toward the many worthwhile local projects of the De Queen club. The drawing will be held live on KDQN 92.1 on Thursday, October 24th. See any De Queen Rotarian to purchase a ticket and help out a great local cause. 

Guests at Monday’s meeting included Eddie Halter and Jason Carlton. 

Vendors need for annual celebration of all things De Queen      09/12/24

DE QUEEN – Vendors are needed for the annual celebration of all things De Queen.

The 34th annual Hurrah! Festival will be Saturday, Oct. 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Sevier County Museum. The yearly festival is a celebration of De Queen, its people and their history. The event also serves as the primary fundraiser for the Sevier County Museum.

This year’s theme will focus on a tribute to Sevier County arts and entertainment.

Vendors are encouraged to reserve a booth at this year’s festival. Booths will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. To reserve a booth, or for more information, contact Museum Director Karen Mills by calling (870) 784-0039, or stop by the museum. The museum is open between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. 

COSL announces results of regional tax auction      09/12/24

LITTLE ROCK – The recent auction of tax-delinquent properties in Howard, Montgomery, Pike, Polk and Sevier Counties raised over $215 thousand dollars, the Commissioner of State Lands announced.

The regional auction drew 60 registered bidders, who purchased 29 of 29 parcels for $215,938.92. Results were as follows:

Howard County: 3 parcels offered; 3 parcels sold; $18,400.00 total; $2,262.12 taxes collected

Montgomery County: 3 parcels offered; 3 parcels sold; $37,500.00 total; $1,375.23 taxes collected

Pike County: 3 parcels offered; 3 parcels sold; $39,000.00 total; $2,263.23 taxes collected

Polk County: 15 parcels offered; 15 parcels sold; $110,800.00 total; $7,192.46 taxes collected

Sevier County: 5 parcels offered; 5 parcels sold; $10,238.92 total; $2,250.44 taxes collected

The auctions offered real estate parcels with taxes delinquent since 2019.

“We only auction a fraction of the parcels certified for delinquent taxes,” Commissioner Tommy Land said. “By far, most owners redeem their property by paying the delinquent taxes. Naturally we hope property is redeemed if the owners want to keep it, but it is vital that the parcels return to the county’s active tax rolls.”

The COSL office forwards taxes and interest to the county, whether that money is collected through redemption or sale.

“Last year, the Commissioner of State Lands Office sent more than $21 million to school districts and county governments,” Land said. “Of that, $281,882.76 went to these five counties, helping fund everything from roads to schools.”

Those turnback amounts were:

Howard County: $48,473.55.

MontgomeryCounty: $34,054.12.

Pike County:  $22,583.37.

Polk County:  $76,384.66.

Sevier County:  $100,387.06.

Auction sales are final.

Unsold parcels may be redeemed online at www.cosl.org, using a credit or debit card, or owners can call 501-324-9422 to request a Petition to Redeem. Redemption does not grant ownership; it simply makes the taxes current.

Parcels that did not sell at the public auction will be available after 30 days and can be purchased through an online auction by viewing the Post-Auction Sales List at www.cosl.org.

 

Planned power outage for Little River SWEPCO customers begins tonight      09/11/24

ASHDOWN – SWEPCO is reaching out to its customers in Little River County to inform them of a planned outage beginning Wednesday night.

The outage is scheduled to begin at 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11 and is estimated to span approximately six hours. Affected communities will include Ashdown, Wilton and Ogden.

The temporary outage has been scheduled to allow SWEPCO crews time to complete a planned transmission project.

Countywide burn ban reinstated in Sevier      09/11/24

DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) said it was forced to reinstate the countywide burn ban, less than 48 hours after it was lifted. 

That’s due to the expectation of further dry conditions the rest of the week and after two fires around De Queen over the past 24 hours. The burn ban was initially lifted on Monday after parts of the county received significant rainfall. However, other parts of Sevier, particularly the east and southeast parts of the county, received little to no rainfall.

At this time, outdoor burning is again prohibited unless a permit is obtained from Sevier County OEM. 

The public is urged to continue to use extreme caution and to call 911 if they suspect they see an uncontrolled burn.

The entire state is listed as being at “moderate” to “high” risk for wildfires, according to the Arkansas Forestry Division.

Arkansas counties with active burn bans at this time include Yell, White, Prairie, Ouachita and Union.

SCMC to convert to non-profit status      09/11/24

DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Medical Center is on the path towards becoming a 501(c)3 non-profit critical access hospital.

A motion to convert the hospital to a non-profit was unanimously approved during Monday’s meeting of the Sevier County Quorum Court. Officials said the decision, which has been discussed for several months, is part of the hospital’s efforts to reduce costs, raise revenue and reach a position of financial sustainability.

The non-profit designation will allow the hospital to secure additional funding through grants. It will also allow the hospital to tailor a more flexible staffing plan and offer 401k retirement plans to full-time employees.

Other recent efforts include trimming staff levels, broad salary cuts, and focusing on the hospital’s most profitable services, such as its swing-bed program. These measures were taken after the new hospital announced in April that it was teetering towards financial collapse. The non-profit designation is one of the last measures the hospital sought to reverse its fiscal situation.

Since those steps were taken, the hospital has shown consistent break-even or even slightly positive monthly revenue reports. The hospital board announced on Monday that it had approximately $1 million cash on hand. Outstanding debts continue to be paid off and officials are working with contractors to discuss efforts to met the hospital’s construction-related debts.

Board members and members of the quorum court also took a moment to praise the efforts of hospital employees to cutting costs and raising revenue without negatively impacting the quality of care.

De Queen Schools urging families to complete meal forms      09/11/24

DE QUEEN – De Queen Public Schools is making a last minute effort to encourage its families to turn in their school lunch forms by this Friday, Sept. 13.

The form can be found online at www.dequeenleopards.org or picked up in person at the administration building or your child’s campus. The information collected helps qualifying families ease their financial burden by providing their children with free or reduced cost meals.

The forms also play a critical role in determining the amount of funding De Queen Public Schools receives for essential programs and resources. These funds go towards early intervention programs, after-school enrichment programs, updated technology, free ACT vouchers, school resource officers, tutoring, paraprofessionals and many other resources that benefit the entire district and its students.

The information is confidential and even families that do not qualify can help secure necessary resources by submitting these forms. The district stresses that cooperation by its families will help De Queen continue to create a supportive and enriching learning environment.

For more information, contact the district administration office by calling (870) 584-4312. 

BKMC to host Hoorah City Bikes & BBQ this weekend      09/11/24

DE QUEEN – A Southwest Arkansas motorcycle club is organizing a big get-together later this weekend in hopes of making De Queen a hot sport for enthusiasts while raising money to help local children in need.

Brothers Keepers Motorcycle Club (BKMC) Chapter 34 will present “Hoorah City Bikes & BBQ” this Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13-14, at the Sevier County Fairgrounds in De Queen. The event will include a BBQ cookoff with a total of $1,500 in cash and prizes for the top pitmasters.

BKMC members “Chef” and “Sidestreet” recently joined us to discuss the event and their hopes of making Sevier County a hub for motorcycling in the region.

“We have so many great roads to ride around here, from the lakes to the Talihena Drive to Hochatown and others,” said Chef. “De Queen is strategically located right in the middle and we think we can make this a hub for all the enthusiasts out there.”

Chef said Hoorah City Bikes & BBQ hopes to do that by bringing riders together from across the region for the big event this weekend.

Other events the weekend of Sept. 13-14 include performances by Lane Bricker and Edson Perez, as well as a Friday night glow ride for motorcycles and SXS/ATVs. Vendors, concessions, a poker run, live/silent auction and a low rider truck show will be held this Saturday. Games for kids and the whole family will be offered as well.

Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase Christmas gifts for children in Sevier County who otherwise may go without. Last year, BKMC Chapter 34 provided Christmas gifts to 127 local children. Chef anticipates the need this year will be even higher.

For more information, contact Chef by calling (903) 748-9347. Those interested in entering a BBQ cookoff team can find the registration page by searching for “Hoorah City Bikes & BBQ” on event page on Facebook or by checking out the Brothers Keepers MC 34 Facebook page.

37th Provo Kids Rodeo is September 28      09/11/24

PROVO – Organizers will present the 37^th annual Provo Kids Rodeo Sept. 28 beginning at 10 a.m.

The rodeo will feature a variety of events for youth aged up to 16-years-old. These include mini bull riding, horse speed, horse barrel, horse pole bending, a boot race and stick horse competition for the little ones, and much more. Rodeo registration begins at 9 a.m.

Other activities include live music and a calf scramble.

Chicken dinner plates will be on sale beginning at 5 p.m. for $10. The meals are being provided and prepared by Pilgrim’s.

All events will take place at the Provo Arena, located at 112 Community Road, Lockesburg, AR 71846.

For more information check out the 37^th annual Provo Kids Rodeo event page on Facebook.

SCMC receives recognition from American Heart Association       09/10/24

DE QUEEN –  Sevier County Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Referring Center Bronze recognition for its commitment to offering rapid, research-based care to people experiencing a specific type of heart attack known as an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), known to be more severe and dangerous than other types of heart attacks.

Each year, about 285,000 people in the U.S. experience this type of heart attack, caused by a complete blockage in a coronary artery. Nearly 40% of people who go to the emergency room with acute coronary syndrome are diagnosed with a STEMI. Like all heart attacks, this requires timely treatment to restore blood flow as quickly as possible.

Recognition as a STEMI Referring Center is designed to showcase hospitals of every size on the front lines of care that do not have 24/7 cardiac catheterization lab availability but work in collaboration with emergency medical services to ensure patients receive guideline-directed STEMI and NSTEMI care.

“Effective and timely care is crucial for patients experiencing a STEMI heart attack. The American Heart Association’s guidelines call for specific interventions for these patients both in-hospital and post-hospitalization,” said Abhinav Goyal, M.D., MHS, FACC, FAHA, American Heart Association volunteer, professor in the Department of Cardiology at Emory School of Medicine with a joint appointment in the Department of Epidemiology and chief quality officer for the Emory Heart and Vascular Center.

The STEMI Referring Center award is earned by hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to getting patients the most up-to-date research-based care for STEMI as outlined by the American Heart Association.

“Sevier County Medical Center is dedicated to improving the quality of heart care, and the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines program helps us achieve that goal,” said Stacy Dowdy CEO. “The program puts proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, so patients have the best possible chance of survival.”

Help fight food insecurity through Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry      09/10/24

DE QUEEN – Arkansas’ deer season officially kicked off this past weekend with the state’s first-ever early buck-only archery hunt. The state’s general archery season opens back up Sept. 28 and one statewide organization is using the interlude to remind hunters in Arkansas how they can join the fight against food insecurity.

Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry helps families in need by providing food pantries with fresh protein sourced right here in Arkansas’ deer woods. The group’s mission, said President Ronnie Ritter, is to transform a renewable resource into food for the hungry. And more hunters from Southwest Arkansas are needed to meet what organizers say is a growing need.

“Primarily what we do is, we get hunters to donate their deer to participating processors, they field dress it, they grind it into burgers, and then we give it to local food pantries, homeless shelters,” said Ritter. “We’re trying to infiltrate this area down here and get more hunters and processors involved.”

The organization recruited Prime Country Meats in Sevier County a couple of years ago as one its newest participating processor. Deer can be dropped off at any participating facility, processed and then picked up by the organization and distributed to local food pantries. There is no cost to the hunter.

All donated meat is distributed free and is usually donated to food pantries in the same county. It is served at churches, children’s shelters, rescue missions and community food banks. Ritter said he works with many feeding agencies across the state and the number one commodity they need is protein.

“If you ask food pantries what they need, it’s meat,” said Ritter. “It’s been harder lately for them to get it, too.”

Ritter hopes to encourage more hunters in Arkansas to consider donating one or more of their legally-harvested deer to Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry. He particularly addressed those hunters who aren’t always interested in filling all their tags.

“Somebody that wants just a deer for their family, go out and shoot another and donate because there’s a lot of needy folks out there all across the state,” Ritter said.

Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry has provided more than four million servings of meat for food pantries across the state since its founding in 2000. The group, he said, has received generous financial support over the years in its mission to transform an abundant white-tailed deer population into a renewable food source for the hungry.

For more information on Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry, and to find out how to join the fight against food insecurity, visit www.arkansashunters.org or call (501) 282-0006. Prime Country Meats, the participating processor in Sevier County, can be contacted by calling (870) 784-5040 or by checking out their Facebook page.

Three processors are also participating in Little River County: Little River Processing, Sivley’s Deer Processing and Cuttin’ Up Processing.

De Queen Rotary hosting Golfing Outing Raffle      09/10/24

DE QUEEN – The De Queen Rotary Club will be hosting a Golfing Outing Raffle now through Oct. 24.

The grand prize will be a golfing package for four people on any course at beautiful Hot Springs Village. Tickets are just $25 each, with only a total of 200 tickets offered for sale. All proceeds will go toward the many worthwhile local projects hosted by the De Queen Rotary Club.

The drawing will be held live on KDQN 92.1 FM on Thursday, Oct. 24. See any De Queen Rotarian to purchase a ticket and help out a great local cause.

The Battle of Sevier County tonight at Leopard Stadium!      09/06/24

HORATIO – Sevier County’s two football teams will battle it out on the gridiron this evening for the first time in more than three decades.

The Horatio Lions will host the De Queen Leopards tonight for the two teams first match up since 1992. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

De Queen and Horatio both boast a healthy football tradition, but except for a two-year span in the early 1990’s, one has to look back 70 years to find teams from the two schools meeting on the gridiron.

From 1922 until 1954, Horatio and De Queen faced each other 23 times and the two schools resumed the series in 1991 and 1992. The two teams did play a pre-season, four-quarter game in 1996.

In those 25 games, De Queen was the winner 16 times and Horatio won the remaining nine. From 1921 to 1933, Horatio enjoyed a slight edge in the rivalry but since then De Queen has won 12 of 13 meetings. 

In 1928, Horatio began a four-game winning streak which coincided with consecutive undefeated seasons for Horatio. 

Results of the De Queen – Horatio series, listed by decade, are as follows:

1920’s:

1921 Horatio 7-0

1922 De Queen 3-0

1925 Horatio 48-6

1926 Horatio 7-6

1927 Two Games De Queen 21-7 and 27-6

1928 Horatio 18-6

1929 Horatio 19-0

1930’s

1930 Horatio 12-6

1931 Horatio 19-0

1932 De Queen 7-0

1933 Horatio 14-0

1934 De Queen 21-0

1936 De Queen 40-0

1937 De Queen 20-0

1940’s

1941 De Queen 6-0

1942 Horatio 14-0

1947 De Queen 19-0

1948 De Queen 12-6

1950’s

1951 De Queen 40-7

1952 De Queen 50-13

1953 De Queen 48-6

1954 De Queen 59-0

1990’s

1991 De Queen 43-20

1992 De Queen 20-0

Local races in Sevier County, important election dates      09/06/24

DE QUEEN – Voters will have two local political races to decide this year, one in De Queen and another in Sevier County.

Sevier County Clerk Renea Bailey said her office is still finalizing ballots for the 2024 General Election, but that two local races will be featured this November.

They include a race between incumbent LeeAnn Pitchford and challenger Elmyra Brown for the position of Ward 2, Position 1 on the De Queen City Council.

In addition, Ethan Wolcott is running against incumbent Roger Whitmore for the position of District 5 Justice of the Peace on the Sevier County Quorum Court.

We’ll share the full ballot, including state and national elections as well as local unopposed candidates, in our next edition.

The Polk County Clerk’s office has provided a list of municipal candidates in Polk County for the 2024 general election. All are unopposed except for a race for the Ward 1, Position 1 seat on the Mena City Council. The unopposed municipal candidates for southern Polk County include:

COVE

-Position 1 – Janet Henry

-Position 2 – Charlotte Crump

-Position 5 – Darris Burk

VANDERVOORT

-Position 1 – Robert A. Hartley

-Position 2 – Jason Boyette

-Position 3 – Brittany Phillips

-Position 4 – Nicholas Dean Phillips

-Position 5 – Aaron Anglin

WICKES

-Position 1 – Larry (Randall) Watkins

-Position 2 – Scotty Ray

-Position 3 – Mary Ferguson

-Position 4 – Maricela Avila

-Position 5 – Katherine Chambers

GRANNIS

-Position 1 – Melissa Zanzeberg

-Position 2 – Chris Frachiseur

-Position 3 – Deborah Neal

-Position 4 – Billy Richardson

-Position 5 – Bryce Brower

Voters should note a few upcoming dates regarding the November General Election:

-Deadline to register to vote, either in-person or by mail, is Oct. 7.

-A request for an absentee ballot must be received by Oct. 29.

-Absentee ballots must be returned (by mail) to the county clerk’s office by 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5.

-Absentee ballots must be returned (in person) to the county clerk’s office by close of business on Nov. 1.

-Early voting begins Oct. 21 and continues through Nov. 4.

-The General Election is scheduled for Nov. 5.

For more information, such as specific early voting times and voting centers for each registered voter, by visiting www.voterview.ar-nova.org.

Lockesburg FBC Sportsman’s Chili Supper is Sept. 28      09/06/24

LOCKESBURG – First Baptist Church of Lockesburg will host its annual Sportsman’s Chili Supper and Fall Revival this month.

The Sportsman’s Chili Supper will be held Sept. 28 beginning at 5 p.m. at the church, located at 3466 S. Camellia Street in Lockesburg. The event will include drawings for guns, fishing equipment and other sports items.

The Fall Revival will be held 6:30 p.m. each night Sept. 28-Oct. 2. Don Whitt will be the evangelist while music will be provided by Jamie Parker. A Sunday morning worship will be held 10:45 a.m.

For more information contact First Baptist Church of Lockesburg by calling (870) 289-2121.

Horatio School Board meeting Sept. 10      09/06/24

HORATIO – The Horatio School Board is scheduled to meet in regular session on Tuesday, Sept. 10 beginning at 6 p.m. in the Horatio High School Library.

The meeting will begin with building reports and a report from Superintendent Gayla Youngblood. The district will also present its annual Report to the Public.

The board will also discuss the Reading Plus initiative and other items related to student achievement.

Under new business, the board will discuss Crase training for staff, information regarding the Sept. 16 Win Day (the Mondays set aside by the district through its new four-day school week for tutoring and other student opportunities), the 2025 fiscal year budget and student transfers.

The board is scheduled to vote on approval of several routine reports regarding monthly bills and enrollment figures.

A personnel session is scheduled for the end of the meeting to discuss resignations, reassignments and new hires.

The meeting is open to the public.

Sevier County Premium Sale raises $102k for youth livestock exhibitors      09/05/24

DE QUEEN – The Sevier County Fair Association has finished tallying the totals of the 2024 Sevier County Premium Sale and the final numbers are nothing short of impressive.

Richard Van Voast, president of the Sevier County Fair Association, said a total of exactly $102,000 was donated to Sevier County youth livestock exhibitors during the Fair Premium Sale on Aug. 16. The sale is held each year to recognize and award the best livestock exhibitors of the Sevier County Fair.

Local individuals, farms and businesses “purchase” animals shown during the fair. However, these animals stay with the youth who showed them and the purchase price is given as a donation to help cover expenses and the purchase of next year’s animal. In addition to the big purchases (detailed in the Aug. 22 edition of The De Queen Bee), youth received dozens if not hundreds of smaller “add-on” donations.

“Every penny goes back to those kids, the fair board does not keep a single penny,” said Van Voast. “Eighty-three young people received money from the premium sale. So, that gives them the opportunity to purchase animals or whatever it may be for the following  year, pay the feed bills, the vet bills. I mean, when you got these animals, you have fans go out, electrical problems, plumbing problems.You buy a lot of feed for these animals, so it is a stimulator to our economy around here.”

All in all, $102,000 is a figure Sevier County can be proud of, said Van Voast.

“Breaking the six figure mark, that’s a testament to Sevier County and everybody out there who supports these kids,” said Van Voast.

The Premium Sale has averaged high between the high $90,000 mark to just above six figures over the past several years.

“It’s absolutely incredible how much local support there is for these future leaders of Sevier County,” said Van Voast. “I have to say, too, the caliber of young people from this county is beyond comparison. Judging by the state and national champion exhibitors from Sevier County, I feel certain that we have to be in the top, if not the top, of the counties in the state with not only champion livestock but also champion kids.”

Van Voast stressed so much of the success of each year’s fair is due to all the support from Sevier County.

“The support given to these young people is an investment into the future of Sevier County that will multiply and ensure that this county can continue to be a stronghold in rural Arkansas and the way of life we all love,” said Van Voast. “And that’s made possible by each of our sponsors.”

In honor of this year’s fair sponsors, organizers will present a “Sevier County Fair Association Thank You Coffee” at the newly-renovated Sevier County Chamber Office on Sept. 17. Everyone is invited to come by between 7:30-10 a.m. for coffee and donuts to meet the folks who support the fair and receive recognition for their own support of this long-running Sevier County tradition.

Catherine Socash to be crowned 2024 DHS Homecoming Queen      09/05/24

DE QUEEN – The De Queen High School Student Council has announced Catherine Socash as the 2024 DHS Homecoming Queen. She’ll be escorted alongside nine De Queen High School homecoming maids.

The De Queen Leopards Football team will play its homecoming game against the Hope Bobcats on Sept. 27. Homecoming festivities will kick off with Spirit Week beginning Sept. 23 and continuing through Sept. 27.

The DHS Student Council selected Disney Magic for this year’s homecoming theme. Spirit days include: 

Monday- “Marvel Monday”(Dress as your favorite Superhero)

Tuesday-“Disney Day” (Dress as a Disney Character)

Wednesday-“Wreck-It Ralph-Construction” (Dress in construction gear)

Thursday-“Inside Out Color Wars” (Dress in your designated class color for Color Wars Day.) (Yellow-Kinder, 4th, & 8th; Green-1st, 5th, & 9th; Red-2nd, 6th, 10th; Blue-3rd, 7th, & 11th; Purple=12th)

Friday- “Beauty & the Beast-Homecoming” (dress in black and gold for the Leopards). 

The school dress code will apply to Spirit Week.

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

City of De Queen declines request to privatize waste management      09/05/24

DE QUEEN – The City of De Queen will continue to operate its own sanitation services for city residents following a discussion that began earlier this summer.

Tuesday night, the city council declined to make a motion to transfer trash pickup services to a private contractor. The issue was initially raised by Jackson Walker, owner of JW’s Dumpster Service, during the council’s July meeting. Walker had approached the city with the prospect of allowing his company to takeover waste management for residents and businesses within the city limits.

Currently, that service is handled entirely by the City of De Queen’s sanitation department.

Several council members expressed their concern over the additional cost a private waste management would impose on city residents. Residential customers are currently charged $9 for trash pickup. Walker said he would have to raise that to $16.

“My worry is for those on fixed incomes, particularly the elderly,” said Alderwoman Kathy Richards.

Alderman Jeff Holcombe seconded her concern.

“I can’t justify going this route because it’s not in our citizens’ interest if they have to pay more for no extra benefit,” he said.

Mayor Jeff Brown also explained that the city could not contract with Walker’s company without going through a bid process – a process, said Brown, that would not ensure Walker received the bid.

Walker said he understood the council members concerns and asked they he be kept in mind if the city ever decided to privatize its waste management.

“I don’t want to do anything if it’s not in the best interests of the city,” he said.

However, Brown, as well as council members Richards, Holcombe and Rick Pruitt, praised Walker for his initiative and his goal of expanding his enterprise. Walker, who is just 19-years-old, operates a growing dumpster rental and waste collection operation throughout Sevier County.

Several nearby cities similarly sized to De Queen have gone with privatized waste management services, including Mena and Nashville.

In other business, the council approved a request from Mayor Jeff Brown to apply for a new development grant. The grant, if received, would provide funding for the city to continue updates to its wastewater system.

The council then approved the city’s 2022 Proprietary Funds audit conducted by the Arkansas-based firm PRZYBYSZ. There were no significant findings within the audit.

The council then approved two budget amendments, including $10,000 to repair a section of the Walmart Parking lot that had to be torn up recently to access a leak on the raw water line leading from the Cossatot River to the city.

The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 1.

De Queen physical therapist, business owner recognized with national award      09/05/24

DE QUEEN – A local physical therapist and business owner will be included in the forthcoming Nationwide Registries Women of Distinction 2024 Honors Edition.

Heather Williams, PT, DPT, was informed last month of her inclusion into the organization’s 2024 Honors Edition. Williams is the owner of the De Queen-based PEAK Therapy.

According to the Nationwide Registries Women of Distinction, Williams was selected for “demonstrating superior expertise, leadership and professional excellence in her field. Her dedication and tenacity set the standard in the industry. Representing the state as one of the best in the country requires tenure, experience and a proven track record. There is humble yet strong will embedded inside her drive to succeed.”

The organization said that during its vetting process Williams was noted for consistently maintaining a positive peer rating throughout the years. Inclusion was based on several factors such as academic history, feedback from clients as well as years of service, community involvement and overall contribution to the betterment of society.

Williams said she was both surprised and honored to be a recipient of the award.

“I’m proud that they found me and that they did their homework. I’m honored because I take pride in what I do and I’m glad that other people can see that,” Williams.

Williams just celebrated her eighth year of operating PEAK Therapy. The occasion, along with inclusion into the 2024 Honors Edition, are both significant achievements for Williams and her clinic.

“We’ve been here for eight years. When we opened I wasn’t thinking of the business side, but really just being able to offer [physical therapy] services so I feel pretty proud that it’s survived eight years and that we still have a lot to add,” said Williams.

According to a press release, the Nationwide Registries Women of Distinction seeks to recognize expert women in every major industry. The group said it’s dedicated to highlighting the professional accomplishments and stories of today’s best and brightest women in business.

Horatio Elementary battling food insecurity through Backpack Program      09/05/24

Sevier County schools band together to support Lions coach injured in car accident      09/04/24

HORATIO – The Horatio Lions family is rallying around one of their own after a beloved member of the Lions coaching staff was critically injured in a car accident last month.

Jack Stuard, a baseball coach and teacher for Horatio, was severely injured in the August accident. Coach Stuard will require a number of surgeries and a lot of time to heal.

Organizers will host a hamburger fundraiser this Thursday before the start of the Horatio and De Queen junior football game to help raise funds for Stuard’s recovery. The event will begin at 5 p.m. at Leopard Stadium. Cost is $8 for a hamburger dinner with chips.

Stuard just marked the start of his second year with Horatio Public Schools as an assistant baseball coach and teacher. Superintendent Gayla Youngblood hopes everyone will find time to come out to the fundraiser and support the Stuard family in its time of need.

“It’s only his second year at Horatio Schools but he instantly became a part of the Lions family,” said Youngblood. “He’s been so good with kids on the field, in the classroom, and he just bonded instantly with everyone in the community. We’d love for everyone to come out and support Coach Stuard and his family after this terrible automobile accident.”

Youngblood said Stuard is on the path to recovery, but hopes everyone can make it out to the fundraiser to help him and his family during their trying time.
 
“He’s doing better but there’s still a long way to go and a lot of recovery. We appreciate De Queen Schools for letting us host the fundraiser there. It goes to show you how we pull together in Sevier County when someone’s in need,” said Youngblood.

De Queen Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Richard Bell took a moment to share his own encouragement for Leopards fans to come out Thursday and support Coach Stuard.

“Coach Sprick and Coach Higgins in Horatio had called me and spoke about doing a fundraiser before the game was a great idea,” said Bell. “They’ll be set up right there by the concession stand. I really encourage all of Sevier County to come out and support this coach and his family because these are tough times and he’s got many surgeries to come.”

Despite some rain, Sevier County burn ban remains in effect      09/04/24

DE QUEEN – Sevier County finally received some rainfall this past weekend, but local fire officials said it was not enough to lift the countywide burn ban.

The county has been under a burn ban since Aug. 15 and hopes were high that enough precipitation would fall over the Labor Day weekend to warrant lifting it. However, what did fall was isolated and just not enough, said Sevier County OEM Coordinator Matt Webb.

“Some parts of the county got a pretty good rain, other parts hardly any at all,” he said. “It’s still too dry to justify lifting the burn ban.”

The official NOAA rain gauge at the KDQN Studios/De Queen Bee offices recorded .63 inches of rain over the whole weekend. Other parts of the county, particularly east and south of De Queen, reported closer to a quarter of an inch. West of De Queen, towards the Oklahoma state line, one resident reported nearly 1.7 inches in his rain gauge.

Several more counties have joined Sevier in implementing burn bans over the past couple of weeks as dry conditions persist: Ouachita, Union, Bradly, Chicot, Lincoln, Jefferson, Prairie and Independence.

There is a slight (30 percent) chance for rain this evening, according to the National Weather Service.

The lack of more rain is disappointing, but the cooler temperatures are certainly a relief compared to the triple-digit highs and daily heat advisories throughout much of August. Highs over the next week are expected to remain in the 80s and lows will begin to drop down into the 50s.

Thanks to Jay Bunyard, we have a summary for August’s weather:

“It was a hot, dry month as De Queen topped the century mark in temperature readings on five different days in August. The hottest afternoon recorded was 104 degrees on Aug. 18. We recorded a temperature reading of 103 degrees on the 6th. During the month of August, only 0.15 inches of rain were recorded at the KDQN studios, bringing our total precipitation for 2024 up to 32.82 inches. We measured rainfall on only three of the 31 days. The coolest morning was 62 degrees recorded on the 20th. Bunyard Broadcasting, Inc. is the official reporting station for the National Weather Service in De Queen.”

According to historical data from the National Weather Service, the average rainfall for Sevier County in August is 2.59 inches.

Early deer hunt offers new opportunity for bowhunters      09/04/24

Arkansas hunters will be able to hunt many private and public properties for deer earlier this year than anytime since the AGFC was established in 1915, thanks to a new buck-only archery season scheduled Sept. 7-9.

For the last two decades, bowhunters participating in special urban archery hunts were able to climb a tree to start their season on Sept. 1 to help control deer herds in a few locations around the state, but this year’s early hunt is the first designed specifically to enhance the hunting experience by offering the ability to harvest a buck “in velvet.”

Each winter, bucks shed their antlers as testosterone levels decrease following their annual mating season (known as the rut). Beginning each spring, they begin to regrow a new set of antlers, which are covered in a soft, velvety coating to protect the antler tissue until it hardens into bone. By mid-September, most bucks will rub the velvet loose on the base of small trees, exposing the rack they’ll be sporting through the upcoming rut. For some hunters, chasing deer in velvet is an added challenge and opportunity to enjoy their passion, but until this year it was an opportunity rarely realized.

“Years ago, deer season opened on Sept. 15 for one season and I was able to get a deer in velvet then,” Bill Jones, AGFC commissioner from Pine Bluff, said. “I’ve taken deer in a few other states during velvet seasons and those really have added some excitement to my hunts. As a Commission, we’re really wanting to open up more opportunities for Arkansans.”

No Girls Allowed
We’re talking about the deer here. Women are just as welcome to join in the hunt. (In fact, women are the fastest-growing segment of the hunting community).

“Bucks only,” is the first rule of the new archery hunt. Unlike urban hunts where the goal was population control, the new buck-only bowhunt is about increasing opportunity and generating some early excitement for hunting season. During the hunt, all hunters may take one legal buck, whether it is still in velvet or not. This buck counts against the hunter’s seasonal bag limit, so those fortunate enough to fill a tag only have one buck remaining in their statewide limit.

License Check
Before heading to the field, it’s always smart to make sure you have your licenses in order. Any valid license that includes a deer tag is legal for the early buck hunt.

For anyone planning to check their deer through the AGFC app or online system, it’s also important to make sure the deer tags for your license are activated. Simply log into the system on the app or at agfc.com and check your account. If deer tags are present, you’re ready to go.

Kyle Curry, assistant chief of Information Technology at the AGFC, said the smartphone app has been improved for this year to help check deer, even if you don’t have a signal.

Where to Go
The special early buck hunt is only available on private land, AGFC-owned WMAs and AGFC WMAs listed as Leased Lands WMAs in the 2024-25 Arkansas Hunting Guidebook. Many WMAs cooperatively managed by the AGFC but owned by other entities, such as the USDA Forest Service and U.S. Corps of Engineers, are off-limits during the hunt, as are federal wildlife refuges in Arkansas. Additionally, any WMA that had a stipulation where you had to harvest and check a doe before you were eligible to harvest a buck will be off-limits to the early season hunt to maintain the integrity of the “earn a buck” rule on those areas.

McCurtain County Free Fair begins today, continues thru Saturday     09/03/24

IDABEL, Okla. – Don’t miss the annual McCurtain County Free Fair beginning today and continuing through Saturday at the fairgrounds in Idabel, Okla.

Entries will open in the O.H.C.E Building and the Commercial Building Tuesday and all entries will be due by 7 p.m.

Watch the 11 contestants compete in the Miss McCurtain County Pageant this evening at 6:30 in the Larry Binkley Building.

Make plans to enjoy a spectacular carnival Wednesday through Saturday from 6-11 p.m. nightly at the McCurtain County Free Fair this week at the fairgrounds in Idabel.

Southwest Arkansas offers great snorkeling adventures       09/03/24

Strapping on a mask and snorkel may seem to many like the stuff of a tropical vacation with sandy beaches and coral reefs, but Southwest Arkansas hosts many miles of rivers and streams and supports some of the most diverse fish, crayfish and mussel populations west of the Mississippi River.

Fortunately, the heat and humidity are beginning to subside. However, that doesn’t mean it’s too late to check out the amazing aquatic experience available in this corner of the Natural State. There’s still plenty of time to get the snorkeling gear and dive into one of the area’s waterways for an exciting underwater adventure.

Tools of the Trade
Equipment for freshwater snorkeling need not be complicated:

• A well-fitting mask or goggles is the only true requirement. Insider tip: A little saliva smeared on the inside of the lens helps prevent fogging, or purchase a little bottle of defog such as SeaDrops.
• The addition of a snorkel isn’t necessary, but allows a more leisurely and successful experience – floating motionless, face down in the water while breathing lets fish and other creatures go about their business, allowing the underwater world to unfold beneath you.
• An old pair of tennis shoes works well to protect tender feet on rocky-bottomed streams. For lake explorers, upping the game with a pair of snorkel fins (shorter and lighter than scuba fins) facilitates an occasional dive in deep pools.
• Floating on the water’s surface is a great way to get a heck of a sunburn – donning a long-sleeved quick-dry shirt is a game changer. If floating is a challenge, check into a snorkel vest. A U.S. Coast Guard life jacket is designed to keep your head above water while a snorkel vest offers customizable buoyancy while floating horizontally in the water.
• For the cold-natured or those exploring cold-water streams, a wetsuit holds in body heat and adds buoyancy allowing a more pleasant experience.
• A dry bag is a game changer for snorkeling and other water activities. Tuck essentials such as your phone, keys and wallet into the flexible, waterproof container for safekeeping.

Location, Location, Location.
Our region offers some of the state’s best bets for clean, clear water. Late summer, when there’s been little rain, is an ideal time to go – sediment settles to the bottom of the stream, increasing visibility.

My personal favorite is the Cossatot River, particularly in the Cossatot River State Park/Natural Area east of Wickes. Other great locations within a short drive are the Little Missouri River, Caddo River, Lake Ouachita and DeGray Lake.

Here’s another tip: walk along the bottom as little as possible to prevent stirring up dirt and debris. Ease into the water, swim slowly and stop frequently, exploring the different components of the habitat – calm pools, rocky riffles, submerged vegetation, and eddies or calm water created behind large rocks or logs. Different creatures lurk in the varied locales.

Underwater Arkansas
Arkansas’s fish population is rich and diverse – 243 species ply the state’s waters. The smallest – the least darter – maxes out at 1.8 inches long while the largest – the alligator gar – can grow to 8 feet and reach 350 pounds.

For those who would like to take a deep dive – pun intended – in The Natural State’s fish population, “Fishes of Arkansas” is the tell-all book with robust information on the range, habitat and biology of the state’s fish. Seven of the state’s fish species are endemic and live nowhere else: Ouachita madtom, Caddo madtom, beaded darter, strawberry darter, paleback darter, and the Ouachita Darter.

Snorkelers will find more than just fish while exploring Arkansas’s watery habitats – amphibians, turtles, aquatic insects, crayfish, freshwater mussels, and snakes along with aquatic plants and rocks of all shapes and sizes.

Checkered Madtom
Small, secretive madtoms – 13 species in Arkansas – hunt by night and lurk beneath cover during the day. Watch for the checkered madtom in Ozark streams and Lake Norfork and Bull Shoals Lake. Breeding males guard nests under large, flat rocks by blocking the entrance with their swollen head and lips. Photo by Dustin Lynch, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.

Creole Darter
Some of Arkansas’s showiest native fish are diminutive darters. The blue member of this species in fact lends its name to the Lockesburg Darters of local athletics fame. One of the most beautiful of the 50 or so species found in Arkansas is the Creole darter, a common inhabitant of the Saline, Caddo, Ouachita and Little Missouri rivers. Creole darters feed on aquatic invertebrates and reach a maximum length of about 2½ inches. Photo by Dustin Lynch, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.

Ouachita River Crayfish
About 60 species of crayfish live in Arkansas, more than in any state west of the Mississippi River. One commonly encountered species in southern Arkansas, including the Saline River, is the strikingly patterned Ouachita River crayfish sporting striped sides and spotted claws with orange tips. Photo by Dustin Lynch, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.

Red River Mudpuppy
This large, fully aquatic salamander forages at night for crayfish, mollusks, fish and other small animals. Mudpuppies nest in spring and summer; females guard the eggs until they hatch. Unlike many salamanders that transform from larvae in the water into adults on land, mudpuppies are aquatic their entire lives. Photo by Dustin Lynch, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. 

Razor-backed Musk Turtle
These turtles found in southern Arkansas seldom travel on land and spend most of their lives in creeks and rivers. The common name refers to the prominent keel in the middle of the shell. They feed on mollusks, crayfish, dead animals and vegetation. Photo by Dustin Lynch, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.

Get Involved
Arkansas boasts an abundance of water, from the mighty Mississippi to unnamed, ephemeral creeks that can be hopped across. These rivers, streams, bayous, creeks and springs provide drinking water, recreation, vital habitat for fish and wildlife, and water for irrigation and industry.

Human activities, such as damming streams and pollution, damage The Natural State’s waterways. Help turn the tide and get involved with AGFC’s Stream Habitat Program. Receive training in water-quality monitoring, riparian area management, fish and wildlife habitat improvements, best management practices and streambank maintenance and restoration techniques.  Learn more: https://www.agfc.com/education/stream-habitat-program.