KDQN Local News Archives

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RELAY 4 LIFE 2013 05/11/13

For months, teams have been preparing for this day.

They have sold peanuts, cookbooks, and chances to win a decorative wreath. The Sevier County Relay 4 Life team held a bass tournament, old fashion photo sessions and an opportunity to win $6,000 that would applied toward the ATV of your choice.

Activities are being planned for Friday evening and all funds will be used to help find a cure for cancers of all kinds.

While walking around the track at the De Queen Leopard football field, teams, survivors and interested citizens will be entertained by a reunion concert by the Midnight Hurricanes at 7 p.m. and Charley Farley at 8.

Teams also sold luminaries to honor those that have fought the battle against cancer and been declared victorious or in memory of those that lost their fight, but will never be forgotten.

And, a luminary service will be held at 9 p.m. during this ceremony tiki torches will be lit and sky lanterns launched along with the reading of the names of those being honored or remembered.

And then following the 2013 Relay 4 Life event, teams and organizers will begin making plans for the 2014 event, because in the fight against cancer, we can never rest until the war is over.

CITY AGREES TO MOVE RAW WATER LINE 05/10/13

Members of the De Queen City Council were informed Tuesday night that due to the relocation of a local business, the city needed to move its raw water line that runs south of Wal-Mart.

City Engineer Greg Vaughn informed the council that it would cost approximately $130,000 to move the line. He explained that the existing line would not be able to withstand the weight of the necessary dirt work to construct the new facility.

He also explained that the line needed to be relocated so the city would be able to maintain the line in the future.

A 24-inch line is expected to be laid on the highway department’s right of way. Vaughn stated that the city would need to file a request with the highway department to lay the line on their right of way, but expected that it would be approved.

Vaughn informed the council that it would take about 45 days to get all of the paperwork completed before work could begin. However, he said that the property owners could begin moving dirt before the city’s portion of the project was completed.

Mayor Billy Ray McKelvy informed the council that bids had been opened for the purchase of a new sanitation truck.

The bid was for the amount of $132,795. McKelvy stated that the sanitation department had $135,000 in an account for the new truck.

LITTLE RIVER COUNTY JAIL OPEN FOR BUSINESS 05/10/13

Renovations on the Little River County Jail have been completed and the facility opened Wednesday with the arrival of 3 prisoners.

Over the past year, the county spent $1.3 million dollars to renovate the county jail after it was closed in December of 2009 after the facility was ordered closed by the Criminal Detention Facilities Review Committee.

The reason for the closure was due to several violations.

Those violations included chronic overcrowding, the lack of an exercise area and inadequate facilities for food prep and laundry.

On Wednesday, the 3 prisoners were transferred to the Little River County Detention Center from the Bowie County Detention Center in Texarkana , Texas .

The prisoners arrived at the facility about 9:30 a.m.

The facility can house 24 prisoners, but will only house male inmates. Juveniles and females will be housed in area jails.

One of the new additions is a “drunk tank” in which a person that has been charged with DWI can serve their 8-hours or other sentences for DWI and not be exposed to felons.

After the jail closed, prisoners were housed in Bowie, Miller, Sevier, Howard, Hempstead and Lafayette counties. Lafayette County will continue to house prisoners that are bound for a state facility.

STOLEN VEHICLE RECOVERED IN ASHDOWN 05/10/13

On May 3^rd, Sergeant Boyd Kennemore of the Ashdown Police Department responded to a disturbance call on Locke Street in Ashdown.

When Sergeant Kennemore arrived, he made contact with 31-year-old Charles Merrell of Ashdown. When Sergeant Kennemore spoke with Merrell, he was driving a 1998 GMC bucket truck.

After becoming suspicious of the circumstances surrounding Merrell being possession of the bucket truck, Sergeant Kennemore determined that the truck had been stolen.

Sergeant Kennemore and the Ashdown Police Department determined that the truck actually belonged to Tommy Green of Ashdown.

Merrell was arrested for the theft of the truck and is currently being held in the Bowie County Annex in Texarkana . He made his first appearance in the Little River Circuit Court on May 7^th and his bond was set at $15,000.

The truck was released back to Green.

FRACHISEUR RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP TO PLAY SOFTBALL 05/10/13

Kelsie Frachiseur has been offered a scholarship to play softball for the Connors State Cowgirls, which is a part of the Oklahoma State University system, starting this fall.

Frachiseur will graduate from Wickes High School later this month. She has been playing basketball point guard for the Lady Warriors since her 7^th grade year, but she chose to play softball in college because it was her first love.

Frachiseur began playing softball at the age of 4 and has been playing summer ball with the De Queen Eagles.

Frachiseur has been an All-Conference and All-State softball player for the past 4 years. She was selected to represent Arkansas in the Little Dixie World Series for 3 years in a row and she hopes to represent Arkansas on Team USA one day.

Frachiseur is active in the First Baptist Church of Gillham, where she teaches the pre-K class in the churches Awana program.

Frachiseur is the daughter of Homer and Angie Frachiseur.

HAWTHORNE GIVES REPORT TO COUNCIL 05/10/13

Representative Fonda Hawthorne informed the De Queen City Council that the 89^th General Assembly was one of the longest sessions on record with legislators working 100 days at the Capitol.

Hawthorne reported that the legislature passed a one of a kind health care reform measure along with an economic incentive package, as well as one of the largest tax reductions in Arkansas state history.

A $4.9 billion dollar budget was passed, which included an increase in school funding and a cost of living raise for state employees. Hawthorne pointed out that this was the first raise that state employees had received in over 2 years.

A $100 million tax cut package was passed that included reducing the state income tax, increasing the standard deduction, reducing the tax on capital gains, reducing the sales tax on energy for manufacturing and reducing the sales tax on groceries in certain budget conditions exist.

Hawthorne reported that 3 Constitutional Amendments will be on the 2014 voting ballot.

House Bill 1009 would ban most lobbyists from giving gifts to elected officials and prohibit corporate campaign contributions. It would also alter the state’s term limits to allow legislators to serve a total of 16 years in either chamber. And, it would create an independent commission to set salaries for all elected officials.

Senate Bill 16 would require at least 75 percent of the signatures that are submitted to the Attorney General’s office be verified as valid before they are given additional time to circulate petitions.

Senate Bill 7 would give lawmakers the authority to require legislative approval for state agency rule changes.

Hawthorne also reported that the legislature passed almost a dozen pieces of legislation that was designed to protect Arkansan’s Second Amendment rights.

VISITORS ENCOURAGED TO VISIT DIAMOND STATE PARK 05/10/13

Members of the Diamond State Park staff visited the Texarkana and Red River Arkansas Welcome Centers as part of National Travel and Tourism Week.

Many visitors to the Diamond State Park are from Arkansas , but more than half of the 117,000 people who visit the park each year are from other states.

There are 13 welcome centers located at points of entry around Arkansas and in 2012, the Arkansas travel consultants directed over 865,000 travelers to various point of interest throughout the state.

Pike County , which is where the Crater of Diamonds State Park is located, was listed as the 10^th most popular destination for survey respondents in 2012. The Crater of Diamonds was the 2^nd most popular Arkansas State Park destination for 7,879 travelers that registered at Arkansas Welcome Centers during the year.

These visitors helped the local economy by spending more than $14.8 million dollars in Pike County last year.

NUTRITION EDUCATION ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK 05/10/13

The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee is considering significant cuts this week to SNAP , which is the program commonly referred to as food stamps.

In Arkansas , the cutbacks would mean low-income families would not only have less access to food, but also fewer opportunities to attend programs like the “Cooking Matters” program. “Cooking Matters” is a class that teaches those in attendance how to stretch their food dollars and eat nutritiously.

Kathy Webb, who heads the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, says that members of Congress would only have to sit in on one class to understand value of the class.

The USDA reports more than 508,000 Arkansans receive assistance through SNAP . The House Ag Committee marks up its version of the Farm Bill next week.

Both the House and the Senate versions contain substantial cuts to SNAP over the next decade, and would allow stated to make it tougher for low-income families to receive food stamps in order to trim the budget.

Janet McLaughlin runs the Share Our Strength “Cooking Matters” program that has ‘served up’ nutrition education to hundreds of Arkansas families. She says that instructors walk people through supermarkets, teach them unit pricing, cooking and food storage and she sees it as a natural extension of the SNAP program.

Some critics have argued that SNAP contributes to the nation’s obesity problem, but McLaughlin says that programs like “Cooking Matters” do exactly the opposite, by prompting families to make healthier food choices.

EARNHARDT VISITS TURK PLANT 05/10/13

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. toured the AEP /SWEPCO Turk Power Plant in Fulton on Tuesday.

The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity recently announced that they had renewed their sponsorship of JR Motorsports, which is a racing operation that is owned by Earnhardt.

The JR Motorsports team competes in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

Under the sponsorship agreement, JR Motorsports cars will feature American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity logos and members of the race team, including its drivers, will be working with the American Colaition for Clean Coal Electricity to help inform and educate Americans about the importance of coal and clean coal technology.

WATER RESOURCE BILL COULD IMPACT ARKANSAS ECONOMY 05/10/13

Senator John Boozman announced that Republicans and Democrats can work together has the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee prepares to present the Water Resources Development Act to the U.S. Senate.

Boozman stated that Arkansas has the 3^rd most miles of navigable waterways out of all 50 states and those waterways are critical for job creation, farming, transportation, recreation and economic development in the state.

Boozman reported that this legislation would improve our nation’s water resources policy to expand opportunity, promote commerce and reduce flood risks.

He stated it was imperative to keep Arkansas farms and factories connected to the people who buy Arkansas products and he pledged to help improve the state’s waterways, including the Arkansas River Navigation System.

Boozman’s office announced that the Arkansas River Navigation System is responsible for up to $2 billion dollars in transportation trade in Arkansas each year and the tonnage that was shipped increased by 10 percent last year.

The Water Resources Development Act includes language that will require the Corps of Engineers to improve its coordination with state and local governments, job creators, fisherman, hydroelectric customers and others that have an interest in our rivers. It also would hold the Corps of Engineers accountable to provide adequate levels of service for shippers.

Boozman stated that he and the bipartisan committee acknowledged that the legislation was far from perfect, but it showed that by working together they could make real improvements that help create jobs and helps the entire nation.

The bill is expected to be debated on the Senate floor in the next couple of weeks.

NEW APARTMENT CONSTRUCTION NOT POPULAR 05/09/13

Apparently, several people in De Queen don’t like the idea of some new apartments being built at the corner of 3^rd and Wallace Avenue .

Over 15 citizens attended Tuesday night’s council meeting to express their concern over the construction of some low-rent, energy efficient apartments.

Contractor Jason Christian of Christian Construction Company represented the owner of the property during the meeting and he stated that he was there to gauge the amount of opposition that they were facing before approaching the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission to seek a zone change for the property.

3^rd and Wallace Avenue is currently zoned C1, which is a commercial zone and does not allow for the construction of apartments. The property would need to be rezoned R2 if the construction is to continue.

Aldermen approved an ordinance increasing the city’s water rates. The increase will take effect the first of June.

Mayor Billy Ray McKelvy asked the council to increase the water department’s budget by $9,600 so the settling pond could be pumped out and a building constructed for the storage of bedding supplies.

Aldermen heard a recommendation by Police Chief Richard McKinley to add a couple of truck routes to the city’s truck route ordinance and increase the fine from $25 to $100 plus court cost.

Council members will consider Chief McKinley’s recommendation during their next council meeting on May 21^st.

KIRBY WOMAN ARRESTED AT PIKE COUNTY HOTEL 05/09/13

2 individuals have been arrested on drug charges in Pike County after deputies went to a local motel to investigate a room.

64-year-old Billy Fee of Malvern and 35-year-old Valarie Babbitt of Kirby were arrested and transported to the Pike County Jail.

Officers reported a strong chemical smell coming from the room and asked the 2 to step outside while they searched the room.

During the search of Fee’s person, officers discovered a plastic bag in his right front pocket that contained suspected methamphetamine.

A search of the room and Fee’s vehicle turned up several more bags and 2 glass pipes, as well as a digital scale and a syringe.

Authorities reported that they recovered approximately 17 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

DE QUEEN AIR EVAC CONDUCTS SAFETY CLASS FOR NATHAN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT 05/09/13

The De Queen Air Evac Lifeteam air ambulance crew recently held a helicopter safety and landing zone class for the members of the Nathan Volunteer Fire Department.

The class included instruction on interacting safely with helicopters, selecting landing zone sites, guiding the helicopter to the ground and patient loading.

Air Evac Lifeteam Senior Program Director Michael Perrin stated that the class gave his team the opportunity to educate the firefighters about what Air Evac does and how they work with other responders at the scenes of medical emergencies. He also pointed out that the landing zone classes were very important because they wanted everyone that was involved in an emergency response to be safe around the helicopter.

The De Queen Air Evac base began operating in August of 2007 and serves hospitals and communities within a 70-mile radius of De Queen. Crew members can fly directly to the scene of a medical emergency or make hospital transfers.

Air Evac Lifeteam is an air ambulance service that provides emergency health care and rapid medical transport to medically underserved communities throughout the central United States , routinely providing training for emergency service agencies in the areas that it serves.

The company currently operates 114 air ambulance bases in 15 states. For more information about Air Evac Lifeteam services, call 1-800-793-0010 or visit www.lifeteam.net.

TIME FOR THE WHISTLESTOP FESTIVAL 05/09/13

The 17^th Annual Whistlestop Festival is Friday night, May 10^th and Saturday, May 11^th in downtown Ashdown and admission is free.

Little River County Director Debbie Crouch told KDQN that the festivities will get started on Friday night with the Miss Whistlestop Pageant.

The pageant will get started at 6:30 p.m. at the Ashdown High School Auditorium. Crouch stated that the winner of the Whistlestop pageant will win a $500 dollar tuition waiver from Cossatot.

Admission for the Miss Whistlestop Pageant is by donation.

There will also be live music downtown and new this year will be a frog giggin tournament. The tournament is sponsored Riverbank Products of El Dorado.

Then Crouch announced that the Little River Leadership Class will host a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning from 7 to 9:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church .

Saturday will feature a farmer’s market, antique car show, and antique tractors, as well as games and activities for children.

There will be a youth art show, which is sponsored by the Little River Arts Council and The Champion Trees of Arkansas special art exhibit at the Two Rivers Museum .

Enjoy the Hookem ‘N Kookem Catfish Cook-off, the horseshoe tournament, a turtle race and a frog race.

Also browse the tee shirts, train memorabilia, food and craft vendors and items at the local antique shops during the 17^th Annual Whistlestop Festival.

COWBOY KIDS CHURCH 05/09/13

The De Queen First Church of the Nazarene will be conducting a community outreach program that is designed to give local children an opportunity to learn about the Bible.

Pastor Billy Sullivan stated that the Cowboy Kids Church is for children age 12 and under.

The Cowboy Kids Church will meet at the Nazarene Church beginning on Saturday, May 11^th at 4 p.m.

Sullivan stated that they plan to bring a little bit of the country to the city and offer horseback rides around the church yard and they will enjoy a trail-style chuck wagon meal.

Following chow-time, kids will enjoy singing, a puppet presentation and a spiritual message. The message will be presented by cowboy Dusty Trails in a cowboy way.

By holding the Cowboys Kids Church on Saturday afternoons will allow kids from other churches attend.

According to Sullivan, they are currently planning to meet twice a month, but they may alter that plan to fit the needs of the children.

SAU HORSE THIEF FACES MORE CHARGES 05/09/13

Wendi Cox who was recently convicted in the theft of Southern Arkansas University rodeo team horses and equipment, maintained her innocence Tuesday on cattle theft charges that she’s facing in Little River County.

Cox appeared in the Little River County Courthouse in Ashdown before Judge Charles Yeargan for a possible plea bargain. She is facing theft of property charges for allegedly stealing 15 heifers from an East Ogden ranch in October of 2011, according to the arrest affidavit.

The heifers were valued at $10,500.

Prosecutor Bryan Chesshir offered Cox a plea bargain to plead guilty to theft of property for her role in the Little River County cattle theft, however, Cox rejected the plea bargain and asked for a trial.

The pre-trial date was set for July 9^th and the trial date will be July 15^th.

Cox is being charged with the theft of 15 heads of cattle from the ranch of Kenneth Mattheson in October of 2011.

In June of 2012, law enforcement agencies received a tip about the missing cattle that reported that the cattle had been sold at the Idabel Stockyards by William Hamilton and George Berish III .

Hamilton and Berish have pleaded guilty and sentenced for their roles in the cattle theft.

In March, Cox was sentenced to 60 years for her role in the SAU horse theft case.

Cox and her daughter Jaci Jackson face charges in McCurtain County in the SAU case, because they transported the horses to McCurtain County .

TASK FORCE BEINGS LOOKING AT NEW ARKANSAS VETERAN’S HOME SITE 05/09/13

A task force that was formed by state lawmakers has begun looking at options for replacing a veteran’s home that was in Little Rock . The home was closed last year.

The Arkansas Veteran’s Home Task Force held its first meeting at the state Capitol since the panel was created by the state Legislature on Tuesday. The 22-member committee is charged with coming up with recommendations for the location, size and funding for replacing the now-closed facility.

The Legislature set aside $7.5 million dollars from the state surplus to help pay for a new home and the state Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a federal grant for the facility.

The panel must issue its recommendation by October 31st.

ARKANSAS ASKS JUDGE TO DISMISS ABORTION BAN SUIT 05/09/13

The state of Arkansas is asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit that is challenging a law that bans most abortions 12-weeks into a pregnancy by arguing that the new restriction is constitutional.

The attorney generals’ office responded to the lawsuit that was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas and the Center for Reproductive Rights. The groups filed the lawsuit last month on behalf of 2 doctors that perform abortions at a clinic in Little Rock .

Lawmakers enacted the new restriction in March by overriding Governor Mike Beebe’s veto of the legislation. The measure will take effect 90-days after the Legislature formally adjourns.

A hearing in the lawsuit has been scheduled for May 17^th.

REPUBLICAN ATTORNEY ENTERS ARKANSAS AG RACE 05/09/13

Republican David Sterling says that he is going to run for the attorney general’s office next year.

Sterling has a private law practice in North Little Rock . He says that he’s a conservative Republican who will work to protect Arkansas from “an overreaching federal government.”

Sterling stated that he would work to defend Arkansas ’ law that restricts most abortions after 12-weeks of pregnancy and defend the state’s ban on gay marriage.

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel is barred by term limits from running for re-election.

No Democrats have announced that they will be running, although a couple of candidates have stated that they are considering a run next year.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT SCHOOL 05/08/13

Monday morning Lockesburg Elementary Counselor Linda Quinn and 3 students stopped by the KDQN studio to telling the Morning Brew Crew what they liked about school.

Quinn was joined by 6^th grader Samantha Ballard, 4^th grader Kalie Dillinger and 3^rd grader Stevieah Turner.

Ballard talked about the 6^th grade class trip to the Mid-America Museum in Hot Springs , while Dillinger stated that she enjoyed performing in the 4^th grade play “Bugz.”

Turner was excited about having lunch with her grand persons and the 3^rd grade class trip to Old Washington State Park

But all three agreed that they loved Lockesburg Elementary School and that they can’t wait until school started next August.

SEVIER COUNTY OFFICIAL PROCLAIMS HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH 05/08/13

De Queen Mayor Billy Ray McKelvy is among 112 officials in 58 counties who have declared May as Historic Preservation Month, according the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program Director Frances McSwain.

McSwain stated that the theme for Historic Preservation Month is ‘See! Save! Celebrate!’ and ‘Saving Our Heritage: Arkansas ’s Historic Structures.’ She stated that she hopes everyone will take the time to reflect on the importance of their local historic sites, especially those listed on the National Register of Historic Places.”

Historic sites in Sevier County can be found on the arkansaspreservation.com website.

For a list of Arkansas Heritage Month events, visit www.arkansasheritage.com or call 501-324-9880.

IT’S NOT DEER SEASON 05/08/13

It’s not longer deer season, but a local resident was recently reminded that the Arkansas White Tail deer are still out and about.

On Monday morning, Donald Hankins was traveling west on West Robinson Road here in De Queen when a deer jumped out in front of his 2005 Chevy pickup.

Hankins attempted to stop but he struck the deer with the front bumper of his truck. His truck received damage to the bumper, grill and headlights.

YOU SPIN ME ROUND AND ROUND 05/08/13

The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a 3-vehicle accident in Horatio on Saturday just after noon .

According to the 3-drivers involved and an eyewitness, Sam Hendricks of Horatio was pulling out of the parking lot of Irvan’s Food Mart when he was struck by a 2001 Mercury Marquis that was being driven by Earl Newton Sr. of Wisconsin .

Hendricks vehicle was struck on the back passenger side and the impact caused him to spin around until the rear of his vehicle struck the front of Martha Williamson’s 1998 Jeep Cherokee.

At the time of the accident, Williamson was sitting at a Stop Sign.

There were no injuries but Hendricks’ and Williams’ vehicles had to be towed from the scene.

A WILD RIDE 05/08/13

Around 5 a.m. on Sunday morning, the Sevier County Sheriff’s office was notified of a motor vehicle accident on Highway 70/71 about 9 tenths of a mile North of Lockesburg.

A Lockesburg resident contacted the sheriff’s office and informed them that they heard a crash and someone yelling for help.

When a deputy arrived, they reported that Chauncy Cannon of Hope was walking around but complaining of back pain. He also reported that Linda Cannon also of Hope was still in the vehicle, and she was also complaining of back pain.

According to the accident report, the 2009 Dodge Challenger left the roadway and traveled about 30 feet in the grass before it hit a mailbox. The vehicle then continued another 80 feet until it hit an embankment and went airborne.

The vehicle traveled through the air and struck an 8-inch in diameter tree limb about 8 feet off the ground. After striking the limb, the report says that the vehicle traveled another 13 feet in the air until the left rear tire landed on the ground, which caused the car to flip onto its nose. It continued to travel 14 more feet while passing through heavy brush before coming to a rest on its wheels.

Lockesburg First Responders arrived on the scene shortly before the arrival of South West EMS .

Both parties were transported to the De Queen Regional Medical Center for treatment.

MAY 17 IS ADJOURNMENT DAY 05/08/13

On Friday, May 17^th, State Representative Fonda Hawthorne and the rest of the state legislators will return to Little Rock for the day that they will adjourn for an indefinite period of time or until the fiscal session of 2014.

But, Hawthorne explains that the work will not end with the final adjournment. During the time between sessions, legislators will devote their time to investigations of major issues.

Public hearings will be held by legislative committees and research will be conducted at a much less hectic pace and they will then submit their recommendations to the entire General Assembly during the next session.

Lottery scholarships are an example of how this interim work impacts the work of the legislature during the regular session. The Lottery Oversight Committee spent months last year taking a close look at lottery revenues and the number of students that are applying for the Arkansas Academic Challenge.

After their research, they discovered that the lottery scholarship could not provide scholarships for everyone who qualified for one. As a result, the 89^th General Assembly passed a tiered system of scholarships that are designed to reward success and increase college graduation rates.

Currently, there are 150 interim study proposals filed by the General Assembly. Those topics range from expanding broadband infrastructure to ensure that our children are reading at grade level by the 3^rd grade.

So even during this interim period, Hawthorne will be busy serving the residents of her district.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY MEETING 05/08/13

Members of the Friends of the Library met on April 18^th and discovered that the Sevier County Library System will soon be joining a new library district.

Head Librarian Johnye Fisher informed the members of the board that by June 30^th, the Sevier County Library would no longer be a member of the Southwest Regional District. She stated that the Sevier County Library System and the library systems in Little River and Howard Counties would be meeting together to form a new district. She said that more details would be available at a later date.

Fisher reported that the library’s Internet card catalogue was up and running and customers would simply need to provide a password to the library clerks in order to access their personal library account online.

The Friends of the Library will hold their next meeting on Thursday, May 16^th at 4 p.m. at the Library in De Queen.

I DIDN’T MEAN TO BE DRUNK IN PUBLIC 05/08/13

Early Saturday morning, the De Queen Police Department received a complaint about an argument at the intersection of 9^th and Haes.

When Wayne Baker arrived he observed 2 men in the street that appeared to be unsteady on their feet.

The 2 men were identified as Tyrone Smith and Thomas Mosley.

Both acknowledged that they had been drinking and when Officer Baker asked they admitted that they had been arguing.

Officer Baker arrested both Smith and Mosley and transported them to the Sevier County Jail. They were both charged with Public Intoxication.

Later that evening, Officer Gary Cunningham observed a male sitting on a bench in front of the De Queen City Hall .

The man was identified as Kenny Bradshaw.

When Officer Cunningham asked Bradshaw what he was doing and where he had been. Bradshaw stated that he was checking to see if he had any warrants because he was going to jail.

Following their conversation, Bradshaw was arrested and taken to the Sevier County Jail and charged with public intoxication.

PARTIES VOW TO BATTLE ON ARKANSAS STATEWIDE OFFICES 05/08/13

With state Auditor Charlie Daniels announcing that he won’t be running for office again, Arkansas Democrats are losing a statewide officeholder who regularly won a majority at the polls.

The announcement was made Monday and it prompted the state Republican Party to say that it will vigorously campaign for the seat as it works to put GOP candidates in other constitutional offices as well.

The Arkansas Democratic Party says that it has already begun recruiting candidates for all statewide elective offices and vows to remain in the majority in that category after next year’s election. Republicans have majorities in the House and Senate.

Daniels leaves the state government after stints in the governor’s offie with David Pryor and Bill Clinton, followed by terms as lands commissioner, secretary of state and auditor.

UACCH IN TEXARKANA LOOKING TO EXPAND 05/08/13

UACCH in Texarkana , which opened last fall, is having a positive impact on the College’s ability to serve area students.

13 more acres have been purchased by the University Of Arkansas Board Of Trustees to expand the campus in Texarkana .

Funding for this purchase is anticipated through Senate Bill 418 that was introduced in the 89^th General Assembly. Funding will include $175,000 that will be used to purchase the additional land and assist in planning cost.

The campus is currently 22 acres and in the fall of 2011, almost 10 percent of the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope’s enrollment was made up of Miller County residents. That number increased to 20 percent last semester when the Texarkana campus opened.

DE QUEEN CITY COUNCIL TO MEET TUESDAY EVENING 05/07/13

The De Queen City Council will meet Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the council room of the De Queen City Hall .

On the agenda is a proposal for the construction of apartments at the corner of 3^rd and Wallace Avenue . The area is zoned C-1 Downtown Commercial and does not allow for the construction of apartments, but it does allow for the construction of a hotel or a motel.

The owner of the property has been asked to attend the council meeting.

Aldermen will also consider the approval of an ordinance for an increase in the city’s water rates, as well as an ordinance amending the city’s truck route ordinance including adding some new routes and increasing the existing fine.

Aldermen are also scheduled to discuss a raw water line issue on U.S. 70-71 East.

SEVIER COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS APPRECIATION DAY AND TRI-LAKES BASS TOURNAMENT RIGHT AROUND THE BEND 05/07/13

Sevier County Judge Greg Ray and Angie Walker announced the dates for the Sevier County Senior Citizens Appreciation Day and the Tri-Lakes Bass Tournament last Friday.

It’s the 32^nd Annual Senior Adult Appreciation Day and Judge Ray announced a few of the activities during the event.

Walker also pointed out that the event will have several health vendors performing free health checks.

Judge Ray also stated that they would be announcing a few more surprises over the next several Fridays.

Judge Ray and Walker also announced that the Tri-Lakes Bass Tournament is getting bigger and better every year and now the prize money is over $11,000 in cash and prizes.

Walker stated that you can get your registration form from the KDQN, city or chamber websites.

LITTLE RIVER COUNTY GOING PURPLE FOR A CURE 05/07/13

Little River County will host Paint the County Purple this week and activities are scheduled each day to bring attention to the 2013 Relay 4 Life, which is raising money for cancer research.

Businesses, county and municipal offices, schools and individuals will participate in the events.

Events included the reading of a proclamation at 10 a.m. on Monday morning at the Little River County Courthouse.

The Little River County Chamber of Commerce socialize after 6 will be hosted by the Gift Emporium on Tuesday.

“Purple Specials” will be offered at area businesses on Wednesday and churches will be honoring cancer survivors by asking their members to wear purple to church on Wednesday night.

The Little River County Relay 4 Life committee will be judging the best Paint the County Purple contest entries on Thursday and everyone is encouraged to wear purple on Friday.

DE QUEEN GT ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS 05/07/13

The De Queen Gifted and Talented program is accepting new student nominations for the 2013-2014 school year.

Students that are submitted for nomination should currently be enrolled in the 3^rd through 11^th grades and must exhibit outstanding abilities in the areas of intellect, creativity and task commitment.

Contact Laverne Addington, the GT Coordinator for forms and more information by calling 584-4312.

All requests for testing must be made in writing.

The nomination deadline is May 24^th.

BOOK SALE AT THE ASHDOWN HIGH SCHOOL 05/07/13

Ashdown High School is hosting a “Buy 1 Get 1 free Scholastic Book Fair: in the high school media center on Tuesday, May 7^th through Friday, May 17^th and everyone is invited to stop by and browse the book selections.

According to Ashdown High School Media Specialist Sandy Bishop, the purpose of the book fair is to encourage students to read over the summer, but she hopes the book fair will bring in readers of all ages.

The Scholastic event is part of the distributor’s Summer Challenge, whose slogan is “Great Reads plus Sweet Deals equals a Perfect Summer.

Participants during the book fair can choose from hundreds of books that range from the latest titles for kids to books of interest to parents, and all items are buy 1, get 1 free of equal or lesser value.

For more information about the Ashdown High School Book Fair and the books that are available, go to www.scholastic.com/bookfairs and click on “Find a fair” at the top.

Scholastic reminds participant that strong readers do better in school, on tests, in college and in life. So giver yourself every advantage and read every day.

ASHDOWN MAN INJURED IN ACCIDENT 05/07/13

An Ashdown man who was delivering lottery tickets was injured last Thursday night when the van he was driving struck a parked car in Hempstead County .

The accident occurred around 8:15 p.m. on Highway 73 West near Columbus .

Patrick Cullen was headed west in a white Ford van when he struck a maroon Mitsubishi Gallant that had been left parked on the side of the road by its owner, Jonathon Trotter of Fulton.

Trotter stated that he ran out of gas while traveling west and left the car to go get some gas.

The impact flipped the Gallant onto its roof.

Cullen was treated by Crossroads first responders until an ambulance arrived at the scene. He was then transported to Wadley Regional Medical Center in Hope.

Cullen is employed by a company that provides services for the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.

According to the accident report, it was dark and rainy at the time of the accident.

CUTBACKS ARE THE NEW NORMAL FOR ARKANSAS HEAD START 05/07/13

Arkansas Head Start programs say they’re trying to serve as many children as possible in the face of federal budget cutbacks. It’s a mandatory 5 percent reduction for Head Start, which serves lower income children from birth to age 5.

Arkansas Head Start directors meet every other month to compare notes and support each other’s efforts to trim costs without trimming quality of services.

State coordinator Jackie Dedman says around the state, some programs are making pay cuts, eliminating transportation and not replacing staff members who leave.

Dedman says that different Head Start program’s federal grants are renewed in different months, so the budget cuts will be felt throughout the summer and fall. She says that they’re being urged to apply for other types of funding to help with the shortfall.

Most of the Arkansas Head Start programs already had children on waiting lists and some are in the hundreds, but even smaller communities such as Rison have 20 on their waiting list, for a program that serves more than a hundred children.

It’s director, Pam Draper, predicts that the list will grow, and says that a point system is used to determine which children can enroll.

Draper says that the uncertainty makes it difficult for parents and children, as well as staff members. Nationwide, it’s estimated that 70,000 fewer children will be in Head Start programs as a result of the mandatory budget cuts.

2 INJURED IN 1-VEHICLE ACCIDENT 05/07/13

2 McCurtain County residents were injured in a 1-vehcile accident Friday night outside of Idabel, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Passenger 34-year-old Jami Jacob of Broken Bow was in critical condition in a Longview , Texas hospital as of Saturday. 30-year-old Michael Ward of Valiant was in stable condition at a hospital in Texarkana .

The accident occurred about 10:50 p.m. near Southwest Lincoln and Camfield Road .

Ward was driving a 2003 Chrysler and headed west on Southwest Lincoln when the vehicle left the road and hit several trees.

Jacobs, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle.

TEXTING WHILE DRIVING RESULTS IN ROLLOVER ACCIDENT 05/07/13

An Idabel woman and 6 Texarkana residents were injured in a rollover accident Friday night that was caused by the driver testing behind the wheel, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

20-year-old Briuana Willis had to be transported to the hospital but is reportedly in stable condition.

Willis was driving a 1998 Ford south on U.S. Highway 259 about 5.4 miles south of Idabel when the accident occurred about 9:30 p.m.

Investigators say Willis was texting on her phone when she ran off the right side of the road. She overcorrected and then ran off the left side of the road, when the vehicle rolled 2 and a quarter times before landing on the passenger side.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol accident report cites the driver’s inattention as the cause of the accident.

6 females between the ages of 9 to 21 were inside the vehicle at the time of the accident, but only 2 were wearing their seatbelts. Willis was also cited for not wearing her seatbelt.

A 21-year-old, a 19-year-old, an 11-year-old and a 10-year-old were taken to the McCurtain Memorial Hospital in Idabel, where they were listed in stable condition.

The 2 other passengers, a 14-year-old and a 9-year-old, were taken to a hospital in Tulsa . They are also reported to be in stable condition.

COSSATOT OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE 05/06/13

Zebbie Minton of Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas ’ continuing education department stopped by the studio to talk about the many educational opportunities that are being offered this summer.

Minton mentioned the professional development classes, which includes basic computer classes, resume writing classes and truck driving

However, Cossatot also offers classes that are fun.

The schedule for the jams and jellies class is Thursday, May 9^th from 6 to 9 p.m. The salsa class is scheduled for Thursday, May 16^th from 6 to 9 and the water bathing and pressure canning class will be Thursday, May 23^rd from 6 to 9.

Art classes are being offered for adults and children and then she mentioned a new program called the Journey program for senior adults. The group will take a day trip to Canton , Texas and later a trip to Nashville , Tennessee .

The class schedule is posted on the KDQN website and the Cossatot website or you can contact Minton at 584-4471.

LITTLE RIVER JAIL HOLD AN OPEN HOUSE 05/03/13

Little River County has not had a jail since the facility closed in December of 2009, but the renovated county jail recently passed an inspection by the state’s jail committee.

Last week, the Little River County Sheriff held an open house for the jail from noon to 4 p.m.

The jail will reopen on Wednesday following a year of renovations that cost the county nearly $1.3 million dollars.

The county will operate the jail with a staff of 7 and have an annual payroll of $200,000, but the reopening of the county jail will save the about $120,000 a year in expenses that it incurs by housing inmates in other counties.

The jail was closed in December of 2009 after the Criminal Detention Facilities Review Committee ordered the closure due to several violations. Those violations included chronic overcrowding, the lack of an exercise area and inadequate facilities for food preparation and laundry.

The renovations included replacing the roof, building additional prisoner cells and an outdoor exercise area and upgrading plumbing and electrical wiring.

The Little River Nursing and Rehab Center , which is owned by the county, will prepare meals for the inmates and launder the prisoner’s uniforms and bedding.

FDA’S NEW PLAN FOR TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION MONTH 05/06/13

May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, and the FDA has started it off with a major announcement.

The agency will allow a form of women’s emergency contraception known as “Plan B One-Step” to be sold over the counter, and to women as young as 15.

The FDA says Plan B is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy, and that there should be no need for a doctor’s prescription. Jill June who is the president of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland says that the advantage of the new policy is speed. The sooner the medication is taken, the more effective it is.

A federal judge had ordered the FDA to make emergency contraception available without an age limit, and the Justice Department is challenging that ruling, but the FDA says that this decision is independent of that court case.

Plan B works by preventing pregnancy, not by terminating it, so Arkansas Right to Life says it considers Plan B a contraceptive and doesn’t take a position on birth control.

Some concerns have been raised about reducing the age limit for over-the-counter purchases of an emergency contraceptive. June, who has 3 daughters, says that she would hope all young people would seek the advice of a parent or a trusted adult, but she knows it isn’t always possible.

It’s important to note that emergency contraception has been available to women younger than 15, but only with a doctor’s prescription, and that will still be the case.

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month is a reminder that, while teen birth rates have declined across the country, Arkansas ranks 5^th in the nation for pregnancies among 15 to 19 year olds. June says that it will take more than increased access to Plan B to change that.

In Arkansas , 82 out of 1,000 young women become pregnant as teens.

GET READY FOR THE WHISTLESTOP FESTIVAL 05/06/13

The 17^th Annual Whistlestop Festival is scheduled for Friday night, May 10^th and Saturday, May 11^th in Downtown Ashdown.

The Whistlestop Festival is sponsored by the Ashdown Antique and Merchants Association.

Friday night there will be live music downtown and the 6^th Annual Miss Whistlestop Pageant at the Ashdown High School Auditorium and Baylee Bond was named the 2012 Miss Teen Whistlestop.

This year, the Whistlestop Festival will host a new event.

On Friday night, teams will compete in a frog giggin’ tournament and then race the live frogs that are presented on Saturday.

Along with new events, festival goers will also enjoy tried and true events like the Hook’em-N-Cook’em Catfish Cookoff on Saturday, May 11. Catfish plate lunches will be served starting at 10:30 and customers may choose between a 2-piece, 3-piece or 5-piece plate.

There will also be a horseshoe pitching tournament, 10K and Half Marathon, live entertainment and exhibits at the Two Rivers Museum .

So make plans to attend the 17^th Annual Whistlestop Festival in Ashdown on Friday and Saturday, May 10^th and 11^th.

COUNTY LIBRARY PREPARES FOR SUMMER READING PROGRAM 05/06/13

The Sevier County Library System is preparing for the 2013 Summer Reading Program and this year’s theme is “Dig into Reading .”

Librarians are preparing activities, stories and movies for the children of Sevier County .

The De Queen Library will be holding story time every Wednesday in June at 11 a.m.

And, the De Queen Library has added several new children’s books including: “Big Nate Game On,” “Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons,” and “Dinosaurs Love Underpants.”

“Light A Gone Novel” and “Dark Triumph” have been added to the young adult section, as well as other titles.

New books have been added to the adult fiction section and Bill O’Reilly’s “Killing Lincoln” and “Killing Kennedy” as been added in the non-fiction section, as well as “No Easy Day” by Mark Owen and a must read for all Duck Dynasty fans – “The Duck Commander Family” written by Willie and Korie Robertson.

Residents can also check out the libraries website at www.seviercountylibrary.com to look for other titles.

The Horatio Library has a large selection of DVD ’s and videos available for all ages and several episodes of Masterpiece Theatre mini series.

And now, the award winning movie “ Lincoln ,” “Life of Pi,” and “Argo” is available to be checked out. As of May 1^st movies may only be checked out for 1 week only.

The Ben Lomond Library will be hosting a spelling bee and the winners will win a new kids book.

The “Twilight Series” and “Hotel Transylvania” has been added to the library shelves and several new books including, “Ordinary Grace” by William Krueger, “Safe Haven” by Nicholas Sparks and “Lover at Last” by J.R. Ward.

Harlan Coben is the featured author for the month of May at the Gillham branch of the Sevier County Library.

Kids are also invited to make a gift for their mom on May 11^th.

So stop by a branch of the Sevier County Library and explore new worlds and expand your horizons.

SURVIVOR DINNER 05/03/13

Two former De Queen residents were the featured speakers at the 2013 Relay for Life Survivor Dinner held Thursday, May 2nd in De Queen. Gwen Frachiseur Lavendar told the story about her battle with breast cancer and Danny Frady his battle with prostate cancer.

Sixty-one survivors attended and most brought guests or caregivers. Jimmy and Lucy Mize provided and cooked the fish. They were assisted by Randy Frachiseur, Judge Greg Ray, Circuit Clerk Patty Chaney, County Clerk Debbie Hughes, County Assessor Judy Smith, and County Treasurer Risa Krantz.
(Photos)

ARBOR DAY IN THE PARK 05/03/13

De Queen Parks and Recreation and multiple partners hosted the 9^th annual Arbor Day in the park, Thursday May 2^nd. Herman Dierks park was packed with over 270 kids that enjoyed a multitude of education sessions from great presenters. Landscaping and Plants ID; Mary Holland, Ground water Polk County NRCS; Angela Moore, Mobile Dairy Classroom Sulfur Springs Texas Wilma the Milk Cow; Robin Stacy, GPS findings, Sevier County NRCS; Victor Kuykendall, Hypothermia, Corp of engineers Shelley Flanary and Carmon Tatum, Skins and skulls and reptiles Arkansas State Parks, Terry James, Snacking in the woods, Sevier County Extension Service; Holly Watkins, Arkansas The Natural State. Forestry, Tree Fun; Tyson Chicks, Game & Fish Mobile aquarium, Sandra Chandler; Mineral Specimens and Smile Dental. A wonderful day was had by all with lunch and a bag full of goodies provided by the De Queen Parks and Recreation Department and the Sevier County Conservation District for helping provide the funds for this event. City employees and other volunteers helped serve up lunch for the students and Chris Hale the parks programmer was the Master Cook for the day cooking up 350 Hamburgers!

As always this day would not be complete without the planting of yet another tree in our city park. Thanks to Jody Miller and the employees of the Arkansas Forestry for helping plant the tree and helping the kids with the activities of the day. The tree of choice this year is a Cypress which will reach a height of 30 to 50 feet. The tree was planted east end of the park in creeks edge.

A wonderful day in the park to celebrate Arbor Day. The parks department does this as an annual event to promote tree awareness to our youth.

The Arbor day Foundation congratulates de Queen on being named a Tree City USA @ community for the 7^th year in a row. Residents of De Queen should take pride in the fact that they live in a community where planting and nurturing trees is a priority.

Planting The Cypress: Gaythy Bakenhus, Parks Director; Jody Miller, Forest Ranger; Lockesburg 5^th Graders; Jala Denson, Jaden Glover, Lynwood Scott, Baylee Harder, Ryan Shelton Mathew, Trey Grubbs, Kaitlyn Angel, JJ Stegall.

THE QUEEN OF COUNTRY MUSIC IS COMING TO DE QUEEN 05/03/13

The Coal Miner’s Daughter from Butcher Hollow, Kentucky is coming to De Queen for a concert on Friday, June 21^st at the Cossatot Amphitheatre.

Loretta Lynn is a Country Music Hall of Famer and will be performing hits than have spanned the last 5 decades.

Loretta Lynn began singing in church along with her younger sister, Crystal Gayle. In 1964, Lynn scored a string of top 10 hits that included: “Wine, Women and Song” and “Blue Kentucky Girl.”

Lynn sang about the struggles of everyday wives and mothers, while injecting them with her own brand of humor and in 1967, she told women everywhere that “You Ain’t Woman Enough (to Take My Man).”

Lynn also shared her personal experiences in her 1970 Number 1 hit “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”

Then in 2000, Lynn released a studio album “ Still County ” and in 2004, Jack White of the White Stripes produced her next album “Van Lear Rose, which was a commercial and critical smash hit.

And you will have an opportunity to see the Queen of Country Music live in De Queen on Friday, June 21^st.

Tickets will go on sale at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 17^th at an exclusive ticket party for loyal #1 Country listeners.

Advanced reserved tickets will be $25, and on the day of show they will be $30, but on May 17th for the loyal listeners of KDQN, you will able to purchase up to 10 reserved tickets for only $20 each.

General admission tickets will be $15 in advance and $20 the day of the show, but our loyal listeners can pick up their tickets for just $10 on May 17^th.

Children 3 and under are free with an adult general admission ticket.

The gates will open at 6 and the Midnight Hurricanes will take the stage at 6:30 . And then at 8:30 , the Coal Miner’s Daughter herself, Loretta Lynn will take to the stage right here in De Queen, Arkansas .

So make plans to join us here at the station for our loyal listener party and ticket sale on Friday, May 17^th.

SEVIER COUNTY RESIDENT CONVICTED ON 2 COUNTS WEDNESDAY 05/03/13

A jury of 6 men and 6 women found a Gillham resident guilty on 2 counts Wednesday.

Members of the jury found Darion Tate guilty of domestic battery in the 3^rd degree and possession of a firearm by a certain person about 7 o’clock Wednesday evening.

Tate was sentenced to 6 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections and a $10,000 fine for the possession charge and 6 months in the Sevier County Jail and a $1,000 fine for the charge of battery in the 3^rd degree.

Prosecutor Manya Wood opened the trial by informing the jury that the defendant’s wife Melissa Tate had contacted the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office on May 26^th and reported that Darion had beaten her up.

After Deputies Brian Hankins and Greg Davignon arrived at the scene they were informed that Darion Tate was a felon and that there were guns inside the house in him and they called for backup.

Deputies Chad Dowdle and Chris Wolcott and former Sheriff Monty Stringfellow arrived and Darion Tate was taken into custody without incident.

7 rifles were removed from the home and Darion was charged with domestic battery and possession of a firearm by a certain person.

However, Melissa Tate bailed Darion out of jail the next day and then testified in court on Wednesday that he had not harmed her and that the guns belonged to her.

Defense attorney Darrell Brown Jr. attempted to demonstrate that the guns belonged to Melissa and that Darion didn’t even know that the firearms were in the house on the day that he was arrested.

Darion was immediately taken into custody and is currently in the Sevier County Jail.

ASHDOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT MAKES DRUG BUST 05/03/13

On Tuesday, April 23^rd, officers with the Ashdown Police Department executed a search and seizure warrant at a residence in Ashdown.

The search resulted in the seizure of close to 3 pounds of marijuana, various components used to measure, bag and store the marijuana and a large commercial apparatus that was equipped with grow lights and other components used to grow marijuana plants.

Officers also discovered literature outlining growing techniques for growing marijuana.

The evidence that was collected during the search revealed an operation for growing, harvesting, processing and selling marijuana.

32-year-old Robert Thompson was arrested for possession of a controlled substance with purpose and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Thompson’s bond was set at $50,000 by Circuit Court Judge Tom Cooper and he is currently being held in the Bowie County Annex in Texarkana .

NUMBER OF UNINSURED KIDS IN ARKANSAS ON THE DECLINE 05/03/13

The number of uninsured children in Arkansas has declined over the past year, now totaling only 6 percent. Thanks to ARKids First and Medicaid, the percentage of children without health insurance has dropped from 22 percent to just 6 percent over the past 16 years.

According to a new report from Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, Arkansas ranks 4^th in the nation at enrolling eligible children in ARKids First and Medicaid with 92.5 percent of eligible kids enrolled. Thanks to strong outreach, enrollment simplifications and policy changes, the state has fewer uninsured children than last year.

However, that 6 percent of uninsured rate translates to 46,000 children. The report, “Crossing the Finish Line 2012: Nearing the home stretch for covering kids and parents in Arkansas ,” says some groups are disproportionately uninsured, including: children in the west, northwest and central Arkansas ; Hispanic children and adolescents between the ages of 11 to 18.

Anna Strong, who is the AACF health policy director, says that the state is moving closer and closer toward AACF’s goal of making sure all children have access to quality health coverage.

According to Strong, Arkansas ’ new private option legislation will provide access to health coverage for about 80,000 uninsured parents in the state. She suspects that as parents get coverage, their children will, too. And, that’s a great achievement.

Strong also explained that Arkansas is already seeing the number of uninsured children drop thanks to the Affordable Care Act. She stated that now children can no longer be denied coverage for having a pre-existing condition like asthma or a congenital heart defect.

Strong says that effective, targeted outreach and smooth enrollment procedures will help ensure that all children and families will get enrolled and stay enrolled.

HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN ARKANSANS ABOUT TICKS 05/03/13

The Arkansas Health Department is reminding residents that tick season is starting and people should be mindful that the insects can carry diseases.

The agency stated that more than 900 cases of tick-borne diseases were reported in 2012 and that many more went unreported. 5 people died as a result of the diseases.

Some of the infections can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system if they are left untreated.

Ticks should be removed promptly, which can sometimes prevent disease transmission.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is caused by a bacteria, is the most common tick-borne disease in Arkansas and most transmissions occur between June and August.

ARKANSAS TO CELEBRATE TOURISM WEEK MAY 4-12 05/03/13

By proclamation of Governor Mike Beebe, and in recognition of the positive economic, social and cultural impact of the travel and tourism industry, Arkansas will celebrate May 4^th through the 12^th as Tourism Week.

In 2012, nearly 23 million visitors traveled in Arkansas and spent an estimated $5.8 billion dollars, which generated $301 million dollars in state taxes and $109 million dollars in local taxes.

Across the state, communities are planning to salute Tourism Week in a variety of ways. And here a few activities that have been planned in our area:

The Texarkana Welcome Center , which is located on Interstate 30 East, will hold a celebration on May 6^th from 10 a.m. until noon .

Visitors can explore displays, exhibits and participate in activities from several Arkansas State Parks including signing visitors up for 2 tickets to the Dustin Lynch concert at the Nashville City Park on May 24^th.

Local musicians will provide entertainment and refreshments will be served.

The Red River Welcome Center , which is located in Texarkana on U.S. Highway 71 North, will celebrate throughout the week beginning on May 4^th by giving visitors rice recipes and samples of rice.

Guest can register to win a $25 gift certificate from Castle Antiques in Ashdown and 2 Dustin Lynch concert tickets for May 24^th in Nashville .

Other activities will be held throughout the week at the Red River Welcome Center .

DE QUEEN PARKS AND RECREATION PLANS ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION 05/02/13

Parks and Recreation director Gaythy Bakenhus announced that a Arbor Day celebration was being held in the Herman Dierks Park on Thursday, May 2 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Bakenhus stated that over 250 5^th grade students from elementary schools in Sevier County would be on hand to celebrate Arbor Day with several presentations and the planting of a cedar tree down by the creek.

Presenters will teach students about ground water, trees, plant identification, landscaping and mineral specimens. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about cows, chickens, fish and skins and skulls.

Lunch and the tree planting portion of the program will be held between 11 and noon .

She also stated that the park will not be closed on Thursday, but park visitors will need to be cautious around the walking trail and the shelter house since there will be so many young people in the park for the Arbor Day celebration.

Bakenhus also brought Callie Miller to talk about the progress that has being made at the city pool.

Miller stated that the pool had been replastered and that new tile had been installed including new racing lanes for the swim team.

Miller announced that the pool would be opening Memorial Day and that the regular hours of operation would be from 1 to 5 Monday through Friday and general admission will be $3.

Miller said that the pool could be reserved for 2 hours for $125, 4 hours for $250 and 6 hours for $400 during the evenings.

Swimming lessons will cost $30 per student.

PAINT THE COUNTY PURPLE 05/02/13

The Sevier County Relay 4 Life committee is sponsoring a Paint the County Purple contest from April 29^th through May 9^th. The winner of the contest will be announced during the Relay 4 Life event at the De Queen Leopard Football field.

MaryBeth Harmon announced that since purple was the signature color of Relay 4 Life and a symbol for all types of cancer that the Relay 4 Life committee would like everyone in De Queen and the county to decorate by using purple streamers, balloons, bows, flowers, wreaths and anything else that is purple to show your support of the American Cancer Society and the Sevier County Relay 4 Life.

Any business, community organization, team or individual that comes up with the best Purple concept and display will be awarded a $1,000 sponsorship for the 2014 Relay 4 Life event.

The sponsorship includes getting you name or logo on the back of the 2014 Relay 4 Life t-shirt, a plaque and recognition on the KDQN website.

All you have to do is decorate with the color of purple and contact Emmy Bailey at 703-4878.

City and county officials gathered on the Sevier County Courthouse lawn to proclaim May 5^th through the 11^th as Paint the County Purple Week.

Representatives from the Relay 4 Life committee will be at the pavilion at Herman Dierks Park , the Lockesburg City Park and the Horatio City Park on Sunday, May 5^th at 2 p.m. to kick of the Paint the County Purple campaign. They will also have purple ribbons for individuals to put on their homes or businesses.

Volunteers will also be putting out purple ribbons throughout De Queen, Horatio and Lockesburg on Sunday afternoon.

HORATIO ELEMENTARY ART SHOW 05/02/13

Tiffany McAlister and 3 of her Horatio Elementary Art students stopped by the KDQN studios to announce that the Horatio Elementary students would be holding an art show on Thursday, May 2^nd through Saturday, May 4^th at the Horatio First Baptist Church .

3^rd graders Sydney Casteel and Ethan Wolcott brought their glow in the dark art, while 4^th grader Kenzey Nelson displayed her paper mache gargoyle.

Wolcott stated that this year’s theme was Art A to Z. McAlister or Ms. Mac explained that students had created art that began with every letter of the alphabet. For instance, the glow in the dark art begins with the letter G. Nelson’s paper mache art starts with a P and so forth.

Ms. Mac stated that every student from the Kindergarten to the 6^th grade had at least 1 piece of art being displayed during the art show. She also stated that none of the art was for sale; however, it will be on display Thursday, May 2^nd from 3:30 to 7 p.m. , Friday, May 3^rd from 3:30 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, May 4^th from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Horatio First Baptist Church in the new sanctuary.

4-H RABIES CLINIC 05/02/13

It’s time for the annual 4-H rabies clinic on Monday, May 6^th through Saturday, May 11^th.

Arkansas law requires that all dogs and cats that are 3-months old and older be vaccinated against rabies and the Sevier County 4-H club will be holding clinics all across the county.

The first clinic will be held at the Gillham Fire Department on Monday, May 6^th from 3:30 to 5 p.m. On Tuesday, the clinic will be held at the pavilion in the Lockesburg City Park from 3:30 to 5 and then on Thursday at the agri building at the Horatio High School from 3:30 to 5.

A clinic will be held at the Herman Dierks Park in De Queen on Friday from 3 to 5 and on Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m.

Rabies shots will cost $7 for both dogs and cats and a donation will be made to the Sevier County 4-H club for every rabies shot that is given during this week.

So help the Sevier County 4-H Club by getting your dog or cats their rabies shot.

APRIL WAS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH 05/02/13

April was National Child Abuse Prevention Month, but even though the month of April has ended, we should never stop being aware that children are being abused everyday.

Sherry McGowan of the Arkansas Department of Human Services and Melinda Cree of the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Texarkana stopped by the KDQN studios to discuss the issue of child abuse in Sevier and Little River Counties.

During the month April, 47 children from Sevier County were in foster care homes. However, the county only has 5 foster homes and so several of those children were placed in homes outside the county.

Not only were these children removed from their homes, but they were also moved away from their schools and friends.

McGowan announced that Sevier and Little River County’s were in desperate need for more foster parents, so that these children could remain in their schools and communities.

McGowan did say that 3 new foster families were being trained at this time. She stated that if anyone was interested in serving as a foster parent they should her department at 642-2623.

Cree explained that CASA volunteers are court appointed to ensure that the needs of the child are being met in many different situations. CASA volunteers report the judge in charge of their client’s case and they meet with the families to ensure that everything is being done to provide a safe environment for the children.

Cree stated that volunteers work with 1 family at a time and that there is a huge need for CASA volunteers in Howard, Pike, Little River, Sevier and Polk counties.

Cree stated that CASA and the Arkansas Department of Human Services work together in the best interest of the kids.

McGowan also recognized the support that her department receives from both Little River and Sevier Counties .

She stated that businesses, individuals, different organizations and churches have helped provide age appropriate bags that contain everything from diapers and toys to razors and deodorant. Suitcases are also provided to the children so they do not have to carry their belongings in trash bags.

McGowan said that little things like this does not go unnoticed, but the children of our area really need families that will open their doors to them in their time of need.

So, consider volunteering to be a CASA volunteer or a foster parent here in Sevier or Little River County.

DPD MAKES DWI ARREST 05/02/13

Officer Gary Cunningham responded to a call about a reckless driver on Saturday, April 27^th about 11:30 p.m.

Cunningham was informed that the vehicle had turned south onto North 9^th Street .

Cunningham reported that when he caught up with the vehicle, the vehicle was traveling left of the center line and the driver was driving in an erratic manner.

Cunningham was able to make a traffic stop in the parking lot of the De Queen School District Administration building and when he approached the vehicle he reported that he could smell the distinct odor of alcohol.

Cunningham asked the driver, Carlos Verduzo to take a few field sobriety test, but the driver was unable to complete a single task.

Verduzo was transported to the Sevier County Jail and charged with DWI, No Driver’s License and No Proof of Insurance.

ARKANSAS PREPARES TO LAUNCH MEDICAID IG OFFICE 05/02/13

As the state moves forward with a plan to offer subsidized health insurance to thousands of low-income residents, Arkansas is preparing to reorganize its Medicaid program and create a new office aimed t investigating fraud and waste complaints.

Under a measure that Governor Mike Beebe signed into law last week, 33 staffers from the Department of Human Services will begin working under an independent office that will investigate fraud, waste and abuse complaints in the state’s Medicaid program.

They’ll answer to the newly created inspector general who will be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. The measure was passed in conjunction with a proposal to use federal Medicaid dollars to purchase private insurance for thousands of low-income residents.

The law will take effect on July 1^st.

SUMMER ACT PROGRAM REGISTRATION 05/01/13

Everyone wants to improve their ACT score because the higher your score, the money scholarship money you will eligible for. But, you may be asking yourself, how can I improve my score?

Well, the answer is by participating in the 2013 CPEP ACT Summer Program.

De Queen High School Counselor Ramona Hill that if parents want to see their kids ACT score improve then they need to sign them up for the Summer ACT program.

Hill also announced that the last test for this year is June 8^th.

Hill stated that De Queen High School gives the ACT exam every time it is scheduled so students do not have to travel out of town to take the test.

Parents may call Hill at the high school at 642-2426, however they can also go onto the district’s edline and print off a form, but students received a copy at school on Monday.

SURVIVORS DINNER IS THURSDAY NIGHT 05/01/13

Sevier County Relay 4 Life will be hosting the counties largest birthday party this Thursday night with the 2013 Survivors Dinner.

The dinner is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the De Queen Church of Christ in the Multi-purpose room and the dinner is for all cancer survivors and their caregivers.

Jimmy and Lucy Mize will be cooking for the event and organizers announced that there will be door prizes and goody bags and survivors will receive their t-shirts and medals.

Linda Frachisuer told KDQN that she expected to set a new record for attendance this year.

The survivors are also invited to participate in the survivors lap during the Sevier County Relay 4 Life event on Friday, May 10^th at the De Queen Leopard Football Stadium. The survivors lap will start the event at 6 p.m.

Relay 4 Life is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, which was founded in 1913 by 15 physicians and businessmen in New York City , who were determined to raise awareness about cancer.

The early signs of Relay 4 Life were seen in 1927 when women gathered to make noise to save lives. They were called the Women’s Field Army and they took to the streets to educate people about cancer and raise money for cancer research.

And through the American Cancer Society’s fundraising efforts, the first successful chemotherapy treatment was discovered in 1947. And now in 2012 the United States is celebrating a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates, which translates to 1.2 million lives that were saved from cancer between 1991 and 2009.

So help the American Cancer Society and the Sevier County Relay 4 Life celebrate more birthdays and less cancer at the 2013 Survivors Dinner Thursday night at 6 p.m. at the Church of Christ Multi-purpose Room and then join them on Friday, May 10^th for the 2013 Sevier County Relay 4 Life event.

AHS STUDENTS VISIT C.D. FRANKS ELEMENTARY 05/01/13

5 Ashdown High School Spanish class members visited the students of the C.D. Franks Elementary last week.

Spanish teacher Regina Westfall and 5 of her students visited the 3^rd grade students of the C.D. Franks campus last Friday to teach them about piñatas.

Spanish students researched and created piñatas for class and then took one of their original creations to the elementary students for them to smash.

Elementary students learned the history of piñatas, which is actually a symbol of hope. They also provided instructions on how the 3^rd graders could make their own.

Then elementary students took a swing at the Spanish classes candy-filled piñata with a stick, which comes from the words origin meaning to “beat evil out.”

COSSATOT ARTS AND CRAFTS ASSOCIATION KING ART SHOW 05/01/13

This weekend is the 42^nd Annual Cossatot Arts and Crafts Association Art Show. The art show will be held on Saturday, May 4^th and Sunday, May 5^th at the Art Center in King, Arkansas .

Everyone is invited to the show from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

According to Van Ledbetter said that you don’t have to be an art lover to enjoy a trek into the country to smell the honeysuckle, see the wild flowers and visit a wonderful old building that used to be the Old King School Building . You could just enjoy a great meal, meet new and old friends and then observe the art and photography.

Members of the Cossatot Arts and Crafts Association display the art of artist from Arkansas , Texas , Oklahoma and Louisiana and the art is for sale.

Area support enables CACA to give awards in Photography for an adult division and Art awards in adult, children and youth divisions. This year, the awards will total over $8,000, which helps attract artists from the 4-states area and beyond.

This year, the show will promote Arkansas ’ natural beauty and history with a special category for “Bridges of Arkansas” in both art and photography.

And if you would like to enter a piece of your art work call 584-4985 or 642-2419.

LEARN THE IMPORTANCE OF INFANT IMMUNIZATION 05/01/13

Vaccinations give children the world over a shot at good health.

And this is a reminder of the importance of keeping your babies on track and on time with their immunizations.

A large portion of the U.S. population is vaccinated against formerly rampant childhood illnesses.

Vaccinations keep serious and deadly diseases away from your children; however, there are a lot of younger parents and even some health care providers who may not think vaccines are important anymore.

Babies begin their vaccinations at 2 months and receive additional shots at 4, 6 and 12 to 15 months.

According to Dr. Gary Wheeler of the Arkansas Department of Health Infectious Disease branch chief, vaccines are readily available and are covered by public and private insurance carries.

If you have any questions about having your child vaccinated contact a reliable source because vaccines don’t only protect the child receiving the shot, but it also protects everyone around them.

For more information about vaccines and to find a schedule of recommended immunizations for children up to the age of 6 visit healthy.arkansas.gov.

GEORGE JONES FUNERAL OPEN TO PUBLIC 05/01/13

George Jones’ funeral will take place on Thursday, May 2^nd at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville , Tennessee at 10 p.m. and it will be open to the public.

Jones’ publicist Kirt Webster stated that Jones would have wanted his fans and friends everywhere to be able to come and pay their respects along with his family.

“The Voice” of Country Music fell silent with the passing of the iconic legend, in Nashville at the age of 81.

More than 35 years ago, Jones recorded “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?”, a song that posed the question of whether music newcomers would come along that could possibly walk in the steps of the giants of country music.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the Grand Ole Opry trust fund. 2804 Opryland Drive , Nashville , Tennessee 37214 .

ATTORNEY GENERAL REJECTS WORDING OF TERM LIMITS MEASURE 05/01/13

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has rejected the wording of a proposed constitutional amendment that would create stricter term limits for lawmakers and expand the “cooling off” period before they could become lobbyists.

McDaniel rejected the wording of the amendment that was proposed for next year’s ballot by Tim Jacob of Little Rock on Monday. The wording of the measure must be certified by McDaniel’s office before supporters can begin gathering signatures.

The proposal would establish a 10-year term limit for total service in the Legislature. House members are currently restricted to serving 3 2-year terms, and senators are limited to 2 4-year terms.

The proposal would also prohibit legislators from becoming lobbyists for 4-years after their terms expire. The current “cooling off” period is 1-year.

LOTTERY HOPES TO BOOST REVENUE AND PROFIT MARGIN 05/01/13

The director of the Arkansas lottery says that he hopes recent changes are helping the state-run gambling operation overcome a sales slump that has plagued the agency for several months.

Lottery director Bishop Woosley stated in March that numbers were strong, even though they don’t match up to sales figures from March of 2012, when a huge Mega Millions jackpot drew people in droves to lottery ticket sellers.

Woosley says that sales dipped for a time last year as the newness of the lottery wore off. Organizers made changes to scratch games to help increase sales and the big Powerball jackpots have helped.

Woosley says that Mega Millions will likely see changes to help it attract more players. Powerball ticket prices have gone from $1 to $2 per ticket, which has helped drive sales through bigger jackpots.

ARKANSAS HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT NOTIFIES 10K OF AWARDS 05/01/13

The Arkansas Higher Education Department has notified 10,000 high school students that they have been awarded an Academic Challenge Scholarship.

The deadline for students to apply for the award is June 1^st.

Students qualifying for the scholarships this year will notice that the awards are lower than in past years. For the past 2 years, university students got $4,500 per year and community college students received $2,250.

ATKINS CHARGED WITH ADDITIONAL THEFT 04/30/13

Former De Queen parks and recreation director Karen Atkins has been charged with 2 additional counts of theft of property for allegedly stealing money from a regional softball program.

Prosecutor Bryan Cheshire has charged Atkins with 2 counts of theft of property for stealing property from the Tri-County Softball Association.

The charges are part of an ongoing investigation following the release of a state audit on April 5^th.

The charges allege that Atkins stole property worth more than $5,000 on each count, which is a Class C felony and they carry a potential penalty of 3 to 10 years in prison.

Cheshire stated that stemming from an investigation that started in November of last year, it has been determined that Atkins allegedly stole or misappropriated money from the American Red Cross.

Atkins was apparently teaching CPR and lifeguard classes and not registering those classes with the American Red Cross and did not pay the associated fees to the Red Cross. Approximately 164 people had taken classes.

Following the allegations concerning the Red Cross, Cheshire requested a Legislative Joint Auditing Committee audit.

Cheshire stated that Atkins was over the bank accounts for the Tri-County Softball funds for several years and the audit determined that $7,966 had been misappropriated from the account, including an account in the name of the city of De Queen, which funded a mini-hoops basketball program.

Atkins has been released from jail on a $150,000 bond.

The results of the audit reveal that it does not appear that any city funds were misappropriated, although numerous cash deposits were made in bank accounts that Atkins maintained for other organizations.

It also revealed that Atkins apparently used the Tri-County Girls Softball League account as a personal bank account with numerous deposits of personal funds and payments for personal expenses were noted.

A pre-trial date of August 1^st and a trial date of August 21^st have been scheduled.

Atkins is also facing similar charges for theft of property in Miller County for teaching classes for the American Red Cross.

PAINT THE COUNTY PURPLE 04/30/13

The Relay for Life Committee is sponsoring a contest this year. It is Paint the County Purple Contest, April 29th through May 9th. Since purple is the signature color of the Relay for Life and a symbol for all types of cancer, we want the town and county to be decorated with purple streamers, balloons, bows, flowers, wreaths, etc. in support of the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life.

The business, community organization, team, individual that has the best PURPLE concept and display will be announced at the Relay for Life Event on May 10th and will be awarded a $1000 Sponsorship for Relay for Life 2014. This $1000 sponsorship includes their business name/logo on the back of the 2014 Relay for Life t-shirts, a plaque, and recognition in the local media. To be entered in the contest contact Emmy Bailey at 870-703-4878.

Above, Sevier County and De Queen City Officials proclaim the week of May 5-11 as Paint the County Purple Week.

Representatives from the Relay for Life Committee will be at the pavilion at Herman Dierks Park, the Lockesburg Park and the Horatio Park on Sunday, May 5 at 2:00 pm to begin the campaign. They will have purple ribbons for individuals to take to put at their businesses or homes. Volunteers are also needed to help put out ribbons around De Queen, Horatio, and Lockesburg on Sunday afternoon.

The Survivor Dinner will be held on May 2 at the De Queen Church of Christ multi-purpose room beginning at 6 pm.

The Relay will be held on Friday, May 10 at the De Queen Football Stadium beginning at 6:00 pm.

BOGG SPRINGS HOTEL TO BE DEMOLISHED 04/30/13

A Polk County Landmark and historic structure near Wickes has been deemed unsaveable and will be demolished in the near future.

Curtis stated that the American Baptist Association has plans to replace the original hotel with another structure that resembles the ole one that was built in 1907. The hotel was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1933 and the American Baptist purchased the property in 1960.

Curtis said that about 300,000 people had stayed in the hotel as campers

However, the old Bogg Springs Hotel will be demolished in the foreseeable future.

A 1-WEEK CHALLENGE: STEP AWAY FROM THE SCREEN 04/30/13

Gone are the days of “free-range” children who race outside to play after school. But this week, the idea is to get them to try it and to spend time interacting with friends and family.

“Screen-Free Week” is an annual effort by children’s advocates to pry kids away from the TV and video games, however briefly.

Dr. Susan Linn heads the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood and her group began hosting what was “TV Turnoff Week” 3-years ago, but she says they changed the name because TV isn’t the only “bad guy.”

Adults are also encouraged to take the “Screen Free Week” pledge to swear off TV and DVDs for a week, and only use the laptop or smartphone when it’s required for work. Of course, you have to look online to get the pledge, but then, step away from the screen until May 5^th.

When the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 2 have no screen time, what’s a modern parent to do? Cheryl Wright, who is an early childhood expert at the University of Utah , explains the reason for the concern.

The Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood cites studies that show on an average, some preschoolers spend 32 hours a week in front of screens.

Wright says parents and caregivers who aren’t sure how to keep kids occupied without movies and videogames should think about satisfying their senses, whether it’s at the park, a museum or cooking a meal together.

DE QUEEN RESIDENCE LOST TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEM 04/30/13

Last Thursday, the De Queen Fire Department responded to a structure fire in De Queen.

Fire Chief Dennis Pruitt stated that it took the department most of the day to extinguish the fire, and the house was a total lose.

And the sad part is, according the Chief Pruitt, this fire was preventable because it was caused by an electrical problem.

Pruitt stated that the house was about 50 to 60 years old and had been added onto several times and the resident informed him that there had been an electrical issue for some time and Pruitt reminds everyone that electrical issues won’t fix themselves.

Pruitt also stated that if you are having issues like breakers being thrown when you use several appliances to call the fire department.

Pruitt explained that fire prevention is the fire department’s number 1 job. He also stated that if you don’t have smoke detectors that his department would provide you smoke alarms and even install them if necessary because they don’t won’t to fight a fire at your house.

Pruitt also wants to remind the residence of De Queen that if your home or if you see a structure fire that you do not go into the building.

So if you are having an electrical issue to please contact the fire department by calling 584-7224.

REVELS NAMED TO COORDINATING BOARD 04/30/13

Governor Mike Beebe recently named Greg Revels of De Queen to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board is charged by state law to coordinate higher education in Arkansas and to assure an orderly and effective development of each of the publicly supported institutions of higher education. The board consists of 12 members who are appointed by the governor and serve staggered 6-year terms.

Revels serves on Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas ’s Board of Visitors and previously served for years as the chairman of the Cossatot Foundation Board.

He is the owner of Revels and Company CPA in De Queen and is married to Maribeth. They have 2 daughters, Sarah Morphew of De Queen and Kaylen Lewis of North Little Rock . He is a Certified Public Accountant and earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Ouachita Baptist University .

Chancellor Steve Cole stated that Revels has already proved to be a huge asset to our college and community by serving on our Board of Visitors, and his expertise in accounting combined with his commitment to higher education will ensure sound decision-making for the state of Arkansas .

SILVER HILL LODGE PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIPS 04/30/13

Kensey Morris and Carlie Duggan received the 2013 Fish Fry Scholarships from the Gillham Silver Hill Lodge on April 27th during the annual Masonic fish fry.

Morris and Duggan are residents of Gillham.

Morris was presented $600 to help further his education as an electrical lineman. His is finishing his 1^st year at OSU.

Duggan will be graduating from Wickes High School this May. She is enrolled at Connors State College and is studying Science. Duggan was also presented a $600 scholarship.

The scholarships were presented by the Worshipful Master of the Lodge Ben Circles.

HARVEST TEXARKANA STILL IN RUNNING FOR WAL-MART GRANT 04/30/13

Harvest Texarkana is still in the running to receive a $45,000 grant through Wal-Mart’s Fighting Hunger Together Initiative.

The contest will on Tuesday and Harvest Texarkana still needs every vote they can get to ensure that they win the grant.

According to Executive Director Jill Whittington, Harvest Texarkana is in 15^th place and according the program the top 40 organizations will receive a grant in the amount of $45,000.

The Fighting Hunger Together Initiative is a national campaign to help alleviate child hunger.

If Harvest Texarkana receives the grant, they plan to use the money to expand the backpack program, which provides backpacks that are full of easy-to-prepare food for schoolchildren, so they will have food over the weekend.

Whittington stated that the grant would allow them to pick up a couple of new campuses.

The backpack program serves about 600 students a week, including students’ right here in De Queen.

To vote go the harvesttexarkana.org website and clink on the link.

PASSION PLAY IN EUREKA SPRINGS RETURNS AFTER WOES 04/30/13

The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs is getting ready to resume performances.

Organizers stated last week that the play will open on May 3^rd, though it didn’t seem likely last year when the group ran into deep financial difficulty.

The play sold off its livestock and didn’t even have the money to keep the floodlights on at its iconic Christ of the Ozarks statue.

The group got help from Randall Christy of the Gospel Station Network, which is based in Ada, Oklahoma , in raising $75,000 in a 10-day span. That was enough to prevent a bank from taking the property.

Organizers have been working to raise $6 million to keep the play operating.

The play will run from May through October.

LOTTERY UNCHANGED, BUT NOT SCHOLARSHIPS 04/30/13

Arkansas lottery players don’t have to worry about lower payouts that were being introduced but college students whose scholarships are funded by the lottery proceeds will receive lower payments for most of their time in school.

IN the just-completed session, Legislators turned away a bill that would have required the lottery to have a 25 percent profit margin. Lottery Director Bishop Woosley stated that it would have meant cutting prizes, which would have lowered sales and reduced future funds for scholarships.

Legislators were already faced with having to lower scholarship amounts. They decided on $2,000 for freshmen university students, with the amount being increased by $1,000 per year to $5,000 for their senior year.

Higher Education Department Director Shane Broadway says that students will be informed of the new amounts when they are notified of their awards.

BOARD RULING WILL SAVE CCCUA $800,000 04/30/13

The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board will save Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas about $800,000 according to Chancellor Steve Cole.

Cole reported that when CCCUA built the Nashville, campus in 2005, the school took out a loan or lease purchase agreement with First Security Leasing to complete the approximately $6 million dollar project. He also stated that $2 million dollars has been repaid.

Cole said that the school had been watching the economy and interest rates to determine when the best time would be to issue bonds to pay off the debt.

On Friday, the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the economic feasibility plans for the issuance of bonds in the amount not to exceed $4.15 million with a maximum of 30 years at an annual interest rate not to exceed 4 percent.

After the meeting, Cole said that interest rate will be about 3.2 percent and he stressed the fact that the bonds would not be an extra expense for taxpayers.

Komen Arkansas Announces Illuminate the Cure: A Mother'sDay Celebration Event 04/30/13

Seven hundred pink floating lanterns will fill the evening sky at the second-annual Illuminate the Cure event, benefitting the Arkansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen. Families and individuals are invited to experience the stunning visual and release their lanterns inhonor of loved ones, lighting up the night for mothers everywhere.

Held on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, Illuminate the Cure will take place on the Big Dam Bridge with access on both the Little Rock and North Little Rock sides of the river. Lantern pick-up and purchase (while supplies last) willbegin at 6:30 p.m. on both sides of the bridge, with lanterns launching at 7:30 p.m.

"We are proud to be a part of this beautiful tribute to mothers,” said Sherrye McBryde, executive director of the Arkansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “Illuminate the Cure is a wonderful opportunity to collectively thank our mothers for their love and their guiding light."

Illuminate the Cure floating lanterns may be purchased in advance for $25 each at komenarkansas.org. One lantern grants two people access on the bridge. Children under five are free. Families are encouraged to purchase more than one. All floating lanterns are biodegradable and flame retardant.

In the event of inclement weather, Illuminate the Cure will be rescheduled for Monday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m.

OPENING SOON THE EOC CAFÉ 04/29/13

For the 3^rd year in a row, the End of Course café will be opening on the campus of the De Queen High School next week .

Julia Halter explained that the café allows Algebra students to enjoy a great breakfast, but the real purpose of the café is to provide students will more practice on the End of Course Algebra word problems.

Students who attend the End of Course Café for 4 of the 5 days will also be eligible for a drawing to win a $50 Wal-Mart gift card.

The Café will open on Monday, April 29^th through Friday, May 3rd at 7:00 a.m. and students are welcome to come to the café as soon as they arrive.

Bacon, eggs, biscuits and gravy and homemade cinnamon rolls are just a few of the menu items that will be served as well as fresh fruit and Paddy Bell’s famous fruit smoothies.

And Principal Bill Huddleston will be wearing a frilly, pink apron while serving students that are enjoying the wonderful breakfast and the extra tutoring.

Principle Huddleston also encourages students to get a lot of rest and eat a good breakfast the week of the End of Course exams.

Parents are invited to join their children at the café for a wonderful breakfast and review what their children have been learning all year.

2013 COSSATOT CONSERVATION AND OUTDOOR YOUTH CAMP 04/29/13

The Cossatot Conservation District will be sponsoring a Youth Conservation and Outdoor Camp June 6^th and 7^th.

The camp provides a learning experience for students in a fun setting where they will learn about fish and wildlife management, forestry, soil conservation and water quality.

The camp is for any Sevier County student that will be going into the 5^th through the 7^th grades, but the camp is limited to 15 campers.

Applications are being accepted now and participants will be chosen based on age and academic year. No more than 5 participants will be selected from the same school unless the camp has not reached its capacity.

The overnight camp will begin at 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 6^th and conclude at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 7^th. The camp will be headquartered at Cossatot Reef on Gillham Lake .

Participants will be sleeping in provided tents, but will need to bring appropriate gear for sleeping which is included on the “what to bring” list. The list may be found on the station’s website at www.kdqn.net.

Applications must be turned to the Cossatot Conservation District office at 309 W. Collin Raye Driver in De Queen by May 16^th. If you have any questions call 584-3111 ext. 3.

DOMTAR HELPING TO DISTRIBUTE 500,000 BOOKS 04/29/13

Paper manufacturer, Domtar, has joined the ambitious campaign to encourage reading by helping distribute 500,000 books at thousands of locations all across America .

April 23^rd was selected as World Book Night and 25,000 volunteer book lovers, including Domtar staff members at 2 dozen facilities, handed out specially printed copies of a wide range of books to people who either don’t read frequently or don’t have the means or access to printed books.

Domtar’s commitment comes as part of its award-winning PAPERbecause campaign that showcases paper’s sustainability and enduring value in a digital age.

The Domtar-Ashdown Mill plant General Manger Bob Grygotis talked about handing out books while attending the Little River County Senior Adult Celebration and Health Fair on Thursday.

Domtar also launched the Paper Trail website that offers mill and product data, which raises the environmental transparency bar for business.

The Paper Trail helps customers learn about the environmental and social impact of their paper purchases.

The Paper Trail develops personalized reports that measure Domtar products across 5 categories like water usage, the distance the fiber will travel to the mill, greenhouse gas emissions, waste sent to landfills and renewable energy usage.

DODGE PRESENTS CHECK TO ASHDOWN JUNIOR HIGH 04/29/13

For the 2^nd year in a row, Classic Dodge-Jeep of Texarkana has helped the Ashdown Junior High School raise funds to assist in school-wide needs through its Dodge Drive-A-Thon Booster Club Fundraiser.

A check in the amount of $3,200 was presented to the Ashdown Junior High School Student Council by Jeff Martin and Tony McGee on the behalf of Dodge during a special school assembly program.

The student council earned the funds through the special “booster club” fundraising offer that was made by Dodge, where they were awarded $20 for every 5-minute test drive by participating licensed drivers at a school-parent meeting earlier during the year.

Martin and his co-workers brought over 3 new Dodge vehicles for the promotional event.

Dodge has been supporting schools in the communities where the company does business for many years and offers the same opportunity of the Dodge Booster Club Fundraiser to other area school who want to earn money for their campuses, just like Ashdown Junior High did.

The Ashdown Junior High will use the $3,200 to help fund school-wide field trips for students who meet their Accelerated Reading goals for the year and score well on their Benchmark testing materials.

SPRING BREAK TRIP TO DISNEY WORLD 04/29/13

De Queen High School students and sponsors recently returned from their annual trip to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and the Islands of Adventures.

Since 2001, students and their sponsors from the De Queen area have been enjoying these incredibly fun, as well as, educational trips during spring break.

This year, 3 students from Hector High School and their sponsor and 1 student from Horatio joined the De Queen students in sharing the Disney “Magic.”

The group visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom , Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, which was hosting the International Flower and Garden Festival. They also enjoyed the Wizarding World of Harry Porter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Downtown Disney and the Disney Marketplace.

Each year, the group participates in a Youth Education Series program at Walt Disney World. This year’s program was “The Spirit of America.”

They lived the rich history of the United States of America through the stories and attractions in Liberty Square and Frontierland. History speaks inside the unique setting of the Magic Kingdom Park and Liberty Square sets the stage for the students’ discovery of distinctive events and American Presidents between the founding of our nation and 1877.

Students uncovered the diversity of the characters that made this country great.

When Walt Disney originally envisioned his theme parks, his dream was to create places where people could have fun, and at the same time, learn something about the world around them.

The YES program facilitators take great pride in furthering Walt’s dream by using the theme parks to not only entertain students, but to inspire them to think differently about the world and to explore the endless possibilities that await them back at home, at school and within their own communities.

MINERAL SPRINGS SCHOOL BOARD HOLDS A SPECIAL MEETING 04/29/13

The Mineral Springs School Board met in special session this week and approved an amendment to their previously approved budget for the 2013-2014 school year.

The state department of education made some changes to the district’s budget, which includes an $180,000 dollar refund that the district must pay back in federal Title I funding.

The state is continuing to audit the district and has not released its final report.

District officials say that they have answered all of the complaints that were released in an earlier addition of the audit report.

The district’s budget and any changes must be approved by the state board of education because the district was placed on the state fiscal distress list in December of 2012.

COSSATOT TAKES LEAD IN HCITP GRANT 04/29/13

Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas has been selected to serve as a lead institution in the Health Care Insurance Training Program.

The Arkansas Department of Higher Education was contracted by the Arkansas Insurance Department Health Benefits Exchange Partnership Division to assist in the implementation of the new Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace and has partnered with the Arkansas Association of 2-Year Colleges Workforce Training Consortium to train over 500 people to serve as guides and navigators for State Health Insurance counseling.

Cossatot’s Workforce Development team will participate in the statewide curriculum development and conduct training for the Arkansas Insurance Department’s In Person Assister Training Program.

This grant will enable Cossatot to train numerous people who will work directly with consumers to help them understand their choices and choose a private health plan through the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace, according to Tammy Coleman, who is the director of Public Services and Workforce Development.

Coleman stated that Cossatot will be training the train, which means the school will utilize the resources that are available in this area to help address the health care needs of this area and beyond.

15 other colleges will partner with Cossatot and the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith for the training.

MAN GETS PROBATION FOR HELPING STEAL COPPER WIRE 04/29/13

46-year-old Michael Kuester pleaded guilty to helping steal an estimated $200,000 dollars worth of copper wiring from Ash Grove Cement in Foreman on Tuesday in the Little River County Circuit Court.

Kuester informed the court that he was homeless and living in a tent when he participated in the copper theft.

Kuester was sentenced to 5-years of probation and ordered to pay a $750 dollar fine and restitution. The restitution will be determined at a later date according to court documents.

A 4^th suspect was recently arrested and charged with theft by receiving.

Little River County Sheriff Gary Gregory stated that it appears that this was a very organized and well-planned theft ring and additional arrests are expected to be made.

The investigation started on February 27^th when video evidence revealed 3 people walking onto the Ash Grove property and remove copper wire from various spools.

The other 2 defendants, 44-year-old William Gibson and 21-year-old Tori Royal, will appear in court on Tuesday, April 30^th.

MCDANIEL ENCOURAGES PARTICIPATION IN TAKE BACK DAY 04/29/13

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel is encouraging Arkansans to safely dispose of their unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs on Saturday during the National Prescription Drug “Take Back” Day.

Collection sites will be set up across Arkansas on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The drug take-back event gives Arkansans the opportunity to remove out-of-date or unwanted drugs from their medicine cabinets and helps keep those drugs out of the hands of children and abusers.

McDaniel stated that disposing of prescription drugs at take-back locations is the best, safest, most secure and most environmentally friendly way to dispose of substances that could pose a threat to our loved ones. He also said that the main source of prescription drugs taken for non-medical uses is the medicine cabinets of family and friends.

According to a 2011 survey, more than 1 in 5 Arkansas high school seniors reported that they had abused prescription drugs. Arkansas has had one of the highest rates in the country for prescription drug abuse among teenagers, according the Office of the National Drug Control Policy.

In addition to helping fight drug abuse, participation in the “Take Back” day event helps the environment by ensuring that the pills are safely destroyed. Throwing drugs into the trash or flushing them down the toilet poses health and safety hazards.

Through 5 take-back days, about 66 million pills have been collected in Arkansas .

For more information or a list of collection sites in Arkansas , visit www.artakeback.org.

COUNTRY LEGEND GEORGE JONES DEAD AT 81 04/29/13

Country Music Hall of Famer, Grand Ole Opry member and Kennedy Center Honoree George Jones died today at a Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville , Tennessee .

Jones is regarded among the most important and influential singers in American popular music history. He was the singer of enduring country music hits like “She Thinks I Still Care” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today,”

Jones recorded more than 160 charting singles, which is more than any other artist in any format in the history of popular music.

Jones’ first number one hit came in 1959 with “White Lightning.”

Jones won the Country Music Association’s top male vocalist award in 1980 and 1981 and he earned a Grammy for best make country vocal performance.

In late 2012, Jones announced his farewell tour, which was to conclude with a sold-out, star-packed show at Nashville ’s Bridgestone Arena on November 22^nd of this year.

INTERNET NOT UP TO SPEED 04/26/13

Here in the De Queen area, many Windstream DSL customers are not happy.

Many local residents and business owners have contacted their service provider, but Windstream does not appear to be working to resolve the issues that are plaguing the community.

Customers are complaining that the internet speed is slow, which is causing major issues for local businesses that depend on their internet service to conduct business.

Windstream’s customer call center claims that the slow internet speeds are due to latency. Latency is the amount of time that it takes for a host server to receive and process a request for a web page.

However, some feel the real issue is that the bandwidth is being overloaded by the number of internet users at a particular time.

Some feel that Windstream has continued to offer new products, like Roku boxes, that are detrimental to the speed of the internet service to both business owners and individuals.

Roku is a video streaming device that allows families to watch movies that are being downloaded from the internet, but the service uses a lot of bandwidth, which may be causing the slower internet speeds for everyone.

Internet service is vital to the economy of De Queen and Sevier County and currently there doesn’t appear to be a perfect solution.

Some customers have subscribed to satellite Internet while others have subscribed to wireless service providers, but neither have proven to provide the type of service that is needed by the local businesses.

But if you are not satisfied with your service, Windstream customers are being encouraged to contact the company and express their disappointment.

ARBOR DAY 2013 04/26/13

Friday is Arbor Day. And, it’s a day that we recognize the importance of trees and it’s celebrated every year on the last Friday of April.

And, the most common way that people celebrate Arbor Day is by planting a tree.

The first Arbor Day took place on April 10^th, 1872 in Nebraska by Julius Morton.

Morton was a journalist and over his career he worked to improve agricultural techniques. He later became the Secretary of Agricultural in President Grover Cleveland’s cabinet.

But, while working in Nebraska , Morton felt that the state would benefit from the wide-scale planting of trees. So, he began to set an example by planting orchards, shade trees and wind breaks on his farm and he urged his neighbors to do the same.

After being named to Nebraska ’s state board of agriculture, he proposed a special day for the dedication of tree planting.

On Nebraska ’s first Arbor Day, more than a million trees were planted.

Today, each state celebrates Arbor Day and in 1970 President Richard Nixon proclaimed that the last Friday in April as National Arbor Day.

And here are some ways that you can celebrate Arbor Day yourself:

* Plant a tree on your property.

* Volunteer to plant trees in public places.

* Read a book about trees and learn how to identify the trees in your neighborhood.

* Visit a local park and take a hike, but take the time to notice the different varieties of trees.

But whatever you do to day learn how trees help us have a brighter tomorrow.

PAINT THE COUNTY PURPLE 04/26/13

Purple is the signature color of the Relay 4 Life movement and purple is a symbol for all types of cancers. So, in support of the American Cancer Society, Sevier County is being asked to decorate with the color purple.

The Sevier County Relay 4 Life is holding a Paint the County Purple Contest from April 29^th thru May 9^th in support of this year’s Relay 4 Life event on Friday, May 10^th and to raise awareness concerning the fight for a cure of all cancers.

Anyone can participate, a business, a community organization, a team, or an individual. And, you can use anything purple.

The best purple concept and display will be announced at the Relay 4 Life event and will be awarded a $1,000 dollar sponsorship for the 2014 Relay 4 Life.

The sponsorship will include: having your name or logo on the back of the 2014 Relay 4 Life t-shirts, a plaque will be presented to you and you will get your picture taken - A LOT.

And all you have to do is decorate by using the color purple.

Everyone is being asked to use purple to bring good news to cancer survivors and mobilize the community.

So, if you are like me and don’t have any good ideas about how to decorate for this event, let me share a few that I found:

* Display a purple yard sign.

* Decorate your front entrance, fence or door with purple balloons.

* Paint your porch light purple or purchase a purple bulb.

* Tie purple ribbons around all of your trees.

And remember, cancer has touched everybody and Relay 4 Life is a wonderful event that everyone in our community can participate in.

So, start decorating with purple Sevier County . Let’s show cancer survivors and patients that we are in this fight with them and we plan to win.

And if you need any information contact Emmy Bailey at 870-703-4878.

NEW DURING WHISTLESTOP FESTIVAL; FROG GIGGIN’ TOURNAMENT 04/26/13

Ashdown is known for its railroads and rivers and it’s the site for the 17^th annual Whistlestop Festival on May 10^th and 11^th.

Every year, the Whistlestop Festival includes the Miss Whistlestop Pageant, a cook-off, an antique car show and lots of games and activities for the kids like turtle races and a youth art show.

There’s live music, train memorabilia, food and craft vendors, antique shops, a pancake breakfast and special museum displays.

And this year it’s the first stop on the 2013 Frog Giggin’ Tournament that is produced by Riverbank Products of El Dorado.

Riverbank Products President Chris Porter announced that frog giggin’ is an inexpensive sport and anyone from kids to adults can participate.

The Frog Giggin’ Tournament Series started in 2012 and, unlike a bass tournament, it’s a team event. Teams work together and search for frogs on Friday night within a 60 mile radius of the tournament sight. There’s a bag limit of 15 frogs per team and the biggest frog and the biggest bag weight receives a payout.

This year, any live frogs that are caught will be entered into a frog race, which is sorta like herding cats. But teams encourage their frog to run the race course and the first frog to cross the finish line wins.

For more information or to pre-register go online at www.riverbankproducts.com/events/.

HCCC TELETHON 04/26/13

The Howard County Children’s Center has been serving Southwest Arkansas since 1971 and during that time span, it has grown from serving 10 individuals with disabilities to over 200 individuals between the ages of 2 months to 77-years-old.

People with disabilities have the same desires, passions and dreams that anyone else has and that includes having the ability to work and support oneself, to be more independent and to participate in society.

The Adult Program at the Howard County Children’s Center serves adults who have developmental disabilities. Clients can participate in a daily living skills program or in the work activity program.

These services are designed to increase a client’s self-esteem and self-sufficiency, promote a positive attitude; encourage a willingness to work and learn; and enhance their quality of life through community integration and partnerships.

The center has contracts for the assembly of parts for Husqvarna and other companies. Those contracts support work training and provides income for the clients. And, it’s the ability to work, while learning new skills foster independence and at the same time, providing a sense of accomplishment.

The center continues to receive referrals from children’s hospitals, mental health agencies, doctors and other providers of services for children with disabilities.

The center’s speech, physical and occupational therapists provide services on a daily basis for the Children’s Program.

And, so to help the Howard County Children’s Center, the Nashville Rotary Club attempts to help provide these services by sponsoring an annual telethon. This year’s telethon will be held on Wednesday, May 8^th from 7 to 10 p.m. from the Carter Day Center in Nashville .

To make a donation call 1-888-677-5075 or 1-870-845-1211.

YOUTH CONSERVATION CAMP SIGN UP DEADLINE IS MAY 16TH 04/26/13

The Cossatot Conservation District will be sponsoring a Youth Conservation and Outdoor Camp that will be held June 6 thru June 7. This will be an overnight camp that will begin at 8am on Thursday, June 6, 2013 and conclude at 3p.m. Friday, June 7, 2013. The camp will be at Cossatot Reefs at Gillham Lake. We hope this will be a learning experience for the students but also a lot of fun. A few planned topics are fish and wildlife management, forestry, soil conservation, and water quality.

Students that will be going into the 5^th thru 7^th grade are eligible to apply. We can accommodate a maximum of 15 students.

Applications are available at the Cossatot Conservation District office or on the website at http://www.cossatotcd.com/. Applications must be turned in to the Cossatot Conservation District at 309 W. Collin Raye Drive, De Queen, AR 71832 by May 16, 2013. If you have any question, please call 870-584-3111 Ext. 3.

Scenes from little river senor citizen's day 04/25/13

Chase Emerson from Senator John Boozeman's office poses
poses with Brew Crew.

A LITTLE BEER AND MAYBE SOME MOONSHINE 04/25/13

On Saturday, April 20 Sevier County Sheriff’s Deputy Greg Davignon observed a Toyota pickup on Central Road that had its license plate covered.

When Deputy Davignon approached the pickup, he noticed an open beer can behind the passenger seat of the truck.

Davignon identified the driver as Timothy Brewer of Horatio and the passenger as Dub Brewer.

Timothy Brewer allegedly informed Davignon that they had been drinking beer and moonshine. Timothy Brewer failed a series of field sobriety test and was charged with DWI, while Davignon was interviewing Timothy; Dub Brewer got out of the truck and opened an ice chest that was in the back of the truck. When asked what he was doing, Dub Brewer responded that he was checking to see how much beer was left.

Dub Brewer was then charged with Public Intoxication; however, Davignon also discovered that Dub had a warrant for his arrest in Sevier County .

Then on Sunday, April 21^st, Davignon witnessed a truck traveling left of the center line on Highway 70 W near the Sevier County airport.

Davignon reported that when he turned on his lights the driver of the truck sped up to speeds over 85 miles per hour.

The vehicle finally stopped at a residence on Highway 70 B.

The driver was identified as Fermin Ortiz of De Queen. He was charged with DWI, No Driver’s License and Driving Left of the Center line.

And finally on Monday, April 23^rd, a Sevier County Sheriff’s deputy witnessed a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign as it turned onto North Park Ave in Lockesburg.

The driver Paul King Jr. was taken into custody for DWI.

Deputies noticed an open case of beer in the vehicle and the passenger TJ Davis was asked if he had been drinking. After getting out of the vehicle, Davis attempted to elude the authorities by fleeing on foot.

After ordering Davis to stop, he was subdued with the use of pepper spray. Davis continued to resist until he was placed into handcuffs.

Davis was then charged with Public Intoxication, Fleeing and Resisting Arrest.

ASSOCIATION FOR A GREATER YARBOROUGH 04/25/13

The Association for a Greater Yarborough will be holding its quarterly meeting on Monday, April 29^th at 6 p.m. at the Yarborough Community Center .

State Representative Fonda Hawthrone will be speaking about the recent State Legislation session and talk about the laws that were passed and explain how those new laws will affect the citizens of Yarborough and Southwest Arkansas.

JP Bobby Furlow will give an update concerning activities throughout the county.

Members will also be discussing the possibility of having another garage sale for residents that are doing their ‘spring cleaning.’

The annual membership drive is underway and the dues are only $15 a year. Dues are used to maintain the community center, the upkeep of the boat landing grounds and to host yearly activities in the community.

Dues may be paid to any board member.

A NIGHT IN A WAX MUSEUM 04/25/13

Umpire High School students will present “A Night in a Wax Museum” on Tuesday, April 30^th.

The exhibit will be open from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will be held in the high school.

Students in grades 7^th through 12^th have chosen a historical person and written a short biography on that person. And on April 30^th, they will portray their character in a costume and pose as if they were a wax figure.

Students have also created posters and props to complete their exhibit.

Students and staff would like to invite their parents and other family members along with the members of their community to “A Night in a Wax Museum.”

RUSTY RELICS ANTIQUE TRACTOR SHOW 04/25/13

Saturday, May 18^th is the date for the 10^th Annual Rusty Relics Antique Tractor Show at the home of Roger and Lesley White at the corner of 355 North and Yorks Chapel Road in Nashville from 9 to 4.

All antique tractors are welcome from those that have been restored to those that have been driven right off the farm.

Everyone will enjoy the tractor parade and tractor games and races. There will also be kid’s activities and bounce house along with concessions and something for everyone.

The Rusty Relic Tractor Club will also hold a drawing for a 1951 Harry Ferguson Tractor. Tickets are $5 each or 6 for $25 and you can purchase a ticket from any Rusty Relic member.

For more information contact Roger White at 845-2769, Bob White at 845-4631 or Rose Johnson at 200-0562.

CCCUA LPN STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE ARKANSAS DRIVE SMART CHALLENGE 04/25/13

It’s a fact that driving related deaths are at an all-time high.

There are approximately 2.3 million drivers and passengers that are treated in emergency rooms as a result of being injured in motor vehicle accidents and approximately 40 thousand lives lost each year.

Yet, millions of motorists choose not to wear our seat belts.

Did you know that using a cell phone while driving accounts for approximately 10 fatalities and more than 1,060 injuries per day in the United States , but the use of a seat belt will reduce the risk of serious injury or death by 50 percent?

That’s why the students of Cossatot’s Licensed Practical Nurse day program Class of 2013 are participating in the Arkansas Drive Smart Challenge.

As nursing students, they understand the importance of prevention. Their goal is to help patients alleviate, minimize or prevent health problems and driving while using a cell phone or not wearing your seat belt are preventable hazards.

So help make CCCUA and Arkansas a safer place to drive. You might even save a life and you never know; the life you save just might be your own.

A STOP AT THE EZ MART 04/25/13

Monday morning, April 22^nd, the Horatio EZ-Mart Manager Gail Batson contacted the Sevier County Sheriff’s office to report that someone had run into the store with their vehicle.

Juan Martinez of De Queen reported that he was pulling into the EZ-Mart parking lot when his brakes failed. He stated that he was pumping the brakes of his 1999 Chevy pickup, but it didn’t stop.

When Martinez ’s truck hit the building, the truck sustained damage to the front bumper while it pushed the wall into the building.

LADY PANTHER SIGNS WITH OBU 04/25/13

Ashdown High School Panther softball player Brittany McElroy has signed a letter of intent to play softball for the Ouachita Baptist University Lady Tigers.

McElroy, who is the daughter of Rusty and Sandy McElroy, will receive a softball athletic scholarship, as well as an academic scholarship, to attend the university, where she plans to major in Education.

The Ashdown High School pitcher/center fielder has earned several softball recognitions, including All-Conference, All-Area, All-Southwest Arkansas and All-State, where she was named to the All-State Tournament Team.

She was also selected to participate in the Arkansas High School Junior Classic Softball Showcase last year and received Outstanding Performance for the Ashdown High School Panthers’ 2011-2011 softball season.

In addition to playing softball for Ashdown High School , McElroy has served her school as the captain of the Cheer Squad, earned All-State honors and was named an Arkansas Senior All-Star. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club and Teens for Christ.

As a member of the First Baptist Church in Ashdown, McElroy participates in the 412 Student Ministry, First Company Youth Choir, Alethia Praise Team and the Youth Student Council.

2013 Spring break Trip to Disney World

De Queen high School students and sponsors recently returned from their annual trip to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and The Islands of Adventures. Since 2001 students and their sponsors from the De Queen area have been enjoying these incredibly fun as well as educational trips during spring break. This year three students from Hector High School and their sponsor and one student from Horatio, joined us to share in the “Magic.” The group visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT, which was hosting the International Flower and Garden Festival. They also enjoyed The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Downtown Disney and the Disney Marketplace.

Each year the group participates in a Youth Education Series (Y.E.S.) program at Walt Disney World. This year’s program was “The Spirit of America” at the Magic Kingdom. They lived the rich history of the United States of America through the stories and attractions in Liberty Square and Frontierland. Students gained an understanding of the conflicts and resolutions of the nation’s people, as they strived to make E Pluribus Unum a way of life. History speaks inside the unique setting of the Magic kingdom Park and Liberty Square sets the stage for the students’ discovery of distinctive events and American Presidents between the founding of our nation and 1877. Students uncovered the diversity of the characters that made this country great. When Walt Disney originally envisioned his theme parks, his dream was to create places where people could have fun, and at the same time, learn something about the world around them. The Y.E.S. Program facilitators take great pride in furthering Walt’s dream by using the theme Parks to not only entertain students, but to inspire them to think differently about the would and to explore the endless possibilities that await them back at home, at school, and within their own communities.

This program begins prior to the opening of the Magic Kingdom Park. Students stepped behind the scenes on-stage at The Hall of Presidents attraction for an up-close look at the historically accurate Audio-Animatronics presidential figures. The students also rode Thunder Mountain Railroad, watched The Hall of Presidents presentation and signed the Declaration of Independence. Trained and knowledgeable Disney Youth Education Series Cast Members facilitated this high-quality and educationally sound program, while never forgetting that fun is a vital part of learning.

Front Row Left to Right: Cameron Hankins, Matt Chandler, Kennedy Williams, Billie Jones, and Jessica Jones. Back Row Left to Right: Harry Alvis, Karen Trammell, Torrey Barber, Jesus Padilla, Gilbert Elizondo, Jan Durham, Wanda Smith, Jonathan Stroud, Russell Hendrix, Kurt Blocker, Michael Monroy, Jacob Glasgow, and Bob Ward.

Sevier & Little River County Lottery Numbers Show Scholarships, Prizes, Profits 04/25/13

The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery has been in operation for more than three years, and Sevier and Little River Counties have seen advances and changes related to the Lottery.

First and most important are the Lottery scholarships, which constitute the agency’s only mission. In Sevier County, the citizens of Sevier County have received 520 scholarships and citizens of Little River County have received 309 scholarships to attend college anywhere in Arkansas. CCCUA students have been awarded a total of 508 scholarships.

But there’s more news about the Lottery that the people of Sevier County and Little River County deserve to know. The Lottery sells draw tickets like the Arkansas-only Natural State Jackpot and the national Powerball and Mega Millions games, as well as instant tickets like $250,000 Taxes Free, Emerald Riches, Tattoo Doubler, Pac Man, and the amazing Arkansas $2,000,000 Gold Rush ticket. People ask all the time if there are ever any winners. You be the judge: Total lottery prize payments in Sevier County alone have reached $6,082,302. These include prizes as large as $2,000,000. Total lottery prize payments in Little River County have reached $2,262,830. These include prizes as large as $30,800, with four at $10,000, three at $5000, five at $2500, and 20 at $1000. And when you add the surrounding counties of Howard, Little River, Hempstead, Miller, and Polk, prizes total $30 Million. In fact, Arkansas ranks among the top lotteries in the country in instant ticket prize payouts.

Lottery tickets have been good business for the 13 retailers in the county, and without them not a single ticket would be sold and not a single Lottery scholarship awarded. These Sevier County businesses operating in the cities of De Queen, Horatio, Lockesburg, and Gillham have earned more than $358,000 since the first ticket was sold in September 2009. Top Sevier County retailers are EZ Mart 5, Handi Mart, Plaza 66, and Murphy USA 7203 in De Queen and Irvan's Food Mart in Horatio. Total lottery sales in Sevier County have reached $5,956,098 since operation began.

Lottery tickets have been good business for the 8 retailers in the Little River County also. These Little River County businesses operating in the cities of Ashdown, Wilton and Foreman have earned more than $213,000 since the first ticket was sold in September 2009. Top Little River County retailers are EZ Mart #17, #75, and #58 in Ashdown and Wilton. Total lottery sales in Little River County have reached $3,853,921 since operation began.

This report from the Arkansas Lottery Commission was presented so that the 17,293 residents of Sevier County and 12,996 residents of Little River will have the information they deserve to see how their Arkansas Scholarship Lottery is affecting their County and area.

For more information: Julie Baldridge, Julie.Baldridge@arkansas.gov; 501-683-1877.

HIGH CENTERED WITHOUT A JACK 04/24/13

A Sevier County resident contacted the Sheriff’s office on Friday, April 19^th around 2:30 and informed them that a young female had walked up to her house and asked how to get back to the highway.

A couple of hours later, the resident called back to inform the sheriff’s office that the young lady was sitting in your front yard in a SUV that was straddling a large rock.

When Deputy Chad Dowdle arrived, he discovered a white Ford Expedition sitting on top of a large rock that was wedged under the driver’s side. He also discovered the driver, 24-year-old Josie Linker of Wickes, sitting on the ground by the driver’s side trying to jack the truck up so she could get it off the rock.

Sheriff Bennie Simmons arrived a short time later and while Dowdle was interviewing the home owner, Simmons spoke with Linker.

During the course of the conversation, Simmons discovered a small plastic bag in Linker’s hand.

It reportedly contained about .4 grams of methamphetamine.

Linker was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine.

ASHDOWN STUDENTS COMPETE IN STATE FBLA COMPETITION 04/24/13

10 Ashdown High School students competed in the Arkansas Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference at the state capital on April 8^th and 9^th and 1 member has been invited to attend the national competition in Anaheim , California in June.

2 Ashdown FBLA members earned awards during the state competition.

Dara Gaines placed 5^th in the Future Business Leader competition and Dominique Sanders placed 4^th in Business Law.

Sanders was notified on April 19^th that since the other competitors were unable to attend, he would have the opportunity to represent the state at the National FBLA Leadership Conference in Anaheim from June 27^th to June 30^th.

While the group was in Little Rock , they visited the Bill Clinton Presidential Library and observed the national history and Arkansas pride that it provides.

Ashdown High school advisers Shuna Tipton and Will Harris expressed their appreciation to the school district and the Ashdown community for its support of the FBLA activities throughout the year.

SAVE THE EARTH, RECYCLE 04/24/13

Recycling is something that anyone can do and there are not only benefits for the environment, but also for our future generations.

For instance; when we use recycled materials in manufacturing it releases less air and water pollutants, reduces the demand for trees, water and minerals, reduces the need for landfills and incinerators and reduces emissions of greenhouse gases.

So in the year 2000, the Howard County Children’s Center board decided to start a recycling center.

Board members expected that area residents would recycle their junk mail, since the average household throws away around 13,000 pieces of paper every year, which is mainly junk mail.

Jackie Stinson is the recycling supervisor at the Howard County Children’s Center and he stated in the beginning it took the center a month to produce 1 bale of recycled cardboard that first year. Now, they recycle 7 to 8 truckloads a month with 20 tons of recycled cardboard on each truck.

They also have a collection site that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the center where they collect paper, cans, plastic bottles and cardboard.

Stinson stated that most of the cardboard is sent to Mansfield , Louisiana , the newspaper is sent to Georgia , the plastic is sent to Memphis and the e-waste is sent to the federal facility in Texarkana .

The recycling program started with 1 employee and now has 10 employees. Stinson stated that in the beginning they were finished making bales by 1 p.m. but today the may not finish until 4:30 or later.

Stinson explained that recycling cuts down on landfill space, which will increase the life span of the landfill.

Stinson also reported that recycling a ton of cardboard saves 7 trees, 3,000 gallons of fresh water and 3 barrels of oil. And a ton of cans can save enough energy to power a house for a full year.

But Stinson believes that more recycling opportunities lay ahead for the Howard County Children’s Center and Southwest Arkansas .

SEVIER COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM CELEBRATING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK 04/24/13

The Sevier County Library System is celebrating National Volunteer Week. This week is dedicated to demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals, inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their community.

National Volunteer Week is about taking action and encouraging individuals and their respective communities to be at the center of social change discovering and actively demonstrating their collective power to foster a positive transformation.

National Volunteer Week is not only a moment in time to celebrate our volunteers, but to enable a nation to share ideas, practices and stories, wherever they happen thereby shaping a movement to re-imagine the notion of citizenship for the 21^st century.

Johnye Fisher is the head librarian here at the Sevier County Library System and she urges fellow citizens to volunteer in their respective communities. By volunteering and recognizing those who serve, we can replace disconnection with understanding and compassion.

The Sevier County Library System would like to thank all of their area volunteers and say, they couldn’t do it without them.

If you are interested in supporting the Sevier County Library System, all you have to do is contact the local librarian because volunteers are always needed.

ARKANSAS HIGHWAY COMMISSION OPENS BIDS FOR AREA IMPROVEMENTS 04/24/13

The Arkansas State Highway Commission has opened bids for improvements to roadways in Howard, Sevier and Polk counties.

The purpose of the project in Howard and Sevier counties is to resurface 7 miles of Highway 371 between Lockesburg and the Saline River .

The contract was awarded to Martin Marietta Materials of Hot Springs for the amount of $1,154,833.

The purpose of the project in Polk County is to resurface approximately 7 miles of Highway 71, from the Scott County line, south toward Mena.

Forsgren of Fort Smith was awarded the contract at $1,790,837.80.

Construction on both projects is scheduled to begin in 2 to 4 weeks and should be completed by early fall.

EARTH DAY 2013 04/23/13

Earth Day will be highlighted by responses to climate change and other challenges that are facing the planet.

According to environmentalists, climate change is real issue with real consequences for everyone, including places that we love and the animals that populate the world.

The goal is to bring the issue to the attention of everyone and encourage them to do their little part in affecting the outcome of climate changes.

The climate includes patterns of temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind and seasons. “Climate Change” affects more than just a change in the weather; it refers to seasonal changes over a long period of time.

For instance, a change in the usual timing of rains and temperatures can affect when plants bloom and set fruit, when insects hatch or when streams are their fullest.

Short-term variations are normal, but longer-term trends indicate a change in the climate and over the past 18 months, scientists are reporting that most of America has experienced the hottest year in history.

And everyday things can cause greenhouse gas emissions like driving a car, using electricity to light and heat your home and throwing away garbage, but you can reduce those emissions by simply changing a light bulb, powering down electronics, using less water and recycling.

And here are a few simple tips to help lower the greenhouse emissions:

Replace the 5 most frequently used light bulbs with energy star qualified products. They provide bright, warm light, but they generate 75 percent less heat.

Reduce air leaks and stop drafts by using caulk, weather stripping and insulation to seal your home’s envelope and add more insulation to the attic to block out heat and cold.

Improve your fuel economy and reduce greenhouse emissions, by going easy on the brakes and gas pedal, avoid hard accelerations and reduce your time spent idling and unload your truck to reduce weight.

Use the cruise control if you have it and operate your 4-wheel drive vehicle in 2-wheel drive.

Get regular tune-ups and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for your vehicle.

And don’t forget your tires, check your tire pressure regularly because under-inflated tires reduces your fuel economy and leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions.

See, just a few simply task can help you make a difference when it comes to being green.

NO SEAT BELT AND TOO MUCH TO DRINK 04/23/13

On Saturday, April 20^th, Patrolman First Class Wayne Baker observed a blue pickup accelerate quickly about 4:30 in the afternoon.

Officer Baker reported that he noticed that the driver of the pickup was not wearing his seatbelt and initiated a traffic stop at Lakeside and Stilwell.

Officer Baker approached the pickup on the passenger’s side and identified the driver as William Warden.

Baker reported that he could smell a faint odor of alcohol from the passenger’s side, but noticed that the smell was stronger on the driver’s side when he returned to the truck with a citation for failing to wear a seatbelt.

After Warden failed to complete a series of field sobriety test, he was transported to the Sevier County Jail and he was charged with Driving While under the Influence.

REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY AT CCCUA 04/23/13

Last week, Tommi Cobb, Emily Newlin and Veronica Orzura stopped by the KDQN studios to remind student and potential Cossatot students that registration for summer and fall classes is underway.

New and current students may register for summer classes until Thursday, May 30^th and the first day of summer classes will be Monday, June 3^rd.

Registration for fall classes will continue until Tuesday, August 20^th, but the first day of class will be Monday, August 19^th.

Cobb stated that new students could contact CCCUA to find out what all they needed to get registered for the summer session.

Cobb also stated that Compass assessments may be taken at any of the 3 Cossatot test centers.

Newlin and Orzura stated that students can be registered, enrolled in classes and have their schedule in only 15 minutes.

And they announced that Cossatot is offering 2 new degree plans this fall. Cossatot and Henderson State University have paired up to offer an Aviation Degree and a Physical Education, Health and Wellness Degree.

She also said that an Aviation Degree is not only for pilot.

Cossatot offers students the opportunity to pursue an education close to home while not paying higher tuition cost for room and board. And you get the same classes for a forth of the cost.

Cossatot offers degrees in education, business, agriculture, nursing, welding, automotive, culinary arts, academic transfer degrees, cosmetology and register is taking place right now.

COSSATOT JOINS TURK PLANT DEDICATION 04/23/13

Southwestern Electric Power Company recently dedicated its new coal-powered plant, which is located near Fulton .

The John W. Turk, Jr. Power Plant was dedicated at the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope due to the inclement weather and 2 staff members of Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas attended the dedication.

Vice Chancellor of Academics Dr. Maria Parker stated that Cossatot and AEP SWEPCO had partnered on many projects, and was excited about sharing in their success of the Turk Plant.

Many local elected officials, as well as state officials were on hand to participate in the dedication.

AREA IMPACTS 2013 ALL - STAR BASKETBALL GAME 04/23/13

Southwest Arkansas will have an impact on the 58^th Annual Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star games in Conway .

On June 20^th, a former Wickes resident will be serving as an assistant coach on the girls West team and 3 players from the area will represent their schools.

Coach Jess Martin of Malvern graduated from Wickes and will serve as an assistant coach to Charles Berry of Huntsville .

Martin will have the opportunity to coach Danielle Frachiseur of Wickes and Ali Whisenhunt from Kirby.

Frachiseur was coached by Damom Williams and Whisenhunt was coached by Robert Tucker this past season.

In the boys contest, Kyle Roberts of Mena will represent Coach Bobby Tedder and the Mena Bobcats.

All 3 will play on the University of Central Arkansas campus in Conway on June 20^th during the 58^th Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star game.

FOREMAN BOARD OF EDUCATION 04/23/13

Superintendent Justin Sanders mentioned 3 possible construction projects to the Foreman Board of Education during their April meeting and board members suggested that Sanders begin gathering more information so they can discuss the issue further next month.

Board members will be discussing the possible future construction of a new high school, a new field house with a concession stand and restrooms, as well as a new bus shop.

Sanders reported that the high school and field house would be a couple of long term projects within the next 5 to 10 years.

Board members approved the certified and classified salary schedules along with a $2,500 dollar raise for the district bookkeeper. Sanders explained that the raise would be comparable to the market value of the other bookkeepers within the co-op and he felt that it would the district retain the current personnel in that position.

The board approved a contract with Community Development Institute-Head Start for the operation of the district’s Head Start program.

Southwest Arkansas Developmental Council was the previous manager of the head start program, but they have gone out of business.

Board members approved the hiring of the classified and certified staff along with Michelle Fondren as the Parent Center Coordinator, Shelby Adcock as the Preschool Classroom Manager and Mary Beth Forrest as a food service worker. They also accepted the resignation of Kelly Bobo, who was a high school teacher.

Sanders also reported that the district’s FBLA team of Jared Carver, Samantha Sanders and Shae Rogers placed in the top 10 of the state FBLA competition in the Business Presentation Performance category.

CACA KING ART SHOW NEXT WEEK 04/23/13

You don’t have to be an 'art lover' enjoy a trek to the country, smell honeysuckle, see the wild flowers, visit a wonderful old building ("The Old King School Building") which is on the historic register, have a great meal, meet friends, …and then there's the Art and Photography.

For 42 years now the Cossatot Arts and Crafts Assn. has been putting on an art show that is the envy of many larger cities. "Community support has always been the key to it's success", says a CACA member. It is that support that enables the CACA to give awards in Photography (Adult Division) and Art (Adult, Children and Youth Divisions.) This year awards total $8,647, which attracts artists and photographers from the 4-states area and beyond, making for a great show.

Each year the CACA strives to implement new categories, awards, décor and other innovations to keep the show fresh and interesting. This year, as a means to promote interest in the state's natural beauty and history, there will be a special category, "Bridges of Arkansas" in both art and photography. Also this year, on the deck of the Youth building, the Wester family will be serving pulled pork sandwiches, brisket plates and fish plates with all the trimmings, as well as hot-dogs, snacks, desserts and other favorites.

The Youth building is always a big favorite at the show and a great way for the community to support and appreciate the outstanding talents of the youth of our area. The Old King School building houses the Adult divisions of Art and Photography, and is a great example of the architecture of 1916 when it was built.

Entry day is April 30th from 9:00 to 5:00. The show is open to the public Saturday, May 4th from 9:00 to 5:00 and Sunday, May 5th from 12:30 to 4:00. For information call 870-642-2419 or 642-7170.

LEGACY ACADEMY CELEBRATES EARTH DAY 04/23/13

Some of Legacy Academy's students visited Herman Dierks Park on Monday, April 23rd for Earth Day. Students went on a nature scavenger hunt, made their own bubble mix and enjoyed a picnic in the park. Registration for 2013-2014 school year at Legacy Academy is now open. For more information call 642-8937 or visit www.legacyacademyonline.com

EARTH WEEK 2013 APRIL 22-26 04/22/13

Earth Week 2013 is a time to promote awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment, sustainable living and earth awareness. Environmentalists all over the world will recycle and conserve energy this week.

So what can we do to celebrate Earth Week?

Well, there are a lot of green ideas for Earth Week and here is just a few:

Remember less is more. Start purchasing items with less packaging.
Go paperless and invest in an eReader or tablet.
Go chemical free, by adopting a chemical free lifestyle.
Use hybrid light bulbs in your home and office.
Use more green energy by using sustainable, renewable clean energy.
Start a recycling program at your school, office, home or workplace.
Plant a new tree for every book you read.
Try green transportation like walking or riding a bike, but skip the car.
Plant more trees, flowers and gardens.
Unplug appliances to reduce the use of phantom energy.
Pick up the litter in your local park, river highway.

And remember to teach your children to be green early in life, because they are the future.

HOWARD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATING BURGLARY AND THEFT REPORTS 04/22/13

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several burglary and theft of property reports from the Athens area in northern Howard County .

1 Church, 3 vacant houses and 1 vehicle have reportedly been broken into. Some property was stolen and some property was damaged.

3 juveniles and 2 adults have named as suspects. The information will be turned over to Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Danny Graves to file formal charges in the case.

The cases are being investigated by Investigators David Shelton and John Eric Glidewell and Deputy Jade Hughes.

If anyone has had a similar type of incident and it has not been reported, they are asked to contact the Howard County Sheriff’s Office at 845-2626.

PAY IT FORWARD WEEK AT FOREMAN 04/22/13

April 21 through 26, students of the Foreman High School will be conducting various acts of kindness.

PTO President Brandy Reich has announced that the students of Foreman High School would be holding a Pay It Forward Week.

Students will be doing different acts of kindness all week and those acts of kindness includes showing their appreciation for folks that are often overlooked, like cafeteria workers and bus drivers.

They will also be collecting items for different charities like the humane society, an orphanage and the Foreman Senior Center .

There will be a poetry contest and several other acts being done for unsuspecting people.

And when an unexpected act of kindness affects you then you are encouraged to perform an act of kindness for someone else. In other words, Pay It Forward.

The Pay It Forward Week is not only for the students of Foreman High School , but they hope that everyone in the Foreman community and Little River County will participate. So join the students of the Foreman High School and commit a random act of kindness next week.

DOMTAR AND ASHDOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT CONTINUES TO RECYCLE TOGETHER 04/22/13

Since 1996, Domtar’s Ashdown Mill has been recycling the Ashdown School ’s District unneeded paper.

County Judge Clayton Castleman stated that recycling is very important to Little River County. He explained that by recycling, the county not only reuses its natural materials but saves space in the landfill, thereby saving the county money. He also said that the partnership between Domtar, the school and the community is a good example of a recycling effort that works.

Each school has a 30-yard bin for their campus with Domtar inverting about $5,000 per school to provide the bin. Tri-State Iron and Metal Company services each bin on a regular basis. The contents are weighted and a monthly report is provided to Domtar.

Schools are paid according to the tonnage that is collected on that campus. Payouts are broken down into 4 tiers. The 1^st tier is $500 for 25 tons. The 2nd tier is $1,000 for 50 tons. The 3^rd tier is $1,500 for 75 tons and $2,000 for 100 or more tons. Domtar will hold a check presentation in May.

Through March of this year, the district has collected a total of just over 78 tons.

ART SHOW AT HORATIO HIGH SCHOOL 04/22/13

The Horatio High School Art Club will be displaying their art during an art show at the high school from April 22nd through 26^th with a ceremony on Friday evening at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium.

The artwork is a collection drawings, paintings and photos from the Art I and Art II students.

The ceremony will be held on Friday night at 6 p.m. but the doors will open at 5:30 p.m. so family and friends to enjoy refreshments and visit with the artist. And you might be able to buy a piece of art.

LOCKESBURG CITY COUNCIL 04/22/13

Members of the Lockesburg City Council voted to rescind the resignation of Matt Webb.

Webb is one of two city utility workers and resigned during the March meeting of the city council. He also notified the council that the Bulrush reed plants had been planted at the sewer pond.

Webb and Justin Ruth also reported that there was a sewer problem on the East side of town that would require replacing some lines and a manhole cover, as well as a drainage issue near a church.

Council members recommended that specs be prepared on the sewer problem so they could get some estimates on the cost of the repair. They also recommended that the utility department rent a track hoe and contact the rural water department to see if they would assist in repairing of the drainage problem.

Mayor Danny Ruth was asked to have the city’s engineer explore the possibility of a grant that could be used to construct a new Municipal complex that would house the city hall, the senior citizens building, a community building, fire station and library.

Following a short executive session, the council voted to increase the Water Superintendent’s salary by $50 a month and hire Stephanie Gentry as a substitute deputy municipal clerk.

Jimmy Kight was also appointed to the park commission.

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU’S WELCH ANNOUNCES PLANS TO RETIRE 04/22/13

Arkansas Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Ewell Welch has announced plans to retire at the end of 2013, which will culminate a 36-year career with the organization.

As Executive Vice President, Welch oversees all staff activities for the organization and its affiliated companies. Welch is 60 years old and announced his plans to the state board of directors on Wednesday and then notified employees later during the day.

Welch stated that it had been a great honor and privilege to represent the members of Arkansas Farm Bureau and to work with a talented and dedicated group of coworkers. He went on to say that it was his objective to improve the situation for the men and women of agriculture because he felt that there was not a more noble and worthwhile effort, since agriculture means so much to Arkansas, our nation and in fact, the entire world.

Welch stated that by announcing his retirement plans that it would allow the state board of directors the time that was necessary to evaluate and select the next person fortunate enough to lead the efforts of Arkansas Farm Bureau.

Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach stated that the board was working to define a thorough process for review of internal candidates, interviews and selection of the next executive vice president.

Veach said that Welch was 1 of 5 men to lead the staff function for the Arkansas Farm Bureau. Veach stated that Welch had done a wonderful job in the past 10 years to keep the organization’s focus on the needs of agriculture. Veach also said that the direction that Welch had set for the organization would continue well into the future.

A native of Havana in Yell County , Welch served as the executive vice president since September 2002. He previously served as director of the organization’s commodity division and he came to work for Farm Bureau on December 1^st, 1977 .

Welch earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Arkansas and in 2005 he was named an outstanding alumnus of the University of Arkansas Bumpers College of Agriculture.

Welch stated that the decision to retire was made after a lot of prayer, reflection and conversation and he announced that he was excited for the future of Arkansas Farm Bureau, because he knew that the mission and purpose will carry on and continue to have a positive impact on the state.

ARKANSAS CONSUMERS CONCERNED BY ‘INVOICES’ 04/22/13

Arkansas consumers and small business owners alike wade through countless bills every month for the services they use or products that they acquire. And, as the invoices mount up and due dates approach, payments are processed without much care or notice.

It appears that at least one out-of-state company recognizes that consumers may sometimes pay invoices without ensuring that the bills are valid. That company’s actions have led to a number of complaints to the Attorney General’s office.

Businesses, schools and municipalities have reported that they have received what the Attorney General believes to be fictitious invoices for what is referred to as a telephone maintenance contract. The mailers ask consumers to remit $425 to the address on the invoice for a warranty that ‘covers preventative maintenance on all telecom system equipment.’

Unlike most invoices, these are not for services rendered, or even agreed to, by the entities that have received them.

According to Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, these are clear attempts to deceive Arkansas consumers into paying for something they did not ask for and do not need. McDaniel stated that he wasn’t even sure exactly what the company purports to offer, aside from a bill and an address by which consumers can send money.

McDaniel encourages all consumers to examine every bill that they receive to make sure that it is legitimate. If necessary, he recommends that consumers contact the company that sent the invoice to double-check and see what they are billing you for, and to determine if you received the goods or services that they offer.

McDaniel advices consumers to never pay bills for goods or services that were not ordered or authorized; assign purchases to designated staff members; and never buy from a new company that solicits business over the phone or through the mail.

Consumers who have received suspicious invoices should contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-482-8982 or email at gotyourback.arkansas.gov.

COMMITTEE ADVANCES STATE REVENUE BILL 04/22/13

Arkansas lawmakers have advanced legislation detailing the state’s proposed $4.9 billion budget for the coming year.

On Friday, the Joint Budget Committee endorsed identical House and Senate versions of the proposed Revenue Stabilization Act, which prioritizes spending based on expected revenue.

Both chambers are expected to vote on the measure next week before ending this year’s session. The legislation is nearly identical to the proposed budget that Governor Mike Beebe unveiled last year.

It calls for increases in funding for the state’s Medicaid program and public schools. It also includes funding for a 2 percent cost-of-living increase for state employees.

Lawmakers are expected to review legislation later today to divide up the state’s expected $300 million dollar surplus for various projects.

ARKANSAS HOUSE TO TAKE UP TAX-CUT PACKAGE 04/22/13

The Arkansas House is set to vote on a package of tax cuts that is expected to eventually cost the state more than $140 million dollars a year.

The House is scheduled to consider a dozen bills, including proposals to cut Arkansas ’ taxes on income, capital gains and manufacturer’s utility bills today. The package also includes tax cuts for farmers and armed service members.

The tax cuts are estimated to cost the state $10.7 million dollars in the coming fiscal year and will eventually cost more than $140 million annually.

Governor Mike Beebe announced that he planned to sign the measures into law, despite concerns about the revenue impact in later years.

ASHDOWN FBLA STUDENTS COMPETE AT THE CAPITOL 04/22/13

Allison Brewer, Emily Mulholland, Shelby Tipton, Dara Gaines, Eboni Hopkins, (back) FBLA adviser Will Harris, Jordan Keener, FBLA adviser Shauna Tipton, Kienda McFadden, and Dalton Walden.

Dominique Sanders & Dara Gaines

Ten Ashdown High School students competed in the Arkansas Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference at the state capital on April 8 and 9, and one has now been invited to attend the national competition in Anaheim, California, on June 27-30.

Two of the AHS FBLA competitors earned awards at the state competition; Dara Gaines placed fifth in the Future Business Leader competition, and Dominique Sanders placed fourth in Business Law. Sanders was notified on April 19 that, due to other competitors being unable to attend, he is invited to represent Arkansas as a competitor in the National FBLA Leadership Conference in Anaheim.

While the group was in Little Rock, they took the opportunity to visit the Bill Clinton Presidential Library and observe the national history and Arkansas pride it provides.

AHS club advisers Shauna Tipton and Will Harris expressed thanks the school district and community for its support of FBLA activities throughout the year.

Ashdown High School attendees of the Arkansas FBLA State Leadership Conference in Little Rock are Allison Brewer, Emily Mulholland, Shelby Tipton, Dara Gaines, Eboni Hopkins, FBLA adviser Will Harris, Jordan Keener, FBLA adviser Shauna Tipton, Kienda McFadden, and Dalton Walden.

Ashdown High School FBLA members Dominique Sanders and Dara Gaines were both award winners at the Arkansas FBLA State Leadership Conference in Little Rock in early April. Dara placed fifth in Future Business Leader, and Dominique placed fourth in Business Law. He has also been invited to compete in the National FBLA Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California, in June.

LIONS CLUB HONORS
DR. C. WALLACE LILES

At the April 16 noon meeting, the De Queen Lions Club honored Dr. Liles for his 26 years of service helping the club to provide eye glasses for children in need. The club spends approximately $2,500 annually on eye glasses and with Dr. Liles discounting his price, the club is able to help more children. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Liles for his continued support. presenting the plaque was club Secretary, Noel Bard.

NEW MEMBER INDUCTED INTO
DE QUEEN LIONS CLUB

Tuesday, April 16, Eduardo Abril was inducted as a new member of the De Queen Lions Club. Eduardo has been employed with First State Bank of De Queen for the past 10 years and serves as Assistant Vice-president and Loan Officer. The club and sponsor, Noel Bard, welcome Eduardo to the Lions Club.

DIERKS RESIDENT SELECTED FOR ARKANSAS HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME 04/19/13

Former Murfreesboro High School track coach and Dierks resident Gene Simmons has been selected for the Arkansas High School Hall of Fame.

Simmons is being honored along with Gus Malzahn and several other former coaches from around the state.

Simmons made coaching stops at Dierks, Murfreesboro , Nashville , Lockesburg and Mineral Springs during his 33-year career.

Simmons coached his track teams to 34 district titles, 1 state boys’ track title and a state boys’ runner-up finish.

Simmons and the other inductees will be honored during a banquet in Hot Springs on July 12^th.

ASHDOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT TO HOLD DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT 04/19/13

The Ashdown Police Department will be holding its 5^th semi-annual drug take back collection program on Saturday, April 27^th.

Police Chief Doyle Crouch stated that the department had an amazing amount of participation from the citizens of Ashdown last year and that some people even drove from Texarkana to donate some outdated and unwanted prescription medications. He explained that there is a growing problem of prescription drug abuse among teens, and that it is good to know that these pills would not be ending up in the wrong hands.

Crouch stated that his department has seen an increase in the number of teens that have illegal prescription drugs in their possession and that some of those teens were starting to sell those drugs to their friends.

Crouch announced that he appreciated the citizens for taking the time and effort to clean out their medicine cabinets and making sure that the drugs are properly disposed of.

The drug take back event will be Saturday, April 27^th from 11 to 1 at the Ashdown Public Safety Building on Locust Street .

AUTHOR SHARES HER STORY AT THE SEVIER COUNTY LIBRARY 04/19/13

Author Marcia Sterling held a book signing and read a portion of her book, “One Summer in Arkansas ” on Tuesday at the Sevier County Library.

Sterling ’s family was originally from the Southwest Arkansas area and her great-grandfather was a writer for a local newspaper. Some of her relatives, Jim Locke and his brother, gave over 100 acres for the establishment of Lockesburg, which became the county seat after it was moved from Paraclifta.

And, her story is about a family.

Sterling explained that she when she started writing her book. She was more interested in the characters than she was the plot. She said that none of her characters were based on anyone in particular, but a lady by the name of Odessa Hill of Texarkana could have inspired one of the characters.

Sterling also explained the process of getting a book published and she talked about all of the suggestions that her editor made every step of the way, until the book became a reality.

Sterling stated that she was determined to have Arkansas in the title of her book, as well as, the cover art, which was created by a Texarkana artist, Thomas Hinton that she and her family admires. The cover art picture is entitled “Return from Sunday School.”

Sterling also spoke about the importance of stories in our lives.

ASHDOWN GEARS UP FOR ANNUAL CLEAN-UP DAY 04/19/13

Officials from the City of Ashdown have announced that the city will be participating in the Keep Arkansas Beautiful and the Great American Cleanup Campaign again this spring and the Ashdown Spring Clean-up has been scheduled for April 19-27.

Clean-up Coordinator Elizabeth Foster stated that they felt that this was a perfect week since the Whistlestop Festival was just 2-weeks later.

Individuals, businesses and organizations are encouraged to clean-up around their businesses and homes during the clean-up week and volunteers are asked to join the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in repainting the park pavilion, picnic tables and playground equipment, as well as restoring the current sand volleyball court and building a new one.

If you would like to help clean-up Ashdown contact the Ashdown City Hall at 898-4306.

IMMIGRANT GROUP PRAISES US SENATE BILL 04/19/13

An immigrant advocacy group in Arkansas is praising a bill that was introduced in the U.S. Senate that would provide a path to citizenship.

Members of the Arkansas United Community Coalition stated that the bill takes an “historic step toward humane policy reform.”

The group director stated that if the bill is passed then it would open citizenship to 11 million people.

The immigrant advocacy groups stated that 1,100 families are separated daily because of the current law.

The nonprofit Arkansas United Community Coalition was founded in 2010 to help give immigrants a political voice and to help change government policies.

The bill has drawn criticism from both sides with some Republicans saying that the bill offers amnesty, while immigrant advocates say the bill is unnecessarily punitive.

PRYOR JOINS REPUBLICANS TO OPPOSE GUN CONTROL BILL 04/19/13

Arkansas Senator Mark Pryor is among a handful of Democrats who have joined with Republicans to vote down new gun control legislation.

The Senate voted 54-46 on a measure that would have expanded background checks for gun buyers. The legislation needed 60 votes to advance.

41 Republicans and 5 Democrats, including Pryor, voted no.

Pryor announced that he decided to oppose the plan after talking to Arkansans. He stated that the measure is “unworkable and unreasonable” for hunters and gun owners.

TYSON FOODS GIVES 27 THOUSAND POUNDS OF FOOD TO ARKANSAS PANTRY 04/19/13

Tyson Foods donated more than 27,000 pounds of chicken to the Arkansas Rice Depot.

Arkansas Rice Depot President and CEO Laura Rhea says that the donation is essential to help the food bank support dozens of pantries and thousands of people in every Arkansas county. She stated that the Rice Depot distributes 9 million pounds of food each year.

Tyson Foods officials say that meat is 1 of the most requested and least available foods in food banks. The company stated that it has donated 10s of millions of pounds of meat since 2000.

DE QUEEN FFA JUDGING TEAMS COMPETE AT STATE 04/19/13

The De Queen FFA livestock judging team finished fifth in the southern district livestock judging competition at SAU. They will compete today (4/19/13) at the State FFA Judging competition in Fayetteville AR.

Team members are: Kayla Martin, Kyler Morris, Bethany Tatum, Tyler Johnson.

De Queen FFA Poultry Judging team finished fifth in the southern district poultry judging competition at SAU. The team will compete today (4/19/13) at State FFA judging competition in Fayetteville AR.

Team members: Ryan Whitley, Kevin Keller, D.J. Lee, Jake Nottingham.

WATER RATE INCREASE RECOMMENDED 04/18/13

Members of the De Queen City Council reviewed the city’s water usage Tuesday night during their regular meeting and recommended that the water rates be increased during their May 7^th meeting.

Mayor Billy Ray McKelvy reported that the city has 3 water customer categories. They are in-town, out-of-town and industrial. He stated that an industrial customer uses over a million gallons of water per month and that Pilgrim’s Pride had 2 meters that qualified for the industrial rate. He also pointed out that the city water system serves 185 customers that live outside the city limits.

McKelvy presented the council with several scenarios that resulted in new revenue for the water department. The chart displayed the amount of new money the city would receive if they raised the water rate by 5 cents, 10 cents and so forth.

After reviewing the charts, Alderman Pat Minor recommended that the in-town customer’s rate be increased by 10 cents, the out-of-town customer’s rate be increased by 15 cents and the industrial rate be increased by 10 cents. She also recommended that the council consider this increase to be applied for the next 5 consecutive years.

Aldermen will consider passing an ordinance to implement the increase during their May 7^th meeting.

Aldermen agreed to enter into a business lease agreement with the Evergreen Diamond Service Unit of the Girl Scouts of America for the Collin Raye House. The girl scouts will be using the Collin Raye House as their new meeting place.

The initial lease will be for 8-months and then it will be renewed in January for 1-year.

City Code Enforcement Officer Ray Sowell undated the council on a proposed Motel/Hotel by telling them that he had not heard anything concerning the possible construction.

Sowell informed the council that he had received no plans or request for a building permit from the property owner, but he would keep them updated.

Fire Chief Dennis Pruitt recommended that the council approve 2 new firefighters to the De Queen Fire Department.

Pruitt introduced Brett Boatright and Ricky Lovell. Both Boatright and Lovell stated that they were looking forward to serving the community as a member of the fire department.

Council members approved the fire chief’s recommendation with a voice vote, but will pass a resolution during their next meeting.

CINCO K MAYO 04/18/13

Coming up on May 4^th is the annual Cinco K Mayo event here in De Queen.

Dr. Jason Lofton announced that this year’s event is on Saturday, May 4th

But, this year’s event is not just a 5K run but there will be lots of fun activities and festivities.

Dr. Lofton stated that this was the second year for the event and that it is not a race, but it is a great opportunity for families to come out and get some exercise, and the event will help promote the city’s Million Hearts Campaign.

Cinco K Mayo will start at 8 a.m. and the fun run portion will begin about 8:30 and you can sign up by going to cincokmayo.com or contact Dr. Lofton’s office.

FEDERAL LAWSUIT FILED TO BLOCK ARKANSAS ABORTION LAW 04/18/13

Abortion rights proponents have filed a federal lawsuit in Arkansas , challenging 1 of the nation’s most restrictive abortion laws.

The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday and says that Arkansas ’ ban on most abortions from the 12^th week of pregnancy is unconstitutional and it seeks to block the law from taking effect this summer. It also asks the court to strike down the law completely.

The legal challenge was filed on behalf of 2 doctors who provide abortions at a Little Rock clinic. The challenge comes after state legislators overrode Governor Mike Beebe’s veto to give Arkansas what was then the country’s most restrictive abortion law.

North Dakota has since gone further; with the governor of North Dakota signing a measure that would ban abortions has early as 6-weeks into a pregnancy.

ARKANSAS GOVERNOR SIGNS SCHOOL CHOICE LAW REWRITE 04/18/13

Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe has approved new rules for how students may transfer from one school district to another to replace a law that a federal judge tossed out last year.

Beebe signed into a law a measure that removes race as the factor governing transfer decisions. A federal judge struck down the 1989 law last year, saying it was unconstitutional for Arkansas to use race as the only factor in determining whether students were allowed to transfer.

The bill by Senator Johnny Key allows students to change school districts as long as the transfer doesn’t violate a court desegregation order. It also limits the number of transfers at 3 percent of a district’s average daily membership. The law takes effect immediately and expires in July of 2015.

ARKANSAS HOUSE APPROVES BOOST IN PER -STUDENT FUNDING 04/18/13

The Arkansas House has approved increasing the per-student funding that schools receive from the state by 2 percent.

The House voted 92-0 to approve the bill that would increase the per-student funding amount that schools receive from $6,267 to $6,393 during the 2013-2014 school year. The following year, the per-student amount would increase to $6,521 under the proposed legislation.

The measure would cost the state about $58 million additionally each year. The proposal now heads to the Senate.

A legislative committee recommended that Arkansas increase the per-student funding from between 1.8 percent to 2.5 percent. The recommendation was part of a report that the Legislature is required to issue that defines what it cost to provide an adequate education.

HOUSE APPROVES CONDITIONAL CUT IN ARKANSAS GROCERY TAX 04/18/13

The House has approved legislation that would cut the state’s sales tax on groceries if bond obligations or desegregation payments decline over a 6-month period.

House members sent the bill to the Senate on a 90-2 vote on Tuesday. A Senate committee is considering an identical proposal.

As part of a budget plan that was presented by Governor Mike Beebe last year, he suggested reducing the grocery tax from 1.5 percent to .125 percent, but only if the state’s bond obligations or school desegregation payments dropped by $35 million over 6-months.

The bill was approved after the House approved proposals to cut the state’s taxes on income, capital gains and manufacturers’ utility bills.

CAPTURE ENDS 4-MONTH MANHUNT 04/18/13

A 4-month and 4-state manhunt ended with the recent capture of 46-year-old Matthew Williams Jr. of Little Rock at a Pine Bluff hotel.

Williams walked away from the Pike County Courthouse on December 3^rd during his trial for 1^st Degree Forgery. The jury found him guilty and sentenced him to 40 years in prison, but before the jury came back with a verdict, Williams just walked away.

Williams’s original charges were the result of him allegedly cashing checks in the amount of $300 at Murfreesboro and Delight businesses. The checks were reportedly issued by the city of Nashville .

On April 11^th, the Pike County Sheriff’s Office was notified that Williams was staying in a hotel in Pine Bluff . The Pine Bluff police raided the hotel and arrested Williams.

On Monday, Williams was informed of the 40-year sentence by 9^th Circuit Court Judge Tom Cooper and he was charged with escape.

CYBER CRIMES UNIT ARRESTS GREENE COUNTY MAN 04/17/13

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced today that agents from his office’s Cyber Crimes Unit have arrested a Greene County man for possession of child pornography.

Clint Everitt Fields, 32, of Paragould was arrested this morning at his residence. He is being held in the Greene County Detention Center on 20 counts of distributing, possessing or viewing matter depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, a Class C felony.

Greene County District Court Judge Dan Stidham set Fields’ bond at $150,000.

“Engaging in the distribution of child pornography on the Internet is unlawful and unconscionable,” McDaniel said. “Each time a criminal commits this type of crime, he victimizes our children again. Our office will continue to pursue investigations across Arkansas to prevent this activity and protect Arkansans.”

Agents with the Cyber Crimes Unit executed a search warrant this morning at Fields’ residence, 1005 S. 22^nd St., Apt. 8, in Paragould. A laptop computer was seized at that time. The computer will be analyzed at the Cyber Crimes Unit’s Forensic Lab in Little Rock.

Special Agent Chris Cone began investigating Fields last month after suspecting that child pornography was being possessed at his residence.

The Paragould Police Department assisted in the investigation and arrest.

The Attorney General’s Office will turn over its completed case file to Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Scott Ellington.

Charges are merely accusations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Gillham Volunteer Fire Department Learns how to Set Up a Landing Zone for Air Evac Lifeteam 04/17/13

The De Queen Air Evac Lifeteam base recently conducted a landing zone class with the Gillham Volunteer Fire Department. Base Program Director Michael Perrin and Membership Sales Coordinator Anna Bivins met with the firefighters, including Fire Chief Joyce Short.

“Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate and the crew was unable to join us with the aircraft,” Perrin said.

He was able to teach the class with a Power Point presentation, and Short said that worked out well.

“It was a smaller group of firefighters, and it worked out really well, because they were able to ask a lot of questions,” she said. “We work with the De Queen Air Evac Lifeteam base at least once a month. Our community is small, but we cover a large area.”

The Gillham Volunteer Fire Department has a helipad at the station, but it does not have permanent lights. Perrin presented the firefighters with a landing zone LED light kit for nighttime landings. The kit was provided through the Arkansas Trauma System.

“This lets us leave a set at the station, so we don’t have to transport portable lighting out there,” Short said. “We really appreciate that. Air Evac also provided us with a new windsock. We are really proud of that, because ours was in shreds.”

“We have worked (emergency) scenes with Gillham VFD for the past five or six years,” Perrin said. “They have an excellent fire department, and we appreciate the great job they do in their community.”

The De Queen Air Evac Lifeteam base, located at 1017 N 14th Street, opened in August 2007. The base is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Each crew consists of a flight nurse, a flight paramedic and a pilot. Crews are able to respond to the scenes of emergencies, or transport patients between medical facilities. Air Evac Lifeteam members pay an annual fee and, if they are flown by Air Evac Lifeteam for life- or limb-threatening medical emergencies, they do not have to pay for the flight. For more information about Air Evac Lifeteam, please visit www.lifeteam.net, or call 1-800-793-0010.

Above: Anna Bivins, De Queen Air Evac Lifeteam membership manager and members of the Gillham Volunteer Fire Department.

AREA RUNNER IN BOSTON ; NEAR FINISH LINE 04/17/13

Kim Howard of Mineral Springs was in Boston this week to participate in the Boston Marathon for the first time since 2004 along with three friends from Little Rock and Clinton .

Howard was one of 27,000 runners that had made plans to participate in the annual event in Boston that is held on Patriots Day, which is a state holiday.

On Facebook, Howard posted that he had completed the marathon in 3 hours, 37 minutes and 9 seconds and that over the 26.2 mile race, he had 24 cups of Gatorade, 4 Gels and received over 100 high-5s including 1 from a cop. He also posted that he heard over 50 Go USA shouts. That post was made at about 1:47 and then 10 minutes later, he posted that a bomb had gone off near the finish line.

But, Howard stated that he was only about 2 blocks away but didn’t see or hear anything, however he stated that one of his friends crossed the finish line about 50 minutes before him, but another friend was about 15 minutes behind him and that he heard the first blast and turned to see the second explosion.

Howard still lives in Mineral Springs and is a member of a running club in Hope, but works at Howard Memorial Hospital in Nashville and he told one reporter that he was lucky. That if he had had a terrible day, he could have finished about the time the bombs went off.

REASSURING CHILDREN IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE BOSTON BOMBINGS 04/17/13

In the wake of another deadly day in America with the bombings in Boston , parents are being reminded how such events can emotionally traumatize young children. Psychologist Korenna Barto says that images and stories splashed everywhere can have a negative impact on a child’s well-being and that’s why parents need to provide a safe haven and a secure base.

Barto says a safe haven and secure base are especially important for children through age 5. A variety of resources on talking to children about tragedy can be found online, at attachmentparenting.org.

Barto says the key in providing a secure base to your children is consistency.

One way to provide the consistency, says Barto, is with regular scheduling of everything from bedtime to family events, and that can be as easy as eating dinner together.

STANDOFF ENDS WITH ARREST 04/17/13

Members of the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office arrested 34-year-old Christopher Henderson at a residence on Red Bridge Road after his live-in girlfriend reported that he had abused her on Sunday, April 14^th.

Dana Harris filed a report at the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office on Monday and an arrest affidavit was filed with the Prosecuting Attorney’s office.

Harris reported that when Henderson came home on Sunday about 11 p.m. that he threw her to the floor and started hitting her in the face and on the top of her head. She told Deputy Clayton Yates that when she attempted to get away from Henderson that he would pull her back by her hair.

Yates reported that Harris had 2 black eyes, blood on her shirt and several scratches on her arms and head.

Following a short standoff with officers, Henderson was taken into custody and charged with 3^rd Degree Domestic Battery, which could be a Class B felony because Henderson was charged with domestic battery in 2012.

LOST JUVENILE FOUND SAFE 04/17/13

Authorities were notified on Sunday that a juvenile was missing from the Mize Crossing area near Gillham.

Sevier County Sheriff’s Deputies Kristopher Hundley and Charles Emmerich responded to a report that a young man had been missing about 2 hours.

James Freeman and Tisha Samuels were fishing and their son, Austin Samuels asked if he could go for a run. When Austin was found by the sheriff’s office in the southern part of Polk County , he informed them that he had taken a wrong turn and had gotten lost.

Austin was in good condition and returned to his parents.

CHALICE CUPBOARD FOOD MINISTRY REPORT 04/17/13

The De Queen Chalice Cupboard assisted 23 families in Sevier County during the month of March by providing them with 613 pounds of food.

The monthly distribution provided food to 41 adults and 19 children.

A total of 696 pounds of food was added to the pantry shelves. Chapel Hill Baptist Church , St. Barbara’s Catholic Church and the First Presbyterian Church donated 144 pounds, while 13 pounds were donated by individuals and another 8 pounds was given as an anonymous gift.

531 pounds of food was purchased during the month as a result of monetary gifts.

During the first quarter of the year, the Chalice Cupboard distributed 4,352 pounds of food to 382 adults and children in 130 household. Each person received an average of 11 pounds of food.

Volunteers are requesting jelly and cereal to be donated during the month of April.

Full House Attends Legacy Academy Parent Meeting & Student Fair 04/17/13

Legacy Academy hosted its Spring Parent’s Meeting on Monday, April 15, 2013. Held in the school’s cafeteria the house was packed with standing room only. Parents were updated on the status of school projects, including the expanded use of ipads and Apple TV in the classrooms. Teachers in all grades are using the airplay, which displays the content on the screen of the ipad onto the apple TV for student instruction. Parents were updated on the success of the effort and the school’s plan for additional technology expansion in the 2013-2014 school year.

Parents were also update on the school’s intentions to continue its growth of adding one grade a school year by expanding to 6^th grade in the fall. School staff updated the parents on the greenhouse project. This is the first year for students to operate a school greenhouse. It has been a great success with students using the greenhouse to learn about science and gain important lesson regarding agriculture and responsibility. The greenhouse has produced vegetables for the school lunch program and will be expanded in the new school year. A possible summer program and future facility plans were also discussed.

School founder, Chad Gallagher said, “We really appreciate the parents with students at Legacy Academy. Their support and the hard work of our teachers allow us to offer this great education opportunity to our students.” He continued, “A lot of great things are developing for the future of the school. We are excited about what lies ahead. The world is increasingly unstable and unpredictable. It shows us all the time that there is an important place for Christian education. Students must be prepared academically but must also enter the world with character, a moral compass and the integrity sorely lacking in society.”

Legacy Academy students displayed projects in their first student fair. Students in grades 2-5 selected either a history or a science project. Each student had to research his or her topic and create a presentation display. Students selected historic figures such as King Richard the Lionheart and Henry the Navigator, as well as impressive science projects on ocean currents, the electronic sensors of sharks, birds’ nest and many more. Parents took time to visit each project and each student stood at their project acting as historians or scientist in order to educate the guests about the topic on display.

“It was a great night to display our students’ hard work on topics of their choosing in history and science. They did a great job!” Gallagher stated.

Legacy Academy is now accepting enrollment for the 2013-2014 school year. In the new school year the school will serve students in Pre-K through 6^th grades. The grammar school also offers a scholarship program to ensure the opportunity is affordable for every family. To schedule a tour or learn more call 642-8937 or visit www.legacyacademyonline.com

DE QUEEN HIGH SCHOOL FBLA COMPETES AT STATE 04/16/13

7 members of the De Queen High School FBLA competed in the state competition last week and stopped by the KDQN studio to talk about the competition and their FBLA chapter.

Advisor Stephanie Davis stated that the De Queen High School FBLA has 48 members and that 30 of them competed at the district level. 7 students qualified for the state event and competed in Emerging Business Issues, Personal Finance, Economics and Public Speaking categories.

Tanner Hedge placed in the Top 10 in the Public Speaking competition at state, while Victor Rojas competed in the economic division. Rojas placed 1^st at the district event, and Jose Luna competed in Personal Finance.

Davis stated that the competitive events tested student’s business knowledge and skills and she stated that FBLA was the largest career student organization in the world.

Davis also said that students conduct community service projects; like planning and organizing events to raise funds for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. March of Dimes and the Make a Wish Foundation. Students also sponsor an angel during Christmas and purchase gifts for a local child.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY 04/16/13

During the March meeting of the Friends of the Library, Librarian Johnye Fisher reported on the library’s new website, which can be found at seviercountylibrary.com and announced that free Wi-Fi was available at the library.

She also invited everyone to like their Facebook page at Facebook.com/SevierCountyLibrary.

Fisher announced that Marcia Kemp Sterling will be at the De Queen Library at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16th. She will be reading and signing her book “One Summer in Arkansas .”

April 14-20 is National Library Week and everyone is invited to visit their local library and celebrate the contributions of our libraries and April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week, which celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things to improve their communities.

The Sevier County Library in Horatio is getting ready for the Summer Reading Program this June and the Gillham library’s summer reading program theme is “Dig into Reading .”

The library in Lockesburg is teaching basic computer skills including the Internet and Email on Thursday afternoons this month and the Ben Lomond library is hosting a Dr. Seuss puppet show each Saturday.

The next Friends of the Library meeting will be Thursday, April 18^th at 4 p.m. at the Library in De Queen.

PREVIEW OF DE QUEEN CITY COUNCIL 04/16/13

Mayor Billy Ray McKelvy informed the members of the De Queen City Council that the city’s code enforcement officer will be in attendance during Tuesday meeting to discuss the proposed plans for a hotel/motel in C-1 Downtown Commercial zone.

According to McKelvy, the city has received on plans and there have been no building permits issued.

However, the council will receive an update Tuesday night and Code Enforcement Officer Ray Sowell will be in attendance to answer any questions that the council may have concerning the issue.

Aldermen will review a business lease between the city of De Queen and the Evergreen Diamond Service Unit of the Girl Scouts of America.

The lease will allow the girl scouts to use the Collin Raye House as their new meeting place.

McKelvy also informed the council that Police Chief Richard McKinley was involved in a traffic accident last week near the Handi-Mart.

McKelvy reported that someone ran the red light and McKinley’s patrol car struck the side of the other vehicle. There were no injuries but the the patrol car received front end damage.

McKelvy also announced that Angie Walker was appointed to the De Queen Industrial Park Public Facilities Board.

Walker was selected to serve on the board following the resignation of Julia Moore. Gary Golden replaced Moore has the president of the board.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK APRIL 14-22 04/16/13

This week, the Sevier County Library System will join libraries in schools, campuses and communities nationwide in celebrating National Library Week, which is a time to highlight the value of libraries, librarians and library workers.

Libraries are more than just a place to find books and other resources. They are often the heart of their communities, campuses and schools. Libraries are deeply committed to the places where patrons live, work and study. Libraries are a trusted place where everyone in the community can gather to reconnect and reengage with each other to enrich and shape the community and address local issues.

Librarians work with elected officials, small business owners, students and the public at large to discover what the community needs are and then they work to meet those needs. Whether that is offering e-books and technology classes, materials for English-language learners or programs for job seekers, librarians listen to the community that they serve and respond to those needs.

The Sevier County Library System serves Sevier County and the surrounding areas by providing Services and Resources such as books, magazines, newspapers, audio/video center, public access to computers, free Wi-Fi, Fax, laminating, genealogy, notary services and they offer access to the Arkansas State Library, Library of Congress and the Arkansas Traveler Database.

Head Librarian Johnye Fisher stated that service to the community has always been the focus of the library and while this aspect has never changed, libraries have grown and evolved in how they provide for the needs of every member of their community.

National Library Week was first sponsored in 1958 and is a national observance that is sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries all across the country each April.

For more information visit the Sevier County Library System at 200 W. Stilwell Ave , or call 584-4364 and check out the libraries website at www.seviercountylibrary.com.

ARKANSAS EMERGING FROM BAD FLU SEASON 04/16/13

Arkansas ’ current flu season has been among the worst in the last 3 decades, with 54 deaths and nearly 1,400 people requiring hospital stays.

The state Department of Health says that, except for 2009, Arkansas has to go back to 1981 to see a higher death toll. The 4 deaths among children this year is the highest since pediatric deaths were first monitored in 1980.

Overall, doctors reported 21,495 positive tests for various types of influenza since October 1^st. Most cases appeared treatable with flu medications.

The Health Department stated that there were likely additional cases of the flu in the state, but that some cases are unreported and others aren’t bad enough for someone to seek medical care.

DEATH AND TAXES? THIS WEEK, FACE THEM BOTH 04/16/13

If the only certainties in life are death and taxes, this week’s there’s a chance to deal with them both.

Monday was income tax day, but Tuesday is National Healthcare Decision Day. It’s a reminder to let loved ones and doctors know how you might want sudden or end-of-life medical events handled, if you’re unable to make that call.

Dr. Will Kennedy is a hospice medical director and he says that having a living will is a good start, but this is about more than medical details.

Kennedy says that it’s important to put your wishes in writing in the form of advance directives and every state has slightly different rules and forms. Whatever your preferences, he says it’s important that your doctor also has a record of them.

Kennedy says that the discussion doesn’t have to happen all at once that it can be handled in stages and documents updated over time, but greater detail is necessary for a person facing a chronic illness.

But, for those who don’t want to talk about it, he suggests framing the conversation about providing peace of mind for family members and friends and not about failing health.

The group “Compassion and Choices,” says that Alzheimer’s and other related dementias add a complication that should be addressed early. Most advice directives take effect if a person is terminally ill or unconscious, and people who suffer from dementia may be neither, but still unable to make medical decisions.

Algebra End-of-Course Café 04/15/13

In order to help our students be better prepared for the upcoming Algebra 1 End-of-course exam, De Queen Schools will offer the 3^rd annual Algebra 1 EOC Café !

This Café is an opportunity for Algebra students to receive a great breakfast served by their teachers, and also to get an extra practice in on open response Algebra problems. Students who attend the EOC café 4 of the 5 days will be eligible for a drawing for a $50 WalMart card!

Beginning on Monday, April 29^th , the café will open each morning at 7:15 a.m. Students are welcome to come to the café when they arrive on their bus. The café will be opened each day of this week. Students can look forward to eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, homemade cinnamon rolls, just to name a few of the gourmet foods! Along with the delicious entrees offered, there will be fresh fruit and Mrs. Bell’s famous fruit smoothies each morning. It’s worth the trip just to have Mr. Huddleston serve you in a frilly apron!

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Halter or Mrs. Brackett at the junior high school. Parents: We would love to have you visit and see the great work that your students are doing here at De Queen Schools!

Attention all descendants of JAMES ROBERT LITCHFORD and SITHIA A. MILLER 04/15/13

Family and friends are invited to the Litchford Family Reunion, Saturday, April 20th, beginning at 12pm, at Cossatot Reefs, Gillham Lake.

Lunch will be provided. Bring your own drinks, lawn chairs, desserts or other dishes (optional), and FAMILY PICTURES you are willing to share. Participate with the pictures and you will get a CD of all we scan.

Camping is available. Please spread the word! We may have missed someone!

Any questions or suggestions? Call Jim Litchford 870-784-0962 or 870-784-1919 or Tim Litchford 870-584-8835

Directions from De Queen: At the Hwy. 70-71 junction, turn north toward Mena. Go approximately 9.6 miles to Gillham. Turn right on Tower Rd. and go 1.3 miles to Gillham Lake Rd. Turn left and go 4.5 miles to Cossotot Reefs.

LITTLE RIVER BANQUET AWARDS 04/15/13

Congratulations are in order for the Little River County Campus of Cossatot. At the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet, Cossatot was named Community Organization of the Year. Shown is Little River County Staff: Mario Proksch, Josh Ward, Kay Thornton, Barry Reed, Suzanne Ward, Pat Earnest, and Bess McCoskey.

Congratulations also to Cossatot Community College Faculty of the Year, Ashley Aylett. Aylett has taught at Cossatot for 5 years as a Business Instructor.

Cossatot was also recognized as a bronze sponsor of the banquet.

HORATIO TEACHERS ON THE YEAR SELECTED 04/15/13

LaJuana Patrick, Horatio Elementary Teacher of the Year

Shasta Guinn, Horatio High School and Horatio District Teacher of the
Year

FATHER CHARGED WITH ABUSE OF INFANT 04/15/13

On March 31^st, Patrolman First Class Wayne Baker was dispatched to the De Queen Regional Medical Center Emergency Room around 10 p.m. in reference to an apparent abused infant.

Emergency Room staff informed Baker that a 3-month-old infant had arrived at the facility with large bruises and whelps on its back.

The infant was later airlifted to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital for treatment.

Officer Baker notified Captain Scott Simmons for investigative purposes.

Over the course of the investigation, the father of the infant, Jose Decasez, was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery in the 2^nd Degree, which is a Class C felony.

The charge carries a possible penalty of 3 to 10 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

LITTLE RIVER QUORUM COURT HEARS BALLOT FROM CITY 04/15/13

Ashdown Mayor Carroll McLarty made a presentation to the Little River County Quorum Court about placing a beer and wine issue on the county ballot for the next general election, during the court’s April meeting.

Ashdown City Councilman Brandon Thrash had brought the idea before the court during their March meeting.

If the issue is passed, it would allow the sale of both beer and light wine, both by a glass in a restaurant or to be purchased from a package store.

The city of Ashdown is unable to vote for the sale of beer and wine on its own due to a state law, so the county must approve the sale countywide.

Mayor McLarty informed the JPs that he didn’t personal endorse alcohol sales, but a lot of county revenue is being spent in Miller County and if alcohol sales were permitted then the county could retain a portion of that money.

McLarty also pointed out that 330 DWI tickets had been written in the county last year. He stated that he felt that the ability to purchase alcohol locally might help cut down on the number of drunk drivers.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Alvin Smith was asked to look into the specific wording for a ballot measure and to determine if a petition drive would be necessary.

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE FAMILY NIGHT 04/15/13

Pleasant Manor Nursing and Rehab in Ashdown will be hosting an Alzheimer’s disease Family Night every month for the next 4 months beginning April 18^th at 6 p.m.

Administrator Lori Hill announced that each session will last approximately 30 to 45 minutes with refreshments and a discussion afterwards.

Each presentation will be presented by a certified nurse educator that specializes in Alzheimer’s disease. This month’s topic is about managing your loved ones needs.

The other topics that will be addressed include: “Understanding the behaviors of people with Alzheimer’s,” “Managing Alzheimer’s,” and “Having good visits.”

The series is designed to advance the overall management of Alzheimer’s and improve the communication between the health care providers, patients and their caregivers.

Pleasant Manor Nursing and Rehab is extending an invitation to all family and friends to come and learn about a disease that affects so many people in our community.

If you have any questions contact Hill by calling 898-5001.

RELAY 4 LIFE EVENTS 04/15/13

The Sevier County Relay 4 Life event is scheduled for May 10^th and teams are raising funds for the fight against cancer.

Each year, teams hold several fundraisers in an attempt to raise more money this year than they did last year. And, this year is no exception.

The First National Bank team is selling Texas Road House peanuts for $5 a bag and that includes a coupon for a free appetizer at the restaurant and the Pilgrim’s Pride team is selling raffle tickets for a decorative wreath for just $1 each.

And then there are several events that are being sponsored by the Sevier County Relay 4 Life organization like the Fishing for a Cure bass tournament at Jefferson Ridge on Saturday, April 20^th.

The cost is $80 per boat and you can sign up by calling Emmy Bailey at 703-4878. And this year, the Sevier County Relay 4 Life plans to Paint the County Purple .

Everyone is invited to attend the 2013 Relay 4 Life rally at De Queen Leopard Stadium at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 10^th and this year there is the added bonus of a reunion of the Midnight Hurricanes.

So join the fight by supporting the county Relay 4 Life event and the area relay 4 life teams.

LITTLE RIVER COUNTY 9^TH ANNUAL SENIOR CITIZEN CELEBRATION AND HEALTH FAIR 04/15/13

The Little River Health System will be sponsoring the 9^th Annual Senior Citizen Celebration and Health Fair on Thursday, April 25th.

Senior Citizens 50 years of age and older are invited to the Little River County Courthouse from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the fair and celebration. However, the Arkansas Heart Hospital will be conducting heart attack risk assessments starting at 8 a.m.

Senior Citizens are encouraged to register at the registration tables to sign up for prizes and pick up your meal ticket. Lunch will be served at 11:30.

There will be free health screenings, food, enter