Event organizer Chris Porter of Riverbank Products stated that Whistlestop was a great venue for the tournament because there are tons of place to gig frogs.  

The Ashdown Whistlestop Festival was the first stop on the Riverbank Products frog giggin tournament season. The next stop of the series will be in Columbia , Louisiana on June 14^th and 15^th.

HORACE MANN HELPS STUDENTS ATTEND SEA CAMP         05/21/13  

Teacher Kathy Rusert recently returned from taking 20 7^th and 8^th graders students from Acorn High School to Gulfport , Mississippi to visit the Center for Marine and Education Research.  

Rusert was able to raise nearly $7,000 dollars to fund the educational trip after posting the project on the DonorsChoose.org website. Horace Mann’s DonorsChoose.org is a nonprofit organization that connects donors with public school teachers who need classroom materials or to fund educational trips.  

Horace Mann Agent, Bryan Richardson, of the Richardson Insurance and Financial Agency, stated that giving to the project on DonorsChoose.org is a way to thank teachers for all that they do.  Richardson also stated that this was not Rusert’s first project on the DonorsChoose.org website and both have been fully funded and he says that most projects that are listed in the amount of $400 or less or usually funded within 10 days or less…

DonorsChoose.org and the Horace Mann Companies started the partnership in 2011 and since then more than 976 projects have been funded in Arkansas that total more than $532,000.  

With the help of DonorsChoose.org and Horace Mann, 20 students and 3 teachers made the trip to the Center of Marine and Education Research in Gulfport , Mississippi from May 8^th through the 10^th and attended a 3-day Sea Camp conducted by the University of Mississippi.

FAST ACTION IS VITAL UPON THE ONSET OF STROKE SYMPTOMS        05/21/13  

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and one of the key points in the event of a stroke is FAST action.  

Dr. Ziad (ZEE-odd) Darkhabani says that certain clot-busting drugs can only be given within a short time frame, so people need to call 9-1-1 immediately upon the onset of symptoms, which can be memorized with the acronym ‘ FAST ’.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Arkansas , behind only heart disease and cancer. Stroke is also a leading cause of disability.  

Time is also vital, according to Dr. Ziad (ZEE-odd) because with a stroke, brain damage begins to mount right away.         ).  

Risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking.

WAL-MART HOLDS BAKE SALE TO BENEFIT ACH        05/20/13

Each year Wal-Mart stores throughout Arkansas raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network, which supports the Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Each store sets a goal for the Network and then holds several fundraisers in an attempt to reach that goal. This year, the De Queen store has set a goal of $12,500.

This year, Wal-Mart stores hope to purchase 2 helicopters that will be added to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Angel 1 fleet.

For more information about the Children’s Miracle Network campaign call the store by dialing 642-2794.

BUCKLE UP, EVERY TRIP, EVERY TIME          05/20/13

When motorists take to the roads this Memorial Day holiday period, the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office urges everyone to buckle up.

The Arkansas State Police, the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office and the De Queen Police Department will begin devoting additional patrols on May 20^th to the national “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign which is commissioned to crack down on motorists who are not using their seat belts.

Colonel Stan Witt of the Arkansas State Police announced that the Governor’s Highway Safety Commission planned to kick-off the busy summer driving season by reminding everyone to buckle up on every trip, every time, both day and night with no excuses. He stated that Arkansas law enforcement agencies were committed to this lifesaving initiative and they were prepared to ticket anyone that was not wearing their seat belt.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 52 percent of the passengers that were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2011 were not wearing their seat belts.

Seat belts save thousands of lives every year, but far too many motorists are still not buckling up, especially at night when the risk of a crash is greater. Colonel Witt says that law enforcement agencies want everyone to have a safe summer, but it requires an important step on the part of every motorist and that is clicking their seat belt.

Seat belts saved almost 12.000 lives nationwide in 2011.

This years Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign will run from May 20^th through June 2^nd and officers will be enforcing seat belt laws by conducting checkpoints, saturation patrols and intersection patrols around De Queen and Sevier County .

For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, visit www.nhtsa.gov or contact the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office at 501-618-8136.

ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH CONTINUE TO INVESTIGATE DEAD CRAPPIE AT DE QUEEN LAKE          05/20/13

Sevier County Judge Greg Ray informed that members of the Quorum Court that the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is investigating the death of hundreds of crappie in the De Queen Lake .

Erick Breckman of the Arkansas Game and Fish informed Ray that preliminary test results have revealed bacteria on the gills of the fish and they have discovered the bacteria along the banks of the lake.

Breckman also stated that they would continue to do other test. He also stated that the game and fish was concerned but not overly concerned, because the De Queen Lake could afford to lose several hundred fish before it became a major issue.

Residents started noticing the dead fish around the first of the month.

Breckman also stated that it was ok to catch and eat crappie.

STATE TAKES OVER MINERAL SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT        05/20/13

Arkansas Education Commissioner Dr. Tom Kimbrell exercised his authority under state law to dissolve the Mineral Springs School District Board of Education on Thursday.

The action was taken in an attempt to stabilize the finances and management of the troubled district in Howard County . The district is facing a severe budget deficit and allegedly does not have sufficient cash flow to finish the district’s fiscal year.

Dr. Kimbrell stated that the action was necessary to keep the Mineral Springs Public School operating and serving the district’s students despite the district’s extreme financial difficulties. He said that the number 1 concern was the education of the students in the community.

Dr. Kimbrell and other key Arkansas Department of Education staff members arrived in Mineral Springs Thursday morning to inform the acting superintendent, Bill Blackwood, of the changes in the governance of the district.

Blackwood agreed to remain with the district until Kimbrell appoints a new superintendent.

Steps have been taken to secure the school records and to ensure that the district operations will continue uninterrupted.

The State Board of Education had placed the district on the fiscal distress list in December of 2012. And, under the Quality Education Act of 2003, the education commissioner has the authority to exercise a state takeover of districts that are in fiscal distress and that don’t adequately address their financial issues in a timely manner.

DIERKS SCHOOL BOARD HANDLES SEVERAL PERSONNEL MATTERS        05/20/13

Members of the Dierks Board of Education dealt with several personnel issues Monday night during their regular meeting along with transfers and finalizing plans for the end of the school year.

Following an executive session, board members voted to accept the notice of retirement of Gay Bray from the elementary school cafeteria. Girls’ basketball coach James Owens and boys basketball coach Todd Graves resigned effective June 14^th and they approved a request for medical leave of absence for the remainder of the school year from Brenda Krantz.

However, they accepted the transfer request from 2 students from the De Queen School District and 3 students from the Kirby School District . The 5 transfers must be approved by the Arkansas Department of Education before they will be official.

District resident Jim White attended the meeting Monday night and requested that the district designate a bus stop in the community of Langley .

Superintendent Donnie Davis recommended that the board designate a stop in Langley , but they voted to leave the decision up to Davis ’ discretion.

Board members were informed by JoAnn Walters Elementary Principal Karla Byrne that the Arkansas Symphony would be on campus to perform a concert on May 20^th and that 6^th grade students would be given the required immunizations for enter into the 7^th grade at the school on May 21^st if parents signed the student up for the shots.

Byrne stated that the Pre-K graduation would be May 22^nd and the Kindergarten through 6^th grade awards ceremonies and graduations would be on the 24^th beginning at 8:30 .

High School Principal Holly Cothern announced that graduation would be Monday, May 20^th at 7 p.m. and the last day of school will be May 31^st.

Board members approved a trip to the movies in Texarkana for students who scored proficient or advanced on their End of Course test.

POT GREENHOUSE DISCOVERED IN LITTLE RIVER COUNTY         05/20/13

After receiving information about a green house that was being used to raise marijuana plants, detectives from the Ashdown Police Department started an investigation.

Over the course of that investigation, authorities arrested one suspect and confiscated 46 marijuana plants.

Late Wednesday, May 15^th, officers went to a residence on Keller Street in Ashdown and were given permission to search the premises. During the search they discovered 46 marijuana plants that were growing in a green house in the backyard. They also discovered a bag of processed marijuana in the home.

54-year-old Gary Graves of Ashdown was arrested and charged with manufacturing a Schedule VI controlled substance.

Graves posted a $10,000 bond and was released from the Little River County jail. He is scheduled to be in court on Tuesday, May 28^th.

TRAFFIC STOP RESULTS IN DRUG BUST           05/20/13

On May 9^th, Ashdown Police Detectives observed a suspicious vehicle traveling at an unusually slow speed and executed a traffic stop to investigate the suspicious activity.

When officers approached the vehicle, they observed what appeared to be illegal drugs inside the vehicle and both occupants were removed and placed into handcuffs.

As officers continued to investigate, they seized approximately 13 grams of suspected methamphetamines. The drugs had an estimated street value of $1,300.

The driver, 43-year-old Michael Lovewell of Alleene, and the passenger, 51-year-old Deborah Harder of Ashdown, were arrested for possession of a controlled substance with the purpose to deliver.

Lovewell and Harder appeared before Judge Tom Cooper on May 14^th in the Circuit Court of Little River County .

Both are currently being incarcerated on $50,000.

They are scheduled to appear back in court on May 28^th for their arraignment.

FEDERAL FUGITIVE CAPTURED IN SOUTH POLK COUNTY           05/20/13

On May 15^th, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office participated in a joint effort with the U.S. Marshal’s office, the Sevier County Sheriffs Office and the Grannis Police Department in locating a federal fugitive from Indiana .

24-year-old Jeffery Pannell was wanted on 2 felony warrants that had been issued in Gibson County , Indiana on charges of childe molestation, dissemination of material harmful to a minor, criminal confinement and sexual battery.

The U.S. Marshals Office developed information that Pannell was possibly hiding with family members in South Polk County .

Officers converged on the suspect’s location and took Pannell into custody without incident. He was then transported to the Polk County Jail, where he will be held pending extradition back to Indiana .

CHALICE CUPBOARD APRIL REPORT         05/20/13

During the month of April, the De Queen Chalice Cupboard assisted 61 families from Sevier County by providing them with over 1,400 pounds of food.

106 adults and 62 children were provided an average of 10 and half pounds of food.

130 pounds of food were donated by Saint Barbara’s Catholic Church and the First Presbyterian Church. An anonymous donor provided another 164 pounds of food.

An additional 862 pounds of food was purchased by the Chalice Cupboard with gifts of money for the restocking of the pantry shelves. Donation of pinto beans, tomato sauce and canned green peas are being requested for the month of May.

The De Queen Chalice Cupboard attempts to provide food to individuals and families that need assistance to keep enough food on their tables because 1 in 6 people in Arkansas are faced with hunger.

Donations may be made at the Dollar General Store in Horatio during the month of May.

MAY 18-24 IS NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK        05/20/13

National Safe Boating Week is May 18^th through the 24^th since Memorial Day weekend is the official kickoff of the boating season for much of the country. And, National Safe Boating Week’s goal is to raise public awareness about the importance of following safe boating practices while on the water, including using a life jacket.

And here are some safety tips for boaters:

• While children under the age of 13 are required to wear life jackets while boating, everyone is better protected when wearing one. And new options such as inflatable belt packs and lightweight vests are cooler and more comfortable than life jackets of the past.

• Although many boaters rely on cell phones, coverage can be spotty or nonexistent on the water. So the Coast Guard recommends a VHF radio that allows broadcast a call for help.

• Take a boater education class, which offers something for everyone, even experienced boaters.

• Conduct a Vessel Safety Check by getting a list of things that you should have on board from life jackets to fire extinguishers.

• Designate a sober skipper because boat operators need to be clear-headed and able to make the proper decision while operating a boat.

So make sure you are prepared to enjoy being on the water by observing National Safe Boating Week.

MCDANIEL CALLS FOR NEW WARNINGS ON PAIN PILLS          05/20/13

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel and other state attorneys general have called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to strengthen the warnings about the risks of taking prescription painkillers during pregnancy.

McDaniel and 42 other attorneys general asked the FDA to place a “black box” warning on prescription painkillers to inform pregnant women about the risk of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in newborn children. NAS is caused when infants who have been exposed to painkillers through the mother’s prenatal use and then lose their drug supply at birth. The withdrawal can cause symptoms that include tremors, vomiting, high-pitch crying, hyperactivity, weight loss and failure to gain weight.

In 2009, approximately one infant was born each hour with NAS in the United States . These children have a greater chance of having respiratory issues, low birth weight, feeding difficulties and seizures.

During that same year, nationwide health-care costs associated with the treatment of NAS was estimated at $720 million dollars and Medicaid paid for the majority of those treatment costs.

While NAS is treatable, the best course of action is to prevent the disease from occurring in the first place, according to the letter that was written to the FDA by the attorneys general.

With the letter, McDaniel and other state attorneys general continued their efforts to combat prescription drug abuse, which is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States . The abuse of prescription drugs is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States and now accounts for more deaths nationally than traffic accidents.

In April, the FDA heeded the bipartisan advice of McDaniel and other Attorneys General by blocking generic drug manufacturers from producing a crushable generic form of OxyContin, a drug that has fueled addiction and overdoses all across the country.

AHTD DISTRICT 4 OFFICES ARE RELOCATING        05/20/13

The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department District 4 announces the relocation of the District 4 administrative offices to Barling.

Administrative offices will open for business at the new location today, Friday, May 17.

The phone number for the administrative offices is changing to 479-484-5306. This number may be used to contact the District Engineer, the District Construction Engineer, the District Maintenance Engineer and the District Permit Officer.

The administrative offices are relocating to the District Headquarters Complex which is located at Chaffee Crossing. The Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority deeded approximately 40 acres to the Arkansas State Highway Commission in 2002 for the new complex. In addition to the administrative offices, the complex includes a Resident Engineer Office, District Materials Lab, Area Maintenance Headquarters, facilities for several district maintenance and bridge inspection crews, and the office of the Arkansas Highway Police District 3 Commander.

Work to construct the complex began in the fall of 2007 and included site work and fencing by the department forces and 3 contracts to complete the facilities. The total cost of the complex project is approximately $13.5 million.

The administrative offices are relocating the facilities at 4019 Towson Avenue in Fort Smith . That location has served as the Headquarters since 1959. District 4 includes Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Polk, Scott, Sebastian and Washington counties.

PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION ORDERED IN ABORTION-BAN CASE        05/20/13

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction stopping a new Arkansas law that bans most abortions at 12-weeks from going into effect while court proceedings continue.

U.S. District Judge Susan Wright stated during a hearing Friday that she believed the evidence presented so far showed that the law was “more than likely” unconstitutional.

The injunction keeps the law from going into effect in August as it would have otherwise, but it doesn’t decide the whole case.

Wright will ultimately rule whether the act is constitutional or not later s the lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas and the Center for Reproductive Rights brought on behalf of 2 Little Rock abortion providers.

Arkansas ’ Republican-led Legislature enacted the 12-week ban in March when it overrode a veto from Governor Mike Beebe.

Beebe and other opponents of the ban say that it violates the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion until a fetus could viably survive outside the womb.

VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED IN ASHDOWN 05/20/13

Several campuses in the Ashdown School District recently honored its volunteers from this school year with receptions and recognitions.

(First picture - MDP Volunteers)

Margaret Daniel Primary School invited more than one hundred community volunteers to an appreciation tea in their honor.  MDP Principal Kay York thanked the attendees for all of the contributions and selfless acts they perform for the youngsters and the staff throughout the year.  The MDP volunteers serve as Groovy Grannies, Watch D.O.G.S., Family Night volunteers, homeroom helpers, reading buddies, Good Morning Greeters, yard groomers, flower gardeners, and numerous other helpful positions.

Pictured at the MDP Appreciation Tea are (front - l to r) Gloria Potts, Jettie Williams, Ernestine Nelson, Evelyn Bell, Linda Bradley, (middle) Bennie Ferrell, Debra Howell, Diann Wilson, Jantzen Foster, Cindy Adams, Trista Young, (back) Glen Ivory, Lt. Bobby Walraven, Wayne Houck, Joe Bell, Wilbert Johnson, Bill Cox, and Price Savage.
 

(Second picture - photo (6) JPG)

C. D. Franks Elementary School expressed appreciation to its volunteers with a morning reception at the school.  Representing the volunteers who have donated so many hours to benefit both the students and the staff are (front - l to r) Wendy Huddleston, CDF Student Council member Olivia Ritter, Virginia Joco, StuCo member Allison Garner, Bennie Ferrell, (back) Jamie Stevens, Diann Wilson, Bro. Jim Cross, and Frankie Jones.

(AJHS pictures)

Ashdown Junior High School invited volunteers to a cookie and punch reception in appreciation for all they have contributed to the students and staff at AJHS.  Even though the attendance was small due to a variety of conflicts, the appreciation extended to all volunteers throughout the school is genuine.  Pictured are volunteer Suzanne Ward, along with AJHS representatives Joshua Taggart and Alan'vikki Ricks.

(LFH Pictures)

L. F. Henderson Intermediate School held a special recognition and appreciation reception for its LFH (Launching Future Heroes) mentors, a group of community volunteers that LFH students and staff hold very dear.  These mentors have spent many hours one-on-one with their mentees, encouraging them, working with them on lessons or homework, and just generally being available for these students and showing they care.  

The LFH Mentors have been active with the fourth and fifth graders for three years now and have become an invaluable part of their week.  More volunteers are needed every year, and anyone who has the time and the heart to devote to a child is invited to contact the school to be a part.

(Picture of LFH group)

The 2012-13 LFH mentors pictured are (from l to r) Bro. Jim Cross, Pastor Anthony Nelson, Bro. Jay Baker, Rhonda Cobb, Gene Smithson, Donna Jackson, Colin Lockeby, Linda Embry, Kirk Mounts, and John Hawkins.  Other mentors were unable to attend the reception

KDQN HOSTS LOYAL LISTENER TICKET PARTY        05/17/13

Today at 4 p.m. KDQN will be hosted a loyal listener appreciation ticket party for the June 21^st Loretta Lynn concert which will be held at the Cossatot Amphitheater.

And some loyal KDQN listeners started lining up at midnight .

Amanda Anderson and Alisia Gonzalez arrived in the parking lot at midnight to ensure that they were the first ones in line for their tickets.   Anderson wanted to make sure that she got tickets for her father who has loved Loretta’s music for years.

Anderson and Gonzalez were the first ones to sign up to purchase their reserved seat tickets for just $20 each.

Reserved tickets went on sale for $25 dollars on Monday, May 20th at the KDQN studios, on line at www.southwestarkansasconcerts.com or you can call 642-2446.

General admission tickets were just $10 each during the loyal listener party but increased to $15 today.

About 1,300 tickets were purchased on Friday in about 2 hours.

So stop by the KDQN studios and get tickets to see the Queen of Country Music in De Queen, Arkansas on Friday, June 21^st at the Cossatot Amphitheater.

Gates will open at 6 p.m. and Loretta Lynn will take the stage at 8:30 .

LORETTA LYNN COMING TO DE QUEEN   

The CRCC welcomes County Music Hall of Famer and country music star Loretta Lynn to De Queen, Arkansas on Friday, June 21^st.

Loretta Lynn will be performing at the Cossatot Amphitheater.

Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the Midnight Hurricanes will perform at 6:30 and then Loretta Lynn will take the stage at 8:30 .

Tickets will go on sale at the KDQN studios and at www.southwestarkansasconcerts.com on Monday, May 20^th.

Advanced tickets will be $25 for reserved seats and $15 for general admission. On the day of the show tickets will be $30 for reserved and $20 for general admission. There will be a $1 handling fee on all tickets sold online.

General admission ticket holders are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Children under 3 are free with a paid general admission ticket.

Proceeds from the Loretta Lynn concert will benefit local scholarships and several local charity projects in the De Queen area.

For more information contact the KDQN studios at 870-642-2446.