Money Scams Alerts Discussed at Rotary
At the June 22nd Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, three of De Queen’s leading financial experts outlined real life money scams that they describe as common and happening locally. Edward Jones Financial Advisor LaTonya Estell (center) provided hand-outs that detail common scenarios with money scams, red flags to look for with each, and tips to protect yourself. Some of the more frequent scams happening locally include Romance Scams, Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams, Cryptocurrency Scams, Tax Frauds, Credit and Debit Card Frauds, Phishing, and Identity Theft.  Estell pointed out that knowing the signs is only half the battle, and she shared four tips to help protect yourself. Don’t send money or share financial details with anyone you have not met in person. Legitimate partners will not ask for cash, gift cards, or crypto. Double-check who you’re talking to. Use Google Images or similar tools for reverse image searches and ask for a live video chat. Scammers avoid real-time interaction. Share less online. Limit personal details on social media that scammers can use to make their stories more convincing. Listen to your gut. If something feels rushed or off, pause and talk it over with a friend. Ryan Scott (left) of Diamond Bank and Josh Zylks (right) of First State Bank each told a story of a real-life scam event that a customer at their bank has experienced in the past few months. Scott’s story involved a 75-year-old widower who fell for a romance scam and wired money to help a lady he’d met online get through Customs. Scott also had a customer that had received a phone call about an arrest threat. The victim withdrew her money telling the bank she was taking her family to Disneyworld. She came in later and admitted that the jail threat was a scam and she had been tricked. Zylks shared a scam story that his customer had experienced recently. It also involved a romance scam. Fortunately, the bank was able to retrieve the money for the victim. If you think you’ve been targeted, even if you have already engaged, quick action can limit damage, according to Estell.Â
Rotary Presents Check for Bench at De Queen Lake Trails
Rotarian Z.Z. Kamruddin presented a check for $844.38 to Lorena Branson, representing the Trails at De Queen Lake. The money has funded one of four benches installed on the four-mile trail at the Pine Ridge recreational area. A Rotary emblem will be placed on the bench. The other three benches were funded by an Arkansas Department of Transportation grant.
Sevier County 4-H’ers Shine at District 4-H O’Rama
Sevier County 4-H’ers competed against youth from across the state at the District 4-H O’Rama held in Malvern. Participants first qualified by competing at the county-level 4-H O’Rama earlier this year. The winners in the Senior Division (ages 14-19) were as follows: Haylee Hernandez 1st Place, FCS Presentation, Emily Stamps 1st Place, FCS Presentation, Chip Stamps 1st Place, Forestry, Raegan Frachiseur 2nd Place, Fashion Revue Purchased Casual, Kaylee Hernandez 2nd Place, Food Fair, Melanny Vizueth 2nd Place, Food Fair, Ty Wagner 2nd Place, Gun Safety, Remington Hopper 2nd Place, Health, Ruby Hopper 2nd Place, Human Development, Charlie Collins 3rd Place, Gun Safety, John Moe 3rd Place, Safety, Wade Melton 3rd Place, Veterinary Science, Kyle Williamson 4th Place, Baitcasting and 4-H Sport Fishing. All Senior Division members placing 1st through 7th are eligible to compete and represent Sevier County at the State 4-H O’Rama at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Junior Division (ages 9-13) winners were as follows: Braylee Reynolds 1st Place, Fashion Revue Constructed, Hadlee Frachiseur 2nd Place, Fashion Revue Purchased Casual, Emily Johnson 2nd Place, Livestock ID, Madison Tabler 2nd Place, Performing Arts Instrumental, Will Mangum 2nd Place, Veterinary Science, Molly Mangum 3rd Place, Animal Science, Margaret Moe 3rd Place, Health, Seely Adcock 5th Place, Livestock ID, Viola Leeper 5th Place, Public Speaking, Asher Frachiseur 6th Place, Livestock ID, and Jace Blanton 9th Place, Baitcasting and 4-H Sport Fishing. The following Junior Division members also participated and represented Sevier County: Bentley Hankins Livestock ID, and Evan Kendrick Poultry Skill-a-Thon. District 4-H O’Rama also recognizes outstanding 4-H Record Book winners. Record keeping is an important part of the 4-H experience, allowing members to document their project work, leadership experiences, community service, and personal growth throughout the year. Record books are judged at the county, district, and state levels. The following Sevier County 4-H members were recognized as District Record Book Winners: Leighton Frachiseur Animal Science, Emily Stamps Food Nutrition & Food Preparation, Remi Hopper Water, Wildlife & Fisheries, Kambree Haarmeyer Photography, Asher Frachiseur Water, Wildlife & Fisheries, Rebecca Trauger Food Nutrition & Food Preparation, Hadlee Frachiseur General Agriculture, Liam Roberts Health & Fitness, Jeremiah Trauger Mechanical Science, and Allyson Gregg Health & Fitness In addition to the individual achievements, Sevier County 4-H was recognized as the District Spirit Award Honoree, honoring counties whose members demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship, positive attitudes, generosity toward others, and excellence in representing the values of 4-H. Sevier County also received the District Attendance Award, recognizing the strong participation and commitment of its 4-H members and families. Additionally, Sevier County received the District Community Service Award for the second consecutive year, recognizing the county's ongoing commitment to serving others and making a positive impact throughout the community.
Montaric Brown Team Camp
Ashdown High School graduate and Montaric Brown returned home to give back to the next generation by hosting the first annual football clinic at Ashdown High School on Saturday, June 20. Young athletes from across the area spent the morning learning fundamentals and sharpening their skills through a variety of drills and activities. Each participant received a commemorative T-shirt and had the opportunity to learn from one of Ashdown's own who has reached the professional level. Joining Brown for the clinic was fellow Antonio Johnson, his teammate with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who helped lead drills and shared his knowledge and experience with the young athletes. Several of Brown's former Panther teammates and coaches also returned to lend a hand, helping with instruction, offering encouragement, and making the day a special experience for everyone involved. At the conclusion of the clinic, awards were presented to recognize participants for their effort and performance throughout the day. Brown then spent additional time with campers and their families, signing autographs, posing for pictures, and visiting with fans.
Coach Sloan, Players Talk State Title at Rotary
At the June 15th De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, Leopards Soccer Coach Stephen Sloan detailed the state championship season and introduced seven members of the squad that claimed De Queen’s eighth title in the storied program’s history. The 2026 season didn’t get off to a great start. The Leopards traveled to Fort Smith and were blanked 6-0 by the Northside Grizzlies. Spring Break came at a good time for the Leopards. The week off allowed the players to re-set, re-charge, and get healthy. The Leopards rolled through conference play blanking Nashville 5-0 and beating a Hope team twice that had defeated the De Queen boys earlier in a preseason tournament. Entering the state tournament as the top seed from the south, the long bus trip to Harrison seemed to take its toll on the Leopards in the opening round match against Central Arkansas Christian. The De Queen boys survived 4-3 and advanced. Rather than rest afterward, Coach Sloan told the kids to hop in the pool at the motel and have fun. The strategy worked as the Leopards played better the next day in the quarterfinals, shutting out Clarksville. In the semi-finals, the Leopards took on Green Forest, a town just ten miles away from the state tournament site. But the Leopards escaped 2-1 to advance to the state championship game against archrival Nashville the following weekend in Hot Springs. Summarizing the season, Coach Sloan said he was proud of the hard work and effort. He enjoyed watching the Leopards grow as a team, on and off the field, while pushing each other to be successful. While Coach Sloan was explaining some of the ongoing fundraising efforts to purchase state championship rings for the team, the Rotary Club passed the hat among its members and raised $704 toward the purchase of the rings. Players Ben Hernandez, Nathan Martinez, Diego Rodriguez, Yahir Ramirez, Christopher Salgado, Erik Hernandez, and Elian Abarca accompanied Coach Sloan to the meeting. Coach Sloan was introduced by Rotarian Veronica Ozura, who arranged the program.
Texas Rangers VIP Experience
Cossatot Colts Basketball Featured at Rotary
At the June 1st De Queen Rotary Club meeting at Micah 6:8, U of A Cossatot’s Athletic Director and men’s and women’s basketball coach Stan Asumnu and three Colts players presented the program. Coach Asumnu is about to begin his fifth season at the local college. He came to Cossatot from Texas A&M International University following a successful playing career. Asumnu played basketball for four seasons as a shooting guard/small forward at the University of Tennessee under Coach Buzz Peterson followed by Coach Bruce Pearl. As a senior in 2005-2006, the Volunteers won the S.E.C. East title and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. In Knoxville, Asumnu majored in Sports Management with a minor in Business Administration. After his college playing career, Asumnu played for four seasons in the NBA G-League. The U of A Cossatot basketball program has had 16 players go on and compete at the next level, including Terry Anderson, who starred for High Point University against the Arkansas Razorbacks recently in the opening round of March Madness. Coach Asumnu has nine of his top ten players returning for the 2026-2027 men’s basketball season that begins in October. The women’s team has two returning players. It’s currently a busy recruiting time. As Athletic Director at U of A Cossatot, Coach Asumnu says the local college also competes in soccer and trap shooting. Cross Country teams will compete beginning this fall. The Colts hope to launch baseball and softball programs within the next two years. The college is also looking into the possibility of starting a volleyball team down the road. Colts basketball players R.J. Patton of Conway, John Ateny of South Sudan, and Issak Helms of Dierks told of their life experiences and how they’re enjoying playing basketball at U of A Cossatot. The Colts have banner and billboard sponsorships available for the upcoming season as well as a “100 for $100” Campaign. For more information, contact Madelyn Montgomery at 870-584-1172 or Coach Asumnu at 870-584-1145. Coach Asumnu was introduced by Rotarian Zahir “Z.Z.” Kamruddin, who arranged the program.
De Queen Rotary Club Installs 4 Peace Polls around De Queen
De Queen Soccer Championship
De Queen Schools Athletic Director Richard Bell (left) and Head Soccer Coach Stephen Sloan (right) visited your #1 Country Studios earlier Friday morning, May 22nd, to talk about the De Queen Leopards playing the Nashville Scrappers tomorrow afternoon at 4 pm although weather delays and game completions may push that time back in Hot Springs Lakeside for the state championship in 4A. DE QUEEN – The De Queen Leopards are preparing for another shot at history Saturday afternoon as they battle the Nashville Scrappers in the Class 4A state soccer championship game at Lakeside High School in Hot Springs. The Leopards advanced to the title match after defeating Central Arkansas Christian, Clarksville and Green Forest during the state tournament. De Queen opened with a thrilling 4-3 victory over CAC after surrendering a 3-0 lead before scoring the game-winner late. The Leopards then shut out Clarksville 2-0 before knocking off host Green Forest 2-1 in the semifinals. Sloan and De Queen Athletic Director Richard Bell said they could not recall the two schools ever meeting previously in a state championship game in any sport. Bell called the matchup “huge for Southwest Arkansas” and praised Sloan’s success leading the Leopard program. Sloan is making his 10th appearance in the state finals and is seeking his program’s eighth state championship. The two teams split their regular-season meetings this year. De Queen and Nashville played to a 0-0 tie in March before the Leopards earned a 5-0 victory in April. Sloan noted the Scrappers have been scoring heavily throughout the postseason and said defense will again be key for De Queen. Bell also praised the longtime community support surrounding the program and encouraged fans to pack the stands in Hot Springs. De Queen will serve as the home team and sit on the home side of the stadium. Fans planning to attend are encouraged to purchase tickets online ahead of time through the GoFan app or the website. Admission will be digital only. The community is planning a sendoff for the team at around 11:45 a.m. Saturday along Collin Raye Drive as the Leopards depart for Hot Springs.
American Legion Poppy Giveaway
The American Legion and VFW will have poppy giveaway. Memorial Day is a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought in wars and lost their lives. You can pick up a poppy and wear it to commenorate. Poppies will be available today, May 22nd, and tomorrow, May 23rd, from 9 am-12 pm. They will be available at Walmart, Pruett's and Tractor Supply. You can make a donation to the Christmas bags for veterans in nursing homes in local area. American Legion is recruiting members if you would like to join. Meetings will be held 2nd Monday of month on 8th Street at American Legion Building. If you ever wore a uniform, you are eligible to join. Pictured is Rick Gregory.
Sevier County Hometown Hangouts
Amanda Hundley (left) and Tonya Wolcott (right) of the Sevier County Coalition visited your #1 Country Studios earlier Friday morning, May 22nd, to talk about the upcoming block parties over the summer called Hometown Hangouts. The events are free (no set up fees) and for everyone. There will be bounce houses, free meal (hot dog, popcorn, lemonade), door prizes and bike giveaways. The first one will be in Ben Lomond on June 9th from 6-8 pm. Sponsors will be announced more before each event.
Bunyard Broadcasting Presents Checks to DQTV and to Student Interns
Bunyard Broadcasting representatives Jay Bunyard, Jacob Bunyard, and Jennifer Higgins presented a $2,040 check to DQTV Instructor Tiffany Williamson on Wednesday, May 20th , for advertising revenues earned during the recent soccer season. In addition, $595 checks were presented to student interns Aidin Alspaw and Omar Navarrete from the Arkansas Broadcasters Association Internship Program for their work on the video production of the soccer broadcasts. The partnership combines the Spanish radio play-by-play on La Maxxima AM 1390/FM 104.5 called by Horatio Sotelo and Francisco Hernandez with the DQTV-produced video so that Leopards fans all over the world can watch select soccer games through You Tube and other online media outlets. In fact, numerous viewers in Mexico, who are friends and relatives of the De Queen athletes, text Horatio and Francisco during the broadcasts. In turn, the play-by-play guys give the viewers a shout-out during the game. Bunyard Broadcasting and DQTV thank our 2025-2026 school-year sponsors for making this award-winning public-private partnership possible. They include Southwest Arkansas Accounting Services, De Queen Abstract Company, Jorge Rivas Garage and Wrecker Service, De Queen Auto Group, Air-Evac Life Team, First State Insurance, Hochatown Rescue Center and Petting Zoo, Flooring Outfitters, San Juan’s Automotive, Simply Chiropractic, and Southern Home Furniture & Interiors.
Rotary Club Cookout
The De Queen Rotary Club held their annual cookout in lieu of their weekly meeting on Monday night, May 18th. The cookout was for five different little league baseball and softball teams sponsored by the De Queen Rotary Club. Meal consisted of hot dogs, chips, cookies, and drinks.
Tri Lakes Bass Festival
The Sevier County Chamber of Commerce will host the 36th Annual Judge Ray Memorial Big Bass Festival on Saturday, May 23rd. The event will be held at the Tri-Lakes in De Queen, Gillham, and Dierks. Registration for 5 am check in is $65. Registration w/ wristband is $75. Wristband for $50 hourly 1st place bonus. Hourly payout schedule is $100 for 1st, $150 for 1st with wristband, $80 for 2nd, $70 for 3rd, $60 for 4th, and $50 for 5th. $200 bonus for hourly overall Tri-Lakes winner. Overall Tri-Lakes payout is $2000 for 1st, $1000 for 2nd, $750 for 3rd, $500 for 4th, and $350 for 5th. Overall winner for each lake wins a chance at $10000. Registration is available online now and can be found directly at: https://www.sevierchamber.com/2026tri-lakes. Pictured are Rick Pruitt (left) and Danielle Lansdale (right) who came in your #1 Country Studios earlier Friday morning, May 15th, to talk about the event.
Horatio First Baptist Church Events
Horatio First Baptist Church will be hosting Light the City on Wednesday night, May 13th, at 5pm. The church will also host a Church Camp fundraiser after church on Sunday, May 17th, which includes a chicken dinner with all the fixings. Pictured left to right are Ellie Ray, Caselyn VanVoast, and Andrew Baca, who came in your #1 Country Studios earlier Tuesday morning, May 12th, to talk about the events.