Zac Dunlap working the crowd at Stand Up For America!
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Arkansas had one of the most productive, if not most productive, legislative sessions in the country with regard to addressing occupational regulations. Occupational regulations are licensures, certifications, or registrations required for workers in certain occupations. A few examples of licensed occupations include real estate agents, cosmetologists, and veterinarians.
The success during the legislative session is partly due to Arkansas participating in the 15-state learning consortium through the U.S. Department of Labor (supported by the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL), National Governors Association for Best Practices (NGA), and The Council of State Governments (CSG)) and further addressing occupational licensure through the Governor’s Red Tape Reduction Working Group.
For the 2019 legislative session, 41 bills were passed into law that were related to occupational licensing, certification, and registration. One of the new laws (Act 250) ensures that an individual does not lose a license due to a defaulted or delinquent student loan. Another law (Act 820) provides automatic licensure for active duty members, veterans and spouses of military members if they were practicing in another state.
Those forty-one acts can be categorized into specific areas of concern that were discussed as part of the Red Tape Reduction Working Group and the related, Occupational Licensing Advisory Group, including:
(1) Removing Barriers to entry and having the least restrictive regulations in place.
(2) Addressing impacted populations; e.g., military spouses/ veterans/ military members, those with criminal records, and immigrants.
(3) Focusing on licensing board composition.
(4) Engaging in reciprocity agreements & multi-state compacts.
(5) Various administrative and organizational improvements.
One of the acts passed was Act 600 which creates annual legislative reviews of occupational authorizations and entities. This will help to ensure that we continue implementing the least restrictive form of authorization while protecting consumers.
In June, the Occupational Licensing Review Subcommittee of Legislative Council met to draft rules and begin establishing a timeline of occupations to be reviewed this year. The occupational authorizations and the occupational entities will be divided into six groups. The committee will review one group each year. The subcommittee will meet again September 19. You can review the materials and watch the proceedings at www.arkleg.state.ar.us.
Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin on Independence Day
Sevier County 4-H'ers at Cossatot Reefs State Park
Over 50 4-H’ers attended 4-H Cloverbud/Jr. Day Camp at Cossatot Reefs State Park on June 10. They had four programs on the agenda and then enjoyed a hot dog lunch.
On June 10, Sevier County 4-H held its annual Cloverbud & Junior Day Camp at Cossatot Reefs State Park. This was the largest group so far, with over 50 4-H’ers in attendance. They had four programs on the agenda and then enjoyed a hot dog lunch at the park.
Harrell Sherwood from the Arkansas Forestry Department first taught the 4-H’ers how to identify trees based on the shape of the leaves, the fruit or seeds, and the bark. The 4-H’ers got to participate in a fun game to see which team could identify the most trees the quickest.
Robin Stacy from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) showed the 4-H’ers how to use two sticks to “Fiddle for Worms”. They first scouted out good locations with compost to do their “fiddling”. Each kid was given two sticks, the long one to place in the ground and a short one to rub on the long stick to cause vibrations, which will make the earthworms come to the top of the ground. Each kid found worms, some small and some really large ones. They got a little excited when the worms started popping up!
Jason Kaufman from Arkansas Farm Bureau taught the kids where their food comes from. He gave the percentage and types of foods that are raised in Arkansas. By the time he was through, everyone was hungry!
Casey Hardaway from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission brought three “friends” with her, an alligator, slider turtle, and a king snake. The 4-H’ers got to touch the reptiles, if they wanted to. Some of them even wanted the snake around their neck! Ms. Hardaway explained the state laws on harming wildlife and explained that snakes usually will not harm you unless you mess with them or accidently step on them. Everybody had a great time!
If you would like more information about 4-H, please contact the Sevier County Extension Office at 870-584-3013 or visit us on UA Cossatot Campus in the Adams Building.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Arkansas is home to more than 600,000 acres of lakes and more than 90,000 miles of rivers, streams, and creeks. As this is a popular time of the year for Arkansans to enjoy the waterways, we wanted to highlight boating safety in the state.
Last year, Arkansas saw a 9% decrease in boating accidents and a 36% decrease in the number of boaters who died from boating accidents. However, there were 60 reported boating accidents in 2018 which resulted in 29 injuries that required medical attention and seven fatalities. Of those seven fatalities, six drowned. According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, three of those six were not wearing a life vest and the other three were either improperly wearing their life vest or their vest was in poor condition and not functioning properly.
In order to ensure your safety, we wanted to remind you of some of the laws passed over the years regarding boating safety so that we can continue to reduce the amount of property damage and to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities associated with boating. Make sure to keep in mind that:
• Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 must have successfully completed an approved Arkansas Game and Fish Boating Education course and carry proof while operating a motorboat or sailboat on Arkansas water.
• Every boat must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket per person on-board. Children 12 and under must be wearing their life jacket at all times. Also, no matter the age, every person aboard a personal watercraft must be wearing an approved life vest
•To operate a personal watercraft, a person must be 16 year or older. Children aged 12-15 must be under the direct supervision of a person of at least 18 years old. Children 12 and under must be under the direct supervision of a person of at least 21 years.
For more information on boating safety please visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at www.agfc.com
De Queen / Sevier County Chamber of Commerce News Brief
JULY 1st is Opening Day for Bi-Annual Mobile Food Vendors Applications
On July 1st, the City of De Queen will accept applications for mobile food vendors for fifteen bi-annual permits. The bi-annual permits are available ($100 for 6 months) for vendors to set up on privately-owned property (not owned by the vendor) within the city. Event permits are also available ($50 for 3-days). All vendors applicants must meet state and city requirements and the mobile truck/trailer must pass inspection at the fire station. Applications and copies of the ordinance are available at De Queen City Hall or at the Chamber of Commerce. For questions, call 870-642-3445 or 870-584-3225.
Rural Business Conference for Southwest Arkansas
July 11th, from 8:30 am - 2:00 pm, the Rural Business Conference will be hosted at UA Cossatot. This is a 'must attend' for all of our chamber member business owners, and please share with any entrepreneurs, business students and graduates. The power-packed agenda starts with a breakfast with local lenders and representatives from organizations such as the United States Small Business Administration, USDA Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program, and Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC). A sample of the topics includes discussion of small business technical assistance resources, and public and private procurement. Several speakers will also be introduced during the luncheon.
*Note by Suzanne ~ "When I took the position of Executive Director last year and asked businesses what was most needed from the Chamber of Commerce, the overwhelming reply was for more focus on business needs and resources to help grow the local economy. By working with strategic partners, we are able to offer opportunities for the business community, and this conference is one that has the focus and the tools!"
Click here: Rural Business Conference Registration
Tourism Magazine Deadline Mid-July
For Photos and Ads
The Sevier County Tourism Magazine will be published this fall. It will be full of photographs showing off Sevier County's places to go and things to do, along with stories highlighting festivals, points of interest, Sevier County history, local contact information, and fun curiosities. With tourism now a growing component of our local economy, the magazine will be looking at widespread distribution at welcome and visitor centers in-state and out, hotels, motels, cabins, tourist destinations, accomodations, restaurants, and retailers, etc.
If you are interested in placing an ad or submitting a photo in the magazine and have questions, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 870-584-3225.For the magazine ad rates and contact information, click the link below.
Click here: Tourism Magazine Ad Rates
Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Interviews
BRE Interviews have started! A big THANK YOU to the businesses that have already completed the interview or are on the schedule.
This information is vital to the health of our businesses, which directly affects the local economy AND the quality of our local communities. The Chamber of Commerce cannot help your business if we do not know the needs, and we are working hard to connect with you so your business can stay here, grow here and keep jobs here!
Interviews are conducted at your place of business (unless another location is requested), all information is kept confidential and anonymous, and the interview takes approximately one hour. For businesses in retail and accommodations, the interview data is kept anonymous and is compiled by CREATE Bridges to identify and implement strategies to grow the local tourism economy. We need all businesses to participate in BRE, call 870-584-3225 to get on the schedule!
4-H Teens Recently Attend Teen Leader Conference
The Arkansas 4-H Teen Leader Conference was held in Little Rock June 11 – 14. From all across the state, teens travel to attend this once a year opportunity. We had five teens representing our Sevier County 4-H clubs this year. Amber Morris, Aubrey Seymour, Kaydee Cowling, Ethan Wolcott, and Alec Frachiseur all attended.
While at the conference, teens learned different ways of becoming a better leader for their community. For instance, this year’s theme was “Be the Spark”. Youth learned how to empower other young potential leaders. One skill that each teen really was impressed with was the 5 C’s to giving a speech. The 5 C’s, Character, Competence, Culture, Chemistry, and Caring, is a skill they can use for the rest of their lives as they continue to grow with their leadership skills.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
From guided hikes to kayak outings, there are over 50,000 family friendly programs available at our Arkansas State Parks. If you are still looking for a summer getaway, consider the options in our own backyard.
In 1996, Arkansas voters passed a constitutionally dedicated conservation sales tax benefitting Arkansas State Parks and three sister conservation agencies. We now have 52 state parks on 54,400 acres with 1,800 campsites, 208 cabins, and 5 lodges serving 8 million visitors annually.
Arkansas has more than 9,700 miles of rivers and streams, and a good deal of it is perfect for floating—be it by canoe, raft or kayak.Experience a lake tour at DeGray Lake Resort, or view the sunset from your kayak on the Bull Shoals-White River. Park interpreters will guide you through the waters as they inform you about your surroundings.
Our state parks also offer lessons in how to cook in historic southern traditions. Learn about the flavors of various herbs at the Ozark Folk Center or how to prepare pizza in an earthen oven at Davidsonville.
Or get away from the harsh city lights and attend a star party. Arkansas’s state parks welcome visitors to look for constellations and learn about astronomy this spring and summer. Guided tours are offered at several parks including Village Creek and Pinnacle Mountain.
And speaking of stars, don’t forget about the opportunities at our national parks. The International Dark-Sky Association just recently designated the Buffalo National River Park as a Dark Sky Park. It is the first such designation for Arkansas and now becomes one of only 19 national parks to be officially recognized as a Dark Sky Park.
There will be a variety of ranger-led night sky programs offered at Buffalo Point this summer.
The Arkansas River flooding is impacting only a few park services. We encourage you to call the park ahead of time to ensure your planned activities are still on schedule.
Check out all Arkansas parks has to offer atwww.arkansasstateparks.com . You can find information on our national parks atwww.nps.gov.
Sevier County Goodgrid Meeting Audio Tuesday Night
Ed 88’s Loren Hinton Visited With Sevier County Judge Greg Ray Wednesday For an Audio Hospital Update
Sevier County Judge Greg Ray visited with Ed 88’s Loren Hinton Wednesday morning about the current situation with the hospital. (Click above to listen)
Scholarships Available For Upcoming Fall and Spring Semesters
Scholarships | University of Arkansas Cossatot Community College
Little River Cattlemen's Scholarship - August 16, 2019 Deadline Board of Visitor's GED - August 2016, Deadline Cawood-Wright Scholarship - August 16, 2019 Deadline Frachiseur-Pulliam Associate of Applied Science-Business Scholarship - August 16, 2019 Deadline Bill & Christa Kolb Scholarship - August 16, 2019 Deadline Disabled American Veteran Scholarship - August 16, 2019 Deadline 50/50 Scholarship - Available until filled Domtar Forestry Wood Hauler Scholarship - Available until filled
Need money for college? We have some open scholarships for the upcoming fall and spring semesters. Here is a link to the applications: https://www.cccua.edu/pay-for-college/scholarships
The deadline is August 16.
Schumer and Cotton in USA Today
Schumer & Cotton: Our bipartisan 'Fentanyl Sanctions Act' targets traffickers like China
USA Today
By: Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Chuck Schumer (D-New York)
Synthetic opioids have devastated our home states and many others. We need to work together to end an epidemic that kills tens of thousands a year. Overdosing from synthetic opioids is one of the fastest-growing causes of death in America, a crisis long in the making but one which in recent years has reached critical levels. In 2017 alone, it’s estimated that opioid overdoses claimed the lives of 48,000 Americans — more than double the number from a decade earlier. Of those deaths, approximately 32,000 involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Fentanyl, in particular, can be especially vicious. It is up to 50 times as potent as heroin, and the average adult can be killed by as little as two or three milligrams — about the size of a few grains of salt.
Drug trafficking is one of the biggest and deadliest threats facing the United States. The federal government has a responsibility to help states combat this epidemic — and that means stopping the spread of this drug at the source, something states alone cannot easily do because the source is often not in America but rather in countries like China.
China is currently the world’s largest producer of illicit fentanyl, much of which ends up in the United States. Chinese-based pharmaceutical and chemical companies produce legitimate drugs, but many knowingly divert illegitimate fentanyl products to traffickers. These traffickers then use international mail to ship these products directly to the United States or sell them to drug cartels. Poor enforcement of fentanyl restrictions in China has allowed this trafficking threat to persist.
To date, only a single fentanyl producer has been targeted with U.S. sanctions. That won’t cut it. To stem the flow of illicit drugs pouring into the United States from China and elsewhere, we have to get tougher on drug traffickers. Our law enforcement and intelligence agencies need additional resources and targeted sanctions tools to meet this challenge.
That’s why we’ve introduced the Fentanyl Sanctions Act, a bipartisan bill that would give U.S. law enforcement the tools it needs to combat opioid trafficking into the United States, particularly from China. Our bill would require the imposition of sanctions on criminal organizations that traffic these drugs into the United States, the financial institutions that assist them and the drug manufacturers that supply them. The legislation would also urge diplomatic efforts with U.S. partners to establish multilateral sanctions against foreign traffickers, and authorize new streams of funding across the U.S. government to combat opioid trafficking.
Some might find it unusual that a Republican from Arkansas and a Democrat from New York are working together on something. But when it comes to this issue we don’t think it’s unusual at all — we believe it’s necessary. Synthetic opioids have devastated both of our home states and many others across the country. If we hope to put an end to an epidemic that kills tens of thousands of people a year, we all need to work together.
We are optimistic about the road ahead. Congress has already passed sweeping legislation aimed at curbing opioid addiction here at home, but more needs to be done to stem the supply of opioids coming in from abroad. As Congress considers an annual defense bill, which is designed to defend our homeland, we have formed a bipartisan group of lawmakers who want our legislation included to deal with the fentanyl crisis. Strong drug enforcement is a critical part of homeland security, and we strongly believe our bill should be included in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act.
We cannot sit back and hope that the Communist Party in China starts doing a better job at drug enforcement. We need to act now to save American lives by curbing the flow of illegal drugs across our borders. The Fentanyl Sanctions Act is a great place to start
Mrs Myrtle Sims 2019 Woman of the Year of the AEHC Sevier County Extension Homemakers Clubs
It is with much love, pride, and admiration that the AEHC Sevier County Extension Homemakers Clubs chooses Myrtle Sims as “Woman of the Year”.
Myrtle was born July 31, 1934 in the Mt. Ida community about five miles southeast of De Queen, Arkansas. Just out of high school, she worked at The De Queen Bee. In 1953, she married Ray Sims. They bought a house in the Mt. Ida area and it was during this time that Myrtle began going to Extension Homemakers Club (EHC) meetings with her mother-in-law.
Ray was inducted into the military shortly after their marriage. They were stationed at Fort Ord in California for the duration of his tour of duty but lived in Monterey, California, a few miles away.
When they returned to Arkansas, they settled in Hot Springs where he worked for Weyerhaeuser, eventually moving back to the De Queen area. Myrtle was active in AEHC while in Hot Springs and after moving back to De Queen. She and Ray raised their three children in the area and were both active in civic, school, and church activities.
Myrtle held many offices in AEHC over the years, being president, vice president, and secretary in her local club and also held a state office for a year. She presently holds the office of vice president in the De Queen Homemakers Club.
Using her many talents, Myrtle created the winning design of the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council logo, which continues to be used today.
While Ray raised a beautiful garden each year, Myrtle was very involved in canning and preserving. She has always been a willing and respected judge at area fairs and was able to judge in many categories. In addition to her home and family activities, she is an accomplished artist, winning many awards over the years and holding offices in the Cossatot Arts and Crafts Association.
Mash Program visits OTA Program at UA Cossatot
Our OTA students worked with the MASH program for the day. The OTA students taught the MASH students about ADLs (self care and mobility) and IADLs (living independently) with a given diagnosis. They then ended the day with a wheelchair obstacle course.
Stand Up For America Celebration in Nashville July 6th
Weekly Update From State Representative DeAnn Vaught
There are now more than 460,000 students enrolled in Arkansas public schools. And an additional 18,000 attend an open enrollment charter school.
School districts range in size from less than 300 students to nearly 22,000 students. Charter schools range from about 60 students to more than 3,000.
How we fund education in our ever growing schools and provide for changing needs is through a process that begins in Education Committee meetings.
The House and Senate Education Committee met this week to begin that process for the next biennium.
Arkansas schools received many different types of funding totaling nearly 5.9 billion in 2017-18. Generally speaking, about half of school district/charter school operating revenue comes from state sources, about 40% is generated locally and about 10% comes from the federal government.
Foundation Funding primarily consists of local property tax revenues and the state aid portion of foundation funding. To determine the amount of foundation funding, Arkansas uses a specific formula, known as the matrix. The matrix calculates the per-student funding based on the cost of personnel and other resources needed to operate a prototypical school of 500 students.
Legislators involved in the biennial Adequacy Study determine the resources included in each line of the matrix and the dollar amount needed to fund it.
In the most recent legislative session, we increased the per-student funding from $6,713 to $6,899 per student for the 2019-2020 school year. It increases funding to $7,018 per student the following school year.
The committee was also presented with information on student outcome measures. In 2016, the state began administering the ACT Aspire assessment. The 2018 ACT Aspire scores show a decrease in 4th grade students scoring ready or above in math and an increase in the 8th grade math scores.
Arkansas’s high school graduation rate has increased since 2011 to 88% of high school students. While the overall increase mirrors the national trend, Arkansas has consistently achieved higher 4-year graduation rates than the national rates.
The committee is scheduled to meet again on August 19. You can watch all Joint Education Committee meetings online atwww.arkleg.state.ar.us.
2019 Southwest Arkansas Rural Business Development Conference
2019 Southwest Arkansas Rural Business Development Conference Registration
When: Thursday, July 11th, 2019, 8:30 am - 2 pm Where: Skilled Trades Building, UA Cossatot, 183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832 Contact us at (501) 747-2968 or tlmays16@gmail.com
“Retooling Rural Arkansas: Getting Rural Arkansas Back into the Game”
Providing rural residents with the skills and tools needed to create and expand small businesses and engage in job creation activities are the goals of an upcoming regional business conference to be held in De Queen, Arkansas. Funded by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (ADWS), Arkansas Human Development Corporation (AHDC), and the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development (USDA, RD), the 2019 Southwest Arkansas Rural Business Development Conference, with a theme of “Retooling Rural Arkansas: Getting Rural Arkansas Back into the Game” will bring together approximately 20 private, state, federal and nonprofit organizations with a singular mission of equipping small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills and resources to start and expand their businesses.
Hosted by the AHDC, Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center (APTAC), Henderson State University-Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), De Queen Chamber of Commerce, Sevier County, UA Cossatot and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the conference will be held Thursday, July 11, 2019 from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm at the Skilled Trades Building, which is located on the campus of UA Cossatot, 183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832. Topics will include but are not limited to, building effective business relationships, securing the right kind of capital, how to sell goods and services to the government, and how to use the many services of the ASBTDC to develop and/or expand your business.
Join us at 8:30 am for a “Breakfast with the Lenders Roundtable,” where participants will network with local, regional and statewide lenders. Lenders invited to participate include Arkansas Capital Corporation Group, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Arvest, BancorpSouth, Communities Unlimited, Diamond, First State, Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, Horatio State and Bank of Lockesburg, along with USDA, Rural Development. A breakout session devoted to SBA regulations will be led by SBA Region 6 Advocate Mr. Rhett Davis and Mr. Joe Knilans SBA Rural Affairs Advocate.
Current business owners and those just getting started, youth entrepreneurs, business and technical school students, apprentices, veterans, faith-based leaders and community and economic development professionals, are invited to attend. You will engage with other business owners, receive help with research and business planning, learn how to increase your networking results and learn to do more business with government and private industry. Mr. Edward Haddock, District Director for the Arkansas office of the SBA, will deliver the luncheon address. He will discuss the strategic focus and programs administered by the SBA as well as partnerships with other federal and private agencies.
Don’t miss the opportunity to help your community create needed JOBS by learning valuable tools to help your small business GROW! And, INNOVATE!
AN INVESTMENT OF TIME IS THE COST TO ATTEND BUT REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED.
You may register by calling Arkansas Human Development Corporation toll free at (800) 482-7641
or (501) 374-1103, ext. 10 or online at https://bit.ly/2I2iFs7
Deputy Chris Wolcott about Good Grid in Sevier County
Sevier County Arkansas Sheriff's Department Deputy Chris Wolcott was in the Ed 88 studio today to talk about Good Grid coming to Sevier County!
Keisha McKinney with Sevier County Tourism about Arkansas Archaeology
Keisha Pittman McKinney of the Sevier County Tourism Committee visited Friday on the Morning Show to talk about the many archeologists who are digging around Sevier County this month.Arkansas Archeological Survey Arkansas Archeological Society Lisa Taylor, Sevier County - AR - Economic Development Director
Arkansas Archeological Society Presentation in Lockesburg
Arkansas Archeological Society presentation in Lockesburg Thursday evening