2020 Little River Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet Thursday
2020 Little River Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at the Barbara Horn Civic Center in Ashdown. Doors will be open at 5:30 p.m.
Dinner for the evening will include your choice of grilled rib-eye steak or chicken breast, salad, vegetables and dessert.
You have the opportunity to decorate your own table. We will award a prize for the first place most beautiful and most unique. If you prefer not to decorate, we will decorate it for you. Please let us know in advance that you are planning on decorating your table.
Three levels of sponsorships are available for your selection:
Gold Sponsorship - $1,200
Three tables (24 chairs) with premier seating
Recognition during event
Recognition in printed program as Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsorship - $800
Two tables (16 chairs) with premier seating
Recognition during event
Recognition in printed program as Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsorship - $400
One table (8 chairs) with premier seating
Recognition during the event
Recognition in the printed program as Bronze Sponsor
Individual tickets may be bought for $30.00 each or two for $50.00, you may pick those up at the Chamber or Red RIver Oil.
Please contact me at the Chamber office if you are interested in a sponsorship.
We are very thankful to our businesses and people who choose to work and reside in Little River County. Please continue
to SHOP LITTLE RIVER COUNTY FIRST and we look forward to serving you in 2020!
Sincerely,
Jana Smith
Executive Director
Heavy Rains Possible in the Early Part of the Week
Here's an update on the severe weather potential for Tuesday afternoon/evening across Arkansas. Heavy rain will also be possible through mid week, with around 1 to 2 inches of rain expected.
Forecast for the Middle of the Week Calls for Snow
Around half an inch to an inch of snow is forecast for Wednesday into Thursday, with higher amounts near 2 inches possible across the northwest.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
This week, the Department of Finance and Administration announced that effective February 3, 2020, all 134 State Revenue Offices will have the ability to issue a Real ID.
Arkansas is taking part in the federal nationwide initiative to improve the security of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, which will help fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud.
Starting October 1, 2020 anyone who boards a domestic flight or enters a federal building will need a Real ID driver's license, Identification Card or other approved documentation required by the United States Department of Homeland Security.
When we previously reminded constituents of the upcoming deadline, just 25 State Revenue Offices could issue a Real ID. Now, DFA has expanded the capability to all revenue offices to make it more convenient.
The cost to obtain a REAL ID does not differ from the cost to obtain or renew a license or ID. Current Driver Licenses (DL) can upgrade to REAL ID at any time by purchasing a duplicate license. The fee for a duplicate DL is $10.00 and expiration dates remain the same. If within one year of the expiration date, you may renew and convert to the Arkansas Real ID. At regular renewal periods, the REAL ID may be purchased for $40.00 and will not expire for eight (8) years.
Real ID will not replace a U.S. Passport or allow border crossing. A Real ID Driver’s License is optional and only required for individuals who wish to continue using their Driver’s License to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after October 1, 2020.
Should you have any questions about the Real ID, please contact the Office of Driver Services at 501-682-7059, email questions to driver.services@dfa.arkansas.gov or VISIT www.ar.gov/realid or www.dhs.gov/real-id
REAL ID
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver's licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act's minimum standards. The purposes covered by the Act are: accessing Federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and, boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.
Rotaract has Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Valentine's Day
Sevier County Chamber Banquet February 27th
Tickets are available! E-mail us at dqchamber@gmail.com for information and table reservations.
Sevier County Coalition to Host February Lunch-and-Learn on Heart Health
February is Heart Month, the perfect time to learn lifesaving information about heart health. On Thursday, February 27, 2020, the Sevier County Coalition’s Live Well Sevier County Committee and UA Cossatot will be co-hosting a Lunch-n-Learn entitled “Early Heart Attack Care” at UA Cossatot’s De Queen Campus. The presentation will begin at 12:00 noon in the Weyerhaeuser room, located in the Skilled Trades Building, and will conclude at 12:30 p.m.
Presenter Leah Harper will be teaching participants to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart attack including risk factors, how symptoms can differ for men and women and atypical presentations of a heart attack. Harper says, “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in the United States,” adding “Last year alone, 647,457 people died of heart disease. A number of these deaths could have been prevented.”
Harper is a registered Radiologic Technologist (RT(R), ARRT) and native of Sevier County with a background is in Radiologic Sciences. She has worked at Christus Saint Michael Health System for over 36 years, including 26 years in the Heart Cath Lab. She is currently the supervisor for the Heart Cath, Electrophysiology and Interventional Radiology labs; and active in community outreach. Harper says, “Heart health is something I’m very passionate about. Heart disease doesn’t just happen to older adults. The conditions that lead to it are now being seen in younger adults more often. My goal is to save lives by educating the public on how to be savers instead of enablers.”
All are invited to bring their lunch and join Mrs. Harper for this free event. For more on Lunch-and-Learn programs, visit the Sevier County Coalition website at www.seviercountycoalition.com or call UA Cossatot’s Continuing Education Services at (870) 584-4471
Community Organization | Sevier County Coalition | United States
Have a local event you would like to add? Contact us below and we can add it to our community calendar!
Brad Chesshir Speaker at De Queen Lions Club Tuesday
Brad Chesshir, new head football coach at De Queen, was the guest speaker at today’s Lions Club noon meeting in De Queen.
February Sevier County Library Snippets by: Johnye Fisher
Each Sevier County Library Branch recently received a wonderfully generous gift of 100 new children’s book from The Brownstone Book Fund.
We would all like to say a BIG Thank you to Diane. Without folks like her our libraries could not continue to thrive.
The De Queen Library; The Caplinger family will be donating a bronze plaque in memory of their Beloved mother Thema Caplinger. She instilled upon her children the love of reading and are still avid readers. There will be a ceremony on February 5th at 1:00 pm. Everyone is invited to attend.
We will have a story time and Making Valentine’s with Klondike February 12, 2020 at 4pm. Come on in and make Valentine Cards for the Nursing center folks here in De Queen.
Don’t forget those Domino games going on Wednesdays at 10am.You can contact us by calling 870-584-4364 or visiting our Facebook page www.facebook.com/seviercountylibrary
Happy Valentines Day from the Horatio Library. There are several things going on this month. We will have two children's programs one on the 1st and the other on the 15th. Both will be at 10 a.m. Every Thursday we have a Mexican train domino game at 9:30. We have a trophy for the winner so whoever wins that week gets to take a trophy home. Believe me when I say they like to have fun and laugh but they take the game very serious. We have several new books on the shelf from authors such as Stewart Woods, Suzanne Wood Fisher, Melinda Leigh just to name a few. We also had a 100 new children's books that were donated by The Brownstone Book Fund. We have had several used Christian Fiction books that we are working on getting on the shelf. We are trying to figure out if there is an interest in a Book Club in Horatio. If you would be interested in joining please give us a call at 870-832-6882. Have a Blessed month and we hope to see you at the Horatio Library.
At the Lockesburg Library there will be a book club discussion of February’s selection “Where Somebody Waits”, by Margaret Kaufman at 10:00, Saturday, Feb. 8. March’s book club selection will be available to pick up at this meeting.
Please join us on Saturday, February 22 for a “Come and Go”, “Meet the Author/ Book Talk/Book Signing” with Davida F. Wynn from 10-11:30. Davida F. Wynn is an advanced practice nurse, author, motivational coach, and speaker. She has resided in the Atlanta, Georgia metro area for the past five years. She is a 1999 graduate of Lockesburg High School. Her family continues to live in our area.
Contact Wendy Clay at 870-289-2233 for more information concerning programs, books and activities at the library.
Lockesburg Library’s Summer Reading Programs for children are
continuing in July on Saturdays at 10:00.
July 6: Take Me to Your Reader
July 13: Shoot For the Moon
These programs will be a fun way to include reading and reading-
related activities this summer while helping to maintain and
improve children’s reading skills.
Everyone is invited come in to the library and participate in our
40”x 36”, “Stick Together” poster illustrating the theme “A
Universe Of Stories”.
Visit the Lockesburg Library on Facebook for posts of our
programs, reading contests and projects or call Mz. Wendy at
870-289-2233 for more information.
Lockesburg Library’s Summer Reading Programs for children are
continuing in July on Saturdays at 10:00.
July 6: Take Me to Your Reader
July 13: Shoot For the Moon
These programs will be a fun way to include reading and reading-
related activities this summer while helping to maintain and
improve children’s reading skills.
Everyone is invited come in to the library and participate in our
40”x 36”, “Stick Together” poster illustrating the theme “A
Universe Of Stories”.
Visit the Lockesburg Library on Facebook for posts of our
programs, reading contests and projects or call Mz. Wendy at
870-289-2233 for more information.
On Saturday, Aug. 3rd at 10 AM the “That’s My Story and
I’m Stickin’ to It” Book Club will meet at the Lockesburg
Library to discuss the novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale” by
Margaret Atwood.
Our “Biggest Book Sale of the Year” will be held the first
two weeks in August. Paperbacks books will be available
for .50 and hardback books $1. Don’t miss this opportunity
to purchase some really nice books and support your
library’s fund raiser.
Visit the Lockesburg Library on Facebook for posts of our
programs, activities and projects or call Mz. Wendy at 870-
289-2233 for more information concerning programs and
activities at the library.
On Saturday, Aug. 3rd at 10 AM the “That’s My Story and
I’m Stickin’ to It” Book Club will meet at the Lockesburg
Library to discuss the novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale” by
Margaret Atwood.
Our “Biggest Book Sale of the Year” will be held the first
two weeks in August. Paperbacks books will be available
for .50 and hardback books $1. Don’t miss this opportunity
to purchase some really nice books and support your
library’s fund raiser.
Visit the Lockesburg Library on Facebook for posts of our
programs, activities and projects or call Mz. Wendy at 870-
289-2233 for more information concerning programs and
activities at the library.
Due to recent changes the hours for Gillham Library will be Saturdays 10 am- 2pm until further notice. For more information, you can contact at the Gillham Library at 870-386-5665. We are currently looking for volunteers please call the De Queen Library at 870-584-4364
Lisa Taylor, Sevier County Economic Development Director
Ed 88’s Loren Hinton visits with Sevier County Economic Development Director - Lisa Taylor
Julie Rhodes of UA Cossatot Interview
Julie Rhodes of UA Cossatot visits with Ed 88’s Loren Hinton and talks about the opportunities for high school students to earn a 2 year associate degree through UA Cossatot before leaving high school. If the student transfers to UofA, he/she will pay the same tuition fees of UA Cossatot.
Edge Vote for Growth Interview
Ed 88’s Loren Hinton in the studio with Daniel Martinez, Monica Pearce, and Bud Gentry of Edge Vote for Growth
County 4-H Clubs Reorganizing
The Sevier County 4-H clubs are reorganizing and seeking new members and leaders. The purpose of these clubs is to give youth ages 5-19 an opportunity to participate in the youth development educational program of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Youth in 4-H clubs will learn life skills, enhance leadership skills, and increase self-esteem while serving in a number of community service projects. Youth in 4-H clubs have an opportunity to compete in a number of competitive activities, attend camps, and earn scholarships for education.
The following is a list of the Sevier County 4-H clubs: Chapel Hill 4-H Club, Happy Face 4-H Club, Lakeside 4-H Club, Infinity∞ 4-H Club, Froglevel Hoppers 4-H Club, Shooting Sports 4-H Club, Teen Leaders 4-H Club, Goin’ Showin’ 4-H Club, Legacy 4-H After School Club and Community Changers 4-H Club.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
For more information about meetings, 4-H club membership or program benefits, contact Sevier County Cooperative Extension Service located in the Adams Building on the UA Cossatot Campus in De Queen or call (870) 584-3013.
Area Schools Cancel Classes Wednesday Because of Winter Weather
Classes have been cancelled today because of weather in De Queen, Horatio, Foreman, Nashville, and Ashdown. Classes at UA Cossatot locations will run as usual with the exception of LPN, OTA, and PTA.
Alma Puga Honored as Student of the Month at De Queen Lions Club Meeting
De Queen Lion President, Bryan Blackwood, presented a certificate today to Alma Puga for Student of the Month. Alma is a senior at De Queen High School, Vice President of the National Honor Society, class president of seniors in the Student Council, member of FBLA and De Queen High tennis team, Interact Club Vice President, Girls State attendee, and Leopard filmer.
The 2020 Top 60 Online Community Colleges List Includes UA Cossatot
Intelligent.com is a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning. They recently announced their national community college list for 2020 listing the top 60 online community colleges in the United States. UA Cossatot was included on this list and was also named the “Most Affordable Online Community College” in the nation.
After comprehensive research, UA Cossatot was included in this list. Of the top 60 community colleges, UA Cossatot was ranked at number 15.
The 2020 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system, which includes student engagement, potential return on investment, and leading third-party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 286 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 60 making it to the final list.
Students who choose any one of these online schools are expected to gain employment at a faster rate. Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs.
Dr. Steve Cole, Chancellor of UA Cossatot said, on the rankings, “It is certainly an honor to be on any list that shows we are creating tremendous value for our students. We feel that when students choose us, they made a thoughtful decision based on many things, including affordability and employment once they are finished. We help students check both of those boxes at UA Cossatot”.
UA Cossatot was the first Arkansas institution of higher education to offer a degree completely online and continues to lead the way in the number of courses and programs offered online. UA Cossatot also rewards online students by offering most online courses free of textbook costs. To learn more about these opportunities, please visit www.cccua.edu
New Home Page - Intelligent
College Life When it comes time to study, there are many common study methods that can help enhance your exam prep. By Kristen Scatton STUDENT FINANCES By Nam Phan College Life By Kristen Scatton Featured The things that concern students the most about college.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Research tells us that 61% of low-income families have no age-appropriate books in their homes. Middle-income homes have an average of 13 books per child.
On average, children in poverty have been exposed to only 25 hours of one-on-one reading, compared to middle-class children who have been exposed to 1,000-1,700 hours of one-on-one reading. Only 48% of young children are read to daily.
Exposure to books provides significant academic advantages as 85% of the brain is developed between the ages of 3-5.
To provide Arkansas families with more resources, a state 501 (c) (3) partnered with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in July 2017. Arkansas is 1 of 4 states to partner with the organization.
In 1995, singer-songwriter Dolly Parton launched the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, to benefit the children of her home county in East Tennessee. Her vision was to foster a love of reading among her county’s preschool children and their families. The new program gave each child from birth to age 5 a specially selected book each month.
The program has expanded and now delivers 1.4 million books each month to children nationwide.
Recently, the House and Senate Education Committees were updated on the progress of the Arkansas Imagination Library.
Approximately, 39,000 books are delivered each month to Arkansas children enrolled in the program. And in the last year, more than 427,000 books have been delivered to Arkansas homes. The number of books mailed monthly grew 87.3% in just two years.
Thousands of families could still benefit from the program. Any family with children ages 5 and under can sign up regardless of income. We have provided a link on our website www.arkansashouse.org
Arkansas Secretary of State
Secretary of State John Thurston to Open Northwest Arkansas Office
Ashdown Alumni Association will host John Moore on Saturday, February 22
The Ashdown Alumni Association will host Ashdown High School Class of 1980 Graduate John Moore on Saturday, February 22 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Alumni House located at 751 Rankin Street. Mr. Moore will be signing copies of his most recent books Write of Passage: A Southerner’s View of Then and Now, Volume One and Two. They are available on Amazon and copies will be available at the signing for $10 each.
John Moore is a native of Ashdown, Arkansas, but he has called Texas home for over 30 years. He is a former radio announcer and worked at several stations in Arkansas and Texas. From 1979-1982, he even worked at Ashdown’s former station KMLA. While a student at AHS, he worked on the journalism staff as a photographer for the school paper and annual.
He currently owns One Moore Production, a recording studio where he does commercial voice work and books on tape for Audible. His weekly column, Moore Thoughts appears in the Marshall News-Messenger, Tyler Morning Telegraph, the Longview News-Journal, the Texarkana Gazette, and six others.
Mr. Moore said, "I am looking forward to coming home to Ashdown to see family and friends and I'm looking forward to supporting the Alumni Association through my book signing. I hope to see everyone come out on Saturday the 22nd from 11 to 2 and thanks to the Ashdown Alumni Association and the Ashdown School District for inviting me to come.”
Bill Craig Named Paul Harris Fellow at Nashville Rotary
Bill Craig of Howard Memorial Hospital was named a Paul Harris Fellow at this week's Nashville Rotary Club meeting. Also pictured is Carol Murray who made the presentation.