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
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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.
Beekeeping Program for Youths Starts This Month
Southwest Arkansas Beekeepers Association is continuing a youth beekeeping program started last year. The two-year program provides beekeeping education and guidance to youths through age nineteen and teaches them the skills to continue the hobby into later life. Successful completion of the two-year program earns the youth a hive of bees and certification. At least one parent or legal adult guardian MUST accompany Junior Beekeepers during workshops, meetings and other activities of the program. Any youths who are allergic to bee stings may not participate in this program.
Applications are available at Monday night's meeting of Southwest Arkansas Beekeepers at 6pm, Room 101, UA Cossatot in Nashville. For more information, contact Sheila Kreul at (870) 845-8524 or Jack Threat at (870) 557-4837. Applications must be received by February 1.
UA Cossatot’s Textbook/OER Program Helps Therapy Students Save Money
The University of Arkansas Cossatot Textbook Rental/Open Educational Resource (OER) Program continues to help students overcome financial barriers by including two primary medical programs.
The college’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) programs transitioned from requiring students to buy textbooks to renting, which will save students over $18,000 per year.
UA Cossatot Director of Educational Resources and OER Specialist Relinda Ruth proposed a three-payment plan for each program that allows students to rent all the required textbooks for a minimal fee.
“Textbooks are expensive and create another financial hardship for students,” said Ruth. “Our sole purpose has always been removing barriers to education for students and we are pleased that the college’s PTA and OTA programs are joining the program to help achieve that goal.”
UA Cossatot has saved students over $1.5 million since becoming the first two-year college in Arkansas to implement an internal textbook rental and OER program in early 2015. Including medical programs will greatly increase student savings.
“We are excited to be able to offer this textbook rental program to our students,” said UA Cossatot PTA Program Director Jennifer Sanderson. “Renting, rather than buying, textbooks saves our students hundreds of dollars.”
Over half of the courses at UA Cossatot do not require a textbook and instead use OER materials to supplement instruction.
For more information about textbook rentals, OER, or student services the Educational Resource Center (ERC) offers, please contact Relinda Ruth at 870-584-1181
ServSafe Training
Heavy Rainfall Expected Friday and Friday Night
National Weather Service predicting heavy rain over the next couple of days.
Richard Pearce Guest Speaker at Tuesday's Lions Club in De Queen
Lion Kevin Williamson introduced today’s speaker at De Queen Lions Club noon meeting. Richard Pearce is the Live Operations Manager for Tyson Foods in this area.
National Weather Service Watching A Possible Significant Weather Event For Arkansas Friday and Saturday
An active pattern is expected later this week, especially Friday and Saturday. A storm system will arrive from the southern Plains, and will likely trigger areas of heavy to excessive rain and severe storms.
As of this morning, it appears two to more than five inches of rain could fall across Arkansas. The heaviest rain is expected from west central through central into northeast sections of the state (from Mena through Clinton and Little Rock and on toward Jonesboro and Corning). Severe weather (tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail) is favored over southwest sections of the state.
The storm track will be very important, and will determine where the heaviest rain falls, and how much severe weather materializes. A more northerly track will skew the heaviest rain to the north, with more of the state affected by severe storms. A track to the south will move the heaviest rain to the south, will mean less severe weather, and could result in light wintry precipitation in northern and western Arkansas as colder air arrives Saturday.
It will also be windy surrounding the system. Breezy southerly winds will kick up on Thursday and Friday, and will shift to the northwest and remain gusty on Saturday.
This is looking more and more like a significant event. Now is the time to prepare.
The Midnight Crew
National Weather Service
Little Rock, Arkansas
Legacy Initiatives Announces Trail Building School
In 2018 Legacy Initiatives was one of 3 organizations nationwide to receive the inaugural Trail Accelerator Grant (TAG) through the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). This was a matching grant made possible by local businesses and private donors. The grant's purpose was to help design and accelerate the process of trail building. The initial phase of the design process has taken place and Legacy is now applying for grants to help fund the trail building, which can be very expensive.
Dr. Jason Lofton, who has been the lead on this project for Legacy Initiatives, has been in talks with IMBA representatives to bring an exciting opportunity for our local residents. "In efforts to speed up the trail building process, we are going to host a mini Trail Building School January 23-25. This will involve a 3-4 hour classroom session with two days in the field at the lake actually breaking ground on the proposed trail. Those involved in the Trail Building School will serve as team leads on the future trail project.” Legacy Initiatives is seeking area residents who are interested in being a part of this exciting opportunity and laying the foundation for a vast variety of outdoor recreation opportunities in our area.
The plan is for there to be multi-use trails designed specifically for mountain biking but which can also be enjoyed by walkers, runners and hikers. The vision is to have trails surrounding the entire lake connecting all the campgrounds. This will create a vast recreation opportunity for local residents as well as a new tourism destination for mountain bikers. The popularity of cycling has grown significantly over the past decade with the cycling industry contributing approximately $6.2 billion to the US economy. There are an estimated 47.5 billion cyclists in the US and that number is growing every year.
Dr Lofton hopes the trails will encourage local residents to get out and enjoy our vast natural resources and that over time we can grow into a cycling community. “I want to see our part of the state get healthier and one way to do this is through cycling”. With our proximity to the Dallas Ft. Worth metroplex and Hochatown, Dr. Lofton believes there is a place for cycling tourism here in Southwest Arkansas. “Arkansas is quickly becoming a cycling tourism state thanks to what the Walton Foundation is doing in Northwest Arkansas. Our vision with Legacy Initiatives is to help improve the lives of the people in Sevier County and Southwest Arkansas. We believe by helping be a catalyst for outdoor recreation through these trails this can help stimulate our local economy, overall health and quality of life in our area”.
If you are interested in being a part of the Trail Building School please contact Jason Lofton at jason.lofton@legacymail.org or call his office at 870-642-4000.
