Edge Vote for Growth at Lions Club Meeting Tuesday

Lion Teri Hart introduced today’s guest speakers at De Queen Lions Club. Monica Pearce, Kathy Tallant, and Mary Dooley were speaking for Edge Vote for Growth, made up of 35 local business owners, to build community development in Sevier County. Edge has a petition to place on the ballot in November the vote for or against the sale of alcohol in Sevier County. Edge wants to to let the people and businesses decide. Edge is for keeping the tax dollars that are going to neighboring counties and states to stay right here in Sevier County. If you are interested in signing the petition, they are available in area businesses

International Women's Day was March 8th

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women throughout the world.  UA Cossatot celebrated across all three campuses on Monday, March 09, 2020 bringing awareness to all students, faculty and staff of the college by wearing a pink or purple shirt.    Thank you to all who participated!

Sporting Clay Tournament in Texarkana March 28th

Hunter’s Education Class at UA Cossatot De Queen on Saturday, March 28th

A one day Hunters Ed class will be held on Saturday, March 28, at the Adam’s Building on UA Cossatot Campus in De Queen from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. You will need to bring a sack lunch and you must attend all day in order to test.

Anyone born after 1968 must complete a hunter’s education course and carry a valid hunter’s education card to hunt in Arkansas. Children under 16 may hunt without the class as long as they are under the direct supervision of an adult who is 21 years old or older. There is no specific age requirement to enroll in hunter’s education however, the educational material is based on a sixth-grade reading level. Arkansas recognizes hunter’s education cards from other states. Arkansas’s hunter’s education program is recognized in all states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. You must sign up by going to: https://register-ed.com/events/view/159688. There is a limit of 20 participants so you may want to sign up early. If you have any questions, please call Kim Frachiseur at the Sevier County Extension Office at 870-584-3013.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

With spring just around the corner, it's important to remember that state and federal income tax forms are due soon. Both state and federal income tax forms must be postmarked no later than April 15, 2020, to avoid penalties and late fees.

The legislature prioritized and passed several changes to its tax laws during the 92nd General Assembly, which means that your income tax rate may have changed from last year.

The passage of ACT 182 during the 2019 legislative session, for example, reduces the top income tax rate in our state from 6.9% to 6.6%. The income tax rate will lower again in 2021 to 5.9%. This rate reduction took effect on January 1, 2020, for individuals and will be phased in for corporations by 2021. This is in addition to previous tax cuts passed in recent years impacting every income group.

Because of these reduced tax rates, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration announced to employers that the income tax withholding tables will change. As a result, you may see an increase in the amount of your paycheck starting this month.

This increase will be offset in the future by lower tax refunds. As tax refunds issued now relate to tax year 2019 they are not affected by the withholding changes. The upcoming withholding changes will not impact annual refunds until calendar year 2021.

Many Arkansans can utilize the IRS’s Free File program. This web-based program is a free federal tax preparation and electronic filing program for the approximately 70% of taxpayers who earn less than $60,000 in annual adjusted gross income. Eligible consumers can go to IRS.gov and choose from multiple private companies that will file federal returns at no charge.

If you cannot afford to pay for tax preparation assistance, you may also be eligible to receive free help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). Consumers can call (800) 829-1040 for information about VITA volunteer locations near them. Additionally, seniors can contact AARP at (888) 227-7669 to find the nearest TCE Tax-Aide site.

Internal Revenue Service | An official website of the United States government

An official website of the United States Government

4-H Outdoor County O’Rama

Sevier County 4-H held their annual Outdoor County 4-H O’Rama February 17. The competitive events included gun safety and BB gun marksmanship, reel into sports fishing, and bicycle. The winners of these events will be eligible to compete at the District 4-H O’Rama that’s held in June. Even though it was a wet day, 32 4-H’ers showed up to compete. Winners from each competition are as follows:

Gun Safety and BB Gun – Juniors: 1st – Landon Frachieur, 2nd – Darrbey Courtwright, 3rd – Jake Sawyer & Kyle Williamson, 4th - Charlie Collins, and 5th - Sy Collins. Seniors: 1st – Hunter Frachiseur, 2nd – Amber Morris, 3rd – Blake Sawyer, 4th - Brayden Frachiseur, and 5th - Ethan Wolcott.

Reel into Sports Fishing – Juniors: 1st – Landon Frachiseur, 2nd – Pace Frachiseur, and 3rd – Raegan Frachiseur, 4th - Kolton Dockins, and 5th - Max Rosson. Seniors: 1st – Marcus Rosson, 2nd - Brayden Frachiseur, 3rd - Hunter Frachiseur, 4th - Ethan Wolcott, and 5th - Madison Bagley

Bicycle – Juniors: 1st – James Bartek, 2nd – Jake Sawyer, and 3rd – Evan Wolcott, 4th- Matthew Maben, and 5th - Libbie Bartek. Senior: 1st - Dori Bartek, 2nd - Blake Sawyer.

For more information on 4-H, contact Sevier County Extension Service at (870) 584-3013.

Pictured: Brayden Frachiseur takes the sports fishing test where he ID’s the parts of fish and different types of fish during the 4-H Outdoor O’Rama held on February 17.

VIDEO - Sevier County Hospital Board Met Thursday Afternoon March 5th

Valentin Hernandez Won 2nd place at the Mena Art Show

De Queen Middle School sixth grader, Valentin Hernandez, recently won 2nd place at the Mena Art Show.

Horatio FFA Auction and Chili Supper March 19th

$7 Entry-All you can eat chili with all of the fixings
Come out and support our FFA students at the annual auction & chili Supper! Student-made items such as: Hay Rings, Benches, Swings, Metal Art, Deer Stand, Tables, Custom Furniture, Entertainment Center, Pies, Hog Trap, (20) 8-hour labor lots & loads of other items will be up for bidding starting at 7pm.

Two De Queen Band Members Sign with UAM

Sevier County Coalition to Host March Lunch and Learn on Drug Abuse

On Thursday, March 19, 2020, the Sevier County Coalitions Live Well Sevier County Committee and UA Cossatot will be co-hosting a lunch-and-learn entitled “Preventing and Overcoming Drug Abuse” at UA Cossatot’s De Queen Campus. The presentation will be held in the Weyerhaeuser room, located in the Skilled Trades Building, from 11:00 A.M. to 12:20 P.M.

Hattie Vance, the RSAT Aftercare Coordinator with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, will bring the presentation which will consist of people giving their testimonies with stories of addiction, incarceration, and recovery. Skits and real-life scenarios will be performed to show the harmful effects of drug abuse and how it affects the entire family unit.

The mission of the program is to show people how easy it is to get off track in life by making wrong choices and how those wrong choices can have lasting effects. Those who attend the lunch-and-learn will learn ways to prevent and overcome drug abuse.

All are invited to bring their lunch and enjoy this free presentation. For more on lunch-and-learn programs, please visit the Sevier County Coalition’s website at www.seviercountycoalition.com, Ed 88’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bigbaded88 or call UA Cossatot’s Continuing Education department at 870-584-1178

### University of Arkansas Cossatot is a community college in Southwest Arkansas accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Offering technical certification and Associate degrees, UAC also collaborates with other colleges and universities to offer bachelor's degrees on its three campuses. UAC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution in compliance with the Higher Education Act of 1965 and other Civil Rights laws and offers equal opportunity for admission and employment. Employment preference is given to applicants possessing a Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) with all other qualifications being equal. Programs and activities of UAC are provided to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, Vietnam era veteran or special disabled veteran status, or sex. Questions or concerns regarding affirmative action can be directed to the Compliance Officer, c/o UA Cossatot, 183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832. For Arkansas RELAY Voiced Services call 711 or 800-285-1121. Visit www.cccua.edu for more information.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

The UA Cossatot Employee Safety and Wellness Committee would like to remind everyone that March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

“Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined in the United States.”~fightcolorectalcancer.org 

·         During the next year, one in twenty people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, bringing an estimated 147,950 new cases in 2020. 

·         Proper screening could prevent sixty percent of colorectal cancer deaths. 

·         While data indicates that new colorectal cancers in those over age 50 have fallen consistently since 1985, rates of colorectal cancer for those under age 50 have risen, especially for rectal cancer. 

Helpful information can be found at https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/colorectal-cancer/facts-stats/ 

Attached is a fact sheet from the American Cancer Society, which lists common risk factors for colon cancer: 

·         Heredity – Up to 30% of people with colorectal cancer have a family history of the disease.

·         Personal history of colorectal polyps, previously treated colorectal cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease.

·         Personal history of radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer.

·         Type 2 diabetes.

·         Obesity.

·         Physical inactivity.

·         Diets high in red or processed meat and/or diets low in calcium, fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain fiber.

·         Smoking.

·         Alcohol use.

Facts about colon cancer & rectal cancer | Fight CRC

Need more information about colorectal cancer to share with your family, friends, or community? Know the facts and tell someone you care about. Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined in the United States. There will be an estimated 147,950 new cases of colorectal cancer in 2020.

VIDEO - Sevier County Tourism Committee Nominated for Arkansas's Bootstrap Award

Keisha McKinney with Governor Asa Huthinson at the awards banquet of the Governor's Conference on Tourism tonight in Ft Smith. The Sevier County Tourism Committee has been nominated for the Bootstrap Award.

Keisha McKinney talks about the Importance of the Sevier County Tourism Committee's nomination for a statewide award.

VIDEO - Census 2020 with De Queen Mayor Jeff Brown

Sheriff's Department Investigates Mystery of Man found Lying in Ditch, Covered in Blood

Sevier County Sheriff deputies were dispatched to a home on Farm to Market Road the morning of Feb. 29, regarding a male subject lying in a ditch covered in blood. Deputy Chet Stubbs arrived and found Stephen Cole Smith, 30, of De Queen, who he recognized from previous law enforcement encounters. Smith was conscious but not alert and was only wearing a blue pair of boxer brief underwear and was covered in blood.

For the complete story, visit:

https://www.dequeenbee.com

Sheriff's Department investigates mystery of man found lying in ditch, covered in blood

Sevier County Sheriff deputies were dispatched to a home on Farm to Market Road the morning of Feb. 29, regarding a male subject lying in a ditch covered in blood. Deputy Chet Stubbs arrived and found Stephen Cole Smith, 30, of De Queen, who he recognized from previous law enforcement encounters.

2020 Spring Officers are Elected to Serve in Collegiate FFA

UA Cossatot’s Collegiate FFA organization announces the spring 2020 FFA officers. These officers will serve for a term of one semester and be active leaders in UA Cossatot’s FFA.

The officers include President Codie Jamison, Vice President John Hardin, Secretary Kinley Wright, Treasurer Lindy Price, and Reporter Kelsey Russell.

(L-R): John Hardin, Will McAlister, Lindy Price, Brennen Seymour, Kinley Wright, Kirsten Nicholas, Kelsey Russell, and Codie Jamison

Scholarship recipients not pictured: Dusty Kesterson and Courtney Vaught

UA Cossatot’s FFA student organization gives students who are interested in agriculture the chance to learn about opportunities in this field while also learning skills in leadership, communication, and networking. Building friendships and scholarship opportunities are other benefits of being in UA Cossatot’s Collegiate FFA as well.

(L-R): John Hardin, Lindy Price, Codie Jamison, Kinley Wright, Kelsey Russell

This spring, UA Cossatot’s FFA will be hosting the annual plant sale in the greenhouse on the De Queen campus. The plant sale provides an affordable resource for local producers to acquire a variety of plants for their spring gardens. Students learn to grow and care for the plants, and they also obtain valuable customer service skills while interacting with the public during the sale.

For additional information about UA Cossatot’s Collegiate FFA, please contact Kelli Harris at 870-584-1218.

De Queen Lions Club Tuesday Noon Meeting

De Queen Mayor Jeff Brown introduced today’s guest speakers at De Queen Lions Club. Dennis Pruitt and Jay Litchford with the De Queen Fire Department talked about some of the new equipment of the department, including a new extractor and dryer to rid the suits of dangerous carcinogens when they return from a fire call. The equipment is in place at the De Queen Fire Department and is also available to other area fire departments. Pruitt said the department wanted to thank Mayor Brown for asking and receiving the governor’s grant money from Arkansas to purchase the needed equipment.

VIDEO - Esteban Ochoa and Franklin Bahena Update on Samaritan Field Project in De Queen

Sevier County Sheriff Deputies Capture Escaped Inmates

A pair of inmates were caught trying to escape from the Sevier County Jail at approximately 1:30 p.m. on March 2. According to Sevier County Sheriff Robert Gentry, inmates William R. Cooper and Caleb Brown, while on the exercise yard, decided to escape.

For the complete story, visit https://www.dequeenbee.com

Sheriff deputies capture escaped inmates

A pair of inmates were caught trying to escape from the Sevier County Jail at approximately 1:30 p.m. on March 2.According to Sevier County Sheriff Robert Gentry, inmates William R. Cooper and Caleb Brown, while on the exercise yard, decided to escape.

De Queen/Sevier County Chamber Awards Banquet Winners