Ashdown High School Senior Trap Team at the AYSSP State Trap Tournament
The Ashdown High School Senior Trap Team competed at the AYSSP State Trap Tournament on June 1. Kenzy Bishop shot a perfect score.
Pictured Front Row (l-r): Kenzy Bishop, Jake Day, Chico Markle, Hunter Lewis, and Colby Dellinger
Back Row (l-r) Mickey Bishop, Chris Markle, Stacy Day, and Adam Dellinger
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
Dustin Roberts and the Colt Bolt Glow Run 5K
Dustin Roberts of the UA Cossatot Foundation reminded folks Friday of the upcoming Colt Bolt GLOW run 5k run on Saturday, June 22 in Lockesburg.
Ashdown High Pom Squad Qualifies for Nationals
Front row (l-r): MaKayla Dixon, Aniya Polite and Vonjoy Thomas
Back row (l-r): Quincya Faulks, Andria Ricks, Samya Williams, and Traniya Ross
Makayla Dixon, Aniya Polite and Vonjoy Thomas
Makayla Dixon and Vonjoy Thomas
On June 9th, the Ashdown High School Pom Squad attended camp at Panama City Beach, Florida and received numerous awards.
They received the Spirit Award, Most Improved Team Camp Award, 12 blue ribbons and 2 red ribbons. MaKayla Dixon and Vonjoy Thomas received All American Awards, while three Pom Squad Seniors will be awarded a trip to Disney World. They are MaKayla Dixon, Aniya Polite, and Vonjoy Thomas.
The squad also received a Superior Trophy which will allow them to attend Nationals in Orlando, Florida in January 2020. Angie Cook is squad sponsor. Cook said, “This was truly our best camp yet. The girls have been working hard to accomplish the Superior Award.”
Arkansas Archeological Society Presentation in Lockesburg
Arkansas Archeological Society presentation in Lockesburg Thursday evening
Diesel Technology Program is Available at UA Cossatot
UA Cossatot has a Diesel Technology program at its De Queen Campus for students who would like to pursue a career as a Diesel Technician or Diesel Mechanic. This program is new to UA Cossatot and will begin this fall.
The Diesel Technology program is a one year (two-semester program) that provides training in diesel engines, brakes, electrical components, and steering and suspension. After completing the 35 credit hour program, students can graduate with a technical certificate in Diesel Technology and receive four certificates of proficiency.
After receiving the technical certificate for Diesel Technology, students can continue their education by choosing to get an associate’s degree in General Technology at UA Cossatot for more opportunities.
Mark Kutak will be the Diesel Technology program, instructor at UA Cossatot. Mr. Kutak brings years of work experience in diesel technology, including both military and civilian. Combined with his years of teaching experience at UA Cossatot, he will be prepared to deliver quality instruction to both high school students enrolled in the Secondary Career Center as well as college, post-secondary, students.
Diesel technician students in Mr. Kutak’s classes can expect quality one-on-one instruction and hands-on training with all new equipment.
The median pay in the United States for a diesel service technician and diesel mechanic is $46, 360 a year. Employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is projected to increase due to more freight
being shipped across the country and the popularity of diesel engines being used. Starting pay can be as high as $39,000 a year or more with the opportunity to make more money with time and experience.
Scholarships are also available for students specifically in this program. To learn about financial aid opportunities at UA Cossatot, please speak with someone in financial aid at 870-584-1112.
To learn more about UA Cossatot’s Diesel Technology program or to sign up for classes, please contact Student Services in person or by calling 870-584-4471.
To learn how you can take college credit classes in high school for Diesel Technology, please contact High School Programs Director, Julie Rhodes at jrhodes@cccua.edu.
Hospital Update in Thursday's Sevier County Quorum Court Meeting
The Sevier County Quorum Court will meet at 2 pm today to hear from the legal team representing the the group that is leading an effort to establish a new hospital in the county. The meeting is open to the public, but only questions from the JP's to the lawyers will be heard. The meeting will take place in the second floor court room and will be live streamed on the Ed 88 Facebook page and on this ed88radio.com web page.
Annual Adult Awards Banquet at Howard County Children's Center
The Annual Adult Awards Banquet were held Friday, June 7 at the Howard County Children's Center All Purpose Building.
(Not Pictured are Barbara Allen -Work Activity Award and Ronnie Hipp - Work Activity Award)
Melissa Zabecki of the Arkansas Archeological Survey
Special guest on the Thursday Ed-ition of The Morning Show was Melissa Zabecki of the Arkansas Archeological Survey. Mel talked about the AAS digs going on right now in Sevier County and invites everyone to her presentation at the historic Bank of Lockesburg / UA Cossatot gym at 6:30 Thursday night, 06/13.
Upcoming Lifeshare Blood Drives in De Queen June 14-15
Thank you for being a blood donor! The community relies on volunteer donors, like you, to provide this lifesaving resource for everyday medical needs and in times of emergency or disaster.
Plan to donate at one of these blood drives, or another location near you.
Keith Wester
Friday, June 14
Tractor Supply
708A E Collin Raye
De Queen, AR 71832
1pm - 6pm
Walmart - DeQueen Community
Saturday, June 15
926 East Collin Raye Drive
De Queen, AR 71832
2pm - 7pm
Emily White at De Queen Lions Club Meeting on Tuesday
Special guest speaker Tuesday at the De Queen Lions Club Meeting was Emily White who is currently working as the District Court Judge for the 4th Congressional District in Arkansas - Hot Spring and Grant counties. Emily talked about her previous law experience as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, in the private sector, and as Deputy Executive Director in the Little Rock area.
State of Arkansas District Court Judge Emily White and De Queen Lions Club President Jeff Brown
First Annual Art in the Park Event Saturday, June 15th at Herman Dierks Park in DQ
CALLING ALL LOVERS OF ART, ARTISTS, CRAFTERS, AND MASTERS OF CREATIVITY!
Sevier County Farmers Market is joining with the Cossatot Arts and Crafts Association (CACA) this Saturday, June 15, to host our First Annual Art in the Park event near the Pavilion in Herman Dierks Park from 10-3 pm. It is FREE to both the public and the artists!
We invite everyone to come out and support the arts! Come see artists in action, view their creations, and maybe take a few pieces home with you.
The kids will enjoy seeing creations from our younger artists, Chalk the Walk, and perhaps become a walking work of art with some face painting at the CACA booth.
We invite our local and regional artists and crafters to show off your creativity in a relaxing outdoor venue. Consider your space your personal mini show! Bring your business cards, display your work, work your craft, sell your art, share your passion!
People enjoy seeing the creative process. Watching artists in action is a great way to share our love for the arts and bring a bit of culture to our community!
Artists, bring a table and chair, canopy or big umbrella, and whatever you need to get creative: Your palette, canvases, photos, tools, brushes, pencils, quilts, wood, clay, paper, embroidery...
If your craft is a more involved process such as metal forging or ceramics, bring some representational pieces to show and maybe some to sell. Perhaps a portfolio of your work.
If you would like to become more involved with your artistic community and other artists, consider joining CACA. Visit their booth at our event and their page on Facebook to learn more about this local association and how they develop artistic awareness through direct interaction with local, regional, and state artists and their craft.
You’ll also want to take a stroll through our Fresh Farmers Market under the Pavilion for some amazing snacks, baked goods, home canned preserves you will never find in a grocery store, an assortment of beautiful handmade crafts by our vendors, locally raised eggs and grass fed meat, and, of course, plenty of fresh picked , locally grown vegetables to grace your dinner table.
The Market will forego normal hours this Saturday. We will open at 7 am and vendors will remain through 3 pm or until sold out.
Howard Memorial Reminder
De Queen Leopard Baseball Camps were June 5-7
5th-8th grade campers show off their door prizes provided by RJ Sports
Leopard Sophmore Devin Boyles works with Keegan McCoy on tee drills.
Sixty area baseball players showed up for the 2019 Leopard Baseball Camps which were held June 5th and June 7th at Leopard Field. Campers took part in drills covering all aspects of the game and were instructed by current players and coaches of the Leopard Baseball Program.
Leopard Junior Gage Woods works with John Maturino on tee drills.
Campers cooled off by doing sliding drills on a large slip and slide.