Farm Credit Donates $50,000 to Arkansas Red Cross Flood Relief

The Farm Credit Cooperatives of Arkansas made a $50,000 donation to the Arkansas Red Cross on July 3. The funds will assist Arkansans impacted by recent flooding along the Arkansas River. Thirty-one counties along the Arkansas portion of the river system sustained damage from late May and early June flooding.

“Every eight minutes, the Red Cross responds to a disaster,” said Arkansas Red Cross Executive Director Lori Arnold.

“Farm Credit’s $50,000 donation will go toward providing essential support so the Red Cross is able to provide clean water, safe shelter and hot meals during people’s darkest moments,” Arnold continued.

The Red Cross responds quickly when disaster strikes. They are often the first to offer meals, shelter, emotional support, health services, relief supplies, initial casework and, eventually, longer-term recovery efforts.

“We live and work in the rural communities we serve and our concern is with our friends, neighbors and customers who have been affected by recent flooding,” said Brandon Haberer president and CEO of Farm Credit of Western Arkansas.

“With some of the state’s most fertile cropland along the Arkansas River, the flooding has been devastating for farmers, in particular,” Haberer continued.

“We have customers with significant damage to homes, farm buildings and farmland. The Farm Credit Cooperatives of Arkansas are making this donation to help support the work the Arkansas Red Cross does in meeting immediate needs in times of crisis.”

With $3.7 billion in assets, the Farm Credit Cooperatives of Arkansas have more than 11,000 members across the state. As three separate Farm Credit associations, AgHeritage Farm Credit Services, Farm Credit Midsouth and Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, they supply reliable credit to farmers, ranchers and rural homeowners. More information available at ARFarmCredit.com.

Archaeology Groups Conclude Research in Sevier County

The University of Arkansas Archaeological Survey Team and the Arkansas Archaeological Society came to UA Cossatot’s De Queen Campus in Sevier County during the month of June. They came to UA Cossatot to use the college as a work station, while they conducted archaeology research in two locations in Sevier County. Both groups have now left and have taken the newly discovered artifacts to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

The archaeologists and volunteers who worked on this assignment chose to come to Sevier County this summer to conduct research at these sites. These locations were gathering places for the Caddo Indians that lived in this region. In 1985, artifacts from these Native Americans were discovered and found at these burial mounds in Lockesburg and De Queen.

The artifacts were taken to Fayetteville, where they have remained for over three decades. The Archaeology Survey Team and Society brought these artifacts back to Sevier County and displayed them at the college for the public to view. Events were held at UA Cossatot to give community members the chance to see findings that were discovered in their community.

Over seventy people participated in this summer research project, and more additional artifacts were discovered. The group members for this project spent two weeks studying the site locations, as well as the old and new findings. They hope these artifacts will help them to complete the puzzle of the ancient Caddo tribes and how they survived while they were living in Southwest Arkansas.

The college provided the archaeological groups a place to set up and prepare. They also hosted a cookout for the visitors at one of the site locations.

On Friday, June 21, at 6:30 P.M. University of Arkansas Station Archaeologist, Dr. Carl Drexler held an evening presentation at UA Cossatot about what they discovered and learned during their time in Sevier County. At the end of the evening talk, door prizes were given out.

The artifacts from the eighties and the recently discovered artifacts mostly include pottery. These materials were boxed up and sent back to Fayetteville, where more research will be conducted for educational purposes

UA Cossatot Pins LPN Class of 2019

The University of Arkansas Cossatot pinned thirty-one new Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) in a pinning ceremony on Friday, June 21, 2019, at 6:00 P.M. at the UA Cossatot Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium.

Thirteen students graduate from the eleven-month daytime LPN program in De Queen, and eighteen students graduate from the eighteen-month evening program in Nashville.

Photo: from left to right starting at the bottom left (first row): Leidy Aparicio, Stromie Garza, Autumn Jester, Brenda Alvarez, Veronica Castro, Cheyenne Ballard, Lauren King, Ana Martinez, Jennifer Howard, and Sandybel Aparicio; (second row): Nina Wynn, Taylor Whittington, Jessica Gonzalez, and Ashley Smallwood; (third row): Shernesia Broughton, Ashley Stuart, Leslie Guriterez-Cuella, and Brittany Gray; (fourth row): Kaylynn Brasel, Shandra Hamner, Jenna Howard, Shaglista Ware, Stephanie Zavala, Ashley Hill, Cheyenne Ballard, Brooklyn Arthur, Megan Carter, and Leverise Evans. Not pictured is Adriana Figueroa.and Selena Leon.

UA Cossatot LPN graduates include: Leidy Ariana Aparicio of De Queen, Sandybel Aparicio of De Queen, Cheyenne Ballard of Lockesburg, KayLynn Brasel of Newhope, Leslie Guiterez-Cuella of De Queen, Cheyenne Foster of Ashdown, Jessica Gonzalez of Grannis, Jennifer Howard of Dierks, Autumn Jester of Lockesburg, Ana Karen Martinez of De Queen, Shaglista Ware of Texarkana, Stephanie Zavala of De Queen, Adriana Figueroa of De Queen, Brenda Alvarez of De Queen, Brooklyn Arthur of Dierks, Shernesia Broughton of Ashdown, Megan Carter of De Queen, Leversie Evans of Ashdown, Stormie Dey Garza of De Queen, Brittany Gray of Hope, Shandra Hamner of Dierks, Ashley Hill of De Queen, Jenna Beth Howard of Delight, Lauren King of Lockesburg, Selena Leon of De Queen, Dayanara Ramirez-Mendez of De Queen, Veronica Castro-Ortiz of De Queen, Ashley DeeAnn Smallwood of De Queen, Ashley Stuart of Nashville, Taylor Whittington of De Queen, and Nina Wynn of Nashville.

UA Cossatot RN Clinical Coordinator, Carolin Hockersmith was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. UA Cossatot Medical Education Advisor, Christina Cooper ended the ceremony with encouraging words. After the ceremony the graduates, along with their families and friends, enjoyed cake and punch at the college to celebrate the occasion.

Benefit for Harold and Alice Bradshaw at Lockesburg Fire Station on August 3rd

Harold was severely injured June 16, 2018 in a vehicle accident. He had over 50 broken bones and multiple injuries that were life threatening. Harold was flown from the scene of the accident to Little Rock for treatment. Over the past year, by the grace of God, Harold has come a long, long way. He still makes regular trips to doctors in Little Rock. Harold still has bones that are not healed, so at this time surgeries are still pending.

Harold is a lifelong resident of Lockesburg and Alice has lived there most of her life as well. They moved away for a few short years and then returned where their sons, Scott and Mark also graduated from Lockesburg High School. Today, their sons are both successful men who serve the local people. Harold, Alice, Scott, and Mark were all EMT’s at one time. They have always been dedicated to helping others.

Aliyah Anderson at the FBLA National Leadership Conference

2019 Ashdown High School Graduate Aliyah Anderson recently competed in Public Speaking at the FBLA National Leadership Conference held in San Antonio, Texas June 29th - July 2nd.

Aliyah Anderson

The mission of Future Business Leaders of America is to inspire and prepare students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership Experience. Future Business Leaders is the oldest and largest student organization in the world. As part of this program, students participate in academic competitions. They practice and demonstrate their skills and knowledge, including leadership, business areas, public speaking and more.

Aliyah qualified for her second National FBLA Leadership Conference competition by winning in the Public Speaking Competition at the District Level with 14 counties in Arkansas included. She went on to place 2nd overall in State in Public Speaking in April to qualify her to compete in National Competition with the top Students in America. This is Aliyah’s 2nd year to qualify for Nationals as she finished first in State in Electronic Career Portfolio in 2018 and advanced to Nationals in Baltimore, MD. Over 14,000 students were in attendance but overall less than 4% of total FBLA members in the world have the opportunity to compete in the FBLA National Leadership Conference.

Aliyah also had the opportunity to participate in leadership workshops and hear Keynote Speakers such as Sherry Winn, a 2 time Olympian, and National Championship Basketball coach. Coach Winn is a 2 time Amazon Best Seller and has written 5 books on leadership, effective communication, and success strategies.

Aliyah served the Ashdown High School Chapter as President and District IV as Secretary for the 2018-2019 school year. Aliyah says FBLA has given her many opportunities not only to hone her leadership and speaking skills but has also allowed her to make friends and network with students in Arkansas and all over the nation. Aliyah will be attending Arkansas Tech in the Fall and plans to major in Marketing.

AHS Sponsor Shauna Tipton & Aliyah Anderson

Students in FBLA will have the opportunity to prepare for competition this coming school year by taking Organizational Leadership where they will not only learn about Organizational structure and leadership skills, but they will be able to work on FBLA projects for competition. According to Mrs. Tipton, this is the toughest issue we face—finding the time outside of school to work with students to prepare for competition and giving them assistance. Having a classroom is the perfect solution. Aliyah is truly one of the most motivated students I have ever taught. Once she was given advice, she would run with it. Some students, however, especially, when they are new to FBLA, need more guidance and the classroom will provide that time. This should make our chapter much more competitive.

Howard County Extension Homemakers Participate in State Convention

Four Howard County Extension Homemakers met with other members across the state for the annual state conference. The meeting was held in Hot Springs and offered a variety of educational seminars. Those attending included Gladine Bennett, Howard County EHC Council President and member of New Horizons EHC Club, Pam Wynn and Joy Barr both members of Twilight EHC Club and Linda Wilcox, a member of Moonlighters EHC Club. Jean Ince, County Extension Agent-Staff Chair also attended the three day meeting.

Pictured L-R: Pam Wynn, Joy Barr, Gladine Bennett and Jean Ince

For 107 years, the Extension Homemakers/Home Demonstration program has been ongoing in Arkansas, providing its members with education and leadership development and service in local communities where the clubs are located.

The Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council is a volunteer organization associated with the Cooperative Extension Service. Last year, Extension Homemakers across the state reported 322 clubs and 3,754 members, giving 712,147 hours of volunteer service to the state. In Howard County there are currently 4 clubs with a membership of 48. Last year, they volunteered 4695 hours valued at $108,314.

Rural Economic Development Program Interviewing Business Owners

SPECIAL NEWS RELEASE
Jean A. Ince
County Extension Agent-
Staff Chair
July 8, 2019

RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM INTERVIEWING BUSINESS OWNERS

Create Bridges, a pilot program focusing on rural economic development in Howard, Little River and Sevier Counties (3C’s) has moved into its second phase: interviewing business owners involved in retail, entertainment, accommodations and tourism.
The goal of Create Bridges is to help strengthen the retail, tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors, which provide jobs and business opportunities that frequently boost rural economies. The program is being organized by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Department of Community and Economic Development. It is being coordinated locally through the local Extension Offices. 
Earlier this year, Create Bridges held a series of forums in each of the three counties to gather information about community assets in the retail, tourism, entertainment and accommodations industries.
Now organizers hope to build on that foundation through local interviews which are being conducted this week. The interview process will focus on the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of operating a business in rural Arkansas. Although some of the businesses have been identified, other business owners are welcome to reach out and participate.
Results of the confidential interviews will be used to develop regional economic development strategies that will be implemented next year. The interviews focus on workforce, community engagement, customer base, and potential expansion plans.
Create Bridges – which is stands for “Celebrating Retail, Accommodations, Tourism, and Entertainment by Building Rural Innovations and Developing Growth Economies” – has already held community forums and a retail academy for regional leaders. The next steps include an employee engagement survey and an emphasis on identifying opportunities for workforce training for the incumbent workforce.
For more information about Create Bridges and its involvement in our area, contact the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517.

Chicken Dinner Fundraiser for Brad Wimpee Medical Expenses

Kaylee Silva and Bradee McKean at the 2019 SkillsUSA National Leadership Conference

Ashdown High School 2019 Graduates Kaylee Silva and Bradee McKean represented Ashdown High School at the 2019 SkillsUSA National Leadership Conference held in Louisville, KY. According to Ashdown SkillsUSA Sponsor, Amy Silva, “There were over 20,000 in attendance from across the United States this year at the competitions in Louisville.”

Kaylee qualified to compete after placing first in Health Occupations Professional Portfolio at the 2019 SkillsUSA Arkansas State Competition in April. She placed fourth in the nation in Health Occupations Professional Portfolio. The purpose of this competition is to recognize students for their successful development of a professional portfolio and to evaluate the ability of the individual to present himself or herself to an employer using effective communication skills.

Kaylee graduated from Ashdown High School in May. She will be attending Harding University in the fall and is majoring in Communication Sciences & Disorders. She is the daughter of Brent and Amy Silva.

Bradee also placed first in her competition at the state conference and placed fourteenth in the nation in Medical Math. The purpose of this competition is to evaluate the students’ ability to understand and solve mathematical problems commonly used in the various health care settings. Bradee graduated as Salutatorian from AHS and will attend UCA in the fall and major in Health Sciences. She is the daughter of Michael and Molly Corbell.

Zac Dunlap Band at Stand Up For America

Zac Dunlap working the crowd at Stand Up For America!

Identity Crisis at Stand Up For America in Nashville

Stand Up For America Fest underway at the Nashville City Park as area band Identity Crisis kicks things off!

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.

Midnight Hurricanes performing tonight for Let Freedom Ring at the De Queen Sportsplex before the fireworks celebration at 9:30

Midnight Hurricanes performing tonight for Let Freedom Ring at the De Queen Sportsplex before the fireworks celebration at 9:30

Jug Hill Annie of Ft Smith, AR performance at Let Freedom Ring at the De Queen Sportsplex

Jug Hill Annie of Ft Smith, AR performance at Let Freedom Ring at the De Queen Sportsplex

Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin on Independence Day

Lockesburg Blue Darter Trade Days September 27-28

4-H’ers Compete at District 4-H O’Rama at Lake Hamilton

Thirteen Sevier County 4-H’ers competed against 4-H’ers from across the state at the District 4-H O’Rama at Lake Hamilton High School on June 18. To qualify for district level, they had to compete at the local County 4-H O’Rama.

The winners in the Senior Division (ages 14-19) were as follows: Amber Morris placed 1st in Health, Marcus Rosson placed 1st in Bait Casting & Sports Fishing, Hunter Frachiseur placed 6th in Gun Safety, Aubrey Seymour placed 1st in Human Development, James Bartek placed 4th in Bicycle, Ethan Wolcott placed 2nd in Public Speaking.

All 1st – 7th place senior winners are eligible to compete and represent Sevier County at the State 4-H O’Rama to be held at the University of Arkansas Campus in Fayetteville in July.

Junior Division (ages 9-13) winners were as follows: Jacob Seymour placed 4th in Health, Landon Frachiseur placed 3rd in Wildlife, Brayden Frachiseur placed 5th in Bait Casting & Sports Fishing and Raegan Frachiseur placed 1st in Fashion Revue-Purchased/Casual. Others that competed in the Junior Division were Gavin Carver, Evin Frachiseur, and Pace Frachiseur.

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

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