Construction of the new High School at De Queen is in full swing. High School principal Bryan Blackwood told the Tuesday meeting of the De Queen Lions Club the project is scheduled for completion in April. Blackwood also reminded the Lions that the first day of school will be August 13th, and the Leopards will have a black and gold intra squad practice for the public on August 16th and will host Mansfield for a scrimmage game on Tuesday August 20th. Catch the Leopards all season long on Ed 88 and on Ed88radio.com.
Local Art Show Takes Place at UA Cossatot
UA Cossatot’s Ashdown Campus was the setting for the 18th Annual Little River Arts Council Mid-Summer Art Show. Over 200 pieces of art were displayed in the Barbara Horn Civic Center at the campus for the public to observe and admire. The art show lasted for three days beginning on Thursday, July 18, and concluded on Saturday, July 20. Citizens and visitors of Little River County could view the art from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Thursday and Friday and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday.
The Little River Arts Council organizes this annual event every summer for the community to enjoy and to make people aware of the artistic beauty that is in Little River County. The art show is also open for artists from different areas who wish to display their work.
Ashdown resident, Carolyn Myers said, “This art show, in my opinion, is one of the nicest shows we have in Little River County. Many people work hard all year to present this show, and the college is wonderful to let us host the event every year at their campus.”
The Mid-Summer Art Show took place for three days, but the Little River Art’s Council and the college made preparations at the beginning of the week. On Monday the artists registered, on Tuesday the artists hung and presented their work, and on Wednesday their work was judged. At the art show on Saturday, a reception was held at 2:30 PM and an awards ceremony took place at 3:00 PM. Monetary prizes were also given to the winners.
Little River Arts Council Member, Sue Taaffe of Foreman, said, “This year’s art show went great! We really appreciate the college, letting us use their facilities. We also appreciate the Director of UA Cossatot’s
Ashdown Campus, Barry Reed for helping us make preparations. He was very accommodating. UA Cossatot Campus Police Officer, Jason Curtis was also extremely helpful in helping us make sure the three-day event ran smoothly!”
Along with the art show, the Little River Arts Council also organizes a yearly art camp for youth held at the First United Methodist Church in Ashdown. They also take part in the Whistlestop Festival every year in Little River County to promote the love of art to youth and adults.
The 19th Annual Little River Arts Council Mid-Summer Art Show will take place at UA Cossatot again in 2020. For anyone interested in displaying their art, brochures, and advertisements will be released with details at the beginning of next summer.
The Little River Arts Council would like to announce that they are looking for volunteers to help with next year’s art show at the college. When the advertisements are released next year, contact information will be listed for those who wish to sign up as a volunteer
Horatio Kickoff at Lion Stadium on August 15th
Horatio LionBackers will host Kick-Off 2019 on Aug 15 at 7:00pm @Lion Stadium. Come out and meet your 2019 coaches, players, cheerleaders, band members, and XC teams. Mini cheer camp participants will also perform. $3 adults $2 students
Gillham VFD Kid's Day Saturday, August 3rd
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
WEEKLY UPDATE FROM STATE REP DEANN VAUGHT:
Arkansas is approaching the centennial of a historic vote in the House chamber. On July 28, 1919, then Governor Charles Brough called a special session for the purpose of ratifying the Nineteenth Amendment.
The House Journal records a letter Brough sent to our chamber 100 years ago.
In it he states, “Eleven states have already ratified and, should your Honorable Body ratify, nation-wide Women’s Suffrage will have passed the first milestone, as one-fourth of the States will have then conferred full suffrage upon our splendid womanhood.”
The letter goes on to read, “I feel that the ratification of the Susan B. Anthony Amendment is of paramount national importance to the people of our country, and is a proper recognition of the patriotic activities and useful devotion to the cause of liberty and democracy of our womanhood”
The vote passed 74–15 in the House. The vote in the Senate was 29-2, making Arkansas the twelfth state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment. According to newspaper reports at the time, women filled the Arkansas Capitol carrying yellow banners reading, “Votes for Women.”
Arkansas was the second state in the South to ratify the 19th amendment. Texas was the first when it ratified on June 23, 1919.
Demands for suffrage had been made in Arkansas dating back to the Constitutional Convention of 1868.
That attempt and many others to allow women to vote failed in the Arkansas legislature over the course of the next 49 years.
Then in February 1917, Rep. John Riggs introduced legislation to allow women to vote in Arkansas primaries.
Despite testimony on the House floor “That nothing would be gained by giving women access to the ballot”, the House voted 71-19 in favor of the measure. The bill later passed the Senate with a vote 17-15. Arkansas was the first state in the South to allow women in vote in primary elections.
Governor Hutchinson created the Arkansas Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commemoration Committee to lead the state’s remembrance of women receiving the right to vote. You can check out the committee’s work on history and upcoming celebrations at www.arkansasheritage.com. And if you haven’t already, be sure to follow #ARGirlslead on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. There you will find stories from the women who serve in the House and encouragement for more Arkansas girls to seek leadership roles.
Department of Arkansas Heritage Home
Visit the Department of Arkansas Heritage Official Site to explore the rich history and heritage of Arkansas and discover what the state has to offer in arts, culture, dance, pottery & more!
Self-Defense Classes Coming to UA Cossatot
UA Cossatot will be offering self-defense classes for students and community members to take in August. These classes are broken up into different age groups for adults and children 7 years old and above.
The self-defense classes are broken up into 8-week courses that will be held two nights a week for each group. The 8-week self-defense courses will cost $80 for each person. There will be 16 class sessions, and each class will last for one hour. All courses will take place at UA Cossatot’s De Queen Campus.
Adults 18 and up will meet for class on Monday and Thursday from 6 PM to 7 PM starting on August 5. Teenagers ages 15 to 17 will also meet on Monday and Thursday from 5 PM to 6 PM beginning on August 5.
Children who are interested in taking a self-defense course can meet for class on Tuesday and Friday at UA Cossatot starting on August 6. Kids ages 7 to 10 will meet for class from 5 PM to 6 PM, and kids ages 11 to 14 will meet from 6 PM to 7 PM.
Instructor, Daniel Griffin will teach all courses. Mr. Griffin has been training in martial arts since 1981. He is skilled in Karate, Aikido, Tae kwon do, boxing, American freestyle, submission wrestling, kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has competed on the USA kickboxing team, fought in MMA bouts and has trained with the US Navy boxing team.
These classes will cover the basics of defending oneself and offer a social, active event for people in our area to participate in while learning new skills.
For more information or to register for a class, contact the Continuing Education Department at UA Cossatot. Their phone number is 870-584-4471.
Governor Asa Hutchinson Statement on the Death of Stone County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Stephen
Governor Asa Hutchinson issued the following statement on the death of Stone County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Stephen, who was killed in the line of duty Thursday morning:
"It was heartbreaking to hear that Stone County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Stephen was killed in the line of duty today. Deputy Stephen's death is a somber reminder that our law-enforcement officers risk their lives every day to protect ours. I am grateful for the men and women who willingly put their safety on the line every time they put on the uniform. My heart goes out to his wife and son, and to his fellow officers and friends in their grief at the tragic loss of Mike Stephen."
Governor Hutchinson ordered the state flag of Arkansas to fly at half-staff in honor of Deputy Stephen. The flag is to be flown at half-staff immediately through the day of interment.
In a related item, the Nashville Chapter of Arkansas Families of Fallen Officers will be giving a $5000 donation to the Stephen family to help with expenses. Anyone wishing to help with this effort can Contact Richard Curry of the AFFO at (870) 557-6813. or Timothy at (870) -681-1437, or Chantal at 557-5030.
Amber Morris and Aubrey Seymour Represent Arkansas 4-H
Two 4-H’ers from Sevier County were chosen as 4-H State Ambassadors this year. Amber Morris and Aubrey Seymour were chosen from kids all across the state of Arkansas to represent Arkansas 4-H. Before a youth can become an ambassador, they must first achieve several goals. They must show growth in their educational project, be an excellent speaker in front of large crowds, participate in county, district, and state level activities, prove they have above average leadership skills, mentor other youth, and do community service projects. The biggest accomplishment is being able to work outside of 4-H to better their community.
Amber Morris is the 16 year old daughter of Ronald and Kimberly Morris. With having this amazing opportunity, Amber feels like she can help others not only in our county, but all over the state. It also means that she will have the opportunity to spread 4-H opportunities to others.
Aubrey Seymour is the 15 year old daughter of Justin and Debbie Seymour. Aubrey hopes that while she is making today the best, she can make tomorrow even better. Aubrey also feels like this will give her the opportunity to promote and educate people about the 4-H program on a higher level than just Sevier County.
Both girls lead a community service project that benefits the Arkansas Children’s Hospital and are appreciative of the opportunity they have been given and hope to make a difference.
Stone County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Mike Stephen Killed in the Line of Duty
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement on the death of Stone County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Mike Stephen, who was killed in the line of duty today:
“Today, the State of Arkansas mourns the loss of a brave law-enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. Mike Stephen protected the people of Stone County, standing as part of the thin blue line separating our communities from crime and chaos. I encourage all Arkansans to pray for and comfort his family, friends, and neighbors during this moment of loss.”
LITTLE ROCK – Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin issued the following statement on the death of Stone County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Stephen who died in the line of duty earlier today:
"My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sheriff's Deputy Mike Stephens during this tragic and difficult time. My heart also goes out to the Stone County Sheriff's Department as they grieve the loss of one of their own. Today's news is a mournful reminder to Arkansans of the risks our law enforcement officers face each and every day as they strive to make our communities safer."
De Queen Block Party July 23rd at Herman Dierks Park
De Queen Block Party Scheduled for Tuesday, July 23rd, at Herman Dierks Park in De Queen
Brad Wimpee Benefit Chicken Dinner at De Queen Auto Group Thursday
Several volunteers helped with the Brad Wimpee benefit chicken lunch at De Queen Auto Group Thursday
Benefit Golf Tournament for CASA at De Queen Country Club
De Queen Band Directors at Lions Club Meeting on Tuesday
Lion Murray Neely (pic 1) of De Queen Schools introduced both De Queen Leopard band leaders this year at Tuesday’s Lions Club Meeting in De Queen. Chris Richard (pic 2), 2nd year head band director, came to De Queen from Mt. Pleasant, TX. Alex Clark (pic 3) of Bee Branch, AR is first-year assistant band director. Clark recently graduated from the University of Arkansas and was a tuba player for the Arkansas Razorback Band. Kevin Williamson (pic 4) received a Lions Club membership pin at Tuesday's meeting.
Southwest Arkansas Devastated by Flood Waters
High Water Near Nashville Primary School
More Images and Video of Flood Waters in SW Arkansas
Floodwaters near the Nashville Fire Station and cemetery (Ed 88)
Flash Flooding in Nashville at Howard County Sheriff’s Department
Flash Flooding in Nashville
(Heather Hill Facebook Post) between Prescott and Blevins
(Heather Hill Facebook Post) Centerpoint
(Heather Hill Facebook Post) Dierks
Heather Hill Facebook Post
Barbie Baxter Facebook Post
Barbie Baxter Facebook Post
Barbie Baxter Facebook Post
Flood waters receding but still high near Nashville High School (Ed 88)
Flash Flooding Around the Dierks Area Tuesday Morning
Serious flash flooding across areas of Southwest Arkansas this morning (Mondi HIll - Dierks)
(Ernesto Echevarria Tuesday morning…) Please be carefu! Don't attempt to cross these flooded roads and highways. Highway 70 and Highway 278 are underwater.
(Santiago Soto…) More images from the flash flooding in the Dierks area. This pic is from the Weyerhaeuser mill.
(Kelly Comer)… Dierks area
Nashville Chamber Ribbon Cutting on Tuesday 07/16 at RooBungee
There will be a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting at RooBungee at 121 N. Main St. on Tuesday, July 16th, at the Wakefield's on Main building, formerly Tollett's Gifts. Melinda Bennett is inviting everyone to come see what RooBungee exercise can do for you. This is a totally new way to exercise with little stress on the body. Plus, they have a juice bar!! Hope to see you Tuesday morning from 9:30 til 11:00.
Mike Reese, Nashville Chamber President
Update from Arkansas State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The number of Arkansas children in foster care has fallen by more than 700 since reaching an all-time high in 2016. That information was part of an annual report presented a legislative committee this week.
On Tuesday, the Department of Human Services Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) presented its annual Family Preservation Report to the Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee.
The report outlines progress made and areas for improvement when it comes to the most vulnerable children in our state.
We learned from the report that the number of children in foster care declined by more than 10% during 2018. That is a decrease of 507 children.
Additional funding for DHS approved by the legislature in recent years has helped to increase the number of caseworkers and decrease the average worker caseload. As a result we are seeing children placed in permanent homes sooner and fewer children re-entering the foster care system.
Adoptions were finalized for 969 children in 2018, similar to the previous year and a 16% increase since 2016.
When it comes to areas for improvement, the report notes that the agency struggled to place children close to the homes from which they were removed. A total of 69% resided in either their home county or a neighboring county at the end of 2018, similar to previous years.
Children who are removed from their parents or guardian do better when placed with family members or people they know. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles are often willing to help and make the child feel safe and loved. The percentage of children in care residing with relatives was 27–29% over the past three years. While this is well above the relative placement rate from years ago it is still below the aspiring goal of 33%.
The report breaks down all of the information by every county in the state. We will use this information to continue our efforts in creating policies to keep children in a safe and loving environment. We have posted this report on our website www.arkansashouse.org.
Sevier County Coalition to Host KETO Lunch-and-Learn
On Thursday, July 25, 2019, the Sevier County Coalition’s Live Well Sevier County Committee and UA Cossatot will be co-hosting a Lunch-n-Learn presentation about the ketogenic diet, more commonly known as the keto diet, 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 12:40 p.m.
Presenter Dr. Jason Lofton of De Queen will be explaining what keto is, the benefits it provides for one’s health, health risks associated with keto, and how to get started on the keto diet. Lofton says, “One of the most important things about the keto diet is that it is a diet that allows you to still eat good foods yet lose weight. I have learned how to cook and enjoy new foods, especially vegetables that I once didn’t enjoy eating.”
Lofton is the owner of Lofton Family Clinic and AMP Fitness. He attended UAMS in Little Rock and trained as a resident physician at the AHEC clinic in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Upon completion of residency, he moved back to De Queen and has been a practicing physician in Sevier County since 2008.
When asked why he chose to return to Sevier County, Lofton said, “I am a native of De Queen. I graduated from De Queen High School before attending university. This is home. I’m committed to the health and revitalization of Sevier County and its citizens.”
All are invited to bring their lunch and join Dr. Lofton 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
De Queen/Sevier County Chamber Ribbon Cutting Friday at Selenas in De Queen
De Queen Primary Registration
De Queen Primary will be opening it's doors on July 31st from 9-1 and 3-6 for registration. De Queen primary accommodates all students in grades kindergarten to 2nd grade. Even if you have already registered your student and filled out paper work it is still vital that you attend this registration. If you are registering your child for the first time to De Queen please bring your child's birth certificate, SS Card and proof of address. This will be a great time for your child to meet their teacher while also getting any questions answered and forms completed before school starts. Again it will be Wed, July 31st from 9-1 and 3-6. See You There!