The Annual De Queen Lions Club Auction is Thursday, Dec. 5th and Friday, Dec. 6th

The Annual De Queen Lions Club Auction is coming to the Ed 88 Facebook page! Thursday, Dec. 5th and Friday, Dec. 6th, live from First State Bank. Watch and bid and help our local Lions Club as they help our community!DeQueen Lions Club would like to…

The Annual De Queen Lions Club Auction is coming to the Ed 88 Facebook page! Thursday, Dec. 5th and Friday, Dec. 6th, live from First State Bank. Watch and bid and help our local Lions Club as they help our community!

DeQueen Lions Club would like to thank the following businesses and people for their cash donations for our Lions club auction. If you want to donate any merchandise or money be sure to drop it off at First State Bank in DeQueen with Noel Bard, or DeQueen Auto Group with Paul Lewis.

Southern LP Gas
Dr. Mark Stewart
Wilson Real Estate
Bill Lee Co.
De Queen Dental
Jackson Hewitt
Rick Clark Concrete
Dr. Revels
Wilkerson Funeral Home

Nashville Parks and Rec 5th and 6th Grade Basketball Registration

Nashville Parks and Recreation 5th & 6th grade basketball registration:
Registration forms can be picked up at the Nashville City Park Office and must be turned in to the park no later than the deadline of December 20th
Draft will be held on Saturday, December 21st at Whiteside Gym
Registration fee is $50
Late sign ups will not be accepted
Contact the park for more information at 870-845-7405

Keisha McKinney and Joshua In-Studio Guests Monday

Special guests on the Monday Ed-ition of the Morning Show were Keisha McKinney (and Joshua) who talked about the importance of shopping local this holiday season and a special promotion that the Sevier County Tourism Committee and the Economic Devel…

Special guests on the Monday Ed-ition of the Morning Show were Keisha McKinney (and Joshua) who talked about the importance of shopping local this holiday season and a special promotion that the Sevier County Tourism Committee and the Economic Development Office are spearheading to spur local holiday commerce.

Today's Chamber of Commerce "Elves Clues".

Today's Chamber of Commerce "Elves Clues".

Here it is! The FIRST clue in this years Shop Local Campaign! So go out, find those elves, take those “Elfies” while shopping local this Holiday Season!

Here it is! The FIRST clue in this years Shop Local Campaign! So go out, find those elves, take those “Elfies” while shopping local this Holiday Season!

Did you know that on average, every dollar you spend with local businesses becomes $7 they can use for the local economy? To continue promoting small businesses and shopping local during the holiday season, The De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce is re-vamping their Shop Local campaign this year with an adult version of “Elf on the Shelf.” The Chamber would like to introduce to you the newest members Cash and Dolly, the Chamber elves. Cash and Dolly will be traveling to various chamber businesses from November 25th through December 21st, except for Sundays. Clues as to Cash and Dolly’s whereabouts will be posted on the De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page daily. Shoppers will have the opportunity to figure out and find the business that has been elfed for that day. Businesses will be running their own special on the days they are visited by the Chamber elves and allow shoppers to spend local dollars while earning entries into the drawing for the Chamber's Ultimate Gift Basket Give Away valued at over $1500. The drawing for the gift basket will be on December 23rd at 10:00 am via Facebook Live. Make sure to keep a lookout for the first clue that will premier early morning on November 25th to begin your "Shop Local" experience.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s important that we show our gratitude to our farmers. A thanksgiving feast would not be the same without the contribution of Arkansas agriculture.

Arkansas ranks 5th in the nation in turkey production. In 2018, 595,350 pounds of turkey were produced in Arkansas poultry farms. In fact, turkey production creates more than 14,000 jobs in the state.

Arkansas is also the 5th largest producer of sweet potatoes. There were 4,800 acres of sweet potatoes harvested last year.

Although few go shopping for actual soybeans for Thanksgiving, there is a very good chance the soybean plays a significant part in your feast. This year Arkansas ranked as 11th in the nation in soybean production.

Soybean oil is used in cooking and frying foods. Margarine is a product made from soybean oil. Salad dressings and mayonnaise are made with soybean oil. It is also used for animal feed for farm animals.

And don’t forget about the rice. Whether mixed with broccoli and cheese or butternut squash, this side dish most likely began its journey on an Arkansas farm. More than 40% of all rice in the United States is grown in our state.

Arkansas farmers may have contributed to your dessert menu as well, especially when it comes to the pies.

We are one of 15 states to grow pecans. There were more than 15,000 acres of pecans harvested in Arkansas last year. And while we are proud to be home to many pumpkin patches across the state, we do not produce enough to support every supermarket. Arkansas pumpkins however can be found at your local farmers markets or pumpkin patch.

With 42,500 farms in our state, farmers are the backbone to our economy. Arkansas consistently ranks in the top one-third of the nation for agricultural cash farm receipts.

Rain or shine, our farmers work early mornings and late nights.

So this holiday season, thank a farmer. And look for the “Arkansas Grown” label at your local supermarket as another way to show your appreciation.

Christmas and Candlelight at Historic Washington State Park

Join the staff of Historic Washington State Park for its 32rd Annual Christmas and Candlelight which will be held December 7 & 14, 2019. The park will be open from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. both days, but to enjoy the thousands of luminaries and special music you may want to wait until later in the afternoon to pay a visit. Tour locations and homes will be adorned in 19th century style decorations including natural handmade wreaths and swags tailored by park staff and volunteers the week of the event. Evening programming and tours begin at 1:00 P.M., lighting of the luminaries will take place at dark, and music from groups and choirs throughout the region will begin at 5:00 P.M.

William’s Tavern Restaurant will serve a Christmas Buffet for both lunch and dinner so you don’t have to miss out on that tasty tradition no matter what time you arrive for the event. Whether you choose to stroll the boardwalks or take a ride on the horse drawn surrey, you don’t want to miss bringing in the Christmas Season the old fashion way at Historic Washington State Park. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for children (6 -12) plus tax. Begin your own Christmas tradition by joining Arkansas’s Premier Historic State Park only eight miles off I30 from Hope Arkansas. For more information contact Historic Washington at 870-983-2684, or HistoricWashington@Arkansas.com.

Arkansas Tourism Official Site | Arkansas.com

This area of the state is literally and figuratively at the center of it all. Commerce, business, tourism, outdoor activities, upscale and downhome cuisine - it's all here. Visit Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site where nine students made history in 1957 or explore the life of a leader at the Clinton Presidential Center.

2019 ACC Conference Awards to UA Cossatot Individuals

Last month, UA Cossatot attended the 2019 ACC (Arkansas Community Colleges) Conference. At the conference, awards were given to four individuals from each college during the ACC Awards Banquet.

UA Cossatot selected four individuals to receive awards and to represent their college. UA Cossatot award winners included Hollie Jones, Debbie Gatlin, Shawna Stinnett, and Keely Butler.

Hollie Jones received the Outstanding Faculty Award. Debbie Gatlin received the Outstanding Staff Award. Shawna Stinnett was awarded Outstanding Alumni, and Keely Butler was awarded Outstanding Academic All-Star.

Hollie Jones joined UA Cossatot as a full-time faculty member in August 2016, teaching accounting and business courses. Hollie goes beyond expectations in working with students to ensure learning and success in her courses. She focuses on helping students realize their potential and find passion for their chosen career.

Outside the classroom, she is active on the accreditation team. While working on her MBA, she had the opportunity to study international business abroad in Beijing and Shanghai, China. She is currently organizing a study abroad trip to London and Paris to provide cultural experiences to UA Cossatot students and staff.

Debbie Gatlin acts as a benefits advisor, assisting the HR Department with its many tasks, and is always ready to answer any questions her co-workers may have about leave, benefits, or pay. Debbie has always been a dependable, hard-working, and conscientious employee caring about every person who enters her office. Her love of helping others shows daily.

She loves working at UA Cossatot and enjoys the feeling of family that exists within its halls. Outside work, Debbie hopes to receive her Administrative Assistant Associates soon and enjoys being a grandmother, jogging, and crafting.

Shawna Stinnett completed her Associate of Arts before her Bachelor of Science in Education at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Shawna is a UA Cossatot employee, and over eleven years, she’s held many roles on campus. She currently serves as a Financial Aid Analyst. Shawna enjoys her role because it is a challenge.

Shawna stated, “I am honored to be a graduate of UAC and am thankful how UAC has impacted my life for the good. I’m proud to be an alumni and employee of UAC because we offer people like me a chance to grow and succeed.”

Keely Butler is an exceptional, highly motivated, dedicated student with the attitude and compassion for the healthcare profession. Keely will complete her RN degree in December and then plans to pursue her BSN.

She is currently an LPN at King Medical Clinic in Ashdown, volunteers with Alpha and Omega Kids, and attends Central Baptist Church. She serves on the UA Cossatot Young Alumni Board. Keely said, “I cannot thank Cossatot enough for the great education and all the amazing opportunities it has provided me!

Debbie Gatlin

Debbie Gatlin

Hollie Jones

Hollie Jones

Keely Butler

Keely Butler

Shawna Stinnett

Shawna Stinnett

UA Cossatot Foundation to Participate in Giving Tuesday

giving.jpg

December 3 is #GivingTuesday, a global movement in the busy holiday season to give back.
Giving back on #GivingTuesday can take many different forms. It can be a traditional monetary donation to a favorite charity or volunteering time to a local non-profit.
#GivingTuesday originates from social media, hence the hashtag. Many organizations in Southwest Arkansas take advantage of #GivingTuesday. One of those organizations is the UA Cossatot Foundation.
“We are so excited for this year’s #GivingTuesday! There will be several options in which the community can give time or money to benefit college students in Southwest Arkansas,” said UA Cossatot Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts.
Local businesses are participating in the foundation’s #GivingTuesday celebration by collecting donations on site and wearing “I Gave” t-shirts. These businesses include Tres Agaves, Mary Pops, Simple Simons of De Queen, Miscellania JB, Dr. Randy Walker’s Office, La Media Luna, Diamond Bank of Ashdown, and Nashville Family Dentistry.
Community members also participated by being highlighted in the foundation’s #GivingTuesday video and sharing what they believe in. The video can be accessed by visiting the UA Cossatot Foundation’s Facebook page.
In addition to collecting donations for scholarships and innovative college programming, the UA Cossatot Center for Student Success will host a Feed the Funnel meal packing party with the help of The Pack Shack. Over 10,000 meals will be assembled on December 3 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the UA Cossatot Adams Building on the De Queen Campus. The college’s Center for Student Success will distribute the meals to college students in need through their food pantry.
To make a donation on #GivingTuesday, please visit the UA Cossatot Foundation website at www.cccua.edu/give or text the word “Cossatot” to 41444.

Cossatot Community College

We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals (Black Friday and Cyber Monday). Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. Each year, on the Tuesday immediately following Thanksgiving, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

Tinsel, Tin and Treats

The Howard County Extension Homemakers transformed the EH Center into a holiday extravaganza during the recent Tinsel, Tin and Treats fundraising program. The program provided guests with new holiday decorating ideas, recipes and a time to fellowship with friends. The program was held on November 9 in Nashville. Money raised from the event goes directly into the Extension Homemaker program and mainly toward the maintenance of the educational center.

Extension Homemakers are a volunteer, nonprofit organization who does not rely on assistance from county or receive any state financial support. Their mission is to give individuals and families the skills to improve their lives through educational programs, build leadership skills and give back to their communities. Operating funds are raised through catering events and special events such as “Tinsel, Tin and Treats”. The group caters events such as class reunions, birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, weddings, area meetings for different organizations and a variety of other events. If you are interested in learning more about Extension Homemakers or having a catered event, contact the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517. Thank you to everyone who attended “Tinsel, Tin and Treats” and supported the program.

EH Council President, Gladine Bennett provided the welcome and acted as hostess for the evening.

EH Council President, Gladine Bennett provided the welcome and acted as hostess for the evening.

EH member, Jean Ann Flaherty, shares ideas for simple gift giving.

EH member, Jean Ann Flaherty, shares ideas for simple gift giving.

Jean Ann Flaherty shares gift giving ideas.

Jean Ann Flaherty shares gift giving ideas.

Jean Ince, County Extension Agent, demonstrates praline frosting on the New Orleans Double Chocolate Praline Fudge Cake and shares tips on holiday baking.

Jean Ince, County Extension Agent, demonstrates praline frosting on the New Orleans Double Chocolate Praline Fudge Cake and shares tips on holiday baking.

Just one of the over 25 themed Christmas decorations. Each decoration was different.

Just one of the over 25 themed Christmas decorations. Each decoration was different.

Just a few EH members who helped make the evening a success. (Right to left-Pam Wynn, Tempie LaMothe, Jean Ann Flaherty, Monica Tipton, Tina Conzel, Joy Barr, Dana Newberg, Deb Kreul, Mary Hartness, Pearlie Snell, and Corliss Lewis)

Just a few EH members who helped make the evening a success. (Right to left-Pam Wynn, Tempie LaMothe, Jean Ann Flaherty, Monica Tipton, Tina Conzel, Joy Barr, Dana Newberg, Deb Kreul, Mary Hartness, Pearlie Snell, and Corliss Lewis)

Chamber Revamps 2019 Shop Local Campaign

chamber.jpg

Did you know that on average, every dollar you spend with local businesses becomes $7 they can use for the local economy? To continue promoting small businesses and shopping local during the holiday season, The De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce is re-vamping their Shop Local campaign this year with an adult version of “Elf on the Shelf.”

The Chamber would like to introduce to you the newest members Cash and Dolly, the Chamber elves. Cash and Dolly will be traveling to various chamber businesses from November 25th through December 21st, except for Sundays. Clues as to Cash and Dolly’s whereabouts will be posted on the De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page daily.

Shoppers will have the opportunity to figure out and find the business that has been elfed for that day. Businesses will be running their own special on the days they are visited by the Chamber elves and allow shoppers to spend local dollars while earning entries into the drawing for the Chamber's Ultimate Gift Basket Give Away valued at over $1500. The drawing for the gift basket will be on December 23rd at 10:00 am via Facebook Live. Make sure to keep a lookout for the first clue that will premier early morning on November 25th to begin your "Shop Local" experience.

For more information please contact the Chamber of Commerce at 870-584-3225 or dqchamber@gmail.com

De Queen High School Biology Students with their Self-sustaining Ecosystems

Pictured from left to right are: CJ Chandler, Luis Luna, Johnathan Hernandez, Johnny Sanchez, Sydney Casteel, Esmirna Contreras, Ashley Fraire, and Konnor Bruns

Pictured from left to right are: CJ Chandler, Luis Luna, Johnathan Hernandez, Johnny Sanchez, Sydney Casteel, Esmirna Contreras, Ashley Fraire, and Konnor Bruns

De Queen High School biology students built self-sustaining ecosystems to study photosynthesis and cellular respiration. During this project, students built a biome, collected data on the biotic and abiotic factors in the system, and developed a model to explain how energy and matter flowed through the system. They then presented the results to their peers.

Pictured back row: Olympia Quintana, April Pierce, Juan Gaona, Mirella Hernandez, Mindy Lara, Colton Wages Front row: Emily Martinez, Jessica Nogueira, Alma Trejo, Esther Avila, Hannah Phillips, Yazmin Castro

Pictured back row: Olympia Quintana, April Pierce, Juan Gaona, Mirella Hernandez, Mindy Lara, Colton Wages
Front row: Emily Martinez, Jessica Nogueira, Alma Trejo, Esther Avila, Hannah Phillips, Yazmin Castro

Chamber Revamps 2019 Shop Local Campaign

Did you know that on average, every dollar you spend with local businesses becomes $7 they can use for the local economy? To continue promoting small businesses and shopping local during the holiday season, The De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce is re-vamping their Shop Local campaign this year with an adult version of “Elf on the Shelf.”

The Chamber would like to introduce to you the newest members Cash and Dolly, the Chamber elves. Cash and Dolly will be traveling to various chamber businesses from November 25th through December 21st, except for Sundays. Clues as to Cash and Dolly’s whereabouts will be posted on the De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page daily.

Shoppers will have the opportunity to figure out and find the business that has been elfed for that day. Businesses will be running their own special on the days they are visited by the Chamber elves and allow shoppers to spend local dollars while earning entries into the drawing for the Chamber's Ultimate Gift Basket Give Away valued at over $1500. The drawing for the gift basket will be on December 23rd at 10:00 am via Facebook Live. Make sure to keep a lookout for the first clue that will premier early morning on November 25th to begin your "Shop Local" experience.

For more information please contact the Chamber of Commerce at 870-584-3225 or dqchamber@gmail.com

De Queen Sr Boys and Sr Girls in Greenwood and Little Rock Tonight

Busy week of basketball for De Queen roundballers, as the Leopards will be in Greenwood for the H B Stewart Classic, and the Lady Leopards will visit Little Rock for the Joe T. Robinson Invitational. Catch all the action on www.ed88radio.com.

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Ed 88, Radio, News, Sports, Ed 88 Radio, Southwest Arkansas News, UA Cossatot, Loren Hinton, Jon Bunyard, Ashdown, De Queen, Horatio, Lockesburg, Nashville, Leopards, Lions, Colts, Dierks, Cossatot, College, Community Events, Sevier County, Howard County, Little River County, Arkansas News, Universi

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

This week we want to remind you of an important deadline approaching all Arkansans.

On October 1, 2020, anyone who boards a domestic flight or enters a federal building will either need a REAL ID driver’s license (DL) or Identification Card (ID) or will need to provide a regular identification and additional accepted forms of identification.

Arkansas is taking part in the federal nationwide initiative to improve the security of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, which will help fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud.

The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 adopted the recommendations of the 911 Commission. The REAL ID Act prohibits the federal government from accepting driver's licenses or identification cards issued by states that do not meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act. This includes but is not limited to commercial air flights and federal buildings.

You can upgrade to REAL ID at any time by having a duplicate license issued at a REAL ID office. The following Revenue Offices issue the REAL ID: Arkadelphia, Batesville, Bentonville, Conway, El Dorado, Fayetteville, Forrest City, Fort Smith (6515 Phoenix Avenue), Greenwood, Harrison, Hot Springs (200 Woodbine), Jonesboro, Little Rock (Three State Police Plaza Drive), Little Rock (1900 W. 7th Street), Little Rock (9108 North Rodney Parham), Monticello, Mountain Home, Paragould, Russellville, Searcy, Sherwood, Springdale, Texarkana, West Memphis, and White Hall.

An individual applying for Real ID must provide more documentation than an individual applying for a regular driver’s license or State ID.The federal government requires Arkansans to confirm proof of residency, legal presence and identity and Social Security number through the following documentation:

Passport or birth certificate
Two proof of address documents such as utility bills or bank statements
Social Security card
Name change linking documents, example: Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, Court Order

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) recently launched a website, www.ar.gov/REALID, allowing Arkansans to list the documentation that will be presented at the Revenue Office to obtain a REAL ID. The website confirms the documents meet all requirements or specifies which document is missing.

The cost to obtain a REAL ID does not differ from the cost to obtain or renew a license or ID.

Close to 250,000 Arkansans have obtained a REAL ID, which is approximately ten percent of active licenses and IDs in the state. Make plans to get yours soon!

Howard County Chamber Reminder

It's time to put up Christmas trees along Main Street in Nashville again and the city crews will be putting them up this Monday 11/18. If you would like to have a Christmas tree to decorate on Main Street this year, call the Chamber office @ 845-1262 and leave me a message. If you haven't participated in the previous years, the cost is $35.00 and we will have a sign professionally made to say what you want for Christmas. We have sold about 40 trees so far and there are spaces for about 70, so we have some openings. Usually when we get the trees up on Main Street they go really fast.

This year we are going to make decorating the trees a competition. 1st place $100.00,
2nd place $75.00,
and 3rd place $25.00. If you do not want to be in the competition, but just want a tree to have in honor of a loved one or to just advertise your business, that's perfectly fine...we will honor whatever you wish.

P.S. The Christmas parade will also offer cash prizes for the best top three floats.

Thank you for supporting your Nashville Chamber of Commerce.

Mike Reese