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De Queen High Graduate Ashlyn Chambers Member of UCA Scholars Program

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The University Scholars Program at the University of Central Arkansas is pleased to announce that Ashlyn Chambers has been accepted as a member of the incoming Fall 2020 class of honors scholars.

This highly selective award is made to 30 graduating high school students from Arkansas and elsewhere. Members of the incoming class are selected using a holistic admission process that requires an application essay, recommendation, and review of the student’s transcript.

The child of Adam and Lori Chambers, Ashlyn Chambers is a graduate of De Queen High School, achieving a GPA of 4.0172, and earning the following academic distinctions: Daughters of the American Revolution selection, History Rotary Award, Chemistry Academic Award, and Heisman Scholarship School Winner. Along with earning 37 college hours while in high school and earning a 31 on the ACT (superscore of 33), Ashlyn was a member of the following organizations: National Honor Society, Gifted and Talented, Interact Club, and the Lady Leopard basketball and track teams.

Acceptance into the University Scholars Program comes with a stipend and private room upgrade scholarship valued at over $12,000, access to a living-learning community in Jefferson W. Farris Honors Hall, and participation in a unique interdisciplinary curriculum with ample opportunities for service learning, project-based education, collaborative work, undergraduate research, and travel support. In addition to the University Scholars Program Stipend, Ashlyn has received the UCA Excellence Scholarship and the Arkansas Challenge Scholarship for a total of over $54,000. She will be majoring in Nutrition Science and then plans to get her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

Founded in 2018 by Dr. Patricia Smith, under President Houston Davis, the University Scholars Program runs parallel to UCA’s Norbert O. Schedler Honors College to offer additional honors opportunities at UCA. The University Scholars Program seeks to develop high-achieving students as leaders who are ready to take action in their profession and community.

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Summer Courses at UA Cossatot Begin June 1

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UA Cossatot is offering several online courses this summer that are available in 4-week, 6-week, and 8-week terms. Most of these courses will begin on Monday, June 1, 2020, and it is not too late to sign up for classes.
Students who are home for the summer or who are living anywhere can find rewarding benefits by taking an online college course at UA Cossatot this summer.

The full list of classes can be viewed at www.cccua.edu/enroll.

Cossatot Community College

Click the following links to access the PDF version of the current or upcoming semester's full course schedule. Summer 2020 Schedule (5.18.2020) Fall 2020 Schedule (4.16.2020 Find specific courses through Campus Connect Course Search. There's no need to login.

In as little as four weeks, students can earn college credit hours that can be used to transfer or obtain a certificate or a degree at UA Cossatot.

To enroll in any one of the courses offered at UA Cossatot this summer, students need to contact a Student Services Advisor. Student Services Advisors include Lizz Garza, Jocelin Galvez, Holly Norman, Sheila McCandless, Rachel Barfield, Addison Hill, and Suzanne Ward. Their contact information can be found on the directory page of UA Cossatot’s website at www.cccua.edu/directory. Students can also sign up for classes by emailing Student Services at studentservices@cccua.edu.

The last day to sign up for classes is also June 1. For more information, please contact UA Cossatot’s Student Services department at studentservices@cccua.edu.

Cossatot Community College

©2020 Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

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Oklahoma SWAT Team Makes Arrests after Shooting of Teen under the Hwy 70 Mountain Fork River Bridge

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Oklahoma SWAT team makes arrests after shooting of teen under the Hwy. 70 Mountain Fork River Bridge

For the complete story, visit:

Oklahoma SWAT team makes arrests after shooting of teen under the Hwy. 70 Mountain Fork River bridge

An Idabel man shot and beat an Eagletown teen and another man Saturday and also threatened to bomb bridges around Idabel, law enforcement officers report. Only partial information was available on some parts of the incident as at least one was still occurring when the McCurtain Gazette went to press late Monday, but all information will be published when it is available.

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Governor Hutchinson Announces Dr. Nate Smith Moving to CDC, Appoints Dr. Jose Romero As Interim Health Secretary

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Photos L-R: Dr. Nate Smith, Dr. Jose Romero

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Secretary of Health Dr. Nate Smith has accepted a position with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced today at his daily COVID-19 update news conference.

The Governor has appointed Dr. Jose Romero, chief medical officer at the Arkansas Department of Health and chief of the pediatric infectious disease section at Arkansas Children’s, as interim Secretary of Health.

“Dr. Smith literally has stood by my side nearly every day since March 11, when I declared that COVID-19 was a health emergency for Arkansas,” Governor Hutchinson said. “We have spent uncounted hours communicating in every way possible – in person, by telephone and text, and by email. His counsel has guided and informed every decision I have made as we have navigated this public health crisis.

“He educated me, counseled me, challenged me, and supported me. His access to national experts on infectious disease allowed us to quickly gather information and respond rapidly as our situation changed, sometimes by the hour.

“Secretary Smith’s selection to serve at the national level affirms what we already knew, that with him at the helm, we were in good hands. To say that I am saddened doesn’t begin to describe my feelings, but I am thrilled that our nation now will have the benefit of his expertise, wisdom, and compassion.

“For all the work he has done during his years in Arkansas, and especially over the past four months, his compassion for the people of Arkansas is what I will remember most about Dr. Smith’s service to our state.”

Dr. Smith, who will become the Deputy Director for Public Health Service and Implementation Science at CDC, will remain as Arkansas Secretary of Health through August 28, 2020.

“I have learned an incredible amount from my colleagues here,” Dr. Smith said. “I am honored to take this role at CDC, but it is not easy to leave ADH or this wonderful state. It has been a privilege to serve as Secretary of Health. I plan to take everything I’ve learned through my experiences here to my role at CDC.”   

Dr. Romero has been at Arkansas Children’s since 2008, and he has been the Arkansas Department of Health’s chief medical officer since April of this year. Dr. Romero also serves as the chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices with the CDC. The Governor recently appointed him to serve on the medical advisory panel he created to guide the state during the pandemic.

“Dr. Romero has been involved in the COVID-19 fight since the first day, and his move to Interim Secretary of Health will allow a seamless transition that will ensure we continue to successfully mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and cautiously lift restrictions throughout Arkansas,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Dr. Romero’s international perspective and relationships have been invaluable in our fight against this pandemic.”

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Sevier County recognizes 4-H Teen Stars

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Two 4-H members from Sevier County have been named Arkansas 4-H Teen Stars for their outstanding achievement in 4-H projects and activities, leadership, and community service.

This year’s honorees are Brayden Frachiseur and Alec Frachiseur.

Brayden Frachiseur is the son of Katrina Frachiseur and the late Jeremy Frachiseur. He is a member of the Goin’ Showin’ 4-H Club and has been active in 4-H for ten years.

Alec Frachiseur is the son of Tyler and Kimberly Frachiseur and the late Sonya Turner. He is a member of the Chapel Hill 4-H Club and has been active in 4-H for six years.

Brayden and Alec are two of 57 4-H youth selected for the honor this year. This year’s recipients represent 32 counties across the state who were selected from thousands of 4-H members statewide.

“The Teen Stars program recognizes youth who are making a difference in 4-H and in our community,” said Rex Herring, Sevier County Extension Agent-Staff Chair. “Both of these boys are go-getters and have been consistently working on developing knowledge and skills in their project areas and have proven themselves to be service-minded and capable leaders. We look forward to seeing how far they will go.”

Arkansas Teen Stars are selected based on their leadership ability, integrity, high moral standards and high goals, outstanding achievement in both project and service activities, their ability to work with others, a positive attitude, interest in the 4-H program and a general interest in organizations and activities for youth development. To be considered, a member must have completed a minimum of two years of 4-H work and be an active member.

Honorees are usually recognized during the Teen Star/Hall of Fame banquet at the statewide Teen Leader Conference, usually held at the Arkansas 4-H Center.

“Because of COVID-19, things will be a little different this year,” said Ashley Dingman, a 4-H program associate. “We’ve moved the Teen Leadership Conference online, and we’ll be recognizing each of our outstanding youth with a video specifically for our 2020 Teen Stars.”

The Teen Star recognition paves the way for youth to later apply to be 4-H Ambassadors who then become eligible to run for state officer positions. Any Teen Star who is graduating high school can also apply for the $1,000 Zack O. and Jennie D. Jennings scholarship.

4-H is the youth development program of the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Participation is free to youth in every county.

To learn about 4-H and other Extension programs in Arkansas, contact the Sevier County Cooperative Extension Service at (870) 584-3013 or visit www.uaex.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.

 
 
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Council Gives the Go-ahead for new Subdivision to be Built

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Council gives the go-ahead for new subdivision to be built

  • By Marty Bachman editor@dequeenbee.com

Council gives the go-ahead for new subdivision to be built

The De Queen City council unanimously gave the go-ahead to overturn a resolution and reinstate the replatting of Phase 3 of the Coulter Estates subdivision planned to be adjacent to the Phase 1 and 2 subdivisions, north of De Queen High School.

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De Queen Author, James Babb, Wins Best Book Award from Arkansas Historical Society

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De Queen author, James Babb, wins ‘best book’ award from Arkansas Historical Society

By Marty Bachman editor@dequeenbee.com

De Queen author, James Babb, wins 'best book' award from Arkansas Historical Society

De Queen resident James Babb has won the Arkansas Historical Society's Susannah DeBlack Award for the best book in Arkansas history for young readers, for his book, "Weary Road." It is the third time Babb, whose books focus on the fourth grade and up reader, has won the award.

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More Rainfall and River Flood Warnings Expected

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Flood Warning Flood Statement
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
1006 AM CDT Tue May 26 2020

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in
Oklahoma...Arkansas...

  Little River Near Idabel affecting McCurtain, Sevier and Little
  River Counties.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Do not drive cars through flooded areas.
Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.
Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

1006 AM CDT Tue May 26 2020

...The Flood Warning is now in effect until early Thursday morning...

The Flood Warning continues for
  the Little River Near Idabel.
* Until late Wednesday night.
* At 9:30 AM CDT Tuesday the stage was 27.6 feet.
* Flood stage is 30 feet.
* Minor flooding is forecast.
* Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage Tuesday
  night to a crest of 30 feet just after midnight Tuesday. It will
  then fall below flood stage Wednesday morning.
* Impact...At 30 feet, Several hundred acres of lowland will flood
  at the confluence of the Glover and Little Rivers. Farmers and
  ranchers should move cattle and farm machinery to higher ground
  until the high water ends.

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect until 7 PM CDT Wednesday
evening.

Thunderstorms will remain in the forecast through end of the work
week as a closed low meanders near the region. An isolated strong
to severe thunderstorm cannot be ruled out, but widespread severe
weather is not anticipated. However, more rainfall could lead to
a renewed threat for flash flooding.
 
 
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Governor Hutchinson Delivers Memorial Day Address

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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson delivered remarks today at a Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. 

The following is a transcript of his remarks:

I want to express my thanks to Major General Penn for his leadership; to Colonel Todd and his great work with our veterans administration, and for making sure that we appropriately honor our veterans each year and every day in the way that we serve our veterans; to Commissioner Tommy Land, thank you for being here; the representatives of the Arkansas veteran service organizations for your continued leadership each year; to the Gold Star families that are here, representing a family that has given the sacrifice, we are grateful for you being here, but also for what you mean to our nation; and then to Congressman French Hill, who is here faithfully every year, rain or shine, mask or no mask, he is here to support our veterans.

We are gathering today in a difficult and confusing time in world history. We are gathering, of course, to remember those who fought and died to preserve freedom and to protect our homeland. In many states, you will not see this observance. In many states they have canceled their memorial services. And I am glad that in Arkansas that we have decided to go ahead and to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice today, even though it is under unusual circumstances and protocols. It is important that we gather today to honor their sacrifice to our country, because without their sacrifice, our country would be totally different today, and the world would be change and not for the better. The world would be in a darker place, with the light of freedom dimmed in Europe, Asia, and many places around the globe; but throughout our history, American men and women of valor have taken up arms and pushed back against the night. Thousands of those brave warriors lie at rest here at the State Veterans Cemetery. Today, we remember them and honor them for their service and sacrifice.

It is reported that during the dark days of the American Revolution, when literally all was at stake, many had gone back home, had deserted, some had died from illness, and from their war wounds, it was a difficult and dark time in the American Revolution. And it was said that during one night, General George Washington gave the command 'tonight put none but Americans on guard.' And we have thought about, for centuries actually, what did he mean by that phrase, because at that time, many in the service of our newfound country, were not born in America. So, it's not talking about their nationalism. It was talking about their spirit. He wanted those Americans on guard who understood freedom and the depths of their soul, and understood sacrifice that was necessary to preserve and to win that freedom. It was those soldiers that understood that freedom that we remember today that have paid that sacrifice. In other words, those during the American Revolution, and since then, that have given of themselves have reflected the American spirit, and the American character, and the American spirit and character does make a difference for the world.

Today, we face another enemy, it is a deadly virus – cannot be seen. It silently attacks and kills. Almost 100,000 Americans have lost their lives within 100 days as a result of this new enemy. How do we respond? Well, we respond the same as Americans have responded for more than 200 years: with grit by calling upon the strength of the American character, and the resilience of the American spirit.

There's a historic picture that I found over the weekend. It's a historic picture that's circulating in Atlanta, Georgia. It is a picture of Grant Stadium, the football stadium in 1918. Now think about 1918 for a moment. We were right at the conclusion of World War I. We had lost so many Americans during that global war. But we were also hit by a global pandemic that ultimately killed 600,000 Americans. It was a different day in time. But the picture of Grant Stadium, where Georgia Tech plays, they had a picture one of the football arena, then they had a picture of the stands. And in the stands, you saw all of the fans, wearing face coverings and appropriately, socially distancing six feet apart. That was over 100 years ago. They reflected the spirit of our great country, war in Europe and a deadly virus at home, yet life went on with common sense protections. And if they can go to a football game, surely, we can come here today in these unusual circumstances to honor those that have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Let me assure you today that we will win this fight as well. I am more confident than ever because of the ingenuity and hard work of our medical professionals, and because the American spirit, which replaces fear with action, common sense and compassion. So today, let's remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. Let's continue to enjoy our freedom. And let's work to protect those who are neighbors, fellow Americans, and friends. God bless the United States of America.

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Belleville Cemetery Homecoming Cancelled

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The Belleville Cemetery Association regrets that their 75th annual Homecoming Celebration scheduled for Sunday, June 7th has been cancelled due to the safety concerns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Belleville Cemetery Association looks forward to next year when they will plan for their 75th Diamond Anniversary celebration that will take place on the first Sunday in June in 2021.