De Queen Arkansas

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Jacob Seymour running for 4-H State Office

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Submitted by: Kim Frachiseur, CEA-4-H

The Sevier County Extension Office would like to announce that Jacob Seymour of De Queen is running for an Arkansas 4-H State Officer position.

Jacob Seymour

Each year, Arkansas 4-H Youth vote in seven of their peers each summer to represent Arkansas 4-H for the year. The officers are inducted each year at the annual Arkansas 4-H State O-Rama activities. The seven positions include President, First Vice-President, Delta District Vice-President, Ouachita District Vice-President, Ozark District Vice-President, Secretary, and Reporter.

Seymour will be running for the Ouachita District Vice-President position. Jake is the son of Debbie and Justin Seymour. He was named 2022 Arkansas Teen Star and is currently an Arkansas State Ambassador. When asked what inspired him to run, Seymour stated, “I would love to raise more awareness in my district and also the state level about 4-H. I meet a lot of people that think 4-H is just cows and chickens. I would like to teach them there is so much more to 4-H.”

District Vice-Presidents are elected during each corresponding 4-H District O-Ramas and the remaining positions are elected during Arkansas 4-H State O-Rama. Candidates campaign throughout the summer at events such as O-Rama and Teen Leader Conference.

4-H state officers also get the chance to travel the state while working on events and their skills.

“They will be representing Arkansas 4-H throughout the state,” Rex Herring said. “Some specific skills that the officers will grow in will be public speaking, interacting with sponsors and administrators of various organizations. If elected, Jake will do a great job.”

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Aerial Lineman Training Center at UA Cossatot Holds Grand Opening in De Queen

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The University of Arkansas Cossatot hosted a grand opening event at its Aerial Lineman Training Center in De Queen on Thursday, February 1. UAC Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole welcomed the crowd, including the current aerial lineman class and community and industry leaders. Dr. Cole explained the program’s history and the extensive efforts invested in its establishment, saying, “Short-term programs that give people wonderful skills and employees that want to hire them after four weeks of training, that a huge part of the future of Arkansas.” In addition, Dr. Cole announced the college had written a multi-million dollar grant to establish a fiber optic network engineering program at UA Cossatot. In Cole’s words, “We think this would be a perfect way to augment what we are already doing with the Aerial Lineman program.”

Among the guest speakers was Stephanie Isaacs, Director of the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, who discussed the partnership with UA Cossatot and her office’s role in procuring essential trucks and equipment for the program.

Rick Giesler, Division Director of Compliance with Ervin Cable Construction, told the audience, “Programs like this are instrumental in us being able to make our industry safer, to make our industry a better place, to drive better wages so these young people can have a home.”

Scottie Morris, co-creator of the curriculum with Luke Ervin of Ervin Cable Construction and Jeff Tollett of Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative, talked about his role in starting the program. He said the day after he retired, he received a call from Dr. Cole, who asked him to come on board to help the college train aerial linemen. Morris agreed, and a former parking lot near the UAC Amphitheater was picked as the site for the pole-training yard. In Morris’ closing remarks, he said, “I believe a lot of good things will come out of this lot.”

Representatives from Bridgepoint Communications, Systems Services Broadband, Ervin Cable Construction, Four States Fiber Internet, NEA Construction, and Desert Media Group were among the attendees. Notable figures such as State Representative Deann Vaught, Kyla Waters, Arkansas Community Colleges Center for Workforce Director, and Kamelle Gomez from the Arkansas State Broadband Office attended.

The Aerial Lineman Program at UA Cossatot is currently under the direction of Dennis Davis. He has over 43 years of experience in the telecommunications industry and utilizes a combination of classroom and hands-on field experiences co-designed with employers to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities they seek when hiring an aerial lineman to install, maintain, and repair telecommunications infrastructure.

UA Cossatot is an Arkansas Fiber Academy training location. The Arkansas Fiber Academy is a partnership between Arkansas Community Colleges, the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, and the Arkansas State Broadband Office.

To find out more about the UA Cossatot Aerial Lineman Training program, visit www.cccua.edu or contact Continuing Education Services at ContinuingEducation@cccua.edu or (870) 584-1178.

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UA Cossatot Collegiate FFA receives Living to Serve Grant from National FFA Organization

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INDIANAPOLIS (September 21, 2023/National FFA Organization) – The UA Cossatot Collegiate FFA chapter in De Queen, Arkansas has been awarded a Fall Semester-Long Living to Serve Grant in the amount of $1200. The nationwide program provides grant money to local FFA chapters to support semester-long service-learning projects that address needs related to community safety; environmental responsibility; hunger, health and nutrition; and community engagement during the fall semester. 

UA Cossatot Collegiate FFA plans to use grant funds for education and outreach about alternative therapies, such as laser and red light therapy, for horses, livestock, and pets. Agriculture faculty, Kelli Harris, and students will provide no-cost educational demonstrations to the public about these therapies and how they can benefit animals. They will also be partnering with Running WJ Ranch in Texarkana, Texas to provide free services for their horses. 

Red light and laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of conditions in animals, including pain relief, inflammation, wound healing, and skin conditions. It works by stimulating cellular activity and increasing blood flow to the treated area. 

The program provided over $75,000 to FFA chapters in 28 states. The 2023 Fall Semester-Long Living to Serve Grants are sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and Cargill. For more information and a complete listing of sponsors, visit FFA.org/livingtoserve. 

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 student members as part of 8,995 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Beau McCastlain Named Regional Finalist for Arkansas Teacher of the Year

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LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Education has announced the 14 educators named 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Regional Finalists. These educators will be recognized July 27 at an event at the Governor’s Mansion.

“Congratulations to these teachers for achieving this honor,” ADE Secretary Jacob Oliva said. “We are proud to recognize excellence in teaching and honor those selected for this recognition.”

DQTV Teacher and District Communications Director Beau McCastlain has been named one of the 14 regional finalists. “I want to say a very sincere thank you to our Leopard Family for making this opportunity possible,” said McCastlain. “ I am extremely honored to be named one of the 14 finalists for Arkansas Teacher of the Year, but my students are the ones who have made this possible. DQTV has developed into a great success because of their engagement, commitment, and hard work. We have amazing kids and I am blessed to be in a position that allows me to work with them each day. ”

The regional finalists will each receive a certificate and a $1,000 prize provided by the Walton Family Foundation. The event at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock will include a brunch, a ceremony honoring the 14 finalists and the announcement of four 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist, and one will be named the 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year this fall.

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Samaritan Fields Soccer Complex Holds First Board Meeting, Elects New Officers

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Drone photo of Samaritan Fields taken in November 2022 by Jon Bunyard

June 19, 2023

Samaritan Fields, a 501c3 non-profit entity, held its first official organizational meeting last Tuesday on the DeQueen campus of UA Cossatot. Samaritan Fields is a culmination of several years of work to bring world-class soccer and wellness facilities to DeQueen and the surrounding area.

The meeting was held to put the official board and elected officers in place to launch the work that needs to be completed to start hosting competitive soccer events on all five fields. The inaugural board consists of Esteban Ochoa (Chair), Tony Soto (Vice Chair), Franklin Bahena (Secretary/Treasurer), Greg Revels, Angie Walker, Justin Hinman, and Steve Cole.

Esteban Ochoa, better known locally as “EO,” started to develop Samaritan Fields several years ago and says it is now time for DeQueen to take on a leadership role in soccer statewide, “We’ve been known as the epicenter of soccer for many years, but never had a soccer complex to showcase to the world what soccer looks like in DeQueen. These fields will provide opportunities for thousands of children and adults by offering camps, classes, and competitive leagues for all ages”.

The first official practices and games that will be played at Samaritan Fields will be for the UA Cossatot men’s and women’s soccer teams, which will begin competitive play this August, according to UA Cossatot Head Coach Justin Hinman, “Growing up in Little Rock, I always heard how DeQueen was a special place for soccer, and now that I live in DeQueen, I can see how true that is. Over the past several months, we have been recruiting college athletes worldwide to come and play their collegiate soccer in DeQueen. Now we will have facilities that will be the envy of every community.

The Samaritan Fields complex is currently under construction, but progress is expected to move quickly as the fields are prepared for soccer this fall. Samaritan Fields, when completed, will have five different fields, one main field for UA Cossatot Colts soccer and Championship-level tournaments, bleacher seating for fans, parking, an entire indoor workout facility, and spaces for food trucks.

To learn more about tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities at Samaritan Fields, contact EO at 870-584-9928. Employers interested in sponsoring additional students may contact Workforce Development at 870-584-1136 or Workforce@cccua.edu.

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Local Non-profit and Businesses Give Thanks to De Queen Officer for Hispanic Heritage Month

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NEWS RELEASE

Minority Affairs Council            Contact: 

October 6th, 2021                    DQUnity@Gmail.com 

Local non-profit and businesses give thanks to De Queen Officer for Hispanic Heritage Month

DE QUEEN, AR— In celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, a local inclusive group teamed up with area businesses to show appreciation for one stand-out officer in De Queen last week.

The Minority Affairs Council of Southwest Arkansas (MAC) partnered with local companies who donated certificates and items that were collected for a gift basket and presented to Patrolman Gilberto Elizondo of the De Queen Police Department Friday, October 8th.

The group selected Gilberto because of his dedication to helping the community and the positive example he has set for others. Prior to working for the De Queen Police Department, he was employed at the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department as a Detention Officer. For both agencies, Gilberto has assisted with translating Spanish and English when a language barrier occurs between law enforcement and residents. In addition to helping translate, the patrolman also serves as a role model for younger generations to look up to, as he graduated from both De Queen High School and Southern Arkansas University before becoming a public servant in his hometown.

As many cities note rising tension between community members and law enforcement agencies, MAC is working on efforts to connect groups and individuals in the Southwest Arkansas area. The non-profit’s first community project was commissioning the “Welcome to De Queen” mural painted by Artist Darlene Taylor on the Eastern Edge of town. In addition to showing appreciation for local leaders like Elizondo and bringing fresh art to the area, MAC is working to develop events and strategies that will help unite the community as a whole.

The businesses who donated for the appreciation gift include Sweet Cravings, Smart Phone EMT De Queen, Handi Mart, Pollos Assados Querentano’s, and Cricket wireless.  MAC and each partnering company would like to express thanks to Elizondo and all the officers who protect and serve our local communities daily.

The Minority Affairs Council can be found on Facebook or reached by email at @DQunity@gmail.com 

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Mass Flu Vaccine Clinic in De Queen September 30th

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On September 30, 2021, the Sevier County Health Unit of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will offer flu vaccinations at Legacy Center, 121 S 3rd Street, De Queen, Arkansas from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. People should bring their insurance cards with them to the flu vaccine clinic. If they do not have insurance, or the insurance does not cover flu shots, the vaccine will be available at no charge. This year’s mass flu clinic will be a drive through clinic and is in partnership with the Lofton Family Clinic at the 8th Annual Sevier County Health Fair.

“We want Sevier County residents to stay healthy this flu season and getting a yearly flu vaccination is the best line of defense,” Deborah Hedge, Sevier County Health Unit Administrator, said. “We encourage everyone to come to the mass clinic or the local health unit to get their flu shot.”

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most adults and children six months and older. The flu virus changes from year to year, and this year’s vaccine protects against the flu viruses that are expected to cause the most illness this flu season.

“The flu should not be taken lightly,” said Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, Medical Director for Immunizations at ADH. “We are encouraging everyone to get a flu shot to protect themselves and their families, because it is hard to predict in advance how severe the flu season is going to be.”

People of all ages can get the flu. Certain people are more likely to have serious health problems if they get the flu. This includes older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), people who smoke, and people who live in nursing homes. Therefore, ADH strongly recommends that people in these groups get a flu vaccine. It is also recommended that friends, family members and people who provide care to people

in these groups also get a vaccine—not only to protect themselves but also to decrease the possibility that they might expose the people they love and care for to the flu.

The flu vaccine is safe and does not cause the flu. Some people may have mild soreness and redness near the site of the shot and a low fever or slight headache. There are very few medical reasons to skip the flu vaccine. These include life-threatening allergic reactions to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine. People with allergies to vaccine ingredients can often receive the vaccine safely, if it is given in a doctor’s office where they can be monitored.

The flu is easily spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching something, such as a door knob, with the virus on it, and then touching their nose or mouth. Good hand washing habits are important in preventing the flu; however, the best way to prevent the flu is to get the vaccine.

For more information, go to www.healthy.arkansas.gov or www.flu.gov.

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De Queen Health and Wellness Offering Monoclonal Antibody Treatments

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De Queen Health and Wellness Pharmacy is now offering REGEN-COV (Casirivimab 600mg & Imdevimab 600mg) injections.

We offer this treatment Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM and by appointment if needed outside of those hours or on the weekend. The patient must see their healthcare provider first to see if they are in need of treatment. If they do need it, the doctor can send us an order for treatment.

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Lori House, CEO of the new Sevier County Medical Center, was Guest Speaker at De Queen Lions Club

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Lori House, CEO of the new Sevier County Medical Center, was Tuesday’s guest speaker at the De Queen Lions Club. Lion Jeff Brown introduced House.

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Coach Robert Byrd of UA Cossatot at De Queen Lions Club Meeting

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Robert Byrd, Athletic Director and head coach of UA Cossatot Colts and Lady Colts, recently spoke at De Queen Lions Club about the success of the basketball teams’ previous season, the upcoming benefit golf tournament at De Queen County Club, and the upcoming season.

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UA Cossatot Student Athletes Scholarship Benefit Golf Tournament Saturday, August 14th

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Colts Golf Tournament will present plaques to the winners of each flight (3 flights). The tournament will include smoked chicken and fried fish dinners by donation, goodie bags from De Queen Auto Group, giveaways, hole-n-one chances at $50,000 toward the purchase of any new vehicle, a one year supply of Bridgestone Golf Balls, Cuater by TravisMathew, and a Prize Package and $500 shopping spree all sponsored by Gentry’s Chevrolet, Longest Drive Prizes sponsored by Bush Tractor & Seth Tollett Farms, Closest to Hole 1 Free Year Club Membership, and Putting Contest Prize.

Colts Golf Tournament will present plaques to the winners of each flight (3 flights). The tournament will include smoked chicken and fried fish dinners by donation, goodie bags from De Queen Auto Group, giveaways, hole-n-one chances at $50,000 toward the purchase of any new vehicle, a one year supply of Bridgestone Golf Balls, Cuater by TravisMathew, and a Prize Package and $500 shopping spree all sponsored by Gentry’s Chevrolet, Longest Drive Prizes sponsored by Bush Tractor & Seth Tollett Farms, Closest to Hole 1 Free Year Club Membership, and Putting Contest Prize.