Montgomery County wishes to encourage community involvement in local government and public attendance at Quorum Court meetings.
To this end, comments from the public on agenda items will be welcomed during a designated period at the beginning of each meeting. This will give members of the community an opportunity to be heard by the Quorum Court.
Speaking time will be limited, based on time constraints, and monitored by County Judge Bart Williams, who is the presiding officer of the Quorum Court and is charged with running meeting in an orderly and efficient manner.
Quorum Court encourages community envolvement
Caddo Academy requests parents help with survey
Caddo Academy is looking for input from families regarding their Leader in Me program which supports social and emotional learning. They ask that you please take a moment and follow the link to a survey found on the school’s Facebook page. The survey is intended for Caddo Hills families with students in grades 7-12. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Neel at the high school.
New digital National Forest visitor map available
Planning a visit to a National Forest this spring or summer? Check out the next generation Interactive Visitor Map!
Visitor Map 2.0 allows you to view Forest Service roads, trails, recreation sites, wilderness areas, and wild & scenic rivers. The map can be used on personal computers, smart phones or tablet devices.
–> https://www.fs.usda.gov/ivm/
Arkansas Sheriff’s Association speaks out against ATF ruling
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY|dewayne@mcnews.online
A recent ruling regarding pistol braces has prompted the Arkansas Sheriff’s Association (ASA) to release a statement expressing their intention to not enforce the ruling in the state of Arkansas based upon Act 1012.
Act 1012 was passed in 2021 by the state legislature. The law prohibits state and local employees, including law enforcement officials, from assisting the federal government in the enforcement of firearms regulations enacted after January 1, 2021.
In their statement the ASA states, “This law helps to place a safeguard between the citizens of our great state, and a federal government that would seek to trample on our most basic rights, including the right to self-defense.”
The statement points out that on January 13, 2023 the ATF published their final rule on pistol stabilizing braces. The statement claims that Pistol stabilizing braces have existed in several forms for decades, and have been at the forefront of popularity since 2012. Since approved as an accessory for handguns it has been estimated that as many as 40 million of these braces have been sold.
The ASA states that citizens all over this country have legally purchased and used these items, and done so in compliance with state and federal law. They also claim that new ATF rule would make these braces illegal, and require current owners to take further steps to avoid becoming a criminal.
The new rule, Rule 2021R-08F, does not make pistol stabilizing braces themselves illegal. The ruling reclassifies a handgun equipped with a pistol stabilizing brace as a short-barreled rifle which is subject to stricter rules under Federal law. The rule does render a handgun equipped with such a device illegal if not registered as a short-barreled rifle.
The new ruling involves the National Firearms Act, which defines a rifle, a short-barreled rifle and a handgun. Under the National Firearms Act a short-barreled rifle is defined as a shoulder-fired, rifled firearm, made from a rifle, with a barrel length of less than 16 inches or an overall length of less than 26 inches, or a handgun fitted with a buttstock and a barrel shorter than 16 inches in length.
The ATF defines a handgun as a weapon originally designed, made, and intended to fire a bullet from one or more barrels when held in one hand, and having: a chamber or chambers as an integral part of or permanently aligned with the bore. It must also have a short stock designed to be gripped by one hand at an angle to and extending below the line of the bore.
In order to legally own a short-barreled rifle, an individual must first apply for and receive a $200 tax stamp from the ATF. The application process can take anywhere from several months to upwards of a year and requires a thorough background check.
Additionally, short-barreled rifles are subject to the same regulations as suppressors or machine guns, meaning they are prohibited in some states. However, both are legal to own in Arkansas.
The new ATF ruling addressed in the ASA’s statement stipulates that all handguns equipped with a pistol stabilizing brace be registered as a short-barreled rifle.
Included in the ATF’s ruling is a 120-day forbearance period, beginning the day the new rule is officially added to the Federal Register. This ATF pistol brace amnesty period will serve as a window to give individuals time to comply with the new definition and rule by removing the brace, installing a barrel 16 inches or longer, registering the firearm as a short-barreled rifle, or destroying the braced weapon.
After the forbearance period concludes, firearms that are determined to be SBRs will be treated as unregistered NFA items, and penalties for possessing an unregistered SBR include fines of up to $250,000, up to 10 years in federal prison, and the loss of gun rights.
The ASA’s statement conveys their intention to not enforce this ruling in Arkansas according to Act1012. Their statement reads “In 2021, the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 1012, which prohibits state and local employees, including law enforcement officials, from assisting the federal government in the enforcement of firearms regulations enacted after January 1, 2021. This law helps to place a safeguard between the citizens of our great state, and a federal government that would seek to trample on our most basic rights, including the right to self-defense.”
Arkansas Code 21-1-904 says, “(a) All acts, laws, orders, rules, and regulations of the United States Government that were enacted on or after January 1, 2021, that infringe on the people’s right to keep and bear arms as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and Arkansas Constitution, Article 2, § 5, are invalid in this state, shall not be recognized by this state, are specifically rejected by this state, and shall be considered null and void and of no effect in this state. (b) Such a federal ban that is null and void in this state under subsection (a) of this section includes without limitation: (4) Any act forbidding the possession, ownership, use, or transfer of any type of firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition by law-abiding citizens; (1) The following persons shall not enforce or assist federal agencies or officers in the enforcement of any federal statute, executive order, or federal agency directive that conflicts with Arkansas Constitution, Article 2, § 5, or any Arkansas law: (A) A public officer or employee of this state.”
The Arkansas Sheriff’s Association states in their release that they have the full weight and backing of the State of Arkansas. They continue on to say that in accordance with that statute, they are making the public statement that the ASA does not support assisting the federal government in any way in the enforcing of “this offensive affront to the rights of law-abiding citizens of the State of Arkansas.” They add “Criminals don’t obey the law, and when rules like this are put in place, they seek only to criminalize otherwise law-abiding citizens. Our government needs to focus on keeping violent repeat offenders off the street, and not on how to make criminals out of law-abiding citizens.”
Montgomery County Sheriff Neal Thomas shared the ASA’s press release on his Facebook page this week.
While campaigning for County Sheriff, Thomas referred to Act 1012 when asked at a town hall meeting about federal laws and rulings that might be seen as encroaching upon the Second Amendment “Right to Bear Arms.” He stated that he would not enforce any law that encroached upon an Arkansans “Right to Bear Arms.”
NPC celebrates 50th anniversary year
Hot Springs, Arkansas – The National Park College (NPC) Board of Trustees celebrated the start to the College’s 50th anniversary year during the regular monthly meeting Wednesday.
Vice President for External Affairs and Chief of Staff, Darla Thurber shared NPC’s 50th anniversary will commemorate 50 years of changing lives. She introduced a video of NPC stakeholders sharing thoughts about what sets NPC apart.
“We want to capture the rich history and beautiful stories from the lives that have been impacted by this College over the past 50 years,” said Thurber. The External Affairs team plans to create a digital time capsule throughout the year that will include videos archived on the NPC YouTube account. Alumni, retirees and community members are encouraged to submit suggested stories for consideration at np.edu/50.
NPC President, Dr. John Hogan shared remarks on the state of the College. He described NPC as “one-of-a-kind,” noting the College has worked hard to adapt the mission to meet the needs of Garland County. “We are a community college first and foremost, so we drive toward fulfilling that mission comprehensively. Part of that equation is to ensure that the students’ voices are heard. What they expect from NPC reshapes the antiquated traditions of what a community college has been. In 2023, I want to focus forward on the exciting opportunities ahead.”
Hogan applauded the academic diversity of the faculty, teaching disciplines that range from early literacy to premedical studies. “The responsibilities of our faculty in the face of this academic diversity is enormous and continues to grow in terms of importance, magnitude and difficulty. To this end, you can expect NPC’s 50th year to continue to augment our entrepreneurial approach to expanding academic and workforce disciplines. We must build on our strengths of innovation and partnering.”
Four-year degrees remain a top priority for the College. Southern Arkansas University will have its first local graduates in biology, chemistry, and computer science in May. The College also hopes to announce new bachelor’s degrees in the coming year. “Our goal is to offer bachelor’s degrees in business, education, criminal justice, nursing, and perhaps others as we continue our philosophy and practice of being an open campus to potential partners who invest in our students’ dreams,” said Hogan.
Expanded apprenticeship programs, internships, online degrees and new opportunities for secondary high school programs are also a consideration.
For the past four years, the number of out-of-county and out-of-state students has grown. This academic year, NPC’s international population grew to 11. Hogan explained that serving students outside of Garland county has become a significant part of NPC’s mission. “International students pay their way and add invaluable diversity to our learning environment. International and out-of-district students are more likely to relocate and work in Hot Springs while studying and after they graduate. We hope to continue these initiatives as a magnet to our community.”
“As we all reflect on what NPC has meant to this community, consider that the best is in NPC’s future. More importantly, the best is ahead for our students,” added Hogan.
Trustee Joyce Craft was elected Board Chair during the Board of Trustees’ annual meeting preceding the regular meeting. Craft said, “I am just thrilled to be celebrating this 50th year of changing lives at NPC. The growth I have witnessed has been extraordinary. While I am looking forward to reminiscing about the College’s great history throughout this milestone year, I am even more excited to continue the momentum we have created together to help our students be even more successful. When our students succeed, we all succeed.”
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National Park College was established in 1973 and is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The College enrolls over 7,000 credit and non-credit students per year. NPC is a comprehensive two-year institution offering associate degrees and certificates as well as continuing education, community services and workforce training.
Arkansas PBS releases “Arkansas and the Holocaust” digital series
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) – Arkansas PBS has released a new digital series, “Arkansas and the Holocaust,” in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day Jan. 27. The series is available on demand at bit.ly/arkansasandtheholocaustplaylist.
The digital series is produced in conjunction with “The U.S. and the Holocaust,” a film by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein, that takes an in-depth and unflinching look at America’s response to the Holocaust – one of humanity’s darkest hours. Inspired by the film, Arkansas PBS sought out experts and activists in the state to discuss how the Holocaust influenced, and was influenced by, Arkansas’s local story, and how this chapter of history is being taught in schools across the state.
“Arkansas and the Holocaust” features the following segments:
- “Arkansas Conversations About ‘The U.S. and the Holocaust.’” – Arkansans respond to the issues surrounding “The U.S. and the Holocaust.” Interviewees include Caree Banton, Ph.D. (University of Arkansas, director of African American Studies); Kevin Simpson, Ph.D. (John Brown University professor of psychology, teaches psychology and the Holocaust); Ricky Manes (high school history teacher who wrote the curriculum for the Holocaust studies for Arkansas public schools); Steve Ronnel (Holocaust education activist and member of the Arkansas Jewish community).
- “Caree A. Banton, Ph.D. – A Conversation About ‘The U.S. and the Holocaust.’” – How did the Holocaust and African American history intersect? University of Arkansas Director of African and African American Studies Caree Banton, Ph.D., explores the topic and discusses the “ … very interesting, direct and deliberate ways …” the Nazis conducted research in the U.S. on Jim Crow laws and America’s treatment of indigenous people.
- “Kevin E. Simpson, Ph.D. – A Conversation About ‘The U.S. and the Holocaust.’” – Dr. Simpson has long been interested in the psychology of history and teaches the psychology and history of the Holocaust. He sits down with Arkansas PBS to talk about the difficult history presented in “The U.S. and the Holocaust” film and the importance of keeping this history alive. Simpson is also the author of “Soccer under the Swastika: The Beautiful Game During the Holocaust,” a unique, often untold part of history mixed in with a little psychology.
- “Dr. Terrence Roberts – A Conversation About ‘The U.S. and the Holocaust.’” – Dr. Terrence Roberts, one of the members of the Little Rock Nine, sat down with Arkansas PBS to discuss why he decided to join the group of Black students who integrated the racially segregated Central High School. Roberts’ experience as a young person with many questions about the unequal treatment of African Americans led him to explore his father’s experience being conscripted into the Navy prior to World War II, the treatment of African American soldiers while serving and the Double V campaign. He also shares his thoughts on Holocaust history, the Nazis’ research of the Jim Crow South and Nazi interest in how the United States codified the separation of Black and white citizens.
- “Ricky Manes – A Conversation About ‘The U.S. and the Holocaust.’” – Arkansas native Ricky Manes has a passion for teaching history. For many years, he was an educator at his alma mater, Bentonville High School, and he now teaches at Bryant High School. Listen as Manes shares his journey from a young student disinterested in history to becoming a teacher who makes history come alive. He also discusses holocaust education and was recently asked to work with the Arkansas Department of Education to develop the newly mandated Holocaust education for grades five through 12 instruction in all public schools.
- “Steve Ronnel – A Conversation About ‘The U.S. and the Holocaust.’” – Steve Ronnel is a native Arkansan and a proud member of the Arkansas Jewish community. In this interview, he shares a personal experience of antisemitism and details the disturbing rise of anti-Semitism and hate speech in Arkansas. Those realizations led Steve and his son, David, to join the growing number of Arkansans who were working to bring Holocaust education to public schools in a formal way by supporting the act “To Require Holocaust Education Be Taught in All Public Schools,” which former Gov. Asa Hutchinson eventually signed into law April 8, 2021. Hear Steve’s story of working alongside his teenage son to find other like-minded educators and civic, business and religious leaders who cooperated to pass legislation that made Arkansas the first state in the region to make Holocaust education mandatory statewide in public schools.
- “‘The U.S. and the Holocaust’ Arkansas PBS Preview Screening Panel Discussion.” – This recording from a free public forum focusing on the documentary “The U.S. and the Holocaust” presented in partnership with University of Arkansas Libraries and Fayetteville Public Library explores how people today can learn from the past. The conversation – moderated by University of Arkansas Associate Professor of Italian Ryan Calabratta-Sajder, Ph.D. – with University of Arkansas Director of African and African American Studies Carree Banton, Ph.D.; University of Arkansas Director of Jewish Studies Jennifer Hoyer, Ph.D.; University of Arkansas Professor of History Richard Sonn, Ph.D.; and University of Arkansas public policy doctoral student Toby Klein tackles questions raised in the documentary that remain essential to society today.
- “German Prisoners of War in Arkansas.” – Produced by the students of The Delta School in Wilson, Arkansas. Erwin Rommel was a German General leading Axis soldiers during World War II. His troops were stationed in Africa, and in May of 1942 he surrendered to the British Allied troops. From 1942 – 1949, German Prisoners of War were brought to the United States of America and were stationed at 700 camps across the country. On any given day, there were about 2,500 Prisoners of War stationed, working and recreating throughout Mississippi County, Arkansas. “German Prisoners of War in Arkansas” was submitted to Arkansas PBS Student Selects and was the 2017 Arkansas Historic Places Student Film Contest Second Place Winner.
“The U.S. and the Holocaust” documentary is available free on demand through Feb. 3 at watch.myarkansaspbs.org.
“The U.S. and the Holocaust” is a production of Florentine Films and WETA Washington, D.C. Corporate funding provided by Bank of America. Major funding provided by David M. Rubenstein; the Park Foundation; the Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; and by the following members of The Better Angels Society: Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine; Jan and Rick Cohen; Allan and Shelley Holt; the Koret Foundation; David and Susan Kreisman; Jo Carole and Ronald S. Lauder; Blavatnik Family Foundation; Crown Family Philanthropies, honoring the Crown and Goodman Families; the Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Dr. Georgette Bennett and Dr. Leonard Polonsky; The Russell Berrie Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John and Catherine Debs; and Leah Joy Zell and the Joy Foundation. Funding was also provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and by public television viewers.
About Arkansas PBS
Arkansas PBS, Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, empowers learners of all ages by educating, informing, entertaining and inspiring communities. Arkansas PBS serves as a daily and essential resource for Arkansans by creating, sharing, celebrating and driving conversation around Arkansas stories and classic, trusted PBS programs through multiple digital platforms, including livestreaming at myarpbs.org/watch, on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Lee Mountain), KETS (Forrest City) and KETS (Gaither).
AGFC Big Buck Classic set for January 27-29
LITTLE ROCK — Be sure to visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation at this year’s 33rd Annual Relyance Bank Arkansas Big Buck Classic Jan. 27-29 at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds.
The AGFF has again stepped up to provide a free Kids Zone at the event, presented by Arkansas Golf and Powersports, complete with a trout pond brought to you by Bass Pro, Bwana Jim kids show, a hover ball archery shooting contest, the NWTF BB gun range and dozens of other activities for the youngsters in attendance.
Tyler Lawrence, director of events and programming for the AGFF, says the Foundation is excited to continue offering this extra experience for the kids at the event.
“These sorts of events were so much a part of hunting season when I was growing up that it’s great to be on the other side of things, keeping them going for the next generation,” Lawrence said.
The AGFC mobile aquarium also will be at the Big Buck Classic, featuring dozens of native fish for participants to get an up-close view.
The focus of the event, however, is the deer scoring program. Hunters from across Arkansas are encouraged to bring the antlers from deer harvested during this hunting season to have them scored and entered into the competition. Categories for archery, crossbow, muzzleloader and modern gun all offer prizes. Special youth and ladies divisions also offer additional prizes for women and children.
According to organizer Tommy Murchison, the Big Buck Classic is considered the largest outdoor and hunting show of its type in the Mid-South, offering something for all ages, as well as non-hunters. Exhibits, merchandise vendors, demonstrations and activities nearly fill the entire State Fairgrounds. Visit www.bigbuckclassic.com or Arkansas Big Buck Classic on Facebook for details and times.
Mount Ida to host Junior District Tournmament
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY|dewayne@mcnews.online
MOUNT IDA – Mount Ida will host the 1A-7 Junior District Tournament to be held February 6-11. Caddo Hills is set to host the 2A-7 Senior District Tournament next year.
Mount Ida and Oden will have short trips this year for the Junior High District Basketball Tournament with Mount Ida playing host. Mount Ida’s Junior Lady Lions won the Conference Title last week with a victory over Bradley and will enter the tournament as the One Seed. The Junior Lions are playing well and look to be a serious threat to win the district crown.
The Junior Lady Timberwolves enter the final week of the regular season with a conference win over Mineral Springs last Friday. The Oden Junior Timberwolves expect to make some noise in the district tournament.
Oden and Mount Ida will travel to Bradley for the 1A-7 Senior District Basketball Tournament which will be held February 13-18. Gracie Summitt led the Lady Lions to a victory over Bradley last Friday. She recorded a Double-Double with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
Caddo Hills Junior Lady Indians and Junior Indians will travel to Springhill for the 2A-7 Junior District Basketball Tournament to be held February 6-11.
The Senior High Caddo Hills’ teams will have a shorter trip with the Senior District Basketball Tournament to be held in Dierks February 13-18.
The 1A-7 District Tournaments are bid on by member schools each season.
The 2A-7 District Tournaments are set up on a rotation among member schools.
Junior District Tournament schedule is Springhill (2022-23), Foreman (2023-24), Horatio (2024-25), Acorn (2025-26), Dierks (2026-27), Caddo Hills (2027-28) and Murfreesboro (2028-29).
Senior District Tournament schedule is Dierks (2022-23), Caddo Hills (2023-24), Murfreesboro (2024-25), Springhill (2025-26), Foreman (2026-27), Horatio (2027-28) and Acorn (2028-29).
Caddo Hills will be on the road this week with trips to Horatio on January 26 and Murfreesboro on January 27. The Junior Lady Indians and Junior Indians will play their final home games January 31 as all four teams are set to hot Foreman. Caddo Hills will travel to Acorn on February 2 and Foreman February 10. The senior high teams will close out their season at home against Mount Ida.
Mount Ida will host Oden on January 27 with all four teams set for action. They will play their final home game January 31 against Mineral Springs.
Mount Ida will travel to Dierks on February 3 and Oden on February 7 before wrapping up their regular season schedule at Caddo Hills February 10.
Oden will travel to Mount Ida on January 27 for four games, followed by trips to Taylor on January 31 and Acorn on February 3. They will close their season at home February 10 with Mount Ida.
Regional/State Tournament sites announced
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY|dewayne@mcnews.online
North Little Rock – The Arkansas Activities Association announced host sites for post-season tournaments in Winter and Spring sports. Montgomery County Schools will log some miles as they travel to regional and state tournaments with no local schools hosting tournaments.
Mount Ida and Oden compete in the 1A classification and will have to travel to Lafayette County for the 4-1A Regional Tournament. County Line High School will host the 1A State Basketball Tournament.
Caddo Hills competes in the 2A classification and will have to travel to Fordyce for the 2A South Regional tournament. Rector will host the 2A State Basketball Tournament.
Baseball, softball and track have yet to start, but tournament and state meet sites have been announced also.
The 4-1A Regional baseball and softball tournaments will be held at Bradley while Taylor will host the 1A State baseball and softball tournaments.
Horatio will host the 2A South Regional baseball and softball tournaments while Greenland will host the 2A State baseball and softball tournaments.
Lincoln will host the 1A State Track Meet and Quitman will host the 2A State Track Meet.
2023 State/Regional Baseball
State
6A – Cabot
5A –Marion
4A – Lonoke
3A – Lincoln
2A – Greenland
1A – Taylor
Regional
4A North – TBD
4A East –Robinson
4A South –De Queen
3A-1 – Valley Springs
3A-2 – Tuckerman
3A-3 – Rose Bud
3A-4 – Genoa Central
2A North – Riverside
2A Central –Magnet Cove
2A West – Greenland
2A South – Horatio
1A-1 – Omaha
1A-2 – West Side Greers Ferry
1A-3 – Wonderview
1A-4 – Bradley
2023 State/Regional Softball
State
6A – Bryant
5A –Marion
4A – Lonoke
3A – Lincoln
2A – Greenland
1A – Taylor
Regional
4A North – TBD
4A East –Robinson
4A South –Ashdown
3A-1 – Valley Springs
3A-2 – Tuckerman
3A-3 – Rose Bud
3A-4 – Genoa Central
2A North – Riverside
2A Central –Magnet Cove
2A West – Greenland
2A South – Horatio
1A-1 – Omaha
1A-2 – West Side Greers Ferry
1A-3 – Wonderview
1A-4 – Bradley
2023 State Track
State
6A – Fort Smith Southside
5A – Lake Hamilton
4A – Clarksville
3A – Prescott
2A – Quitman
1A – Lincoln
Decathlon/Heptathlon
Fayetteville
Meet of Champions
Russellville
2023 State/Regional Basketball
State
6A – Rogers
5A –Pine Bluff
4A –Blytheville
3A – Lamar
2A –Rector
1A –County Line
Regional
4A North – Morrilton
4A East – Clinton
4A South – Warren
3A-1 –West Fork
3A-2 –Mountain View
3A-3 –Rose Bud
3A-4 –Drew Central
2A North –Buffalo Island Central
2A Central –Sloan-Hendrix
2A West –Hector
2A South – Fordyce
1A-1 – The New School & Ozark Catholic
1A-2 – Calico Rock
1A-3 – Nemo Vista
1A-4 – Lafayette Co.
Montgomery County 4-H Banquet Returns
DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY|dewayne@mcnews.online
MOUNT IDA – The Montgomery County 4-H held their annual banquet Saturday, January 15, at Lake Ouachita Baptist Church. This marks the first time since the 2020 COVID pandemic that the awards banquet was held.
Katelyn Macejewski and Sawyer Beggs served as emcees. The banquet opened with the Pledge of Allegience led by the Puddle Jumpers Club and the 4-H pledge led by Mikayla Ellison. Peyton Macejewski led the room in an invocation.,
A meal was catered by Chicken Express in Hot Springs. After the meal awards were presented.
Mount Ida 4-H Club has 32 members.
1st Year Pin: Breanna Palikowski, Emily Pawlikowski, Zac Pawlikowski, Makenzi Clark, Kinley Elder, Katelyn Smith, Jordyn Dorse, Jaxon McBride, Jericho Hernandez, Samuel Sanchez, Taegan McPherson
2nd Year Pin: Cailynn Smith, Cayden Smith, Cayce Smith, Canyon Smith, Barrett Carr, Bristol Hickman
3rd Year Pin: Colin Whisenhunt
4th Year Pin: Aleena Rowland
5th Year Pin: Robert Samons
6th Year Pin: Penny Sue Samons
7th Year Pin: Justin (Buck) Miller, Geoffrey Samons, Peyton Macejewski, Katelyn Macejewski
8th Year Pin: Serena Gray
9th Year Pin: Opal Samons, Katelyn Miller
11th Year Pin: Sawyer Beggs
12th Year Pin: Mikayla Ellison, Holly Efird, Tracy Efird
Caddo 4-H Club has 20 members.
1st Year Pin: Levi Foley, Tayton Barnett, Logan Voan, Keagan Hamner, Elayna Hamner, Penelopy Hamner, Maybelle Black
2nd Year Pin: Isaac Chung, Joseph Chung, Asher Chung, Ryder Hartwick
4th Year Pin: Tyler Bour, Nery Castillo, Brenda Castillo, Estella Castillo, Yuneor Castillo
5th Year Pin: Andy Black
6th Year Pin: Hunter Baugher
11th Year Pin: Emily Hawthorn
12th Year Pin: Lucas Hawthorn
Oden 4-H Club has 24 members.
1st Year Pin: Sarah Starr, Koy Long, Dominic Libby, Sebastian Libby, Darton Buxton, Timrie Venable, Emma Thomas, Emmalee Buxton, Tallon Buxton, Gunner Buxton, Sharrona Vogel
2nd Year Pin: Lora Mae Bridges, Amos Bridges, Joshua Christenberry, Jacob Christenberry
4th Year Pin: Spencer Murray, Brody Murray, Cody Dowdy, Charlotte Metcalf
5th Year Pin: Ralynn Sharp, Clay Carmack
7th Year Pin: Faline Sharp
The Clover Buds have 10 members.
1st Year Pin: Mary Margaret Samons, Jayda Dorse, Brickson Ellison, Irwin Sadlin, Wyatt Johnson, Bryndlelyn McNabb, Mariko McNabb
2nd Year Pin: Josie Jackson, Jaxon McBride
3rd year Pin: Evelyn Samons
4-H Club leaders were recognized. Club leaders include Courtney Macejewski, Donna Dutherage, Lynda Baugher, Patricia Carmack and Barbara Clay.
Congressional Award Winners and those working toward a Congressional Award were recognized. Sawyer Beggs, Peyton Macejewski and Opal Samons have been awarded a Bronze Congressional Award. Katelyn Macejewski has received a Silver Congressional Award. Mikayla Ellison is working toward a Bronze Congressional Award.
Livestock and Poultry Chain members were recognized.
Cattle: Sawyer Beggs, Ryder Hartwick, Katie Miller, Buck Miller
Poultry: Sawyer Beggs, Amos Bridges, Lucas Hawthorn, Josie Jackson, Hunter Baugher, Tyler Bour, Mae Bridges, Barrett Carr, Levi Foley, Emily Hawthorn, Bristol Hickman, Katelyn Macejewski, Aleena Rowland, Geoffrey Samons, Penny Samons, Cayce Smith, Logan Voan, Evelyn Samons, Opal Samons, Robert Samons, Colin Whisenhunt
Swine: Andy Black, Caycie Cogburn, Josie Jackson, Levi Foley, Hannah Manning, Katie Miller, Buck Miller
Goats: Tracy Efird, Holly Efird, Katie Miller, Timrie Venable, Buck Miller, Opal Samons, Titan Venable
Sheep: Levi Foley, Cheyenne Parton, Emma Thomas, Titan Venable
Rabbit: Penny Samons
The Ross Photography Award winners were announced. There were five local 4-Hers who competed in the state event. They were Asher Chung, Joseph Chung, Isaac Chung, Mikayla Ellison and Katelyn Macejewski.
Record book winners were announced.
District level winners include Sawyer Beggs, Katelyn Macejewski, Opal Samons and Penny Sue Samons.
Katelyn Macejewski was a state level winner.
Camp Bucks winners were announced.
Bronze Medal Winners include: Joseph Chung, Mary Samons, Emma Thomas, Buck Miller, Colin Whisenhunt, Makenzie Clark, Timrie Venable, Josie Jackson, Katie Miller, Dominic Libby, Spencer Murry, Serena Gray, Maybelle Black, Sebastian Libby, Brody Murry, Sarah Star, Jaxon McBride, Kinley Elder, Titan Venable, Faline Sharp and Ralynn Sharp
Silver Medal Winners include: Peyton Macejewski, Mikayla Ellison, Clay Carmack, Robert Samons, Evelyn Samons, Isaac Chung, Asher Chung, Hunter Baugher and Emily Hawthorn
Gold Medal Winners include: Katelyn Macejewski, Penny Samons, Opal Samons, Sawyer Beggs and Geoffrey Samons
The Ola Mae Walton Spirit of 4-H Award was presented to Koy Long (Oden), Geoffrey Samons (Mount Ida) and Asher Chung (Caddo)
The Outstanding Junior and Senior 4-H awards were presented to Penny Sue Samons (Junior) and Katelyn Macejewski (Senior)
The Friend of 4-H Award was presented to Camp Ozark. Gene Monk received the award on behalf of Camp Ozark.
The final awards of the night were given two three members. The newest members of the Montgomery County 4-H Wall of Fame are Peyton Macejewski, Mikayla Ellison and Sawyer Beggs.
