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Small School, BIG Talent

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3:35 pm

By Brandy Young

When you hear about an award-winning Show Choir and Performing Arts group, you might not immediately think of Magazine High School. But Magazine Beta Club is working hard to change that misconception in a big way. At the 2025 Arkansas State Beta Convention, Magazine Beta added a long list of awards to their ever-growing collection including State Champion in both Show Choir and Performing Arts Group for the second year in a row. Competing against much larger schools with expansive performing arts programs, Magazine walked away with top honors and are still looking to bring home more titles at nationals.

Donna Riddle, Beta Club sponsor for each of her 37 years at Magazine, is very proud of what this club has accomplished. “We started competing in show choir about 7 or 8 years ago, and we’ve never failed to be in the top 5, which means we’ve never failed to qualify for nationals. For the past two years, we have been in the top 10 at nationals. That is a testament to the vocal talent and work ethic of these kids, as well as to the work of our very talented choir director, Mrs. Alisa Green. Our show choir has evolved as we have figured out what the judges are looking for. We have gotten better at knowing how to use our 8 allotted microphones for the best sound, which makes our relatively small show choir able to compete with much larger groups. We have also stepped up our game in the area of choreography, which I think has made a big difference in our scores. We’ve done group talent for much longer, and we’ve placed at state fairly consistently over the past 6 or 7 years.”

The Performing Arts group on stage during the finals at the State Beta Convention

Nat Ervin receiving first place award at the Senior High convention

For this year’s show choir performance, the students chose a selection of songs by Adele. The students performed songs from the movie “Grease” for the Performing Arts competition.

But Beta isn’t just about performing arts. National Beta Club is an honor society that centers around four “pillars”: academic achievement, character, leadership, and service. It is the largest independent educational organization for students in the United States. Each year, participating states hold their state conventions where students participate in competitions in numerous academic subjects, engineering, arts, performing arts, and community service. The students compete at the state level to qualify for the national convention. This year, the Magazine Beta Club earned 16 separate awards, each qualifying to compete at the national convention in June.

Junior High:
4th Place – Performing Arts Small Group
5th Place – 7th Grade U.S. History, Isaac Staton

Senior High:
1st Place – Show Choir
1st Place – Performing Arts Large Group
1st Place – Poetry-Division II, Nat Ervin
2nd Place – Quilling, Abby Crandall
2nd Place – 9th Grade Math, Connor Hopper
3rd Place – 10th Grade Health & PE, Abby Crandall
4th Place – 11th Grade Psychology, Pheobe Hopper
4th Place – Painting-Division II, McKenzie Morris
4th Place – On-Site Painting-Division II, McKenzie Morris
5th Place – Engineering, Cain Harmon, McKenzie Morris, Caleb Staton, and Owen Staton
5th Place – Digital Art-Division II, Nat Ervin

In addition to these awards, 3 students, Ainslee Chappell, Daniel Green, and Kauree Bennett, were given a “Golden Ticket” and invited to be Premier Performers at the National Convention opening session.

Premier Performers Ainslee Chappell, Daniel Green, and Kauree Bennett earned their “Golden Tickets” to nationals

Issac Staton receiving his award at the Junior High convention

The National Convention will be held this June in Orlando, FL. If anyone wishes to make a donation to help these students with the costs of the convention, donations can be delivered in person at the address below or mailed to:
Magazine Beta Club 485 E. Priddy St Magazine, AR

Show Choir performs in the finals at the State Beta Convention

Show Choir – photo by Amber Canada Photography Back row (L-R) Nat Ervin, Trinidy Harding, Daniel Green, Madison Kilgore, Briare Harding 3rd Row (L-R) Kalynn Downs, Pheobe Hopper, McKenzie Morris, Carissa Webster 2nd Row (L-R) Everlee Chappell, Alyssa Morris, Abby Crandall, Josie Oliver, Zoey Thurman First Row (L-R) Dessi Carolan, Ainslee Chappell, Serenity Mora (Kauree Bennett and Kennedy Schrader-not pictured)

State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

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Tammy Teague

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3:31 pm

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State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

The Senate passed legislation to prohibit discrimination and preferential treatment in state government, public schools and state-supported institutions of higher education.

The written intent of Senate Bill 3 is “to prohibit discrimination by public entities on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.”

The bill allows people to sue for injunctive relief, court costs and attorneys’ fees if they believe their rights have been impacted. Anyone who knowingly violates the act would be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

In 2023 the Senate approved a similar bill, SB 71. The House defeated it, but this year’s version passed by a greater margin. The Senate approved SB 3 by a vote of 24-to-7 and two years ago SB 71 was approved by a vote of 18-to-12.

In other business the Senate Committee on Public Health endorsed legislation meant to expand consumer access to pharmacies when they’re in the hospital. SB 58 would repeal a prohibition now in state law that prevents non-profit hospitals from having a pharmacy licensed to sell retail drugs.

Arkansas is the only state in the country with such a prohibition, according to the bill’s supporters. They say it should be easier for patients to purchase necessary medications when they are discharged from the hospital.

The House approved a bill being referred to as “tort reform light.” It is HB 1204 to limit damages that some injured plaintiffs can recover in civil lawsuits.

The bill would allow plaintiffs to recover only what insurance companies have paid for medical treatment, not the amount charged by hospitals and physicians.

Sometimes insurers have a contract with medical providers that allow for payments lower than the original charges for services rendered. Sometimes a plaintiff receives an amount equal to what was charged, rather than what the insurance company actually paid. That difference is known as “phantom damages.”

Students’ access to cell phones during the school day would be restricted under SB 142, which was filed and referred to the Senate Education Committee. It’s called the “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act” and it has 15 Senate sponsors.

One purpose is to improve academic performance by removing distractions from the classroom. Another goal is to improve the emotional and mental health of teenagers who spend too much time on social media.

Arkansas schools and the legislature have already begun work on the issue. Last year lawmakers approved using $7 million to help schools pay for pouches and storage lockers to keep students’ cell phones during the day.

Some parents have said they want their children to have cell phones handy in case of an incident like a school shooting. However, some school safety experts say that cell phones distract students even during shootings, because they focus on texting loved ones instead of following directions and moving to safe locations.

Magazine’s Morris Receives Scholarship Award For Visual Arts From Thea Foundation

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Tammy Teague

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7:08 pm

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Magazine’s Morris Receives Scholarship Award For Visual Arts From Thea Foundation

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Timepiece: Three Sisters Spring

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Tammy Teague

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7:02 pm

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Resident Press (Lavaca, Charleston, Paris edition) 1/29/25 Vol. 4 No. 5

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Tammy Teague

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2:25 pm

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Resident Press (Lavaca, Charleston, Paris edition) 1/29/25 Vol. 4 No. 5

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Greenwood Resident 1/29/25 Vol. 5 No. 5

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Tammy Teague

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2:22 pm

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Resident Press (Scott & So. Sebastian County edition) 1/29/25 Vol. 7 No. 5

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Tammy Teague

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2:17 pm

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Resident Press (Scott & So. Sebastian County edition) 1/29/25 Vol. 7 No. 5

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Reconnect and Relax: Ideas for a Fun “Family Night In”

Lifestyle

Tammy Teague

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1:03 pm

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Reconnect and Relax: Ideas for a Fun “Family Night In”

by Pamela Ray

In today’s fast-paced world, overwork and overscheduling can take a toll on families and relationships. Between long workdays, school, and packed schedules, it’s easy to find ourselves with less time to just hang out and reconnect. That’s why setting aside time for a “family night in” can be so valuable.

A family night-in doesn’t have to be a big, elaborate production. Often, it’s the simple, relaxed activities that bring the most joy and togetherness. The key is to create an opportunity for everyone in the family to spend time together, laugh, and unwind. Try making this a monthly tradition, put it on the family calendar, and treat it as an appointment you can’t miss!

Here are some fun and easy ideas for your family night in:

Limbo Contest with a Twist
Have a limbo contest in the yard! To up the challenge, use a stream of hose water instead of a limbo stick. It’s silly, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather.
Dream Vacation Brochure
Work together to create a brochure for your dream vacation. Gather ideas from every family member and include places to visit, activities to try, and even a pretend itinerary. Bonus: You might just discover your next real family trip!
Start a “Special Memories” Folder
Grab an accordion folder with 12 sections and label each one for a month of the year. As the months go by, save mementos like ticket stubs, invitations, and photos in the folder. Next year, take it out and relive the stories and memories as a family.
Recipe Scavenger Hunt
Turn cooking into a fun game! Assign each family member ingredients or utensils to “hunt” for in the kitchen. Once everything is gathered, work together to prepare the dish. The teamwork and laughs are as important as the meal itself.
Make Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Get creative outdoors! Mix equal parts cornstarch and water in several cups, then stir in a few drops of food coloring for vibrant shades. Use paintbrushes to decorate the sidewalk or driveway with colorful, washable art.

Keep It Simple and Enjoy the Moment

The goal of a family night isn’t to add stress—it’s to take a break and enjoy a special time together. Don’t get bogged down by over-planning or preparation. Pick an activity everyone will love, turn off distractions, and just have fun.

Whether it’s laughing over a limbo contest, cooking together, or creating a family masterpiece, these moments of connection will be treasured for years to come.

Start planning your next family night—it might just become everyone’s favorite tradition!

Arkansas 4-H Tech Changemakers program expands; more youth interested in STEM

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Tammy Teague

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12:50 pm

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Arkansas 4-H Tech Changemakers program expands; more youth interested in STEM

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Whether they’re helping adults create resumes, safe passwords or avoid phishing scams, Arkansas 4-H Tech Changemakers are using their technology skills to make a difference in their communities.

4-H Tech Changemakers began in Arkansas in 2021 with 20 participants from 11 counties. The program trains youth to teach digital skill-building workshops to adults. Participants have given presentations to Extension Homemakers Council clubs, county meetings for Master Gardeners, nursing homes and community centers, all focusing on basic internet safety.

Over the past four years, Tech Changemakers has grown significantly. Seventy-four Arkansas 4-H members from 16 counties attended the program’s Winter Training on Jan. 3. At the training, participants and adult 4-H volunteers learned how to operate recreational drones and test secure passwords. They also learned to use Ozobots, miniature robots that introduce students to coding techniques.

Cindy Phillips, extension Tech Changemakers program technician for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said the program has grown, in part, because of past participants’ vocal enthusiasm.

“Our team, and past teams, have been talking to their friends about how great it is to be a Tech Changemaker,” Phillips said. “We have also set up a Tech Changemakers table at several 4-H events, so more kids are seeing us and asking questions about what we do. It’s a great way to meet fellow 4-H members and gain valuable community service experience.”

Community outreach is at the heart of Tech Changemakers. Nationally, 325 Tech Changemakers participants across 18 states reached more than 37,000 adults in 2021. Phillips said that since then, Arkansas 4-H Tech Changemakers have connected with more than 10,000 adults in the state through workshops and one-on-one tutorials.

“Our goal is to help the adults in our communities cross the digital divide,” Phillips said. “As our world becomes more and more driven by technology, Tech Changemakers help adults learn essential digital skills, including basic internet safety, phishing scams and cell phone use.”

Michelle McVay, extension STEM instructor for the Division of Agriculture, said that today’s teens are the perfect vehicles to deliver this critical information.

“These kids are what we could consider digital natives,” McVay said. “Many of them have used computers and the internet from an early age, so these technology skills are very familiar to them. We’re asking them to use their knowledge to help people in their communities live safer lives and not feel so left behind by technology — by connecting with these adults, Tech Changemakers help them connect with the world.”

Phillips said that in 2025, participants will also teach STEM classes in their local schools.

Technology skills for work and play

At the Tech Changemakers Winter Training, new program participants shared their excitement for the year ahead.

Truitt Shaw, a member of Grant County 4-H, said his older brother participated in the program previously, which got him excited to join.

“I thought it would be very interesting to do what my brother did and help people learn how to use technology,” Shaw said.

Shaw, 12, said he’s interested in becoming a professional animator when he grows up, and he’s already sharpening his skills.

“I make stop-motion videos, where you take a picture and then move an item, so it looks like it moves on its own,” Shaw said. “I also do frame-by-frame animation, where I draw a picture and then I draw another picture, and it plays together and makes it look like it’s moving.”

After the training, Shaw said he looked forward to using his skills to help people grasp concepts that may be new or intimidating to them.

“I think that if somebody like my mom or dad, or my grandma or grandpa, needs help with technology and they don’t understand something, I think I’d be able to help them understand it,” Shaw said.

Thyme Spence, a member of Clay County 4-H, said she joined Tech Changemakers because she “thought it would be a good opportunity for me to grow my 4-H experience.” As a freshman in high school, she took a class about coding, which also interested her in the program.

For fellow Clay County 4-H member Claire McKenney, Tech Changemakers presented an opportunity to learn new skills that may benefit her family’s medical practice.

“I thought it would be a cool way to branch out my learning experience and get more life experience with other kinds of jobs,” McKenney said. “I’m most interested in mechanics and coding, because while my family runs a doctor’s office, I want to become something different and learn engineering so I can be independent.

“If a printer breaks, or there’s a computer problem, I’ll know a bit more about what’s wrong with it and how to fix it,” she said.

McKenney said she thinks her Tech Changemakers experience could “definitely go into a career path and future life experiences.”

Learn more about Arkansas 4-H Tech Changemakers online, visit or contact Cindy Phillips at [email protected].

Mention of product names does not imply endorsement by the Division of Agriculture.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.

About the Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.