The Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association met on Thursday January, 2026 at the UAM Agriculture Building at 6:30 pm. The meeting opened with Mrs. Keturah Rush and the 4H livestock students. They wanted to express their gratitude for the donations and support provided by Desha/Drew County Cattlemen’s Association to their Premium Auction. The night’s meal, fresh roast beef sandwiches and fixin’s was sponsored by Thane Cope with McKiever Packaging and blessed by Mr. Glynn Gibson. Members brought the delicious desserts.

Dr. Kyle Day, who is running for Arkansas State Representative gave members a talk about what he stands for and what he plans to do. The main speakers for the night were Mr. Matt Hegwer his son Haden Hegwer with the Bar H Receiving Station. Bar H Receiving Station works as a receiving station for Joplin Regional Stockyards. It is set up at the shining M Arena outside Monticello Arkansas. They take in all types of cattle and try to help producers get the best price for their cattle. The guys also offered market updates and insight for producers. The membership also decided to donate towards the UAM Ag Alumni Banquet. Mr. Brian Gibson made the motion and Mr. Robert Akin seconded. The motion passed. The meeting was then adjourned

The Effie E. Brooks Civic Club wanted to share some absolutely heartwarming news about  our amazing organization. Thanks to the members of the Effie E. Brooks Civic Club for collecting 218 pairs of socks! Each pair was gathered with so much care and thought, all with the goal of bringing a little extra warmth and comfort to residents in our local care facilities during the Valentine weekend. And here’s the best part – all those cozy socks have now found their new homes! Our members had the pleasure of personally delivering each and every one of those 218 pairs of socks to the wonderful folks at BELLE VIEW ESTATES REHABILITATION AND CARE CENTER, THE WOODS, and GRAND MANOR. It was such a special experience, and you could really feel the positive impact it made.

his whole initiative perfectly showcases the kind of unwavering commitment the Effie E. Brooks Civic Club members have for our community. They genuinely poured their hearts into making a real, tangible difference in people’s lives, and I couldn’t be prouder of their compassion and sheer hard work. It’s truly inspiring to see so much kindness in action.President Stacey Smith and members of Effie E. Brooks Civic Club