Paragould - 91ԭ��

91ԭ�� Holds Ribbon Cutting for New Adult Education Location in Paragould

Claire Fisher — Thu, 07 May 2026 13:25:20 +0000

On Thursday, April 30, 91ԭ�� held a ribbon cutting ceremony in conjunction with the Paragould Regional Chamber of Commerce to celebrate BRTC’s relocated adult education site in Paragould.

The adult education site is now located in downtown Paragould at 209 North Pruett Street. Several members of BRTC faculty and staff, BRTC Board of Trustees, Paragould Regional Chamber, Greene County ambassadors, and local legislators gathered at the new location to see the renovated space and support BRTC.

“BRTC is always looking for ways to fulfill our mission of transforming lives and enhancing the community we serve,” Vice President of Academic Affairs Brad Baine said. “I cannot think of a better way to do that than help someone attain their GED.”

The new location has already helped several students looking to expand their education. Baine said adult education staff have impacted have many lives and they look forward to helping more people overcome their learning challenges.

To help with exterior renovations and building signage, BRTC received a $5,500 grant from Main Street Paragould. The grant, funded by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program and Main Street Arkansas, provides “Downtown Revitalization (DTR) Grants for qualifying building improvement projects for Downtown businesses and property owners.”

91ԭ��’s Adult Education program offers a variety of general education development (GED) classes to all adults ages 18 or older free of charge. Students enrolled in adult education classes are enriched through a wide range of available studies and have the opportunity to review or learn new skills necessary for career and educational improvement.

For more information about BRTC’s Adult Education program, contact Tammie Lemmons, program director, at tammiel@blackrivertech.edu or (870) 248-4130.

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91ԭ�� CTC Hosts BFW Engineering and Consulting

Claire Fisher — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:18:54 +0000

Black River Technical College's (BRTC) Paragould Career and Technical Center (CTC) students recently received a visit from BFW Engineering and Consulting's Eric Krapf.

Krapf spoke with students about what it takes to become an engineer, the college background they need, experiences that prepare them for the field, and why engineering is such a rewarding career to pursue.

Students also learned about the vital role engineers play across the workforce and heard about several local projects currently underway. They had great discussions about how engineering impacts everyday life, especially in ways they had never considered before, including transportation and community infrastructure.

91ԭ��’s Career and Technical Center is a free program which enables high school juniors and seniors to get a head start on a career after high school. Students can graduate with their high school diploma as well as with a BRTC certificate at the same time, ready to go right into the workforce. The CTC program is funded by the Office of Skills Development.

For more information about the CTC program contact Beth Davis at beth.davis@blackrivertech.edu or (870) 248-4184.

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Workforce Training Completes Electrical Safety Class

Claire Fisher — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 13:33:48 +0000

91ԭ�� Workforce Training recently completed a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E Electrical Safety and Lockout Tagout class instructed by Bert Clevenger. This class was funded by the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship.

The course was open enrollment had participants from The Greenbrier Company, Anchor Packaging, Prysmian Group, and Custom Pak. During this program students learned how to work safely with and around electricity in the work place. The course covered the following topics:

Understanding electrical hazards and their effects
Identifying and addressing associated risks
Implementing safety-related work practices
Selecting and using appropriate PPE
Establishing a safe work condition

91ԭ�� works closely with local and state workforce development agencies and area economic development initiatives to serve the needs of businesses and industries within Clay, Greene, Lawrence, and Randolph counties in developing workforce programs which benefit the workforce and employers. Workforce Training offers training in Pocahontas, Paragould, and online. BRTC is proud to serves as the sole provider of education for the Greene County Industrial Training Council (GCITC).

For more information about Workforce Training and their available courses visit /workforce-training/.

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Pack Smarter – Not Harder (Paragould)

Community Education — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:58:57 +0000

Pack Smarter – Not Harder

Instructed by Deborah Kiestler

Do you overpack when you travel? In this class, you will learn tips and tricks to lighten the load in your liquids, toiletries, personal items, and luggage featuring decanting liquids and the pros/cons of packing cubes. Whether you are packing one bag only for budget airlines (only personal item bag is free), carry-on only, or checking a bag(s) you will learn tips and tricks to achieve your goal. Pack your favorite toiletries and liquids while maximizing space. Reduce without sacrifice. This class focuses on air travel but applies to any travel—R.V., cruise, car, train, or plane.

Some of the topics we will be discussing:

What is the 3-1-1 Rule? What is a liquid?
What airlines are budget airlines and what are the pros/cons?
What is a personal item/carry-on bag(s)?
What are the benefits of personal item bags only or carry-on bags?
You will receive a Liquids Decanting Starter Kit.

Whether you are an inexperienced traveler; or a world-class traveler you will benefit from this class.

Space is limited; reserve your spot today!

Paragould

Thursday, July 25, 2024
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $25.00
The G.I.N., 210 N. Pruett St., Downtown Paragould
Deadline to Register: Thursday, July 18

For more information, contact BRTC Community Education at 870-248-4180 or community@blackrivertech.edu.

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Acrylic Canvas Painting Workshop (Paragould)

Community Education — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:56:47 +0000

Acrylic Canvas Painting Workshop

Instructed by Jerri from Jerri Ann’s Painting

Unleash your inner artist by creating a beautiful canvas painting of a hummingbird in flight or the adorable cow in the flower garden.

16 x 20 Canvas
Choose your Painting – Hummingbird or Cow in Flowers
All Supplies Included
Step by Step Instructions
Expect to Have Fun and Feel Proud of Your Creation
Take Home to Display or Give to a Loved One

Class Details:

Tuesday, July 30th, 6 – 8 pm
91ԭ��, 1 Black River Dr., Paragould, Rm ITC 107
Cost: $40.00
Deadline to Register: Thursday, July 25th

For more information, contact BRTC Community Education at 870-248-4180 or community@blackrivertech.edu.

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Basic Stained Glass Class #2 (Paragould)

Community Education — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 16:54:07 +0000

Basic Stained Glass Class

Instructed by Kelly from Beautifully Broken

This Class is Full

Description:

Learn the basics of making Stained Glass and make this adorable beehive. Class includes all supplies, along with step-by-step instructions.

Space is limited; reserve your spot today!

Class Details:

Thursday, August 8
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $40.00
91ԭ�� Paragould – Room ITC107
Deadline to Register: August 6

For more information, contact BRTC Community Education at 870-248-4180 or community@blackrivertech.edu.

REGISTRATION FORM

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Bob Ross Oil Painting Workshop – Night Light (Paragould & Pocahontas)

Community Education — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 16:51:07 +0000

Bob Ross Oil Painting Workshop – Night Light

Instructed by Brenda Lawrence, Certified Bob Ross Instructor

Join Our Bob Ross Oil Painting Class!

Are you ready to unleash your inner artist? Join us for an exclusive painting class where we’ll recreate Bob Ross’s beautiful Night Light painting!

No painting experience? No problem! Our friendly instructor will guide you step-by-step and all materials are provided.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned painter, this class is perfect for everyone to learn how to paint like Bob Ross. Relax, have fun, and take home your very own masterpiece!

16 x 20 Canvas
All Supplies Included
Step by Step Instructions
Expect to Have Fun and Feel Proud of your Creation
Take Home to Display or Give to a Loved One
Ages 10 & Up

Class Details:

Saturday, July 13, 2024
2-3 Hours
Two Class Offerings
- 91ԭ�� – Pocahontas, Room 113 – 9:00 a.m.
- 91ԭ�� – Paragould, Room 107 – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $65.00
Deadline to Register: Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Limited spots are available – sign up today!

For more information, contact BRTC Community Education at 870-248-4180 or community@blackrivertech.edu.

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BBQ and Backyard Grillin’ 101 (Paragould)

Community Education — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 16:41:09 +0000

BBQ and Backyard Grillin’ 101

Instructed by John Lindsey from All Q’ued Up

Description:

John Lindsey is a 7-time World Championship Steak Qualifier and Multi-time BBQ & Grilling Grand Champion. He is the 2022 Arkansas National Steak Points Champion. John is a regular on the popular TV show Bama-Q TV “The Steakout” and has just finished shooting with The Country Network for the upcoming new show, “Barbeque Country”.

In this class, we will be cooking Ribs and Pork Butts, as well as a few sides and a dessert. John will demonstrate how to prepare food and the proper grilling techniques for the perfect BBQ experience.

Space is limited; reserve your spot today!

Class Details:

July 22nd
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $75.00 or $140 per couple
91ԭ�� Paragould Campus Room 107
Deadline to Register: Thursday, July 18
For more information, contact BRTC Community Education at 870-248-4180 or community@blackrivertech.edu.

Registration Form:

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GCITC Visits BRTC’s Machine Tool Technology

BRTC News — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 14:00:57 +0000

John Shatzer, HR Mgr at Martin Sprocket & Gear; Dean Inman, GCITC Board Member; Rhonda Quenzer, HR Mgr at Axis; Dana Bradford, BRTC CCE Coordinator; Patricia Sanderson, BRTC Workforce Program Development Coordinator; Rick Barker, BRTC Machine Tool Instructor

POCAHONTAS, AR Nov. 9—Members of the Greene County Industrial Training Consortium (GCITC) recently visited Black River Technical College’s Machine Tool Technology shop on the Pocahontas campus.

Rick Barker, Instructor of Machine Tool Technology, discussed the program’s degree and course offerings and used one of the program’s CNC machines to create a product while explaining the process for creating items.

Through their established partnership, BRTC and GCITC strives promote economic development by meeting Northeast Arkansas’s industrial education needs.

For more information about BRTC’s Machine Tool Technology Program, visit https://blackrivertech.org/academics/technical-programs/machine-shop.

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91ԭ�� Hosts Meetings for Area Industry Leaders

BRTC News — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 14:00:16 +0000

Meeting in Progress

PARAGOULD, AR. Dec. 1—The Paragould BRTC Corporate and Community office hosted meetings for area industry leaders to share their training needs. The meetings were held October 28 and November 4 at Black River Technical College in Paragould.

Plant Superintendents, school superintendents, human resource managers, and business owners were present to hear guest speaker Darenda Kersey, BRTC Career and Technical Center director, talk about the Career and Technical Center. In addition, Ray Noel, a key originator of the Greene County Industrial Technical Center (GCITC), was on hand to help business and industry leaders understand the role of the GCITC consortium.

\”We receive phenomenal support from the Paragould Chamber of Commerce, area business and industries, and the Greene County Industrial Training Center,” said Executive Director Priscilla Stillwell. “Without these partnerships we cannot keep our community progressive.\”

Attendees included Kelly Aaron, Manager at Workforce Paragould; Jessie Blevins, Human Resources at DRIV/Tenneco; Brett Bradford, Chief Operations Officer at PLWC; Terry Chambers, Human Resources at Southworth; Tony Daily, Human Resources at DRIV/Tenneco; Don Gordon, Vice President of Operations at Allen Engineering; Suzie Hall, Human Resources at Allen Engineering; Brittany Hendley at Anchor Packaging; Allison Hestand, Director at Paragould Chamber of Commerce; Stacy Horn, Counselor at Paragould High School; Dean Inman, GCITC Advisor; Kristy Jordan, Accounts Manager at GCITC; Ray Noel, GCITC Advisor and former BRTC Board of Trustees member; Blaine Nunn, Owner at Nunn’s construction; Jacob Nunn, Owner at Nunn’s construction; Shaelynn Nunn, Owner at Nunn’s construction; Rhonda Quenzer, Human Resource and Safety Manager at AXIS; Keith Richey, Superintendent at Marmaduke Public Schools; David Snodgrass, Human Resources at NIDEC; Drake Wallace, Ranger Tool and Die; Gene Weeks, Superintendent at Greene County Tech; and Betty Wilcox from Allen Engineering.

For more information about GCITC or to become involved, contact Priscilla Stillwell at priscilla.stillwell@blackrivertech.edu or (870) 239-0969 or visit http://blackrivertech.org/workforce-corporate-and-community-training/pcc.

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2020 BRTC Foundation Golf Tournament Scholarship Sponsors

BRTC News — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 14:00:09 +0000

POCAHONTAS, AR. Nov. 13—Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 BRTC Foundation Golf Tournament was cancelled; however, several generous businesses and individuals sent sponsorships to fund scholarships for students.

91ԭ�� would like to recognize the following businesses and individuals for their commitment to support the college during this trying time: Archer Realty; BRTC Student Government Association (SGA); Carter-Cox Seeds; Clark General Contractors, Inc.; Darragh Company; E.C. Baron and Company; Farmers & Merchants Bank; Greene County Industrial Training Center (GCITC); Harps Foods; Hyde\’s Termite & Pest Control Inc.; Dr. Joe and Pat Jones; Darrell Kelley; Martin Agency; Martin Sprocket & Gear, Inc.; Overman Buildings, Inc.; Peco Foods, Inc.; ProMed Ambulance, Inc.; Regions Bank; The Candy Emporium ; D. Rene Tyler CPA, P.A.; and Mr. Ken & Dr. Jan Ziegler.

Karen Liebhaber, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, states, “I cannot express how much the BRTC Foundation Board members and I appreciate the commitment and support of these special businesses and individuals. During this pandemic, our students have be especially hard hit and the number of requests for emergency funds has dramatically increased. Without the support of donors like these, our students would suffer greatly.”

For more information about creating or supporting a scholarship, contact Karen Liebhaber at (870) 248-4185 or email her at KarenL@blackrivertech.edu or visit the http://blackrivertech.org/about/community/brtc-foundation.

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91ԭ�� Paragould Offering Machine Tool Technology Program

Karen Liebhaber — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 17:18:56 +0000

POCAHONTAS, AR July 28– Black River Technical College in Paragould is expanding its technical credit offerings to better meet the needs of local industry. For Fall 2020, students in the Paragould area will be able to take machine tool technology classes at BRTC Paragould.

Students have the opportunity to get a certificate of proficiency or technical certificate in machine tool technology. Student will also be able to apply machine tool classes toward the Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Maintenance Technology.

“Having the machine tool program in Paragould is an excellent addition for local industry and for the community,” said Executive Director of Paragould Operations Priscilla Stillwell. “It allows local industry to keep a trained workforce and helps the community by giving access to a short-term program that provides a living wage.”

Machine tool technology focuses on the set-up and operation of engine lathes, milling machines, grinders, power hacksaws, drill presses, shapers, and hand tools. Graduates of machine tool technology programs are often employed as machinists and tool and die makers.

For more information about the machine tool technology program at Paragould, contact Priscilla Stillwell at (870) 248-4185 or email her at PriscillaS@blackrivertech.edu.

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