Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Spelling Bee not joint event

Railroad crossing, look out for the cars, can you spell that without any "r's"?

While this is an old joke, the idea of being able to spell well isn't. To help shed light on the importance of spelling, the Southwest Arkansas Development Council's Learning Centers are hosting its annual Adult Spelling Bee.

This year's bee, though, will be different as it will be a joint spelling bee between teams from Hempstead and Nevada counties. The first joint spelling bee will be held Thursday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m., in the Johnny W. Rapert Auditorium at the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope.

Officials with the SWADC said there is a new list of spelling words which could be a greater challenge than ever.

It only takes three people to make up a team.

Teams can be made up of church groups, civic clubs, governmental organizations or individuals wanting to have fun. The winner takes home a traveling trophy, with a spirit stick available for the team bringing the most spirit.

The Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce won the Nevada County bee last year, while the Cross Roads Fire Department took the title in Hempstead County.

The annual SWADC Adult Spelling Bee is held in the expectation of bringing awareness to the public of the problems on adult illiteracy. It is hoped the effort will help recruit students, volunteer tutors and other volunteers to help fight the problem of illiteracy.

Teams can wear team shirts, bring banners or flags along with supporters to help win the spirit stick. The entry fee is $30 per team for the SWADC, but this is a tax-deductible donation.

A complete set of official words and rules will be given to each team for study when the team signs up.

All entries musts be turned in by Feb. 18, to the SWADC Learning Center, P.O. Box 217, Prescott, Ark. 71857, or P.O. Box 574, Hope, Ark. 71802, or by calling 870-777-8892.