Kelly Bryant, Clearwater Paper Environmental Manager, gave a presentation on the work Clearwater Paper, Inc. provides for the Desha County and Southeast Arkansas Area at the Dumas Chamber of Commerce Tuesday, September 6, 2022.
Bryant, who is also co-chair for the Community Outreach Division, gave a short presentation of the work Clearwater does for the community, the organization's background, and the products they produce.
Clearwater Paper started in 1980 and is headquartered out of Spokane, WA. They are the largest provider of private label tissue to retail chains in the United States. They have two divisions: consumer products and pulp and paper producing bleached paper boards.
The McGehee site employs 360 employees and produces the majority of the revenue for all of Clearwater Paper, Inc. She talked about the different products that were packaged in the paper produced by the company.
Clearwater has also worked as a community partner supporting local community events and sports sponsorship in Dumas, McGehee and Southeast Arkansas, donated to six elementary school in Southeast Arkansas, donated to local libraries including Dumas, and organizations such as the Johnny Polite Foundation, Miracle League, and the WWII Japanese Internment Camp Museum.
They encourage educational opportunities such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Math programs such as paper making programs and participate in STEM Academy. They support Boys and Girls Club and robotics programs.
They are working sustainability by reducing their environmental footprint in the areas of reduced energy usage, greenhouse gasses emissions, and the amount of water they use in production and return clean water back to its source. She talked about their products that use post-consumer fibers and their ReMagine Premium Paper that is made with up to 30% post-consumer recycled fiber.“We are trying to reduce water usage and return it the way we found it,” Bryant said.The Dumas Chamber of Commerce recognized Michael Jones for his years of service to the Chamber of Commerce and the Dumas Economic Development Committee. The plaque read “In appreciation of your many years of strong leadership, loyalty, guidance, and genuine southern charm to the citizens of Dumas and Desha County.” President Blake Downen also introduced the chamber's new board member Sheree Jackson.
Dumas School District Superintendent Dr. Camille Sterrett reported an awesome start to the school year. She said she was grateful for the Dumas and surrounding communities. The district has developed partnerships with members of the community who gave donations for Back to School August 8. The partnerships will continue through the school year. Sterrett said one of her focuses is to restore unity in the school district. She is introducing several new academic programs and extracurricular activities.Bob Ware, Vice Chancellor of UAM College of Technology McGehee, reported that the last day of school was last Monday and that enrollment looked good. Ware said they had several short-term classes that will begin September 12. They are working to train students on heavy equipment and gain their CDL license. He thanked the Dumas School District parents for allowing their students to participate in the college's programs.Rev. Arthur Hunt, of the College of Aspiring Artist, invited the audience to look at the college's digital campus. He walked everyone through the different parts of the website, their projects and special events. He talked about his Faith First Responders Program to encourage people of faith to work in first responder rankings.Agri Business: John David Farabough reported that the crop harvest has started with corn and rice. Soybeans and cotton have yet to be harvested with hopes of a safe harvest.Suzy Norris, Executive Director of Main Street Dumas, with a successful fall fest drive raising over $4,900 so far. The Meal at the Market will be held October 11, 2022 with tables available for purchase. Merry Main Street will be held December 1, 2022. Any vendors interested in running a booth contact Main Street Dumas.City of Dumas Mayor Simon reported the street sweeper is operating on a regular basis with a driver hired in house. They are working on two parks and will be adding Billy Free Memorial Park to make improvements on lighting in the area. The Memorial Park contract has been issued and work should begin soon. The Winchester Sewage project is going forward with 1/3 of the project complete. They are working to get the easements for the Mitchellville project. They are currently working on a water rate analysis for the Pickens Water Project. Smith Steel has begun work on the new maintenance building on Hwy 54. Simon asked if anyone is going to place a fence to check the location of their sewer lines before installing and to leave a 10 feet easement around the sewage line. The City has been working on not losing business with USDA Cotton Classing. They have been communicating with the Peterson Trust, local congressman representatives and upgrading the facility. A contract has been issued to lift the Bowles Street pump from 15 ft underground to the surface. The Varner Maintenance Crew should be in the area for clean up on a quarterly basis. The current population of Dumas is 4,001 according to the United States Census Bureau.Russ Sword, Interim Delta Memorial Hospital Administrator, introduced himself and said the former administrator Leah Osbahr left the position. He gave a brief work history detailing his experience. He described DMH as critically important to the city with a purpose to serve the hospital's patients. He asked for the community's input and support.Sarah Tucker, with DePaul Community Health Services, reported a busy August. Tucker announced a new blood pressure program called Get Control. They will be launching it at a future Dumas football game. She introduced two new employees Dr. Caroline May who specializes in Gynecology and Caroline Pridgeon, a Community Health Social Worker.Pam Taylor announced the 29th Serendipity Auction to be held October 17, 2022 from 6-9 p.m. At the Dumas Community Center. The tickets will cost $30 and can be purchased from The Dumas Business Woman and Desha County Museum. They also invited anyone who wanted to make a donation to contact them.
