4-H Changemakers visit Lions

By Joseph Fondren

Town Courier Contributor

BLYTHEVILLE— The Clay County 4H Tech Changemakers were the program at the Blytheville Lions Club meeting Tuesday afternoon.

The five students; Emma Holmes, Jaxon Burns, Jaydin Stirnaman, Adam Holmes and Izabella Blount; all from the Rector School District, gave a presentation on eight basic rules of flying drones recreationally.

The eight rules include: flown strictly for recreational purposes; flown within visual line of sight of the operator or co-operator; flown during daylight hours; flown in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft. Does not fly higher than 400 feet above ground level; does not fly within five miles of an airport without prior authorization; operated in accordance with or within the programming of a community- based organization’s set of safety guidelines; and does not fly over stadiums, parades or other public events.

Students, Adam Holmes and Burns, gave the Lions Club a presentation on flying the drones.

Clay County FCS/ 4H agent Christin Holmes informed the audience that the drones being flown cost the program $25 and only stay charged for five-minutes.

Clay County Ag/ 4H agent Ben Holcomb added that many chemical companies and farmers use drones to spread chemicals on farms.

According to Christin Holmes, 2024 is the third year of the Tech Changemakers program. Twenty counties in Arkansas with a total of 60 teens participate in the program state-wide.

Emma Holmes told the Town Courier, “Before joining 4H, I thought 4H was just about animals and livestock. I was excited to hear about and become part of the 4H Tech Changemakers, as well as 4H Food Challenge since technology and health and wellness are areas what I am interested in. Through 4H Tech Changemakers, I have met many other teens throughout the state and even had the chance to go on a 4H Ignite National trip to Washington, DC last year in March. I also love working with people in the community to help them understand technology better.”