Nancy says, "This will be my first winter with my bees and I'm a little
anxious and would like to help them get through the winter."

Nancy, and probably a lot more out there, please don't worry.  It takes some
joy out of beekeeping.  For the most part, cold does not hurt bees.  There
are exceptions, of course, but those are in much colder places than northern
Arkansas or upstate NY (where I am).  In fact, for many years one of the
outstanding queen breeders in North America was north of the agriculture
line in Saskatchewan, (Western Canada).  He over-wintered his stocks in
single story hives!  (Ok, ok, they were selected for the climate.)

Make certain the bees have an upper entrance, at least 50-60 pounds of food,
and they will be fine.  Providing, of course, that tracheal and varroa mites
are under control.  If they are not, no amount of heat or other care will
save them.

Lloyd
Lloyd Spear, Owner, Ross Rounds, Inc.  The finest in comb honey production.
www.rossrounds.com