Arkansas News

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From the Office of the Chancellor UA Cossatot

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UA Cossatot understands that COVID-19 has altered our lives considerably and getting back to some semblance of normal will be a welcome relief, but we also understand that we are involved in a marathon and not a sprint. We are starting to see businesses across Arkansas ramping up their openings, albeit with proper safety guidelines in place. As for UA Cossatot, we are finishing our spring semester by allowing our technical students to safely complete their requirements on campus. We have UA System – approved and extremely strict guidelines for these students as our campuses are still technically closed to visitors and normal student traffic. Currently we are open for business by email, phone or our website as all employees are either on-campus or connected to campus by Virtual Private Networks.

Our spring graduation has been moved and combined with our December Winter graduation. We feel this is the safest and most prudent way to show our appreciation to all of our graduates.

Our summer terms will be completely on-line but we expect our fall semester to be as close to “normal” as possible. This will include proper safety guidelines for all students and staff. We will have a plan “B” just in case another major COVID-19 outbreak occurs during the fall semester.

This week we launched our UA Cossatot CARES Grant ( https://www.cccua.edu/ua-cossatot-cares-grant ), a $500 grant funded by Federal stimulus funds designed to assist students who were enrolled in the spring semester and who were directly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. We received $387,000 earmarked for our students, and there will be more funds available for students that demonstrate continuing hardships due to COVID-19.

Our registration continues to be open for the summer and fall semesters. We have made our entire registration process available online for the safety and convenience of our students. Our website contains all the information students need to register: https://www.cccua.edu.

We do not know when we will be operating as normal, but rest assured, we will always be here for our students and the community. We just want to take a measured and sensible approach to fully reopening our campuses. As I have said before, these are unprecedented and unexplored times but we will all make it through by working together. You can always find more UA Cossatot information on Facebook (ED88 and UAC) and on our CCCUA.EDU and https://www.ed88radio.com websites.

Thank You,

Dr. Steve Cole
Chancellor, UA Cossatot

Cossatot Community College

UA Cossatot embraces diversity and is committed to improving the lives of those in our region by providing quality education, outstanding service, and relevant industry training. The University of Arkansas - Cossatot Community College offers degrees and certificates in more than two dozen fields.

 
 
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UA Cossatot CARES Grant Application Now Open

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University of Arkansas Cossatot has announced its application process to distribute Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds for Spring 2020 students. These $500 UA Cossatot CARES Grants are intended to help offset expenses students experienced because of the COVID-19 health emergency. The last day to submit applications is May 31, 2020.

Eligible students include those who have a valid 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the college and who attended at least one in-person class prior to March 13th.
Ineligible students include those who were taking only online courses before March 13th, international students, concurrently enrolled high school students, and students not enrolled in a degree-seeking program. Students who need assistance with their 2019-2020 FAFSA can contact UA Cossatot’s Financial Aid Department.

Students should check their email for the UA Cossatot CARES Grant application link to apply today. For more information on eligibility requirements and a list of Frequently Asked Questions please visit: www.cccua.edu/CARES

Cossatot Community College

The UA Cossatot CARES Grant is a federal grant that was established to help students that were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please click here to learn more . Students who meet basic eligibility criteria for federal financial aid can be considered for these funds.

 
 
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Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Foster Families Answering the Call

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LITTLE ROCK – May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, and today I’d like to thank our foster families and all the people who work so hard to put our neediest children in homes and other safe settings.

In my five years as governor, I have watched with admiration and gratitude as private citizens, many of them from the faith community, have toiled alongside employees of state agencies to reduce the number of children in foster care. They’ve reduced the number of children in foster care by more than 15 percent. The number was reduced from 5,200 in 2015 to the current 4,400.

The mission to take in foster children and to match with foster parents is a challenge on the easiest of days. The COVID-19 pandemic has added an unexpected layer of difficulty.

One challenge unique to COVID-19 is the understandable fear that a child placed into a foster home has been exposed to the coronavirus. Foster parents must consider the risk of accepting a child with the virus. At least one child placed in a home has tested positive.

But as Lauri Currier, executive director of The Call indicated, the family took the positive test in stride. As Lauri said, they did what these families do. They took care of the child and the other members of the family. They self-quarantined.

The Call is a faith-based organization whose members find and train foster families and supports them spiritually and financially. The Call is the largest nonprofit in Arkansas that is devoted to assisting foster children and families. As members of The Call began to comprehend that COVID-19 was going to be a problem, they determined the virus wouldn’t stop their work.

The county coordinators work closely with their families and know their needs. Volunteers bought and delivered meals and other necessities so the families could stay at home.

The Call conducts regular mandatory training sessions for families that want take in foster children. The leaders weren’t willing to let the limit on the size of gatherings put the training on hold. They developed a virtual program and trained 173 people, which represented about 85 families.

Our social-distancing requirements meant canceling the annual Walk for the Waiting fundraiser at War Memorial Stadium. But the three sponsoring organizations – The Call, Immerse, and Project Zero – refused to cave to the illness. They organized neighborhood walks, and last weekend, they raised a hundred-and-six thousand dollars.

We recognize the important work of foster parents and the sacrifices they make. For that reason, the CARES Act Steering Committee, which my administration created to oversee the distribution of federal assistance in Arkansas, recommended a one-time payment of $500 to any foster family that provided overnight care to at least one child between March 11 and April 30. It is a small way for us to thank those who take on financial challenges and health risks during this time.

Family challenges don’t stop for pandemics. New children in need of care arrive regularly. But those who are there to help children in the foster-care system haven’t let the pandemic stop them. As Lauri Currier of The Call said, kids lives are at stake. They can’t put their work on hold.

Thanks to people such as Lauri and our childcare workers and many others whose names we'll never know, the needy children in Arkansas are finding a safe place to go and lots of love when they get there.

 
 
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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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Since the beginning of this health emergency, more than 60,000 tests for COVID-19 have been conducted in Arkansas.

While testing was initially limited, the capacity at commercial labs has increased significantly resulting in shortened turnaround times.

Earlier this week, the CDC committed to providing 90,000 kits and swabs per month to the State of Arkansas. The goal is to now test 60,000 in Arkansas during the month of May.

If you have symptoms such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath OR if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 call ahead to your health care provider. Testing is available.

People who are considered high risk should contact their health care provider early, even if symptoms are mild. Those at higher risk for serious illness include older adults and people with underlying chronic medical conditions.

There are now 165 testing locations in 56 counties. You can find one near you at www.healthy.arkansas.gov or call your health provider.

Increased testing is critical to preventing the spread of the virus. It also plays an important role in making decisions to re-open businesses and roll back restrictions.

Early testing can help identify anyone who came in contact with an infected person so they too can be treated quickly.

As more testing becomes available, the Arkansas Department of Health is also expanding the number of health experts working on contact tracing. Contact tracing is part of the process of supporting patients with suspected or confirmed infection. In contact tracing, public health staff works with a patient to help them recall everyone with whom they have had close contact during the timeframe while they may have been infectious.

Public health staff then warn these exposed individuals of their potential exposure as rapidly and sensitively as possible.
The Arkansas Department of Health currently has close to 200 individuals working on case investigation and contact tracing. They include nurses, disease intervention specialists, epidemiologists, and ADH trained staff. There are more than 125 student volunteers with the College of Public Health being trained to assist with contact tracing in the next few weeks.

While testing and tracing are key components to re-opening our economy, every Arkansan can play a significant role as well. We should continue to practice social distancing and wear a mask in public places.

 
 
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Governor Hutchinson Announces New Text Alert System to Provide Timely COVID-19 Updates

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NORTH LITTLE ROCK— Governor Asa Hutchinson has announced a new text alert system with the ability to provide timely COVID-19 alerts and other critical guidance directly from the Arkansas Division Emergency Management to Arkansas residents.

Arkansans can opt-in to the new system today by texting ‘COVID19ARK’ to 67283.

“This is a free service from the Division of Emergency Management and RAVE Mobile Safety that will enable Arkansans to receive COVID-19 alerts and other guidance,” said Governor Hutchinson. “Participation in Smart911 will provide first responders additional information they need to ensure your safety and wellbeing.”

Residents who have opted in for alerts will also receive instructions to sign up for Smart911, a free service that allows individuals and families to provide key context to 9-1-1 call takers and first responders.

Through the Smart911 app or smart911.com, residents can create a Safety Profile that contains critical information including pre-existing conditions and quarantine status.

As Arkansas manages the COVID-19 outbreak and a surge in 9-1-1 calls, the information in these Safety Profiles allows 9-1-1 operators to proactively identify and communicate with those at greatest risk while also providing first responders the context and foresight they need to protect themselves from exposure and arrive on the scene fully informed.

Smart911

This service helps 9-1-1 protect your family by providing more information to first responders. You should sign up too, it is free!

 
 
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HHS Awards Arkansas $4.7 Million for Expanded Coronavirus Testing

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WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman—applauded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for awarding federal funds to Arkansas health centers for expanded coronavirus testing.

The grants—totaling $4,766,433—were awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to 12 HRSA-funded health care centers in Arkansas. The investment will be used to expand testing and allow for the purchase of personal protective equipment; training for staff; outreach, procurement and administration of tests; and laboratory services. This funding will also support notification of contacts of patients who test positive and the expansion of walk-up or drive-up testing capabilities.

“These health centers play a critical role in keeping Arkansans healthy. Providing additional resources to expand testing is key to identifying patients infected with this disease and preventing its spread in the community. These funds will help achieve the governor’s goal of conducting 60,000 coronavirus tests in the state during May,” members said.

This funding builds on a $10.5 million investment in Arkansas HRSA-funded facilities.

The only one are health center received funding from HRSA:

Healthy Connections Inc.

Mena

$292,819

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Lake Wind Advisory Through 7 p.m. Friday in Southwest Arkansas

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* WHAT...South winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph
overnight to become northwest around 20 mph this afternoon.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,
southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and
east and northeast Texas.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT this evening.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... Southerly winds will increase to 10 to 20
mph ahead of a frontal boundary through the predawn hours. Winds
will shift to the northwest later today and approach 20 mph with
higher gusts.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Boaters on area lakes should use extra caution since strong winds
and rough waves can overturn small craft.

 
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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Issues Important Reminder To Arkansans Acquiring Livestock From Out of State

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Little Rock, AR -- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is reminding Arkansans that they must ensure any livestock they purchase or receive from other states meets the State and Federal import requirements. The Department of Agriculture’s Livestock and Poultry Division can offer assistance to ensure the animals have the proper documentation to allow movement into Arkansas.

“We appreciate the efforts of Arkansans to help alleviate challenges that animal agricultural producers have encountered due to temporary closures of processing facilities in other states,” said Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture. “Our staff is available to help answer questions about safety protocols and importation requirements that are in place to protect Arkansans and our state’s agriculture industry,” said Ward.

All animals brought into Arkansas must meet the importation requirements set by USDA and the State’s Health Requirements Governing the Entry of Livestock, Poultry, and Exotic Animals. For swine, USDA interstate commerce regulations call for Premises Identification Number Ear Tags for Slaughter Swine, and the state requires that swine that are not from a qualified-validated herd be tested for Brucellosis and Pseudorabies. A Certificate of Veterinarian Inspection is also required to make sure the animal is not showing signs of illness. These rules are in place for public safety and to prevent the spread of disease within the state.

“Brucellosis and Pseudorabies are highly communicable diseases that can spread quickly from animal to animal, and in the case of Brucellosis, to humans,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Randy Chick. “We are aware of individuals planning to purchase live animals, particularly swine, directly from out-of-state producers. These rules are in place to help the Department monitor and prevent diseases that can have devastating impacts on the Arkansas agriculture industry,” said Livestock and Poultry Director Patrick Fisk.

More information about animal importation requirements may be obtained from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture website at https://www.aad.arkansas.gov/…/59372…/Entry_Requirments_.pdf

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If people are not planning to process the animals themselves, they should know that many meat processors in Arkansas are already booked for several months. Individuals planning to purchase an animal for processing should first check with local processing plants or prepare for other options such as arranging for holding the animal until it can be processed.

A list of Arkansas meat processors may be found on an interactive map at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/…/fsis/t…/inspection/mpi-directory

Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory

The Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection (MPI) Directory is a listing of establishments that produce meat, poultry, and/or egg products regulated by FSIS. The Establishment Demographic Data includes additional establishment information about FSIS regulated establishments, including size, species slaughtered and aggregate categorical production information.

 
 
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UA Cossatot Announces New Basketball Coach and Athletic Director

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On Wednesday, May 6, 2020, UA Cossatot hosted a virtual Zoom press conference to introduce Robert Byrd as the college's newly hired men's and women's basketball coach. It was also announced during the conference that Coach Byrd would also be taking on the role of Athletic Director for UA Cossatot.
UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, kicked off the conference by welcoming everyone and then introducing Coach Byrd. Dr. Cole said, "We are very pleased and excited to have Coach Byrd take on the role of Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director for the college. We were looking for a talented player's coach, and that is what we found in Coach Byrd."
Byrd recently completed his second year as an Assistant Coach for the University of St. Thomas Men's Basketball team in Houston, Texas. For the 2019-2020 season, the Celts finished 24-2 overall and 16-2 in the SCAC to win the conference regular-season championship. The Celts were ineligible for postseason play due to their transition from NAIA to NCAA. Nevertheless, the Celts won their first-round game in the USCAA D1 National Tournament. After their first game, the tournament was canceled due to COVID-19. The Celts were the #2 seed and were ranked second in the USCAA D1 National Poll.
During the 2018-2019 season, the Celts finished the season 23-11 overall and 11-7 in RRAC play. This earned them the #4 seed in the RRAC tournament. The Celts ultimately won the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament Championship by first knocking off #2 nationally ranked LSUA in the semifinals and beating #15 ranked LSUS in the championship game. They received a #22 ranking in the final NAIA D1 national poll and a #6 seed in the NAIA D1 National Tournament.
Coach Byrd joined the Celts after serving one year as an assistant and six years as Head Men's Basketball Coach at Lone Star College-CyFair. During his time at LSC-CyFair, Robert accumulated over 20 wins in each of his six seasons as Head Coach and guided over 30 players to 4-year universities on athletic and academic scholarships.
Coach Byrd participated in the NBPA Top 100 camp in 2005 as a camper and also worked with the NBPA Top 100 camp from 2009-2016 as a Camp Counselor and Assistant Equipment Manager. After graduating from the University of Houston with a BA in Psychology, Coach Byrd also pursued a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas.
Coach Byrd stated during the conference, "I want to thank God, my family, and Dr. Cole for this opportunity. I am excited about athletics at UA Cossatot, and I am looking forward to getting started. I am excited about building relationships. It is important to me to help the players at UA Cossatot on and off the court in basketball, in academics, and in life.”
Coach Byrd is set to begin work at UA Cossatot this summer. Colts and Lady Colt's basketball tryouts will be announced at a later date. For more information, Coach Byrd can be contacted at rbyrd@cccua.edu.

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Murphy USA, Murphy Oil Great Partners, Governor Says as Company Announces Move

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LITTLE ROCK – The Murphy companies in El Dorado have been “amazing partners” with Arkansas, and that will not change as Murphy Oil moves its operation to Houston, Governor Asa Hutchinson said after learning the news on Wednesday (May 6).

Murphy USA, which employs 600 people and operates gas stations across the United States, will remain in El Dorado.

“Both Murphy Oil and Murphy USA have been amazing partners for Arkansas through many decades, and I’m confident they will continue to be a key part of our economic future, even though we are saddened by the news today that Murphy Oil will be moving 82 jobs to Houston as a result of this change,” Governor Hutchinson said. “We are very pleased with the continued presence of Murphy USA, which has 600 employees and its headquarters in El Dorado, and that they have a continued commitment to the El Dorado Promise. We know that we will continue to work with both companies in the future.” 

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Severe Storms Predicted for Late Thursday Night/Early Friday Morning

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SIGN UP FOR CODE RED FOR EMERGENCY WEATHER NOTIFICATIONS

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Click on link below to sign up for Code Red in your area!

Click on link below to sign up for Code Red in your area!

City of De Queen | Heart of Tri-Lakes Country

July 1st is opening day for Bi-Annual Mobile Food Vendor Applications. The City of De Queen will accept applications for mobile food vendors for fifteen bi-annual permits. The bi-annual permits are available ($100 for 6 months) for vendors to set up on privately-owned...

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National Nurses Week 2020

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Nurses have worked heroically and have put in extra hours over the past few weeks and months on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. Thank you nurses for what you do every day! This week is National Nurses Week and May 6th is National Nurses Day. We honor and celebrate those who devote themselves to the care of others.