Howard News

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Arkansas is home to more than 600,000 acres of lakes and more than 90,000 miles of rivers, streams, and creeks. As this is a popular time of the year for Arkansans to enjoy the waterways, we wanted to highlight boating safety in the state.

Last year, Arkansas saw a 9% decrease in boating accidents and a 36% decrease in the number of boaters who died from boating accidents. However, there were 60 reported boating accidents in 2018 which resulted in 29 injuries that required medical attention and seven fatalities. Of those seven fatalities, six drowned. According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, three of those six were not wearing a life vest and the other three were either improperly wearing their life vest or their vest was in poor condition and not functioning properly.

In order to ensure your safety, we wanted to remind you of some of the laws passed over the years regarding boating safety so that we can continue to reduce the amount of property damage and to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities associated with boating. Make sure to keep in mind that:

• Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 must have successfully completed an approved Arkansas Game and Fish Boating Education course and carry proof while operating a motorboat or sailboat on Arkansas water.

• Every boat must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket per person on-board. Children 12 and under must be wearing their life jacket at all times. Also, no matter the age, every person aboard a personal watercraft must be wearing an approved life vest

•To operate a personal watercraft, a person must be 16 year or older. Children aged 12-15 must be under the direct supervision of a person of at least 18 years old. Children 12 and under must be under the direct supervision of a person of at least 21 years.

For more information on boating safety please visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at www.agfc.com

4-H Teens Recently Attend Teen Leader Conference

The Arkansas 4-H Teen Leader Conference was held in Little Rock June 11 – 14. From all across the state, teens travel to attend this once a year opportunity. We had five teens representing our Sevier County 4-H clubs this year. Amber Morris, Aubrey Seymour, Kaydee Cowling, Ethan Wolcott, and Alec Frachiseur all attended.
While at the conference, teens learned different ways of becoming a better leader for their community. For instance, this year’s theme was “Be the Spark”. Youth learned how to empower other young potential leaders. One skill that each teen really was impressed with was the 5 C’s to giving a speech. The 5 C’s, Character, Competence, Culture, Chemistry, and Caring, is a skill they can use for the rest of their lives as they continue to grow with their leadership skills.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

From guided hikes to kayak outings, there are over 50,000 family friendly programs available at our Arkansas State Parks. If you are still looking for a summer getaway, consider the options in our own backyard.

In 1996, Arkansas voters passed a constitutionally dedicated conservation sales tax benefitting Arkansas State Parks and three sister conservation agencies. We now have 52 state parks on 54,400 acres with 1,800 campsites, 208 cabins, and 5 lodges serving 8 million visitors annually.

Arkansas has more than 9,700 miles of rivers and streams, and a good deal of it is perfect for floating—be it by canoe, raft or kayak.Experience a lake tour at DeGray Lake Resort, or view the sunset from your kayak on the Bull Shoals-White River. Park interpreters will guide you through the waters as they inform you about your surroundings.

Our state parks also offer lessons in how to cook in historic southern traditions. Learn about the flavors of various herbs at the Ozark Folk Center or how to prepare pizza in an earthen oven at Davidsonville.

Or get away from the harsh city lights and attend a star party. Arkansas’s state parks welcome visitors to look for constellations and learn about astronomy this spring and summer. Guided tours are offered at several parks including Village Creek and Pinnacle Mountain.

And speaking of stars, don’t forget about the opportunities at our national parks. The International Dark-Sky Association just recently designated the Buffalo National River Park as a Dark Sky Park. It is the first such designation for Arkansas and now becomes one of only 19 national parks to be officially recognized as a Dark Sky Park.

There will be a variety of ranger-led night sky programs offered at Buffalo Point this summer.

The Arkansas River flooding is impacting only a few park services. We encourage you to call the park ahead of time to ensure your planned activities are still on schedule.

Check out all Arkansas parks has to offer atwww.arkansasstateparks.com . You can find information on our national parks atwww.nps.gov.

Scholarships Available For Upcoming Fall and Spring Semesters

Scholarships | University of Arkansas Cossatot Community College

Little River Cattlemen's Scholarship - August 16, 2019 Deadline Board of Visitor's GED - August 2016, Deadline Cawood-Wright Scholarship - August 16, 2019 Deadline Frachiseur-Pulliam Associate of Applied Science-Business Scholarship - August 16, 2019 Deadline Bill & Christa Kolb Scholarship - August 16, 2019 Deadline Disabled American Veteran Scholarship - August 16, 2019 Deadline 50/50 Scholarship - Available until filled Domtar Forestry Wood Hauler Scholarship - Available until filled

Need money for college? We have some open scholarships for the upcoming fall and spring semesters. Here is a link to the applications: https://www.cccua.edu/pay-for-college/scholarships
The deadline is August 16.

July Summer Classes are Still Open at UA Cossatot

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It is not too late to sign up for summer classes at UA Cossatot. The college has four courses that will be available for students to take starting on July 1. These classes are flex courses and will last for four weeks. The last day to sign up for one or more of these classes is June 28.
The July Flex classes that are still open include Success Strategies, Arkansas History, Abnormal Psychology, and Anatomy and Physiology II. Anatomy and Physiology II, also known as A&P II, will be held at the Nashville Campus from 9:00 AM to 1:50 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays. Success Strategies, Arkansas History, and Abnormal Psychology will be offered online.
These flex classes at UA Cossatot are designed to help students take courses they need in a short amount of time. They also provide students with an opportunity to take possible required classes or electives at a faster rate for anyone wanting to take and finish a class before August. 
UA Cossatot student, Lauren Wishard said, “I am taking Arkansas History online this summer during the month of July. Since I work during the day, this is a great option for me. Being able to start and finish this class in one month, and do it completely online makes school more convenient.”
To sign up for a class or to learn more information, please call Student Services at 870-584-4471