Tinsel, Tin and Treats

The Howard County Extension Homemakers transformed the EH Center into a holiday extravaganza during the recent Tinsel, Tin and Treats fundraising program. The program provided guests with new holiday decorating ideas, recipes and a time to fellowship with friends. The program was held on November 9 in Nashville. Money raised from the event goes directly into the Extension Homemaker program and mainly toward the maintenance of the educational center.

Extension Homemakers are a volunteer, nonprofit organization who does not rely on assistance from county or receive any state financial support. Their mission is to give individuals and families the skills to improve their lives through educational programs, build leadership skills and give back to their communities. Operating funds are raised through catering events and special events such as “Tinsel, Tin and Treats”. The group caters events such as class reunions, birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, weddings, area meetings for different organizations and a variety of other events. If you are interested in learning more about Extension Homemakers or having a catered event, contact the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517. Thank you to everyone who attended “Tinsel, Tin and Treats” and supported the program.

EH Council President, Gladine Bennett provided the welcome and acted as hostess for the evening.

EH member, Jean Ann Flaherty, shares ideas for simple gift giving.

Jean Ann Flaherty shares gift giving ideas.

Jean Ince, County Extension Agent, demonstrates praline frosting on the New Orleans Double Chocolate Praline Fudge Cake and shares tips on holiday baking.

Just one of the over 25 themed Christmas decorations. Each decoration was different.

Just a few EH members who helped make the evening a success. (Right to left-Pam Wynn, Tempie LaMothe, Jean Ann Flaherty, Monica Tipton, Tina Conzel, Joy Barr, Dana Newberg, Deb Kreul, Mary Hartness, Pearlie Snell, and Corliss Lewis)

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

This week we want to remind you of an important deadline approaching all Arkansans.

On October 1, 2020, anyone who boards a domestic flight or enters a federal building will either need a REAL ID driver’s license (DL) or Identification Card (ID) or will need to provide a regular identification and additional accepted forms of identification.

Arkansas is taking part in the federal nationwide initiative to improve the security of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, which will help fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud.

The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 adopted the recommendations of the 911 Commission. The REAL ID Act prohibits the federal government from accepting driver's licenses or identification cards issued by states that do not meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act. This includes but is not limited to commercial air flights and federal buildings.

You can upgrade to REAL ID at any time by having a duplicate license issued at a REAL ID office. The following Revenue Offices issue the REAL ID: Arkadelphia, Batesville, Bentonville, Conway, El Dorado, Fayetteville, Forrest City, Fort Smith (6515 Phoenix Avenue), Greenwood, Harrison, Hot Springs (200 Woodbine), Jonesboro, Little Rock (Three State Police Plaza Drive), Little Rock (1900 W. 7th Street), Little Rock (9108 North Rodney Parham), Monticello, Mountain Home, Paragould, Russellville, Searcy, Sherwood, Springdale, Texarkana, West Memphis, and White Hall.

An individual applying for Real ID must provide more documentation than an individual applying for a regular driver’s license or State ID.The federal government requires Arkansans to confirm proof of residency, legal presence and identity and Social Security number through the following documentation:

Passport or birth certificate
Two proof of address documents such as utility bills or bank statements
Social Security card
Name change linking documents, example: Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, Court Order

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) recently launched a website, www.ar.gov/REALID, allowing Arkansans to list the documentation that will be presented at the Revenue Office to obtain a REAL ID. The website confirms the documents meet all requirements or specifies which document is missing.

The cost to obtain a REAL ID does not differ from the cost to obtain or renew a license or ID.

Close to 250,000 Arkansans have obtained a REAL ID, which is approximately ten percent of active licenses and IDs in the state. Make plans to get yours soon!

Howard County Chamber Reminder

It's time to put up Christmas trees along Main Street in Nashville again and the city crews will be putting them up this Monday 11/18. If you would like to have a Christmas tree to decorate on Main Street this year, call the Chamber office @ 845-1262 and leave me a message. If you haven't participated in the previous years, the cost is $35.00 and we will have a sign professionally made to say what you want for Christmas. We have sold about 40 trees so far and there are spaces for about 70, so we have some openings. Usually when we get the trees up on Main Street they go really fast.

This year we are going to make decorating the trees a competition. 1st place $100.00,
2nd place $75.00,
and 3rd place $25.00. If you do not want to be in the competition, but just want a tree to have in honor of a loved one or to just advertise your business, that's perfectly fine...we will honor whatever you wish.

P.S. The Christmas parade will also offer cash prizes for the best top three floats.

Thank you for supporting your Nashville Chamber of Commerce.

Mike Reese

Red Ribbon Week is Held at UA Cossatot

The purpose of Red Ribbon Week is to raise awareness of living a drug-free life. UA Cossatot celebrated Red Ribbon Week from October 25 through October 31.

Students from all four of UA Cossatot's Campuses took part in Red Ribbon Week. The UA Cossatot students who participated were both secondary and post-secondary students.

Special events and activities were held throughout the week, such as mock traffic stops, local police visits, and guest speakers. Students could pick up a red ribbon wrist band at the college's Educational Resource Center, where informational literature about drug prevention was also available.

UA Cossatot Campus Police Officer, Jason Curtis gave several presentations during Red Ribbon Week. Curtis said, "Red Ribbon Week is a great time to teach students about the effects and consequences of using drugs. During my presentation on Tuesday, we talked about drug abuse and alcohol abuse, and students were able to use impairment goggles to simulate one aspect of being intoxicated. Using the goggles, we tried to perform everyday activities such as accepting a cup from someone and picking up dropped coins. We also had a display box with simulated drugs for the students to look at."

UA Cossatot's other Campus Police Officers, Monte Stringfellow and Hector Cortez, participated in Red Ribbon Week by assisting with events, presentations, and information. The college also received help from the surrounding counties during Red Ribbon Week.

Wayne Baker, with the De Queen City Police Department and Deputy Chet Stubbs, with the Sevier County Police Department, created mock traffic stop situations on the De Queen Campus. They provided information and also answered questions.

At the Nashville Campus, Kyle Jones, with the Arkansas State Police, created similar scenarios where students could learn and observe. He also gave field sobriety demonstrations. Mark Barnes and Blake Eudy, with the Nashville Police Department, discussed consequences and sentencing that occur due to illegal drug use. The college also had special guest speakers from the Howard County Drug Court come and tell their stories on how drugs and alcohol have affected their life.

Red Ribbon Week concluded with a "Red out Day" where everyone at the college was encouraged to wear red to show their support.

Arkansas Representative DeAnn Vaught Receives 2019 Business Matters Leadership Award.

Arkansas State Chamber President & CEO Randy Zook presents State Rep. DeAnn Vaught with a 2019 Business Matters Leadership Award.

State Rep. DeAnn Vaught (R-Dist.4 – Horatio) received an Arkansas State Chamber/Associated Industries of Arkansas 2019 Business Matters Leadership Award on Wednesday, November 13 at the Arkansas State Chamber building in Little Rock. Vaught was recognized with the award for supporting positive business initiatives during the 92nd General Assembly.

The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas is the leading voice for business at the State Capitol and serves as the primary business advocate on all issues affecting Arkansas employers. The State Chamber/AIA’s mission is to promote a pro-business, free-enterprise agenda and contest anti-business legislation, regulations and rules.

UA Cossatot Basketball Coach Brad Phillips at Nashville Rotary

Colts basketball coach Brad Phillips was the guest speaker at the Nashville Rotary Club on Wednesday.

Thank you Bank of Lockesburg for being a UA Cossatot Colts Sponsor

The UA Cossatot Colts wish to say "Thank You!" to the Bank of Lockesburg for their support of Colts / Lady Colts basketball!

Raising Awareness on Sexual Assault Programs on UA Cossatot Campuses

Fall Drive Viewing Fall Foliage in Southwest Arkansas

What a wonderful weekend it was to enjoy the fall colors in southwest Arkansas. This video was taken yesterday at Cossatot Reefs Park below Gillham Lake Dam. Hope there are some leaves remaining after all the wind and rain today and tonight! And watch for more tourism videos coming soon to our ed88radio.com website!

It was a beautiful weekend for checking out the fall colors. Hope there are some leaves left after the next two nights! Enjoy the colors filmed below DIERKS Lake Dam. And look for mire tourism videos coming soon to our ed88radio.com web page.

8th Annual Veterans Day Breakfast at UA Cossatot in De Queen

Howard County Courthouse Veterans' Day Ceremony

The Veterans Day Ceremony at the Howard County Courthouse will be at 11 AM, Monday, Nov 11 . Everyone is invited to come out and show support for our veterans.

UA Cossatot Employees Graduate from ACC Leadership Class XI

UA Cossatot has announced that two of the college's employees have graduated from the Arkansas Community Colleges (ACC) Leadership Class XI. The two graduates include the college's Coordinator of the Center for Student Success, Erika Buenrrostro and Director of Institutional Research and Assessment, Tommi Cobb. The graduation took place on Sunday, October 13, 2019, at 6:15 P.M. in Little Rock, Arkansas.

ACC is known for collaborating with educational institutions to help improve the ability of member colleges, like UA Cossatot, to meet the needs of their students. They also help meet the needs of their local businesses and industry leaders. In 2008, ACC organized and established an ACC leadership Institute.

The Institute is designed to provide instruction and guidance to current and future leaders of community colleges in Arkansas. Training in leadership, higher education administration, and advocacy training are provided to each member chosen to take part in the ACC Leadership Institute.

This event is open to ACC members who are nominated by their institution's President/Chancellor. Out of all of the ACC community college members in the state, approximately twenty-four people are chosen to attend this annual, multi-session event.

Buenrrostro and Cobb were chosen by UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole to participate in this educational experience. Both UA Cossatot employees attended the graduation reception along with Dr. Cole, leadership alumni, and the new leadership class who will graduate next year.

YOUTH SUICIDE: A SILENT EPIDEMIC

YOUTH SUICIDE: A SILENT EPIDEMIC, presented by Brittany Palermo, at the Barbara Horn Civic Center at UA Cossatot in Ashdown

Emily White at Nashville Rotary on Wednesday

District Judge Emily White was the special guest of the Nashville Rotary Club on Wednesday. She discussed the responsibilities of judges and the judiciary branch of government.

Cossatot Honors Sponsors Prior to Tuesday Night's Game in Lockesburg

The Colts held on for a 90-86 win over Central Baptist College JV on Tuesday on a night that Cossatot honored all of the sponsors who made the newly redone court possible in Lockesburg. Dee Williams of Star City led five Colts in double figures with 22. Troy Spivey had 11 and Marion McFadden, Ladrakkus Thomas, and Nashville's Jamarta Gilliam each had 10 for the Colts who are now 2-0 on the season. Prior to the game UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole honored the Colt sponsors including Husqvarna, Coca Cola of Nashville, AEP SWEPCO, and the Jackson family of Lockesburg. Next time out for the Colts and Lady Colts will be this Friday and Saturday when they compete in the Southern Shreveport Classic.

Tri-County Regional Library System Board Meeting November 12

Tri-County Regional Library System Board will meet for their quarterly meeting on Tuesday, November 12 at 5 p.m. at the Sevier County Library-De Queen Branch. Items to be discussed are the 2020 meeting dates and distribution of funding for January,2020.

Marilyn B. Archer, MLS

Tri-County Regional Library System Director

Serving 11 Public Libraries in Southwest Arkansas in Howard, Little River and Sevier Counties

Howard County Super 4-Her’s Club Visit to the Old Nashville Fire Station

Pictured L-R: Emiline Petty, Millie Petty, Roman Parker, William McGough, Gracie Woodruff, Killis Woodruff, Skye Reeves, Wyatt Hanney, Jake Hicks, Haley Hicks and Asher Moffett.

On Monday, the Howard County Super 4-Her’s Club visited and toured the Old Nashville Fire Station. The tour was conducted by Freddie Horne of the Howard County Historical Society.

Pesticide Applicator Training and Forage Production Meeting Scheduled

A pesticide applicator training has been scheduled for Howard County on Wednesday, November 13 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at UA Cossatot in Nashville. In addition to the license fee, a $20.00 registration fee will be charged for the training. A lunch will be provided. Please call the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517 by November 8 to register.

Following the lunch, a Forage Production Meeting will be conducted by Kenny Simon and Shane Gadberry, specialists in forage and animal science from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, and by Samantha Kroll, Howard County Extension Agent-Agriculture. Topics to be discussed are Hay Quality, Hay Feeding Practices, Supplemental Feeding, Winter Annuals, and Electric Fencing.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact the Howard County Extension office as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

National FFA Gives UA Cossatot a Living to Serve Grant

The UA Cossatot collegiate FFA has received a semester-long Living to Serve grant through the National FFA for $1,200 to partner with Runnin’ WJ Ranch this fall. Runnin' WJ Ranch is a non-profit equine assisted activities facility in Texarkana, Texas for special-needs children and adults.

The grant will allow the collegiate FFA to donate feed and forage for the more than twenty horses that live and work at the ranch. In addition to the donation, the students are raising awareness about ways people can get involved at Runnin’ WJ Ranch. Volunteers are needed for the 2019-2020 school year to lead horses or walk alongside the riders during classes. To participate as a leader or side walker, volunteers will need to complete a free training program provided by the ranch. For more information about becoming a volunteer, contact Narda Launius at 903-838-3223 or visit their website at: www.runninwjranch.org

On Thursday, October 17, eight agriculture students and their instructor, Kelli Harris, accomplished the first part of the project and delivered 120 square bales to the ranch. Over the next few months, students will also be delivering feed and completing training to volunteer during riding classes

Pictured (left to right): Karen Akin, Mack Dean, Shelly Raulston, Kirsten Nicholas, Kelli Harris, Cody Chandler, Codie Jamison, Lindy Price, Will McAlister, Dusty Kesterson, John Hardin, and Hadley Philamlee.

8th Annual Veterans' Day Breakfast at UA Cossatot in De Queen

Veterans' Day is only one week away and Tommi Unruh was in our De Queen studio Monday to talk about the 8th Annual UAC Veterans' Day Breakfast.