Howard News

The Congressional App Challenge Winners from Murfreesboro

The Congressional App Challenge is a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills as they develop software and design new apps. This year, 59 teams entered the competition in the Fourth District. Pictured above are first place winners Aus…

The Congressional App Challenge is a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills as they develop software and design new apps. This year, 59 teams entered the competition in the Fourth District. Pictured above are first place winners Austin Jackson and Brandon White from Mufreesboro High School for their app, "Check Me Out." I'm looking forward to hosting them in D.C.!
Bruce Westerman
Arkansas' Fourth District Congressman

UA Cossatot Offers Meal Plan Options

UA Cossatot will continue to offer meal plan options for students during the spring 2020 semester. By completing a Colt Bucks form, UA Cossatot students will be able to set up meal plan options through the UA Cossatot Campus Café.
The University of Arkansas Cossatot has two Campus Cafés that are located on the De Queen and Nashville Campuses. Their hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 7:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. for the spring 2020 semester.
Students who purchase a meal plan will receive a UA Cossatot Colt Bucks card. The Colt Bucks card can contain four different meal plan options.
The Gold Plan is $300, the Silver Plan is $200, and the Bronze Plan is $100. Students can also add a custom amount to fit their needs.
Students can purchase a Colt Bucks meal plan at any time. If students wish to use financial aid for a meal plan, they must complete a Colt Bucks form by January 28, 2020. Forms are available in the Business Office on the De Queen Campus and at the front desk in the Atrium at the Nashville Campus.
Students who purchase a meal plan for the spring semester are also able to use that meal plan amount in the summer of 2020 until the 2019-2020 academic year is completed on July 31, 2020.
For questions or concerns regarding UA Cossatot meals plans, please contact UA Cossatot at 870-584-1113 or 970-584-1215 or e-mail askbusinessoffice@cccua.edu.
To sign up for classes next semester, please contact Student Services at 870-584-4471

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ARNEC Program Nursing Instructor Needed

FULL-TIME POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
ARNEC Program NURSING INSTRUCTOR

The Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC) seeks a dynamic, innovative, and creative educator for the position of Registered Nursing Instructor to add to its ARNEC teaching team.
ARNEC is a consortium of eight Arkansas community colleges: ASU-Newport, Black River Technical College, UA Cossatot, Ozarka College, South Arkansas Community College, University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, and University of Arkansas Community College at Rich Mountain.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Maintain a valid, unencumbered Arkansas Registered Nursing license
• Master of Science in Nursing required; Bachelor's Degree in Nursing will be considered if applicant is, or is planning to be enrolled in an accredited Master of Science in Nursing program
• Must have at least three (3) years of clinical nursing experience with five (5) years preferred; minimum of one (1) year of nursing education experience preferred
• Travel is required as part of the twelve-month faculty position
• Must be knowledgeable of the rules, regulations, principles, and policies in all fields of nursing
• Maintain educational and clinical competencies in areas of instructional responsibilities
• Must be able to pass a background check
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• To prepare and present curriculum in collaboration with faculty and the ARNEC program director
• Meet for class regularly and punctually; follow instructor guidelines as outlined in the ARNEC Faculty Handbook
• Teach needed courses and maintain a classroom that is conducive to learning
• Appropriately direct students according to ARNEC policies and procedures for conflict resolution
• Communicate professionally with all constituents of the consortium
• Demonstrate positive student rapport
Primary permanent office location will be at the college campus closest to the educator’s home.
SALARY:
Salary is in the $60,000 range; dependent upon education and experience and position includes paid vacation and sick leave, a retirement package, group health, dental, vision, short and long term disability, and life insurance options.
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
Friday, January 4, 2020 at 4:30 p.m., or until a suitable candidate has been selected
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Submit a completed UA Cossatot application, cover letter, detailed resume, unofficial college transcripts, three professional letters of reference, and a three (3) to five (5) minute video clip of a teaching presentation over the healthcare subject of your choice. Submissions may be mailed to UA Cossatot, Attn: Human Resources, 183 College Drive, DeQueen, AR 71832, e-mailed to kplunk@cccua.edu , faxed to 870-642-6864, or brought by in person.
All requested application materials must be completed and submitted within application packet to be considered.
Applications can be downloaded at https://www.cccua.edu/jobs, Employment Opportunities link, or call 870-584-1104 to request one.
UA Cossatot is an EEO/AA/ADA employer. Qualified minorities are encouraged to apply.

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Howard County 4-H Youth at National 4-H Congress In Atlanta, Georgia

Two Howard County 4-H youth attended National 4-H Congress recently in Atlanta, Georgia. They included Abbie Lamb and Nick Trombley. Jim Bob Lamb, Howard County 4-H Volunteer leader also attended the conference. The group joined 28 other youth from across Arkansas and youth from across the United States and Puerto Rico attended the five day conference.
“Go Beyond” was the theme of this year’s conference. During the week youth participated in leadership and community service activities including volunteering at local schools, cleaning parks and cemeteries. The group also had the opportunity to tour some of the sites including - The World of Coke Museum, Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Braves Baseball Complex, plus have lunch at the world famous Ritz hotel.
One of the highlights of the trip included an “Evening of Culture” where the group visited various countries through exhibits and tasting of traditional foods. This event is one of the highlights of the trip.

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Abbie and Nick were recognized for their 4-H career and accomplishments this past summer at the State 4-H Achievement Banquet in Fayetteville. According to Jean Ince, County Extension Agent-Staff Chair, “This is the highest recognition for any 4-H member. They have put in countless hours of community service and leadership through their years in 4-H in order to achieve at this level. I am extremely proud of these 4-Hers. One of the benefits of my job as a county agent is to watch youth grow into confident adults. It’s amazing to see them change from someone who is super shy into one who has no problem speaking and sharing what they have learned before various groups.”

Nashville Parks and Rec 5th and 6th Grade Basketball Registration

Nashville Parks and Recreation 5th & 6th grade basketball registration:
Registration forms can be picked up at the Nashville City Park Office and must be turned in to the park no later than the deadline of December 20th
Draft will be held on Saturday, December 21st at Whiteside Gym
Registration fee is $50
Late sign ups will not be accepted
Contact the park for more information at 870-845-7405

UA Cossatot Foundation to Participate in Giving Tuesday

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December 3 is #GivingTuesday, a global movement in the busy holiday season to give back.
Giving back on #GivingTuesday can take many different forms. It can be a traditional monetary donation to a favorite charity or volunteering time to a local non-profit.
#GivingTuesday originates from social media, hence the hashtag. Many organizations in Southwest Arkansas take advantage of #GivingTuesday. One of those organizations is the UA Cossatot Foundation.
“We are so excited for this year’s #GivingTuesday! There will be several options in which the community can give time or money to benefit college students in Southwest Arkansas,” said UA Cossatot Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts.
Local businesses are participating in the foundation’s #GivingTuesday celebration by collecting donations on site and wearing “I Gave” t-shirts. These businesses include Tres Agaves, Mary Pops, Simple Simons of De Queen, Miscellania JB, Dr. Randy Walker’s Office, La Media Luna, Diamond Bank of Ashdown, and Nashville Family Dentistry.
Community members also participated by being highlighted in the foundation’s #GivingTuesday video and sharing what they believe in. The video can be accessed by visiting the UA Cossatot Foundation’s Facebook page.
In addition to collecting donations for scholarships and innovative college programming, the UA Cossatot Center for Student Success will host a Feed the Funnel meal packing party with the help of The Pack Shack. Over 10,000 meals will be assembled on December 3 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the UA Cossatot Adams Building on the De Queen Campus. The college’s Center for Student Success will distribute the meals to college students in need through their food pantry.
To make a donation on #GivingTuesday, please visit the UA Cossatot Foundation website at www.cccua.edu/give or text the word “Cossatot” to 41444.

Cossatot Community College

We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals (Black Friday and Cyber Monday). Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. Each year, on the Tuesday immediately following Thanksgiving, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

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 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.

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

Jean Ann Flaherty shares gift giving ideas.

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.

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 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)

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.

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.