Mick Martin of Lansdell Family Clinic visited our De Queen studio of Ed 88 today to talk about a pair of COVID-19 drive through testing events planned for next week in southwest Arkansas.
From the Office of the Chancellor
The COVID-19 epidemic continues to influence our lives in so many ways. The potential spread of this disease has altered the lives of our students and our employees. In the most recent press conference hosted by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, he indicated that the peak of COVID-19 infections for Arkansas could possibly occur in late April. While we all pray and hope that this will be sooner, and the peak less severe, we have a responsibility to protect our students, staff, and community.
Based on the information that we have, UA Cossatot will continue to operate as we have been since this pandemic started. We will continue to keep our campuses closed to students and visitors until at least Friday, April 17th. Our employees will continue to work either on campus or from home. Those employees that are working on campus must continue to observe the rules of social distancing and cleanliness.
We will continue to serve and provide all the resources our students need to be successful in the online environment. Our students, faculty, and staff have been unbelievable in answering these challenges in these very trying times. We will walk every mile with our students. We will make a determination regarding our hands-on technical course schedules on Friday, April 3rd. We understand that online learning is not an option for many technical students who learn many of their skills in lab and shop settings. We will be sensitive to the needs of these students and will find the best way to accommodate and allow them to complete their education in a safe setting.
As for the summer and fall semesters, our registration is open for both semesters. We have made our entire registration process online for the safety and convenience of our students. Our website contains all the information students need to register: https://www.cccua.edu. Our summer term will feature mainly online courses, but will have some in-class courses should the COVID-19 outbreak lessen enough to allow that to happen. We are planning on a full and normal fall 2020 semester. We are hoping that there will be additional educational assistance for students impacted by COVID-19.
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.
Governor Hutchinson Directs State Parks To Implement New Measures for Public Health
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has approved temporary changes to Arkansas State Parks’ operations to protect public health during the COVID-19 crisis, he announced at a news conference today.
The Governor has directed that Arkansas State Parks implement “day use” operations only, effective 8 a.m. on Friday, April 3, a decision he made in consultation with Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst.
“Arkansas State Parks will remain operational,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Arkansas is known for our outdoor recreation, and we want to allow Arkansans to safely enjoy what our state has to offer. These new safety measures will reduce the risk of overcrowding at our parks and discourage visitors from out-of-state until the threat of COVID-19 has passed.”
“This Friday, we will move to ‘day use’ only across our state parks system, eliminating all overnight stay opportunities,” Secretary Hurst said. “This is consistent with 28 other states, and we believe it will further reduce the number of out-of-state visitors. We are staying on top of the data and best practices and will adjust if further limitations are needed.”
Under the new “day use” directive, Arkansas State Parks will close overnight facilities, such as cabins and campgrounds.
In addition, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism is temporarily implementing safety measures to prevent visitation surges in state parks. Arkansas State Parks will deploy park rangers to enforce social distancing, disperse gatherings of more than 10 people, and implement parking restrictions to limit overcrowding at popular parks.
Secretary Hurst will closely monitor problematic areas such as trails that are overcrowded or too narrow for proper social distancing and close such areas as needed.
Information on the park closings can be found at https://www.ArkansasStateParks.com/covid-19-update.
COVID-19 Update | Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas State Parks remain open as we monitor COVID-19 and the impact of coronavirus in our state. We are taking the CDC's recommended precautions as we work to provide a safe environment for our visitors. Parks continue to be your gateway to hiking, kayaking and canoeing, golf, mountain biking, fishing and boating and other outdoor experiences.
LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update to Media (04.01.20) 1:30 p.m.
Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide a COVID-19 update on live video at 1:30 Wednesday afternoon, 04/01. Press play button above.
UA Cossatot Colts Seeking New Basketball Coach for Men’s and Women’s Basketball
De Queen, AR - UA Cossatot announced today that they are now taking applications for their next Men’s and Women’s basketball coach after the departure of Head Coach Brad Phillips. According to UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole, “Coach Phillips and I visited last week about his desire to be closer to his home and family in eastern Arkansas and I totally understood. I think what is happening now in the world is making a lot of people take on a renewed appreciation for faith and family and I applauded Coach Phillips’ decision!”
The Colts and Lady Colts are coming off their first year of successful NJCAA competition, with the men posting a 13-15 record and the women posting a 12-11 winning record. Chancellor Cole spoke of the foundation Coach Phillips has laid, “To have the kind of success we had in year one is testament to the hard work of Coach Phillips and assistant Kenny Tabler. We have a firm foundation, a lot of great players coming back, and a lot of great recruits signed on for next season”.
The new basketball coach will assume the duties of coaching both teams and serving as UA Cossatot’s athletic director. The position is a 12-month position and has a starting salary of $50,000 plus benefits. The application deadline is April 24th. “We expect to receive dozens of applications from top-flight coaches who want to be part of a starting tradition at UA Cossatot. There is a lot of interest in playing in a league as competitive as Region II of the NJCAA”. UA Cossatot expects to name a successor by May 1st, depending on the progress of the COVID-19 outbreak. Cole added, “We are very cognizant of the COVID-19 outbreak and our college remains in a very fluid state to help protect our employees and students.
Interviews will be performed safely by using one of three world-class videoconferencing technologies that UA Cossatot has on campus. We want to hire the perfect person for this job, our returning and future student athletes deserve our best”. Interested applicants can go to this link after March 30th to access the complete job description:
Cossatot Community College
Cossatot Community of the University of Arkansas is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, or veteran status. Applications from qualified women and ethnic minority group members are strongly encouraged.
Janelle Barnes in the Ed 88 Studio on Thursday about COVID-19
Janelle Barnes of Dr. Walker's office discusses anxiety and depression that can be triggered by the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 situation.
From the Office of the Chancellor
The COVID-19 epidemic has created one of the most perilous times in Arkansas history. UA Cossatot stands ready to adapt to these new times and while we are dealing with these changes, we will always respect the health and well-being of our students, employees, and the public we serve.
Effective immediately, UA Cossatot students in lecture courses will complete their entire spring semester using the Blackboard Online Learning Platform. While we understand this presents a unique way of learning to some students, it is the best and safest method we have in helping students complete their semester. As for our students who are enrolled in technical courses (Medical Professions, Welding, Industrial Maintenance, Cosmetology, Agriculture, etc.), we will be making a determination next week on how we will best serve these students. Our faculty, student services staff, Educational Resource Center, and our administration stand ready to assist students in any way possible to help them achieve their desired learning goals during these tough times.
Also effective immediately, UA Cossatot will continue to keep our campuses closed to students and visitors at least through April 3rd and our employees will be working either on campus or by their remote work schedules. While on our campuses, our employees will be strictly observing the rules of social distancing and cleanliness as we continue to fight the battle against COVID-19.
You can always find more UA Cossatot information on Facebook (ED88 and UAC) and on our CCCUA.EDU website.
Thank You,
Dr. Steve Cole
Chancellor, UA Cossatot
To UA Cossatot Students
Hello UA Cossatot Student!
This has been one of the most challenging semesters in our history. I know it has certainly been challenging for you. I wish we could just make COVID-19 go away, but for right now, that doesn’t look like that will happen anytime soon. When we make decisions at UA Cossatot, we make them with YOU in mind. We want YOU to be successful. We also want YOU to be safe. To make sure you can keep learning, and at the same time be safe, effective immediately, if you are a UA Cossatot student enrolled in a lecture course, you will complete your entire spring semester using the Blackboard Online Learning Platform. While we understand this presents a unique way of learning to some students, it is the best and safest method we have in helping you complete your semester. If you are a student enrolled in a technical course (Medical Professions, Welding, Industrial Maintenance, Cosmetology, Agriculture, etc.), we will be making a determination next week on how we will best serve you.
Our faculty, student services staff, Educational Resource Center, and our administration stand ready to assist you in any way possible to help you achieve your desired learning goals during these tough times. If you are having trouble with internet connectivity or have a computer or laptop that isn’t getting the job done, please call us and we will do our best to help get you through the rest of the semester.
Also effective immediately, UA Cossatot will continue to keep our campuses closed to students and visitors at least through April 3rd and our employees will be working either on campus or by their remote work schedules.
This semester is certainly a challenge but I wanted to personally let you know, we are all in this together and we want the very best for you, and that includes your safety! If there is anything I can do for you, please feel free to email me at: scole@cccua.edu and I will be happy to respond to you.
Thank you and please stay safe!
Dr. Cole
Blood Drives Across the Area
Want to help your community during these uncertain times? Give blood! Blood drives are scheduled across the area over the next 30 days. Your help is needed!
Howard Memorial Hospital Remains in Lock Down
Howard Memorial Hospital will be further locked down in order to protect you, your family and our staff. Effective immediately, you will be required to enter through the Emergency Room entrance. A screening station is set-up outside the ER and after triage/screening, you will be directed by the nurse where to enter. We realize this may be a little inconvenient; however, it is for everyone's protection. Always remember to cover your cough, sneeze, wash hands frequently and practice social distancing. Don't go out in public unless it is absolutely necessary.
UA Cossatot Scholarship Spplication Deadline Extended to May 1st
The 2020-2021 UA Cossatot scholarship application deadline has been extended to May 1. Please share with your students. The online application can be found here: https://cccua.awardspring.com/
Completing this online scholarship application before May 1 is the best time for students to apply for scholarships for the upcoming academic year and gives them access to all the scholarships we have available
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To UA Cossatot Students
From the UAC Financial Aid Office:
March 23, 2020
Dear Student,
All correspondence from the Office of Financial Aid will be sent to your UAC email account and the email account you provided on your FAFSA application. If you receive a Document Tracking Letter (DTL) from our office, please read the letter carefully, follow the link provided in the letter to locate the forms you will need to complete.
All forms will be accepted by mail, email or fax at this time. If you are returning documents that list social security numbers, please mark out all numbers but the last four numbers (XXX-XX-1234). If you have received a DTL letter from us for the 2019-2020 academic year, please return requested documents as soon as possible.
We encourage all of you that have applied for the upcoming academic year (20-21) to promptly return requested documents also.
The address is:
UAC
Financial Aid
183 College Drive
De Queen, AR 71832
Fax: 870-642-8766
Email: FinancialAid@cccua.edu
Sincerely,
Denise Hammond
Director of Financial Aid
870-584-1118
Fax: 870-642-8766
dhammond@cccua.edu
Summer and Fall Registration at UA Cossatot
At UA Cossatot, we understand the seriousness of the COVID-19 SITUATION. But we also know that there is an end to this uncertainty. We are planning for the future and you should be too. America needs more healthcare professionals, truck drivers, teachers, and technicians of all kinds. VIP registration for summer and fall classes begins March 30th. And in keeping with social distancing, registration will be available by email, phone, and text. Check out the available classes at: https://www.cccua.edu/apply-enroll/class-schedules
Cossatot Community College
Click the following links to access the PDF version of the current or upcoming semester's full course schedule. Summer 2020 Schedule (3.23.2020) Fall 2020 Schedule (3.23.2020) Find specific courses through Campus Connect Course Search. There's no need to login.
Veterans Service Office in Howard County Courthouse Open Special Hours
The Veterans Service Office the Howard County Courthouse will be open from 8am - 1pm Monday and Tuesday and 8 till 12 on Wednesday . This will be until things get back to normal . You must call the office to be let in . That applies to every office at the Courthouse .
Handling Stress of Social Distancing
NEWS ARTICLE
Jean A. Ince
County Extension Agent-Staff Chair
Last week we all thought Covid-19 was going to be on its way out and life would return to normal. However, it looks like it may be around for several weeks and we all need to take precautions to prevent the virus from spreading. Most of us are spending more time at home, avoiding contact with others and basically our lives have turned upside down. Here are some tips to help you manage the stress of being stuck at home, either by yourself or with those you love.
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Some common feelings are anxiety, worry, or fear over you or a loved one catching the disease. Worry about how you will meet your financial obligations or how you will get the things you need such as groceries, personal care items and medicines.
You may be concerned over how you will care for your children. Who is going to watch them, if you are working? You may be asking yourself, “What are we going to do with all this time on our hands?” Boredom and frustration may set in because your normal routine has changed.
Frustrated at how long this will last. Loneliness and feeling like you are cut off from those you love.
So, what can you do to handle the stress of isolation? Here are some ways to help relieve the pressures.
Keep a Healthy Diet – When you are at home it can be tempting to become a “couch potato”. Instead of grabbing that bag of chips or cookies, try snacking on fresh veggies or fruit. Try a cup of yogurt with fruit. Canned or frozen fruits are great alternatives to fresh. They are healthy choices when fresh may not be available.
Prepare Healthy Meals – Again, it is easy to grab prepackaged foods and pop them in the microwave. Many prepackaged foods have extra fat, calories and sodium than foods prepared from scratch. Involve the family in helping you prepare a healthy meal. Check out the website www.choosemyplate.gov to see what makes a healthy plate. On a side note, there are games and activities that teaches eating right for children to do on the website. Check it out!
Enjoy Nature – If possible, get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Take a walk in your neighborhood, keeping distance between those you meet. Find activities to do with your children online that gets them outside. You might print off a scavenger hunt or keep a journal of what you see outside. Then research the insect, plant, bird or animal that you see.
Exercise! – There are many exercises you can do at home. There is plenty of research being done that connects our physical health with our mental health. Yoga, stretching or strength training exercises are great. If you still have a gaming system that involves bowling, tennis, baseball or dance moves, pull it out of storage. There are many exercise videos you can move to online. The idea is to get up and get moving!
Maintain a Sense of Routine – If you find yourself staying in your pajamas all day and you haven’t brushed your hair or teeth, maybe it’s time to evaluate your routine. Children and adults thrive on routines. Go to bed and wake up at regular times. Avoid falling into a cycle of sleeping, watching tv, eating and repeating. A routine gives purpose and wards off feelings of depression.
Make a Plan and Stick to It! – Set up a schedule of what you want to accomplish each day. Being isolated allows you time to do those chores you have been putting off. It also allows you time to start a new project! If you have children at home, set a time to play games, make a new craft, try out a new recipe, learn a new feature on your mobile device; such as, skyping, FaceTime, or new app. Read a book or start a garden by planting seeds that can be transferred to your outside garden later.
Stay Connected – Just because you are stuck at home, doesn’t mean you have to cut yourself off socially. Call someone and visit. Stay connected through email and social media.
Limit News and Media – Constantly hearing about the coronavirus can impact your mental health. Take a break from the news on the TV or on social media. Get information and updates at specific times during the day. Make sure the information you are receiving is from a reliable source.
These are challenging times for everyone. We will get through them and life will return to normal. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service has several resources for financial management, managing stress, eating healthy and exercise. Check out the website www.uaex.edu for more information.
The Howard County Extension Office is open and conducting business as much as possible. However, all meetings have been postponed for now. If we can assist you call our office at 870-845-7517. You can also keep up-to-date with activities through our Facebook pages at HowardCountyExtensionFcs, Howard-County-4-H, or howard co. uaex ag & natural resources. Just search and like the page you are interested in.
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service
Protect you and your family during the COVID-19 outbreak by practicing proper hand washing techniques. Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap. Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Curfew Issued for Howard County in Arkansas 8:30PM - 6:00AM
From Dr Glenn Lance of Nashville Family Dentistry
As a precautionary measure, the Arkansas State Dental Association has recommended that all dental clinics in the state close their doors for a brief period of time. Dr. Glenn Lance agrees,with this recommendation, so effective Friday, March 20, Nashville Family Dentistry will be closed. They hope to reopen Monday, March 30th. Until then, let's stay home and stay healthy. A message from Dr. Glenn Lance and Nashville Family Dentistry. If you need emergency dental assistance, please call 870-845-5207.
From Howard Memorial Hospital Rehab Services
⚠️UPDATE
As ordered by Governor Asa Hutchinson, all gyms are to be closed. This includes our 8am-8pm access to the facility for all gym members. We apologize for any inconvenience.
👍🏼On the bright side: OUR THERAPY DEPARTMENT REMAINS OPEN (8am-5pm) We are taking ALL necessary precautions for our patients safety and health and will continue to see patients as allowed.
✅Please follow our Facebook page for more updates. We will be posting home exercise tips in the mean time 💪🏼
Stay healthy, friends!
ADEM Urges Families to Sign Up for Smart911
Arkansas Division of Emergency Management Urges Families Statewide to Sign Up for Smart911 to Enable Coronavirus Awareness for 9-1-1 and Emergency Responders
“Take Control, Let Us Know” campaign empowers individuals to share critical medical information for more informed emergency response
North Little Rock – As Arkansas responds to the spread of the coronavirus, public health and safety officials ask all Arkansans to sign up for the Smart911 national safety profile registry, a free service that allows individuals and families to provide critical medical information to 9-1-1 and first responders. Arkansas is launching the “Take Control, Let Us Know” campaign to empower the community to take action, and provide valuable and accurate health data that increases the awareness of 9-1-1, first responders, and Emergency Management to an individual’s risk level for coronavirus.
Members of our community are looking for ways to improve the safety of their families, friends and neighbors as the coronavirus spreads. By signing up for Smart911, individuals can help first responders get the key information they need about every person who may need assistance, not only during this outbreak, but during any emergency.
Individuals can create a Smart911 Safety Profile for their household at www.smart911.com or on the Smart911 App that provides critical medical information for those who may be at higher risk of developing a serious COVID-19 illness. As identified by the CDC, the vulnerable population includes older adults, and those with a history of chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, respiratory conditions, and compromised immune systems. When an individual calls 9-1-1, their Smart911 Safety Profile is automatically displayed, allowing our public safety agencies to send emergency response teams to the right location with enhanced medical data.
Individuals can additionally self-identify if they are under quarantine, and whether it is self-imposed or directed by a health professional. The Smart911 App allows quarantined individuals to receive check-in messages on their health status. Smart911 also allows individuals to sign up for alerts from emergency management officials to receive reliable information about the changing coronavirus situation. Individuals who sign up will also receive tailored alerts based on their specific needs and geographic location. With enhanced coronavirus awareness, individuals and first responders have vital information to take proper precautions.
“As the coronavirus continues to be a major public health concern, we are doing everything we can to prepare, respond, and mitigate risk to those in our community who need assistance,” said A.J. Gary, Director of the Division of Emergency Management. “The information provided in a Smart911 Safety Profile enables us to know who is at the greatest risk in our community. We can provide individuals with critical updates based on their location and health history. Ultimately, Smart911 gives our state the chance to be proactive, and lets us know who requires our services. We urge all Arkansans to take action, sign up for Smart911, and help us address the coronavirus outbreak.”
To sign up or update your Safety profile, visit www.smart911.com or download the Smart911 app in the Apple Store or Google Play.
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!
A Note from Wilkerson Funeral Home
During these uncertain times, Wilkerson Funeral Home is monitoring guidelines from the Center for Disease Control, the National Funeral Directors Association, as well as state and local organizations regarding the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) cases and public health. We would like to share some of our thoughts with you.
The Center for Disease Control guidelines are telling us to keep gatherings to 10 or less. We suggest limiting the funeral services to immediate family members and minister, holding the smallest gathering possible. We also recommend doing this at our facility or more preferably at the graveside to reduce risk of spreading the virus and honoring our duty to the general public. At a later date, if you desire, hold a public memorial service at no additional cost. These things at this time are not mandatory, but important for the health of our community.
Also, if you are not comfortable coming to the funeral home to make arrangements, we can come to you or make them over the phone. Another thing to think about is using our online registry to send a condolence or simply calling the funeral home and having us add your name.
We will honor your wishes to the best of our ability to ensure you receive the type of service you wish to have. Again, our family and staff are here to serve each family as we have done for the last 90 years.
Sarah Wilkerson Casteel
Wilkerson Funeral Home
From the Office of the Chancellor
Effective at 3:00 PM on Thursday, March 19th all UA Cossatot campuses will be closed at least until March 30th.
We take the COVID-19 outbreak very seriously and to protect our students, employees, and our stakeholders, we feel it is in everyone’s best interest to shutter our campuses.
Our students have already been moved to our online learning platforms and we will keep that in place for the foreseeable future.
Our employees will be working from home during this time and we will continue to encourage them (and our students) to practice social distancing and proper hygiene in their personal lives.
We know that we are all in this together and will beat this epidemic together. We all have to make well informed and sensible decisions that may not be popular, but they are for the good of us all.
Even though next week is spring break, we will still be closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak. If we must extend the campus closings beyond March 30th, we will make that determination later next week.
In the meantime, we are still teaching and working, we are now just doing it from a distance.
Please be safe and God Bless.
Regards,
Dr. Steve Cole
Chancellor, UA Cossatot