Arkansas Archeological Society presentation in Lockesburg Thursday evening
Diesel Technology Program is Available at UA Cossatot
UA Cossatot has a Diesel Technology program at its De Queen Campus for students who would like to pursue a career as a Diesel Technician or Diesel Mechanic. This program is new to UA Cossatot and will begin this fall.
The Diesel Technology program is a one year (two-semester program) that provides training in diesel engines, brakes, electrical components, and steering and suspension. After completing the 35 credit hour program, students can graduate with a technical certificate in Diesel Technology and receive four certificates of proficiency.
After receiving the technical certificate for Diesel Technology, students can continue their education by choosing to get an associate’s degree in General Technology at UA Cossatot for more opportunities.
Mark Kutak will be the Diesel Technology program, instructor at UA Cossatot. Mr. Kutak brings years of work experience in diesel technology, including both military and civilian. Combined with his years of teaching experience at UA Cossatot, he will be prepared to deliver quality instruction to both high school students enrolled in the Secondary Career Center as well as college, post-secondary, students.
Diesel technician students in Mr. Kutak’s classes can expect quality one-on-one instruction and hands-on training with all new equipment.
The median pay in the United States for a diesel service technician and diesel mechanic is $46, 360 a year. Employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is projected to increase due to more freight
being shipped across the country and the popularity of diesel engines being used. Starting pay can be as high as $39,000 a year or more with the opportunity to make more money with time and experience.
Scholarships are also available for students specifically in this program. To learn about financial aid opportunities at UA Cossatot, please speak with someone in financial aid at 870-584-1112.
To learn more about UA Cossatot’s Diesel Technology program or to sign up for classes, please contact Student Services in person or by calling 870-584-4471.
To learn how you can take college credit classes in high school for Diesel Technology, please contact High School Programs Director, Julie Rhodes at jrhodes@cccua.edu.
Melissa Zabecki of the Arkansas Archeological Survey
Special guest on the Thursday Ed-ition of The Morning Show was Melissa Zabecki of the Arkansas Archeological Survey. Mel talked about the AAS digs going on right now in Sevier County and invites everyone to her presentation at the historic Bank of Lockesburg / UA Cossatot gym at 6:30 Thursday night, 06/13.
Ashdown High School Students Attend AR Girls State & AR Boys State
Rylee Burden, State Representative DeAnn Vaught, and Aniya Polite
Rylee Burden and Aniya Polite
A.J. Hopkins and Cole Smith
Ashdown High School was well represented at Arkansas Girls State and Arkansas Boys State. Rylee Burden and Aniya Polite attended Girls State on the campus of Harding University in Searcy and A. J. Hopkins and Cole Smith attended Boys State which was held on the University of Central Arkansas Campus in Conway.
The American Legion Auxiliary believes that educating youth about the basic ideas and principals of government will help ensure the survival of our democracy. ALA Arkansas Girls State is a unique and exciting government-in-action learning program in which Auxiliary members guide young women to become knowledgeable stewards of freedom, democracy, and patriotic citizens. The program started in 1937 and is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs presented in the United States, according to their website.
According to Rylee Burden, “Girls State was a whirlwind of a week. We were up before 6 or 7 in the morning and stayed awake until after 11 or 12. It was very busy but was a great time. I learned tons of politics and how our government works. I really enjoyed watching the mock trial with Judge Harrod and learning about how trials work. I also enjoyed meeting tons of new people and learning about them, while also creating friendships."
Aniya Polite said, “Girls State was an extraordinary experience! I want to thank Ashdown High School and the community of Ashdown for selecting me to attend this wonderful event. There were many things that I loved about Girls State one was the atmosphere. It was so POSITIVE and LOVING! I was accepted immediately by people I had never met before. The weather may have not been great, but there was not a time that our spirits weren’t. We all thought that school was out, but it felt like we had started school again. Learning about how the Arkansas government functions and how much they take on to make sure the people of Arkansas are well satisfied is unpredictable. At Girls State, there were songs that we would sing. To hear all the voices singing together as one was an amazing feeling. It was a feeling that would overwhelm a person with joy and love! If I had a chance to experience Girls State again….I would NOT hesitate!!"
According to the Boys State website, it is an immersive program designed for high school juniors. The week-long program has been in existence for over 75 years. Upon arrival, each participant is assigned a mock political party, city, and county. Throughout the week, the delegates administrate this mock government as if it were the real government. Every phase of the program includes practical instruction on the duties and responsibilities both of a citizen and of public officials. Citizens of Boys State are instructed in the duties of the various public offices. After they learn the function of each office, its powers and limitations, they function in that role throughout the remaining week.
By weeks end Boys State has created their own state including their own governor and staff of state officials, name appointive officers, established the state Supreme Court and other courts, and organized the legislature and all other divisions of government.
A.J. Hopkins said, “My favorite things were the bonds I made with brothers in my county and how over just a week we became such close friends. I learned many things about how our state government works and I think many people should participate and be introduced to Boys State!"
“Some of the fun things I did while I was at Boys State included participating in the sports activities, running for county positions, and meeting new people from all over the state. Some of the things I learned were to always be open-minded to other people, and also how the Arkansas government works and what goes on within each position," said Cole Smith. His favorite part of Boys State was being elected for his county Secretary of State, being elected for position #11 for the House of Representatives and getting to sit in and vote on passing bills for the state!
At the end of the week, the delegates went to the Capital in Little Rock and the elected state officers took the offices of the actual Arkansas state positions for the day.
Rylee Burden
Cole Smith
A.J. Hopkins and Cole Smith
UA Cossatot Partners with Ashdown High School to Provide Nursing Assistant Training
(Pictured L-R): Zebbie Launius, Sharon Shelton, Holly Jones, Angel Hamilton, Deniyah Hemphill, Ariyonna Trotter, Alicia Hale, Madison Johnson, Taneka Hamilton, and Destinee Robinson, (not pictured: Jasmine Richard)
For the first time during the 2018-2019 academic school year, UA Cossatot offered a nursing assistant training program to Ashdown High School seniors. A pinning ceremony took place at Ashdown High School on Thursday, May 16, 2019, where nine Ashdown students received a training certificate and a pin for completing the training program.
The college's Continuing Education department and Ashdown High School partnered together to offer Ashdown High School seniors the chance to receive nursing assistant training in high school, to prepare for the certified nursing assistant training exam after graduation. After passing this exam, these students can earn a license to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Students who participated in the training program received one hundred hours of training, with sixteen hours being in a clinical setting at Pleasant Manor Nursing Home in Ashdown.
The ceremony began at 6:00 PM with a welcome by Ashdown High School Superintendent, Casey Nichols. UA Cossatot's Director of Public Services and Workforce Development, Tammy Coleman gave an overview of the program and also recognized individuals who made this partnership and program possible. The students were then presented with certificates by their instructor Sharon Shelton and then received a pin from UA Cossatot's Continuing Education Coordinator, Zebbie Launius.
The nine students who completed the nursing assistant training program included Alicia Hale, Angel Hamilton, Ta'Neka Hamilton, Deniyah Hemphill, Madison Johnson, Holly Jones, Jasmine Richard, Destinee Robinson, and Ariyonna Trotter.
Ashdown High School is the first high school to partner with UA Cossatot to offer a nursing assistant training program to high school seniors. The college does plan to partner with other area high schools in the future to provide this opportunity to more seniors in high school.
Job prospects for Certified Nursing Assistants are bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for Certified Nursing Assistants will rise at a rate of eleven percent through 2026, which is much faster than the average job growth. As the population ages, demand for round-the-clock nursing services will continue to be needed.
To learn more about nursing assistant training programs through UA Cossatot, please speak with someone in Continuing Education at UA Cossatot at 870-584-4471.
UA Cossatot Annual Kids College June 20th
UA Cossatot Announces Record-Breaking Graduates for Spring 2019
UA Cossatot broke a record at its spring graduation ceremony in Lockesburg on May 11, 2019. The Office of the Registrar at UA Cossatot announces that the college’s spring 2019 semester hit its highest record of graduates and awards in the college’s history.
This spring semester, UA Cossatot had 241 students graduate with 332 awards. These awards include associate degrees, technical certificates, and certificates of proficiency. UA Cossatot’s 2018-2019 school year has also seen more graduates across an academic school year than ever before. The academic school year will end in August and as of June 2019, the total number of credentials awarded to graduates stands at 724.
UA Cossatot’s Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole said, “We are proud to have the third highest graduation rate in Arkansas, but for us to increase our number of credentials awarded by 58% in just four years, that is just great students coupled with great employees all working towards one goal. In Governor Hutchinson’s Closing the Gap Educational Plan, it mentions wanting to increase credentials by 40% by the year 2020. We certainly wanted to do our part…and we did, and then some. These record numbers also mean that when students come to UA Cossatot, they are more likely to graduate on time, and with one or more certificates or certifications.”
UA Cossatot offers many certificates and degrees to help people achieve their educational goals and find employment. Associate-level degrees offered at UA Cossatot involve two years of study (60-65 credit hours) and are intended to provide graduates the ability to go straight to work in their chosen field or prepare students for junior and senior level courses at a four-year institution. Technical certificates and certificates of proficiency also prepare students for careers. Technical certificates generally take less than two years to complete, and certificates of proficiency take one to two semesters and assist students in acquiring or improving work based skills.
Since August of 2018, 167 students have graduated with an Associate’s degree, 269 students have graduated with a technical certificate, and 288 students have graduated with a certificate of proficiency. The college has also awarded 4,458 certificates and degrees to UA Cossatot students over the past ten years.
Arkansas Tourism Open for Business and Ready to Help Make Memories
Check out the SW AR Tourism Attractions Page here on the Ed 88 Website. Southwest Arkansas has a lot to offer!
LITTLE ROCK, AR (June 5, 2019) – Summertime is fun time in Arkansas, and our state is open for business and waiting to welcome you to The Natural State.
From our majestic mountains to our sparkling blue recreational waters, Arkansas is ready to help families make new vacation memories.
“The flooding in our state has been challenging for those impacted,” said Jim Shamburger, chairman of the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission. “However, it is isolated and confined to areas along the Arkansas River. The rest of the state is in great shape and our interstate system, including Interstates 30 and 40, are clear for travel.”
Only Pinnacle Mountain State Park in central Arkansas is currently closed.
Arkansas public and private lodging accommodations, federal recreation areas, and outdoor sporting venues are open and ready for your business.
“No matter the activity – water sports, fishing, biking or road trips – our tourism industry is ready to make this a summer to remember with the outstanding hospitality for which Arkansas is known,” Shamburger said.
Tourism is the second largest industry in Arkansas with an annual economic impact of approximately $7.5 billion and employing more than 116,000 Arkansans.
For more information, go to Arkansas.com andArkansasStateParks.com.
UA Cossatot Announces Spring 2019 Honor Students
The University of Arkansas Cossatot Office of the Registrar releases spring Chancellor’s List and Vice Chancellor’s List recognizing honor students.
87 students are named to the Chancellor’s list maintaining a minimum of a 4.0 semester GPA while taking a minimum of 12 college credit hours. 80 students are named on the Vice Chancellor’s List maintaining a minimum of a 3.5 semester GPA while taking a minimum of 12 college credit hours.
The UA Cossatot Spring 2019 Chancellor’s List includes
Amity: Hannah Davis, Parker Sutton, Georgia Davis, and Colby Markham
Ashdown: Spencer Reed, Dustin Roach, Deondra Ross, Luther Warren, Rica Burns, Denby Jester, Anna Gatliff, and Carson Jefferies
Ben Lomond: Dalton Smith
De Queen: Hernandez Alvarez, Eduardo Benitez, Jesus Cisneros, Teresa Gaona, Rosanna Hernandez, Leslie Rios, Alondra Galvez, Jennifer Garibay, Aracely Hernandez, Alexis Herrera, Glen Lovell, Delfina Martinez, Kaisie McClendon, Jamnel Mejia, Yesenia Quiroz-Rodriguez, Merline Hernandez, Jose Martinez, Stephanie Zavala, Abraham Arellano, Joshua Downing, Kelsie Easlon, Sadie Haury, Allan Ramirez, and Raven Revels
Dierks: Kimberly McCauley, Brayden Counts, and Abigail Garner
Foreman: Kami Carter and Kory Voss
Gillham: Alicia Harris, Dylan Vanhoose, and Karina Lopez-Balderas
Glenwood: Tessa Ewing, Kaydra Fox, Jocelyn Mount, and Kamryn Reid
Horatio: Denise Angeles, Matthew Chandler, Alexander Martin, Haylie Smith, Ronnie Willis, Summer Morgan, Makenzie Chandler, and Grace Harris
Idabel: Dochee Towery
Lockesburg: Tamberlyn Nelson, Garrett Sharp, and Madisyn VanBibber
Murfreesboro: Loren Icenhower
Nashville: Pablo Cardenas, Taurean Coulter, Seth Roberts, Lizeth Chavelo, Codie Jamison, Kianna McElroy, Tina Williams, Deven Barton, Klair Castleberry, Addison Harmon, Lizbeth Hernandez, Dafne Mendez, Anastasia Quinney, Jonathan Rauch, Mea Heard, and Isabel Jamison
Newhope: Blair Garner, Natalie Henegar, and Madison Wright
Umpire: Faith Bolding and Sheena Estep
Wickes: Goevany Cruz and Levi Holmes
Winthrop: Carson Brackett and Natalee Voss
The UA Cossatot Spring 2019 Vice Chancellor’s List includes
Amity: Ethan Mitchell and Cullen Smith
Ashdown: Spencer Johnston and Mina McAda
Broken Bow: Stephanie McKinney
De Queen: Leidy Aparicio, Ka’deidra Baker, Trevor Blankenship, Jarrah Furr, Danielle Haarmeyer, Lissette Hernandez, Eda Lopez, Leann Contreras, Angel Espinoza, Sean Harding, Esmeralda Hernandez, Toni Manzella, Kenneth Ortiz, Selena Ozura, Eruby Rodriguez, Kobe Stafford, Amitshaidet Victorio, Tiffany Worley, Stormie Garza, Wendy Nunez, Meshalia Ruth, Kory Cunningham, Kaylee Morgan, and Jesse Power
Dierks: Joni Burgess, Caleb Deer, Corina Green, and Perri Lowrey
Doddridge: Mary McFadden
Foreman: Clayton Whitecotton and Kenneth Green
Gillham: Caterra Morphew, Hadley Philamlee, and April Stancil
Horatio: John Marshal, Parker Rowe, Athena Winton, Eric Dickerson, Trey Pickett, Alejandra Resendiz, Chenoa White
Hot Springs: Jill George and Sheila Miller
Idabel: Alexandra Bartholomew
Lockesburg: Jessica Glasgow, Dillion Baldwin, Kayle Helms, and Kaylee Sharp
Mineral Springs: Lindsey O’Donnell, Camry Stewart, and Madison Miller
Murfreesboro: Sara Martin
Nashville: Jordan Boyer, John Hardin, Brody King, Kameron Carpenter, Loretta McLaughlin, Catrice Payne, Gerson Perez, Elizabeth Rather, Devin Young, Ernesto Bustamante, Loren Gills, and Kaitlyn McConnell
North Little Rock: Dennis Cleghorn
Ozan: Jessica Aguilar
Texarkana: Haley Wallace, Alicia McCord, Barbara Spain, and Shaglista Ware
Vandervoort: Skyler Jackson
Wickes: Luz Alarcon, and Margarita Zaragoza
Winthrop: Koleane Hames-Turner
Latest Flooding Information for the Arkansas River
Significant flooding is expected along the Arkansas River from eastern Oklahoma across the entire state of Arkansas through next week and into next weekend (early June). We have attached a few images to convey the details of this flooding.
Flooding moves down river basins and crests relatively slowly from one location to another as a flood crest or wave moving down river. As of this afternoon (Monday, 5/27) the Arkansas River was beginning to crest in eastern Oklahoma, but is not expected to crest in far western Arkansas until Tuesday. The flood wave is expected to crest near Fort Smith at Van Buren on Tuesday. It is expected to crest at Dardanelle and Morrilton on Friday , at Toad Suck on Sunday (June 2) , at Little Rock on Monday (June 3rd), and at Pine Bluff on June 5th and Pendleton on Friday (6/7).
Major to record flooding is expected at all points along the Arkansas River in Arkansas. This will likely cause flooding of property near the river, especially in low-lying areas. Impacts will be felt well out ahead of the forecast crest, so our best advice is to avoid going near the river, especially for any recreational purposes, during this period of high flow/flooding. A record flood is forecast along the Arkansas River from Toad Suck to points northwest. This flood along the river is expected to be the worst ever recorded flood along the river! Make sure to follow all instructions from local safety officials, and never drive past a barricaded/closed road sign. We want everyone to make it through this flood safely.
We realize that it's not raining in Arkansas, yet this flood is ALREADY in the Arkansas River. It is going to happen, take precautions now to protect your life and property near the Arkansas river before it's too late.
To make matters worse, a round of heavy rainfall is expected to fall over parts of western Arkansas from Tuesday through Wednesday where 3-4 inches of rain is in the forecast. If this doesn't amplify the flooding on the Arkansas River, it will at the very least prolong the flooding carrying significant impacts into the second week of June across the state along the Arkansas River.
Severe weather will also be possible with these additional storms with the primary threats being damaging winds, heavy rainfall and isolated tornadoes. The primary threat for severe storms is Tuesday night and again on Wednesday.
We will update graphics each afternoon, but please see
https://www.weather.gov/lzk/wxcntl4.htm and
https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=LZK
for the latest river forecast information!
Dennis Cavanaugh
Meteorologist, NWS Little Rock
Music In The Park at Washington State Park
Historic Washington State Park announces the annual summer concert series “Music in the Park” with the theme “Arkansas Roots.” A free concert will be held in June, July, and August and is open to the public.
June 15 – Hartley Family Bluegrass Band
July 20 – Bear Creek Boys
August 17 – Harmony
Arkansas was formed as a territory in 1819. This year is the 200th birthday of the formation of Arkansas as its own territory. The music groups are bands that have their roots in Arkansas and its history.
Hartley Family Bluegrass Band is a family band from Arkadelphia, Arkansas. They started learning to play bluegrass and gospel music in 2003, just wanting to do something together as a family. A year later, to their surprise, they started getting invitations to play at churches, festivals, and other events. By 2007 they were traveling to places as far away as upstate New York, sharing their songs and meeting many kind people. The they continue today with Tom and Deb Hartly and their two youngest children, Abby and Micah. More information at www.hartleyfamilybluegrass.blogspot.com.
Bear Creek Boys is a local band that is made up of members from Hempstead, Howard, and Pike counties. They enjoy play different oldies pieces and Country music from the 1970s. They play for different local events around the southwest Arkansas area.
Harmony hails from Mountain View, a beautiful town nestled in a valley of the Ozark Mountains. They specialize in traditional and contemporary Folk Music, Old-Time String Band music, and good-old three-part harmony Gospel Songs. More information at www.harmonyband.org.
Bring your lawn chairs or blanket to spread on the grounds of the 1874 Courthouse by 7:30 p.m. on concert dates. The gift shop will be open for refreshments and Williams’ Tavern Restaurant will be open from 11 am – 7 pm for dining. For more information, call 870-983-2684.
13th Annual Red River Heritage Symposium: Arkansas Territory: A New Frontier Saturday, July 27th
13th Annual Red River Heritage Symposium:
Arkansas Territory: A New Frontier
Saturday, July 27, 2019
1914 School: 1 pm –8 pm
The 13th Annual Red River Heritage Symposium will take place on Saturday, July 27, at Historic Washington State Park. The conference topics will focus around the bicentennial of the formation of Arkansas Territory in 1819 and its impact on the Great Bend Region of the Red River. The event will take place at the 1914 Schoolhouse Auditorium of Historic Washington State Park.
Specific topics and speakers include: “Trammel’s Trace” by Gary Pinkerton of Houston, Texas; “The Red River Raft” by Robin Cole-Jett of Denison, Texas; “Old Miller County” by Skipper Steely of Paris, Texas; “Gulf Coastal Plain Landscape” by Dr. Don Bragg of the U.S. Forest Service; and “Plotting and Surveying the New Territory” by Dr. John Dennis of the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
An all day Friday and Saturday morning workshop for teachers on resources related to the theme in the Red River Region will take place. Lunch is included both days. A total of twelve credit hours will be available for teachers to earn by attending both days of the symposium. Cost for attending the workshop will be $40. Workshop presenters will include Historic Washington State Park staff, and staff members from the Arkansas State Archives and Arkansas Historic Preservation who will do sessions on incorporating timber and natural resource history topics into curriculum standards for the classroom.
On Saturday morning beginning at 9am a tour will be provided to early territorial sites in Miller County. For others interested in the tour the cost will be $15 per person, which includes lunch. Seating is limited, so call the Park Visitor Center to reserve your spot on the tour.
Cost for attendance to the symposium is $30 with an evening meal included. The timeframe for the event is 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. A discount price of $60 will be offered to teachers who wish to attend both the workshop and symposium. Teachers attending both the workshop and symposium will be eligible for twelve credit hours. Check in will begin in the morning at 8 a.m. at the 1874 Hempstead County Courthouse Visitor Center. Registration must be made by July 24. Contact 870-983-2684 to register.
Loren Hinton Live at De Queen Sportsplex for Sevier County Chamber's Tri Lakes Big Bass Festival Awards
Awards Ceremony for the 2019 Tri Lakes Big Bass Festival hosted by the De Queen - Sevier County Chamber of Commerce
Tri Lakes Bass Tournament Final Hour Results
Final Overall Big Bass Standings from the Tri Lakes Big Bass Festival.
Top 5 Big Bass of the 2019 Tri Lakes Big Bass Festival!
1. Jim Presson 6.46 lbs De Queen Lake
2. Kevin Brown 5.7 lbs Dierks Lake
3. Austin Rose 5.69 lb De Queen
4. Brandon Tullis 5.52 lbs De Queen
5. Ray French 5.4 lb De Queen
Thanks to all of our sponsors, anglers, and volunteers from the De Queen / Sevier County Chamber of Commerce! The awards ceremony will get underway at 2:00 pm today at the Sportsplex Pavilion and will be broadcast live here on this Facebook page.
Tri Lakes Bass Tournament Hour 6 Results
Tri Lakes Bass Tournament Hour 5 Results
Top 5 after five hours of the Tri Lakes Big Bass Festival!
1. Jim Presson 6.46 lbs De Queen Lake
2. Kevin Brown 5.7 lbs Dierks Lake
3. Brandon Tullis 5.52 lbs De Queen
4. Marcus Green 5.32 lb Dierks
5. Rick Jopling 5.19 lb Gillham Lake
Tri Lakes Bass Tournament Hour 4 Results
De Queen Lions Club Youth Fishing Derby Saturday, June 22
2.0 lb Target Hit at Tri Lakes Bass Tournament
And we have a winner in our 2 pound target weight challenge as Orval Frachiseur caught this fish on Gillham Lake and will receive $200 from the Body Shop at De Queen Auto Group! Congrats Orval and thanks to De Queen Auto Group for their support of the De Queen / Sevier County Chamber of Commerce!
Tri Lakes Bass Tournament Hour 2 Results
Tri Lake Big Bass Festival overall top 5 standings thus far:
1. Kevin Brown 5.7 lb Dierks Lake
2. Brandon Tullis 5.52 De Queen Lake
3. Jason Joplin 5.1 lb Gillham Lake
4. Tom Brown 5.07 lb De Queen
5. Shane Wright 5.02 lb Dierks
