Today at Ed 88, the 2019-2020 UA Cossatot Student Ambassadors stopped in. We will visit on the air with these students individually on the Morning Show over the next few days.
Pictured are: Garson Perez, Jaden Altenbaumer, Kailynn Chaney, Eruby Rodriguez, Belen Hernandez, Marisol Gonzalez, Jessica Aguilar, Toni Manzella, Kelsey Salida, Kendra Rodriguez, Jhamilex Hernandez, and America Rojas. Not pictured: Alondra Galvez.
Live from Barbara Horn Civic Center at UAC Ashdown. Town Hall meeting regarding proposed tax for the Little River County jail.
UA Cossatot’s Ashdown Campus was the setting for the 18th Annual Little River Arts Council Mid-Summer Art Show. Over 200 pieces of art were displayed in the Barbara Horn Civic Center at the campus for the public to observe and admire. The art show lasted for three days beginning on Thursday, July 18, and concluded on Saturday, July 20. Citizens and visitors of Little River County could view the art from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Thursday and Friday and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday.
The Little River Arts Council organizes this annual event every summer for the community to enjoy and to make people aware of the artistic beauty that is in Little River County. The art show is also open for artists from different areas who wish to display their work.
Ashdown resident, Carolyn Myers said, “This art show, in my opinion, is one of the nicest shows we have in Little River County. Many people work hard all year to present this show, and the college is wonderful to let us host the event every year at their campus.”
The Mid-Summer Art Show took place for three days, but the Little River Art’s Council and the college made preparations at the beginning of the week. On Monday the artists registered, on Tuesday the artists hung and presented their work, and on Wednesday their work was judged. At the art show on Saturday, a reception was held at 2:30 PM and an awards ceremony took place at 3:00 PM. Monetary prizes were also given to the winners.
Little River Arts Council Member, Sue Taaffe of Foreman, said, “This year’s art show went great! We really appreciate the college, letting us use their facilities. We also appreciate the Director of UA Cossatot’s
Ashdown Campus, Barry Reed for helping us make preparations. He was very accommodating. UA Cossatot Campus Police Officer, Jason Curtis was also extremely helpful in helping us make sure the three-day event ran smoothly!”
Along with the art show, the Little River Arts Council also organizes a yearly art camp for youth held at the First United Methodist Church in Ashdown. They also take part in the Whistlestop Festival every year in Little River County to promote the love of art to youth and adults.
The 19th Annual Little River Arts Council Mid-Summer Art Show will take place at UA Cossatot again in 2020. For anyone interested in displaying their art, brochures, and advertisements will be released with details at the beginning of next summer.
The Little River Arts Council would like to announce that they are looking for volunteers to help with next year’s art show at the college. When the advertisements are released next year, contact information will be listed for those who wish to sign up as a volunteer
WEEKLY UPDATE FROM STATE REP DEANN VAUGHT:
Arkansas is approaching the centennial of a historic vote in the House chamber. On July 28, 1919, then Governor Charles Brough called a special session for the purpose of ratifying the Nineteenth Amendment.
The House Journal records a letter Brough sent to our chamber 100 years ago.
In it he states, “Eleven states have already ratified and, should your Honorable Body ratify, nation-wide Women’s Suffrage will have passed the first milestone, as one-fourth of the States will have then conferred full suffrage upon our splendid womanhood.”
The letter goes on to read, “I feel that the ratification of the Susan B. Anthony Amendment is of paramount national importance to the people of our country, and is a proper recognition of the patriotic activities and useful devotion to the cause of liberty and democracy of our womanhood”
The vote passed 74–15 in the House. The vote in the Senate was 29-2, making Arkansas the twelfth state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment. According to newspaper reports at the time, women filled the Arkansas Capitol carrying yellow banners reading, “Votes for Women.”
Arkansas was the second state in the South to ratify the 19th amendment. Texas was the first when it ratified on June 23, 1919.
Demands for suffrage had been made in Arkansas dating back to the Constitutional Convention of 1868.
That attempt and many others to allow women to vote failed in the Arkansas legislature over the course of the next 49 years.
Then in February 1917, Rep. John Riggs introduced legislation to allow women to vote in Arkansas primaries.
Despite testimony on the House floor “That nothing would be gained by giving women access to the ballot”, the House voted 71-19 in favor of the measure. The bill later passed the Senate with a vote 17-15. Arkansas was the first state in the South to allow women in vote in primary elections.
Governor Hutchinson created the Arkansas Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commemoration Committee to lead the state’s remembrance of women receiving the right to vote. You can check out the committee’s work on history and upcoming celebrations at www.arkansasheritage.com. And if you haven’t already, be sure to follow #ARGirlslead on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. There you will find stories from the women who serve in the House and encouragement for more Arkansas girls to seek leadership roles.
Department of Arkansas Heritage Home
Visit the Department of Arkansas Heritage Official Site to explore the rich history and heritage of Arkansas and discover what the state has to offer in arts, culture, dance, pottery & more!
UA Cossatot will be offering self-defense classes for students and community members to take in August. These classes are broken up into different age groups for adults and children 7 years old and above.
The self-defense classes are broken up into 8-week courses that will be held two nights a week for each group. The 8-week self-defense courses will cost $80 for each person. There will be 16 class sessions, and each class will last for one hour. All courses will take place at UA Cossatot’s De Queen Campus.
Adults 18 and up will meet for class on Monday and Thursday from 6 PM to 7 PM starting on August 5. Teenagers ages 15 to 17 will also meet on Monday and Thursday from 5 PM to 6 PM beginning on August 5.
Children who are interested in taking a self-defense course can meet for class on Tuesday and Friday at UA Cossatot starting on August 6. Kids ages 7 to 10 will meet for class from 5 PM to 6 PM, and kids ages 11 to 14 will meet from 6 PM to 7 PM.
Instructor, Daniel Griffin will teach all courses. Mr. Griffin has been training in martial arts since 1981. He is skilled in Karate, Aikido, Tae kwon do, boxing, American freestyle, submission wrestling, kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has competed on the USA kickboxing team, fought in MMA bouts and has trained with the US Navy boxing team.
These classes will cover the basics of defending oneself and offer a social, active event for people in our area to participate in while learning new skills.
For more information or to register for a class, contact the Continuing Education Department at UA Cossatot. Their phone number is 870-584-4471.
Serious flash flooding across areas of Southwest Arkansas this morning (Mondi HIll - Dierks)
(Ernesto Echevarria Tuesday morning…) Please be carefu! Don't attempt to cross these flooded roads and highways. Highway 70 and Highway 278 are underwater.
(Santiago Soto…) More images from the flash flooding in the Dierks area. This pic is from the Weyerhaeuser mill.
(Kelly Comer)… Dierks area
The number of Arkansas children in foster care has fallen by more than 700 since reaching an all-time high in 2016. That information was part of an annual report presented a legislative committee this week.
On Tuesday, the Department of Human Services Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) presented its annual Family Preservation Report to the Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee.
The report outlines progress made and areas for improvement when it comes to the most vulnerable children in our state.
We learned from the report that the number of children in foster care declined by more than 10% during 2018. That is a decrease of 507 children.
Additional funding for DHS approved by the legislature in recent years has helped to increase the number of caseworkers and decrease the average worker caseload. As a result we are seeing children placed in permanent homes sooner and fewer children re-entering the foster care system.
Adoptions were finalized for 969 children in 2018, similar to the previous year and a 16% increase since 2016.
When it comes to areas for improvement, the report notes that the agency struggled to place children close to the homes from which they were removed. A total of 69% resided in either their home county or a neighboring county at the end of 2018, similar to previous years.
Children who are removed from their parents or guardian do better when placed with family members or people they know. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles are often willing to help and make the child feel safe and loved. The percentage of children in care residing with relatives was 27–29% over the past three years. While this is well above the relative placement rate from years ago it is still below the aspiring goal of 33%.
The report breaks down all of the information by every county in the state. We will use this information to continue our efforts in creating policies to keep children in a safe and loving environment. We have posted this report on our website www.arkansashouse.org.
Ashdown Elementary (kindergarten-second grade) will register new and returning students July 29th - August 1st from 8-2 and L.F. Henderson Intermediate (third-fifth grades) will register new and returning students July 29, 30, 31-August 1st from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. New students will need to bring shots records, birth certificate, and social security card. Students can meet their teachers on Thursday, August 8th from 2-7 p.m.
Ashdown Junior High students (grades 6-8) will begin registering new students in the district on August 1st. All returning students may come August 8th during Open House from 2:00 - 7:00 to update all registration paperwork and pick up their schedules. If you are unable to come during Open House, the AJHS Office will be open between 8-3:30 Monday-Thursday to make the updates after August 1st.
Ashdown High School students that are new to the district can begin registering on July 18th, returning students (grades 9-12) can register July 25th, 29th, 30th or 31st from 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Any schedule change must be done during these days. Schedules can be picked up on Thursday, August 8th from 2-7 p.m.
District-Wide Open House/Meet the Teacher will be on Thursday, August 8th from 2-7 p.m. This will be held at the individual campuses.
Information has been posted for AJHS and AHS school supplies in local stores, as well as online at www.ashdownschools.org.
The Purple/Gold game will be on August 13th at 7 p.m. in Dick Hays Stadium. Come out and kick off the school year and football season by supporting our Panthers!
The first day of school for Ashdown Public Schools will be Tuesday, August 13th.
Ashdown Public Schools
Ashdown Public Schools is located in Ashdown, AR.
The Little River Arts Council announces July 18-20 as the dates for the 18th Annual Mid-Summer Art Show. Registration for artwork in adult (18 or over) and youth (8 thru 17) divisions will be Monday, July 15 between 1-6 p.m. at UA Cossatot, Hwy 71 N. in Ashdown. The displays will be open free to the public beginning on Thursday, July 18 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and close on Saturday, July 20 at 4 p.m., with a reception beginning at 2:30 and presentation of awards at 3:30.
Adult art categories include Abstract/Contemporary, Animal, Floral, Genre, Still Life, Portrait, Landscape, and 3-Dimensional, with an entry fee of $10 per entry. Awards in the adult categories will be Best of Show =$200, First Place = $125, Second Place = $85, Third Place = $60, and Honorable Mention = $30.
Youth art will be categorized by age groups: 8-9 years, 10-11 years, 12-13 years, 14-15 years, and 16-17 years. Youth entry fee is $1 per entry and awards will be Best of Show = $100, First Place = $40, Second Place = $30, Third Place = $20, and Honorable Mention = $10.
All Adult Show entries must be original, not previously entered in this show, no more than two years old, not larger that 3'x3', securely framed and wired for hanging, and dry (no wet paint). Youth entries must be matted or framed if on paper and wired for hanging if on stretched canvas with no saw tooth hangers or wet paint. No pieces larger than 3'x3' will be accepted.
All artwork must remain hanging until the closing of the show at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 20.
Little River Arts Council is excited to present the free art show to the public audience for the 18th year and encourages artists in the four-states area to participate. For further information, you may call 870-898-5200.
The University of Arkansas Archaeological Survey Team and the Arkansas Archaeological Society came to UA Cossatot’s De Queen Campus in Sevier County during the month of June. They came to UA Cossatot to use the college as a work station, while they conducted archaeology research in two locations in Sevier County. Both groups have now left and have taken the newly discovered artifacts to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
The archaeologists and volunteers who worked on this assignment chose to come to Sevier County this summer to conduct research at these sites. These locations were gathering places for the Caddo Indians that lived in this region. In 1985, artifacts from these Native Americans were discovered and found at these burial mounds in Lockesburg and De Queen.
The artifacts were taken to Fayetteville, where they have remained for over three decades. The Archaeology Survey Team and Society brought these artifacts back to Sevier County and displayed them at the college for the public to view. Events were held at UA Cossatot to give community members the chance to see findings that were discovered in their community.
Over seventy people participated in this summer research project, and more additional artifacts were discovered. The group members for this project spent two weeks studying the site locations, as well as the old and new findings. They hope these artifacts will help them to complete the puzzle of the ancient Caddo tribes and how they survived while they were living in Southwest Arkansas.
The college provided the archaeological groups a place to set up and prepare. They also hosted a cookout for the visitors at one of the site locations.
On Friday, June 21, at 6:30 P.M. University of Arkansas Station Archaeologist, Dr. Carl Drexler held an evening presentation at UA Cossatot about what they discovered and learned during their time in Sevier County. At the end of the evening talk, door prizes were given out.
The artifacts from the eighties and the recently discovered artifacts mostly include pottery. These materials were boxed up and sent back to Fayetteville, where more research will be conducted for educational purposes
The University of Arkansas Cossatot pinned thirty-one new Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) in a pinning ceremony on Friday, June 21, 2019, at 6:00 P.M. at the UA Cossatot Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium.
Thirteen students graduate from the eleven-month daytime LPN program in De Queen, and eighteen students graduate from the eighteen-month evening program in Nashville.
Photo: from left to right starting at the bottom left (first row): Leidy Aparicio, Stromie Garza, Autumn Jester, Brenda Alvarez, Veronica Castro, Cheyenne Ballard, Lauren King, Ana Martinez, Jennifer Howard, and Sandybel Aparicio; (second row): Nina Wynn, Taylor Whittington, Jessica Gonzalez, and Ashley Smallwood; (third row): Shernesia Broughton, Ashley Stuart, Leslie Guriterez-Cuella, and Brittany Gray; (fourth row): Kaylynn Brasel, Shandra Hamner, Jenna Howard, Shaglista Ware, Stephanie Zavala, Ashley Hill, Cheyenne Ballard, Brooklyn Arthur, Megan Carter, and Leverise Evans. Not pictured is Adriana Figueroa.and Selena Leon.
UA Cossatot LPN graduates include: Leidy Ariana Aparicio of De Queen, Sandybel Aparicio of De Queen, Cheyenne Ballard of Lockesburg, KayLynn Brasel of Newhope, Leslie Guiterez-Cuella of De Queen, Cheyenne Foster of Ashdown, Jessica Gonzalez of Grannis, Jennifer Howard of Dierks, Autumn Jester of Lockesburg, Ana Karen Martinez of De Queen, Shaglista Ware of Texarkana, Stephanie Zavala of De Queen, Adriana Figueroa of De Queen, Brenda Alvarez of De Queen, Brooklyn Arthur of Dierks, Shernesia Broughton of Ashdown, Megan Carter of De Queen, Leversie Evans of Ashdown, Stormie Dey Garza of De Queen, Brittany Gray of Hope, Shandra Hamner of Dierks, Ashley Hill of De Queen, Jenna Beth Howard of Delight, Lauren King of Lockesburg, Selena Leon of De Queen, Dayanara Ramirez-Mendez of De Queen, Veronica Castro-Ortiz of De Queen, Ashley DeeAnn Smallwood of De Queen, Ashley Stuart of Nashville, Taylor Whittington of De Queen, and Nina Wynn of Nashville.
UA Cossatot RN Clinical Coordinator, Carolin Hockersmith was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. UA Cossatot Medical Education Advisor, Christina Cooper ended the ceremony with encouraging words. After the ceremony the graduates, along with their families and friends, enjoyed cake and punch at the college to celebrate the occasion.
Harold was severely injured June 16, 2018 in a vehicle accident. He had over 50 broken bones and multiple injuries that were life threatening. Harold was flown from the scene of the accident to Little Rock for treatment. Over the past year, by the grace of God, Harold has come a long, long way. He still makes regular trips to doctors in Little Rock. Harold still has bones that are not healed, so at this time surgeries are still pending.
Harold is a lifelong resident of Lockesburg and Alice has lived there most of her life as well. They moved away for a few short years and then returned where their sons, Scott and Mark also graduated from Lockesburg High School. Today, their sons are both successful men who serve the local people. Harold, Alice, Scott, and Mark were all EMT’s at one time. They have always been dedicated to helping others.
2019 Ashdown High School Graduate Aliyah Anderson recently competed in Public Speaking at the FBLA National Leadership Conference held in San Antonio, Texas June 29th - July 2nd.
Aliyah Anderson
The mission of Future Business Leaders of America is to inspire and prepare students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership Experience. Future Business Leaders is the oldest and largest student organization in the world. As part of this program, students participate in academic competitions. They practice and demonstrate their skills and knowledge, including leadership, business areas, public speaking and more.
Aliyah qualified for her second National FBLA Leadership Conference competition by winning in the Public Speaking Competition at the District Level with 14 counties in Arkansas included. She went on to place 2nd overall in State in Public Speaking in April to qualify her to compete in National Competition with the top Students in America. This is Aliyah’s 2nd year to qualify for Nationals as she finished first in State in Electronic Career Portfolio in 2018 and advanced to Nationals in Baltimore, MD. Over 14,000 students were in attendance but overall less than 4% of total FBLA members in the world have the opportunity to compete in the FBLA National Leadership Conference.
Aliyah also had the opportunity to participate in leadership workshops and hear Keynote Speakers such as Sherry Winn, a 2 time Olympian, and National Championship Basketball coach. Coach Winn is a 2 time Amazon Best Seller and has written 5 books on leadership, effective communication, and success strategies.
Aliyah served the Ashdown High School Chapter as President and District IV as Secretary for the 2018-2019 school year. Aliyah says FBLA has given her many opportunities not only to hone her leadership and speaking skills but has also allowed her to make friends and network with students in Arkansas and all over the nation. Aliyah will be attending Arkansas Tech in the Fall and plans to major in Marketing.
AHS Sponsor Shauna Tipton & Aliyah Anderson
Students in FBLA will have the opportunity to prepare for competition this coming school year by taking Organizational Leadership where they will not only learn about Organizational structure and leadership skills, but they will be able to work on FBLA projects for competition. According to Mrs. Tipton, this is the toughest issue we face—finding the time outside of school to work with students to prepare for competition and giving them assistance. Having a classroom is the perfect solution. Aliyah is truly one of the most motivated students I have ever taught. Once she was given advice, she would run with it. Some students, however, especially, when they are new to FBLA, need more guidance and the classroom will provide that time. This should make our chapter much more competitive.
SPECIAL NEWS RELEASE
Jean A. Ince
County Extension Agent-
Staff Chair
July 8, 2019
RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM INTERVIEWING BUSINESS OWNERS
Create Bridges, a pilot program focusing on rural economic development in Howard, Little River and Sevier Counties (3C’s) has moved into its second phase: interviewing business owners involved in retail, entertainment, accommodations and tourism.
The goal of Create Bridges is to help strengthen the retail, tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors, which provide jobs and business opportunities that frequently boost rural economies. The program is being organized by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Department of Community and Economic Development. It is being coordinated locally through the local Extension Offices.
Earlier this year, Create Bridges held a series of forums in each of the three counties to gather information about community assets in the retail, tourism, entertainment and accommodations industries.
Now organizers hope to build on that foundation through local interviews which are being conducted this week. The interview process will focus on the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of operating a business in rural Arkansas. Although some of the businesses have been identified, other business owners are welcome to reach out and participate.
Results of the confidential interviews will be used to develop regional economic development strategies that will be implemented next year. The interviews focus on workforce, community engagement, customer base, and potential expansion plans.
Create Bridges – which is stands for “Celebrating Retail, Accommodations, Tourism, and Entertainment by Building Rural Innovations and Developing Growth Economies” – has already held community forums and a retail academy for regional leaders. The next steps include an employee engagement survey and an emphasis on identifying opportunities for workforce training for the incumbent workforce.
For more information about Create Bridges and its involvement in our area, contact the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517.
Ashdown High School 2019 Graduates Kaylee Silva and Bradee McKean represented Ashdown High School at the 2019 SkillsUSA National Leadership Conference held in Louisville, KY. According to Ashdown SkillsUSA Sponsor, Amy Silva, “There were over 20,000 in attendance from across the United States this year at the competitions in Louisville.”
Kaylee qualified to compete after placing first in Health Occupations Professional Portfolio at the 2019 SkillsUSA Arkansas State Competition in April. She placed fourth in the nation in Health Occupations Professional Portfolio. The purpose of this competition is to recognize students for their successful development of a professional portfolio and to evaluate the ability of the individual to present himself or herself to an employer using effective communication skills.
Kaylee graduated from Ashdown High School in May. She will be attending Harding University in the fall and is majoring in Communication Sciences & Disorders. She is the daughter of Brent and Amy Silva.
Bradee also placed first in her competition at the state conference and placed fourteenth in the nation in Medical Math. The purpose of this competition is to evaluate the students’ ability to understand and solve mathematical problems commonly used in the various health care settings. Bradee graduated as Salutatorian from AHS and will attend UCA in the fall and major in Health Sciences. She is the daughter of Michael and Molly Corbell.
Zac Dunlap working the crowd at Stand Up For America!
