The Ashdown Alumni Association will host Ashdown High School Class of 1980 Graduate John Moore on Saturday, February 22 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Alumni House located at 751 Rankin Street. Mr. Moore will be signing copies of his most recent books Write of Passage: A Southerner’s View of Then and Now, Volume One and Two. They are available on Amazon and copies will be available at the signing for $10 each.
John Moore is a native of Ashdown, Arkansas, but he has called Texas home for over 30 years. He is a former radio announcer and worked at several stations in Arkansas and Texas. From 1979-1982, he even worked at Ashdown’s former station KMLA. While a student at AHS, he worked on the journalism staff as a photographer for the school paper and annual.
He currently owns One Moore Production, a recording studio where he does commercial voice work and books on tape for Audible. His weekly column, Moore Thoughts appears in the Marshall News-Messenger, Tyler Morning Telegraph, the Longview News-Journal, the Texarkana Gazette, and six others.
Mr. Moore said, "I am looking forward to coming home to Ashdown to see family and friends and I'm looking forward to supporting the Alumni Association through my book signing. I hope to see everyone come out on Saturday the 22nd from 11 to 2 and thanks to the Ashdown Alumni Association and the Ashdown School District for inviting me to come.”
Beekeeping Program for Youths Starts This Month
Southwest Arkansas Beekeepers Association is continuing a youth beekeeping program started last year. The two-year program provides beekeeping education and guidance to youths through age nineteen and teaches them the skills to continue the hobby into later life. Successful completion of the two-year program earns the youth a hive of bees and certification. At least one parent or legal adult guardian MUST accompany Junior Beekeepers during workshops, meetings and other activities of the program. Any youths who are allergic to bee stings may not participate in this program.
Applications are available at Monday night's meeting of Southwest Arkansas Beekeepers at 6pm, Room 101, UA Cossatot in Nashville. For more information, contact Sheila Kreul at (870) 845-8524 or Jack Threat at (870) 557-4837. Applications must be received by February 1.
UA Cossatot’s Textbook/OER Program Helps Therapy Students Save Money
The University of Arkansas Cossatot Textbook Rental/Open Educational Resource (OER) Program continues to help students overcome financial barriers by including two primary medical programs.
The college’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) programs transitioned from requiring students to buy textbooks to renting, which will save students over $18,000 per year.
UA Cossatot Director of Educational Resources and OER Specialist Relinda Ruth proposed a three-payment plan for each program that allows students to rent all the required textbooks for a minimal fee.
“Textbooks are expensive and create another financial hardship for students,” said Ruth. “Our sole purpose has always been removing barriers to education for students and we are pleased that the college’s PTA and OTA programs are joining the program to help achieve that goal.”
UA Cossatot has saved students over $1.5 million since becoming the first two-year college in Arkansas to implement an internal textbook rental and OER program in early 2015. Including medical programs will greatly increase student savings.
“We are excited to be able to offer this textbook rental program to our students,” said UA Cossatot PTA Program Director Jennifer Sanderson. “Renting, rather than buying, textbooks saves our students hundreds of dollars.”
Over half of the courses at UA Cossatot do not require a textbook and instead use OER materials to supplement instruction.
For more information about textbook rentals, OER, or student services the Educational Resource Center (ERC) offers, please contact Relinda Ruth at 870-584-1181
Heavy Rainfall Expected Friday and Friday Night
National Weather Service predicting heavy rain over the next couple of days.
National Weather Service Watching A Possible Significant Weather Event For Arkansas Friday and Saturday
An active pattern is expected later this week, especially Friday and Saturday. A storm system will arrive from the southern Plains, and will likely trigger areas of heavy to excessive rain and severe storms.
As of this morning, it appears two to more than five inches of rain could fall across Arkansas. The heaviest rain is expected from west central through central into northeast sections of the state (from Mena through Clinton and Little Rock and on toward Jonesboro and Corning). Severe weather (tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail) is favored over southwest sections of the state.
The storm track will be very important, and will determine where the heaviest rain falls, and how much severe weather materializes. A more northerly track will skew the heaviest rain to the north, with more of the state affected by severe storms. A track to the south will move the heaviest rain to the south, will mean less severe weather, and could result in light wintry precipitation in northern and western Arkansas as colder air arrives Saturday.
It will also be windy surrounding the system. Breezy southerly winds will kick up on Thursday and Friday, and will shift to the northwest and remain gusty on Saturday.
This is looking more and more like a significant event. Now is the time to prepare.
The Midnight Crew
National Weather Service
Little Rock, Arkansas
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
One of the new laws which took effect this week may reduce the number of uninsured motorists on Arkansas roads.
Nationwide, it is estimated that 1 in 8 drivers do not have insurance. In Arkansas, the uninsured motorist rate has been higher than the national average in recent years. The latest numbers show close to 16% of drivers on our roads may be uninsured. Arkansas State Police write more than 10,000 citations a year for failing to provide proof of insurance.
Legislators along with law enforcement and insurance companies worked for two years to implement a system to address this problem.
The result is the implementation of a real-time insurance verification program. It was created by Act 1016 of 2017. The fees and dates of implementation were created by Act 869 of 2019. It went into effect on January 1, 2020.
The system allows law enforcement real-time data when they run a license plate. It will tell officers if the car is currently insured or if a policy has lapsed. In addition, it will also result in letters being issued to any Arkansan (with a registered vehicle) if they allow any lapse in insurance coverage. As soon as the system is alerted to the lapse, the owner will be issued a $100 fine for the lapse in coverage along with a letter notifying them of this. If the fine and proof of insurance are not provided within a certain time frame (normally 30 days), the vehicle’s registration will be permanently suspended until the fine is paid and coverage confirmed.
When a similar system was implemented in Alabama, the rates of uninsured motorists on the road dropped from more than 20% to 13%.
This is just one of several laws which took effect this week. You can find a list of other laws on our website www.arkansashouse.org.
Home - Arkansas House of Representatives
ARGIRLSLEAD #ARGIRLSLEAD is a movement started by women serving in the Arkansas House. Each of them have a unique story to share about their journey on the road to their current leadership position. Kids In The House Who says civics can't be fun?
UA Cossatot Classes begin January 13th
Everything you need to know about Spring 2020:
Classes begin January 13th.
You can ENROLL IN CLASSES through January 14th.
• First time students need to contact Student Services at 800-844-4471.
• Returning students need to reach out to their advisor as listed on Campus Connect.
• See our SPRING CLASS SCHEDULE here: cccua.edu/apply-enroll/class-schedules
• Still need to APPLY FOR ADMISSION? Go here: cccua.edu/apply-enroll
BOOK RENTALS can be picked up at the ERC on each campus starting on January 7th. See more textbook information here: youseemore.com/cccua/contentpages.asp?loc=49
There are still a few SCHOLARSHIPS available for the semester. More information here: cccua.edu/scholarships
The ARFUTURE GRANT is open for applications until January 1, and it will cover tuition for many degrees. More information here: http://www.cccua.edu/…/scholarshi…/state-scholarships-grants
Apply for PELL GRANTS by completing your FAFSA. More information here: cccua.edu/pay-for-college/financial-aid
You can CHECK YOUR FINANCIAL AID through Campus Connect or contact the Financial Aid office at 870-584-1161.
• Check your email account listed on the FAFSA for lacking document notices and more.
You can also CHECK YOUR BILL on Campus Connect. Information about setting up payment plans can be found here:
cccua.edu/pay-for-college/payments
Campus Connect, Student Email, and Blackboard can be accessed at the top left corner of our website www.cccua.edu
Any other questions? Ask them in the comments below!
Rosa Brown Receives ASBA Platinum Award
Congratulations to Ashdown School Board Member Rosa Bowman on receiving a Platinum Award for completing 400 hours of in-service training at the annual Arkansas School Board Association (ASBA) Conference in Little Rock. Mrs. Bowman is also President-Elect for the association.
Ashdown Public Schools Recognize Teachers of the Year and District Teacher of the Year
Ashdown District Teacher of the Year Jennifer Simmons and AHS Principal Kay York Wortham
Jennifer Simmons, Lacy Shamsie, Diana Blankenship, Gerina Ritter
On, Monday December 16, Ashdown Public Schools recognized their campus Teachers of the Year and announced the District Teacher of the Year. Teachers from each campus were able to vote for their Teacher of the Year and a special committee with much difficulty chose AHS teacher Jennifer Simmons as the District TOY.
The TOY for Ashdown Elementary is Gerina Ritter; L.F. Henderson - Diana Blankenship; AJHS - Lacy Shamsie; AHS - Jennifer Simmons. Ashdown Superintendent Casey Nichols said, “I am so proud of these amazing teachers! Each and every day they go above and beyond for our students in order to provide them with the best education possible! They love, protect, and help each and every student, they know our students and meet them where they are to give them what is needed in order for them to grow into educated and productive citizens.”
Mrs. Ritter is an Ashdown graduate and is married to her high school sweetheart, Jason Ritter. Together they have 3 children; Blake, Olivia, and Reagan, all of whom attend our schools. She has worked in this district for 19 years, with her experiences including being a second-grade teacher, a physical education teacher and presently, a kindergarten teacher. Additionally, she is co-sponsor for the AJHS cheerleaders and has served in this position for the past 3 years. According to AE Principal Teresa Wake, "We appreciate Mrs. Ritter’s passion for her students. She is caring, knowledgeable, and a hard worker. She communicates well with the parents, community, and our staff.”
Ms. Blankenship graduated from Ashdown High School in 1991. She started working as a paraprofessional in August of 2002 while working her way through college. She graduated from Texas A&M in Texarkana in May of 2015. Ms. Blankenship stated that she thoroughly enjoys teaching for the Ashdown School District. She cherishes being an Ashdown Alumni and feels it is a privilege to work and have her daughter, Gracyn, attend the same district that she graduated from.
Mrs. Shamsie has been a teacher in the Ashdown School District working at AJHS since 2006. She has taught 6th and 8th-grade science during this time. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in 2005 from Texas A&M at Texarkana and her Master's degree in Educational Diagnostician in 2018. She and her husband, Curtis Shamsie, have two kids Colton and Annabeth Shamsie who attend school in the Ashdown School District.
Mrs. Simmons has been selected by her peers as this year’s Teacher of the Year at Ashdown High School. Jennifer holds a B.A. from the University of Arkansas Medical Science. And is a Licensed Medical Technologist. She has taught 5 years in the Ashdown School District. Prior to teaching, she worked in Medical Laboratories and hospitals for 18 years. Jennifer is presently teaching Biology and has an ASCP license. She is a certified Advanced Placement teacher in which she teachers Advanced Biology. Mrs. Simmons is the high school Quiz Bowl Coach and has provided challenging experiences for many of our brightest students. Mrs. Simmons is 9th grade Class Sponsor and has been the Co- Prom Coordinator for the past three years. AHS Principal Kay York Wortham said, "Mrs. Simmons is always thinking of students. She challenges kids and is always trying new things that will improve our school. She is on the school’s leadership team and spends countless time working beyond the school day to make sure labs and learning are ready for her students. Having a Medical Technologists on our campus positions our high school toward more opportunities for our students working toward medical certifications. Mrs. Simmons, attendance and character along with her strong desire for all students to learn to their highest potential deems her extremely worthy of this honor.” Mrs. Simmons is married to Shawn Simmons, an Ashdown graduate and his two children who graduated from AHS with honors. Student comments when asked about her…..She is always kind… never raises her voice. Listens to us always. Talks and explains things thoroughly. She never gets red in the face and gets mad at us. Very patient and kind. “I like science because of her”.
ADHE Provides Scholarships through Arkansas Lottery
On December 13, 2019, UA Cossatot held its winter graduation ceremony at the UA Cossatot Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium in Lockesburg, Arkansas. The ceremony began at 6:00 P.M. and concluded with 257 students receiving 374 credentials.
During the graduation ceremony, UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, introduced Dr. Maria Markham, Director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) and Alisha Lewis, Associate Communications Director for ADHE. They were invited to the ceremony to present Dr. Cole and UA Cossatot with a sample check for 1.1 million dollars.
This check was used to represent the total amount of money that has been awarded to UA Cossatot students through the Arkansas Department of Higher Education using funds generated by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.
In the ten years since its inception, the lottery has raised more than $908 million to help provide more than 542,000 college scholarships for Arkansas students.
To apply for a lottery scholarship in Arkansas, please visit the Department of Higher Education’s website, scholarships.adhe.edu, to complete the Arkansas YOUniversal Scholarship Application.
UA Cossatot Announces Fall 2019 Graduates
The University of Arkansas Cossatot Office of the Registrar releases names of fall 2019 graduates and names of those graduating with honors.
257 students graduate with a certificate of proficiency, technical certificate, or associate degree. Some students earned multiple certificates and degrees allowing for 374 fall 2019 awards.
24 students graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors, meaning that they graduate with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.9 to 4.0. 14 students graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors meaning that they graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 to 3.89. 16 students graduate with Cum Laude honors meaning that they graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.74.
Students Graduating Fall 2019 with Summa Cum Laude Honors:
Victoria Alfaro Zapata of De Queen; Geovany Alvarez Cruz of Wickes; Sanjuana Alvarez Hernandez of De Queen; Eduardo Benitez Jr. of De Queen; Jordan Boyer of Nashville; Rica Burns of Ashdown; Pablo Cardenas of Nashville; Bryan Carrillo of Horatio; Lizeth Chavelo of Nashville; Tessa Ewing of Glenwood; Kaydra Fox of Glenwood; Karen Fuller of Broken Bow; Anna Gatliff of Ashdown; Jill George of Hot Springs; Loren Gills of Nashville; Denby Jester of Ashdown; Gregory Linville of Idabel; Alicia McCord of Texarkana; Kianna McElroy of Nashville; Ethan Mitchell of Amity; Lindsey O’Donnell of Mineral Springs; Jammey Reese of Mineral Springs; Alberto Sandoval of Horatio; and Ali Whisenhunt of De Queen
Students Graduating Fall 2019 with Magna Cum Laude Honors:
Morgan Allen of Dierks; Alexandra Bartholomew of Idabel; Michael Bevill of Nashville; Brent Craver of Grannis; Hannah Davis of Amity; Kayle Helms of Lockesburg; Martha Johnson of Foreman; Colby Markham of Amity; Mary McFadden of Doddridge; Jennifer Neal of Texarkana; Leslie Rios Gonzalez of De Queen; Amanda Saxby of Fouke; Jesus Wences of De Queen; and D.C. Young of Nashville
Students Graduating Fall 2019 with Cum Laude Honors:
Angela Calderon of De Queen; Katelyn Cowling of Foreman; Caleb Deer of Dierks; Brittany Fallecker of Winthrop; Jarrah Furr of De Queen; Alejandro Hernandez of De Queen; Aracely Hernandez of De Queen; Joshua Lingo of Murfreesboro; Perri Lowrey of Dierks; Loretta McClaughlin of Nashville; Sarah Millette of Glenwood; Casey Parker of Nashville; Tarnesa Ramnarine of Ogden; Laura Rivera of Hope; Meshalia Ruth of De Queen; and John Simmons of Texarkana
UA Cossatot Students Graduating Fall 2019 Include (listed with highest degree(s) earned):
Alleene: Tiffany Dossett, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing;
Amity: Hannah Davis, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Jordan Estrada, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG and SMAW Welding; John Hanney, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Engines and Diesel Brakes; Brianna Hill, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Colby Markham, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Ethan Mitchell, Technical Certificate: General Studies; and Sean Palavicini, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding
Ashdown: Austin Bearden, Associate of General Studies; Glena Blagg, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Ty Buchanan, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Kyle Burnham, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Rica Burns, Associate of Science: Psychology; Keely Butler, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Hunter Cheyne, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Molly Corbell, Associate of Science: Psychology; Christopher Dunn, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Dentin Earnest, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Engines; Mason Garner, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Anna Gatliff, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; Shawon Gulley, Associate of Science: Criminal Justice; and Psychology; Nathan Gwin, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Stephanie Hawthorne, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Denby Jester Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; Cole Little, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Trevor Meyers, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers and Mechanical Devices; Laqulla, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Jeb Parker, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power and Industrial Motors and Controllers; Dustin Schmidt, Certificate of Proficiency Fluid Power and Industrial Motors and Controllers; Milton Smith, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power and Industrial Motors and Controllers; Alexandra Staton, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; James Sullivan, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Matthew Swilley, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power and Industrial Motors and Controllers; and Jasmine Thompson, Associate of General Studies
Ben Lomond: Jake Day, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power
Blevins: Kristen Buck, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing
Broken Bow: Karen Fuller, Associate of General Studies; and Tahnee Johnson, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing
Cove: Silas Barrett, Associate of Science: Psychology; and Dayton Ralls, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power
Delight: Amy Campbell, Certificate of Proficiency: Child Development; and Linda Whisenhunt, Certificate of Proficiency: Child Development
De Queen: Victoria Alfaro Zapata, Technical Certificate: General Studies and Health Professions; Sanjuana Alvarez Hernandez, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Steven Bell Jr, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; Eduardo Benitez Jr., Technical Certificate: Automotive Service Technology; Katrina Billingsley, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Israel Bustamante, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Angela Calderon, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Jamilyn Clark, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Aubry Collum, Technical Certificate: Welding; Magali Cornelio, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding and SMAW Welding; Johnny Daley, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Collin Davis, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; James Davis, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Brakes and Diesel Engines; Ashlee Dunn, Associate of Science: STEM; Rosa Elizondo, Associate of Science: Medical Sciences; Carter Faulkenberry, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW and Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW; Bryan Figueroa, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Brakes and Diesel Engines; Jarrah Furr, Associate of Science: Business; Aida Gallardo, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Alexis Gallardo, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; Joanna Gallardo, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Rosa Gallardo, Certificate of Proficiency: Child Development; Valeria Gomez, Associate of Science: STEM; Ahiezer Gonzalez, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Brakes and Diesel Engines; Maria Gonzalez, Associate of Science: Psychology; Cristian Gorosquieta, Technical Certificate: Welding; Erica Gutierrez, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Alejandro Hernandez, Associate of Science: Medical Sciences; Aracely Hernandez, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Brenda Hernandez, Associate of Applied Science; Registered Nursing; Jose Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Miguel Luna- Armenta, Associate of Science: Teaching K-6; Jaqueline Marrufo, Technical Certificate: General Studies and Health Professions; Lisette Marrufo, Technical Certificate : Health Professions; Aaron Martinez, Certificate of Proficiency; SMAW Welding; Cristopher Munoz, Technical Certificate: Welding; Chase Pearce, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Connor Pearce, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Engines; Jerardo Perez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Allan Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices and Industrial Motors and Controllers; Guillermo Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Guadalupe Ramirez-Aguero, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension, and Steering; Leslie Rios Gonzalez, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistants; Miriam Rodriguez, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Robert Rogers, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Jesse Rubio, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing: Rafael Ruelas Magana, Associate of Applied Science: Business Management and General Technology; Meshalia Ruth, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; Giovany Salgado, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Kevin Sims, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Jorge Soto Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Zachary Tollett, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices and MIG Welding; Randy Velazquez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Jesus Wences, Technical Certificate: Welding; Ali Whisenhunt, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Michelle Whisenhunt, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Willie White, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; and Maria Zuniga, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Dierks: Morgan Allen, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Chantel Alonso, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; Caleb Deer, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Heather Franklin, Associate of Arts; Elian Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Aaron Kesterson, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding and Industrial Motors and Controllers; Perri Lowrey, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Jacob O’Neal, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension, and Steering; Jacie Sims, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Walker Vallee, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; and Max Vaughn, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology
Doddridge: Mary McFadden, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant
Eagletown: Peter Carney, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; and Emily Hughes, Associate of Science: STEM
Foreman: Jade Akins, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Katelyn Carver, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Katelyn Cowling, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Latasha Fenton, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Kenneth Green, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology; Martha Johnson: Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting; Hunter Lewis, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; Braiden McKinney, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Jace Reich, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; Kaleb Trim, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power: and Kory Voss, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers and Mechanical Devices
Fouke: Amanda Saxby, Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting; and Debbie Teague, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing
Gillham: Zachary Birmingham: Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power and Industrial Motors and Controllers; Casey Hill, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Candice Hoagland, Associate of Applied Science: Business Management; Hadley Philamlee, Associate of Science: Agri Business; Jose Rios, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers and Mechanical Devices; and Sydney Sneed, Technical Certificate: Health Professions
Glenwood: Tessa Ewing, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Kaydra Fox, Technical Certificate: General Studies, and Sarrah Millette, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Grannis: Joslyn Frachiseur, Associate of General Studies; and Juan Trinidad, technical Certificate: Business Management
Haworth: Kristina Garcia, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; and Nicole Marable, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing
Hope: Yudid Gallardo: Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; and Laura Rivera, Technical Certificate: Health Professions
Horatio: Bryan Carrillo, Technical Certificate: Welding; James Chandler, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Brandon Delgado, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Eric Dickerson, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers and Mechanical Devices; Lacey Hankins, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Edith Luna, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; john Marshall, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Levi Nottingham, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Rodolfo Ramirez Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers and Mechanical devices; Omar Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; Alberto Sandoval, Technical Certificate: Welding; Carli Sneed, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Richard Thompson, Associate of Arts; and Jeffery Whisenhunt, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers.
Hot Springs: Jill George, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant
Idabel: Alexandra Bartholomew, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; and Gregory Linville, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Kirby: Payden Turner, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Lockesburg: Brittany Bennett, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Corazon Balderas, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Julie Blackwell, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Matthew Brewer, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding and SMAW Welding; Blayne Buster, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Charles Dowdy, Technical Certificate: Welding; Daniel Galeno Sotelo, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Kyler Gammill. Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; Ty Gentry, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; Cole Hanney, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers and Mechanical Devices; Kayle Helms, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; Jason Huesca, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Tasha King, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Juane Maxwell, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Tamberlyn Nelson, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices and Industrial Motors and Controllers; Braden Smart, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Kevin Walker, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers and Mechanical devices; and Bine Whisenhunt, Associate of Arts
McCaskill: Darren May, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding
Mineral Springs: Sally Crawford, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Kamryn Forbes, Associate of General Studies, Janey Juniel, Certificate of Proficiency: Child Development; Adrianna McDaniel, Technical Certificate: Business Management; Lindsey O’Donnell, Associate of General Studies; Jammey Reese, Technical Certificate: Automotive Service Technology; Shirley Scoggins, Associate of Science: Psychology; and Matthew Stone, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power
Murfreesboro: Austin Baker, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Richard Branch, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technician; Chad Cox, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; and Joshua Lingo, Technical Certificate: Welding
Nashville: Rachel Barfield, Associate of General Studies; Michael Bevill, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Jordan Boyer, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Ernesto Bustamante, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Brakes and Diesel Engines; Pablo Cardenas, Technical Certificate: Welding; Lizeth Chavelo, Associate of Science: Teaching K-6 ; Caleb Clayton, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Kevin Conant, Associate of General Studies; Christian Davis, Technical Certificate: Pipe Welding; Haley Davis, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Armando Fraire, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Loren Gills, Associate of Applied Science : Occupational Therapy Assistant; Zorayda Guerrero , Technical Certificate : Business Management; Emily Jamison, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Oscar Luna, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Samuel Maroon III, Certificate of Proficiency: Diesel Brakes and Diesel Engines; Kianna McElroy, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Loretta McLaughlin: Associate of Science: Teaching K-6; Fabian Mercado, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Juanisha Neal, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Casey Parker, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Alec Pettigrew, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; Laisa Ramirez, Associate of Arts; Jace Reid, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; Chloe Scoggins, Associate of General Studies; Trey Scott, Associate of Arts and Associate of General Studies; Cynthia Spoo, Associates of Applied Science: Accounting; Patricia Stevens, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; William Turley, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Brianna Upton, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Hadyn Whisenhunt, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers; Ty Williams, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; and D.C. Young, Technical Certificate: Pipe Welding
Newhope: Karley Stapp, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; Marlee Stapp, Technical Certificate: Health Professions, and Grant Strasner, Certificate of Proficiency: Medical Devices
Ogden: Wesley Grimes, Technical Certificate: Agriculture; Tarnesa Ramnarine, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; and Micah Stafford, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power
Searcy: Micah Heathscott, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Shreveport: Sonya Kelly, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing
Simms: Tiffany Peek, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing
Texarkana: Shelly Forrest, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Lori Gathright, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Cloris Hopkins, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Alicia McCord, Associate of Applied Science Occupational Therapy Assistant; Jennifer Neal, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Jayci Pettigrew, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; John Simmons, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; and Kelsey Solida, Technical Certificate: Health Professions.
Umpire: Christopher Moore, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors and Controllers
Wake Village: Marcy Preuss, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing
Washington: Aaron McBride, Certificate of Proficiency, SMAW Welding
Wickes: Goevany Alvarez Cruz, Technical Certificate: Welding; Sebastian Medina, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; and Elizabeth Richardson, Technical Certificate: Health Professions
Wilton: DeAnna French, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing
Winthrop: Carson Brackett, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power and Industrial Motors and Controllers; Kaylee Dossett, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Brittany Fallecker, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Cassidy Smiley, Certificate of Proficiency: Fluid Power; and Natalee Voss, Certificate of Proficiency, SMAW Welding.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
From delivering the food to the grocery store shelves to stocking up retail stores with must have gifts, the trucking industry touches every aspect of the holidays.
As the trend towards online shopping continues, the trucking industry continues to provide a critical infrastructure for our nation. Arkansas companies play an important role in providing the drivers and logistics.
As a midway point between Mexico City and Montreal, our central location enables Arkansas to have a large and growing distribution and logistics services sector. Arkansas offers access to a market of 100 million people within a 550-mile radius of the state. That represents 40% of the total U.S. population.
More than 55,000 Arkansans are employed at more than 80 distribution centers and 10 major trucking companies in the state.
Arkansas is home to two transportation companies on Fortune magazine's list of the largest 1,000 companies in the United States, based on annual revenue - J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. and ArcBest. And of the 25 largest employers in the state, 20% are in the transportation services sector.
The trucking industry is a growing industry. Nationwide, the number of trucking businesses grew 15.9% between 2012 and 2016, outpacing total growth across all industries. This translates into an increase of 200,000 workers in the trucking industry during that time period.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, at least one in 10 truckers are veterans, double the rate of workers in general.
The Census Bureau also notes the demographic of new truckers is changing. Among younger truckers under age 35, more of them are women and they are more educated than their older counterparts. They’re also more urban. The percentage of young truck drivers coming from rural areas is about half that of older truckers, with fewer than 20% of younger truckers living in rural areas.
Although many truckers work a regular 40-hour workweek, almost half of truckers work longer hours. And many are working extra hours during this season. So if you see or know a trucker, thank them this season for tackling one of our economy’s most demanding and important jobs
UA Cossatot Announces Fall 2019 Honor Students
The University of Arkansas Cossatot Office of the Registar releases fall Chancellor’s List and Vice Chancellor’s List recognizing honor students.
95 students are named on the Chancellor’s List maintaining a minimum of a 4.0 semester GPA while taking a minimum of 12 college credit hours. 99 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 Fall 2019 Chancellor’s List Includes:
Amity: John Hanney, Camryn Wegener, Karlie Hernandez, Ethan Mitchell, and Dalton Cox
Ashdown: Krista DeVille, Lexy Walden, Earnest Drake, and Mackenzie White
Cove: Tessa Chaney
Delight: Laura Eoff and Riley House
De Queen: Carlos Aparicio, Eduardo Benitez, Israel Bustamante, Angela Calderon, Jesus Cisneros, James Davis, Bryan Figueroa, Ahiezer Gonzalez, Luis Herrera, Orlando Herrera, Giovany Salgado, Carter Faulkenberry, Jennifer Garibay, Julie Gomez, Osiel Perez, Eruby Rodriguez, Kobe Stafford, Johnny Daley, Ashlyn Chambers, Joshua Downing, Kenneth Martin, Natalie Martinez, Jesus Wences, Yatzari Dominguez, Belen Guevara, Mariah Miller, Miguel Montero, Allan Ramirez, Guillermo Ramirez, Erica Resendiz, Kendra Rodriguez, Ariel Varela, and Randy Velazquez
Dierks: Payton Bobo, Lauren Boeckman, Austin Richards, Kimberly McCauley, Haylin Halcombe, Brayden Counts, and Jacob O’Neal
Eagletown: Peter Carney
Foreman: Kory Voss
Fouke: Amanda Saxby
Gillham: Jose Rios. Alicia Harris, Karina Lopez-Balderas
Glenwood: Tessa Ewing
Grannis: Maeghan Vaughn
Horatio: Bryan Carrillo, Angela Gutierrez, Madison Olvey, Jaisee Bailey, and Alberto Sandoval
Idabel: Gregory Linville
Lockesburg: Heather Bradshaw, Kyler Gammill, Alondra Galvez, Tamberlyn Nelson, and Madison VanBibber
Mineral Springs: Clayton Ashmore, Lindsey O’Donnell, and Jammey Reese
Nash: Allyson Braley
Nashville: Hannah Barfield, Pablo Cardenas, Geraldine Childs, Jacquelyn Howard, Samuel Maroon, Anna Rhodes, Shyla Schwartz, Lizeth Chavelo, Kianna McElroy, Chelsie Nolen, Devin Young, Ernesto Bustamante, Juanisha Neal, Aaron Lott, Caleb Clayton, and Isabel Jamison
Newhope: Natalie Henegar
Texarkana: Sarah Morphew
Umpire: Christopher Moore
Wickes: Sebastian Medina
The UA Cossatot Fall 2019 Vice Chancellor’s List Includes:
Amity: Destany Bright, Hannah Davis, Eufemia Estrada, and Cullen Smith
Ashdown: Jaden Altenbaumer, Allie Anderson, Ty Buchanan, Christopher Dunn, Braden Gentry, Susan Hill, Caleb Kyle, Ashley Thompson, and Caleb Befeld
Ben Lomond: Matthew Harrison
Cove: Silas Barrett
De Queen: Edgar Blanco, Faith Bolding, Eda Lopez, Toni Manzella, Jacqueline Martinez, Molly Smith, Jessica Swan, Tiffany Worley, Alejandro Hernandez, Ana Karen Martinez, Robin Pickett, Drew Sikes, Abraham Arellano, Halley Gentry, Jared Hickson, Taylor Dorse, Yudibeth Herrera, Neri Mejia, Jasmine Montiel, Skye Nickerson, Aracely Ortiz, America Perez, Guadalupe Ramirez-Aguero, Raven Revels, Angeles Rojas-Duran, and Angela Vertiz
Dierks: Morgan Allen, Elian Hernandez, Caleb Deer, Blayn Turner, Aaron Kesterson, Walker Vallee
Foreman: Kaleb Hacker and Thomas Butler
Gillham: Bailey Branson and Candice Hoagland
Glenwood: Sarrah Millette, Kaydra Fox, Kamryn Reid
Grannis: Brent Craver
Hope: Laura Rivera
Horatio: Denise Angeles, Matthew Chandler, Krystal Scott, Summer Morgan, Levi Nottingham, Eric Dickerson, and Alejandra Resendiz
Idabel: Sheila Hernandez
Kirby: Saydee Johnson and Elica Vasquez
Lockesburg: Blayne Buster, Kevin Walker, and Brittany Walker
McCaskill: Cameron Lane
Mineral Springs: Katelyn Hipp, William McAlister, Gustavo Perez, and Janey Juniel
Murfreesboro: Lakyn Roberts
Nash: Madison Falgout
Nashville: Zachary Backus, Jordan Boyer, John Hardin, Abbie Lamb, Kailee Parker, Codie Jamison, Casey Parker, Gerson Perez, Elizabeth Rather, Oscar Luna, Brooklyn Anderson, Hannah Faulkner, and Kaitlyn McConnell
North Little Rock: Dennis Cleghorn
Ogden: Wesley Grimes
Ozan: Logan Harris
Saratoga: Ashley Jackson
Texarkana: Lauren Gay, Katherine Malca, Kayla Mills, and Carmen Hartefields
Umpire: Haley Manasco
Winthrop: Carson Brackett
Weyerhaeuser Presents Giving Fund Grant to UA Cossatot
On December 12, 2019, following UA Cossatot’s Christmas party, school representatives met with Sandra Gandara, Administrative Assistant for Weyerhaeuser, where Christmas came early in the form of a $6,000 donation from Weyerhaeuser’s “Giving Fund Grant”.
These funds will be used for further development of the Lockesburg Industrial Maintenance Institute, where both secondary and post-secondary students receive quality training in all areas of industrial maintenance.
UA Cossatot Division Chair of Skilled and Technical Sciences, Steve McJunkins, said, “Thank you, Weyerhaeuser, for this generous donation and all your support. We could not provide this level of training without the assistance of our business partners.”
To learn about classes and programs offered at the UA Cossatot Lockesburg Campus, please contact Student Services at 870-584-4471. To learn about ways one can support UA Cossatot, please contact UA Cossatot Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts, at droberts@cccua.edu or 870-584-1172.
Hemp Producer Meeting Thursday December 19th
Information session for potential hemp growers at UA Cossatot in De Queen
Hemp meeting, second half
UA Cossatot’s Cosmetology Program Finishes Fall Semester
UA Cossatot’s Cosmetology program is a three consecutive semester program offered to students at the Nashville Campus. This semester the cosmetology students have been learning the required knowledge to receive their technical certificate. They have also been taking part in community activities and educational trips.
In September, the students traveled to San Antonio, Texas, to attend the Armstrong McCall World’s Fair Hair Show. For two days, they learned skills and techniques, observed hair and beauty competitions, met with exhibitors, and listened to several guest speakers.
One of the guest speakers included experienced stylist Arod the Barber, who is known for working with many internet celebrities and specializing in trending hairstyles and freestyle design. Guy Tang was also another guest speaker who spoke about how to bring excitement and fun into the cosmetology industry. On the trip, the students were also able to see the Alamo and explore the city of San Antonio.
On October 10, the 26th Annual Golden Gathering took place at the Nashville City Park. This event is designed for people ages fifty-five and up to have a fun day in the park. Along with food, freebies, Bingo, and entertainment, the UA Cossatot Cosmetology program set up a booth to offer free manicures to those who were present. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the students also studied wig care and wig making in October.
In December, four students in the program finished their requirements, passed their board exams, and graduated from UA Cossatot on December 13, 2019. These students include Angela Calderon, Kianna McElroy, Tessa Ewing, and Jaime Sims.
The Cosmetology program at UA Cossatot is an educational opportunity offered at the college but is also a business with several services and low prices. The services provided by the program are available to the public Monday through Friday from 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
To view the prices and full list of services, please visit www.cccua.edu/cosmetology. For appointments or for more information, please call 870-845-5976. Walk-in customers are also welcome
Mexican Consulate Donates to UA Cossatot Foundation
During this fall semester, the Mexican Consulate of Little Rock, Arkansas worked alongside the UA Cossatot Foundation to provide a total donation of $5,000 towards student scholarships.
The six students awarded were Diana Hernandez, Jose Rio, Jessica Aquilar, Jorge Soto, Laura Salas, and Veronica Marrufo.
IME Becas is a program implemented by the government of Mexico to support low income Hispanic students living in the United States who are completing basic education, higher education, or technical careers. The government of Mexico allocates funds to this program which can be complemented by other organizations that also support the educational advancement of students who are decedents of Mexico or those majoring in Spanish.
Maria de Monservat, representing the Mexican Consulate of Little Rock, Arkansas presented the donation to UA Cossatot Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts.
Every fall semester the UA Cossatot Coordinator for the Center for Student Success, Erika Buenrrostro applies for this grant. Erika Buenrrostro said, “This partnership has allowed us to help provide assistance to students who may not otherwise be able to find aid to help pay for school.”.
UA Cossatot Participates in Hispanic Women Organization of Arkansas Panel
Erika Buenrrostro is the Coordinator for the Center for Student Success at UA Cossatot. Erika was invited to serve on the panel for the Hispanic Organization for Women Conference in Springdale, Arkansas in October. Topics she discussed at the conference included Latinos in higher education, trends, Hispanic Serving Institutions in Arkansas, and her employment at UA Cossatot.
UA Cossatot is the only Hispanic Serving Institution (HSIs) in Arkansas and is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. With Erika’s employment at UA Cossatot and her experience as the Coordinator for the Center for Student Success, she has valuable knowledge that the committee members of the conference wanted her to share.
In Springdale, Erika shared her experience of being a former college student and a minority student. She then spoke about UA Cossatot’s best practices in achieving Hispanic enrollment.
Minorities tend to face obstacles in earning a certificate or degree from a college. At the conference, Erika discussed ways UA Cossatot reaches the needs of Hispanic men and women. Through the Center for Student Success, UA Cossatot helps students with self-care practices and gives students a safe place to seek assistance.
“It is important for students to know that their school cares about them. Also, if assistance is available, they should be aware of that. Every student is different, and UA Cossatot realizes that. I am proud to work for a college that believes in helping all students achieve their dreams,” said Coordinator of the Center for Student Success, Erika Buenrrostro.
Erika also discussed financial aid opportunities that are available to the public, programs available for secondary and post-secondary students, as well as opportunities available through Adult Education and Continuing Education at a community college.
The conference concluded with Erika stating that Hispanics, especially Hispanic women, have more opportunities than ever before to receive higher education. While promoting educational opportunities at UA Cossatot, Erika expressed ways other colleges can help Latinos reach their goals
Christmas Tour of Southwest Arkansas
With the Christmas season upon us, we thought we would post a video of some pretty holiday sights right here in our own backyards!
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The holidays are a magical time at the State Capitol. Lights illuminate the exterior at night, the halls are draped with garland, and school choirs from across the state serenade us with carols throughout the day.
But there is one particular day in the season here at that stands apart from the rest. On Tuesday, we celebrated the 5th year of Christmas in the Capitol. At this event, legislators gather with the Governor, constitutional officers, and state employees as we bring gifts for the more than 4,000 children in Arkansas foster care.
This year was the biggest yet. Several of the children were able to make it the event. And seeing their faces as they open the gifts is a humble reminder of our duty to them as legislators. As Rep. Charlene Fite said, “We love them. And we see a bright, bright future for them.”
Earlier that day, the committee for Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs was given a quarterly report from the Division of Children and Family Services.
Currently, there are 4,362 children in foster care. Neglect and substance abuse are the most prevalent reasons for children entering foster care.
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. The average caseload statewide stands at 21 cases per worker. The Division’s goal is 20 or fewer.
Arkansas consistently exceeds the national standard of 40.5% in finding a permanent living situation for children within 12 months removal from their home.
There are 1,502 licensed foster family homes open statewide, providing a total of 3,394 available beds. The ratio of foster home beds to children in foster care was less than one (.78) at the end of the first quarter. The goal is to have at least one foster home bed available for each child.
Kids in foster care do better in homes, not facilities. We need caring, patient, and flexible foster families who can provide temporary care to kids while we work to get them safely back home to their original families as quickly as possible.
While we need foster homes for all of our kids in foster care, we especially need homes for teens and for sibling groups.
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, visit www.fosterarkansas.org
ARCCC - Creating Connections for Children
Our mission at the Arkansas Division of Children and Family Services is to keep children safe and families together. We do that by engaging families and working together to build supports to assist parents and families in successfully and safely caring for their children.