Tri-County Regional Library System Board of Trustees Quarterly Meeting Tuesday
The quarterly meeting of the Tri-County Regional Library System Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, February 11th, at 5 p.m. at the Sevier County Library-De Queen Branch. Business to be discussed include: financial issues, board of officer elections and dates for meetings in the state.
Marilyn B. Archer, MLS
Director
Tri-County Regional Library System
Serving 11 Public Libraries in Howard, Little River and Sevier counties in Southwest Arkansas
Updated Winter Weather Projection For Arkansas
2020 Little River Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet Thursday
2020 Little River Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at the Barbara Horn Civic Center in Ashdown. Doors will be open at 5:30 p.m.
Dinner for the evening will include your choice of grilled rib-eye steak or chicken breast, salad, vegetables and dessert.
You have the opportunity to decorate your own table. We will award a prize for the first place most beautiful and most unique. If you prefer not to decorate, we will decorate it for you. Please let us know in advance that you are planning on decorating your table.
Three levels of sponsorships are available for your selection:
Gold Sponsorship - $1,200
Three tables (24 chairs) with premier seating
Recognition during event
Recognition in printed program as Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsorship - $800
Two tables (16 chairs) with premier seating
Recognition during event
Recognition in printed program as Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsorship - $400
One table (8 chairs) with premier seating
Recognition during the event
Recognition in the printed program as Bronze Sponsor
Individual tickets may be bought for $30.00 each or two for $50.00, you may pick those up at the Chamber or Red RIver Oil.
Please contact me at the Chamber office if you are interested in a sponsorship.
We are very thankful to our businesses and people who choose to work and reside in Little River County. Please continue
to SHOP LITTLE RIVER COUNTY FIRST and we look forward to serving you in 2020!
Sincerely,
Jana Smith
Executive Director
Heavy Rains Possible in the Early Part of the Week
Here's an update on the severe weather potential for Tuesday afternoon/evening across Arkansas. Heavy rain will also be possible through mid week, with around 1 to 2 inches of rain expected.
Forecast for the Middle of the Week Calls for Snow
Around half an inch to an inch of snow is forecast for Wednesday into Thursday, with higher amounts near 2 inches possible across the northwest.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
This week, the Department of Finance and Administration announced that effective February 3, 2020, all 134 State Revenue Offices will have the ability to issue a Real ID.
Arkansas is taking part in the federal nationwide initiative to improve the security of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, which will help fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud.
Starting October 1, 2020 anyone who boards a domestic flight or enters a federal building will need a Real ID driver's license, Identification Card or other approved documentation required by the United States Department of Homeland Security.
When we previously reminded constituents of the upcoming deadline, just 25 State Revenue Offices could issue a Real ID. Now, DFA has expanded the capability to all revenue offices to make it more convenient.
The cost to obtain a REAL ID does not differ from the cost to obtain or renew a license or ID. Current Driver Licenses (DL) can upgrade to REAL ID at any time by purchasing a duplicate license. The fee for a duplicate DL is $10.00 and expiration dates remain the same. If within one year of the expiration date, you may renew and convert to the Arkansas Real ID. At regular renewal periods, the REAL ID may be purchased for $40.00 and will not expire for eight (8) years.
Real ID will not replace a U.S. Passport or allow border crossing. A Real ID Driver’s License is optional and only required for individuals who wish to continue using their Driver’s License to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after October 1, 2020.
Should you have any questions about the Real ID, please contact the Office of Driver Services at 501-682-7059, email questions to driver.services@dfa.arkansas.gov or VISIT www.ar.gov/realid or www.dhs.gov/real-id
REAL ID
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver's licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act's minimum standards. The purposes covered by the Act are: accessing Federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and, boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.
Rotaract has Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Valentine's Day
Julie Rhodes of UA Cossatot Interview
Julie Rhodes of UA Cossatot visits with Ed 88’s Loren Hinton and talks about the opportunities for high school students to earn a 2 year associate degree through UA Cossatot before leaving high school. If the student transfers to UofA, he/she will pay the same tuition fees of UA Cossatot.
County 4-H Clubs Reorganizing
The Sevier County 4-H clubs are reorganizing and seeking new members and leaders. The purpose of these clubs is to give youth ages 5-19 an opportunity to participate in the youth development educational program of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Youth in 4-H clubs will learn life skills, enhance leadership skills, and increase self-esteem while serving in a number of community service projects. Youth in 4-H clubs have an opportunity to compete in a number of competitive activities, attend camps, and earn scholarships for education.
The following is a list of the Sevier County 4-H clubs: Chapel Hill 4-H Club, Happy Face 4-H Club, Lakeside 4-H Club, Infinity∞ 4-H Club, Froglevel Hoppers 4-H Club, Shooting Sports 4-H Club, Teen Leaders 4-H Club, Goin’ Showin’ 4-H Club, Legacy 4-H After School Club and Community Changers 4-H Club.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
For more information about meetings, 4-H club membership or program benefits, contact Sevier County Cooperative Extension Service located in the Adams Building on the UA Cossatot Campus in De Queen or call (870) 584-3013.
Area Schools Cancel Classes Wednesday Because of Winter Weather
Classes have been cancelled today because of weather in De Queen, Horatio, Foreman, Nashville, and Ashdown. Classes at UA Cossatot locations will run as usual with the exception of LPN, OTA, and PTA.
The 2020 Top 60 Online Community Colleges List Includes UA Cossatot
Intelligent.com is a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning. They recently announced their national community college list for 2020 listing the top 60 online community colleges in the United States. UA Cossatot was included on this list and was also named the “Most Affordable Online Community College” in the nation.
After comprehensive research, UA Cossatot was included in this list. Of the top 60 community colleges, UA Cossatot was ranked at number 15.
The 2020 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system, which includes student engagement, potential return on investment, and leading third-party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 286 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 60 making it to the final list.
Students who choose any one of these online schools are expected to gain employment at a faster rate. Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs.
Dr. Steve Cole, Chancellor of UA Cossatot said, on the rankings, “It is certainly an honor to be on any list that shows we are creating tremendous value for our students. We feel that when students choose us, they made a thoughtful decision based on many things, including affordability and employment once they are finished. We help students check both of those boxes at UA Cossatot”.
UA Cossatot was the first Arkansas institution of higher education to offer a degree completely online and continues to lead the way in the number of courses and programs offered online. UA Cossatot also rewards online students by offering most online courses free of textbook costs. To learn more about these opportunities, please visit www.cccua.edu
New Home Page - Intelligent
College Life When it comes time to study, there are many common study methods that can help enhance your exam prep. By Kristen Scatton STUDENT FINANCES By Nam Phan College Life By Kristen Scatton Featured The things that concern students the most about college.
Ashdown Alumni Association will host John Moore on Saturday, February 22
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.