UA Cossatot Appoints Two New Board Members

 PRESS RELEASE  

183 College Drive, De Queen, AR  71832 

870-584-1124 

www.cccua.edu  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09 February 2021 

CONTACT:  Ben Renfrow, Marketing Coordinator  

UA Cossatot Appoints Two New Board Members 

The University of Arkansas Cossatot is excited to announce that two new board members have been selected to serve on the college’s Board of Visitors. The two new members include Barbara Dixon of Lockesburg and Brenda Tate of Ashdown.  The decision to appoint these new members was finalized in November.  

Barbara Dixon was born and raised in Texarkana and graduated from Liberty-Eylau High School in 1979.  After high school, she attended Texarkana Community College. She has lived in Lockesburg since 1984 and currently serves as Branch President of Bank of Lockesburg, having worked in the banking field for 35 years. She has also attended a three-year banking school program held at the Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee, known as the Paul W. Barret, Jr. Graduate School of Banking, where she graduated cum laude in 2012. 

Barbara says that she is proud to be a part of the Lockesburg community and appreciates the value of having the former Lockesburg School Campus again being used for educational purposes. She has also served as Secretary/Treasurer for the Lockesburg Lions Club since 2016.  Her hobbies include reading, quilting, being outdoors, and being with family. She is married to Kenny Dixon and has two sons and three granddaughters. 

Brenda Tate is from Ashdown and graduated from Ashdown High School in 1975. In 1978, she graduated from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.  After teaching for 41 years, Brenda retired on May 21, 2020, from Ashdown Elementary School.   

Tate says, “During my 41 years of teaching, I learned to be patient, teach, and love the children!”  Brenda enjoys walking, riding her bike, working on word find puzzles, and keeping in touch with family and friends.  She has one son and three grandchildren. 

UA Cossatot’s Board of Visitors includes Angie Walker, Barbara Horn, Dr. Glen Lance, Jay Dooley, Jimmy Tumey, Kathy Beavert, Robert Martinez, Tim Pinkerton, Tyler Davis, and now Barbara Dixon and Brenda Tate. 

For more information about UA Cossatot’s Board of Visitors, please contact UA Cossatot’s Assistant to the Chancellor, Wendy Garcia, at wgarcia@cccua.edu.### 

University of Arkansas Cossatot is a community college in Southwest Arkansas accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Offering technical certification and Associate degrees, UAC also collaborates with other colleges and universities to offer bachelor's degrees on its three campuses. UAC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution in compliance with the Higher Education Act of 1965 and other Civil Rights laws and offers equal opportunity for admission and employment. Employment preference is given to applicants possessing a Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) with all other qualifications being equal. Programs and activities of UAC are provided to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, Vietnam era veteran or special disabled veteran status, or sex. Questions or concerns regarding affirmative action can be directed to the Compliance Officer, c/o UA Cossatot, 183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832. For Arkansas RELAY Voiced Services call 711 or 800-285-1121. Visit www.cccua.edu for more information. 

Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 637 new cases; 15,320 active cases; 777 hospitalized, which is down 4 from Sunday; 142 on ventilators, which is up 16 from Sunday; deaths added today, 30, for a total of 5,106; a total of 307,373 cases; 229,290 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,139; antigen tests, 573.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 125; Benton, 52; Garland, 45; Lonoke, 36; and Sebastian, 33.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"Today's report shows nearly half as many new cases as last Monday. This, as well as almost 90,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered last week, provides us with hope as we continue to fight this pandemic. Our united efforts as a state will help to get past this, but it takes everyone working together."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,464
Confirmed Cases: 1,701
Probable Cases: 763
Total Active Cases: 115
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 77

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,445
Confirmed Cases: 963
Probable Cases: 482
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 60

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,086
Confirmed Cases: 833
Probable Cases: 253
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,769
Confirmed Cases: 1,528
Probable Cases: 241
Total Active Cases: 103
Active Confirmed Cases: 75
Active Probable Cases: 28

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 913
Confirmed Cases: 708
Probable Cases: 205
Total Active Cases: 28
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 9

Friday COVID-19 Arkansas Health Department Update

Governor Hutchinson Provides Today’s COVID-19 Update

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,469 new cases; 16,992 active cases; 815 hospitalized, which is down 69 from Wednesday; 145 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 24, for a total of 5,009; a total of 302,899 cases; 225,114 recoveries; PCR tests, 12,782; antigen tests, 2,068.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 349; Garland, 203; Benton, 178; Washington, 154; and Faulkner, 124.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"The best news today is that our hospitalizations decreased by 69, but it is disappointing that our deaths because of COVID-19 have now exceeded 5,000 Arkansans. Our heart goes out to those families who have lost loved ones. All of this is a reminder that our actions make a difference."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,418
Confirmed Cases: 1,684
Probable Cases: 734
Total Active Cases: 94
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 59

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,423
Confirmed Cases: 957
Probable Cases: 466
Total Active Cases: 108
Active Confirmed Cases: 51
Active Probable Cases: 57

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,069
Confirmed Cases: 821
Probable Cases: 248
Total Active Cases: 45
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,738
Confirmed Cases: 1,510
Probable Cases: 228
Total Active Cases: 102
Active Confirmed Cases: 83
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 900
Confirmed Cases: 700
Probable Cases: 200
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 6

Public Support for Southwest Arkansas Via Sales Tax Revenue

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 51
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 29

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 49

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 86
Active Confirmed Cases: 75
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 6

Southwest Arkansas Electric-REA Involved in Broadband Service in Southwest Arkansas

Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative fiber subsidiary awarded over $53 million through FCC Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction to build and operate fiber-to-the-home networks

The provider will deploy 100% fiber to the home, serving over 26,000 rural homes and businesses with symmetrical gigabit-speed internet

TEXARKANA. Ark., Jan. 29, 2021 – Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative, through a wholly-owned fiber subsidiary, has secured more than $53 million through the Federal Communications Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to deliver gigabit-capable broadband service. The fiber entity will offer service throughout the rural Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas communities served by Southwest Arkansas Electric, along with designated rural communities in Louisiana.

The cooperative’s fiber entity intends to launch a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network to serve 100% of the 26,000-plus homes and businesses in its 11-county service territory. The RDOF funding will enable it to launch and deploy the gigabit-speed network to its members in a timely and cost-effective manner, allowing them to realize the economic, educational and community benefits of reliable, affordable high-speed internet service. Southwest Arkansas Electric’s deployment will encompass 5,000 miles to offer access to FTTH broadband throughout its electric territory as well as communities within the four-state area surrounding its electric service territory.

Southwest Arkansas Electric’s participation in the auction at the gigabit tier signaled its intent to deploy 100% fiber, resulting in a super-fast, dependable and robust network. Fiber offers symmetrical gigabit speed and power that accommodates multiple users and devices at the same time without losing service quality. Through the fiber entity’s network, rural communities served by the cooperative will have easier and more reliable access to the many services made so necessary by the pandemic – distance learning for kids, telecommuting options for working parents, virtual connections to friends and family, telemedicine and more.

“The areas we serve have long been bypassed in terms of high-speed internet access. That changes today,” said Dion Cooper, CEO of Southwest Arkansas Electric. “The funding we were awarded through our fiber entity during the recent auction means that those living and working in our area will now have access to a premier class of high-speed internet, and consequently easier access to the services we are increasingly reliant on.”

Southwest Arkansas Electric was a member of the Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium, a bidding entity of over 90 cooperatives coordinated and led by rural fiber-optic network design and construction management leader Conexon to secure RDOF funds. Overall, Conexon’s RECC was awarded over $1.1 billion, enabling electric cooperatives across 22 states to deliver world-class FTTH service to over two million rural Americans.

“For years, AT&T, Windstream, CenturyLink and other telephone companies have been given public funds to provide telecommunications service in rural areas of southwestern Arkansas,” explained Conexon Partner, Jonathan Chambers. “And yet, the vast majority of residents lack the broadband services necessary to live and work in today’s environment. The funding that will be awarded to Southwest Arkansas Electric’s fiber subsidary is but a fraction of the funding that continues to flow to the telephone companies from the state and federal governments.

“But with this money, Southwest Arkansas Electric will build a state-of-the-art fiber network to all of its members. We’re proud to be working with electric co-ops throughout the state, as Arkansas continues to lead the nation in rural fiber deployment.”

About Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative

Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative (REA) is a non-profit Corporation headquartered in Texarkana, Ark. District offices are located in DeQueen, Nashville, and Bradley Arkansas.

The Cooperative was organized in 1937 by a group of farmers and businessmen from Miller, Howard, Sevier, Columbia, Lafayette, and Hempstead counties in Southwest Arkansas. It has since expanded to Little River and Polk Counties in Arkansas, Bowie and Cass Counties in Texas and McCurtain County in Oklahoma. The first 134 miles of power line were energized November of 1938 to 245 meters. Currently, the Cooperative has more than 4,883 miles of distribution lines, 125 miles of transmission lines, 24 substations, and services 25,190 meters.

Tuesday COVID-19 Update

Governor Hutchinson Provides Today’s COVID-19 Update

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,226 new cases; 16,665 active cases; 889 hospitalized, which is down 24 from Sunday; 146 on ventilators, which is down 2 from Sunday; deaths added today, 27, for a total of 4,895; a total of 296,494 cases; 220,771 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,803; antigen tests, 398.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 175; White, 79; Benton, 76; Washington, 54; and Faulkner, 53.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"We continue to see a decline in active cases, with over 1,100 fewer than this time last week. Over 422,000 tests were performed in the month of January, and there are over 7,200 fewer active cases than on January 1. We are seeing the effects of our combined efforts of vaccine distribution, mask wearing, and social distancing. Some positive trends have started to emerge, but we cannot use this as a reason to relax in following the guidelines.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,355
Confirmed Cases: 1,659
Probable Cases: 696
Total Active Cases: 47
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,359
Confirmed Cases: 927
Probable Cases: 432
Total Active Cases: 70
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 38

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,043
Confirmed Cases: 812
Probable Cases: 231
Total Active Cases: 46
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,664
Confirmed Cases: 1,444
Probable Cases: 220
Total Active Cases: 80
Active Confirmed Cases: 70
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 879
Confirmed Cases: 683
Probable Cases: 196
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 4

Single Parent Scholarship Application is Open

UA Cossatot would like to announce that the online Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship application is available for students to complete at www.aspsf.org. The final deadline for students to complete the scholarship is February 15, 2021 for the spring 2021 semester.

The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship is available for students to apply for during the spring, summer, and fall semester. To apply for the summer and fall scholarship, students can also visit aspsf.org to complete the application. The deadline for the summer is July 1 and the priority deadline for the fall is July 15. For more information about the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship, please visit www.aspsf.org

Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 75
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 40

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 71
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 4

Sunday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,707 new cases; 17,326 active cases; 951 hospitalized, which is down 45 from Thursday; 144 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Thursday; deaths added today, 47, for a total of 4,831; a total of 292,563 cases; 217,633 recoveries; PCR tests, 13,027; antigen tests, 3,565.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 271; Benton, 171; Washington, 147; Sebastian, 89; and Faulkner, 74.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"Today we saw a decrease of over 450 new cases from this time last week. We have also distributed over 84,000 doses of vaccine in the past week. With a decline in hospitalizations, we remind ourselves that watching our distance and wearing a mask does make a difference. Please keep the guidelines in mind as we go into the weekend.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,341
Confirmed Cases: 1,658
Probable Cases: 683
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,348
Confirmed Cases: 920
Probable Cases: 428
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 42

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,031
Confirmed Cases: 807
Probable Cases: 224
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,652
Confirmed Cases: 1,438
Probable Cases: 214
Total Active Cases: 83
Active Confirmed Cases: 77
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 877
Confirmed Cases: 682
Probable Cases: 195
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 4

Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Governor Hutchinson Provides Today’s COVID-19 Update

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,892 new cases; 17,547 active cases; 996 hospitalized, which is down 33 from Wednesday; 143 on ventilators, which is down 14 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 42, for a total of 4,784; a total of 290,856 cases; 216,277 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,326; antigen tests, 3,195.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 303; Benton, 229; Washington, 177; Garland, 129; and Faulkner, 84.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"Today's report shows over 1,200 fewer cases with higher testing than last week. The decline, as well as a decrease in active cases, shows good trends, but another day of over 40 deaths reminds us that this virus is still present in all corners of the state. We continue to work to slow the spread."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,332
Confirmed Cases: 1,654
Probable Cases: 678
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,331
Confirmed Cases: 913
Probable Cases: 418
Total Active Cases: 72
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 34

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,016
Confirmed Cases: 793
Probable Cases: 223
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,636
Confirmed Cases: 1,422
Probable Cases: 214
Total Active Cases: 85
Active Confirmed Cases: 79
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 875
Confirmed Cases: 680
Probable Cases: 195
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 8

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 66
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 35

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 17

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 93
Active Confirmed Cases: 85
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 11

Daily Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught:

The third week of the 2021 Regular Session is now underway.

This morning, the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced HB1202. This bill requires counties to post sample ballots on the Secretary of State website at least 20 days before each preferential primary and general election and at least 10 days before each general primary, general runoff, school, or special election.

The afternoon, the House passed several bills, including HB1056. This bill amends the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act by allowing public meetings to be held via phone or video conference during a declared emergency.

The House passed HB1009, which authorizes the Veterinary Medical Examining Board to promulgate rules for the use of telemedicine.

The House also passed HB1013, which amends Arkansas Music Appreciation Day to add James "Jim Dandy" Mangrum, Buddy Jewell, and Mark Lavon "Levon" Helm. September 1 was established as Arkansas Music Appreciation Day by the 92nd General Assembly. The legislation states Arkansas has a proud history of contributing music and musicians to the nation, including Johnny Cash, B. B. King, Glen Campbell, Charlie Rich, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Al Green, Conway Twitty, Floyd Cramer.

The House will reconvene Tuesday at 1 pm.

Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,316
Confirmed Cases: 1,645
Probable Cases: 671
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,301
Confirmed Cases: 900
Probable Cases: 401
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 23

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,002
Confirmed Cases: 782
Probable Cases: 220
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 17

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,614
Confirmed Cases: 1,403
Probable Cases: 211
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 86
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 862
Confirmed Cases: 669
Probable Cases: 193
Total Active Cases: 33
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 10

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 636 new cases; 17,792 active cases; 1,084 hospitalized, which is up 4 from Sunday; 187 on ventilators, which is up 17 from Sunday; deaths added today, 44, for a total of 4,650; a total of 284,702 cases; 211,684 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,486; antigen tests, 357.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 138; Washington, 69; Benton, 66; Craighead, 33; and Jefferson, 29.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"While we saw a significant decline in new cases, our testing was also lower. An additional 44 deaths and a slight increase in hospitalizations remind us of the challenge we continue to face with this pandemic and what happens if we don't follow health department guidelines."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

In the second week of the 2021 Regular Session, the House voted on bills addressing everything from car tags to jury duty pay.

The bills now advancing to the Senate include:

HB1028-This bill changes the length of time a consumer has to tag their vehicle. Current law gives car buyers 30 days to pay the sales tax and register a vehicle after purchase. HB 1028 would extend it to 60 days.

HB1059-This bill allows participants in a specialty court program, such as drug court, to transfer to a similar program if they move to another court district. This bill also includes guidelines for courts to establish a veterans treatment specialty court program and a DWI specialty court program. In addition, HB1059 sets to develop a domestic violence specialty court program.

Specialty courts are designed to lower the prison population by directing individuals to needed treatment programs.

HB1185-This bill allows the Department of Correction to make an administrative transfer of an inmate to the Division of Community Correction. This would not impact the length of a sentence but rather allow the department to transfer an inmate if they need behavioral or substance abuse treatment.

HB1058-This bill allows a juror to donate their per diem compensation and mileage reimbursement to an eligible nonprofit entity. The administrative office of the courts will be tasked with compiling a list of eligible nonprofits.

An eligible nonprofit should offer services in multiple counties and have as one of its primary goals the providing of:

• Crime victim assistance or counseling

• Services for abused or neglected children

• Shelter for victims of domestic violence

• Services for veterans

• Legal education for students seeking a Juris Doctor degree

HB1107-This bill amends the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to allow the Arkansas Department of Health to request physical or electronic copies of prescriptions from prescribers or dispensers when checking for accuracy.

The House reconvenes on Monday at 1 pm. You can find a list of all agendas and links to live-streams of all meetings at www.arkansashouse.org.

Drawdown and Fish Dinner Benefit Coming to UA Cossatot March 12th

UA Cossatot will host TWO drawdowns for UA Cossatot’s Colts and Lady Colts! It will be held on Friday, March 12, 2021. The first drawdown starts at 5:30 PM and the second drawdown at 7:30 PM at the UA Cossatot Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium. Dr. Steve Cole and Loren Hinton will emcee the event. Head Coach and Athletic Director, Robert Byrd and the entire Colts and Lady Colts teams will be in attendance to root on each ticket holder!

How does a Drawdown work?

Tickets are eliminated until only one is left. The last ticket on the board is the winner of the Drawdown prize. The last ten (10) people holding tickets are given the option to keep drawing and eliminating tickets or to split the money among themselves. All must agree to split or keep drawing until they all agree or only one is left as the winner. Winner does not have to be present to win.

Why would you want to buy a $50 Drawdown Ticket?

· With only 120 tickets being sold per drawdown, each ticket has a 1 in 120 chance of winning $2,500!

· Each ticket includes a delicious fried fish dinner for 2 (can take order to-go)

· Fun fellowship with friends and excitement to see whose ticket is drawn next (Can also watch on Facebook live from home)!

· Door prizes

· Proceeds benefit the UA Cossatot Colts and Lady Colts

How do I buy a ticket?

Tickets are available online by texting the word Cossatot to 41444.

Dustin Roberts, Foundation Director, will give participants their ticket number(s) after purchase.

Cash and check is also accepted. Call or text 870-584-1172 or email droberts@cccua.edu to purchase tickets with cash or check.

Sunday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 57
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 54
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 20

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 117
Active Confirmed Cases: 99
Active Probable Cases: 18

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 46
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 14

Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 118
Active Confirmed Cases: 103
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 58
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 21

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 3,106 new cases; 20,618 active cases; 1,160 hospitalized, which is down 19 from Wednesday; 195 on ventilators, which is down 17 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 55, for a total of 4,496; a total of 279,220 cases; 205,950 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,413; antigen tests, 2,825.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 360; Pulaski, 344; Washington, 249; Sebastian, 217; and Garland, 135.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"The increase in new cases is disappointing & a reminder that we cannot let up in following the public health guidelines. Our vaccines are getting into the arms of Arkansans, but remember, we are totally dependent upon the supply that comes from manufacturers. Right now it is limited."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Demand Outstrips Supply As State Gets Fewer Than 38,000 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses a Week

By ZUZANNA SITEK

This week, two groups of people in Phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout are eligible to receive the vaccine. They include people over the age of 70, as well as educators and staff at K-12 schools, higher education and daycare facilities. While there's a lot to be excited about, Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, with the Arkansas Department of Health, says the current demand for the vaccine outstrips supply as the state is receiving fewer than 38,000 doses per week.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/demand-outstrips-supply-state-gets-fewer-38000-covid-19-vaccine-doses-week

Federal Work Study Available for UA Cossatot Students