VIDEO: U.S. Senator John Boozman at UA Cossatot De Queen Tuesday

U.S. Senator John Boozman made a stop at our UA Cossatot De Queen campus on Tuesday afternoon to talk about the YouthBuild program, COVID-19, and the political climate in America, among other things. (Please excuse the audio issues during the first few minutes) The Senator will visit Ashdown later today and will be in Nashville on Wednesday.

Senior United States Senator for Arkansas, John Boozman, visited UA Cossatot's De Queen Campus on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Senator Boozman met with UA Cossatot representatives to receive an update about the college and its programs. Local elected delegates were also invited to attend the private meeting to discuss issues, news, and accomplishments for Sevier County.

UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, introduced Senator Boozman at the start of the meeting and welcomed him and his staff to the college. Dr. Cole informed everyone at the meeting that Senator Boozman was instrumental in UA Cossatot receiving the funding to start their new YouthBuild program, which officially began at UA Cossatot on Monday, August 17.

UA Cossatot YouthBuild Instructor, Steve McJunkins, provided an update to the senator about the program. McJunkins stated that they expect to have approximately ten students in the program this semester by the end of the week. In response to helping students during the current COVID-19 crisis, UA Cossatot has extended fall registration through this Friday, August 21, 2020. McJunkins added that they are also expecting a large number of students to enroll in the YouthBuild program in the spring, especially since they will have more time for student recruitment.

McJunkins explained that students in the program could choose two career pathways to gain employment. Students ages 16-24 accepted into the program will have the option to choose the Industrial Maintenance/Welding pathway or the Construction/Carpentry pathway. McJunkins stated both paths provide excellent skills training for the students and many benefits for their local communities.

UA Cossatot Director of Adult Education, Jennifer Black, thanked the senator for his help and involvement in helping UA Cossstot obtain only the second YouthBuild program in the state. Mrs. Black stated that students who are already enrolled in the program are working on achieving their OSHA 10 certification and CPR training in their first two weeks in the program to further their job opportunities.

The college's Vice-Chancellor of Academics, Dr. Ashley Aylett, provided an update about how the first week of fall classes are going at UA Cossatot and plans for the fall 2020 semester. Dr. Aylett shared that most courses that are not online this semester can easily transition to an online format if health and safety conditions worsen due to COVID-19. She also mentioned that UA Cossatot has personally reached out to each student to discuss any concerns or issues that they may have to help each student feel more comfortable this semester.

Senator Boozman received updates about the college's skilled and technical programs and an update on the college's agriculture program. UA Cossatot Agriculture Instructor, Kelli Harris said at the meeting that her students were adjusting well to embracing technology in their classes, and that they are very flexible.

"Technology is a great part of the future of agriculture. It is great for production and the environment, and I think it is great that UA Cossatot incorporates it in the classroom," said Senator Boozman.

When asked about the future of technical programs, Senator Boozman stated that these programs are the future. Senator Boozman said, "We need people in these careers as we move forward. These careers will lead to good jobs where individuals can support their families, and I appreciate UA Cossatot helping in that effort."

Senator Boozman congratulated UA Cossatot on its successful programs and said he plans to continue working with UA Cossatot to help Arkansas residents.

Dr. Cole and De Queen City Mayor, Jeff Brown also provided information about community news currently taking place. Mayor Brown said, "We do have families in our community that are struggling due to COVID-19. Thankfully, many people have shown support and offered assistance including our public schools. Our businesses in De Queen and throughout the county are doing well though. Our business owners have been doing a great job, and the community has chosen to support them."

Dr. Steve Cole mentioned that community leaders in Sevier County are encouraging more residents to respond to the U.S. Census, something Senator Boozman endorsed. "The U.S. Census is critical, and every person that is not counted is a loss," said Senator Boozman.

As the Chair of the Sevier County Hospital Board, Dr. Cole also provided an update about plans for the future Sevier County Medical Center to be built in De Queen. "In mid-October, an 18-month construction process will begin on the new hospital. The hospital is set to open in early 2022, and it will also provide approximately 113 new jobs," said Dr. Cole.

Senator Boozman showed his support for Sevier County's growth and stated that he would help introduce the Sevier County Hospital Board to grants and letters to help support the $1.2 million sewer project that will occur due to the new hospital location.

As the meeting ended, Senator Boozman thanked everyone for their excellent work. He mentioned that he looks forward to returning to UA Cossatot and working together with its employees and with local community members

Wednesday's Arkansas Department of Health COVID-19 Case Numbers

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 1,074
  Active Positive: 67
  Recovered: 996
  Deaths: 11
  Negatives: 5,231

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 376
  Active Positive: 53
  Recovered: 319
  Deaths: 4
  Negatives: 2,950

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 227
  Active Positive: 36
  Recovered: 187
  Deaths: 4
  Negatives: 1,355

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 177
  Active Positive: 37
  Recovered: 139
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,796

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 146
  Active Positive: 44
  Recovered: 101
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,604

VIDEO: Governor, AR Atty. General, Members of General Assembly Present Proposed Hate-Crime Legislation

Governor Asa Hutchinson, Arkansas’s Attorney General, and members of the General Assembly presented a draft of proposed hate-crime legislation Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the second-floor rotunda at the Capitol.

Tuesday's COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 1,067
  Active Positive: 70
  Recovered: 986
  Deaths: 11
  Negatives: 5,206

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 376
  Active Positive: 55
  Recovered: 317
  Deaths: 4
  Negatives: 2,938

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 219
  Active Positive: 35
  Recovered: 181
  Deaths: 3
  Negatives: 1,354

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 171
  Active Positive: 35
  Recovered: 135
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,767

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 144
  Active Positive: 45
  Recovered: 98
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,595

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update from Blytheville Tuesday (08.18.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media from Blytheville on Tuesday, August 18th, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Beginning in-person school again in Arkansas is not easy. A lot has changed since March 2020. Everyone has a lot of questions.

In an effort to help answer questions from educators and parents, the Arkansas Department of Education has made new resources available.

This week, the department released the Arkansas Ready to Learn Healthy School Guide. We have posted a copy 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?

The guide was written and assembled by a team of medical, behavioral health, and education experts from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children’s, the Arkansas Department of Health, the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, and partners. The goal of the guide is to bring together good health information.

This information includes the latest scientific advice, guidelines, and best practices. Every school is different. This guide can help school officials, educators, and families plan for in-person learning.

In addition to the guide, the Arkansas Department of Education has established a Ready for School Resource Call Center. The purpose of the call center is to provide Arkansans with information and resources regarding the reopening of schools. The Ready for School Resource Help Line: 1-833-353-6050.

The Help Line is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Bilingual support is available. The Help Line is made possible through a partnership between the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Bilingual Resource Network, Arkansas Children’s, Republic of the Marshall Islands Consulate, and UAMS.

The Arkansas Department of Health and Arkansas Department of Education also have a hotline available for school district and school questions about:

• Students or staff who may have COVID-19

• How to isolate students or staff so they don’t spread the virus if they have it

• How to quarantine people who may be close contacts to students or staff who may have COVID-19

The ADH and ADE hotline number: 1-833-504-0155.

The Department of Education is making decisions every day. Some decisions may change as we learn new information about the virus that causes COVID-19. We will continue to pass along information as it becomes available.

Entergy Announces Plans For Largest Solar Plant In Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas announced plans Monday to purchase a 900-acre, 100-megawatt solar farm near Brinkley. Pending approval by the Arkansas Public Service Commission, Walnut Bend Solar will be among the largest solar generating facilities in the state.

Walnut Bend will provide approximately 200 jobs during the construction phase, then 2-3 full-time employees once operational. The facility will generate an estimated $700,000 in annual property taxes for Lee County.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/entergy-announces-plans-largest-solar-plant-arkansas

Entergy Announces Plans For Largest Solar Plant In Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas announced plans Monday to purchase a 900-acre, 100-megawatt solar farm near Brinkley. Pending approval by the Arkansas Public Service Commission, Walnut Bend Solar will be among the largest solar generating facilities in the state. Walnut Bend will provide approximately 200 jobs during the construction phase, then 2-3 full-time employees once operational.

VIDEO: CARES Act Steering Committee Meeting Monday (08.17.20) 330PM

The CARES Act Steering Committee, created by Governor Asa Hutchinson to recommend the best use of federal COVID-19 aid, meets virtually at 3:30 p.m. Monday, August 17, 2020.

Summer Forums Detail University of Arkansas Reopening Plan

Fall classes on the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville campus begin Monday August 24th. Over the summer the UofA hosted a series of virtual forums for faculty, students and staff on what to expect and how to prepare for return to campus, after the UofA shut down last March due to a global pandemic. The final summer forum was hosted by Chancellor Joe Steinmetz last week. We provide highlights, as well as analysis from Provost Charles Robinson. 

https://www.kuaf.com/post/summer-forums-detail-university-arkansas-reopening-plan

Summer Forums Detail University of Arkansas Reopening Plan

Fall classes on the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville campus begin Monday August 24th. Over the summer the UofA hosted a series of virtual forums for faculty, students and staff on what to expect and how to prepare for return to campus, after the UofA shut down last March due to a global pandemic.

Procedures for Voting Absentee Ballot for the November 3, 2020 Elections

Any registered voter who would like to vote absentee can apply for a ballot immediately. I have attached an absentee ballot application. The areas that are hi-lighted must be completed. If you are unsure about which box to select as your reason for voting absentee, we will accept any application that has checked ,[ Will be unavoidably absent from your polling place on election day]. To get an application you may call the County Clerk’s office at 870-642-2852 or you can request by e-mail at countyclerk@sevco.ar.gov. Applications are also available by going to the Secretary of State website,  www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections. You would need to print the application and send to the County Clerk’s office. Completed applications can be mailed to Sevier County Clerk, 115 N. 3rd Street, Room 102, De Queen, AR 71832. They can also be faxed to 870-642-3896, or they can be returned by e-mail to countyclerk@sevco.ar.gov. The earliest date that ballots will be mailed is September 18. If you choose to handle the process entirely by mail you are encouraged to promptly return as the mail service is not always as dependable as we would like.

When filling out the application a voter may request to have someone to pick up and return the ballot for them. That person must be designated by filling out the appropriate information on the Absentee Application. (Designated Bearer) A Designated Bearer is only allowed to pick up and deliver 2 ballots for any election.

Deadline for Submission of Application:

• In Person: by close of business the day BEFORE the election

• By Designated Bearer or Administrator: by close of business the day BEFORE the election (Designated Bearer is anyone you choose to pick up or deliver your application or ballot)

· By Mail or by Electronic Means: by 7 days before the election

• By Authorized Agent: by 1:30 p.m. ON election day.

Deadline for Ballot Pickup:

• By Designated Bearers: no earlier than 15 days before a preferential primary election, general election, school election or special election and no earlier than 7 days before a runoff election.

• By Anyone Else: no deadline specified in Arkansas law. You should base your ballot pick up on the ability to return it to the County Clerk on time.

Deadline for Delivery of Vote-d Ballot to County Clerk:

• In Person: by close of business the day BEFORE the'! election

• By Designated Bearer: by 7:30 p.m. ON election day

• By Mail: received at clerk’s office by 7:30 p.m. ON election day

You may NOT fax or email a ballot. UOCAVA voters must vote their ballot by Election Day, and it must be received by their county clerk by 5:OOp.m. 10 days after the election.

Vote Centers that will be used for this election:

VOTE CENTER 3 De Queen Community Building

VOTE CENTER 7 Ben Lomond Community Building

VOTE CENTER 6 Lockesburg Methodist Church

VOTE CENTER 9 J.L. Walker Fellowship Hall

VOTE CENTER 1 De Queen Church of Christ

VOTE CENTER 4 De Queen-Mena Educational Co-op

EARLY VOTING WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE De Queen Community Building October 19 – Nov. 2. Mon. - Fri. 8:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. and Saturday 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Arkansas Secretary of State

Amidst the global pandemic, election officials are hard at work to provide safe and secure voting opportunities for Arkansans. Voting in person on election day, early voting, or absentee voting are options available to voters. CLICK HERE to view your registration Information or to search for your polling place.

Being Social is Good for your Health

Did you know being social is good for your health?

Research has found that being socially active is as equally healthy as quitting smoking or exercise. In a study published in the journal PLoS Medicine, BYU professors Julianne Holt-Lunstad and Timothy Smith report people with stronger social relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival than those with weaker social relationships.

"When someone is connected to a group and feels responsibility for other people, that sense of purpose and meaning translates to taking better care of themselves and taking fewer risks," Holt-Lunstad said.

"This effect is not isolated to older adults," Smith said. "Relationships provide a level of protection across all ages."

Extension Homemakers Club (EHC) members not only benefit from being socially active they also gain knowledge and skills through monthly program topics, special interest workshops and project activities. Members come up with ideas for programs, which are developed cooperatively with the Extension agent to meet interests. Education is a character builder! A lifelong process that is never finished. Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council (AEHC) members keep up to date in these rapidly changing times through lessons on all phases of family living and special interest topics presented by speakers, educators and other club members.

In addition to being social and educated, they also give back to their community by choosing a yearly volunteer service project according to their interests.

And, of course, we like to have fun, too!

EHC members are just like you! They work, shop, and sit next to you at ballgames. They like to learn everything from A to Z to better themselves for their families, neighborhoods and for their community. They are young and old, men and women, working or retired. They come from diverse backgrounds and a rich history. They’ve come a long way from the home demonstration era of the 1900's.

Gather your friends and give us a call. We currently have two clubs that would love to have new members, but we would be happy to start a new club just for you and your friends! Their meeting schedules are:

DeQueen EHC - 2nd Wednesday each month - REA Building in DeQueen at 9:30 a.m.

Gillham EHC – 2nd Friday each month - members’ homes in Gillham at 10:00 a.m.

For more information, please contact Janet Cantrell, Sevier County Extension Agent-Family and Consumer Sciences at 870-584-3013 or jcantrell@uaex.edu.

Students Are Back Today for the Beginning of the Fall Semester at UA Cossatot Campuses

Welcome back! First day of the fall semester at UA Cossatot with indoor, outdoor, and online classes. Fall registration continues thru tomorrow, Tuesday, August 18th, at 4:00 pm. For more info, check out our website, www.cccua.edu or call us at (870) 584-4471.

Students preparing for Lynze Greathouse's Monday morning class on the De Queen campus.

Kelli Harris' agri students took advantage of the mild August morning temps to start their first day of the Fall 2020 semester!

Hayden Harp and Quinshaun Bennett-Hale log on at the ERC.

Howard County Farmers Market Open Monday Afternoon

Market Monday, 17 August starting at 3 pm.

For those who may not be able to come to the Friday morning market, we will be having a Monday afternoon market day on Monday, August 17th starting at 3pm. We have some vendors who will be bringing their items to the market.

Here is who's coming and what they plan to bring:

- Wenta Farm -
Hand-picked figs (fresh and frozen), peppers, tomato plants
- Grandma Sylvia's Creations -
Crocheted facemasks, earrings
Green's Farm -
Plum Jelly, peanut butter cookies, various baked goods
- Threat Farm -
Free-range eggs

If more vendors contact us we will update our facebook page.

We recommend you get there as soon as we open for the best selection. We also request you wear protective masks and follow social distancing of 6 feet separation from others as you shop at the market.

Most importantly, please stay home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. We want everyone to have a safe time at the market.

WIC and SNAP Accepted by participating vendors. We thank you for your patronage!

Bill and Nancy Wilson Scholarship to Ismael Montero

The UA Cossatot Foundation is excited to highlight Ismael Montero as a 2020-2021 scholarship recipient of the Bill and Nancy Wilson Scholarship. Ismael is a 2020 De Queen High School graduate. This scholarship awards full tuition and general fees for the fall and spring semester. Please help us congratulate Ismael!

COVID-19 Maps and Numbers for Monday

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 1,058
  Active Positive: 69
  Recovered: 978
  Deaths: 11
  Negatives: 5,110

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 374
  Active Positive: 55
  Recovered: 315
  Deaths: 4
  Negatives: 2,701

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 218
  Active Positive: 37
  Recovered: 178
  Deaths: 3
  Negatives: 1,330

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 161
  Active Positive: 26
  Recovered: 134
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,715

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 140
  Active Positive: 48
  Recovered: 91
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,517

Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (08.17.20) 230PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Monday, August 17, 2020, live at 2:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response. Click play button above.

Restart Of Keystone Pipeline To Benefit Welspun Plant In Little Rock

An order for more than 1 million feet of 36-inch pipe for use on the Keystone XL pipeline project will keep around 500 Welspun manufacturing employees in Little Rock busy through “at least” early 2021, Welspun announced Thursday.

The company did not disclose the value of the TC Energy order.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/restart-keystone-pipeline-benefit-welspun-plant-little-rock

Protests Over School Reopening Continue In Little Rock

Governor Asa Hutchinson's plan to reopen schools for in-person instruction on August 24 continues to draw criticism from some parents and community members. Thursday, a group of close to 40 demonstrators drew 95 chalk outlines of bodies on the street outside the governor's mansion in Little Rock.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/protests-over-school-reopening-continue-little-rock

Protests Over School Reopening Continue In Little Rock

Gov. Asa Hutchinson's plan to reopen schools for in-person instruction on August 24 continues to draw criticism from some parents and community members. Thursday, a group of close to 40 demonstrators drew 95 chalk outlines of bodies on the street outside the governor's mansion in Little Rock.

Fire At UA Little Rock Friday

A fire Friday afternoon damaged part of a building at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock that houses KUAR and KLRE, the Sequoyah National Research Center and campus police. No one was injured in the blaze at University Plaza, which was eventually extinguished by the Little Rock Fire Department.

Officials say the fire started in a janitorial closet toward the back of the building, with that area being extensively charred. The Sequoyah Center, which houses rare Native American materials, and the radio stations sustained only smoke damage.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/fire-ua-little-rock-disrupts-klre-kuar-operations-sequoyah-collection-safe

Fire At UA Little Rock Disrupts KLRE-KUAR Operations, Sequoyah Collection Is Safe

A fire Friday afternoon damaged part of a building at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock that houses KUAR and KLRE, the Sequoyah National Research Center and campus police. No one was injured in the blaze at University Plaza, which was eventually extinguished by the Little Rock Fire Department.

Sunday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 1,053
  Active Positive: 68
  Recovered: 974
  Deaths: 11
  Negatives: 5,096

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 367
  Active Positive: 54
  Recovered: 309
  Deaths: 4
  Negatives: 2,691

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 215
  Active Positive: 40
  Recovered: 172
  Deaths: 3
  Negatives: 1,323

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 159
  Active Positive: 25
  Recovered: 133
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,681

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 138
  Active Positive: 48
  Recovered: 89
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,508