De Queen Lions Club fed the Colts Basketball Team smoked brisket sandwiches Wednesday evening at UA Cossatot. De Queen Lions plan to feed the Lady Colts today at lunch. The Lady Colts were out of town last night at a scrimmage game at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 18 November 2020
CONTACT: Ben Renfrow, Marketing Coordinator
College-Employer Partnerships at UA Cossatot Prove to be Successful
UA Cossatot is a community college that is proud to partner with local industry. While supporting businesses in our area by helping them fill the demand for more skilled and trained workers, UA Cossatot is thrilled to create a pathway for more students to find local employment resulting in a high salary career.
Industrial Maintenance is a popular career choice right now and will continue to hold a bright job outlook for the next decade. Industries need more skilled and technical workers, which is why UA Cossatot’s Lockesburg Industrial Maintenance Institute has received so much industrial support. UA Cossatot serves four counties and has partnerships with American Electric Power, Ash Grove, Domtar, Husqvarna, Weyerhaeuser, and Tyson Foods. UA Cossatot students have more opportunities than ever before to receive their education in a skilled and technical career here at home and then find employment without leaving Southwest Arkansas.
Tyson Foods in Broken Bow, OK, and Nashville, AR, have both offered internship opportunities for UA Cossatot students. While accommodating the student’s class schedules, Tyson Foods offers students, in the internship program, the chance to earn experience while learning new skills. Most students who have completed the internship program were hired immediately following graduation. “Our internship program can help a student decide if a career in industrial maintenance is a good match for their personality, lifestyle, passions and goals. This way a student can avoid spending time and money on training for a career that does not really suit their abilities or needs.” said Tem Gunter, Complex HR Manager for Tyson’s Nashville facility.
(from left to right) Ernan Gomez of Blevins, UA Cossatot Instructor Randy Thompson, and Cameron Lane of McCaskill
Adding, “The team at the LIMI has done a tremendous job identifying and preparing high-performing IM students for these internships.”
Tyson’s Broken Bow plant currently has two refrigeration and five maintenance positions available. Donna Duggan, Complex HR Manager for Tyson’s Broken Facility says, “The Lockesburg Industrial Maintenance program prepares both high school and adult learners for careers in industrial maintenance utilizing part-time and full-time employment opportunities with industry to complement classroom instruction. These employment opportunities within Tyson allow students to earn while they learn which leads to productive careers and upward mobility paths within the company.” Students interested in the internship positions may visit www.tysonfoods.com/careers to apply.
High school students looking to get ahead can also earn college credit in industrial maintenance at UA Cossatot’s Lockesburg Campus through the college’s Secondary Career Center. Students who begin taking classes in their junior and senior year of high school would lack approximately one year of course work before achieving a technical certificate, allowing them to graduate their freshman year of college.
The industrial maintenance program at UA Cossatot offers two career pathways. Students can choose to pursue their education in industrial technology, which requires 37 credits, or industrial electricity, which requires 33 credits. After completing the 37 or 33 credits, students will earn a technical certificate in that area. Many students choose to major in both, which qualifies them to receive an associate’s degree in General Technology. As students earn college credit throughout the program, they can also receive stackable certificates of proficiency as they continue in their chosen focus area to help build up their resume.
In as little as one semester or year, students can graduate from UA Cossatot with a certificate and start out making possibly $30,000 to $50,000 a year with the potential to earn up to $60,000 a year or more.
(from left to right) Zach Backus of Nashville, Corta Young of McCaskill, and UA Cossatot Instructor Randy Thompson
UA Cossatot’s Workforce Development department looks for opportunities to help local businesses and industries, while also assisting students in finding jobs. For any questions about college-employer partnerships UA Cossatot is involved in, please contact UA Cossatot’s Workforce Development department at 870-584-4471 or e-mail workforcedevelopment@cccua.edu. For more information about the Industrial Maintenance Program or other skilled and technical programs UA Cossatot offers, please contact Skilled and Technical Sciences and Professional Programs Academic Advisor Sarah Chesshir at 870-584-1338 or schessir@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.
Callie Miller and Daniel Martinez of the De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce discuss this year’s Christmas Parade in De Queen.
The 2021 Regular Session begins in less than two months. We want to take this week to update you on the ongoing budget hearings in preparation for the session.
Pre-session budget hearings have been extended. They began last month and will continue from now to November 19. This week, members were presented with the General Revenue Forecast and the Governor's Balanced Budget Proposal. The Governor's plan calls for a reduction of sales tax on vehicles priced less than $10,000. His proposal also calls for a reduction in the income tax rate for new residents moving into Arkansas.
The proposal includes recommendations for one-time funding from the $240 million expected budget surplus. Those recommendations include a transfer of $100 million to the Long Term Reserve Fund and a $30 million transfer to the Department of Commerce for rural broadband.
By law, the Governor is required to submit a balanced budget proposal. While we take the proposal from the executive branch into consideration, appropriation bills and the budget are ultimately drafted and voted on by the legislature.
The House and Senate Education Committees have recommended an increase of $99.7 million in funding for k-12 education for the next fiscal year. The committees recommended an increase of $86.9 million for Fiscal Year 2023.
Currently, state funding is $6,985 per student. The committees' recommendation increases the amount to $7,131 next year and to $7,281 in Fiscal Year 2023. The committees' proposal is also reflected in the Governor's proposed budget.
This week, the Department of Finance and Administration issued its economic forecast. For the next fiscal year, the department expects state revenue to increase by $172 million or 3% more than the current fiscal year. The short-term outlook for the Arkansas economy remains mixed. The forecast states there are noticeable lags in recovery by travel, conventions, and full-service restaurants.
The UA Cossatot Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign called the Blue Darter Heritage Campaign. Donations received from this campaign will go towards finishing the UA Cossatot Lockesburg Campus. 20% of all proceeds raised for this campaign will also go into a scholarship fund for UA Cossatot students who reside in the 71846 Lockesburg zip code. Naming opportunities exist for donors who want to honor Lockesburg's past and leave a heritage in the name of a family member, business, or their name. For more information about the Blue Darter Heritage Campaign, please visit the link below.
https://www.cccua.edu/news/ua-cossatot-foundation-launches-blue-darter-heritage-campaign
UA Cossatot Foundation Launches Blue Darter Heritage Campaign
The UA Cossatot Foundation has recently begun a new fundraising campaign called the Blue Darter Heritage Campaign. The Blue Darter Heritage Campaign has been established to create revenue to complete renovations to UA Cossatot's Lockesburg Campus.
Walmart sales have grown as an essential retailer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The retail giant posted better than expected financial third-quarter results with revenue of $134.7 billion, including $1.1 billion of currency fluctuations. Walmart grew revenue by 5.2% from a year ago and outpaced analysts’ expectations of $132.23 billion.
Earnings consensus was $1.18 per share and Walmart exceeded that at $1.80 per share on a diluted basis before a 34-cent loss from the sale of the Argentine business and an 80-cent charge from unrealized losses on equity investments. Walmart’s adjusted earnings of $1.34 per share were still better than the $1.16 reported a year ago.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/third-quarter-net-income-56-walmart-revenue-beats-estimates
Third Quarter Net Income Up 56% For Walmart, Revenue Beats Estimates
Walmart sales have grown as an essential retailer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The retail giant posted better than expected financial third-quarter results with revenue of $134.7 billion, including $1.1 billion of currency fluctuations. Walmart grew revenue by 5.2% from a year ago and outpaced analysts' expectations of $132.23 billion.
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,601
Confirmed Cases: 1,344
Probable Cases: 257
Total Active Cases: 97
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 55
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 728
Confirmed Cases: 617
Probable Cases: 111
Total Active Cases: 67
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 29
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 572
Confirmed Cases: 488
Probable Cases: 84
Total Active Cases: 56
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 22
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 609
Confirmed Cases: 564
Probable Cases: 45
Total Active Cases: 174
Active Confirmed Cases: 160
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 326
Confirmed Cases: 300
Probable Cases: 26
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 10
Governor Asa Hutchinson has an announcement regarding Arkansas's Computer Science Education program at the Museum of Discovery on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 10 a.m.
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 1,308 new cases; 16,485 active cases; 861 hospitalized, which is up 31 from Sunday; 123 on ventilators, which is up 7 from Sunday; deaths added today, 42, for a total of 2,225; a total of 134,348 cases; 105,468 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,329; antigen tests, 620.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 161; Pulaski, 130; Benton, 70; Sebastian, 64; and Craighead, 63.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“The new cases are higher than last Monday, and this may be an indication we are in for a tough week ahead. The 42 new deaths is regrettably an all-time high in a single day. While there is good news on the vaccine front this morning, we have to work together to reduce cases, hospitalizations and save lives.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,586
Confirmed Cases: 1,341
Probable Cases: 245
Total Active Cases: 98
Active Confirmed Cases: 46
Active Probable Cases: 52
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 721
Confirmed Cases: 613
Probable Cases: 108
Total Active Cases: 67
Active Confirmed Cases: 40
Active Probable Cases: 27
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 563
Confirmed Cases: 482
Probable Cases: 81
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 22
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 584
Confirmed Cases: 542
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 157
Active Confirmed Cases: 146
Active Probable Cases: 11
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 320
Confirmed Cases: 294
Probable Cases: 26
Total Active Cases: 33
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 10
A $50 million grant program for hospitality and service sector businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic launches Monday (Nov. 16) and state government leaders expect to make grant awards in late December.
Stacy Hurst, Arkansas Secretary for Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said the grants will hopefully help those hard-hit businesses stay alive until COVID-19 is under control.
Window opens Monday for state grants to help hospitality, service sectors struggling in pandemic - Talk Business & Politics
A $50 million grant program for hospitality and service sector businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic launches Monday (Nov. 16) and state government leaders expect to make grant awards in late December. Stacy Hurst, Arkansas Secretary for Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said the grants will hopefully help those hard-hit businesses stay alive until COVID-19 is under control.
Whether one has long-term immunity to COVID-19 after recovering from the virus is unclear amid a lack of scientific evidence. Still, antibodies might be the key to develop a vaccine and prevent virus reinfection.
Two Northwest Arkansas companies have developed tests to detect the presence of virus antibodies. Fayetteville-based Namida Lab Inc. has offered antibody, or serology, tests since May. Springdale-based NOWDiagnostics Inc. has developed a 15-minute antibody test approved for clinical use in Europe while awaiting emergency use approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
https://talkbusiness.net/2020/11/antibodies-might-provide-lasting-covid-19-resistance/
Antibodies might provide lasting COVID-19 resistance - Talk Business & Politics
Whether one has long-term immunity to COVID-19 after recovering from the virus is unclear amid a lack of scientific evidence. Still, antibodies might be the key to develop a vaccine and prevent virus reinfection. Two Northwest Arkansas companies have developed tests to detect the presence of virus antibodies. Fayetteville-based Namida Lab Inc.
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,577
Confirmed Cases: 1,335
Probable Cases: 242
Total Active Cases: 103
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 56
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 721
Confirmed Cases: 612
Probable Cases: 109
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 32
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 558
Confirmed Cases: 476
Probable Cases: 82
Total Active Cases: 50
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 24
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 567
Confirmed Cases: 525
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 155
Active Confirmed Cases: 139
Active Probable Cases: 16
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 317
Confirmed Cases: 291
Probable Cases: 26
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 11
Ground was recently broken for a new meat processing facility in Sevier County. Loren Hinton visits with Charles Morris and Walter Deshazo about their new business venture.
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,571
Confirmed Cases: 1,333
Probable Cases: 238
Total Active Cases: 111
Active Confirmed Cases: 49
Active Probable Cases: 62
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 715
Confirmed Cases: 606
Probable Cases: 109
Total Active Cases: 73
Active Confirmed Cases: 40
Active Probable Cases: 33
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 556
Confirmed Cases: 474
Probable Cases: 82
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 24
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 555
Confirmed Cases: 514
Probable Cases: 41
Total Active Cases: 155
Active Confirmed Cases: 136
Active Probable Cases: 19
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 316
Confirmed Cases: 292
Probable Cases: 24
Total Active Cases: 30
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 9
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
The campaign to replace Arkansas’ current statues at the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall has officially reached its public fundraising phase.
During a news conference on Thursday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced that through private donations, the effort to replace the existing statues of Uriah Rose, a 19th century attorney and former Arkansas Senator and Governor James P. Clark, with statues of Civil Rights icon Daisy Bates, and hall of fame musician Johnny Cash, had reached $510,000. An amount, Hutchinson said, is slightly more than halfway to the one million dollars they expect it to cost.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/campaign-replace-arkansas-statues-us-capitol-passes-500000-mark
Campaign To Replace Arkansas Statues At U.S. Capitol Passes $500,000 Mark
The campaign to replace Arkansas' current statues at the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall has officially reached its public fundraising phase. During a news conference on Thursday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced that through private donations, the effort to replace the existing statues of Uriah Rose, a 19th century attorney and former Arkansas Senator and Governor James P.
Arkansans planning to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday during a surging pandemic are being advised by the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement to safely celebrate at home instead and gather with loved ones remotely. But for those insisting on attending traditional family gatherings, ACHI recommends preparing in advance for safer holiday.
Give Thanks, Not COVID | ACHI
COVID-19 is being transmitted within all communities in the state at unprecedented and rising levels, resulting in record numbers of new infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. While the holidays bring joy and thanksgiving, we have documented transmission events that occurred at family gatherings and celebratory events.