UA Cossatot Creates Leadership Academy

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  

Group photo: (from left to right) America Rojas, Angela Vertiz, Gisselle Gomez, Diana Ramirez, Magdalena Lugo, Kendra Rodriguez, Marisol Gonzalez, Briza Perez, Belen Hernandez, David Serrano, and Vanessa Hernandez. (Not Pictured Cindi Elizondo)

UA Cossatot Creates Leadership Academy 

The University of Arkansas Cossatot has received a grant called “Delivering on the Dream” that has been awarded to help the college plan, develop, and create the first-ever UA Cossatot Leadership Academy.  The launch of the academy began in November and will conclude in May.  Twelve UA Cossatot students were accepted into the leadership academy and will continue to receive leadership training with an emphasis on giving back.   

The leadership academy plans to develop Hispanic leaders by working with local and state city officials, health leaders, community leaders, the De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce, UA Cossatot administration, and the Sevier County Economic Development Director. 

The UA Cossatot Leadership Academy is being led by UA Cossatot Center for Student Success Coordinator Erika Buenrrostro and training sessions will continue to be conducted once a month.  Each meeting is focused on a particular skill set for the developing leader.  Participants are given the opportunity to engage in topics that affect the community, such as education, civil rights, immigration, economics, health, and government. 

The training curriculum is designed to teach, network, and engage the student’s views with specific outcomes emphasizing professional and personal growth.  Students will be in charge of ongoing projects intended to help expose the student to voluntary public service and personal development. 

The twelve students, along with Buenrrostro, have already collaborated and worked with community groups such as “Create Bridges” and “Excel by Eight” to help the children in our community as well as other community projects. 

The students who were chosen and accepted into the UA Cossatot Leadership Academy include: America Rojas, Belen Hernandez, Briza Perez, David Serrano, Diana Ramirez, Giselle Gomez, Kendra Rodriguez, Marisol Gonzalez, Vanessa Hernandez, Angela Vertiz, Magdalena Lugo, and Cindi Elizondo. 

After training is completed and all program requirements are met, the students will receive a $250 tuition waiver from UA Cossatot.  A ceremony will also take place in May, where the students will receive a certificate of completion. 

For more information about the UA Cossatot Leadership Academy, please contact Erika Buenrrostro at 870-584-1133.### 

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. 

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. 

VIDEO: Meeting of the FRIENDS Foundation of the Sevier County Economic Development Office

Gillham VFD Gun Raffle

Gillham Volunteer Fire Department is having a gun raffle fund raiser. The proceeds will be used to purchase needed equipment. Tickets can be purchased from firefighters and at Gillham Town Hall. For more info, please call 870-584-9434

VIDEO: Monday's Sevier County Quorum Court Meeting

Howard County Youth Put Their Hands to Larger Service

Guy Cooper Kroll and Delaney Ford were making Valentine cards for area nursing home residents.

Samantha Horn

County Extension Agent-Agriculture

News Release

February 8, 2021

We asked Howard County 4-H members that participated in this month’s community service what does “My Hands to Larger Service” mean to you? One of the many great responses we received was, “To put my hands to work. To get busy and do something.” No matter the obstacles that we may face in today’s world, it should not stop us from giving back to others.

This month’s community service project was about teaching youth valuable lessons and life skills that give you a greater awareness of community needs during these times of social distancing. Howard County youth created and designed Valentine cards for the residents in the three area nursing homes. Approximately two hundred custom made cards were made and delivered the Wednesday before Valentine’s day. Youth were asked what kind of impact they felt it would make on those that were receiving the cards. Many of their answers were: happy, grateful, and excited because they have not been able to see their family and friends due to Covid-19.

For more information about 4-H, please contact the Howard County Extension office at 870-845-7517. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to 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.

LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides Weekly COVID-19 Update Tuesday (02.09.21) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.

Bills Would Exempt Businesses from Customers’ COVID-19 Violations, Protect ‘Right of Conscience’

Bills meant to exempt businesses from being penalized for their customers’ behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic and to protect medical providers’ “right of conscience” advanced through the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee Monday (Feb. 8).

Both were sponsored by Sen. Kim Hammer, R-Benton.

Under Senate Bill 254, firms, persons and corporations would not be liable to Department of Health penalties during the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency if a violation occurs through the actions of a patron or customer. The bill passed on a voice vote with no audible dissenters.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/02/bills-would-exempt-businesses-from-customers-covid-19-violations-protect-right-of-conscience/

photo courtesy of Walmart Inc.

Griffin To Exit Arkansas Governor's Race, Will Seek Attorney General Post

By ROBY BROCK / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

The field for Arkansas governor just got smaller. Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin, R-Ark., announced Monday (Feb. 8) he would no longer seek the state’s top executive post and instead will run for Attorney General.

In a Monday morning announcement, Griffin said, “Since announcing my campaign for governor last year, I’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible support I have received from all corners of the state. While I believe Arkansans are ready for my message of bold, conservative leadership, my conversations with friends and supporters have persuaded me that at this time, I can do more for Arkansas in a different capacity. I have prayed about this decision with my family and I have listened.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/griffin-exit-arkansas-governors-race-will-seek-attorney-general-post

CREDIT FOX16.COM

Legislators Pass Bill Requiring Women Call Resource Hotline Before an Abortion

By ZUZANNA SITEK

A bill that requires the Arkansas Department of Health to set up a hotline program for women seeking an abortion by 2023 passed both the Arkansas House and Senate last week. The Every Mom Matters Act, or EMMA, will require women to call a hotline that will be staffed with care agents contracted out by ADH, who will provide information about resources, both public and private, that the bill's sponsors say may lead to fewer abortions.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/legislators-pass-bill-requiring-women-call-resource-hotline-abortion

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

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Giving Youth in Our Care a Chance at a Better Life

LITTLE ROCK – In the past six years, much has changed in the way we treat young people in state custody, and today I’d like to talk about the ways we have reformed juvenile justice.

After I was elected and before I took office, I made a surprise visit to the Alexander Juvenile Treatment Center to make it clear that I intended to protect the youth in the custody of our state. In 2016, after continued reports of violence and poor management of the system, the state took over operation of Arkansas’s seven youth treatment centers.

In January of 2018, I made another surprise visit to the treatment center in Dermott. I wanted to remind leaders once again that I am serious about the way we treat our youthful offenders.

In 2019, with the support of legislation by the 92nd General Assembly, we improved the system dramatically. In fact, the Division of Youth Services reported this week that the number of youth commitments to state custody has decreased from 534 down to 297, a 44 percent drop.

In my administration, we have stressed the need to provide educational opportunities for our children and teens who are in the detention system. Our system is meant to rehabilitate young people, not to punish them.

For our youth to successfully reenter society, they need to continue their education, learn social skills, and learn about trades and careers. We want to give them every opportunity to escape the cycle of violence, abuse, and incarceration that many of them have known throughout their young life.

To ensure that we are giving them the best chance we can, we assess each youth and base the treatment program on the needs we discover in the assessment. This will highlight for the judge and the probation officers the issues that led the youth to this point in life and reduce the risk that he or she will re-offend.

At the end of 2020, Judge Wiley Branton Jr., a juvenile court judge, retired after twenty-seven years on the bench. 

In an interview with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette upon his retirement, he said that juvenile judges “have the responsibility of fixing broken people ... fixing families that have issues … trying to turn (young people) around into constructive citizens.”

Judge Branton’s motto was “there are no throwaway people.”

Judge Tjuana Byrd, who was elected last year, is one month into her career as a juvenile judge. Her words echo Judge Branton’s philosophy and fit with the approach my administration has pursued in reforming juvenile justice.  She says that diverting a first-time nonviolent offender sometimes is better than court and detention. She said, “Sometimes a kiddo doesn't need to see a judge at all. Sometimes they just need redirection. … When they do come before the court, we have tools that help us decide what services are actually best for the children and their families. … When a child comes into the system, it might be the last chance to get a kid and the family on the right track.”

Judge Branton, Judge Byrd, and a host of other judges such as Troy Braswell, have contributed to the reform of our juvenile justice system. These judges and the experts in the Division of Youth Services have the wisdom and compassion to pursue the best course for our youth who are in trouble. Their work offers our youth a chance at a better life.

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

Daily Legislative Report From State Representative Deann Vaught:

The House has adjourned from the 4th week of the Regular Session. The following bills were passed by the House Thursday afternoon:

** HB1315. This bill creates a state meat inspection program. The bill states that a lack of a state meat inspection program causes a significant loss of revenue generated from meat processing for this state and stifles opportunities for farmers to expand their meat processing capacity. It also states that without a state meat inspection program, it is currently prohibitively expensive for food banks to receive and distribute meat.

** HB1236-This bill states in the event of a civil disturbance or a crime in progress that requires additional law enforcement resources, the Governor may establish a system of unified command of law enforcement efforts and may designate which law enforcement agency or law enforcement agencies have primary jurisdiction on the State Capitol grounds and in the State Capitol building.

** HB1338-This bill raises the number of signatures needed for an individual to be placed on the Arkansas ballot as a candidate for President of the United States. Currently, 1,000 signatures are required. This bill raises it to 5,000.

** HB1228-This bill allows the establishment of designated entertainment districts in an area with entities authorized to sell alcoholic beverages.

** HB1124-This bill amends punitive articles of the Military Code of Arkansas concerning sexual assault and sexual contact.

The House also passed a resolution to extend the session if needed. HCR1008 provides for a recess on April 9 and an extension of the 2021 Regular Session until May 3, if necessary.

The House will convene on Monday at 1 pm.

Public Support for Southwest Arkansas Via Sales Tax Revenue

Arkansas Surgeon General Greg Bledsoe Running for Lieutenant Governor

by Roby Brock

Arkansas Surgeon General Greg Bledsoe announced Thursday (Feb. 4) that he will seek the Republican nomination for Lt. Governor in 2022.

He has served as the state’s surgeon general since 2015 when he was appointed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Bledsoe has been one of the governor’s chief advisors through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bledsoe is an emergency room physician and earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. After a residency at UAMS, he spent five years on the faculty in the Johns Hopkins Department of Emergency Medicine.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/02/arkansas-surgeon-general-greg-bledsoe-running-for-lt-governor/

Bill Requiring Abortion-Seekers To Know About Alternatives Passes Committee

By SARAH KELLOGG

An Arkansas Senate Committee has advanced a bill that would require those seeking an abortion to know about the resources available to them in an attempt to reduce the rate of abortion in the state.

The Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor committee approved House Bill 1195, by a voice vote on Wednesday.

House Bill 1195, or the "Every Mom Matters Act," would require a person seeking an abortion to first receive a "resource access assistance offer," which according to the bill, consists of a care agent informing the person the availability of pregnancy program services, care plan coordination services as well as other services.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/bill-requiring-abortion-seekers-know-about-alternatives-passes-committee

Sen. Bob Ballinger, R-Ozark and Rep. Jim Dotson, R-Bentonville, presented the bill to the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on Wednesday.

CREDIT ARKANSAS SENATE

Razorbacks Football Schedule At War Memorial Amended; ASU Game Added in 2025

By TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS STAFF

An agreement to keep Arkansas Razorback football games at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock includes a long-awaited matchup with Arkansas State University in 2025, and two games with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

The UA has signed an amendment to an existing agreement with the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism to bring two additional Razorback football games to War Memorial in future seasons and extend the overall agreement through the 2025 season.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/razorbacks-football-schedule-war-memorial-amended-asu-game-added-2025

The Arkansas Razorbacks and the ASU Red Wolves will face off in a 2025 game as part of a new agreement for War Memorial Stadium announced Wednesday.

CREDIT WMSTADIUM.COM

Daily Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught:

On Wednesday, the House passed several pieces of legislation, including the following:

· HB1212-This bill gives the Director of the Division of Workforce Services the discretion to modify employer contributions for certain unemployment insurance claims during an emergency.

· HB1068-This bill would allow for the use of telemedicine for group therapy sessions.

· HB1101-This bill amends the number of signatures required to petition a school district board of directors to meet. HB1101 states a petition must include the signatures of either 50 qualified electors in the district or 1% of the qualified electors, whichever number is greater. Currently, the law requires only 50 signatures of qualified electors.

· HB1269-This bill allows counties to pass an ordinance to allow individuals to drive golf carts on county roads.

· HB1244-This bill authorizes DFA to issue a driver’s license or identification card without a photograph if the licensee has a religious objection to having his or her photo taken. This bill does not change requirements for voter identification.

· HB1322-This bill amends the timeline for embalming a dead body. Currently, the law states that a dead body not buried within 24 hours must be embalmed or refrigerated. HB1322 extends the timeline to 48 hours, aligning it with current rules regarding cremation.

· SB131-This bill amends the continuing eligibility for the Arkansas Concurrent Challenge Scholarship Program from a letter grade of C average to a 2.5 GPA. This makes the eligibility consistent with the requirements for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.

· SB126-This bill allows recipients of the Arkansas Governor's Distinguished Scholarship to also be eligible for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.

The House will convene at 1 pm on Thursday.

Thursday 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 Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,426 new cases; 16,533 active cases; 884 hospitalized, which is up 15 from Tuesday; 142 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 46, for a total of 4,985; a total of 300,430 cases; 223,644 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,060; antigen tests, 1,813.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 318; Garland, 185; Faulkner, 173; Benton, 172; and Washington, 154.

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

"Today's report shows an increase in new cases from last week, but we still show a decrease in active cases from last week. Our vaccination efforts continue to progress, with over 15,600 additional doses administered yesterday. We have been trending in the right direction, and we all need to wear a mask, watch our distance, and wash our hands to ensure that trend continues."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 73
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 46

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 93
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 51

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 43
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 88
Active Confirmed Cases: 72
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 5