Lansdell Clinic Offering COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing
Mick Martin of Lansdell Family Clinic visited our De Queen studio of Ed 88 today to talk about a pair of COVID-19 drive through testing events planned for next week in southwest Arkansas.
From the Office of the Chancellor
The COVID-19 epidemic continues to influence our lives in so many ways. The potential spread of this disease has altered the lives of our students and our employees. In the most recent press conference hosted by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, he indicated that the peak of COVID-19 infections for Arkansas could possibly occur in late April. While we all pray and hope that this will be sooner, and the peak less severe, we have a responsibility to protect our students, staff, and community.
Based on the information that we have, UA Cossatot will continue to operate as we have been since this pandemic started. We will continue to keep our campuses closed to students and visitors until at least Friday, April 17th. Our employees will continue to work either on campus or from home. Those employees that are working on campus must continue to observe the rules of social distancing and cleanliness.
We will continue to serve and provide all the resources our students need to be successful in the online environment. Our students, faculty, and staff have been unbelievable in answering these challenges in these very trying times. We will walk every mile with our students. We will make a determination regarding our hands-on technical course schedules on Friday, April 3rd. We understand that online learning is not an option for many technical students who learn many of their skills in lab and shop settings. We will be sensitive to the needs of these students and will find the best way to accommodate and allow them to complete their education in a safe setting.
As for the summer and fall semesters, our registration is open for both semesters. We have made our entire registration process online for the safety and convenience of our students. Our website contains all the information students need to register: https://www.cccua.edu. Our summer term will feature mainly online courses, but will have some in-class courses should the COVID-19 outbreak lessen enough to allow that to happen. We are planning on a full and normal fall 2020 semester. We are hoping that there will be additional educational assistance for students impacted by COVID-19.
These are unprecedented and unexplored times but we will all make it through by working together. You can always find more UA Cossatot information on Facebook (ED88 and UAC) and on our CCCUA.EDU and https://www.ed88radio.com websites.
Thank You,
Dr. Steve Cole
Chancellor, UA Cossatot
Cossatot Community College
UA Cossatot embraces diversity and is committed to improving the lives of those in our region by providing quality education, outstanding service, and relevant industry training. The University of Arkansas - Cossatot Community College offers degrees and certificates in more than two dozen fields.
UA Cossatot Foundation's Fiesta Fest 2020 Postponed
Due to safety and health concerns, the seventh annual Fiesta Fest scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2020, in Downtown De Queen, is now rescheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2020, in the same location from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Fiesta Fest is a an event hosted by UA Cossatot Foundation that focuses on bringing the community together while also raising money for UA Cossatot students. The annual event features many vendors and attractions that highlight and celebrate cultures, businesses, and people of Southwest Arkansas.
For questions about Fiesta Fest or how to participate, please contact UA Cossatot Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts at 870-584-1172 or droberts@cccua.edu.
De Queen/Sevier County Chamber April 1 Updates
For the complete story, visit:
De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce April 1 updates
Federal News New Treasury Guidance on Small Business Loan Program, Employee Retention Credit: The Treasury Department has issued new guidance on the CARES Act's $350 billion loan fund for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for loans through the "Paycheck Protection Program" starting April 3, while self-employed individuals and independent contractors can apply starting April 10.
HealthCare Express Opening COVID-19 Testing Centers in De Queen
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HealthCARE Express opening COVID-19 testing centers in De Queen
Beginning Wednesday, April 1, the HealthCARE Express clinic in De Queen will join the ranks of the clinics HealthCARE Express has designated as COVID-19 testing centers in their communities. The test HealthCARE Express is offering will provide results within 1-3 days, drastically reducing the wait time for results compared to the previous COVID-19 test.
Restaurants Struggle to Stay Open Amidst Surrounding Business Closures
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Restaurants struggle to stay open amidst surrounding business closures
With Governor Asa Hutchinson ordering the shutdown of many businesses in the state, the impact has left the local business community struggling to survive as many restaurants have closed as have all the gyms, barber shops and beauty salons.
Governor Hutchinson Directs State Parks To Implement New Measures for Public Health
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has approved temporary changes to Arkansas State Parks’ operations to protect public health during the COVID-19 crisis, he announced at a news conference today.
The Governor has directed that Arkansas State Parks implement “day use” operations only, effective 8 a.m. on Friday, April 3, a decision he made in consultation with Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst.
“Arkansas State Parks will remain operational,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Arkansas is known for our outdoor recreation, and we want to allow Arkansans to safely enjoy what our state has to offer. These new safety measures will reduce the risk of overcrowding at our parks and discourage visitors from out-of-state until the threat of COVID-19 has passed.”
“This Friday, we will move to ‘day use’ only across our state parks system, eliminating all overnight stay opportunities,” Secretary Hurst said. “This is consistent with 28 other states, and we believe it will further reduce the number of out-of-state visitors. We are staying on top of the data and best practices and will adjust if further limitations are needed.”
Under the new “day use” directive, Arkansas State Parks will close overnight facilities, such as cabins and campgrounds.
In addition, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism is temporarily implementing safety measures to prevent visitation surges in state parks. Arkansas State Parks will deploy park rangers to enforce social distancing, disperse gatherings of more than 10 people, and implement parking restrictions to limit overcrowding at popular parks.
Secretary Hurst will closely monitor problematic areas such as trails that are overcrowded or too narrow for proper social distancing and close such areas as needed.
Information on the park closings can be found at https://www.ArkansasStateParks.com/covid-19-update.
COVID-19 Update | Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas State Parks remain open as we monitor COVID-19 and the impact of coronavirus in our state. We are taking the CDC's recommended precautions as we work to provide a safe environment for our visitors. Parks continue to be your gateway to hiking, kayaking and canoeing, golf, mountain biking, fishing and boating and other outdoor experiences.
LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update to Media (04.01.20) 1:30 p.m.
Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide a COVID-19 update on live video at 1:30 Wednesday afternoon, 04/01. Press play button above.
Testing for COVID-19 Virus at Health Care Express
Call to make an appointment: (870) 518-2008
Test results in 1-3 days
De Queen Pilgrim Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
For the complete story, visit:
https://www.dequeenbee.com
De Queen Pilgrim employee tests positive for covid-19
A Pilgrim's employee has tested positive for covid-19 after exhibiting flu-like symptoms, according to a letter sent to employees by the company. The information was confirmed by Pilgrim employees. "we received this information today from the Arkansas Dept. of Health," the letter states.
Attention De Queen High School Seniors
Rick Lancaster will be delivering senior supplies Thursday, April 2 from 11-12:30. Students should drive through in front of the school and have their name displayed on the passenger side of the vehicle. Those who have a balance may bring cash, debit/credit cards or money order. No checks.
Students need to check their school email daily.
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Ramona Hill BSE, MSE
National Board Certified School Counselor
ArSCA Southwest Regional President-Elect
De Queen High School
1803 West Coulter
De Queen, AR 71832
870-642-2426 ext. 227
870-642-4931 fax
Sevier County Extension Service Reminder
Starting Tuesday, March 31, someone will be in the Extension Office in Sevier County. If you need to visit the office, please call ahead at (870) 584-3013. If you have agri samples (soil, hay, hog water, etc.) for us to send off, please call the office for instructions.
Thanks,
Dana Stringfellow
Sevier County Extension Service
P O Box 990 De Queen, AR 71832
Email: dstringfellow@uaex.edu
Phone: (870) 584-3013
UA Cossatot Colts Seeking New Basketball Coach for Men’s and Women’s Basketball
De Queen, AR - UA Cossatot announced today that they are now taking applications for their next Men’s and Women’s basketball coach after the departure of Head Coach Brad Phillips. According to UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole, “Coach Phillips and I visited last week about his desire to be closer to his home and family in eastern Arkansas and I totally understood. I think what is happening now in the world is making a lot of people take on a renewed appreciation for faith and family and I applauded Coach Phillips’ decision!”
The Colts and Lady Colts are coming off their first year of successful NJCAA competition, with the men posting a 13-15 record and the women posting a 12-11 winning record. Chancellor Cole spoke of the foundation Coach Phillips has laid, “To have the kind of success we had in year one is testament to the hard work of Coach Phillips and assistant Kenny Tabler. We have a firm foundation, a lot of great players coming back, and a lot of great recruits signed on for next season”.
The new basketball coach will assume the duties of coaching both teams and serving as UA Cossatot’s athletic director. The position is a 12-month position and has a starting salary of $50,000 plus benefits. The application deadline is April 24th. “We expect to receive dozens of applications from top-flight coaches who want to be part of a starting tradition at UA Cossatot. There is a lot of interest in playing in a league as competitive as Region II of the NJCAA”. UA Cossatot expects to name a successor by May 1st, depending on the progress of the COVID-19 outbreak. Cole added, “We are very cognizant of the COVID-19 outbreak and our college remains in a very fluid state to help protect our employees and students.
Interviews will be performed safely by using one of three world-class videoconferencing technologies that UA Cossatot has on campus. We want to hire the perfect person for this job, our returning and future student athletes deserve our best”. Interested applicants can go to this link after March 30th to access the complete job description:
Cossatot Community College
Cossatot Community of the University of Arkansas is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, or veteran status. Applications from qualified women and ethnic minority group members are strongly encouraged.
De Queen Schools will Provide Free Meals Beginning Monday, March 30th
Free meals will be provided to children in the De Queen School District who are 18 and younger.
Meals will be provided at the high school cafeteria.
Meals will be drive-through only. They ask that you come in on School Drive to the cafeteria. Remain in your vehicle and someone will bring the meal to you. They require that kids must be in the vehicle when meals are picked up. Once you receive your meal, exit past the Rock Gym and middle school.
This is a grab and go meal and you will not be able to congregate per CDC guidelines.
Serving times will be from 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m. each day Monday – Friday.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
This week, the House convened for an Extraordinary Session to address the urgent funding needs in our state created by the COVID-19 crisis.
For only the second time in recent history, we convened outside of the Capitol. The Jack Stephens Center at the University of Arkansas Little Rock provided additional space for members to adhere to social distancing guidelines of at least 6 feet. All of us were screened by medical professionals before entering the facility.
The legislation we were asked by the Governor to consider creates the COVID-19 Rainy Day Fund by redirecting surplus funds. The state currently has a surplus of $173 million.
The fund would be used to offset general revenue reductions, funding needs and unanticipated needs created by the COVID-19 crisis.
Any expenditure from the fund would require approval of at least two of three legislative leaders in both the House and Senate.
Allowing this type of flexibility with the budget is unprecedented, but we are in unprecedented times. This measure helps to ensure the needs we face in weeks ahead can be funded quickly.
This legislation also makes it possible to extend the state tax deadline to July 15.
Meanwhile, we continue to work on other needs you and your family may be facing during this time.
Resources are being made available to reduce waiting times on the hotline for unemployment claims.
You can call the hotline at 1-844-908-2178 or 501-534-6304.
Or go online at www.ezarc.adws.arkansas.gov.
While we are facing uncertain times, know that your legislature is here and functioning on your behalf.
If you run into issues navigating your way to needed assistance, reach out to your representative. Contact information for every representative is found on our website at www.arkansashouse.org.
ADWS EZARC - Welcome to EZARC
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Sevier County Community Prayer Walk
Janelle Barnes in the Ed 88 Studio on Thursday about COVID-19
Janelle Barnes of Dr. Walker's office discusses anxiety and depression that can be triggered by the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 situation.
Sevier County Extension Service Office Temporarily Closed
The Sevier County Extension Service, located in the Adams Building on the UA Cossatot Campus, has closed it’s doors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You may still contact us via email at:
Rex Herring – County Extension Agent-Agriculture-Staff Chair at rherring@uaex.edu
Janet Cantrell – County Extension Agent-Family & Consumer Science at jcantrell@uaex.edu
Dana Stringfellow – Administrative Specialist III at dstringfellow@uaex.edu
Kim Frachiseur – 4-H Program Assistant at kfrachiseur@uaex.edu
Or, you can contact us at these cell phone numbers:
Rex Herring (870) 584-6550
Dana Stringfellow (870) 582-3056
We are required to practice social distancing like everyone else but we are still dedicated to do everything we can to assist you with your Extension Service needs during this time.
Dana Stringfellow
Administrative Specialist III
Ouachita District Director – Chi Epsilon Sigma
Sevier County Extension Service
P O Box 990
De Queen, AR 71832
Email: dstringfellow@uaex.edu
Phone: (870) 584-3013
From the Office of the Chancellor
The COVID-19 epidemic has created one of the most perilous times in Arkansas history. UA Cossatot stands ready to adapt to these new times and while we are dealing with these changes, we will always respect the health and well-being of our students, employees, and the public we serve.
Effective immediately, UA Cossatot students in lecture courses will complete their entire spring semester using the Blackboard Online Learning Platform. While we understand this presents a unique way of learning to some students, it is the best and safest method we have in helping students complete their semester. As for our students who are enrolled in technical courses (Medical Professions, Welding, Industrial Maintenance, Cosmetology, Agriculture, etc.), we will be making a determination next week on how we will best serve these students. Our faculty, student services staff, Educational Resource Center, and our administration stand ready to assist students in any way possible to help them achieve their desired learning goals during these tough times.
Also effective immediately, UA Cossatot will continue to keep our campuses closed to students and visitors at least through April 3rd and our employees will be working either on campus or by their remote work schedules. While on our campuses, our employees will be strictly observing the rules of social distancing and cleanliness as we continue to fight the battle against COVID-19.
You can always find more UA Cossatot information on Facebook (ED88 and UAC) and on our CCCUA.EDU website.
Thank You,
Dr. Steve Cole
Chancellor, UA Cossatot
To UA Cossatot Students
Hello UA Cossatot Student!
This has been one of the most challenging semesters in our history. I know it has certainly been challenging for you. I wish we could just make COVID-19 go away, but for right now, that doesn’t look like that will happen anytime soon. When we make decisions at UA Cossatot, we make them with YOU in mind. We want YOU to be successful. We also want YOU to be safe. To make sure you can keep learning, and at the same time be safe, effective immediately, if you are a UA Cossatot student enrolled in a lecture course, you will complete your entire spring semester using the Blackboard Online Learning Platform. While we understand this presents a unique way of learning to some students, it is the best and safest method we have in helping you complete your semester. If you are a student enrolled in a technical course (Medical Professions, Welding, Industrial Maintenance, Cosmetology, Agriculture, etc.), we will be making a determination next week on how we will best serve you.
Our faculty, student services staff, Educational Resource Center, and our administration stand ready to assist you in any way possible to help you achieve your desired learning goals during these tough times. If you are having trouble with internet connectivity or have a computer or laptop that isn’t getting the job done, please call us and we will do our best to help get you through the rest of the semester.
Also effective immediately, UA Cossatot will continue to keep our campuses closed to students and visitors at least through April 3rd and our employees will be working either on campus or by their remote work schedules.
This semester is certainly a challenge but I wanted to personally let you know, we are all in this together and we want the very best for you, and that includes your safety! If there is anything I can do for you, please feel free to email me at: scole@cccua.edu and I will be happy to respond to you.
Thank you and please stay safe!
Dr. Cole