Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company donated $2,500 to UA Cossatot Foundation to support Arkansas students and education.
UA Cossatot Board Member, Jay Dooley, recommended that UA Cossatot Foundation be considered for the Enterprise community grant. After the recommendation, Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Little Rock chose to make a donation to UA Cossatot Foundation and support its mission.
Cori Cunningham of Rent-A-Car said, “Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a company that is family owned. Our founder, Jack Taylor was passionate about strengthening communities, employees, and customers everywhere. Enterprise Rent-A-Car gives donations to many good causes and we are excited to support UA Cossatot and its students!”
UA Cossatot Board Member, Jay Dooley said, “My family and I love UA Cossatot and think the opportunities the college provides for its students is great! We appreciate this donation from Enterprise and its impact on local college students. I am proud to be a part of UA Cossatot as it proves to be a powerful force in our community.”
To learn more about the UA Cossatot Foundation or ways to support the college’s students, please contact UA Cossatot Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts at 870-584-1172 or droberts@cccua.edu.
Sevier County Judge Greg Ray about Severe Thunderstorm Recovery
Reminder from County Judge Ray:
Sevier County Judge Greg Ray reminds motorists that due to a large number of fences damaged due to the wind storm, be alert for cattle roaming on area roadways.
Damaging Winds and Possible Tornadoes Move through Arkansas Overnight
Damaging winds caused downed trees and several power outages across the state overnight. Electric crews and county crews have worked through the night and continue working this morning with chainsaws to clear the debris and restore power.
De Queen Rotary Club Boulevard of Flags
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Child abuse does not stop during a pandemic. But since many of the state’s mandated reporters such as teachers and pastors are not interacting face to face with Arkansas children right now, the number of reports coming into the hotline have decreased by 50%
The director of Children Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, Elizabeth Pulley says that during times of isolation, child abuse happens in secrecy because signs of abuse go undetected. When school starts back, the number of cases is expected to rise.
April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, a time to place a special emphasis on increasing awareness and providing education and support to families to help prevent child abuse and neglect.
This week, Arkansas First Lady Susan Hutchinson and DHS Director of the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Mischa Martin asked for the help of Arkansans to report suspected abuse in their communities. Since the health emergency began, there have been 3,148 calls to the hotline. That is nearly half the number of calls that came in this time last year.
DCFS continues to provide services to families in need and they continue to serve and support the 4,400 foster families in Arkansas.
In addition, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, with 17 centers located across the state, remain open and are continuing to serve children in person and through telemedicine.
Child abuse and neglect can have a tremendous impact well into adulthood. Exposure to violence in childhood increases the risks of injury, future violence victimization, substance abuse, delayed brain development, lower educational attainment, and limited employment opportunities.
Nationwide, it is estimated that 1 in 7 children have experienced abuse or neglect in the past year.
The number to the hotline is 1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD. Professionals are there to answers calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
De Queen Juniors will Receive Rings on May 4th
The De Queen Juniors will receive their senior rings on Monday, May 4th from 12 - 1.
Representatives from Herff Jones will be stationed in the circle drive in front of the junior high. Students are asked to write their first and last name on a paper and place it in the passenger window of their vehicle. Students will remain in the vehicle.
Anyone who has questions about balances may text or call 501-318-4386. If you text please put your first and last name along with De Queen High School.
-- 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
City of De Queen Lifts Boil Water Order
04/25/2020
City of De Queen Water
RECISION OF PRECAUTIONARY BOIL WATER ORDER NOTICE
The 04/23/2020 Precautionary boil order notice is hereby rescinded.
Corrective action has been taken to repair the leak and an adequate disinfection level has been established throughout the system. The bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
If you have any questions, you may contact City Hall at 870-584-3445.
Darren Higgins
City of De Queen
Water Superintendent
Water Line Repaired in De Queen but Boil Water Issued until Further Notice
Crews worked hard to restore water to the De Queen area after a water main break on Thursday. De Queen Mayor Jeff Brown reported that after the parts arrived, a road was built to the work area so equipment could be delivered to the work site. The pipe is back together and after the water was turned back on, it should take 12 to 14 hours to fill the hospital tank back up. There is a necessary boil water order in effect for De Queen until further notice.
Advisory for Restaurants in De Queen from the Arkansas Department of Health
ADVISORY FROM THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR RESTAURANTS IN DE QUEEN
The Arkansas Department of Health has advised that those De Queen restaurants within the area affected by the water outage to close operations due to lack of water for employee handwashing, washing of dishes, and bathroom use for employees.
Food trucks that filled up water tanks before the outage may safely operate.
De Queen Rotary Club Honors Local Healthcare Professionals and Emergency Personnel by Placing American Flags
In support of all our healthcare professionals, our first responders and all our businesses effected by Covid 19, Rotary Club of De Queen has put up American Flags throughout our county.
LIVE VIDEO: Loren Hinton with De Queen Mayor Jeff Brown About Water Main Break
Ed 88's Loren Hinton is with De Queen Mayor Jeff Brown and has a live report from the water main break in De Queen.
Mayor of De Queen Jeff Brown reports that the city is without water today because of a 30 foot break in a 12 inch water main. The city's main water tank lost a million gallons in 30 minutes. Because of the outage, the Pilgrims' plant in De Queen is closed today. Mayor Brown says the city is in contact with the Arkansas Department of Health and repairs to the break could lead into the night time hours. We will update this story as details become available.
Severe Thunderstorms Wednesday, but no Tornadoes Reported in Southwest Arkansas
During the afternoon and evening of April 22, 2020, an outbreak of discrete supercell thunderstorms across portions of Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana led to widespread severe weather, including multiple tornadoes. Three people each were killed by tornadoes near the communities of Madill, Oklahoma and Onalaska, Texas; dozens of others were injured. The event came to fruition as a trough progressed eastward across the United States, interacting with a moist and unstable environment.
Special Weather Statement from the National Weather Service in Shreveport
Hazardous Weather Outlook
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
433 AM CDT Wed Apr 22 2020
Sevier-Howard-Little River-Hempstead-Nevada-Miller-McCurtain-
Red River-Bowie-Franklin-Titus-Camp-Morris-Cass-Wood-Upshur-
Marion-Smith-Gregg-
433 AM CDT Wed Apr 22 2020
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southwest
Arkansas, southeast Oklahoma and northeast Texas.
Today and Tonight...
Strong to severe thunderstorms, some of which could produce large
hail, damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes are likely today
before ending later tonight. In addition, heavy downpours will
likely accompany this storm system with one to three inches of
rainfall possible today through tonight.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Activation of emergency management personnel...amateur radio
operators...and storm spotters will be needed today into tonight.
Please relay any information about observed severe weather to the
NWS while following all local, state, and CDC guidelines.
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN SEVIER...
NORTHWESTERN HOWARD AND CENTRAL MCCURTAIN COUNTIES UNTIL 1015 AM
CDT...
At 932 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 12
miles west of Broken Bow, or 30 miles north of Clarksville, moving
northeast at 55 mph.
Nickel size hail and winds in excess of 30 mph will be possible with
this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Broken Bow, Grannis, Wright City, Millerton, Garvin, Glover,
Hochatown, Oak Hill and Golden.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.Sevier County Hospital Board Update From Chairman Dr. Steve Cole
We have completed / executed these contracts that all relate to construction: (Company name listed first)
1. Terracon (Phase One Environmental Study) ($2300), SOILS Engineering and Soil Borings ($14,000)) This company will be on site next week to begin prep work and prepare for groundbreaking.
2. Bond Consulting (Civil Engineering) ($113,000) This company will also begin work immediately.
3. BXS ($6,519) D and O Insurance
4. GE (Capital Medical Equipment) (2.3 Million in the form of a long-term lease agreement)
5. We have had one conference with Network Solutions to develop a scope of work for IT. We have also reached out to Edafio of North Little Rock for IT services.
6. As of 4-16-2020 the County officially owns the land on which the hospital will be built.
7. We are keeping up with the bond market and right now, it would not be prudent to sell bonds at this time. We are still very much in a state of flux with our finances due to COVID-19. We will continue to monitor the economy and rely on bond counsel for the proper time to sell bonds.
8. We are currently preparing to erect a sign to put on our property that shows the hospital and expected completion date. We hope to secure a local vendor to complete this work.
In all, even though COVID-19 is making work difficult, the board continues to move forward where we can. We appreciate each and every person in this community for their support and because of the current health care crisis, we all have an even greater appreciation of the need for our own hospital close to home.
Dr. Steve Cole
Chancellor
UA Cossatot
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
While we are facing difficult and uncertain times, Arkansans should know that essential services in state government will continue.
This week during the 2020 Fiscal Session, the Arkansas General Assembly passed a balanced budget for the next fiscal year prioritizing funding for education, health care, and public safety.
The 2021 Fiscal Year begins July 1.
The Revenue Stabilization Act passed this week prioritizes $5.9 billion in spending for the next fiscal year. By law, the RSA prioritizes spending in categories with Category A spending first. This year’s RSA creates 5 categories: A, A1, B, C, and D.
Category A includes $5.3 billion in funding. Every state agency receives the majority of funding in Category A. This category also includes $60 million to the Restricted Reserve Fund which can be accessed for any urgent or unforeseen funding needs.
Category A1 includes $181.4 in funding for elementary and secondary education, Medicaid, and the Department of Correction to ensure these essential services are fully funded.
The total funding outlined in categories A, A1, B, and C total $5.67 billion. This is equal to the amount of revenue currently forecasted.
Due to the economic downturn created by the pandemic, the Department of Finance and Administration recently reduced the 2021 forecast for net general revenue available by $205.9 million.
To accommodate that reduction, $212 million of the budget is listed in Category D. Should the economy bounce back above the current forecast, the funds would be distributed as outlined in that category.
The Governor is reviewing guidance from medical experts on how to safety to re-engage businesses after Arkansas sees a decline in COVID-19 cases. The peak is expected around May 4. We do not anticipate our economy will slow down, but rather that we are on pause.
The House will reconvene on Friday, April 24 at noon to address any unfinished business and officially adjourn the 2020 Fiscal Session Sine Die.
You can watch live and recorded sessions of the House on our website. We have also posted a link to the legislation outlining next year’s budget. Visit: 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?
LifeShare Blood Drive at Pruett's Food in De Queen April 27th
Telemedicine takes Root in Sevier County with Positive Results
For the complete story, visit:
Telemedicine takes root in Sevier County with positive results
It was only a few weeks ago that the fledgling industry of telemedicine was being hailed as the future of medical care that would one day become the norm. Then came the coronavirus and covid-19 and visiting the doctor's office began to be discouraged as it was fast becoming just another opportunity to catch the virus that is taking a toll on healthcare professionals and the communities they serve.
Maurer to Assume Role of Sevier County Economic Development Director
Tiffany Maurer of De Queen has been chosen to be the new Economic Development Coordinator for Sevier County, replacing Lisa Taylor, who recently took the same job in Durant, Oklahoma.
“Tiffany’s hiring came the day before the COVID-19 outbreak in Arkansas”, according to Rural Development Authority Chair, Dr. Steve Cole, “So Tiffany has not really had a chance to get out in the public and meet people.”
Maurer comes to the position after serving more than four years in the Financial Aid department at UA Cossatot. Cole added, “What Tiffany lacks in top-level economic development experience, she more than makes up for with energy, drive, and a natural understanding of what true economic development is and means for the community”.
Maurer’s job activities have been limited by the recent COVID-19 outbreak, but she has still been busy, making key contacts with local, state and regional leaders plus helping the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce create and design the new Sevierly Strong – Stronger Together “We’re Open” campaign, the new campaign designed to let everyone know that Sevier County businesses are open for business.
“Over the next several weeks, and after the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed, Tiffany will be gaining momentum on all of our economic development efforts to improve Sevier County and our way of life”, added Cole.
The Sevier County Economic Development position is officially recognized by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission as the Economic Developer, Property Manager, and Community Editor for the county and is a collaborative effort between the Rural Development Authority, the City of De Queen, Sevier County, the De Queen Industrial Board, and UA Cossatot.
From the Office of the Chancellor
The COVID-19 outbreak continues to be the dominating presence in our daily lives and at UA Cossatot. From day one of this outbreak, we have been focused on the safety of our students, staff, and stakeholders and as we move forward, we will continue to do just that. According to most models that predict the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak for the United States, the peak in Arkansas is expected to occur around May 2nd. With this information, and input from colleagues around the state, it makes good sense for all of us at UA Cossatot to continue what we are presently doing. This means until at least May 1st, our campuses will continue to be closed to students and visitors and our employees will continue to work on campus, or from home if they are set up to do so. Those that do come to campus to work will be under strict guidance to practice social distancing and when at all possible, wear masks to protect each other.
We will continue to serve and provide all the resources our students need to be successful in their online learning environment. We do have a plan in place to take care of our hands-on, technical course students. That will occur after May 1st, providing it is safe to do so and we have the proper permissions from the UA System.
As for the summer and fall semesters, our registration is open for both semesters. We have made our entire registration process available 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 ONLY online courses, including some new and innovative courses that our faculty have put together to accommodate our students.
We are planning on a full and normal fall 2020 semester.
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 ed88radio.com and CCCUA.EDU website.
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.
Thank You,
Dr. Steve Cole
Chancellor, UA Cossatot
UA Cossatot Summer and Fall 2020 Registration Now Open
UA Cossatot’s summer and fall registration is now open to everyone with the summer semester set to begin on Monday, June 1, 2020. Students can sign up for classes by contacting a Student Services Advisor online, over the phone, through text message, or through Facebook messenger.
The complete full class schedule for the summer and fall courses can be viewed at UA Cossatot’s website at www.cccua.edu/enroll.
Cossatot Community College
Click the following links to access the PDF version of the current or upcoming semester's full course schedule. Summer 2020 Schedule (3.26.2020) Fall 2020 Schedule (4.16.2020 Find specific courses through Campus Connect Course Search. There's no need to login.
All classes offered this summer will be available online, and several online options are available this fall. The college if offering courses for specific programs as well as general education.
Incoming students or prospective students can take steps to enroll in any UA Cossatot course by contacting any one of the seven Student Services Advisors at UA Cossatot. Advisors include: Addison Hill, Rachel Barfield, Jocelin Galvez, Lizz Garza, Sheila McCandless, Holly Norman, and Suzanne Ward.
Their individual e-mail addresses and phone numbers can be viewed on UA Cossatot’s website under the employee directory by clicking on their name at www.cccua.edu/directory. On Facebook, students can search the advisor’s name at UA Cossatot to locate them and send them a message.
Cossatot Community College
©2020 Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas
Due to Covid-19, UA Cossatot’s Campuses are currently closed to the public, but Student Services Advisors are still working from home.
For any questions, please contact UA Cossatot at 870-584-4471.