The Belleville Cemetery Association regrets that their 75th annual Homecoming Celebration scheduled for Sunday, June 7th has been cancelled due to the safety concerns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Belleville Cemetery Association looks forward to next year when they will plan for their 75th Diamond Anniversary celebration that will take place on the first Sunday in June in 2021.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Memorial Day will be different this year. The threat of the coronavirus will limit the large gatherings of people who typically come together at ceremonies.
But the virus cannot stop us from taking a moment of private reflection to honor the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform who died protecting freedom.
Arkansas was and is home to so many brave men and women who deserve our recognition. Our state lost 2,183 Arkansans in World War I.
World War II had a great economic and social impact on the people of Arkansas. During the war, an estimated 194,645 Arkansans served the nation in the various branches of the U.S. armed forces. That was approximately 10% of our state’s population in 1940. As a result of combat, 3,519 Arkansans lost their lives.
Arkansans continued to answer the call to serve. There were 461 Arkansans who lost their lives in the Korean War and 588 during the Vietnam War.
We lost 4 of our own in Desert Storm, 33 in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and 29 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
And today, there are thousands who serve willing to put their lives on the line to protect our freedom still.
In 2017, the Arkansas General Assembly passed Act 281 which instructed the Secretary of State to erect a monument honoring Gold Star Families. The monument is located directly behind the Capitol and was dedicated last fall. The Gold Star Family Memorial Monument honors those families who sacrificed more than most of us, and illustrates that the United States has citizens in every community willing to make such sacrifices. It further illustrates that families suffer and grieve when a dear relative is lost, and without their sacrifices, freedom could not and would not have been preserved.
Monuments and ceremonies are just two of hundreds of ways to honor our men and women in uniform, but the one act of appreciation each of us can do, even in the middle of a pandemic, is to be the kind of American worth fighting for.
From the Office of the Chancellor
We are now several months in to the COVID-19 outbreak and UA Cossatot has been working diligently to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community. Now that we know our summer courses will be offered online, our attention has already shifted to how we will approach the Fall 2020 semester.
While we will keep relying on guidance from the Governor’s office, our state health care professionals and the University of Arkansas System, we will also be developing a local plan so our campuses can safely be open for students this fall.
To aid in our Fall 2020 decisions, I have appointed the UA Cossatot COVID-19 Task Force. This is a task force that is comprised of committees that will oversee developing our campus strategy for a safe Fall 2020 semester. The task force is comprised of the following committees: Contingency Planning, Academics and Student Assistance, Communicable Diseases, Communications, Events, Facilities/Partners/Contractors/Logistics, Finances, Health and Safety/Environmental Safety, Human Resources, Outreach/Alumni, Athletics, Information Technology.
These committees have already started working on contingency plans in all of these areas. They will be taking into account several different scenarios that UA Cossatot could face this fall. The scenarios range from the most likely to the most unlikely and will include how UA Cossatot will respond to each.
We feel that this contingency plan, along with continued input and guidance from the Governor’s office, health care professionals around the state and the University of Arkansas System will allow UA Cossatot to be fully prepared to have a safe and productive fall semester for our students, staff, and the community members we serve each day.
While we do not know what the future holds in regards to the COVID-19 outbreak, we do know we need to be prepared and we feel that the COVID-19 Task Force will create the blueprint that will allow this to happen.
We are seeing many students already enrolling for summer and fall and our registration is certainly still open for both semesters. We have made our entire registration process available online for the safety and convenience of our students. We are also working on virtual tours of our campuses. Our website contains all the information students need to register: https://www.cccua.edu.
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 http://www.ed88radio.com and http://www.cccua.edu 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.
Greg Ray and Manya Wood in the Ed 88 Studios Thursday Morning
Joining Loren on the Ed Morning Show Thursday were Sevier County Judge Greg Ray and District Judge Manya Wood discussing the rules regarding admittance to the courthouse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today on Ed 88, Judge Manya Wood discussed the new attendance requirements. For district court in Sevier County. This is a list of those requirements.
DISTRICT COURT GUIDELINES REGARDING COVID-19
Masks will be required of everyone entering the courthouse. Defendant’s, witnesses and attorneys must bring a mask.
Everyone will be screened prior to entering the courthouse per the Arkansas Department of Health and CDC guidelines.
Attorneys will be required to contact their clients and any witnesses they will be using the day of court to ensure compliance with these guidelines.
All parties present in the courthouse and courtroom will be required to maintain the six foot (6’) social distancing requirement.
Public restroom access will be limited.
You will be required to wait in your car until it is time for you to enter courthouse. You will be called when it is your turn, therefore, if you do not have an attorney, you must have a working cell phone.
All people will be required to check in through the main entrance to the courthouse on the east side of the courthouse square;
Only the person that has a court date will be allowed into the courtroom during arraignments, unless that person is a minor, then a parent or guardian will be allowed with the minor. Absolutely no children will be allowed into the courtroom unless they are involved in the case and you have permission to bring them.
District Court Arraignment check in on June 9, 2020, will be as follows:
Last names beginning with letters A – D at 8:30 am;
Last names beginning with letters E – L at 9:30 am;
Last names beginning with letters M – Z at 10:30 am;
District Court Trials on June 9, 2020 are set on an individual time slot basis. Contact District Court at (870) 584-7311 to determine when you should arrive for your trial.
Horatio City Hall will be Closed Monday for Memorial Day
UA Cossatot Virtual Tour for Fall Registration
Time to start planning for the future! Fall registration is underway now at UA Cossatot. For a taste of what we have to offer, check out this short video, then visit: www.cccua.edu
We would love to talk about how we can help you achieve your goals. And when you get your Associate's Degree at UAC, you can transfer to UA Fayetteville and pay the same low tuition you enjoyed at Cossatot! A member of our Cossatot family is standing by to answer all your questions and get you started on whatever career path you choose!
Summer Employment Opportunity!
Husqvarna, L&G facility, is currently accepting high school and college student applications for employment during the summer months for second shift. Openings include Motor Testers, Material Handlers, and Production workers.
Pay range $13.40- $15.15 per hour. Hourly pay rate includes a $2.00 per hour temporary premium.
Students must meet the minimum age requirement.
Apply at 1 Poulan Drive in Nashville, AR.
Sevier County Chamber "Sevierly" Strong Merchandise Available Now
Our Sevierly Strong online store is now up and ready to take orders on shirts and hats! All proceeds will go towards local business recovery efforts. Click the SHOP NOW button at the top right of our page or visit...
https://my-site-109498-104305.square.site/
and place your order today!
Sevier County REA Customers were Without Power for Several Hours Sunday
More than 260 customers in Sevier County were without power for over 7 hours Sunday, May 17, beginning at around 9:30 a.m. due to a fire at a substation. Power was restored just after 4:30 Sunday afternoon.
Sunday morning, Southwest Arkansas Electric REA posted on Facebook, “We are currently experiencing equipment issues at our De Queen Substation. We are working on the faulty equipment and hope to have it replaced soon. Thank you for your patience.”
Tornado Warnings were Issued for the Region Saturday Evening
Thunderstorms moved across the region Saturday evening and tornado sirens and warnings from Code Red and the National Weather Service came across between 6 and 7 p.m. A Tornado Watch remains in effect through 9:00 Saturday night, 05/16.
Pockets of heavy rainfall came across the area and prompted Flash Flood Watches and Warnings for portions of southwest Arkansas, northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, and northeast Texas. According to the National Weather Service, skies should clear off Sunday bringing sunny and dry conditions throughout next week.
Carmelia Johnson captured this video Saturday evening, May 16, in Central.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The COVID-19 pandemic could be a source of stress, fear, or anxiety for many Arkansans. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a good time to remind Arkansans of the resources available to help during this time.
If you currently visit a provider for mental health services, these services can now be accessed by telephone or tele-video. Arkansas’s Community Mental Health Centers have also temporarily changed their services to utilize tele-video or telephone technology whenever possible.
The Arkansas Lifeline Call Center can direct you to the center closest to you.
The Arkansas Lifeline Call Center (1-800-273-8255) is available 24/7. This call center housed within theArkansas Department of Health answers calls from Arkansans to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call takers can route Arkansans to local resources.
Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming in both adults and children.
Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.
The CDC recommends the following to cope with stress:
Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
Eat healthy meals and exercise regularly.
Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
While we may all be social distancing, it’s important to still connect with others. Technology allows us to connect in new ways. As we collectively work to get our state back to normal, don’t underestimate the importance of reaching out to family and friends.
Taking care of yourself can help you cope with stress and in turn, help others. Helping others is what will make communities stronger on the other side of this crisis.
Two Minors Caught for Damaging Mailboxes and Stolen Street Signs in Sevier County
This mailbox was recently damaged on De Queen Lake Road
Two juveniles, names withheld, were apprehended Thursday by the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office for damaging mailboxes and stealing street signs in Sevier County. After hearing about the incidents, Deputy Sharp made a stop of two suspects in a truck and found a sledge hammer and several stop signs in the pickup bed. The two minors will be paying for all the damages.
Stolen Truck Found Wednesday in Saline River
Authorities found a stolen Hiland truck Wednesday in the Saline River near Steel Bridge Road. The investigation is ongoing.
Horatio High School Open May 18-20
Horatio High School will collect iPads, instruments, library books, and AMI paper packets May 18-20 from 8:00-4:00 at the high school office. Be sure to bring your iPad, case, charger, and bag. Teachers will be submitting grades on May 21. If you have any questions, please call the office at 870-832-1900.
Sevier County Chamber of Commerce member, Smiles of Arkansas, has re-opened!
"Although we have taken care of emergent dental needs since closing March 23rd, we are ready to go to work on a full-time basis and have deep cleaned all the offices as well as obtained the necessary PPE to allow us to perform general dentistry in full compliance with guidelines provided from ADH.....
Our patients and employees will be safer now than ever before as we transition back to normal business. Dental hygiene is very important in the overall health of the public and we are anxious to see our wonderful patients and make sure their dental needs are being met."
110 W Dequeen Ave, De Queen, AR 71832
De Queen High School Honor Graduate Brittany McCullough Awarded the Texas A&M Texarkana Presidential Scholarship
De Queen High School honor graduate Brittany McCullough has been awarded the Texas A&M Texarkana Presidential Scholarship totaling $34,000. Brittany is the daughter of Dalton and Christy McCullough. She has been accepted into the University's Honors Program and plans to major in Marketing with a minor in Spanish. The Ambassador Program as well as the Study Abroad Program are also a part of her agenda at A&M Texarkana.
Brittany is a member of the Spanish Club, Interact Club and co-creator of local fundraiser, Quiz Bowl Team, Yearbook Editor and 3rd place recipient in Nationals at Chicago for MO, National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, Gifted and Talented, Manager for the Lady Leopards basketball and soccer teams, Leopard Vision, senior maid in homecoming, Chickasaw Nation Representative and scholarship.
Sevier County Investigator finds an Exciting Career by Staying Local
Brian Hankins is a Sevier County and Lockesburg, Arkansas resident who graduated from UA Cossatot. At an early age, Brian envisioned himself working for local law enforcement. Today he works for the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office as an investigator, choosing to help and serve those in his community.
Hankins chose to pursue this career path after graduating from Horatio High School in 2004. Shortly after graduating high school, he began working as a jailer and as a dispatcher. From 2005 to 2008, Brian chose to work as a welder, but eventually discovered that his passion remained in law enforcement.
In 2008, Brian returned to working as a jailer. In hopes of one day moving up in law enforcement, he decided to take college classes. Even though a degree wasn’t a requirement at his agency, he knew that a college education could be beneficial.
In 2011, Hankins started his college career at UA Cossatot. In two years, he graduated from UA Cossatot with an Associate of Arts degree, a degree that is designed to transfer to a four-year university.
Brian Hankins said, “I chose to go to school at UA Cossatot because it was local, and I did not have to move away. I took classes at the De Queen Campus and online. There were several things that I liked about UA Cossatot. It was close to home, the staff were friendly and excellent, and I also really liked the fact that I was able to pursue my basic college classes in a small-town atmosphere.”
After achieving his associate’s degree at UA Cossatot, Brian chose to continue his education online through Arkansas Tech University. In May of 2015, he graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a Bachelor’s of Professional Studies degree concentrated in Criminal Justice.
After getting into law enforcement, Brian began to work small cases and enjoyed the experience. He immediately set a goal to become an investigator. In 2017, his goal became a reality when Sheriff Robert Gentry promoted him to the role of investigator for Sevier County.
Brian says that he enjoys being able to solve cases, and one of the things he likes about his job the most is getting the chance to help return stolen property to a victim.
When asked about his education, Brian said, “I would absolutely recommend UA Cossatot. I think the college can give everyone a great experience, and I highly recommend it.”
In the spring of 2019, Brian worked as an adjunct instructor at UA Cossatot, where he taught criminal justice classes. As more students enroll in the program, he plans to teach again.
Hankins said, “UA Cossatot is a great place to pursue a criminal justice degree. People that are interested in seeking careers in the criminal justice field need education and experience. Plus, the majority of the bigger agencies at the state level and the federal level require both. I would advise all local college students to stay home and take classes at UA Cossatot, at least for the first year or two. It is a great college that offers excellent benefits.”
At the age of 33, Brian enjoys his work and having the opportunity to serve the community that he has always called home. In his downtime, he enjoys hunting, fishing, being in the outdoors, and spending time with his three children: Bentley, Canton, and Emersyn.
To learn more about the criminal justice program or other degrees and certificates offered at UA Cossatot, please contact UA Cossatot’s Student Services department at studentservices@cccua.edu.
UA Cossatot Offering Free, Online Professional Development Courses this Summer
UA Cossatot’s Office of Continuing Education is offering ten free self-paced courses this summer to support the communities it serves during these uncertain times. Anyone wishing to improve their skills and learn new techniques for the workplace or for personal enrichment can benefit from enrolling. Online registration is available through June 30.
A full list of classes and course descriptions can be found at UA Cossatot’s website at www.cccua.edu/ceonline.
UA Cossatot’s Public Services and Workforce Development Director, Tammy Coleman says, “These courses offer excellent opportunities for individuals to learn more about customer service, time management, supervision, organization, marketing, effective communication skills, personal finance, creating webpages, and so much more. Individuals can leverage these free courses to enter the workforce or advance their career. We also invite area employers to use this as a professional development opportunity for their employees.”
Anyone can register and access as many of the courses as they wish for three months from the time enrolled. A certificate of completion will automatically be available to the student for print or download immediately after successfully completing each course.
To sign up for a class, please visit www.cccua.edu/conted to complete an online registration form. For more information about the professional development courses offered at UA Cossatot, please contact UA Cossatot’s Continuing Education department at 870-584-1178 or continuingeducation@cccua.edu
Shaylan Loyd is Southern Arkansas University Blue and Gold Scholarship Recipient
De Queen honor graduate Shaylan Loyd has been awarded a Southern Arkansas University Blue and Gold scholarship valued at $26,400. Shaylan is the son of Rhonda Loyd. He is a member of National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl, Archery, Trap Shooting and FFA. Shaylan plans to major in wildlife biology.
