Grand Opening Ceremony to Mark Completion of UA Cossatot’s ERC Renovation
VIDEO: Flooded Roads in SW Arkansas
Slight traffic delay Tuesday afternoon, 06/08, on the east side of De Queen as the ARDOT manages a single lane of vehicles through the overflowing waters of Bear Creek along the Old Lockesburg Highway near the hatchery.
Sevier County Tourism Expecting Big Crowd for 2024 Total Eclipse
Keisha McKinney of the Sevier County Tourism Committee dropped by today to shed some light on preparations for the total eclipse of the sun in April of 2024.
Wednesday COVID-19 SW Arkansas Active Cases and Vaccinations Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 1
Major Flooding for Little River in SW Arkansas and SE Oklahoma
Record flooding of tens of thousands of acres throughout much of Little River and Sevier counties of Arkansas.
Serious flooding of several thousands of acres of grazing and farming land will take place. The Kansas City Southern Railroad bed will be flooded both northwest and southeast of the Highway 41 bridge. Several secondary roadways will be cutoff in the area. Also expect severe backwater flooding on the Cossatot and Rolling Fork Rivers at and upstream from their confluences with the Little River.
The golf course west of Horatio, Arkansas floods. Also, ranchers should evacuate cattle and farm machinery to higher ground and have preparations complete for a major flood. Expect considerable lowland flooding of several hundred acres of grazing and farming land. Expect major backwater flooding of small tributaries at their confluence with the Little River such as the Cossatot and the Rolling Fork Rivers.
The boat ramp recreation area at Wilton, Arkansas downstream from Horatio is flooded and closed. Also, the golf course west of Horatio, Arkansas suffers from overflow.
The golf course west of Horatio is cut off from vehicle traffic by floodwaters. A few hundred acres of lowland flood both upstream and downstream from the Highway 41 bridge.
...The Flood Warning is extended for the following river in
Oklahoma...Arkansas...
Little River Near Idabel affecting McCurtain, Sevier and Little
River Counties.
...The Flood Warning continues for the following river in Oklahoma...
Arkansas...
Little River At Horatio affecting McCurtain, Sevier, Little River
and Howard Counties.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Do not drive cars through flooded areas.
Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.
A Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. All
interested parties should take necessary precautions immediately.
Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
917 AM CDT Wed Jun 9 2021
...The Flood Warning is now in effect until Friday afternoon...
The Flood Warning continues for
the Little River Near Idabel.
* Until Friday afternoon.
* At 8:30 AM CDT Wednesday the stage was 35.2 feet.
* Flood stage is 30 feet.
* Major flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast.
* Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending
at 8:30 AM CDT Wednesday was 35.3 feet.
* Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage late
Thursday evening and continue falling to 14.3 feet Monday morning.
* Impact...At 34 feet, Farmers and ranchers should have preparations
completed for a major flood with all cattle and farm machinery
evacuated. Thousands of acres of lowland in the Little River flood
plain will be flooded and several secondary roads and bridges will
be cut off. Move livestock and equipment to higher ground.Nursing Assistant Training Program at UA Cossatot in Nashville Beginning in July
Nursing Assistant Program
This 90-hour training combines classroom instruction, lab activities, and supervised practical training in a nursing facility. It prepares students for all aspects of nursing assisting. Successful completers receive a certificate, and are eligible to take the State competency exam. $691 (includes $645 tuition plus $46 for textbooks)
Register by: July 7
Date: July 15 – August 12 (Mondays - Thursdays)
Time: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Location: Nashville
Instructor: Melba Hess
16 hours of clinical training will be conducted in a long term care facility within the UA Cossatot service area.
Aerial Views at Construction Site of New Sevier County Medical Center
Despite the recent rains, progress is being made at the construction site of the new Sevier County Medical Center.
(Photos courtesy of Monte Bartek)
Flood Warning for Little River at Horatio, Flash Flood Watch and Warning in Effect for SW Arkansas
Flash Flood Warning for SW Arkansas and SE Oklahoma
Flood Warning for Little River at Horatio
Issued By Shreveport - LA, US, National Weather Service
Affected Area: Sevier County
Description
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a Flood Warning for the Little River At Horatio. From Tuesday morning to late Saturday night. At 8:00 PM CDT Monday the stage was 22.2 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. Moderate flooding is forecast. Forecast...The Little river at Horatio is expected to rise above flood stage late tomorrow morning to a crest of 29.6 feet Wednesday evening. It will then fall below flood stage late Saturday morning. Impact...At 30.0 feet, The golf course west of Horatio, Arkansas floods. Also ranchers should evacuate cattle and farm machinery to higher ground and have preparations complete for a major flood. Expect considerable lowland flooding of several hundred acres of grazing and farming land. Expect major backwater flooding of small tributaries at their confluence with the Little River such as the Cossatot and the Rolling Fork Rivers.
More Information
...The National Weather Service in Shreveport LA has issued a Flood Warning for the following rivers in Oklahoma...Arkansas...
Little River Near Idabel affecting McCurtain, Sevier and Little River Counties.
Little River At Horatio affecting McCurtain, Sevier, Little River and Howard Counties.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Do not drive cars through flooded areas. Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
For more hydrologic information, copy and paste the following website address into your favorite web browser URL bar: water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=shv
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
Howard County in southwestern Arkansas...
Northern Little River County in southwestern Arkansas...
Sevier County in southwestern Arkansas...
* Until 145 PM CDT.
* At 940 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain
have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms
producing flash flooding.
SOURCE...Doppler radar.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Nashville, Mineral Springs, Dierks, Horatio, Umpire, Lockesburg,
Wilton, Tollette, Winthrop, Gillham, Ben Lomond, Corinth, Center
Point, Saratoga, Athens, Arkinda, Oak Grove, Silver Ridge, Provo
and Bellview.
Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are possible in the
warned area.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small
creeks and streams, country roads, farmland, and other low lying
spots.
In hilly terrain there are many low water crossings which are
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded
roads. Find an alternate route.
A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring.
If you are in the warned area move to higher ground immediately.
Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate
precautions to protect life and property.FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
The Flash Flood Watch continues for
* Portions of Arkansas, southeast Oklahoma, and northeast Texas,
including the following areas, in Arkansas, Columbia,
Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Nevada,
Sevier, and Union. In southeast Oklahoma, McCurtain. In
northeast Texas, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Franklin, Morris, Red
River, and Titus.
* Through this evening.
* Additional rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated
higher amounts in excess of 6 inches, are possible through
Tuesday afternoon across portions of extreme Northeast Texas,
McCurtain County Oklahoma, and Southwest Arkansas.
* Flooding may occur in urban and poor drainage areas. Heavy
rainfall may also cause flooding of creeks, streams, and
rivers.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to Flash Flooding. Flash Flooding is a very dangerous situation.
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.Sevier County Launches their ACT® Work Ready Community Initiative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
06/07/2021
Arkansas— Sevier County announced today, they have engaged in the process to become a certified ACT Work Ready Community. This practice demonstrates their commitment to developing a strong workforce pipeline, desirable to employers, economic developers, and current and future citizens of the county.
The ACT® Work Ready Communities (ACT® WRC) initiative empowers states, regions, and counties with data, processes, and tools that drive economic growth by identifying skills gaps and quantifying the skill level of their workforce. Participants leverage the ACT® WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate® (ACT® WorkKeys® NCRC®) to measure and close skills gaps and build common frameworks that link, align, and match their workforce development efforts.
To begin the Work Ready Communities process, Sevier County leaders attended the ACT Work Ready Communities Boot Camp, an executive leadership and training program designed and led by ACT to initiate, deploy, and drive carefully tailored efforts to improve the county’s work readiness. Leaders meet with local employers, policymakers, educators, and economic developers to reach established goals and build a sustainable WRC model to fit community needs.
“Work Ready Communities have an advantage in economic development in terms of workforce readiness, site selection, and business attraction efforts. Pursuing this initiative is evidence of Sevier County’s ability to address workforce needs,” said Tiffany Maurer, Director of Economic Development for Sevier County.
“Congratulations to Sevier County for joining this initiative, and a growing list of counties dedicated to building a robust workforce,” said ACT Regional Manager, Cheri Tune. “The determination of Sevier County’s leadership to engage in this process demonstrates active partnerships between all stakeholders in the community and will provide the county with an economic development advantage, helping them stand out nationally for their workforce development efforts.”
For more information on this initiative, go to www.workreadycommunities.org and view all of ACT’s workforce solutions at www.act.org/workforce
National Weather Service Excessive Rainfall Briefing for SW Arkansas
FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM CDT THIS MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY MORNING...
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
* Flash Flood Watch for portions of Arkansas...northwest Louisiana...
southeast Oklahoma and northeast Texas, including the following
areas, in Arkansas, Columbia, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little
River, Miller, Nevada, Sevier and Union. In northwest Louisiana,
Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne and Webster. In southeast Oklahoma,
McCurtain. In northeast Texas, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee,
Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Red River,
Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur and Wood.
* From 7 AM CDT this morning through Tuesday morning
* Rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches, with isolated higher amounts
possible. Rain amounts may occur in a short period of time and may
impact locations that have seen heavy rainfall over the last few
days.
* Flooding may occur in urban and poor drainage areas. Heavy
rainfall may also cause flooding of creeks, streams, and rivers.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to
Flash Flooding. Flash Flooding is a very dangerous situation. You
should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should
Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
We are expecting an active day across the state regarding heavy rainfall and flash flooding potential. With the morning forecast package, the Weather Prediction Center introduced a Moderate risk of excessive rainfall for much of southwest and central Arkansas. The potential 2 to 3 inches of rain over the risk area with some locally greater amounts coupled with antecedent heavy rainfall the last few days has led to a compromised soil surface and increased flash flooding vulnerability. Please see the attached briefing for more in depth information regarding flash flooding potential over the next few days.
Monday's SW Arkansas COVID-19 Active Case Numbers and Vaccines
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 0
Friday COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 0
VIDEO: Sevier County Hospital Board Meeting Thursday, 06/03
VIDEO: Freedom Fest Fundraising Effort for New Samaritan Soccer Fields
Tony Soto, Esteban Ochoa, and Rafael Figueroa stopped in to talk about the upcoming Freedom Fest as well as the fundraising effort for the new Samaritan Fields soccer complex.
Thursday COVID-19 Active Cases Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 0
UA Cossatot Recognizes Concurrent Graduates
Free COVID-19 Vaccines at Sevier County Farmers' Market Wednesday, June 2
UA Cossatot Reopens Emergency Financial Aid Grants for Summer & Fall
Tuesday's COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the AR Dept of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 0
Progress from the Construction Site of the New Sevier County Medical Center
The latest progress report from the Sevier County Medical Center construction site
PERSONNEL ONSITE:
• Four (4) Prime Contractors Onsite:
o Gigerich Electrical
o Bass Concrete
o Middleton Plumbing
o Car-Son Construction
• Three (3) Electricians
• Five (5) Concrete Workers
• Six (6) Plumbers
• Seven (7) Structural Steel Erectors
EQUIPMENT ONSITE:
• One (1) SkyJack Scissor Lift
• One (1) Bobcat Mini Excavator
• Three (3) Takeuchi Mini Excavators
• One (1) Dynapac Smooth Drum Compactor
• One (1) Backhoe
• One (1) Komat’su Excavator
• One (1) Caterpillar Excavator
• One (1) Bigge Grove Crane
• One (1) Gradall Shooting Boom Forklift
STORED MATERIALS:
• Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP)
• Polyethylene Piping
• PVC Conduit
• Rigid Steel Conduit Fittings
WORK IN PROGRESS:
1. Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP):
a. The SWPPP remains as previously reported.
2. Site:
a. Underground electrical risers are being installed as shown on E0.01 Electrical
Site, PR#005, dated 04-07-21.
3. Building:
a. Building “A”:
i. The south half of the slab has been poured.
ii. Structural steel is being erected at the northwest corner of the building.
Columns and some beams have been erected.
iii. Concrete footings are being poured at Grid H.7.
b. Building “B”:
i. The under-slab sanitary sewer piping has been installed. Due to the excessive rain the contractor has removed the excavated, engineered fill and installed SB-2 for the purposes of time required to aerate and dry the excessive wet material excavated from the plumbing trenches.
ii. Most of the electrical conduit has been installed; a few conduit risers and conduit runs to be stubbed out of the building remain to be completed.
