Daniel Martinez and Callie Miller of the De Queen Sevier County Chamber of Commerce were special guests on the Tuesday Ed-ition of the Morning Show. They talked about the Chamber's Halloween schedule of events and this weekend's Tour De Queen.
Southern Bell Nashville Chamber Spotlight
This weeks Business Spotlight is Southern Bell Inn 1757 S. 4th St. here in Nashville.
Billy Ray Jones, Sandra Jones, and daughter Katherine Reeves are the owners.
The business was established in 1994. Their phone number is 870-845-2353 and they are open 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. Their e-mail address is: southernbellinn@gmail.com
Their web-site is: southernbelleinn.com
The motel has 62 rooms, a jacuzzi suite, pool, free wi-fi, continental breakfast, mini fridge, microwave, iron / ironing board, flat screen tv, new beds, coffee / coffee pot, clothing and jewelry boutique, laundry facilities, a guest office with computer and printer, ice and vending machines. They share a parking lot with Western Sizzlin Steak House. Both businesses were built at the same time.
When the motel was being constructed, a family arrived to rent a room. They were told that the motel was not completed. The family said, "do you have carpet on the floor", because that is all we need? The owners said yes, and they stayed on the
2nd floor as the work was being done to complete the motel. The owners knew at that moment that they had made the right decision to build the motel.
"Welcome to Southern Hospitality" is their motto and they strive to ensure that all guests are treated with dignity and respect.
The Nashville Chamber of Commerce's Business Spotlight of the week is the Southern Bell Inn. Serving our community with Southern Bell charm!!
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Southern Belle Inn was built in 1994 and is a family ran hotel. The owners are Billy Ray and Sandra Jones along with their daughter, Catherine Jones-Reeves who is also the manager. We pride ourselves on deeply caring for all of our customers and always lead with good intentions which is why we have become "family" with so many that keep coming back.
Red Ribbon Week at UA Cossatot
Red Ribbon Week activities at UA Cossatot include a mock traffic stop at the Skilled Trades Building in De Queen. Thank you Sgt Wayne Baker of the De Queen PD for conducting the mock stop.
Ashdown Junior High School Awarded
The Ashdown Junior High School has been recognized by the Office for Education Policy (OEP) at the University of Arkansas as a school where students demonstrated high growth on the ACT Aspire! The OEP creates an annual report entitled the Outstanding Educational Performance Awards where schools are recognized for high student academic growth.
AJHS received the following awards:
High Overall Growth: Middle Level (Southwest Region)
High Math Growth: Middle Level (Southwest Region)
High ELA Growth: Middle Level (Southwest Region)
Mr. James K. Jones, AJHS Principal says, “The teachers and staff are committed to student academic success as well as making AJHS a place where students expect to succeed and do so. Our improved growth in student test scores for the last several years indicate that we have excellent teachers in English/Language Arts, Math and other key core subjects who work together as a team.”
Awards are based on the 2019 content growth score calculated by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. These growth scores reflect how much students at the school improved from 2018 compared to how much they were expected to grow considering prior achievement.
Ashdown Public School Superintendent Casey Nichols said, “We are extremely excited about the direction our campuses are going and we could not be more proud of the awards AJHS has received and for all of the hard work and commitment that our students and staff have put forward to making this positive growth happen."
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Childhood obesity is a serious problem across the country. Surveys indicate 1 in 5 children are now obese.
Several studies have shown that students will eat more fruits and vegetables when they have easy access to a variety of high quality fresh items. And one way to provide more healthy options is through Farm-to-School programs.
October is National Farm-to-School Month. Farm-to-School programs connect Arkansas’s growers and local food producers to learning environments in the community.
The three main farm-to-school practices are local food procurement, nutrition education, and school gardens.
Students, farmers, and communities all win when they participate in this program.
Students win as they are provided access to nutritious, local food. Students also see educational opportunities such as school gardens, cooking lessons, and farm field trips.
Farmers win as the program can provide a significant financial opportunity as school purchasing dollars are re-directed to the local economy.
And communities win as it provides opportunities to build family and community engagement. Buying from local producers and processors creates new jobs.
Top products for the farm to school sales in Arkansas are apples, watermelon, berries, sweet potatoes, and lettuce.
In the most recent legislative session, we sought to strengthen the program with Act 506. This legislation establishes a Farm to School and Early Childhood Education Program and creates a Farm to School and Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator Position within the Arkansas Agriculture Department to administer the program. This expansion will help children to develop healthy eating habits even earlier.
In Arkansas, 47 school districts are using farm to school practices. That's an impact on 95,605 students. But there are thousands more who could still benefit.
Making local food purchases does not require any extra paperwork on the part of the farmer or the school. The best way to get started is to find out who is interested in farm to school in your area. You can do so by visiting www.farmtoschool.org.
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Use the quick guide to search through our resource database. You can search by topic, setting, or keywords in order to find exactly what you are looking for. Choose a filtering mechanism above to get started. View all resources Farm to school is taking place in all 50 states, D.C.
Nasvhille Chamber Coffee Thursday Morning at UA Cossatot Cosmetology Classroom
Greetings from Washington, DC!
Pictured left to right: Congressman Bruce Westerman, Dusty Kesterson, Kelli Harris, Kinley Wright, and Rep. Jason Smith
I just wanted to share a little bit about our trip with everyone. Yesterday the conference opened and we’ve heard from representatives at the National Science Foundation and the American Association of Community Colleges. The best part of yesterday was our night tour of the Capitol with Representative Bruce Westerman. It was a truly amazing experience. We walked onto the Senate Floor and the House Floor. Congressman Westerman and Representative Jason Smith from Missouri shared many amazing facts and stories with us. There were several areas that we were not allowed to take pictures, but I’m sure it’s something we’ll never forget.
Angel Tree Applications to Lockesburg Lions Club
Innovation in Youth Programming Award
Jean Ince, Howard County Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension Agent, was honored recently at the National Extension Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) 85th annual session, whose theme was “Nurturing the Richness of Lifelong Learning”. She was a member of a team of neighboring county FCS agents that received the First Place National and First Place Southern Region for the NEAFCS Innovation in Youth Programming Award at the conference held September 30 - October 3, 2019 in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
In receiving the award, Ince and teammates were recognized for planning and implementing a program focused on teaching students practical food preparation skills, learning to read and follow a recipe, hands-on cooking and clean up, table setting and etiquette. Of course, the team taught MyPlate and Dietary Guidelines each day to stress the importance of choosing a healthy diet.
The Innovation in Youth Programming Awards was established in 2019 to recognize innovation and accomplishment in the design and implementation of a Family and Consumer Sciences program for a youth target audience. The award was sponsored this year by the NEAFCS membership and awards fund. Ince‘s commitment to meeting the needs of individuals, families and communities is exemplary.
Coach Lance Weeks Speaker at Tuesday's Lions Club in De Queen
Coach Lance Weeks was the guest speaker at today’s Lions Club meeting in De Queen. Coach Weeks is the head coach of Lady Leopard basketball and De Queen golf coach.
State Farm Insurance Nashville Chamber Spotlight
Rusty Hagler and the State Farm Insurance team is the Nashville Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Business of the Week.
Sophie Jackson and Lexi Powell from Acorn High School
Children's Tumor Foundation Fall Fun Fest and Little Heroes 5k
Children's Tumor Foundation Fall Fun Fest and Little Heroes 5k was Saturday at Herman Dierks Park in De Queen.
UA Cossatot Recognizes Physical Therapy Month
Photo: (from left to right) first row: Luis Herrera, Kayla Mills, Abby Clark, Katherine Malca, Braley Turner, Allie Anderson, and Tiffany Wise.
Second row: Alondra Galvez, Samantha Henderson, Myka Lemley, Riley House, Ashley Thompson, Caleb Befeld, and Drew Sikes.
October is an extremely important month when it comes to raising awareness for great causes and great educational programs and UA Cossatot’s Physical Therapy program is busy this October recognizing and raising awareness of the great benefits physical therapy provides. Physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) play a vital role in helping individuals improve function, mobility, and pain relief. In addition, PTs and PTAs encourage individuals to play an active role in their own care.
This semester, UA Cossatot students are learning many foundational concepts in preparation for building on future knowledge needed for therapeutic exercise. This semester as part of their learning, UA Cossatot students are building the muscles of the body on a skeleton in order to provide physical and visual learning of the location of these muscles and how they assist in everyday movement.
UA Cossatot began the Physical Therapist Assistant program in 2018. In August, the PTA program admitted its second cohort. If you want learn more about UA Cossatot’s PTA program during Physical Therapy month, or anytime, please contact UA Cossatot Medical Education Advisors, Christina Cooper or Maranda Reynolds at 870-584-1147.
Meet the Colts and UA Cossatot Chili Supper and Bingo Night October 29th
UA Cossatot will be hosting a Chili Supper on Tuesday, October 29 beginning at 6:00 P.M. at the UA Cossatot Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium. Everyone is invited to come to this event and support UA Cossatot’s student athletes.
The Chili Supper is a fundraiser to support UA Cossatot’s basketball program, but it is also an opportunity to meet the basketball players who will be representing UA Cossatot.
Colts and Lady Colts players will be present to meet local community members while serving chili. Colts gear, t-shirts, and season passes will be available for purchase at the event as well.
For anyone that purchases a season pass or can show that they have already done so, will receive free chili the night of the chili supper. Chili alone can be purchased for $5.
This event will also be an open house occasion for UA Cossatot Colt’s fans to view the new refinished gym floor at the UA Cossatot Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium.
This past month, the court was refinished to meet NJCAA standards. The court will be available for people to view two nights before the first home game of the season.
The UA Cossatot Pep Band will also be performing at the Chili Supper to provide musical entertainment for the evening.
At 7:30 P.M. a Bingo night will take place at UA Cossatot’s Lockesburg Campus for anyone who would like to participate. Prizes will be given. All proceeds raised during Bingo will go to support UA Cossatot’s basketball program.
UA Cossatot Spring Registration is Open
On Monday, October 28, 2019, UA Cossatot’s spring registration for classes will be available. Students will be able to enroll in courses by contacting a Student Services Advisor to begin or continue their education at UA Cossatot.
The college’s Student Services department has Admissions and Recruitment Specialists at the Ashdown, Nashville, and De Queen Campuses. To sign up for classes or to learn about educational opportunities, they can be reached at 870-584-4471 or studentservices@cccua.edu. Walk-in visits are welcome from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday.
The Spring 2020 semester includes available courses in general studies, student personal development, accounting, biology, business, child development, fine arts, criminal justice, health and safety, political science, Spanish, English, and sociology, to name a few.
The college also offers courses in specific programs, including nursing, welding, radio-television broadcasting, industrial electricity and technology, automotive services, diesel technology, cosmetology, the physical therapist assistant program, and the occupational therapy assistant program. Medical pre-requisites are available to take, and UA Cossatot will also be offering EMT classes this upcoming semester at the Nashville Campus.
UA Cossatot has four campuses and will be offering classes for students to take in-class, online, during the day and evening. The college also provides AV courses.
Students are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible to enroll in the courses they need. The final day to register for the spring 2020 semester is January 14. Spring 2020 classes begin at UA Cossatot on January 13.
UA Cossatot Spring Registration is Open
On Monday, October 28, 2019, UA Cossatot's spring registration for classes will be available. Students will be able to enroll in courses by contacting a Student Services Advisor to begin or continue their education at UA Cossatot. The college's Student Services department has Admissions and Recruitment Specialists at the Ashdown, Nashville, and De Queen Campuses.
Little River County Health Coalition to Host Youth Suicide Prevention Lunch-and-Learn Event
On Thursday, November 7, 2019, the Little River County Coalition, Jason Foundation, Inc., and UA Cossatot will be co-hosting a lunch-and-learn presentation entitled “Youth Suicide: A Silent Epidemic” at UA Cossatot’s Ashdown Campus. The presentation will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the Barbara Horn Civic Center and will conclude at 12:00 noon. Lunch will be provided at no cost by Harbor House for the first 25 registrants. Participants may also bring their own lunch.
Presenter Brittany Palermo will provide an introduction to the national health issue of youth suicide including warning signs, elevated risk factors and other important supporting materials. Palermo says, “I believe prevention can only come through awareness, education and preparedness. My hope is that the mental health of our youth will take a more prominent importance in schools and our communities.”
Palermo, a Southern Arkansas University graduate and Registered Nurse, joined Jason Foundation Inc. in 2017 while working as a mobile assessor with Riverview Behavioral Health. With a background in hospital settings and a passion for the mental health of our youth she's strived to reach youth, guardians, providers, and communities to educate about youth suicide as a national health issue.
All are invited to attend this free event. To reserve a seat, please contact the Little River County Health Coalition via email at lrcountyhealthcoalition@gmail.com or by phone at 870-331-2443.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
On average, an Arkansan with a bachelor’s degree will earn $700,000 more in a 30 year career than those who drop out of college. The gap climbs to $1.5 million for those with a doctorate.
This information is included in the 2018 Economic Security Report which was presented this week to the Arkansas Legislative Council Higher Education Sub-Committee.
The report makes clear that the cost to obtain any certificates or degrees at an Arkansas public postsecondary institution is significantly lower than the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars in additional average career earnings.
Not including living expenses, the estimated cost in Arkansas for an associate’s degree is $10,000. The estimated cost for a bachelor’s degree $30,000.
Each level of educational achievement provides a boost in earnings power. In fact, the report shows a significant difference in earnings just the first year. On average, first year earnings for Arkansans with a bachelor’s degree are $31,800. Average first year earnings for high school graduates are $11,900.
Employment rates are also impacted by levels of education. First year full-time employment rates for college dropouts is 29%. The rates climb to 44% for Arkansans with a Certificate of Proficiency and 58% for those with an associate’s degree.
In most cases, what you study matters more than where you study. For those with an associate’s degree, science technology and health professionals make the most in average first year earnings. For those with bachelor’s degrees, engineering students make the most in average first year earnings.
Studies of health professions are the most popular over all degree areas in Arkansas as well as being the most popular choice for Certificates of Proficiency, Technical Certificates, and First Professional degrees. The most common Bachelor’s degree programs are in Business, Management, and Marketing.
Although each graduate’s success will reflect a variety of factors such as the local job market, where they choose to live, and what area they chose to study, the Economic Report provides valuable information as students and parents consider education and career choices. We have posted the report on our website: www.arkansashouse.org.
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Public Retirement & Social Security Programs - Joint Public Retirement & Social Security Programs - Joint meets at 1:30 PM at ASU-Mt Home, The Sheid Building, 1600 South College Street, Mountain Home ASU-Mt Home, The Sheid Building, 1600 South College Street, Mountain Home Meets at 1:30 pm
Colt Drawdown Friday Night from Lockesburg
UA Cossatot Agricultural Students are Headed to Washington, D.C.
UA Cossatot students Dusty Kesterson and Kinley Wright along with UA Cossatot agriculture faculty, Kelli Harris, will be in the nation’s Capitol October 22 -25 attending the 26th National ATE Principal Investigators' Conference. Kinley and Dusty were selected to present information about their GIS (Geographic Information System) projects in agriculture at the conference.
This conference is held by the American Association of Community Colleges, with the support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. The conference is by invitation only and will bring together NSF ATE grantees and their project partners to focus on issues related to advanced technological education. Conference attendees represent community colleges, industry, secondary education, and 4-year colleges covering projects in a variety of areas, such as information technology, nanotechnologies, biotechnology, and more.
UA Cossatot has been a part of an NSF ATE grant called OPENGATE (Opening Pathways to Employment through Nontraditional Geospatial Applications in Technical Education) for the past three years. This grant is a collaboration between four community colleges in the University of Arkansas system with the University of Arkansas Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies, or CAST, serving as a technical resource. The goal of this grant is to increase access to education in location-based technologies to prepare students for employment in a wide variety of industries. As part of the grant, GIS technology and training has been integrated into the curriculum of the agriculture program at UA Cossatot.
Kelli Harris was able to nominate two students from UA Cossatot to apply to attend the conference. Dusty and Kinley were involved in numerous GIS projects in their agriculture classes at UA Cossatot. Both students have also attended and presented at the ArcGIS Users’ Forum in Little Rock, and Kinley attended additional training provided by Hanna Ford and Malcom Williamson from CAST this summer. After being nominated by Ms. Harris, the students submitted an application with the OPENGATE team. Only two students from all of the community colleges participating in the grant would be selected to apply to represent OPENGATE at the 2019 ATE conference in Washington, D.C., and Kesterson and Wright made it through both rounds of the selection process.
At the conference, the students will present a poster about their projects. This will allow them to highlight their program of study and the opportunities to use GIS technology in agriculture. On October 25, Dusty and Kinley will be recognized by the National Science Foundation for their achievement in ATE programs.
Dusty Kesterson's poster is about a project created in his Natural Resources class using a Survey123 app called "Naturally Fun in Sevier County". The app collects data about recreational activities that involve natural resources in Sevier County. Data was collected about the location of hiking trails, boat ramps, swim beaches, public hunting areas, and much more. Dusty's poster will show how the data was collected and analyzed. The Natural Resources class is also developing a partnership with the Sevier County Economic Development Commission to use the data collected to help promote tourism in Sevier County, Arkansas.
Kinley Wright's poster will describe a Survey123 app she developed called “Just Show It” that collects information from livestock exhibitors about their awards. The data can be used by livestock exhibitors, agricultural teachers, and 4-H leaders to organize, analyze, and display that information.
UA Cossatot instructor, Kelli Harris said, “I am very excited about the opportunity these students have to visit Washington D.C. and represent UA Cossatot at the ATE Conference. They have worked very hard on their projects and I know they will make us proud.”