, , ,

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

, , ,

Monthly revenue reports help to give us a picture of the state’s economy. The reports show us if Arkansans are making more, spending more, and if businesses are doing well. Recent reports have created an optimistic outlook.

Five months into the fiscal year, general revenue for the state continues to exceed expectations. In fact, more gross general revenue was collected this November than any November in state history. November collections totaled $515.2 million. That is $23 million more than November 2018.

Sales tax collections are contributing to the increase in general revenue. This month, the revenue from sales tax was $9.1 million or 4.5% above last year. On a year to date basis, sales and use taxes are 3.1% more than Fiscal Year 2019.

Legislation passed in the 2019 Regular Session began requiring online retailers to collect and remit taxes on in-state purchases. That legislation went into effect in July of this year.
To date, there has been $104.2 million more in gross general revenue collected than this time last year. That is a 3.9% increase.

Individual income tax collections are $73 million above this time last year. We anticipate income tax revenue to decrease next year as new legislation lowering income tax takes effect. The top rate for income tax will drop from 6.9% to 6.6% on January 1, 2020. It will drop again to 5.9% on January 1, 2021.

Corporate income taxes are also showing an increase from last year.

All of these increases reflect our low unemployment rate and healthy consumer confidence. The unemployment rate in Arkansas is 3.5%, just slightly below the national average.

By monitoring the state’s revenue closely, we are able to create a budget that best serves the needs of the public. Budget hearings for the next fiscal year begin March 4. We convene for the 2020 Fiscal Session on April 8.

You can review the monthly revenue reports at www.dfa.arkansas.gov.

Department of Finance and Administration

If you're an Arkansas driver, you have to assess, pay property taxes and have insurance before you can renew your car tags. Miss the deadlines and you could face penalties, late fees and expired registration. Sign up now to get timely reminders for everything that's due before you renew and you'll always be on time.

, ,

The Congressional App Challenge Winners from Murfreesboro

, ,
The Congressional App Challenge is a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills as they develop software and design new apps. This year, 59 teams entered the competition in the Fourth District. Pictured above are first place winners Aus…

The Congressional App Challenge is a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills as they develop software and design new apps. This year, 59 teams entered the competition in the Fourth District. Pictured above are first place winners Austin Jackson and Brandon White from Mufreesboro High School for their app, "Check Me Out." I'm looking forward to hosting them in D.C.!
Bruce Westerman
Arkansas' Fourth District Congressman

,

The National Cold War Museum Launches Website and Fundraising Campaign

,

Blytheville, AR (December 5, 2019) – A website to promote the forthcoming National Cold War Museum in Blytheville, Arkansas has been launched. It is www.thenationalcoldwarmuseum.org.

The website tells the story of a community vision to convert several sections of the former Eaker Air Force Base into a national visitor attraction in Arkansas. The National Cold War Museum will chronicle the historic events that took place during the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union and the role that the base played.

"This former U.S. Air Force base has so many stories to tell because over 300,000 people helped fight the Cold War on this very ground,” said Liz Smith, museum board secretary. “We are excited that the website and social media will help us raise awareness and the funds necessary to bring these stories to life."

In addition to the website, The National Cold War Museum has established a Facebook page and GoFundMe account to strengthen fundraising efforts for the second phase of development, which includes the January 2020 opening of the first on-site exhibit and welcome area. This first exhibit, the Blytheville Air Force Base Exhibition, will be a historical perspective on the base and will set the stage for and highlight the vision of the museum.

Future phases of the museum will feature on-site experiences including a museum welcome center, self-guided tours, an interactive alert tower, B52 bombers, the Cold War Legacy Gallery, and more.

“This is an exciting time for the city of Blytheville and the entire state of Arkansas,” said Mary Gay Shipley, board chairman. “We believe that this museum will be a major national attraction for people with a keen interest in American and military history.”

For additional information about The National Cold War Museum, visit www.thenationalcoldwarmuseum.org.

Remembering the War that Saved the World

The National Cold War Museum, located on Eaker Air Force Base, will be recognized as a major tourist attraction in Arkansas that will provide an immersive and authoritative experience in informing, interpreting and honoring the legacy of the Cold War.

, , ,

UA Cossatot Offers Meal Plan Options

, , ,

UA Cossatot will continue to offer meal plan options for students during the spring 2020 semester. By completing a Colt Bucks form, UA Cossatot students will be able to set up meal plan options through the UA Cossatot Campus Café.
The University of Arkansas Cossatot has two Campus Cafés that are located on the De Queen and Nashville Campuses. Their hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 7:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. for the spring 2020 semester.
Students who purchase a meal plan will receive a UA Cossatot Colt Bucks card. The Colt Bucks card can contain four different meal plan options.
The Gold Plan is $300, the Silver Plan is $200, and the Bronze Plan is $100. Students can also add a custom amount to fit their needs.
Students can purchase a Colt Bucks meal plan at any time. If students wish to use financial aid for a meal plan, they must complete a Colt Bucks form by January 28, 2020. Forms are available in the Business Office on the De Queen Campus and at the front desk in the Atrium at the Nashville Campus.
Students who purchase a meal plan for the spring semester are also able to use that meal plan amount in the summer of 2020 until the 2019-2020 academic year is completed on July 31, 2020.
For questions or concerns regarding UA Cossatot meals plans, please contact UA Cossatot at 870-584-1113 or 970-584-1215 or e-mail askbusinessoffice@cccua.edu.
To sign up for classes next semester, please contact Student Services at 870-584-4471

meal.jpg
, , ,

ARNEC Program Nursing Instructor Needed

, , ,

FULL-TIME POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
ARNEC Program NURSING INSTRUCTOR

The Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC) seeks a dynamic, innovative, and creative educator for the position of Registered Nursing Instructor to add to its ARNEC teaching team.
ARNEC is a consortium of eight Arkansas community colleges: ASU-Newport, Black River Technical College, UA Cossatot, Ozarka College, South Arkansas Community College, University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, and University of Arkansas Community College at Rich Mountain.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Maintain a valid, unencumbered Arkansas Registered Nursing license
• Master of Science in Nursing required; Bachelor's Degree in Nursing will be considered if applicant is, or is planning to be enrolled in an accredited Master of Science in Nursing program
• Must have at least three (3) years of clinical nursing experience with five (5) years preferred; minimum of one (1) year of nursing education experience preferred
• Travel is required as part of the twelve-month faculty position
• Must be knowledgeable of the rules, regulations, principles, and policies in all fields of nursing
• Maintain educational and clinical competencies in areas of instructional responsibilities
• Must be able to pass a background check
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• To prepare and present curriculum in collaboration with faculty and the ARNEC program director
• Meet for class regularly and punctually; follow instructor guidelines as outlined in the ARNEC Faculty Handbook
• Teach needed courses and maintain a classroom that is conducive to learning
• Appropriately direct students according to ARNEC policies and procedures for conflict resolution
• Communicate professionally with all constituents of the consortium
• Demonstrate positive student rapport
Primary permanent office location will be at the college campus closest to the educator’s home.
SALARY:
Salary is in the $60,000 range; dependent upon education and experience and position includes paid vacation and sick leave, a retirement package, group health, dental, vision, short and long term disability, and life insurance options.
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
Friday, January 4, 2020 at 4:30 p.m., or until a suitable candidate has been selected
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Submit a completed UA Cossatot application, cover letter, detailed resume, unofficial college transcripts, three professional letters of reference, and a three (3) to five (5) minute video clip of a teaching presentation over the healthcare subject of your choice. Submissions may be mailed to UA Cossatot, Attn: Human Resources, 183 College Drive, DeQueen, AR 71832, e-mailed to kplunk@cccua.edu , faxed to 870-642-6864, or brought by in person.
All requested application materials must be completed and submitted within application packet to be considered.
Applications can be downloaded at https://www.cccua.edu/jobs, Employment Opportunities link, or call 870-584-1104 to request one.
UA Cossatot is an EEO/AA/ADA employer. Qualified minorities are encouraged to apply.

lpn.png
,

Howard County 4-H Youth at National 4-H Congress In Atlanta, Georgia

,

Two Howard County 4-H youth attended National 4-H Congress recently in Atlanta, Georgia. They included Abbie Lamb and Nick Trombley. Jim Bob Lamb, Howard County 4-H Volunteer leader also attended the conference. The group joined 28 other youth from across Arkansas and youth from across the United States and Puerto Rico attended the five day conference.
“Go Beyond” was the theme of this year’s conference. During the week youth participated in leadership and community service activities including volunteering at local schools, cleaning parks and cemeteries. The group also had the opportunity to tour some of the sites including - The World of Coke Museum, Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Braves Baseball Complex, plus have lunch at the world famous Ritz hotel.
One of the highlights of the trip included an “Evening of Culture” where the group visited various countries through exhibits and tasting of traditional foods. This event is one of the highlights of the trip.

howard.jpg


Abbie and Nick were recognized for their 4-H career and accomplishments this past summer at the State 4-H Achievement Banquet in Fayetteville. According to Jean Ince, County Extension Agent-Staff Chair, “This is the highest recognition for any 4-H member. They have put in countless hours of community service and leadership through their years in 4-H in order to achieve at this level. I am extremely proud of these 4-Hers. One of the benefits of my job as a county agent is to watch youth grow into confident adults. It’s amazing to see them change from someone who is super shy into one who has no problem speaking and sharing what they have learned before various groups.”

,

Sevier County Library Snippets for December: Johnye Fisher

,

Merry Christmas from the ladies at the De Queen Library we hope all have safe travels and journeys.
Thank you to the community for having such giving hearts. The food for fines and Mr. Rogers Sweater Drive was a great success once again. We collected so many items to be distributed locally for the community we haven’t had time to count them. We collected 147lbs all together for food for fines.
We will be having a story time with Tammy Smith of the De Queen School System on December 4th at 4 pm. The book will be read aloud while she uses American Sign Language to convey the story to the children.
The De Queen Library will kick off its 10th annual Christmas program with the 5th annual Cocoa and story with Mrs. Claus Saturday December 14th at 10 am. There will be lots of fun, songs stories and goodies for the first 30 Children.
Don’t forget those Domino games going on Wednesdays at 10am.You can contact us by calling 870-584-4364 or visiting our Facebook page www.facebook.com/seviercountylibrary

Tis the season to be jolly. Speaking of Jolly we have some exciting news. Photographers Don House and Sabine Schmidt has included the Horatio Library in their Remote Access project. Horatio was one of the 25 library's chosen out of the 235 public library's in Arkansas. The project highlights the small libraries across the state and the people who rely on them. They will be visiting the library on Saturday, December 7th from 8:30 til 12:30. House states " I'm interested in the people, their personality, what they're wearing, what they're carrying, why they are there. There is no posing, no pre-conceived notions. When I'm done, if I've been successful, I have opened a window on the community, the people who make it what it is." The collection of photo's will be put in a book and be a part of a traveling exhibition. No cost of any kind is involved. As a thank you for participation each person will receive a complimentary copy of their photo. Mrs. Amy received a letter from Santa and Mrs. Claus last Friday saying they will be stopping by the library on December, 21. There will be a story time at 10 a.m. and first 30 kids will receive a stocking full of goodies. Boys and Girls make sure you are on your best behavior because Santa will want to know. We look forward to seeing you here. We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

At the Lockesburg Library there will be a book club discussion of December’s selection “A Tree Grows In Brooklyn”, by Betty Smith at 10:00 Saturday, Dec. 14. January’s book club selection will be available to pick up at this meeting.
A Come and Go Open House is planned Saturday, December 21 from 10:00 until 11:30. Stop by to help complete our new StickTogether winter poster and for refreshments at the Lockesburg Library.
Contact Wendy Clay at 870-289-2233 for more information concerning programs, books and activities at the library.

Lockesburg Library’s Summer Reading Programs for children are
continuing in July on Saturdays at 10:00.
July 6: Take Me to Your Reader
July 13: Shoot For the Moon
These programs will be a fun way to include reading and reading-
related activities this summer while helping to maintain and
improve children’s reading skills.
Everyone is invited come in to the library and participate in our
40”x 36”, “Stick Together” poster illustrating the theme “A
Universe Of Stories”.
Visit the Lockesburg Library on Facebook for posts of our
programs, reading contests and projects or call Mz. Wendy at
870-289-2233 for more information.
Lockesburg Library’s Summer Reading Programs for children are
continuing in July on Saturdays at 10:00.
July 6: Take Me to Your Reader
July 13: Shoot For the Moon
These programs will be a fun way to include reading and reading-
related activities this summer while helping to maintain and
improve children’s reading skills.
Everyone is invited come in to the library and participate in our
40”x 36”, “Stick Together” poster illustrating the theme “A
Universe Of Stories”.
Visit the Lockesburg Library on Facebook for posts of our
programs, reading contests and projects or call Mz. Wendy at
870-289-2233 for more information.
On Saturday, Aug. 3rd at 10 AM the “That’s My Story and
I’m Stickin’ to It” Book Club will meet at the Lockesburg
Library to discuss the novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale” by
Margaret Atwood.
Our “Biggest Book Sale of the Year” will be held the first
two weeks in August. Paperbacks books will be available
for .50 and hardback books $1. Don’t miss this opportunity
to purchase some really nice books and support your
library’s fund raiser.
Visit the Lockesburg Library on Facebook for posts of our
programs, activities and projects or call Mz. Wendy at 870-
289-2233 for more information concerning programs and
activities at the library.
On Saturday, Aug. 3rd at 10 AM the “That’s My Story and
I’m Stickin’ to It” Book Club will meet at the Lockesburg
Library to discuss the novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale” by
Margaret Atwood.
Our “Biggest Book Sale of the Year” will be held the first
two weeks in August. Paperbacks books will be available
for .50 and hardback books $1. Don’t miss this opportunity
to purchase some really nice books and support your
library’s fund raiser.
Visit the Lockesburg Library on Facebook for posts of our
programs, activities and projects or call Mz. Wendy at 870-
289-2233 for more information concerning programs and
activities at the library.
The Gillham Library will have their regular Story Time and Craft Day Saturday in December check our facebook page for details. New on the shelf : Mystery of Julia Episcopa by John Rigoli the Vatican Chronicles Book 1 and Noel Street by Richard Paul Evans. We have another donation of Diane Palmer books, which are for sale.Open Tuesday and Saturday 9-5 Closed 12 to 1:00 for lunch. For more information, you can contact Susie at the Gillham Library at 870-386-5665 or you can visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gillhamlibrary

Sevier County Library

Sevier County Library, De Queen, AR. 779 likes. Changing the world one book at a time.

,

Bank of Lockesburg Customer Appreciation Day is Friday, December 6th

,

The Bank of Lockesburg Customer Appreciation Day is Friday, December 6th. They will be serving refreshments from 8:30 until 4:30 pm. Also, Santa will be there to talk with the children from 3:00 pm until 4:30 pm that day as well.

Also, the bank will have a hot chocolate/punch table set up during the Lockesburg Christmas parade. They will start serving about 3:30 pm, and when Santa finishes the parade, he will be coming to the bank parking lot and everyone is invited.