Center for Student Success Honors Students

On November 19, 2019, the UA Cossatot Center for Student Success held its first awards ceremony to honor outstanding students of the college. The awards ceremony took place in the Skilled Trades building on the De Queen Campus where nominated students were recognized for their accomplishments and hard work.

Students who received awards for special recognition included Kendra Rodriguez, Belen Hernandez, Eruby Rodriguez, Jose Rio, Jessica Aguilar, Jorge Soto, Geraldine Childs, Joel Guerrero, Maggie Cornelio, Yudibeth Herrera, Jhamilex Hernandez Ortiz, America Pulido-Rojas, Karina Lopez-Balderas, Laura Salas, Veronica Marrufo, Angela Vertiz, and Diana Hernandez.

These students were nominated by student organization sponsors, faculty, and staff members of UA Cossatot. Such students have distinguished themselves through outstanding academic achievement, leadership and have demonstrated personal excellence.

Rotaract students were also present at the awards ceremony and were recognized for their contributions to the organization and for following the Rotaract motto of “Service above Self” throughout the fall 2019 semester.

Maria de Monservat, representing the Mexican Consulate of Little Rock, was the invited guest speaker at the event. Along with the Center for Student Success Coordinator, she awarded scholarships at the ceremony to six students also providing everyone with encouraging words. The students who received scholarships included Diana Hernandez, Jose Rio, Jessica Aguilar, Jorge Soto, Laura Salas, and Veronica Marrufo.

At the event Center for Student Success Coordinator, Erika Buenrrostro spoke about the services and opportunities that the Center for Student Success provides for students of the college.

The second annual Center for Student Success Awards Ceremony is scheduled to take place in November of 2020.

Photo (from left to right) includes: Diana Hernandez, Jose Rio, Jessica Aguilar, Maria de Monservat, Jorge Soto, Laura Salas, Veronica Marrufo, and Erika Buenrrostro.

Photo (from left to right): top row: Kendra Rodriguez, Belen Hernandez, Eruby Rodriguez, Jose Rio, Jessica Aguilar, Jorge Soto, Geraldine Childs, and Joel Guerrero. Bottom Row: Maggie Cornelio, Yudibeth Herrera, Jhamilex Hernandez Ortiz, America Pulido-Rojas, Karina Lopez-Balderas, Laura Salas, Veronica Marrufo, Angela Vertiz, and Diana Hernandez.

KCS Holiday Express in De Queen Tuesday

De Queen/Sevier County Chamber Parade Winners

2019 De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce’s
“Christmas Around the World” Parade Winners

The Judges have spoken and the winners for this year’s parade have been chosen and are listed below. For the record, our Judges from Little River County wanted everyone to know that it was VERY close in several categories! Prize Checks will be sent as follows; First place- $100, Second place-$75, and Third place- $50.
We would like to thank the community for another successful parade! We had more entries this year than ever! Many thanks are in order because no one pulls off an event like this without major help and it takes a load of volunteers to make this possible which means that everyone working is working for free but it is all a labor of love! The Chamber would like to thank Sevier County Judge, Greg Ray, for the use of the courthouse lawn and all the work it took to get the Courthouse lit up so beautifully to kick off the Christmas season. Thank you to the City of De Queen Mayor and City Police Officers and Fire Fighters for helping close streets and direct traffic. Thank you to Loren Hinton for the wonderful job emceeing and streaming live so anyone who wanted to watch could. Thank you to our vendors for the great turnout and all media outlets for coverage of the parade! Finally, thank you to ALL the volunteers from our community that gave up their Saturday afternoon and night from friends of board members to other community board volunteers, and the UA Cossatot Student Ambassadors.

Hemp Producer Meeting in De Queen December 19th

Sevier County Courthouse Christmas Lighting and De Queen Parade

UA Cossatot OTA Pinning Ceremony at Bank of Lockesburg Historic Gymnasium

UA Cossatot RN Pinning Ceremony at Bank of Lockesburg Historic Gymnasium

UA Cossatot RN Pinning Ceremony was Saturday at noon at the Bank of Lockesburg Historic Gymnasium.

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 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

Christmas on Main in Horatio Saturday

Sevier County Hospital Board Meeting Thursday

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

De Queen Razzle Dazzle at Ed 88 Studios Thursday Morning

Thank you Razzle Dazzle for the fine performance this morning at Ed 88!

Lion Jim Smith Introduced David Shelton Tuesday at De Queen Lions Club Meeting

Lion Jim Smith introduced the guest speaker for Tuesday’s meeting in De Queen. David Shelton works for the 9th Judicial District-West Prosecuting Attorney Bryan Chesshir and includes Howard, Sevier, Little River and Pike counties.

Dierks Christmas Parade December 16th

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.

Wendy and Max Pratt at Nashville Rotary

Wednesday’s program at the Nashville Rotary Club was presented by Wendy and Max Pratt who told the group about the Tiny Leaders program in Nashville.

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.

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.”

Pesticide Training Class Tuesday December 10th

There will be a Pesticide Training class on December 10, 2019. There are two classes on that day. The times of classes are 2:00 p.m. and one at 5:30 p.m. If you have any questions feel free to call our office at 870-584-3013.
Sevier County Extension Service
Phone: (870) 584-3013.