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Samaritan Fields is taking shape east of the Sportsplex
A decade long dream of two De Queen men is coming ever closer to fruition. Samaritan Fields is taking shape on the north side of Collin Raye Drive, just east of the Sportsplex. De Queen High School alums Esteban Ochoa and Franklin Bahena have worked for years to create a local soccer facility.
Victor Rojas was raised and currently resides in De Queen, Arkansas. After graduating from De Queen High School in 2014, Victor became an education major at UA Cossatot. Today, Victor works for the Texarkana Independent School District as a teacher at Westlawn Elementary and credits UA Cossatot as being a big part of his journey.
In high school, Victor took college credit classes and decided to pursue a degree in education at UA Cossatot.
Victor said, "I chose to attend UA Cossatot because of affordability and location. My experience at UAC was overwhelmingly positive. UA Cossatot gave me, a first-generation college student, a first-rate education for which I am immensely grateful. My instructors were there to help when I needed it, and our Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, was – and still is- approachable and resourceful."
For two years, Victor took classes at the UA Cossatot De Queen Campus and online. In 2016, he graduated from UA Cossatot with an Associate of Science in Education K-6 degree.
Shortly after graduating, Victor was accepted into Southern Arkansas University's off-campus teacher education program. This program allowed him to stay in his hometown and work at his former high school as a substitute teacher and as a paraprofessional for the high school's alternative learning environment.
Victor graduated from SAU with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, graduating magna cum laude, in May of 2018. In addition to being licensed in the area of elementary education, he also received authorization by the state of Arkansas to teach middle school social studies and 4th-12th grade business technology classes.
In the fall of 2018, Victor began teaching Adult Education courses at UA Cossatot. For a full year, Victor taught beginning ESL and Citizenship 101 classes. In 2020, Victor returned to UA Cossatot to teach Citizenship 101, which prepares adult learners for the U.S. Naturalization exam.
Teaching this course is a rewarding experience for Victor. Victor Rojas said, "As the son of naturalized U.S. citizens, teaching this class is a special and meaningful way for me to help others.”
Since August of 2019, Mr. Rojas has worked for Westlawn Elementary in Texarkana, where he teaches 4th-grade math and science. Victor says that he enjoys preparing students for middle school and teaching them certain leadership habits – such as being proactive and synergizing. He also says his favorite part about being a teacher is forming relationships in the classroom.
Victor is currently considering attending the University of Arkansas School of Law this fall. He was recently granted admission, and he has a desire to further his education. He also plans to teach upper-level courses in the future.
Victor enjoys helping others learn, encouraging his students to reach their goals, and is very proud of his sister, America Rojas, who is a UA Cossatot Student Ambassador. He also urges those pursuing higher education to consider UA Cossatot.
"UA Cossatot is a great place to get a top-notch education. It is welcoming, affordable, and you will find support i
Governor Asa Hutchinson and Dr. Nathaniel Smith, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health, will provide an update to media this afternoon, Thursday, April 9, regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response. (Press play button above.)
In Sevier and Howard County, the Cooperative Extension Service is still on the job
Fast Facts:
Agents with the Cooperative Extension Service continue to serve Arkansans during pandemic
Agents available through phone, email and Internet communication platforms
Many resources available online for farms, families and communities at www.uaex.edu and www.uaex.edu/covid19
De Queen, Ark. — The Cooperative Extension Service has been serving the people of Arkansas, from agricultural communities in rural areas to school children in the cities, for more than 100 years, through good times and bad. Our current era, in which we all face serious health risks from the COVID-19 virus, is no different.
Minimizing the effects of this virus, which is unusually contagious and particularly lethal to members of our community who are elderly or immunosuppressed, depends largely on “social distancing” and otherwise limiting close contact. But that doesn’t mean we, as cooperative extension employees, aren’t still here to support our communities in all the ways we always have been.
Whether your needs are agricultural, financial, dietary or educational, our office staff are still here to offer the best in unbiased, research-based knowledge. We are still fundamentally engaged in supporting community and economic development, helping farmers make the best choices for their crops and helping families make the best use of their resources.
Our staff are as available and ready to work as they’ve always been. Our office is still open, just come to the side door and knock or call. While public health recommendations may limit in-person contact, we are also increasingly available through online venues, including webinars and internet-based teleconferencing. And of course, we’re still ready to answer questions and make recommendations by phone.
If you haven’t visited our website in a while, we recommend you take a look. Whether you need to locate your local agent, download one of our invaluable publications, or read the latest in agricultural reporting, www.uaex.edu is a vast resource for Arkansans. We also have a wealth of resources related to coping with COVID-19 at www.uaex.edu/covid19.
The bottom line is, we’re still on the job. And we want to help you be, too.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact the Sevier County Cooperative Extension Service office at (870) 584-3013 or Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517. Visit the website www.uaex.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service
Protect you and your family during the COVID-19 outbreak by practicing proper hand washing techniques. Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap. Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
2020 De Queen Valedictorian Luis Verdin-Gomez has been awarded approximately $69,000 renewable grants and scholarships at Rice University.
Luis is the son of Florencio and Maria Verdin. He will attend Rice University in the fall and double major in math and statistics.
Luis is a member of gifted and talented, history bowl, science bowl and quiz bowl. His educational accomplishments include graduating as the 2020 DHS Valedictorian as well as earning a 35 on the ACT (Superscore of 36).
Amber Morris, daughter of Ronald and Kimberly Morris, has been awarded an Arkansas Tech Academic Scholarship valued at $4,000. She has also been awarded a $750 State Fair Premium Scholarship.
Amber is a 2020 De Queen High School senior. She is a member of 4-H and FFA and is involved in archery and trap shooting.
Amber will attend Arkansas Tech University and major in Agricultural Education.
De Queen senior Jalissa Crow has been awarded the Arkansas Tech Leadership Scholarship valued at $8000. Jalissa plans are to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
She is the daughter of Ricardo and Tevita Martinez.
Jalissa is a member of FCCLA, FBLA, FCS, Leopard Vision, President of Arkansas Hispanic Youth Leaders of Arkansas. She is also a member of the Lady Leopard Soccer team.
“We will do all that is necessary to protect life and to come out of this pandemic with our face looking into the bright days of our future.”
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today delivered his State of the State address to the 92nd General Assembly ahead of the fiscal session. In order to allow room for sufficient social distancing, the Governor delivered the State of the State address from the Senate Chamber in the State Capitol. Members of the House watched the address virtually from their assembly at the Jack Stephens Center.
In his speech, the Governor addressed the importance of state resources to assist the people of Arkansas in the wake of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Governor also reaffirmed his belief in the historical resilience of Arkansans and committed to stand in the gap for Arkansans who have great need in this difficult time.
“We have learned through this public health emergency about how fragile life can be, but we have also seen courage and compassion of Arkansans in action,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Our nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and EMTs are on the front lines, risking their lives every day. … We see neighbors checking on neighbors, making grocery runs for those who can’t leave their house. Truckers are driving long hours to ensure the supply chain isn’t broken. Others are providing meals on the road so cross-country drivers can have an option to eat. Cafeteria workers are making sandwiches for the kids who count on school meals, and bus drivers are taking the meals to them.
“We may make mistakes, but make no mistake – our eyes are fixed on our next opportunity, our next challenge, and our next future victories. We will do what Americans and Arkansans have always done. We will be strong, and we will prevail.”
Governor Asa Hutchinson will deliver the State of the State address to the 92nd General Assembly ahead of the fiscal session on Wednesday. In order to allow room for sufficient social distancing, the Governor will deliver the State of the State address from the Senate Chamber in the State Capitol. Members of the House will watch the address virtually from their assembly at the Jack Stephens Center. (Press play button above.)
De Queen School district will regretfully cancel the grab and go meal program after this Friday April 10th. The rise of positive covid 19 cases in our county along with our concern for the health of our employees and their families has caused us to make this difficult decision. The district is looking into a possible food backpack program for those families with the most need. Please contact the District Administration office if you are interested in the backpack program.
As Arkansas grapples with the impacts of #COVID19, our Division of Agriculture economists are #StillOnTheJob breaking down how agriculture, government, and tourism are being affected in Arkansas throughout this crisis. The first impact report of our economy’s vital sectors has been released. Learn about the report: https://bit.ly/Ark-CV-Impact1. (Click on link below)
Report: COVID-19's impact on Arkansas economy includes ag labor, supply chain disruptions
April 7, 2020 By Mary HightowerU of A System Division of Agriculture Fast facts: Both functional food supply chains, Arkansas ag are essential to the state Risk, uncertainty in agriculture are greatly increased by COVID-19 CARES Act may give short-term relief amid losses of local tax revenue In a recession, consumers expected to migrate to less expensive proteins Crop outlook mixed Report available: https://www.uaex.edu/COVID-Ark-Economy (1,038 words)(Download this story in MS Word format here.)(Newsrooms: With additional accompanying graphics at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmMrft75) FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.
Governor Asa Hutchinson and Dr. Nathaniel Smith, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health, will provide an update to media this afternoon, Tuesday, April 7, regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response. Press play button above.
Virus reaffirms need for accurate and representative count in Arkansas
By Kara Wilkins
In the last few weeks, Americans have experienced unprecedented change in their daily lives. For some of us, this rapid shift in routine and lack of contact with our family, friends and colleagues has left us feeling discombobulated and, in certain cases, helpless. Many of us have expressed a desire to help those in need—even if it’s a small act from the comfort of our homes. During this time of anxiety for our state, and our nation, there is one thing we can all do to support our neighbors: complete the 2020 U.S. Census.
Right now, we are seeing our state grapple with the rapid spread of COVID-19. Under the strong leadership of Governor Asa Hutchinson and other elected officials, Arkansas has implemented extraordinary measures to help residents, companies, nonprofits and other organizations weather this national emergency. The state has expedited unemployment benefits, freed up working capital to provide small businesses with bridge loans and suspended SNAP work requirements to get food into the hands of the hungry. These actions, among the many others Arkansas has taken, will help many survive in a time of uncertainty. But they will require significant, and sustained, financial resources.
COVID-19 or not, Arkansas depends on funding from the federal government to succeed. That’s why participation in the U.S. Census is of upmost importance. The information gathered in the census determines the amount of funding we receive for education, healthcare, infrastructure and other essential services. Without these federal dollars, our state would not have the resources it needs to operate efficiently, in the height of crises or during times of normalcy. Even a one percent undercount of our state’s population, or approximately 30,000 people, could result in a loss of nearly $1 billion in funding.
To date, 140 million American households have received their first invitations in the mail to participate in the 2020 U.S. Census. While we are all at home over the next few weeks, we should visit My2020Census.Gov to complete these forms. Once we’re done, I challenge all of us to tell 20 friends, family members and fellow Arkansans to do it, too. With only 10 questions, it is simple and quick. And, in a time when we’re all practicing social distancing, it requires no human-to-human interaction. In fact, as the U.S. Census Bureau recently noted, “It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker.”
COVID-19 may have temporarily limited our abilities to go about our daily lives. But we cannot allow it to stunt our state’s participation in the 2020 U.S. Census. Now more than ever, this virus reminds us of how important it is to ensure an accurate and representative count. By answering a few simple questions, we can help Arkansas receive the federal funding it needs to thrive, now and in the future.
Census 2020
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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has extended the mandatory closure of all Arkansas public schools through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, he announced at a news conference today. Arkansas educators will continue to provide alternative methods of instruction (AMI) for students to continue learning at home.
“The continued spread of COVID-19 throughout the nation does not give me confidence that our educators, parents, and, most importantly, our students would be safe if schools were to resume on-site instruction in April,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Although on-site instruction has been discontinued until the 2020-2021 school year, it is critical that our students continue to learn at home.”
Governor Hutchinson made the decision to extend his directive for school closures in consultation with Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) Secretary Johnny Key and on the recommendation of Dr. Nathaniel Smith, secretary of the Department of Health (ADH).
“ADE is working closely with Arkansas educators, including members of local school boards, administrators, and teachers, to ensure that school districts have adequate support to continue AMI delivery through the remainder of the school year,” Secretary Key said.
Arkansas PBS will continue to broadcast streamlined, curriculum-based programming for the state’s pre-K through 8th grade students in partnership with ADE Division of Elementary and Secondary Education through May 1, 2020. After May 1, districts using Arkansas AMI resources will continue to provide education through their local AMI plans until the end of the academic year.
School districts may continue child nutrition services through meal delivery or meals-to-go methods in congruence with the ADH and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for precautionary measures, hand washing, and social distancing.
Governor Asa Hutchinson and Dr. Nathaniel Smith, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health, will provide an update to media this afternoon, Monday, April 6, regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response. Governor Hutchinson will provide a COVID-19 update on live video at 1:30 Monday afternoon, 04/06. Press play button above.
The Arkansas Department of Health has recommended Self Home Quarantine for 14 days for all travelers from the states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as well as those returning from New Orleans and all international locations. This is due to high rates of COVID-19 in those places as well as in a growing number of international locations. In the interest of the public health, all travelers who return from one of these locations are advised to quarantine at home for 14 days, starting from the date they left that location. If you develop fever, cough, or other symptom of COVID-19, you should contact your doctor for advice on where to be evaluated.
You can find details of home quarantine here: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsservices/topics/covid-19-guidance-for-self-home-quarantine
Arkansas Department of Health
We want to keep you informed regarding the novel coronavirus and inform you about how to self home quarantine. If you have had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 or traveled from New York state or any international location within the last 14 days, your medical provider will recommend that you home quarantine.
Briefly, home quarantine includes these steps:
* Remain at home and avoid all public activities. This means do not go to work, church, school, stores (including grocery stores), nor any public events or places.
* Do not have visitors in your home.
* If you live in a home with other people, stay in a separate room. If that is not possible, wear a face mask when you are in the same room and stay at least 6 feet away from them.
* Wash your hands and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often. Do not share personal items such as dishes, cups, forks, spoons, towels, etc.
* Do not leave your home except to get medical care. If you need to see a doctor for reasons other than a medical emergency, please call your medical provider to discuss the care you need.
* In the event of a medical emergency, call 911. Tell them that you are in self home quarantine for novel coronavirus exposure. Keep a face mask on until a health care provider asks you to remove it.
* Do not use any public transportation (buses, taxis, ride share services, or airplane).
* Check yourself for fever twice a day. This means taking your temperature in the morning and before bed at night. Write it down in a log or piece of paper.
For other COVID-19 questions, visit https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsservices/topics/novel-coronavirus .
Arkansas Department of Health
Please take steps to protect yourself. The ADH recommends: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Practice social distancing. Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick, by keeping at least 6 feet between you and others.
Little Rock, Ark. (April 5, 2020) – Arkansas Community Foundation announces a partnership with Gov. Asa Hutchinson asking Arkansans to make donations to the COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist in pandemic relief. All donations made to this fund will be granted to Arkansas nonprofits working to serve the state’s most vulnerable populations and those disproportionately affected by the coronavirus and its economic fallout.
Donations can be made online at www.arcf.org/covid19 or by mailing a check to Arkansas Community Foundation, 5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110, Little Rock, AR 72202.
This fund was created March 18, 2020, and the Governor is helping the Community Foundation promote the fund so that Arkansans are aware of how they can help each other.
“Hardships have been placed on many Arkansans because of this public health emergency. Tens of thousands of Arkansans have recently filed unemployment claims, and there are great needs in many Arkansas communities. Arkansans have been incredibly responsive to the needs of their neighbors by volunteering assistance in this time of crisis. I am pleased that the State is partnering with Arkansas Community Foundation to support the COVID-19 relief fund, a designated fund for Arkansans to donate and help other Arkansans,” said Gov. Hutchinson at a press conference today.
“This is why we exist—to help Arkansas communities” said Heather Larkin, President and CEO of Arkansas Community Foundation. “This fund is an efficient way to bring together donors with Arkansas nonprofits. We know that even during difficult times, Arkansans are still generous. We are honored that the Governor considers the Community Foundation the most trusted organization to help provide guidance for those able to help.”
Several Arkansas entities have already stepped up to begin helping. Over $2 million dollars have been pledged or donated by the following:
Arkansas Community Foundation
Entergy Charitable Foundation
Riggs CAT
Tyson Family Foundation
Walmart Foundation
Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation
Windgate Charitable Foundation
Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
The Community Foundation hopes that other foundations, businesses and individuals across the state will rise to the occasion and donate whatever they can during these unprecedented times. These donations will provide Arkansas nonprofits with the ability to continue their valuable work to meet community needs.
Since March 20, 2020, the Community Foundation has issued 175 grants to nonprofits helping with pandemic relief and is currently reviewing additional applications on a rolling basis. The grant portal is still open for nonprofits to apply. The fund will support community needs in human services, food, health, housing and education. Grants will be made to nonprofit agencies that meet both immediate and long-term needs related to the impact of COVID-19 in Arkansas.
With our network of 28 affiliates offices around the state and in collaboration with other nonprofits, Foundation leadership will be closely monitoring how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our communities and may deploy additional resources to best meet the evolving needs. Nonprofits can find more information by visiting www.arcf.org/covid19.
Annually, the Foundation typically issues about 2,500 grants and about $20 million dollars to Arkansas nonprofits.
Arkansas Community Foundation - You Can Create Positive Change in Your Community. We Can Help.
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Delegation Members Agree COVID-19 Pandemic Warrants Further Guard Assistance and Support
WASHINGTON— U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman— urged President Trump to approve Governor Asa Hutchinson’s request for additional funding and resources for the Arkansas National Guard in order to support the ongoing response to COVID-19 in the Natural State.
“While the Arkansas National Guard has been able to answer all Requests for Assistance to date, further funding will be necessary to support continued widespread taskings that are expected as patient numbers begin to exceed hospital space,” members wrote in the letter.
Below is the full text of the letter:
Dear Mr. President:
On behalf of the State of Arkansas, we are writing to support Governor Asa Hutchinson’s request for authority and additional funding under 502(f)(2)(A) of Title 32, U.S.C., for Arkansas National Guard resources to support the response to COVID-19 in Arkansas.
As Governor Hutchinson noted at the time of his request, the state of Arkansas had 738 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and is experiencing community spread in multiple areas, including Little Rock. Unfortunately, we expect those numbers to increase as the disease continues to spread, and the Arkansas National Guard is a critical component of the fight.
The Governor is requesting the following mission assignments for the Arkansas National Guard:
· Emergency Medical Care: Arkansas National Guard qualified military medics to support COVID-19, drive-thru testing.
· Emergency Medical Care: Arkansas National Guard medical personnel to provide technical assistance to the Arkansas Department of Health phone center to advise Arkansans on COVID-19;
· Emergency Medical Care: Arkansas National Guard personnel to assist the Arkansas Department of Health with an immediate re-write of quarantine, isolation, and expanded medical facility build out.
· Emergency Medical Care/Management Control: Arkansas National Guard personnel with Engineering Degrees to assist the United States Army Corps of Engineers in conducting assessments for sites selected as quarantine, isolation, and expanded medical facility build out.
· Management, Control: Arkansas National Guard personnel to assist the Arkansas Department of Health’s Emergency Operations Center to provide logistical support of tracking and delivering needed Personal Protective Equipment.
· Management Control: Arkansas National Guard personnel working in the Arkansas National Guard Joint Operations Center to track Arkansas National Guard missions, personnel, equipment, and providing predictive analysis to the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management and Arkansas Department of Health.
As noted by Governor Hutchinson, Arkansas is a balanced budget state and faces a $353 million budget shortfall between now and June 30, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. While the Arkansas National Guard has been able to answer all Requests for Assistance to date, further funding will be necessary to support continued widespread taskings that are expected as patient numbers begin to exceed hospital space.
Without this additional assistance and authority, it will be difficult for Arkansas to bare all of the responsibilities it will be facing in the coming months and focus the proper amount of time, energy and financial support necessary to get life back to normal.
The entire Arkansas delegation is eager to assist in any way possible to ensure expedited evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions. We thank you for the support you have already offered, and respectfully ask for your continued attention and assistance in providing the resources necessary to ensure the safety of Arkansans.