Howard County Farmers' Market Today

Market Monday, 27 June starting at 3 pm. in Nashville

For those who may not be able to come to the Friday morning market, we will be having a Monday afternoon market day on July 27th beginning at 3pm. We have seven vendors who will be bringing their items to the market.

Here is who's coming and what they plan to bring:

- Wildflowers -

Garden fresh onions, cucumbers, honey, jams & jellies, honeycomb, honey

- Mobbs Farm -

Okra, tomatoes

- Wenta Farm -

Hand-picked figs (fresh and frozen), cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, tomato plants

- Grandma Sylvia's Creations -

Crocheted facemasks, earrings

- Threat Farm -

Free-range eggs

- Columbus Arkansas Gardens

Plants: Salvia, wildflower mix, chia, amaranth

- Aunt Ferns Fried Pies –

Chocolate, apricot, coconut, pecan

We recommend you get there as soon as we open for the best selection. We also request you wear protective masks and follow social distancing of 6 feet separation from others as you shop at the market. Most importantly, please stay home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. We want everyone to have a safe time at the market.

WIC and SNAP Accepted by participating vendors. We thank you for your patronage!

12-year-old Girl and 15-year-old Boy Missing from Polk County

Polk County Sheriff's Office is searching for a 12-year-old girl, Chloe Kelly, and a 15-year-old boy, Raphael Overturf, who have been missing since Wednesday morning.

https://katv.com/news/local/polk-county-sheriffs-office-searching-for-missing-12-year-old-girl-15-year-old-boy

Polk County Sheriff's Office searching for missing 12-year-old girl, 15-year-old boy

Polk County Sheriff's Office is searching for a 12-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy who has been missing since Wednesday morning. Chloe Kelly, who was last seen in Mena, is described as having brown eyes and light brown hair. She stands at 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs approximately 106 pounds.

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (07.27.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Monday, July 27, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

UA Cossatot Provides Career Coaching for High School Students

As a new academic year approaches, UA Cossatot wants to encourage high school students to visit with a UA Cossatot Career Coach. UA Cossatot Career Coaches work within high schools and provide several services to help secondary students get ahead. UA Cossatot currently employs four Career Coaches within its High School Programs department who are available to help students enrolled at Nashville, Horatio, De Queen, and Ashdown High School.

UA Cossatot’s four Career Coaches include Amy Westfall for Nashville High School, Veronica Ozura for Horatio High School, Gabriela Balderas for De Queen High School, and Kelsey Smith for Ashdown High School.

Career Coaches provide advice, resources, information, and connections to help students in high school plan for college and future careers. They also assist students by helping them identify personal goals and figure out what career or direction would be best for them while educating students about available resources at UA Cossatot. One of these resources includes taking college credit classes in high school at no charge to the student through UA Cossatot.

UA Cossatot High School Programs Director, Julie Rhodes said, “Our Career Coaches are awesome. We are incredibly thankful that they’re working with our local high schools to provide students with these amazing benefits. Many of our current UA Cossatot students chose to take the first step in their post-secondary education due to the efforts of our hard-working Career Coaches.”

After working with UA Cossatot for many years, Amy Westfall became a full-time Career Coach in 2016 for Nashville High School. Amy says, “I love working with people, and in this job, I can help students determine what they might want to be and how to prepare for it. In my job, I tackle concurrent credit forms, college applications, all scholarships, FAFSA applications, college and career fairs, college trips, as well as military and special guest visits to our high school. When working with students, I also put an emphasis on the importance of test scores such as the ACT and ASVAB scores when it comes to planning ahead. I have a unique advantage, working in the junior high and high school setting, and I love that I can promote UA Cossatot for high school services.” Nashville students can contact Amy Westfall at 870-845-3201, ext. 518 or via e-mail at awestfall@cccua.edu.

Before working as a Career Coach, Veronica Ozura worked at UA Cossatot as a College Recruiter/Career Specialist. In that role, she saw the gap in what many high school students knew about how to get to college and prepare for it. As a first-generation student herself, she knew she could relate to the difficulties and also felt that she could help others bridge the gap between high school and college so that more students could achieve their career goals. In 2013, Ozura became a Career Coach for Horatio High School. This past month, Veronica took a new position as a Counselor for Horatio High School, where she will continue to work with the new Career Coach and UA Cossatot students. Veronica says, “As a Career Coach, I was able to build a connection to students and work with them one on one. I love working with students being the liaison between the college world and the high school world. It is the best of both worlds! I look forward to continuing to do that in my new role and as I work alongside the new Career Coach.” Veronica will continue to help students with Career Coach services, until the new Career Coach position has been filled. Horatio students can contact Veronica Ozura at 870-832-1900 or via e-mail at vozura@cccua.edu.

Gabriela Balderas began working as a Career Coach for UA Cossatot in the fall of 2014. Gabriela provides educational services to De Queen students on career and post-secondary planning. Balderas says, “I enjoy working with the students at De Queen High School. I believe we have some of the best students, and I love being able to see them grow from year to year and learn about their aspirations. I also like being able to connect students to resources offered at UA Cossatot while in high school. We have many students that attend

the UA Cossatot Secondary Career Center and many that are doing concurrent credit at the high school. These opportunities allow students to be able to get a head start on earning college credit.” De Queen students can contact Gabriela Balderas at 870-642-2426 or via e-mail at gbalderas@cccua.edu.

In 2019, Kelsey Smith became the first Career Coach for Ashdown High School. In her first year as a Career Coach, Smith has helped provide students with opportunities for job shadowing, mentoring, internships, visits to businesses and industries, as well as other career awareness activities. Kelsey says, “The thing I enjoy about my job the most is getting to work with my students every day. I love coming to work and helping students prepare for a new phase of life. No two people have the same path, and it is so cool to see the students realize their potential while finding fulfillment in their post-secondary choices! My main goal is for my students to feel positive and confident about their post-secondary path!” Ashdown students can contact Kelsey Smith at 870-898-3562, ext. 1007 or via e-mail at ksmith@cccua.edu.

Students can visit with Career Coaches in-person at their high school throughout the year, but they are encouraged to e-mail or call their Career Coach this summer to make preparations for the upcoming fall semester. Students who attend a high school that does not have a UA Cossatot Career Coach can still receive the same services by contacting High School Programs Director, Julie Rhodes at jrhodes@cccua.edu or 870-584-1343 

Before working as a Career Coach, Veronica Ozura worked at UA Cossatot as a College Recruiter/Career Specialist. In that role, she saw the gap in what many high school students knew about how to get to college and prepare for it. As a first-generation student herself, she knew she could relate to the difficulties and also felt that she could help others bridge the gap between high school and college so that more students could achieve their career goals. In 2013, Ozura became a Career Coach for Horatio High School. This past month, Veronica took a new position as a Counselor for Horatio High School, where she will continue to work with the new Career Coach and UA Cossatot students. Veronica says, “As a Career Coach, I was able to build a connection to students and work with them one on one. I love working with students being the liaison between the college world and the high school world. It is the best of both worlds! I look forward to continuing to do that in my new role and as I work alongside the new Career Coach.” Veronica will continue to help students with Career Coach services, until the new Career Coach position has been filled. Horatio students can contact Veronica Ozura at 870-832-1900 or via e-mail at vozura@cccua.edu.

After working with UA Cossatot for many years, Amy Westfall became a full-time Career Coach in 2016 for Nashville High School. Amy says, “I love working with people, and in this job, I can help students determine what they might want to be and how to prepare for it. In my job, I tackle concurrent credit forms, college applications, all scholarships, FAFSA applications, college and career fairs, college trips, as well as military and special guest visits to our high school. When working with students, I also put an emphasis on the importance of test scores such as the ACT and ASVAB scores when it comes to planning ahead. I have a unique advantage, working in the junior high and high school setting, and I love that I can promote UA Cossatot for high school services.” Nashville students can contact Amy Westfall at 870-845-3201, ext. 518 or via e-mail at awestfall@cccua.edu.

Gabriela Balderas began working as a Career Coach for UA Cossatot in the fall of 2014. Gabriela provides educational services to De Queen students on career and post-secondary planning. Balderas says, “I enjoy working with the students at De Queen High School. I believe we have some of the best students, and I love being able to see them grow from year to year and learn about their aspirations. I also like being able to connect students to resources offered at UA Cossatot while in high school. We have many students that attend the UA Cossatot Secondary Career Center and many that are doing concurrent credit at the high school. These opportunities allow students to be able to get a head start on earning college credit.” De Queen students can contact Gabriela Balderas at 870-642-2426 or via e-mail at gbalderas@cccua.edu.

Sunday's COVID-19 Numbers from the AR Dpt of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 896
  Active Positive: 53
  Recovered: 834
  Deaths: 9
  Negatives: 4,103

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 228
  Active Positive: 67
  Recovered: 159
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,079

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 78
  Active Positive: 23
  Recovered: 54
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,041

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 120
  Active Positive: 21
  Recovered: 99
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 1,924

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 55
  Active Positive: 19
  Recovered: 36
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 2,400

COVID-19 Update for Saturday, July 25th

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 893
  Active Positive: 61
  Recovered: 823
  Deaths: 9
  Negatives: 4,050

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 222
  Active Positive: 69
  Recovered: 152
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,053

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 77
  Active Positive: 26
  Recovered: 50
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,028

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 111
  Active Positive: 15
  Recovered: 96
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 1,877

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 49
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 31
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 2,346

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | For the Higher Calling of Health Care

LITTLE ROCK – This week, I met with doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville who have been on the front line of saving lives during this coronavirus pandemic. They were tired and stressed, but their work makes me grateful for their services and sacrifice. Today I’d like to talk about the need to find more people such as those to enter the field. I am hopeful that the sight of their heroic service will inspire others to choose a career in health care.

The numbers of those in the health care profession nationally and in Arkansas have been declining for years. This worldwide health crisis has highlighted the shortfall and the urgent need to correct it. There never has been a greater need for young people to enter the health care profession.

The reasons for the decline are many, but the result is that as health care professionals retire, there aren’t enough people to replace them. Americans are living longer, which means the number of people in need of medical care is growing as the number of providers shrinks. In the rural areas of Arkansas, the situation is even more challenging.

As the coronavirus has billowed across our nation like a toxic fog, the illness has illustrated the complicated nature of our health care system. We have seen how various medical specialties intersect, and that each is essential: Medical doctors and doctors of osteopathic medicine. Paramedics. Emergency room doctors and registered nurses. Respiratory therapists and licensed practical nurses. Home health caregivers. Researchers. Medical technicians. That is a very short list of the many important jobs in the health care field.

A health care career offers many benefits. You can find a job almost anywhere you want to live, and the jobs pay well.

But there is more to it than the personal benefit. Health care is a higher calling, much like any other public service. Those who choose that path often are called upon to put the good of others before personal comfort and convenience, as thousands have done during the pandemic. The hours are long, the work can be difficult. But there are the bright moments when someone saves a life or a homebound patient rewards a health aide with a smile of gratitude. 

Arkansas is growing and in need of more people who are willing to commit to that level of service. Our state needs young professionals with fresh perspectives to help us figure out new and better ways to deliver health care. We need tech-savvy professionals who elevate our health care system, which benefits all Arkansans: A tech-savvy health care system attracts high-quality business and industry and enhances Arkansas’s general quality of life.

COVID-19 has changed everything about our lives. We have no idea how long we will be fighting the current battle, but the health care professionals who are guiding us through this time inspire confidence and hope. My hope is that their inspiration will attract a new generation of professionals to accept the call.

Friday's COVID-19 Numbers

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 893
  Active Positive: 68
  Recovered: 816
  Deaths: 9
  Negatives: 4,030

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 217
  Active Positive: 70
  Recovered: 146
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,033

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 75
  Active Positive: 26
  Recovered: 48
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,019

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 109
  Active Positive: 14
  Recovered: 95
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 1,861

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 49
  Active Positive: 20
  Recovered: 29
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 2,333

U of A Seeks Applicants for LeadAR Program

A 22-month long leadership program through the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture continues through a pandemic. LeadAR offers participants a chance to have a global view of issues facing Arkansas and its communities.

Ballot Title Approved for Proposed Amendment by Arkansas Voters First

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — An Arkansas board has approved the ballot title and popular name for a proposed constitutional amendment that would shift the authority on who can redraw legislative and congressional boundaries for the next decade.

https://apnews.com/11e55fb315552e5def7a7f6cfe3d2da8

Arkansas board approves ballot title for proposed amendment

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - An Arkansas board has approved the ballot title and popular name for a proposed constitutional amendment that would shift the authority on who can redraw legislative and congressional boundaries for the next decade. The state Board of Election Commissioners voted Wednesday to advance the amendment proposed by The Arkansas Voters First.

Arkansas State Senator Jason Rapert Hospitalized From Coronavirus

An Arkansas state senator is in the hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus.

Sen. Jason Rapert on Thursday said in a statement provided by the Senate that he was hospitalized after being diagnosed with pneumonia and testing positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. The statement said Rapert was responding well to treatment.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-state-senator-jason-rapert-hospitalized-covid-19

Arkansas State Senator Jason Rapert Hospitalized For COVID-19

An Arkansas state senator is in the hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus. Sen. Jason Rapert on Thursday said in a statement provided by the Senate that he was hospitalized after being diagnosed with pneumonia and testing positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

University of Arkansas Issues Reopening Plan

After operating remotely since mid-March, the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville is re-opening in phases in preparation for fall semester under strict guidance from the campus COVID-19 Response Team. 

KUAF Post

University of Arkansas Issues Reopening Plan

After operating remotely since mid-March, the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville is re-opening in phases in preparation for fall semester under strict guidance from the campus COVID-19 Response Team. Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff Laura Jacobs provides details.

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Friday (07.24.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Friday, July 24, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response. (Click on play button above.)

Governor Hutchinson Appoints Solomon Graves Secretary of Department of Corrections

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has appointed Solomon Graves as Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Corrections. The governor announced the appointment today during his daily COVID-19 briefing.

“Solomon is stepping up during a difficult time in Arkansas, but with fourteen years of experience in adult corrections, he is well prepared for the task,” Governor Hutchinson said. “In my time as governor, I have benefited from Solomon’s breadth of knowledge of the prison system and the wisdom of his counsel. He is a compassionate leader who will vigorously fulfill the state’s responsibility to assure public safety balanced with the need for rehabilitation and reentry support.”

Mr. Graves succeeds Secretary Wendy Kelley, who has overseen the Department since 2015. 

“I am honored and humbled by the faith shown in me by Governor Hutchinson,” Mr. Graves said. “The staff and leadership of the Department are some of the most dedicated public servants I have ever met. My commitment to them is that we will remain focused on public safety and successful offender reentry, while we work to meet our varied challenges and improve the efficiency of our service to Arkansans.”

The Board of Corrections will consider Governor Hutchinson’s recommendation at a called meeting on Tuesday, July 28. 

Mr. Graves has served as Chief of Staff to Secretary Kelley for the past year. Before that, he was public information officer for the Division of Correction. From 2007 to 2016, he was board administrator for the Parole Board.

Governor Hutchinson appointed Mr. Graves to his Transformation Advisory Board in 2017, and he served on the Governor’s Transformation Transition Team in 2019.

Mr. Graves earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a master’s in public administration from Webster University.

Mr. Graves and his wife live in Little Rock. They have one son.

U of A Grad Students Request Increase in Stipends

Graduate assistants at the University of Arkansas are asking for higher wages. The request comes as the pandemic has made it more difficult to obtain a second job or meant more time preparing to teach in socially-distanced classrooms or even remotely. The university is forming a committee to examine the issue while graduate students are continuing to collect signatures in support of their effort.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/u-grad-students-request-increase-stipends

U of A Grad Students Request Increase in Stipends

Graduate assistants at the University of Arkansas are asking for higher wages. The request comes as the pandemic has made it more difficult to obtain a second job or meant more time preparing to teach in socially-distanced classrooms or even remotely.

Thursday's COVID-19 Updated Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 880
  Active Positive: 66
  Recovered: 805
  Deaths: 9
  Negatives: 4,015

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 209
  Active Positive: 69
  Recovered: 139
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,009

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 72
  Active Positive: 23
  Recovered: 48
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,013

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 106
  Active Positive: 13
  Recovered: 93
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 1,851

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 43
  Active Positive: 15
  Recovered: 28
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 2,267

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Thursday (07.23.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Thursday, July 23, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response. (Click on Play Button Above)

National Guard Called In to Assist at Washington Regional COVID Unit in Fayetteville

The face covering requirement is now in effect and while there is some push back against the mandate, the current conditions demand it. The state reported another 699 new cases with 11 counties reporting at least 20 new cases. There were also six additional deaths and 18 more hospitalizations, bringing the total number of hospitalized individuals to 471.

Among 11 regional states, from Kansas to Kentucky, Arkansas now has the third-highest rate of hospitalizations per 100,000 residents. Governor Asa Hutchinson also authorized 10 National Guard personnel to support case management work at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. During the most recent 24-hour reporting period, the state received fewer than 5,700 test results, so the governor said, reaching a goal of 200,000 tests in July will be a challenge.

Hutchinson also announced the state has received more than $8 million in federal CARES funds to help low income residents pay for utility bills, which will allow Arkansas to relaunch the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/national-guard-called-assist-washington-regional-covid-unit

National Guard Called In to Assist at Washington Regional COVID Unit

Governor Asa Hutchinson started Monday's coronavirus response briefing by reminding residents the face covering requirement is now in effect and while there is some pushback against the mandate, the current conditions demand it. The state reported another 699 new cases with 11 counties reporting at least 20 new cases, including 94 in Washington County, 57 in Benton County and 25 in Sebastian County.

Sevier County Libraries Reopening Soon

We have received news that our protective glass will be in next week.( only 3 weeks late but everyone is installing). As soon as we are able to get it installed then we will open. Since Masks are mandated by the Governor of Arkansas, masks will be required in all Sevier County Libraries. However if you have a health condition that prevents wearing a mask for a short time then give us a call and we will set up an appointment for you so we can make sure we have time to clean extra before you enter the building. We will also continue curbside service from 10-4 Monday - Friday.

UA Cossatot’s $500 CARES ACT Grant Application is Available for Fall Students

University of Arkansas Cossatot has announced that students who qualify can apply and receive a $500 CARES ACT Grant this fall. This grant was established with federal funds to help students that were and are still financially being impacted due to disruptions caused by COVID-19.

The deadline to register for fall classes and receive a fall CARES ACT Grant is September 1, 2020.
After registering for fall classes, students can complete the application at www.cccua.edu/cares. The
$500 checks will be mailed to students who qualify starting September 2, 2020.

UA Cossatot still has $233,000 of CARES ACT funds left from the spring and summer to be awarded to UA Cossatot students this fall. Students who are taking online courses or who have previously received the grant earlier this year are still eligible to apply for the CARES ACT Grant this fall.

UA Cossatot’s Student Services department is currently enrolling students in fall classes. Students can sign up for classes or seek assistance by contacting Student Services at 870-584-4471 or via e-mail at studentservices@cccua.edu. Students can also enroll in classes in-person with an Admissions Advisor. The college is open this summer Monday thru Thursday from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.
For more information about the UA Cossatot CARES ACT Grant Application, please visit www.cccua.edu/cares.

Cossatot Community College

What is the UA Cossatot FALL CARES ACT Grant? The UA Cossatot FALL CARES ACT Grant is a $500grant that was established with federal funds to help students that were/are financially impacted due to the disruption of campus operations caused by COVID-19.