UA Cossatot Fiesta Fest Postponed

UA Cossatot’s annual Fiesta Fest held in Downtown De Queen will be postponed until May 1, 2021.

Fiesta Fest organizers are already planning for next year’s festival and are working to create a fun and exciting event the entire Southwest Arkansas community will enjoy.

Fiesta Fest focuses on bringing the community together to celebrate all the cultures of Southwest Arkansas while raising money for UA Cossatot students.

Vendor and sponsorship forms are available online for Fiesta Fest 2021 and can be found by visiting www.cccua.edu/ff.

For more information on Fiesta Fest and how you can participate, contact Dustin Roberts at 870-584-1172 or droberts@cccua.edu.

Cossatot Community College

Fiesta Fest has been scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2021, in Downtown De Queen, from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Fiesta Fest is the Foundation's largest community event. The event focuses on bringing the community together to celebrate all of the cultures of Southwest Arkansas, while raising money for UA Cossatot students.

Kristen Gibson on University of Arkansas’ Short Talks From the Hill

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In a new episode of the University of Arkansas’ Short Talks From the Hill, Kristen Gibson explains how soap destroys respiratory viruses such as coronavirus and offers tips for handling potentially contaminated surfaces.

Gibson is an associate professor of food safety and microbiology for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, and in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. She studies the fate and transport of pathogens within food systems, focusing on human noroviruses and fresh produce, as well as retail food safety.

When the coronavirus pandemic broke, Gibson's knowledge and expertise were in high demand. Was packaged and take-out food safe? How should it be handled? Gibson addressed these concerns with several media outlets and emphasized the critical importance of hand-washing, something everyone should be doing regularly, she says, even when there isn't a pandemic.

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In this new podcast, Gibson explains the effect of soap on respiratory viruses, such coronavirus.

"Respiratory viruses have what is called an envelope. And this is basically … a fatty layer around the virus itself. And so, if you remember a little bit about chemistry from back in the day, soap is designed to break down fat. So, for respiratory viruses, soap will destroy that outer envelope that protects the virus. And then it makes it more susceptible to kind of destroying the virus and making it not able to infect anymore."

To listen to Gibson discuss her research, go to ResearchFrontiers.uark.edu, the home of research news at the University of Arkansas, or visit the "On Air" and "Programs" link at KUAF.com.

Short Talks From the Hill highlights research and scholarly work at the University of Arkansas. Each segment features a university researcher discussing his or her work. Previous podcasts can be found under the 'Short Talks From the Hill' link at ResearchFrontiers.uark.edu.

To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uark.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch and Instagram at ArkAgResearch.

Wednesday's Arkansas COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 944
  Active Positive: 35
  Recovered: 899
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,452

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 303
  Active Positive: 60
  Recovered: 241
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,408

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 158
  Active Positive: 70
  Recovered: 87
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,199

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 132
  Active Positive: 15
  Recovered: 116
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,182

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 84
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 65
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,689

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Contact tracing is one of the most important public health strategies currently available to help us reduce the spread and transmission of COVID-19.

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The idea behind contact tracing is to see who is a close contact of an individual who has tested positive for the virus, identify who has been exposed, provide them with information about testing and how to quarantine. Contact tracers help notify people who may not know they have been exposed and helps close the loop.

This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) voted to direct $16 million of federal funds to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) to expand contact tracing. The extra funding requested is meant to fund an equivalent 350 contract tracers and 20 nurses.

ALC also approved the use of $7 million in federal CARES Act funds for COVID-19 relief in Northwest Arkansas. The money will be used to track a spike in cases in the Marshallese and Latinx communities. A large portion of COVID-19 deaths in Northwest Arkansas has come from these communities.

To help with contact tracing, ADH has contracted with two firms, General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) and Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC). These two contractors are on track to have a combined 700 contract tracers by the end of the year.

Many contact tracers will call from the number (877) ARCOV19 or (877) 272-6819, but a contact investigator may also reach out from a different phone number.

It’s possible you won’t recognize the number, but it’s important to answer or return the call if it goes to voicemail.

The case investigator and contact tracer will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card. If the caller ever discusses money, that’s a sign that it is not a legitimate Department of Health investigator. If you want to verify that you have been contacted by a Health Department case investigator or contact tracer, you may call (800) 803-7847.

Tuesday's COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 939
  Active Positive: 35
  Recovered: 894
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,449

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 300
  Active Positive: 67
  Recovered: 231
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,405

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 156
  Active Positive: 70
  Recovered: 85
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,193

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 131
  Active Positive: 17
  Recovered: 113
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,164

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 81
  Active Positive: 20
  Recovered: 60
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,653

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Governor Asa Hutchinson Announces Intent to Grant Executive Clemency

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced his intent to grant 11 pardons. An additional 34 clemency requests were denied and four had no action taken upon them. These include requests from both inmates and non-inmates.

The applicants intended for pardons have completed all jail time and paid all fines related to their sentences. There is a 30-day waiting period to receive public feedback on the notices before final action is taken.

Governor Hutchinson intends to grant pardons to the following people:

John R. Fortune (El Dorado): Theft of Property (C Felony) (Case #17724).

This notice is issued based on the dates of conviction (1981 – Union County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Wendi Kelley (Hot Springs): Theft of Property over $200 (C Felony) (CR 93-392).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1994 – Garland County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Brian Landthrip (Oark, AR): Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Felony) (CR 96-40),Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Revocation) (C Felony) (CR 96-40), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Revocation) (C Felony) (CR 96-40).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1996 – Johnson County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Andrew Lewis (Leslie): Possession of Controlled Substance-Schedule I/II (C Felony) and Drug Paraphernalia (A Misdemeanor) (CR 2006-114).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2007 – Searcy County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Steven D. Prine (Tuckerman): Residential Burglary (B Felony)(CR 96-58), Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 96-58), Commercial Burglary (C Felony)(CR 97-10), Theft of Property (B Felony)(CR 97-10), Theft by Receiving (B Felony)(CR 97-10), Commercial Burglary (C Felony)(CR 97-14), Breaking or Entering (D Felony)(CR 97-14), and Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 97-14).

This notice is issued based on the date of convictions (1997 – Jackson County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. The Prosecuting Attorney has raised objections to the application.

David Sims (North Little Rock): Carrying Certain Prohibited Weapon (Misdemeanor)(CR 98-000038), Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor)(CR 98-000039), and Domestic Battering 3rd (A Misdemeanor)(CR 99-002478).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1998 – Pulaski County, 2000 - Pulaski County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Marguerite Taggart  (Pine Bluff): Attempted Robbery (B Felony)(CR 85-113-1), Robbery (Revocation) (B Felony)(CR 85-113-1), Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 88-64-1), Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 93-714), and Robbery (B Felony)(CR 96-554-3).

This notice is issued based on the dates of conviction (1985- Jefferson County, 1988 - Jefferson County, 1988 - Jefferson County, 1994 - Jefferson County, 1996 - Jefferson County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Janice A. Thomas/Allyoune (Little Rock): Robbery (B Felony) (CR 87-02601).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1988 – Pulaski County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. The Prosecuting Attorney has objections to the application.

Michael E. Walker (Glenwood): Criminal Mischief in the First Degree (C Felony) (CR 99-55).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1999 – Clark County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Ty Woods (Hot Springs): Theft Of Property $2,500 or more (B Felony)(CR 2006-1274).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2007 – Craighead County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Joe A. Vance (Gillham): Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine, 3 counts (Y Felony) (1994-41, 1994-40, and 1994-39) (Guilty Plea), Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) (Y Felony) (2001-118) (Guilty Plea), and Attempted Manufacture of Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine (A Felony) (2006-86) (Guilty Plea).

This notice is issued based on the dates of conviction (1995 - Sevier County, 2002 - Sevier County, 2007 - Sevier County), and the fact that there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

VIDEO: Governor Asa Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (08.03.20) 130PM

High school football teams can begin no-contact practice in Arkansas starting this week as the total number of people to test positive for the coronavirus surpasses 42,000.

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Monday, August 3, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

Monday's Number of COVID-19 Cases

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 935
  Active Positive: 34
  Recovered: 891
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,409

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COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 296
  Active Positive: 71
  Recovered: 223
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,374

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 153
  Active Positive: 71
  Recovered: 81
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,186

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 128
  Active Positive: 16
  Recovered: 111
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,137

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 78
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 59
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,629

Howard County Farmers Market Open This Monday Afternoon

Market Monday, 3 August starting at 3 pm.

For those who may not be able to come to the Friday morning market, we will be having a Monday afternoon market day Monday, 3 Aug starting at 3 pm. We have some vendors who will be bringing their items to the market.

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

- Wenta Farm -

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Hand-picked figs (fresh and frozen), cucumbers, tomatoes, hot and sweet peppers, squash, tomato plants, frozen blackberries

- Wildflowers -

Garden fresh onions, cucumbers, eggplant, okra, peppers, honeycomb, honey

- Mobbs Farm -

Vine-ripened tomatoes

- Grandma Sylvia's Creations -

Crocheted facemasks, earrings

- Threat Farm -

Free-range eggs

If more vendors contact us we will update our Facebook page.

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!

YouthBuild Program Launches August 17 at UA Cossatot

UA Cossatot recently became the second college in Arkansas to offer a YouthBuild program. YouthBuild programs provide educational training and occupational skill development to students ages 16 to 24. In the program, students can choose two skill pathways to obtain employment in construction/carpentry or industrial maintenance/welding.

The program's first semester will begin on August 17, 2020, at UA Cossatot's De Queen Campus, and the deadline to enroll in the program is August 10. No educational requirements exist to register. Students who do not have a high school degree or a GED certificate will earn their GED certificate in the program.  

Depending upon class size, the Construction/Carpentry Pathway will be offered in the morning, while the Industrial Maintenance/Welding Pathway will be available in the afternoon.  

Students who sign up to participate in the YouthBuild program will have the opportunity to learn hands-on experience while learning skills that can lead to future employment. The program is free to everyone enrolled, and YouthBuild students will benefit from supportive services at UA Cossatot. 

Leslie Daniels and Steve McJunkins

Leslie Daniels and Steve McJunkins

The college's Job Placement Specialist will be working independently with students to help them learn about available careers. UA Cossatot's YouthBuild program will give students the opportunity to give back to their communities while volunteering and achieving experience they can use throughout their lifetime. 

UA Cossatot's YouthBuild program consists of three staff members: Instructor, Steve McJunkins; Job Placement Specialist, Casey Morris; and Case Manager, Leslie Daniels. The college’s YouthBuild staff are located in the Frachisuer-Pullium building on UA Cossatot's De Queen Campus.

To enroll in UA Cossatot's YouthBuild program or for more information, please contact Casey Morris at 870-557-0883 or cmorris@cccua.edu. Students can also contact Leslie Daniels at 870-584-9798 or ldaniels@cccua.edu. UA Cossatot is open from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. this summer Monday thru Thursday. Walk-ins are always welcome.


COVID-19 Update for Sunday from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 933
  Active Positive: 37
  Recovered: 886
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,401

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 294
  Active Positive: 73
  Recovered: 219
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,363

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 152
  Active Positive: 76
  Recovered: 75
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,182

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 128
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 109
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,101

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 77
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 58
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,612

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Arkansas Supreme Court Grants Review For Group Wanting To Expand Casinos

The Arkansas Supreme Court on Friday approved a request by Arkansas Wins requiring Secretary of State John Thurston to verify signatures as part of the group’s effort to place an expanded casino license amendment on the November general election ballot. The court also granted Protect Arkansas Communities, a group formed to opposed Arkansas Wins, the right to intervene in the case. 

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-supreme-court-grants-review-group-wanting-expand-casinos

Arkansas Supreme Court Grants Review For Group Wanting To Expand Casinos

The Arkansas Supreme Court on Friday approved a request by Arkansas Wins requiring Secretary of State John Thurston to verify signatures as part of the group's effort to place an expanded casino license amendment on the November general election ballot. Friday's ruling also granted "provisional certification of the initiative pending review of the merits of the certification by the court."

Arkansans Wonder What's Next As $600 Pandemic Unemployment Benefit Ends

With a national unemployment rate of over 11 percent, many people, including thousands of Arkansans, are wondering what happens next as the pandemic unemployment benefit of an extra $600 a week runs out and congressional lawmakers have yet to come together on what an extension of those benefits will look like. 

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansans-wonder-whats-next-600-pandemic-unemployment-benefit-ends

Arkansans Wonder What's Next As $600 Pandemic Unemployment Benefit Ends

With a national unemployment rate of over 11 percent, many people, including thousands of Arkansans, are wondering what happens next as the pandemic unemployment benefit of an extra $600 a week runs out today and congressional lawmakers have yet to come together on what an extension of those benefits will look like.

Saturday's COVID-19 Numbers from the Arkansas Department of Health

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 929
  Active Positive: 44
  Recovered: 875
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,384

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 291
  Active Positive: 73
  Recovered: 216
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,352

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 149
  Active Positive: 75
  Recovered: 73
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,173

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 125
  Active Positive: 17
  Recovered: 107
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,077

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COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 77
  Active Positive: 21
  Recovered: 55
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,594