Sevier County Library System Notice

MESSAGE FROM THE SEVIER COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM

Attention Patrons and Community:

Since the cases of Covid -19 has tripled in the last week The Sevier County Library board has decided to go back to curbside service for ALL Sevier County Libraries beginning February 11. This is for the safety of our staff, patrons and community. We hope that you will be patient with us during this pandemic. Please do not hesitate to call us for all your curbside needs.

Thank you

The Sevier County Library Board of Trustees

Congrats! Shaglista Ware

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We want to congratulate and recognize Shaglista Ware on graduating this past December and share her story about how Career Pathways helped her reach her educational goals at UA Cossatot.

“My name is Shaglista, and I am a recent RN graduate. I started with the LPN program at UA Cossatot and quickly found out that I did not qualify for financial aid anymore, and the school didn’t accept student loans. I was referred to Crystal Hunter, and she provided me with the information needed to get set up with Career Pathways. I qualified and received way more help than I imagined getting. I live an hour away. By contacting Career Pathways, I received a gas voucher, help with uniforms, supplies, and most importantly, help with my tuition. I received assistance throughout the LPN program and the RN program. Career Pathways also paid for both of my state tests for both programs. Because of Career Pathways, I was able to finish nursing school without any debt or any financial worry. I am forever grateful and will continue to refer students to Career Pathways. Thank you!” - Shaglista Ware

Our Career Pathways department wants UA Cossatot students to have the best experience they can while enrolled at our college. Career Pathways provides assistance and many resources for UA Cossatot students. For any questions about Career Pathways, please contact Crystal Hunter at 870-584-1119.

Colts Basketball Games Postponed in Little Rock Today

UA Cossatot Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director, Robert Byrd, tells Ed 88 that today's scheduled games in Little Rock at Arkansas Baptist have been postponed due to road conditions in central Arkansas.

Daily Legislative Report From State Rep Deann Vaught:

Wednesday is the last day members can file proposed Constitutional AmendmentsThe General Assembly can refer a maximum of three amendments for the November 2022 General Election ballot. 

Proposed amendments are filed as either a House Joint Resolution (HJR) or a Senate Joint Resolution (SJR). 

The House State Agencies committee will review and vote on proposed amendments later in the session. 

Meanwhile, the House passed several bills this afternoon, including the following: 

HB1110-This bill requires a state entity to report security breaches to the legislative auditor. If the auditor believes the security incident significantly compromises citizens’ data or creates significant concern, the auditor will notify the Governor and legislative leaders. 

HB1265-This bill amends the law concerning the unlawful passing of a school bus. It states drivers must come to a complete stop no less than 30 feet from the bus when it stops to load or unload passengers. This 30 feet perimeter would apply to public roads, private or public property open to the general public, and any driveway or parking lot belonging to a public school. 

HB1017-This bill states that Arkansas would permanently adopt Daylight Saving Time when the federal government allows states to do so and when surrounding states declare their intent to do so. 

HB1359-This bill allows the Division of Children and Family Services to release certain information regarding foster children, such as information needed for tax filing purposes.  

HB1176-This bill would ensure that Arkansas Medicaid reimbursements for telemedicine of certain behavioral and mental health services continue after the health emergency ends. 

HB1116- This is a bill to establish “Simon’s Law,” named after a Missouri child whose death led to similar laws being passed in several states. It would require health care professionals to obtain at least one parent's consent before placing a “do not resuscitate” order for a child. 

HB1029-This bill adds former representative and civil rights attorney John Walker to the list of Arkansas civil rights leaders to be included in teaching materials regarding African-American history in public schools. 

The House will convene on Wednesday at 1 pm.

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 127
Active Confirmed Cases: 43
Active Probable Cases: 84

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 101
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 64

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 101
Active Confirmed Cases: 74
Active Probable Cases: 27

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 30
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 10

 
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Community Organizers Announce New Non-Profit Organization and Mural Project in De Queen

NEWS RELEASE

Minority Affairs Council Contact: 720-477-9659 February 9th, 2021 DQUnity@Gmail.com

Community Organizers Announce New Non-Profit Organization and Mural Project in De Queen

DE QUEEN, AR—A team of area organizers have launched an inclusive local group and announced plans for a community mural as their first project in De Queen this month.

The new Non-Profit organization is aiming to support the minority populations of Sevier County and unite the communities of Southwest Arkansas as a whole. After their most recent meeting held in downtown De Queen Thursday February 4th, leaders conducted a poll and voted “Minority Affairs Council” as the name for the group.

The first community goal carried out by the Minority Affairs Council will be to cover up graffiti markings with a “Welcome to De Queen Mural” on a storage unit business recently vandalized on the Eastern edge of town. MAC has received permission from the business owner to paint the building’s exterior and the group is in the process of commissioning a team of artists to bring the work of community art to life.

In addition to erasing the act of vandalism, the group also envisions the future mural to serve as a tourist attraction for visitors driving through on U.S Highway 70. Ideally, travelers can take a family photo at the “Welcome to De Queen Mural” and stop for coffee and food at nearby Jitterbug Java and Hachi Hachi restaurants on the way through town.

The Minority Affairs Council also hopes to use the mural as an opportunity to promote the diverse cultures of Sevier County and talks of possibly painting leaders of De Queen’s past or the word “Welcome” in different languages on the piece are in the works as well. This decision, along with selecting a Board of Directors and finalizing regular meeting places and times are on the agenda for the next meeting on February 18th.

Other goals for the group this year include planning an annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, organizing authentic Hispanic Heritage month events and a Juneteenth celebration to embrace African-American culture. The Minority Affairs Council also hopes to support BIPOC residents in pursuing local Government, build a multi-cultural center and African-American museum in the future.

To fund the community mural, a series of fundraisers will be held to collect money to pay for the supplies and provide artist compensation.

People of all ages, ethnicities, religions and cultures are welcome to be involved in the Minority Affairs Council and the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 18th at 7:30pm at Party Room Candela in Downtown De Queen.

All meetings can also be viewed on Facebook live and in-person meeting attendees are encouraged to wear masks and social distance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For questions, please contact DQunity@gmail.com

UA Cossatot Creates Leadership Academy 

PRESS RELEASE  

183 College Drive, De Queen, AR  71832 

870-584-1124 

www.cccua.edu  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09 February 2021 

CONTACT:  Ben Renfrow, Marketing Coordinator  

Group photo: (from left to right) America Rojas, Angela Vertiz, Gisselle Gomez, Diana Ramirez, Magdalena Lugo, Kendra Rodriguez, Marisol Gonzalez, Briza Perez, Belen Hernandez, David Serrano, and Vanessa Hernandez. (Not Pictured Cindi Elizondo)

Group photo: (from left to right) America Rojas, Angela Vertiz, Gisselle Gomez, Diana Ramirez, Magdalena Lugo, Kendra Rodriguez, Marisol Gonzalez, Briza Perez, Belen Hernandez, David Serrano, and Vanessa Hernandez. (Not Pictured Cindi Elizondo)

 

UA Cossatot Creates Leadership Academy 

The University of Arkansas Cossatot has received a grant called “Delivering on the Dream” that has been awarded to help the college plan, develop, and create the first-ever UA Cossatot Leadership Academy.  The launch of the academy began in November and will conclude in May.  Twelve UA Cossatot students were accepted into the leadership academy and will continue to receive leadership training with an emphasis on giving back.   

The leadership academy plans to develop Hispanic leaders by working with local and state city officials, health leaders, community leaders, the De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce, UA Cossatot administration, and the Sevier County Economic Development Director. 

The UA Cossatot Leadership Academy is being led by UA Cossatot Center for Student Success Coordinator Erika Buenrrostro and training sessions will continue to be conducted once a month.  Each meeting is focused on a particular skill set for the developing leader.  Participants are given the opportunity to engage in topics that affect the community, such as education, civil rights, immigration, economics, health, and government. 

The training curriculum is designed to teach, network, and engage the student’s views with specific outcomes emphasizing professional and personal growth.  Students will be in charge of ongoing projects intended to help expose the student to voluntary public service and personal development. 

The twelve students, along with Buenrrostro, have already collaborated and worked with community groups such as “Create Bridges” and “Excel by Eight” to help the children in our community as well as other community projects. 

The students who were chosen and accepted into the UA Cossatot Leadership Academy include: America Rojas, Belen Hernandez, Briza Perez, David Serrano, Diana Ramirez, Giselle Gomez, Kendra Rodriguez, Marisol Gonzalez, Vanessa Hernandez, Angela Vertiz, Magdalena Lugo, and Cindi Elizondo. 

After training is completed and all program requirements are met, the students will receive a $250 tuition waiver from UA Cossatot.  A ceremony will also take place in May, where the students will receive a certificate of completion. 

For more information about the UA Cossatot Leadership Academy, please contact Erika Buenrrostro at 870-584-1133.### 

University of Arkansas Cossatot is a community college in Southwest Arkansas accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Offering technical certification and Associate degrees, UAC also collaborates with other colleges and universities to offer bachelor's degrees on its three campuses. UAC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution in compliance with the Higher Education Act of 1965 and other Civil Rights laws and offers equal opportunity for admission and employment. Employment preference is given to applicants possessing a Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) with all other qualifications being equal. Programs and activities of UAC are provided to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, Vietnam era veteran or special disabled veteran status, or sex. Questions or concerns regarding affirmative action can be directed to the Compliance Officer, c/o UA Cossatot, 183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832. For Arkansas RELAY Voiced Services call 711 or 800-285-1121. Visit www.cccua.edu for more information. 

 

UA Cossatot Appoints Two New Board Members 

 PRESS RELEASE  

UAC LOGO 3.png

183 College Drive, De Queen, AR  71832 

870-584-1124 

www.cccua.edu  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09 February 2021 

CONTACT:  Ben Renfrow, Marketing Coordinator  

 

UA Cossatot Appoints Two New Board Members 

The University of Arkansas Cossatot is excited to announce that two new board members have been selected to serve on the college’s Board of Visitors. The two new members include Barbara Dixon of Lockesburg and Brenda Tate of Ashdown.  The decision to appoint these new members was finalized in November.  

Barbara Dixon was born and raised in Texarkana and graduated from Liberty-Eylau High School in 1979.  After high school, she attended Texarkana Community College. She has lived in Lockesburg since 1984 and currently serves as Branch President of Bank of Lockesburg, having worked in the banking field for 35 years. She has also attended a three-year banking school program held at the Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee, known as the Paul W. Barret, Jr. Graduate School of Banking, where she graduated cum laude in 2012. 

Barbara says that she is proud to be a part of the Lockesburg community and appreciates the value of having the former Lockesburg School Campus again being used for educational purposes. She has also served as Secretary/Treasurer for the Lockesburg Lions Club since 2016.  Her hobbies include reading, quilting, being outdoors, and being with family. She is married to Kenny Dixon and has two sons and three granddaughters. 

Brenda Tate is from Ashdown and graduated from Ashdown High School in 1975. In 1978, she graduated from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.  After teaching for 41 years, Brenda retired on May 21, 2020, from Ashdown Elementary School.   

Tate says, “During my 41 years of teaching, I learned to be patient, teach, and love the children!”  Brenda enjoys walking, riding her bike, working on word find puzzles, and keeping in touch with family and friends.  She has one son and three grandchildren. 

UA Cossatot’s Board of Visitors includes Angie Walker, Barbara Horn, Dr. Glen Lance, Jay Dooley, Jimmy Tumey, Kathy Beavert, Robert Martinez, Tim Pinkerton, Tyler Davis, and now Barbara Dixon and Brenda Tate. 

For more information about UA Cossatot’s Board of Visitors, please contact UA Cossatot’s Assistant to the Chancellor, Wendy Garcia, at wgarcia@cccua.edu.### 

University of Arkansas Cossatot is a community college in Southwest Arkansas accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Offering technical certification and Associate degrees, UAC also collaborates with other colleges and universities to offer bachelor's degrees on its three campuses. UAC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution in compliance with the Higher Education Act of 1965 and other Civil Rights laws and offers equal opportunity for admission and employment. Employment preference is given to applicants possessing a Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) with all other qualifications being equal. Programs and activities of UAC are provided to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, Vietnam era veteran or special disabled veteran status, or sex. Questions or concerns regarding affirmative action can be directed to the Compliance Officer, c/o UA Cossatot, 183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832. For Arkansas RELAY Voiced Services call 711 or 800-285-1121. Visit www.cccua.edu for more information. 

 

Howard County Youth Put Their Hands to Larger Service

Guy Cooper Kroll and Delaney Ford were making Valentine cards for area nursing home residents.

Samantha Horn

County Extension Agent-Agriculture

News Release

February 8, 2021

We asked Howard County 4-H members that participated in this month’s community service what does “My Hands to Larger Service” mean to you? One of the many great responses we received was, “To put my hands to work. To get busy and do something.” No matter the obstacles that we may face in today’s world, it should not stop us from giving back to others.

This month’s community service project was about teaching youth valuable lessons and life skills that give you a greater awareness of community needs during these times of social distancing. Howard County youth created and designed Valentine cards for the residents in the three area nursing homes. Approximately two hundred custom made cards were made and delivered the Wednesday before Valentine’s day. Youth were asked what kind of impact they felt it would make on those that were receiving the cards. Many of their answers were: happy, grateful, and excited because they have not been able to see their family and friends due to Covid-19.

For more information about 4-H, please contact the Howard County Extension office at 870-845-7517. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Bills Would Exempt Businesses from Customers’ COVID-19 Violations, Protect ‘Right of Conscience’

Bills meant to exempt businesses from being penalized for their customers’ behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic and to protect medical providers’ “right of conscience” advanced through the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee Monday (Feb. 8).

Both were sponsored by Sen. Kim Hammer, R-Benton.

Under Senate Bill 254, firms, persons and corporations would not be liable to Department of Health penalties during the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency if a violation occurs through the actions of a patron or customer. The bill passed on a voice vote with no audible dissenters.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/02/bills-would-exempt-businesses-from-customers-covid-19-violations-protect-right-of-conscience/

photo courtesy of Walmart Inc.

photo courtesy of Walmart Inc.

Griffin To Exit Arkansas Governor's Race, Will Seek Attorney General Post

By ROBY BROCK / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

The field for Arkansas governor just got smaller. Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin, R-Ark., announced Monday (Feb. 8) he would no longer seek the state’s top executive post and instead will run for Attorney General.

In a Monday morning announcement, Griffin said, “Since announcing my campaign for governor last year, I’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible support I have received from all corners of the state. While I believe Arkansans are ready for my message of bold, conservative leadership, my conversations with friends and supporters have persuaded me that at this time, I can do more for Arkansas in a different capacity. I have prayed about this decision with my family and I have listened.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/griffin-exit-arkansas-governors-race-will-seek-attorney-general-post

CREDIT FOX16.COM

CREDIT FOX16.COM

Legislators Pass Bill Requiring Women Call Resource Hotline Before an Abortion

By ZUZANNA SITEK

A bill that requires the Arkansas Department of Health to set up a hotline program for women seeking an abortion by 2023 passed both the Arkansas House and Senate last week. The Every Mom Matters Act, or EMMA, will require women to call a hotline that will be staffed with care agents contracted out by ADH, who will provide information about resources, both public and private, that the bill's sponsors say may lead to fewer abortions.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/legislators-pass-bill-requiring-women-call-resource-hotline-abortion

Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 637 new cases; 15,320 active cases; 777 hospitalized, which is down 4 from Sunday; 142 on ventilators, which is up 16 from Sunday; deaths added today, 30, for a total of 5,106; a total of 307,373 cases; 229,290 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,139; antigen tests, 573.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 125; Benton, 52; Garland, 45; Lonoke, 36; and Sebastian, 33.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"Today's report shows nearly half as many new cases as last Monday. This, as well as almost 90,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered last week, provides us with hope as we continue to fight this pandemic. Our united efforts as a state will help to get past this, but it takes everyone working together."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

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Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,464
Confirmed Cases: 1,701
Probable Cases: 763
Total Active Cases: 115
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 77

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,445
Confirmed Cases: 963
Probable Cases: 482
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 60

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,086
Confirmed Cases: 833
Probable Cases: 253
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,769
Confirmed Cases: 1,528
Probable Cases: 241
Total Active Cases: 103
Active Confirmed Cases: 75
Active Probable Cases: 28

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 913
Confirmed Cases: 708
Probable Cases: 205
Total Active Cases: 28
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 9

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Giving Youth in Our Care a Chance at a Better Life

LITTLE ROCK – In the past six years, much has changed in the way we treat young people in state custody, and today I’d like to talk about the ways we have reformed juvenile justice.

After I was elected and before I took office, I made a surprise visit to the Alexander Juvenile Treatment Center to make it clear that I intended to protect the youth in the custody of our state. In 2016, after continued reports of violence and poor management of the system, the state took over operation of Arkansas’s seven youth treatment centers.

In January of 2018, I made another surprise visit to the treatment center in Dermott. I wanted to remind leaders once again that I am serious about the way we treat our youthful offenders.

In 2019, with the support of legislation by the 92nd General Assembly, we improved the system dramatically. In fact, the Division of Youth Services reported this week that the number of youth commitments to state custody has decreased from 534 down to 297, a 44 percent drop.

In my administration, we have stressed the need to provide educational opportunities for our children and teens who are in the detention system. Our system is meant to rehabilitate young people, not to punish them.

For our youth to successfully reenter society, they need to continue their education, learn social skills, and learn about trades and careers. We want to give them every opportunity to escape the cycle of violence, abuse, and incarceration that many of them have known throughout their young life.

To ensure that we are giving them the best chance we can, we assess each youth and base the treatment program on the needs we discover in the assessment. This will highlight for the judge and the probation officers the issues that led the youth to this point in life and reduce the risk that he or she will re-offend.

At the end of 2020, Judge Wiley Branton Jr., a juvenile court judge, retired after twenty-seven years on the bench. 

In an interview with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette upon his retirement, he said that juvenile judges “have the responsibility of fixing broken people ... fixing families that have issues … trying to turn (young people) around into constructive citizens.”

Judge Branton’s motto was “there are no throwaway people.”

Judge Tjuana Byrd, who was elected last year, is one month into her career as a juvenile judge. Her words echo Judge Branton’s philosophy and fit with the approach my administration has pursued in reforming juvenile justice.  She says that diverting a first-time nonviolent offender sometimes is better than court and detention. She said, “Sometimes a kiddo doesn't need to see a judge at all. Sometimes they just need redirection. … When they do come before the court, we have tools that help us decide what services are actually best for the children and their families. … When a child comes into the system, it might be the last chance to get a kid and the family on the right track.”

Judge Branton, Judge Byrd, and a host of other judges such as Troy Braswell, have contributed to the reform of our juvenile justice system. These judges and the experts in the Division of Youth Services have the wisdom and compassion to pursue the best course for our youth who are in trouble. Their work offers our youth a chance at a better life.

Friday COVID-19 Arkansas Health Department Update

Governor Hutchinson Provides Today’s COVID-19 Update

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,469 new cases; 16,992 active cases; 815 hospitalized, which is down 69 from Wednesday; 145 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 24, for a total of 5,009; a total of 302,899 cases; 225,114 recoveries; PCR tests, 12,782; antigen tests, 2,068.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 349; Garland, 203; Benton, 178; Washington, 154; and Faulkner, 124.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"The best news today is that our hospitalizations decreased by 69, but it is disappointing that our deaths because of COVID-19 have now exceeded 5,000 Arkansans. Our heart goes out to those families who have lost loved ones. All of this is a reminder that our actions make a difference."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

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Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,418
Confirmed Cases: 1,684
Probable Cases: 734
Total Active Cases: 94
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 59

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,423
Confirmed Cases: 957
Probable Cases: 466
Total Active Cases: 108
Active Confirmed Cases: 51
Active Probable Cases: 57

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,069
Confirmed Cases: 821
Probable Cases: 248
Total Active Cases: 45
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,738
Confirmed Cases: 1,510
Probable Cases: 228
Total Active Cases: 102
Active Confirmed Cases: 83
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 900
Confirmed Cases: 700
Probable Cases: 200
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 6