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)

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  

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.

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:

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

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

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:

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

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

Public Support for Southwest Arkansas Via Sales Tax Revenue

Howard County Extension Office Offers ServSafe Manager Course

SPECIAL NEWS RELEASE

Jean A. Ince

County Extension Agent-

Staff Chair

February 2, 2021

ServSafe has been the industry standard since 1919 in training millions of people how to receive, store, prepare, and serve food safely. Through the Cooperative Extension Service, we offer training and certifications for the ServSafe Food Handler, ServSafe Manager, and ServSafe Instructor & Proctor programs. The Arkansas Department of Health is now requiring each food service facility to have at least one supervisory employee who has Certified Food Manager training.

A ServSafe Certified Food Manager Course will be offered on March 9 & 10, 2021 at the Howard County Extension Homemaker Education Center in Nashville. The center is located at 425 N. Second Street. The training will take place beginning at 8:00 a.m. on both days. The course will cost $140 for new managers and $60 for re-certifications. The course cost pays for the book and the exam. Participants who pass the exam will receive a ServSafe Food Manager Certification good for five years. All participants must pre-register and pay by March 1. Class size is limited due to Covid-19. Registration will be done on a first come, first serve basis. Once the ServSafe books are distributed, they are non-refundable.

If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517 or stop by our office located on the second floor of the courthouse in Nashville. You can also email Jean Ince at jince@uaex.edu. This workshop is open to all eligible persons 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. Persons who require ADA accommodation, language and/or interpretation services for your ServSafe course instruction, and/or examination should notify the county Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible prior to the activity.

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 51
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 29

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 49

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 86
Active Confirmed Cases: 75
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 6

Southwest Arkansas Electric-REA Involved in Broadband Service in Southwest Arkansas

Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative fiber subsidiary awarded over $53 million through FCC Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction to build and operate fiber-to-the-home networks

The provider will deploy 100% fiber to the home, serving over 26,000 rural homes and businesses with symmetrical gigabit-speed internet

TEXARKANA. Ark., Jan. 29, 2021 – Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative, through a wholly-owned fiber subsidiary, has secured more than $53 million through the Federal Communications Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to deliver gigabit-capable broadband service. The fiber entity will offer service throughout the rural Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas communities served by Southwest Arkansas Electric, along with designated rural communities in Louisiana.

The cooperative’s fiber entity intends to launch a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network to serve 100% of the 26,000-plus homes and businesses in its 11-county service territory. The RDOF funding will enable it to launch and deploy the gigabit-speed network to its members in a timely and cost-effective manner, allowing them to realize the economic, educational and community benefits of reliable, affordable high-speed internet service. Southwest Arkansas Electric’s deployment will encompass 5,000 miles to offer access to FTTH broadband throughout its electric territory as well as communities within the four-state area surrounding its electric service territory.

Southwest Arkansas Electric’s participation in the auction at the gigabit tier signaled its intent to deploy 100% fiber, resulting in a super-fast, dependable and robust network. Fiber offers symmetrical gigabit speed and power that accommodates multiple users and devices at the same time without losing service quality. Through the fiber entity’s network, rural communities served by the cooperative will have easier and more reliable access to the many services made so necessary by the pandemic – distance learning for kids, telecommuting options for working parents, virtual connections to friends and family, telemedicine and more.

“The areas we serve have long been bypassed in terms of high-speed internet access. That changes today,” said Dion Cooper, CEO of Southwest Arkansas Electric. “The funding we were awarded through our fiber entity during the recent auction means that those living and working in our area will now have access to a premier class of high-speed internet, and consequently easier access to the services we are increasingly reliant on.”

Southwest Arkansas Electric was a member of the Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium, a bidding entity of over 90 cooperatives coordinated and led by rural fiber-optic network design and construction management leader Conexon to secure RDOF funds. Overall, Conexon’s RECC was awarded over $1.1 billion, enabling electric cooperatives across 22 states to deliver world-class FTTH service to over two million rural Americans.

“For years, AT&T, Windstream, CenturyLink and other telephone companies have been given public funds to provide telecommunications service in rural areas of southwestern Arkansas,” explained Conexon Partner, Jonathan Chambers. “And yet, the vast majority of residents lack the broadband services necessary to live and work in today’s environment. The funding that will be awarded to Southwest Arkansas Electric’s fiber subsidary is but a fraction of the funding that continues to flow to the telephone companies from the state and federal governments.

“But with this money, Southwest Arkansas Electric will build a state-of-the-art fiber network to all of its members. We’re proud to be working with electric co-ops throughout the state, as Arkansas continues to lead the nation in rural fiber deployment.”

About Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative

Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative (REA) is a non-profit Corporation headquartered in Texarkana, Ark. District offices are located in DeQueen, Nashville, and Bradley Arkansas.

The Cooperative was organized in 1937 by a group of farmers and businessmen from Miller, Howard, Sevier, Columbia, Lafayette, and Hempstead counties in Southwest Arkansas. It has since expanded to Little River and Polk Counties in Arkansas, Bowie and Cass Counties in Texas and McCurtain County in Oklahoma. The first 134 miles of power line were energized November of 1938 to 245 meters. Currently, the Cooperative has more than 4,883 miles of distribution lines, 125 miles of transmission lines, 24 substations, and services 25,190 meters.

Tuesday COVID-19 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 Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,226 new cases; 16,665 active cases; 889 hospitalized, which is down 24 from Sunday; 146 on ventilators, which is down 2 from Sunday; deaths added today, 27, for a total of 4,895; a total of 296,494 cases; 220,771 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,803; antigen tests, 398.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 175; White, 79; Benton, 76; Washington, 54; and Faulkner, 53.

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

"We continue to see a decline in active cases, with over 1,100 fewer than this time last week. Over 422,000 tests were performed in the month of January, and there are over 7,200 fewer active cases than on January 1. We are seeing the effects of our combined efforts of vaccine distribution, mask wearing, and social distancing. Some positive trends have started to emerge, but we cannot use this as a reason to relax in following the guidelines.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,355
Confirmed Cases: 1,659
Probable Cases: 696
Total Active Cases: 47
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,359
Confirmed Cases: 927
Probable Cases: 432
Total Active Cases: 70
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 38

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,043
Confirmed Cases: 812
Probable Cases: 231
Total Active Cases: 46
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,664
Confirmed Cases: 1,444
Probable Cases: 220
Total Active Cases: 80
Active Confirmed Cases: 70
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 879
Confirmed Cases: 683
Probable Cases: 196
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 4

Single Parent Scholarship Application is Open

UA Cossatot would like to announce that the online Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship application is available for students to complete at www.aspsf.org. The final deadline for students to complete the scholarship is February 15, 2021 for the spring 2021 semester.

The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship is available for students to apply for during the spring, summer, and fall semester. To apply for the summer and fall scholarship, students can also visit aspsf.org to complete the application. The deadline for the summer is July 1 and the priority deadline for the fall is July 15. For more information about the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship, please visit www.aspsf.org

Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 75
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 40

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 71
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 4

Sunday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

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

In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,707 new cases; 17,326 active cases; 951 hospitalized, which is down 45 from Thursday; 144 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Thursday; deaths added today, 47, for a total of 4,831; a total of 292,563 cases; 217,633 recoveries; PCR tests, 13,027; antigen tests, 3,565.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 271; Benton, 171; Washington, 147; Sebastian, 89; and Faulkner, 74.

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

"Today we saw a decrease of over 450 new cases from this time last week. We have also distributed over 84,000 doses of vaccine in the past week. With a decline in hospitalizations, we remind ourselves that watching our distance and wearing a mask does make a difference. Please keep the guidelines in mind as we go into the weekend.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,341
Confirmed Cases: 1,658
Probable Cases: 683
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,348
Confirmed Cases: 920
Probable Cases: 428
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 42

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,031
Confirmed Cases: 807
Probable Cases: 224
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,652
Confirmed Cases: 1,438
Probable Cases: 214
Total Active Cases: 83
Active Confirmed Cases: 77
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 877
Confirmed Cases: 682
Probable Cases: 195
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 4

Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

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 1,892 new cases; 17,547 active cases; 996 hospitalized, which is down 33 from Wednesday; 143 on ventilators, which is down 14 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 42, for a total of 4,784; a total of 290,856 cases; 216,277 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,326; antigen tests, 3,195.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 303; Benton, 229; Washington, 177; Garland, 129; and Faulkner, 84.

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

"Today's report shows over 1,200 fewer cases with higher testing than last week. The decline, as well as a decrease in active cases, shows good trends, but another day of over 40 deaths reminds us that this virus is still present in all corners of the state. We continue to work to slow the spread."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

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

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,332
Confirmed Cases: 1,654
Probable Cases: 678
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,331
Confirmed Cases: 913
Probable Cases: 418
Total Active Cases: 72
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 34

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,016
Confirmed Cases: 793
Probable Cases: 223
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,636
Confirmed Cases: 1,422
Probable Cases: 214
Total Active Cases: 85
Active Confirmed Cases: 79
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 875
Confirmed Cases: 680
Probable Cases: 195
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 8

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 66
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 35

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 17

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 93
Active Confirmed Cases: 85
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 11

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

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,316
Confirmed Cases: 1,645
Probable Cases: 671
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,301
Confirmed Cases: 900
Probable Cases: 401
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 23

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,002
Confirmed Cases: 782
Probable Cases: 220
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 17

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,614
Confirmed Cases: 1,403
Probable Cases: 211
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 86
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 862
Confirmed Cases: 669
Probable Cases: 193
Total Active Cases: 33
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 10

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

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 636 new cases; 17,792 active cases; 1,084 hospitalized, which is up 4 from Sunday; 187 on ventilators, which is up 17 from Sunday; deaths added today, 44, for a total of 4,650; a total of 284,702 cases; 211,684 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,486; antigen tests, 357.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 138; Washington, 69; Benton, 66; Craighead, 33; and Jefferson, 29.

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

"While we saw a significant decline in new cases, our testing was also lower. An additional 44 deaths and a slight increase in hospitalizations remind us of the challenge we continue to face with this pandemic and what happens if we don't follow health department guidelines."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

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

Drawdown and Fish Dinner Benefit Coming to UA Cossatot March 12th

UA Cossatot will host TWO drawdowns for UA Cossatot’s Colts and Lady Colts! It will be held on Friday, March 12, 2021. The first drawdown starts at 5:30 PM and the second drawdown at 7:30 PM at the UA Cossatot Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium. Dr. Steve Cole and Loren Hinton will emcee the event. Head Coach and Athletic Director, Robert Byrd and the entire Colts and Lady Colts teams will be in attendance to root on each ticket holder!

How does a Drawdown work?

Tickets are eliminated until only one is left. The last ticket on the board is the winner of the Drawdown prize. The last ten (10) people holding tickets are given the option to keep drawing and eliminating tickets or to split the money among themselves. All must agree to split or keep drawing until they all agree or only one is left as the winner. Winner does not have to be present to win.

Why would you want to buy a $50 Drawdown Ticket?

· With only 120 tickets being sold per drawdown, each ticket has a 1 in 120 chance of winning $2,500!

· Each ticket includes a delicious fried fish dinner for 2 (can take order to-go)

· Fun fellowship with friends and excitement to see whose ticket is drawn next (Can also watch on Facebook live from home)!

· Door prizes

· Proceeds benefit the UA Cossatot Colts and Lady Colts

How do I buy a ticket?

Tickets are available online by texting the word Cossatot to 41444.

Dustin Roberts, Foundation Director, will give participants their ticket number(s) after purchase.

Cash and check is also accepted. Call or text 870-584-1172 or email droberts@cccua.edu to purchase tickets with cash or check.

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

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 57
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 54
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 20

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 117
Active Confirmed Cases: 99
Active Probable Cases: 18

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 46
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 14

Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 118
Active Confirmed Cases: 103
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 58
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 21

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 3,106 new cases; 20,618 active cases; 1,160 hospitalized, which is down 19 from Wednesday; 195 on ventilators, which is down 17 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 55, for a total of 4,496; a total of 279,220 cases; 205,950 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,413; antigen tests, 2,825.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 360; Pulaski, 344; Washington, 249; Sebastian, 217; and Garland, 135.

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

"The increase in new cases is disappointing & a reminder that we cannot let up in following the public health guidelines. Our vaccines are getting into the arms of Arkansans, but remember, we are totally dependent upon the supply that comes from manufacturers. Right now it is limited."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Demand Outstrips Supply As State Gets Fewer Than 38,000 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses a Week

By ZUZANNA SITEK

This week, two groups of people in Phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout are eligible to receive the vaccine. They include people over the age of 70, as well as educators and staff at K-12 schools, higher education and daycare facilities. While there's a lot to be excited about, Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, with the Arkansas Department of Health, says the current demand for the vaccine outstrips supply as the state is receiving fewer than 38,000 doses per week.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/demand-outstrips-supply-state-gets-fewer-38000-covid-19-vaccine-doses-week