Winter Storm Warning Continues Through Thursday Morning; Slow Warming Trend to Follow

...Conditions to Deteriorate as Winter Storm Approaches...

.A significant winter storm producing a mix of snow, sleet, and
freezing rain to threaten the region today and not totally ending
until during the day Thursday. Wintry precipitation is expected
to be primarily snow along and north of Interstate 30, a mix of
snow, sleet and freezing rain around the Interstate 20 corridor,
and primarily freezing rain over Deep East Texas and Central
Louisiana. Power outages will be a risk in all areas, but
especially where freezing rain will be predominant. Of course
travel remains difficult in most of the region and any recent
improvement will be lost once this new event sets in. Temperatures
will not be nearly as cold as the last 24 hours, but will remain
well below normal.

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow
  accumulations of up to 6 inches across southwest Arkansas and
  ice accumulations of around one half of an inch south of I-20.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,
  southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and
  east and northeast Texas.

* WHEN...Until noon CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the
  ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Today

Snow. High near 28. Wind chill values as low as 10. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Tonight

A slight chance of snow, mixing with sleet after 9pm, then gradually ending. Cloudy, with a low around 22. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 10. North wind around 5 mph.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 37. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Sunday

A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.

Sunday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 56.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 31.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 61.

Temperatures Plummeted Overnight to Negative Digits and Record Lows Across Arkansas

UA Cossatot - All Campuses Will Be Closed Through the Rest of the Week; Another Winter Storm on the Way

“Due to the continuing dangerous road conditions in the area and the possibility of another extended winter storm all UA Cossatot campuses will be closed for the rest of this week (Wednesday, February 16th, Thursday, February 17th, and Friday, February 18th). UA Cossatot fully expects to be open under normal hours on Monday, February 22nd.”

Dr. Steve Cole
Chancellor
UA Cossatot

Winter Storm Warning On The Way For Tonight Through Thursday Noon

...Next winter storm will push into our area tonight and
continue through Thursday morning...

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING
TO NOON CST THURSDAY...
...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...A wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Snow and
  sleet accumulations will range from less than 2 inches south of
  the I-20 corridor to 5 to 8 inches north of the I-30 corridor.
  Ice accumulations of a quarter of an inch to a half of an inch
  with localized higher amounts will be possible from Deep East
  Texas across northwestern Louisiana, central Louisiana, and into
  south- central Arkansas.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,
  southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and
  east and northeast Texas.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to noon CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Treacherous road conditions will continue across the
  region. Locations with over a quarter inch of ice will see
  downed limbs and powerlines which will lead to the possibility
  of widespread power outages. Cold temperatures will continue to
  make extended time outdoors dangerous with the risk of
  hypothermia.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Tonight

Snow, mainly after 9pm. Low around 18. Wind chill values as low as 10. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Wednesday

Snow before noon, then snow, freezing rain, and sleet. High near 28. Wind chill values as low as 9. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow and sleet accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Wednesday Night

A slight chance of snow showers and freezing rain before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 21. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 11.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 38.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Sunday

A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52.

Sunday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.

Hard Freeze for Tonight and More Snow Expected in Forecast from the National Weather Service

...HARD FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures to fall into the single digits
  tonight.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana, south
  central and southwest Arkansas, and portions of east Texas.

* WHEN...Through 6 AM CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Hard freeze conditions will kill crops, other
  sensitive vegetation and damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent
freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should
be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have
in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-
ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 1. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday

Increasing clouds, with a high near 26. Wind chill values as low as 1. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

A chance of snow showers before midnight, then snow and sleet likely. Cloudy, with a low around 19. Wind chill values as low as 11. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Wednesday

Snow showers before noon, then snow showers, freezing rain, and sleet. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 29. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Wednesday Night

Snow showers, freezing rain, and sleet likely before midnight, then a chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 23. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday

A 40 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 10.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 38.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 18.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53.

UA Cossatot Campuses Will Be Closed Again Tuesday Because of Winter Weather and Hazardous Road Conditions

“Due to the extremely dangerous road conditions all UA Cossatot campuses will be closed on Tuesday, February 16th. We will continue to watch the next winter storm expected to arrive late Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday as this may warrant more closures later in the week.”

Dr. Steve Cole
Chancellor
UA Cossatot

Photo of De Queen Lake Road Above Spillway Monday Morning - by Jon Bunyard

7 1/2 Inches of Snow Fell Overnight Sunday Night/Monday Morning in the De Queen Area of Southwest Arkansas

Photo by Jon Bunyard Monday Morning near De Queen Lake

All UA Cossatot Campuses Closed Monday Due to Forecasted Inclement Winter Weather in Southwest Arkansas

Snow Picture of the Leeper Building at UA Cossatot De Queen Sunday Morning 02/14/21

"Due to the expected storm conditions expected this weekend and to start the work week, all UA Cossatot campuses will be closed Monday, February 15th." Dr. Steve Cole, Chancellor, UA Cossatot

The Latest Briefing on Winter Weather and Warnings for Arkansas from the National Weather Service

Click on photo above for the Winter Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service.

Winter Storm Warning, Hard Freeze Warning and Wind Chill Advisory Issued from the National Weather Service

Sevier-Howard-Little River-Hempstead-Nevada-Miller-Lafayette- Columbia-Union-Caddo-Bossier-Webster-Claiborne-Lincoln-De Soto- Red River-Bienville-Jackson-Ouachita-Sabine-Natchitoches-Winn- Grant-Caldwell-La Salle-McCurtain-Bowie-Franklin-Titus-Camp- Morris-Cass-Wood-Upshur-Marion-Smith-Gregg-Harrison-Cherokee-Rusk- Panola-Nacogdoches-Shelby-Angelina-San Augustine- Including the cities of De Queen, Nashville, Mineral Springs, Dierks, Ashdown, Hope, Prescott, Texarkana, Stamps, Lewisville, Bradley, Magnolia, El Dorado, Shreveport, Bossier City, Minden, Springhill, Homer, Haynesville, Ruston, Farmerville, Bernice, Mansfield, Stonewall, Logansport, Coushatta, Martin, Arcadia, Ringgold, Gibsland, Jonesboro, Monroe, Many, Zwolle, Pleasant Hill, Natchitoches, Winnfield, Colfax, Montgomery, Dry Prong, Clarks, Grayson, Columbia, Jena, Midway, Olla, Idabel, Broken Bow, Clarksville, Bogata, Mount Vernon, Mount Pleasant, Pittsburg, Daingerfield, Lone Star, Naples, Omaha, Atlanta, Linden, Hughes Springs, Queen City, Mineola, Winnsboro, Quitman, Hawkins, Gilmer, Big Sandy, Jefferson, Tyler, Longview, Marshall, Jacksonville, Rusk, Henderson, Carthage, Nacogdoches, Center, Lufkin, San Augustine, Hemphill, and Pineland 223 AM CST Sun Feb 14 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST MONDAY... ...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM CST MONDAY...

* WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches possible across deep east Texas into northwest Louisiana and south- central Arkansas with lesser amounts elsewhere. Sleet accumulations of around 1 inch and ice accumulations of around one quarter of an inch possible across north-central and northeast Louisiana. For the Wind Chill Advisory, very cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 5 below zero across southeast Oklahoma and in the single digits elsewhere.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and east and northeast Texas.

* WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, through 6 PM CST Monday. For the Wind Chill Advisory, through 6 PM CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible due to snow, sleet, and ice accumulations. The cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

...HARD FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 AM CST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures on Sunday night to range anywhere from single digits across Southeast Oklahoma to near 20 degrees across East Texas and North-Central Louisiana. On Monday night, temperatures are forecast to fall into the single digits areawide.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and east and northeast Texas.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 6 AM CST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Hard freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

Detailed Forecast for SW Arkansas from the National Weather Service:

Sunday

Snow likely before noon, then snow and sleet likely between noon and 3pm, then snow likely after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 26. Wind chill values as low as 11. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total daytime snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Sunday Night

Snow. Low around 11. Wind chill values as low as 4. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Monday President’s Day

A 20 percent chance of snow before noon. Partly sunny and cold, with a high near 22. Wind chill values as low as zero. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 3. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 29. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

A slight chance of snow showers before midnight, then a chance of snow and freezing rain. Cloudy, with a low around 19. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday

Snow and sleet before noon, then snow and freezing rain. High near 28. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Wednesday Night

Snow, freezing rain, and sleet likely, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 24. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday

A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 10.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 39.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.

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 1,103 new cases; 13,518 active cases; 712 hospitalized, which is down 23 from Wednesday; 117 on ventilators, which is down 21 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 25, for a total of 5,199; a total of 311, 043 cases; 233,057 recoveries; PCR tests, 11,617; antigen tests, 1,470.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 178; Benton, 90; Washington, 60; Saline, 57; and Sebastian, 52

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

"For the second day in a row, we see a decrease of over 50% in new cases from last week. Vaccine administration has progressed throughout the state, with an increase of over 94,000 since last week. We must continue doing our part in this fight."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

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

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 132
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 91

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 84
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 52

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 21

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 102
Active Confirmed Cases: 65
Active Probable Cases: 37

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

Application Deadlines Extended for Programs at UA Cossatot

Thursday 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 Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,092 new cases; 14,190 active cases; 735 hospitalized, which is down 40 from Tuesday; 138 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 26, for a total of 5,174; a total of 309,940 cases; 231,828 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,790; antigen tests, 2,207.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 163; Washington, 85; Benton, 71; Saline, 68; and Faulkner, 56.

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

"Compared to last week, there are over 1,300 fewer new cases and over 2,300 fewer active cases. Our mitigation efforts are working, but we cannot use this as an excuse to relax. This virus can spread rapidly, and we all must work together to defeat it."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

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

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 123
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 84

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 90
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 56

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 94
Active Confirmed Cases: 62
Active Probable Cases: 32

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 31
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 10

Congrats! Shaglista Ware

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.

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

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