UA Cossatot Receives NSF ATE Grant

UA Cossatot is the recipient of a National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant for its "GIS-Skilled Technicians in Agriculture-Related Sciences (GSTARS)" proposal within the College's Agriculture and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs. The primary goal of the GSTARS project is to design and implement a curriculum that meets the region’s need for technician-level GIS skills in agriculture and related science industries. The $299,635 grant will create pathways for future GIS Technicians to enter the local workforce.

The National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education program supports the development of innovative approaches for educating highly skilled technicians for the industries that drive the nation’s economy. The program involves partnerships between academic institutions and industry to promote improvement in the education of science and engineering technicians at the undergraduate and secondary institution school levels.

The GSTARS program will include the integration of GIS skills into existing agriculture and science courses, the creation of a new course (Introduction to GIS in Agriculture) within the agriculture department, and the addition of a Certification of Proficiency in GIS Technology through the agriculture program. Students will use applications of analysis of spatial data using ESRI’s ArcGIS tools in data collection, remote sensing, map design, and spatial analysis.

The GSTARS team includes agriculture faculty and primary investigator (PI), Kelli Harris; co-PI’s Robert Guillory, science faculty, and, Crystal Sims, Chair of the Division of General Education; and external

evaluators, The New Growth Group. New Growth is an evaluation and analytics firm based in Cleveland, Ohio, specializing in workforce development. Several industry representatives will also serve on the program's advisory board to assist in curriculum development and provide important career insight to students enrolled in this program. Some of the local employers represented on the board include Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Arkansas Forestry Division.

“This grant will offer an innovative pathway for students pursuing careers in agriculture and science, and it will provide valuable skills in emerging technology. These skills are crucial to the success of our students and our economy. We are excited to help these students achieve their dreams and support a vibrant, high-tech workforce in southwest Arkansas" said GSTARS team leader and agriculture faculty, Kelli Harris.

Funding will begin in July 2021 and will enable the UA Cossatot team to receive training and develop GIS curriculum that will include exploring mapped data; learning to utilize remote sensing technologies; recording, analyzing, and presenting spatial data using GIS analysis tools from ESRI ArcGIS; and creating maps, images and apps to communicate spatial data. As a step towards diversifying the workforce, UA Cossatot’s collaboration with the public schools will place special emphasis on recruiting underrepresented minority students in skilled technician positions.

To learn more about this grant, contact kharris@cccua.edu. ###

Thursday COVID-19 Active Cases Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 1

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 352 new cases; 1,943 active cases; 175 hospitalized, which is down 2 from Tuesday; 24 on ventilators, which is unchanged from Tuesday; deaths added today, 2, for a total of 5,708; a total of 334,061cases; PCR tests, 4,150; antigen tests, 1,028.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 44; Benton, 43; and Pulaski, 39.

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

“The increase in new cases from today's report is a serious reminder of the importance to get vaccinated. It is also a reminder that the virus is still here along with the more contagious variants. Our best defense is the vaccine. We have plenty of doses available, so if you're 16 and older, schedule your appointment today.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Tuesday's COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the AR Dept of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County

Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Howard County

Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Little River County

Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Polk County

Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Pike County

Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 1

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 59 new cases; 1,789 active cases; 164 hospitalized, which is up 3 from Sunday; 22 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Sunday; deaths added today, 5, for a total of 5,699; a total of 333,511 cases; PCR tests, 1,553; antigen tests, 200.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 16; Benton, 5; and Garland and Washington with 4 each.

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

“Today we saw fewer new cases with more testing than this time last week. The increase in vaccine doses was larger this week than last Monday. Our combined efforts are keeping the numbers low, but we will lose momentum if we do not increase our vaccination numbers.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Friday COVID-19 Active Case and Vaccine Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 1

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 283 new cases; 1,843 active cases; 153 hospitalized, which is up 2 from Wednesday; 18 on ventilators, which is down 2 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 6, for a total of 5,686; a total of 332,949 cases; PCR tests, 5,038; antigen tests, 963.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 35; Benton, 31; and Washington, 26.

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

“Even with the pause on the J&J vaccine, we were able to pivot and vaccinate over 25,000 Arkansans yesterday. When the new COVID-19 cases go up, it is a reminder we must get our shot in the arm.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Rain Continues Friday in Arkansas, Weather Update from the National Weather Service

Today and Tonight...

Showers and thunderstorms will be ongoing today ahead of an
approaching upper level disturbance with a surface low and a cold
front this evening. A few strong storms containing hail cannot be
ruled out along with some isolated areas of flooding possible as
storms train over the same areas, especially south of I-20.
No other hazardous weather is expected.

Saturday through Thursday...

Cooler and drier weather is expected for the rest of the weekend
into the start of the new work week with arriving high pressure.
Another reinforcing cool front will arrive late on Tuesday with
limited moisture allowing for lesser amounts of rainfall.

Howard Memorial Plaque Presentation to Dr. Chinedu Ede

Dr. Chinedu Ede will be leaving Howard Memorial Hospital on April 15. He was presented a plaque today in honor of his dedicated service to our patients and their families. Dr. Ede, you will be greatly missed.

Heart Saver CPR Classes and Stop the Bleed Classes at Howard Memorial in Nashville

Howard Memorial Hospital will be resuming the Heart Saver CPR Classes and Stop the Bleed Classes. Class size will be limited to 20, masks will be required and social distancing guidelines will be in effect. For information or to schedule a class, please contact Jeff Williams, RN at 870-845-4400.

UA Cossatot CARES Grant Application Re-Opens

UA Cossatot recently received an additional $387,000 in HEERF II funds for student financial relief. UA Cossatot will re-open the application to distribute Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds for spring 2021 students on April 15, 2021.

Students who qualify for the grant will receive $500 if they are enrolled in 9 credit hours or more. Students who qualify for the grant will receive $250 if they are enrolled in 3 to 8 credit hours. There will be no deadline to apply; however, funds are limited. Eligible students will continue to be awarded until all funds are disbursed. A change in the most recent award guidelines now allows dual-enrolled high school students to apply for the new HEERF II funds.

The CARES Grant is intended to help offset expenses students experienced because of the COVID-19 health emergency. Student applicants need to indicate their financial needs as a result of COVID-19 on their application. According to Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole, “We will continue to get this federal funding into the hands of UA Cossatot students as quickly as possible to help them with their financial needs caused by the ongoing pandemic. We also will have additional application windows this summer and next fall as long as we continue to receive HEERF funding. We want to make sure that UA Cossatot students can continue to pursue their educational goals and us getting this funding to them is our most important job”.

UA Cossatot CARES Grant applications will be sent to student’s college and personal emails as well as a mailed letter with a QR code to apply.

For more information on eligibility requirements and a list of Frequently Asked Questions please visit www.cccua.edu/CARES.

Thursday COVID-19 Active Cases Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 1

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 220 new cases; 1,715 active cases; 151 hospitalized, which is up 3 from Tuesday; 20 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 7, for a total of 5,680; a total of 332,666 cases; PCR tests, 4,798; antigen tests, 924.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 79; Pulaski, 58; and Benton, 50.

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

“Vaccination efforts continue across the state, with an increase of nearly 26,000 yesterday. New cases, hospitalizations, and ventilator use remain steady compared to last week. We can't become complacent because of these improved numbers, and it's important we continue to get vaccinated.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 0

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

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 69 new cases; 1,640 active cases; 156 hospitalized, which is down 7 from Sunday; 17 on ventilators, which is unchanged from Sunday; deaths added today, 4, for a total of 5,665; a total of 332,222 cases; PCR tests, 1,494; antigen tests, 93.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 18; Washington, 11; and Pulaski, 10.

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

“Our number of active cases and hospitalizations declined again yesterday. Our vaccine numbers are increasing, but we must do more. If you are 16 and older then you are eligible for the vaccine. It is important that our eligible high school students get a dose. Get your vaccine as soon as you can.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 0

Monday's SW Arkansas COVID-19 Active Case Numbers and Vaccines

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 0

UA Cossatot Students Visit to the State Capitol

The UA Cossatot Student Leadership Institute, lead by Erika Buenrrostro, visited the Capitol today and met with representatives from all over the state including our very own, DeAnn Vaught! Students were able to tour the capitol, sit in committee meetings and also see advocates in action.

Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

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

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 199 new cases; 1,707 active cases; 141 hospitalized, which is down 9 from Wednesday; 23 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 2, for a total of 5,662; a total of 331,704 cases; PCR tests, 5,385; antigen tests, 1,066.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 31; Washington, 26; and Benton, 19.

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

“Vaccine doses administered have increased by nearly 154,000 since this time last week. Our hospitalizations and new cases continue to decline, but it's important that we continue to get vaccinated to protect our fellow Arkansans.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

UA Cossatot Student Ambassador 5K Glow Run May 1st

Severe Weather Briefing Friday and Friday Night for the Ark-La-Tex

Thursday COVID-19 Active Cases Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0

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

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 244 new cases; 1,649 active cases; 150 hospitalized, which is down 2 from Tuesday; 20 on ventilators, which is down 6 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 7, for a total of 5,660; a total of 331,505 cases; PCR tests, 4,177; antigen tests, 1,242.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 30; Benton, 29; and Pulaski, 28.

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

“Yesterday's report shows an increase of over 27,000 vaccine doses administered. With COVID-19 cases increasing in other states, we are in a race to get everyone vaccinated. This is the key to victory. If you are over 16, let's get the dose.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

UA Cossatot Youthbuild GED Graduates

Leslie Daniels, case manager, pictured with Aliaah Ramos, from De Queen, and Travis Archer, from Dierks, who are UA Cossatot YouthBuild program’s most recent #GED graduates. Aliaah plans to enroll at UA Cossatot to study art. Travis is undecided, but both are continuing in the program to earn their NCCER certification. Congratulations! We are so proud of your accomplishment and hard work! #YouthBuild

Wednesday COVID-19 Active Case and Vaccination Numbers from the AR Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0

Fresh Start Program Continuing Through CDC