Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 132
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 90
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 122
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 101
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 131
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 100
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 109
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 110
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 104
The ADH has released their most recent report on the number of active cases of COVID-19 in the state's public schools and colleges. Some area schools of note include:
UA Cossatot less than 5 (ADH does not release info for schools with fewer than 5 active cases to protect student privacy.)
Mena 14
De Queen 19
Ashdown 19
Centerpoint 20
Nashville 14
South Pike County 11
Horatio 15
Foreman 20
Texarkana, AR 12
Cossatot River 9
For the complete report, please visit:
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/School_Report_09132021.pdf
2021 Howard County Fair Exhibit Winner
Sr. Flower Show – Cut Flower …..……………………………… Deb Wallis
Sr. Flower Show – Plant …………………..…………………. Betty Johnson
Jr. Flower Show – Cut Flower …..…………………………… Arlee Howard
Sr. Food Preservation – Dried ……………...………………… Corliss Lewis
Sr. Food Preservation – Vegetable …………………….……. Codie Jamison
Jr. Food Preservation – Pickles …………………..……… Guy Cooper Kroll
Sr. Needlework – Other Category……………………..……… Judy Johnson
Sr. Needlework – 1st Quilt ……...………………………………….. Joy Barr
Sr. Needlework – Quilt ………………………..……….. Jeanette McConnell
Sr. Needlework – Crochet ………...……………………………….. Jon Nutt
Sr. Needlework – Cross Stitch ………………………………. Kay Gathright
Jr. Needlework – Quilt …………………………………….…… Sarah Lamb
Sr. Photography ………………………………………….. Gayle Castleberry
Sr. Photography …………………………………………..……. Jim Johnson
Sr. Photography ………………………………………………… Julia Moore
Jr. Photography ………………………………………………….. Elli Wallis
Sr. Home Arts ………………………………………….….… Wade Bearden
Sr. Home Arts …………………………………………………. Scott Wilson
Jr. Home Arts ……………………………………...…… Christian Trombley
Jr. Home Arts ………………………………………...…….. Torey Hathcoat
Sr. Art …………………………………………………….….…. Cindy Petty
Jr. Art ………………………………………………………… Klaire Hendry
Sr. Horticulture ………………………………………….……. Judy Johnson
Jr. Horticulture – Peppers ……...……………………………….. Briley Ford
Jr. Horticulture – Eggs …………………………………..…. Payeton Bagley
Jr. Horticulture – Pumpkin …………..………………...… Guy Cooper Kroll
Sr. Baked Goods ……………………………………………….. Tina Conzel
Sr. Baked Goods ……………………………………………….. Hazel White
Jr. Baked Goods ……………………………………………… Ember Boyce
Sr. Clothing …………………………………………..……….. Judy Johnson
Jr. Clothing ………………………………………….……….. Lily Trombley
Educational Booths
4-H …………………………………………….…………..……. Cloverbuds
EHC Club ………………………………………………………….. Twilight
School Group ………………………………………………………. FCCLA
Civic Group ……………………………………………… Master Gardeners
(September 7, 2021) LITTLE ROCK, Ark – Commissioner of State Lands Tommy Land announced that his office will auction tax-delinquent land in Howard County on Wednesday, September 22, at 2:00 p.m. The auction will be held at the Carter Day Training Center in Nashville, with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m.
“Since we were unable to hold public auctions in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, we are auctioning properties that were scheduled for sale last year,” Land said. “These are properties whose taxes have been delinquent since 2015.”
Next year, during the 2022 auction season, the COSL office will auction two years’ worth of properties. “That will catch us up so that we’re current on all sales,” Land said.
Prospective bidders can find an online Public Auction Catalog, including a buyer’s guide; statutes governing sales; auction date, time and location; and a complete listing of parcels offered. This resource is on the Commissioner’s website, www.cosl.org, and is regularly updated.
The website also includes an instructional video demonstrating how to research information about each parcel available for sale.
“We open the bidding at the amount of taxes, penalties and interest due,” Land said. “Anyone who has delinquent property going up for auction should be aware they only have 10 business days after the auction to redeem property sold there.”
Bidders must register for the auction, but the registration is free. The first $100 of any parcel’s purchase price must be paid in cash, while the remainder may be paid by cash, check or credit card.
“Property taxes help fund schools, roads, libraries and public services including ambulances,” Land said. “Everyone benefits from paying those taxes — and the property owner benefits from paying on time, by avoiding interest and penalties on delinquent taxes.”
Properties that do not sell at auction will appear on the COSL’s post-auction sales list 30 days after the auction date. From there, they can be purchased through an online auction system. Another instructional video on the COSL website demonstrates that process to bidders.
Owners of delinquent parcels may redeem those delinquent taxes online at www.cosl.org using a credit or debit card. Those who prefer to pay by check or money order can print a Petition to Redeem from the website or call the office at 501-324-9422 to request the petition, which must accompany their payment.
The ADH has released their most recent report on the rise of active cases of COVID-19 in the state's public schools and colleges. Some area schools of note include:
UA Cossatot less than 5 ( ADH does not release info for schools with fewer than 5 active cases to protect student privacy)
Mena 51
De Queen 33
Ashdown 32
Centerpoint 28
Nashville 24
Caddo Hills 23
South Pike County 23
Horatio 16
Mineral Springs 14
Foreman 13
Texarkana, AR 13
Cossatot River 8
Kirby 8
Dierks 5
For the complete report, please visit:
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/School_Report_09062021.pdf
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 156
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 131
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 118
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 167
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 119
LITTLE ROCK – The county fair is one of the traditions that we missed last year because of the pandemic, and today I’m very excited to talk about the reopening of the fairs this fall.
The first known organized fair in the United States was a sheep-shearing contest in 1807 in Pennsylvania. Fairs expanded to include the judging of homemade muscadine jelly and green beans in Mason jars, merry-go-rounds, beauty pageants, basketball toss, and foods we eat only once a year. Fairs are a big deal in dozens of communities in Arkansas.
Barbie Washburn, president of the Arkansas Fair Managers Association, says the loss of last year’s fair season hurt small towns such as Marvel, where she lives and works. She also is president of the TriCounty Fair, which includes Philips, Lee, and Monroe counties.
She has loved the fair since childhood. She said, “As soon as it started rolling in, I could hear it and feel it. I couldn’t wait to ride the Ferris wheel and eat cotton candy.”
Now she lives three blocks from the TriCounty fairground. She said that last year, she missed walking outside onto her patio to listen to the sounds and see the lights.
She said, “Our attendance is usually 10,000. People come to town, buy gas, eat at the local diner. When the carnival’s here, the washateria is used 24/7.”
The fair buys feed from the local feed store, and supplies from the hardware store. That didn’t happen last year.
Just about all of the county fairs are reopened for this fall. Now, some of the fairs that are reopening won’t have a midway with rides and games because some of the carnival companies didn’t survive the pandemic. But Freddy Miller, whose parents Johnny and Sue started Miller Spectacular Shows in Greenbrier, said his family’s company has had a phenomenal recovery this year.
The survival of county fairs is important to our communities. In July, I asked the Department of Agriculture to release $1.8 million in premium and construction funding to fairs. Going back to 2019, the state has allocated $3.8 million.
Barbie really wants county fairs to survive. She fears losing another event that brings a community together. That’s what the county fair is for. You see people you may not see any other time of the year. The fair is especially important for making memories for children. And for me that is really important. Each year my daughter, Sarah, and I look forward to going to the fair. We ride rides and look at the exhibits from across the state.
I am confident that county fairs will continue to thrive. The Saline County Fair, Bull Riding, and Rodeo is returning this year, and I happen to know that because I am riding in the parade. I am happy to note that I’m doing it for the fun of it and to show my support for the fair.
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 128
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 141
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 108
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 151
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 112
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 147
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 156
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 118
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 164
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 121
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 151
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 136
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 120
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 144
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 104
UA Cossatot’s Center for Student Success Announces 2021-2022 Student Ambassadors
UA Cossatot’s Center for Student Success announced its 2021-2022 Student Ambassadors. Student Ambassadors include Layton Jackson, Dennis Guzman, Ana Ruvalcaba, Brenda Mera, Gisselle Gomez, Julie Clift, Kimberly Delgado, Lizbeth Ozura, Lizbeth Hernandez, and Mackynze Dollarhide.
UA Cossatot Student Ambassadors are chosen to be the face of UA Cossatot on campus and in the community. They are an active voice for the UA Cossatot student body. Through a joint effort with Student Services and other Student Ambassadors, they reach out to prospective students, sharing personal UA Cossatot experiences and successes. UA Cossatot Student Ambassadors are hard-working, honest, curious, adventurous, and have strong communication skills and high academic standards.
“Being a student ambassador not only teaches you the skills but also helps you broaden and fine-tune those you already have, said Center for Student Success and Enrichment Director Erika Buenrrostro. “You'll learn the different ways to communicate with both individuals and large groups, and you'll gain emotional intelligence as you develop new relationships. In addition, to be a UA Cossatot Student Ambassadors means developing students into leaders that we hope will pave the way for others to come.”
For more information on UA Cossatot’s Student Ambassador program, contact Ambassador Sponsor Erika Buenrrostro at 870-584-1133 or ebuenrrostro@cccua.edu.
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Heat index values from 105 to 109 degrees are expected.
* WHERE...Much of our four state area of southern Arkansas,
northern Louisiana, eastern Texas and southeast Oklahoma.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
Thank you Arkansas Cattlemen’s Assocation for the honor of being named your 2021 Legislator of the Year!!
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 137
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 115
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 111
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 129
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 83
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 141
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 123
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 119
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 132
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 81
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 133
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 100
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 100
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 118
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 62
The 2020 Census numbers are in and as we reported earlier, every county in our immediate area of Southwest Arkansas lost population over the past ten years. Here are the 2020 population totals for a number of area towns and cities:
State Rank Name 2021 Pop. 2010 Census Change
15 Texarkana 29,473 29,976 -1.68%
43 Hope 9,425 10,117 -6.84%
56 De Queen 6,496 6,609 -1.71%
65 Mena 5,426 5,756 -5.73%
80 Ashdown 4,380 4,706 -6.93%
81 Nashville 4,302 4,626 -7.00%
168 Murfreesboro 1,598 1,677 -4.71%
196 Mineral Springs 1,132 1,203 -5.90%
203 Dierks 1,068 1,128 -5.32%
207 Horatio 1,016 1,049 -3.15%
214 Foreman 910 1,026 -11.31%
216 Kirby 878 786 +11.70%
234 Wickes 751 754 -0.40%
242 Lockesburg 718 735 -2.31%
Population totals for every incorporated town in the state can be found here: https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/cities/arkansas
The Arkansas Trucking Academy — the state’s first public program of its kind — will see its first students today.
The academy is offered by a consortium of four community colleges and supported by a $720,000 two-year grant at a time when a driver shortage is being keenly felt throughout the state and nationwide.
The consortium comprises Arkansas State University Three Rivers in Malvern, University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana in Hope, UA Cossatot’s Nashville campus and UA Rich Mountain in Mena. They are hoping to train 80 truck drivers per year, 20 at each location, through four- to five-week classes, according to ASU Three Rivers Chancellor Steve Rook.
https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/136873/arkansas-trucking-academy-begins-at-4-college-sites
A first-of-its-kind Arkansas Trucking Academy seeks to ease a driver shortage.
On Friday, August 6, 2021, nine Howard County 4-H youth attend the first Arkansas 4-H Food Challenge at the Pulaski Tech Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute in Alexander, Arkansas. Teams from 8 counties and 50 plus youth participated in the competition which required them to plan, prepare and present a nutritious meal in under forty minutes using readily available items found at the Dollar Store, Family Dollar or Dollar Tree. For people who live on a tight budget and in areas with limited access to food, eating nutritionally balanced meals can be a challenge. Through 4-H, youth are learning this important life skill, and just how creative they can be in preparing an inexpensive and nutritional meal in a short amount of time.
Howard County had three teams consisting of one senior team and two junior teams. This year’s senior team, know as Seniors with Spatulas, is made up by Adelene Westfall, Alex Trombley and Sarah Lamb. These three youth where named this year’s winners in the Senior division qualifying for the National 4-H Food Challenge event in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 28. Alex Trombley was also given the Specialty Award for his great leadership skills he demonstrated during the event. He received a golden spatula as his award. Two junior teams competed. One team, known as the Howard County Food Choppers, placed second overall in the junior division. This team is made up by Anna Kate McKinnion, Abi Webb and Christian Trombley. Our other junior team, known as the Howard County Cuties (and that is exactly what they were), is made up by Julianna Webb, Gracie Woodruff and Peyton Bagley.
If you are interested in joining Howard County 4-H, and finding out how you can be a part of all our 4-H youth activities, you can contact Samantha Horn at the Howard County Extension office at 870-845-7517 or shorn@uada.edu.