Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Members continued to review agency budget proposals in preparation for the 2022 Fiscal Session.

This week, the hearings focused on requests for public safety and for the Department of Human Services.

The Governor is requesting a $7.4 million increase in the budget for Arkansas State Police.

If approved, this money would be used to help raise the starting salary of state troopers to an amount between $52,000 and $55,000 a year. Currently, the starting salary is $42,357.

Arkansas State Police Director Bill Bryant testified this week that out of 525 trooper positions, 61 are currently vacant. Director Bryant told members an increase in starting salary would make the agency more competitive when it comes to new recruits.

This week, members also reviewed requests from the Department of Human Services (DHS).

The Governor has proposed an $11 million increase for the Division of Children and Family Services, the division of DHS responsible for child abuse prevention, protection, foster care, and adoption programs.

The requests for DHS also include $37.6 million to provide services for Arkansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Currently, more than 3,000 Arkansans are on a waitlist for services. Those services could include medical and hospital, mental health services, early intervention day treatment, adult day treatment, personal care, and occupation, physical, and speech therapy.

The latest general revenue report shows net available revenue at 6.1% above this time last year.

Members of the Joint Budget Committee review agency requests and current revenue reports before filing appropriation bills.

The 2022 Fiscal Session begins at noon on February 14. You can watch all House sessions and committee meetings at www.arkansashouse.org.

Active Cases in SW Arkansas COVID-19

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 620

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 460

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 414

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 333

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 236

Friday's Active Cases of COVID-19 in SW Arkansas

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 631

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 464

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 421

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 324

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 261

Active COVID-19 Cases in SW Arkansas

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 566

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 476

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 374

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 256

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 264

UA Cossatot Releases Fall 2021 Honor Students and List of Graduates

UA Cossatot’s Office of the Registrar recently released the fall 2021 Chancellor’s List and Vice Chancellor’s List, as well as the names of the fall 2021 graduates.

107 students were named to the Chancellor’s list, maintaining a minimum of 4.0 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours. 83 students were named on the Vice Chancellor’s list, maintaining a minimum of a 3.5 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours.

UA Cossatot Spring 2021 Chancellor’s List:

Amity: Felicity Pate, Dathan Vaught, and Randi Markham

Ashdown: Kasey Barton, Colby Dellinger, and Breana Noble

Ben Lomond: Kaitlyn Finigan and Brooklyn Roberts

Camden: Cha'keria Evans

De Queen: Jennifer Aparicio, Madison Bagley, Arlette Briones, Gracie Burcham, Tressie Click', Kimberly Delgado, Victoria Diaz, Oscar Fernandez, Cynthia Gallaway, Edith Garcia, Adrian Gonzalez, Ivette Gonzalez, Halle Harp, Samantha Harris, Yudibeth Herrera, Angie Hernandez, Edith Hernandez, Lesly Hernandez, Manuel Hernandez, Allen Hong, Kaleb Key, Giovanna Lerma, Daniel Marrufo, Jair Marrufo, Marlen Martinez, Edvinn Mendez, Gerardo Monroy, Ismael Montero, Edwin Mora, Hannah Phillips, Diana Ramirez, Carlos Rodriguez, Joshua Servante, McKenzie Simpson, America Vega, Tasma Irons, Samantha Ivy, Carlos Jaramillo, Danielle Martinez, Stephanie Piza, Valentin Sanchez, and Stephanie Zavala

Delight: Camri Kirkham

Dierks: Brayden Buck, Emily Glass, Jaiden Jackson, Aiden Oglesby, Kayden Turner, Kimberly McCauley, and Allison Strasner

Fouke: Denise Austin

Gillham: Andrew Shelton, Ariel Dinkins, and Joshua Vann

Horatio: Ashley Williams

Lockesburg: Lauren Carver, Jason Huesca, Jasie Miller, Arrionna Stout, Salina Dixon, and Kimberly Taylor

Mineral Springs: Destiny Bearden, Brenda Salinas, and Emma Watts

Murfreesboro: Brooke Westfall

Nashville: Alexis Byers, Isai Camacho, Ashley Chambers, Audri Couch, Devin Culp, Nya Esters,

Dennis Guzman, Lamia Hendrix, Lizbeth Hernandez, Sandra Hernandez, Jessica Medina-Frias, Kendra Miller, Adam Nix, Ella Ragar, Karleigh Reeder, Diana Rubio Hernandez, Jaycee Runnels, Ellen Spigner Wiley Washburn, James Jordan, and Candice Schooley

New Boston: Jennifer Beel and Justin Beel

Newhope: Jackson Banister and Jewel Bennett

Ozan: LaShonna Cooper

Prescott: Ashlynn Hart

Texarkana: Coleman Newberry, Grant Nolen, Joseph Benett Shan, and Anthony Stine

Umpire: Kelsie Faulkner and Taylor Pounds

UA Cossatot Spring 2021 Vice Chancellor’s List:

Amity: Joseph Galloway and Katelyn Hoover

Arkadelphia: Klair Castleberry

Ashdown: Benjamin Adkison, Veronica Hall, Alex Hamby, Kellie Jones, and Braley Turner

Broken Bow: Jazmayn Johnson

De Queen: Julio Alvarez, Abigail Angeles, Cynthia Bolanos Lopez, Juan Cervantes Jr, Ashley Contreras, William Foster, Abel Gutierrez, Victor Hernandez, Anayzia Jefferson, Brenda Mera Leon,

Blanca Morales Duran, Aldon Moreno-Cruz, Bridgette Ortiz, Lizbeth Osura, Alex Pacheco, Timothy Pham, Alex Ramirez, Jordan Rogers, Angeles Rojas-Duran, Izabella Sotelo, Ivan Trejo, Logan Turner, and Rachel Williamson

Delight: Bobbie Craig, Britton Hutcherson, and Noah McGalliard

Dierks: Elian Hernandez and Jace Jackson

Foreman: Leigha Bearden, Daniel Eyraud, Chunjung Ke Howell, David Sierra, and Skylar Wesley

Gillham: Guadalupe Olvera

Glenwood: Benjamin Williams

Horatio: Manuel Hernandez, Maddie Rivas, Gracie Shelton-Hill, Amanda Taylor, and Roberto Villeda Jr

Langley: Jacy White

Lockesburg: Ciarra Walker

McCaskill: Kristen Hendry and Jennifer Perez

Mineral Springs: Alan Hernandez, Brooklyn Nutt, and Sydaija Walton

Murfreesboro: Harley Keys

Nashville: Deven Barton, Estevan Bravo, Shalene Cardenas, Reagan Cooley, Jaydon Hostetler, King Jackson, James Leedale, Matthew McGilberry, Zayda Orozco, Raegan Porter, Hannah Purvis,

Mattison Steele, Jasmin Summers, Wyatt Talley, Kinsey Westfall, Brenden Woodall, and Haley Wright

Newhope: Alleigh Tucker

Ozan: Jake Brinkman

Texarkana: Julie Clift, Robert Haworth, Chase Hicks, Eriona Jefferson, Sean Minton, and Joshua Robles Jr.

Winthrop: Riley Martin

19 students graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors, meaning they graduate with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.9 to 4.0. 13 students graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors, meaning they graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 to 3.89. 32 students graduate with Cum Laude honors, meaning they graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.74.

Students graduating fall 2021 with Summa Cum Laude Honors:

Kasey Barton of Ashdown, LaShonna Dawnta-Cooper of Ozan, Devin Culp of Nashville, Alyssa Harrison of Nashville, Christian Hart of Nashville, Lesly Hernandez of De Queen, Lizbeth Hernandez of Nashville, Manuel Hernandez of Horatio, James Jordan of Nashville, Camri Kirkham Delight, Edvinn Mendez of De Queen, Gerardo Monroy of De Queen, Ismael Montero of De Queen, Christopher Moore of Umpire,

Jordan Rogers of De Queen, Andrew Shelton of Gillham, Maegan Taylor of Buckner, John Turner of Ashdown,

and Tatiana Weatherley of Winthrop.

Students graduating fall 2021 with Magna Cum Laude Honors:

Destany Bright of Amity, Ashlynn Hart of Prescott, Lesly Hernandez of De Queen, Yudibeth Herrera of De Queen, Hannah Honey of Garvin, Kaleb Key of De Queen, Daniel Marrufo of De Queen, Kendra Miller of Nashville, Jose Rios of Gillham, Jorge Soto Ramirez of De Queen, Kayden Turner of Dierks, Joshua Vann of Gillham, and Stephanie Zavala of De Queen.

Students graduating fall 2021 with Cum Laude Honors:

Kelsey Adams of Dierks, Deven Barton of Nashville, Shalene Cardenas of Nashville, Nicole Carroll of Texarkana, Sheri Dinkins of De Queen, Mackynze Dollarhide of Ashdown, Shonda French of Wilton, Adrian Gonzalez of De Queen, Colyn Grimes of Ogden, Katelyn Hipp of Mineral Springs, Jason Huesca of Lockesburg, Andrew Jacoby of Newhope, Carlos Jaramillo of De Queen, Crystal Jeanes of Nashville, Emily Kesterson of Mineral Springs, Oscar Lagunas of De Queen, Mallory Long of De Queen, Jair Marrufo of De Queen, Coleman Newberry of Texarkana, Brooklyn Nutt of Mineral Springs, Gustavo Perez of Mineral Springs,

CharDerra Piggee of Texarkana, Shelby Pogue Banister of Hope, Alexis Richardson of De Queen, Carlos Rodriguez of De Queen, Jacey Saldana of Murfreesboro, David Sierra of Foreman, Burgundi Unruh of De Queen, Miriam Vizueth of De Queen, Ashli Walker of Nashville, Marcus Wester of Nashville, and HeatherWoodall.

226 students graduate with a certificate of proficiency, technical certificate, or associate degree. Some students earned multiple certificates and degrees, allowing for 359 fall 2021 awards.

UA Cossatot Fall 2021 Graduates Include:

Amity: Destany Bright, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate of Applied Science, Katelyn Hoover, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Harrison Sutton, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency

Ashdown: William Abney, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Kasey Barton, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Kasey Barton, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Paiton Britt, Medical Transcription: Technical Certificate, Tyler Burnham, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Blayne Buster, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Della Earnest Buster, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Micah Cromer, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Mackynze Dollarhide, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Michael Wayne Friday, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Jasmine Hagood, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Alex Hamby, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Alex Hamby, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Monica Hankins, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, CandaceMcGee, Business Management: Technical Certificate, Dylan Paludan, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Amee Parker, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Garrett Rodden, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Brittany Sanders, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Jayla Sanders, Criminal Justice: Associate of Science, Jayla Sanders, Psychology: Associate of Science, Jayla Sanders, General Studies: Technical Certificate, James Sullivan, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Fletcher Swilley, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, John Turner, Business: Associate of Science, Matthew Vaught, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Heather Fischer Wright, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Heather Fischer Wright, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Jinina Young, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Jinina Young, Health Professions: Technical Certificate

Avery: Erin Blackburn, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science

Blevins: Ernan Gomez, Industrial Electricity: Technical Certificate, Ernan Gomez, Programmable Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Jessica Plunk, General Studies: Technical Certificate

Broken Bow: Stacey Harper, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Ashayla Williams, Emergency Medical Technology: Certificate of Proficiency

Buckner: Maegan Taylor, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate of Applied Science, Maegan Taylor, Health Professions: Technical Certificate

Conway: Brianna Maxwell, Associate of General Studies

De Queen: Mayra Aguilar, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Rodrigo Arroyo Jr., SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Sarah Azua, Associate of Arts, Sarah Azua: General Studies: Technical Certificate, Kelli Bahena Ugarte, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate of Applied Science, Hector Blanco, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Cynthia Bolanos Lopez, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Cynthia Bolanos Lopez, Associate of General Studies, Cynthia Bolanos Lopez, Teaching: Associate of Arts, Cynthia Bolanos Lopez, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Cynthia Bolanos Lopez, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate, Cynthia Bolanos Lopez, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Jonathan Buenrostro, General Business: Associate of Applied Science, Jonathan Buenrostro, Accounting: Technical Certificate, Jonathan Buenrostro, Business Management: Technical Certificate,

Jonathan Buenrostro, Business Management: Certificate of Proficiency, Jesus Camacho Jr., SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Nohemi Carreon, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Nohemi Carreon, Teaching: Associate of Arts, Nohemi Carreon, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Nohemi Carreon, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate, Nohemi Carreon, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Juan Cervantes Jr, Automotive Service Technology: Technical Certificate, Abisai De Jesus, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Sheri Dinkins, Associate of Arts, Sheri Dinkins, Psychology: Associate of Science, Joel Elizondo, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Angel Espinoza-Trujillo, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Oscar Fernandez, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Edgar Ferretiz, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Alec-Zander Frachiseur, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Juan Gaona, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Edwin Garcia, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Katy Garcia, Associate of General Studies, Mitzi Garcia, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Mitzi Garcia, Associate of General Studies, Mitzi Garcia, Teaching: Associate of Arts, Mitzi Garcia, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate, Mitzi Garcia, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency,

Mitzi Garcia, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Jennifer Garibay, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate of Applied Science, Levester Gillard, Business: Associate of Science, Misty Goings, Natural Resources: Associate of Science, Adrian Gonzalez, Pipe Welding: Technical Certificate, Adrian Gonzalez, Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel: Certificate of Proficiency, Adrian Gonzalez, Pipe Welding GTAW: Certificate of Proficiency, Adrian Gonzalez, Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW: Certificate of Proficiency, Joel Guerrero, STEM: Associate of Science, Joel Guerrero, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Joel Guerrero: Brakes, Suspension & Steering: Certificate of Proficiency, Abel Gutierrez, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency,

Brett Hall, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Samantha Harris, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Lesly Hernandez, Associate of Arts, Lesly Hernandez, Associate of General Studies,

Lesly Hernandez, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Vanessa Hernandez, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Yudibeth Herrera, Middle Level Education: Associate of Science, Yudibeth Herrera, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Gisselle Herrera-Gomez, Associate of General Studies, Gisselle Herrera-Gomez, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Payton Hibbs, Agriculture: Technical Certificate, Samantha Ivy, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Carlos Jaramillo, Business: Associate of Science, Carlos Jaramillo, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Kaleb Key, Welding: Technical Certificate, Kaleb Key, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Kaleb Key, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Oscar Lagunas, Welding: Technical Certificate, Oscar Lagunas, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Jayce Lee, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Kevin Leeper, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Diana Lerma, Medical Transcription: Certificate of Proficiency, Mallory Long, Medical Assisting: Technical Certificate,

Lisset Luna, Associate of General Studies, Lisset Luna, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Daniel Marrufo, Welding: Technical Certificate, Daniel Marrufo, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Daniel Marrufo, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Jair Marrufo Marrufo, Welding: Technical Certificate, Jair Marrufo Marrufo, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Jair Marrufo Marrufo, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Sonia Martinez, Psychology: Associate of Science, Sonia Martinez, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Jessica McGough, Emergency Medical Technology: Certificate of Proficiency, Edvinn Mendez, Welding: Technical Certificate, Edvinn Mendez, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Edvinn Mendez, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Gerardo Monroy, Welding: Technical Certificate, Gerardo Monroy, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Gerardo Monroy, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Ismael Montero, STEM: Associate of Science, Ismael Montero, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Edwin Mora, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Edwin Mora, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Blanca Morales Duran, Associate of Arts, Blanca Morales Duran, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Aldon Moreno Cruz, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Danny Osura, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Alex Pacheco, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Carson Patterson, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Elizebeth Perez, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science,

Elizebeth Perez, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Vorian Rehm, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Alexis Richardson, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Carlos Rodriguez, Welding: Technical Certificate, Carlos Rodriguez, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Carlos Rodriguez, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Zuleima Rodriguez-Chavez, Agriculture: Technical Certificate, Jordan Rogers, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Jordan Rogers, Teaching: Associate of Arts, Jordan Rogers, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate, Jordan Rogers, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency,

Jordan Rogers, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Joshua Servante, Accounting: Certificate of Proficiency,

Brennen Seymour, Emergency Medical Technology: Certificate of Proficiency, Kevin Sims, Emergency Medical Technology: Certificate of Proficiency, Jorge Soto Ramirez, General Technology: Associate of Applied Science, Manuel Soto Ramirez, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Athena Stephens, Associate of Arts, Athena Stephens, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Elisha Taylor, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Elisha Taylor, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Yulissa Tepozotlan, Medical Assisting: Technical Certificate, Yulissa Tepozotlan, Medical Transcription: Technical Certificate,

Sydney Thistlethwaite, Psychology: Associate of Science, Sydney Thistlethwaite, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Burgundi Unruh, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Tanesha Van Horn, Accounting: Certificate of Proficiency, Tanesha Van Horn, Business Management: Technical Certificate, Tanesha Van Horn, Business Management: Certificate of Proficiency, Miriam Vizueth, Associate of General Studies, Miriam Vizueth, Medical Assisting: Technical Certificate, Charles Wood, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Erika Zamora, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Stephanie Zavala, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science

Delight: Amy Campbell, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Amy Campbell, Teaching: Associate of Arts, Amy Campbell, Associate of General Studies, Amy Campbell, General Studies: Technical Certificate,

Amy Campbell, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate, Amy Campbell, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Robin Franklin, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Lexie Johnson, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Camri Kirkham, Associate of General Studies, Camri Kirkham, General Studies: Technical Certificate

Dierks: Kelsey Adams, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Brayden Buck, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Elian Hernandez, General Technology: Associate of Applied Science, Kayliegh Hill, Agriculture: Technical Certificate, Jace Jackson, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Aiden Oglesby, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Annaliese Stamps, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Kayden Turner, General Studies: Technical Certificate

Farmerville: Shondra Fields, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science

Foreman: Zackery Carver, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Raichel Frye, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Jason Goeldi, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency,

Chase Gross, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Monica Lansdell, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Tyler Nelson, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Tyler Nelson, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Colton Rose, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency,

David Sierra, Business: Associate of Science, David Sierra, General Studies: Technical Certificate

Fulton: Sha'letra Turner, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science

Garvin: Hannah Honey, Health Professions: Technical Certificate

Gillham: Jose Rios, Industrial Electricity: Technical Certificate, Tara Saddler, Associate of General Studies: Tara Saddler, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Andrew Shelton, Pipe Welding: Technical Certificate, Andrew Shelton, Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel: Certificate of Proficiency, Andrew Shelton, Pipe Welding GTAW: Certificate of Proficiency, Andrew Shelton, Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW: Certificate of Proficiency, Joshua Vann, General Studies: Technical Certificate

Hooks: Kinzie Williams, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science

Hope: Shelby Pogue Banister, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate of Applied Science,

Shelby Pogue Banister, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Megan Treadwell, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate of Applied Science, Megan Treadwell, Health Professions: Technical Certificate

Horatio: Jaisee Bailey, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Debra Boyd, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Manuel Hernandez, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Adrian Hernandez, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Ely Ricardo, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Tanya Roden, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Amanda Taylor, Accounting: Technical Certificate, Marco Tinajero, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency,

Roberto Villeda Jr, Welding: Technical Certificate, Roberto Villeda Jr, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Roberto Villeda Jr, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency

Hot Springs National Park: Lacey Kennedy, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Lacey Kennedy, Health Professions: Technical Certificate

Idabel: Erika Ristrim, Medical Assisting: Technical Certificate

Kirby: Lucas Cowart, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency

Linden: Victoria Harper, Psychology: Associate of Science

Lockesburg: Cherokee Birmingham, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Tasha Callahan, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Salina Dixon, STEM: Associate of Science, Jacob Gilbert, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Landon Hamilton, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Baylee Harder, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Jason Huesca, Pipe Welding: Technical Certificate, Jason Huesca, Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel: Certificate of Proficiency, Jason Huesca, Pipe Welding GTAW: Certificate of Proficiency, Jason Huesca, Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW: Certificate of Proficiency, Tyler Miller, Industrial Electricity: Technical Certificate, Tyler Miller, Programmable Controls: Certificate of Proficiency

Mccaskill: Cameron Lane, Programmable Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Corta Young, General Technology: Associate of Applied Science, Corta Young, Programmable Controls: Certificate of Proficiency

Mineral Springs: Erica Hawthorne, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Katelyn Hipp, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Katelyn Hipp, Associate of General Studies, Katelyn Hipp, Teaching: Associate of Arts, Katelyn Hipp, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate, Katelyn Hipp, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Emily Kesterson, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Brooklyn Nutt, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Gustavo Perez, Criminal Justice: Associate of Science, Gustavo Perez, General Studies: Technical Certificate

Murfreesboro: Hayley Hale, Accounting: Technical Certificate, Hayley Hale, Business Management: Technical Certificate, Hayley Hale, Business Management: Certificate of Proficiency, Kelsie Hallmark, Medical Assisting: Technical Certificate, Kelsie Hallmark, Medical Transcription: Certificate of Proficiency,

Harley Keys, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Harley Keys, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency,

JohnAaron Legate, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Jessica Parker, General Business: Associate of Applied Science, Jessica Parker, Accounting: Technical Certificate, Jacey Saldana, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Kristyn Self, Associate of General Studies, Kristyn Self, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Alex Trombley, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Brittany Zacarias, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science

Nashville: Deven Barton, Accounting: Technical Certificate, Bryanna Billingsley, Medical Assisting: Technical Certificate, Bryanna Billingsley, Medical Transcription: Technical Certificate, Shalene Cardenas, Business: Associate of Science, Shalene Cardenas, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Aiden Chapman, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Aubrie Combs, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science,

Aubrie Combs, Associate of General Studies: Aubrie Combs, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate,

Aubrie Combs, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Hector Cortez, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Ashley Crocker, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Devin Culp, Automotive Service Technology: Technical Certificate, Haley Davis, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Haley Davis, Teaching: Associate of Arts, Haley Davis, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate, Haley Davis Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Ashley Hale, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Alyssa Harrison, Associate of General Studies, Christian Hart, Industrial Electricity: Technical Certificate, Christian Hart, Programmable Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Adrian Hernandez, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Lizbeth Hernandez, Business: Associate of Science, Lizbeth Hernandez, General Studies: Technical Certificate, John Hudkins, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Crystal Jeanes, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, James Jordan, Welding: Technical Certificate, James Jordan, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, James Jordan, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Haley Lingo, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Kameron Maroon, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Kameron Maroon, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Elizabeth McCauley, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Hannah McClendon, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Hannah McClendon, Teaching: Associate of Arts, Hannah McClendon, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate, Hannah McClendon, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Kendra Miller, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Kassandra Organista, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Elizabeth Perez, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Treyton Spurling, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency,

Joshua Sweeden, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Kristell Valente, Business Management: Certificate of Proficiency, Ashli Walker, Psychology: Associate of Science, Haeden Walker, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Emily Wall: Health Professions: Technical Certificate,

Marcus Wester, Associate of General Studies: Marcus Wester, Industrial Electricity: Technical Certificate,

Marcus Wester, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Marcus Wester, Programmable Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Hadyn Whisenhunt, Industrial Electricity: Technical Certificate, Hadyn Whisenhunt, Programmable Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Sawyer White, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Abigail Witherspoon, Associate of General Studies, Heather Woodall, Associate of General Studies

Newhope: Jewel Bennett, Cosmetology: Technical Certificate, Andrew Jacoby, General Technology: Associate of Applied Science, Andrew Jacoby, Industrial Electricity: Technical Certificate, Andrew Jacoby, Programmable Controls: Certificate of Proficiency

Ogden: Colyn Grimes, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Colyn Grimes, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency

Ozan: LaShonna Dawnta-Cooper, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Nina Rodgers, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science

Prescott: Ashlynn Hart, Cosmetology: Technical Certificate

Smackover: Celes Miller, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science

Texarkana: Nicole Carroll, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate of Applied Science, Eriona Jefferson, Associate of General Studies, Jamile Navarrete, Digital Media & Marketing: Certificate of Proficiency, Coleman Newberry, General Technology: Associate of Applied Science, Coleman Newberry, Pipe Welding: Technical Certificate, Coleman Newberry, Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel: Certificate of Proficiency, Coleman Newberry, Pipe Welding GTAW: Certificate of Proficiency, Coleman Newberry, Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW: Certificate of Proficiency, CharDerra Piggee, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, CharDerra Piggee, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Kelsey Solida, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate of Applied Science

Umpire: Christopher Moore, Industrial Electricity: Technical Certificate, Christopher Moore, Hydraulics & Pneumatics: Certificate of Proficiency

Wilton: Shonda French, General Studies: Technical Certificate

Winthrop: Autumn Hofmann, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Riley Martin, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Tatiana Weatherley, Medical Transcription: Technical Certificate

Robert Martinez Recognized for 22 years of Service on UA Cossatot Board

At the Monday meeting of the UA Cossatot Board of Visitors, outgoing board member Robert Martinez was recognized for his 22 years of service. Martinez is pictured above with UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole.

Active COVID-19 Cases Spike in SW Arkansas

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 352

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 448

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 302

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 153

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 227

NWS Arkansas Winter Weather Briefing for January 14-16

A storm system/disturbance will affect the area Friday night through Saturday. As of right now, northern Arkansas seems most likely to see wintry precipitation, although central and southern Arkansas cannot be ruled out. There is still a great deal of uncertainty with this system and additional updates are likely.

National Weather Service

Little Rock, Arkansas

Active COVID-19 Cases on the Rise in SW Arkansas

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 83

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 124

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 81

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 59

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 39

UA Cossatot kicks-off Spring 2022 Semester

UA Cossatot’s Spring 2022 regular classes will begin on Tuesday, January 18, and registration is open until Thursday, January 22. Two eight-week terms are also offered, one running January-March and the second March-May. The registration deadline for the second eight-week term is March 14.

There are various in-person and online courses offered and a variety of career and transfer options. Anyone interested in taking courses, including returning students, is encouraged to stop by UA Cossatot’s Student Services, where a friendly staff member can help with registration and enrollment questions.

To speak with Student Services about registering for classes, please call 870-584-4471 or email studentservices@cccua.edu. Walk-ins are always welcome. UA Cossatot campus hours for De Queen, Nashville, and Ashdown are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

There is still time to apply for medical programs, too. If all program requirements are met by March 1st, students are eligible to apply. All pre-reqs must be completed or in progress during the spring semester. The program applications and TEAS score must be completed by March 1st. Please review program requirements for each program at www.cccua.edu/programs-of-study/medical-education. For medical program questions, please contact 870-584-1211 or email ccooper@cccua.edu, rservante@cccua.edu, or mfoster@cccua.edu.

UA Cossatot’s Colts and Lady Colts are also gearing up this semester. The UA Cossatot men will play their first game of the year against Champion’s College at 7 pm on Wednesday, January 5, at the UA Cossatot

Bank of Lockesburg Historic Gymnasium. Both the Colts and the Lady Colts will open conference play at home on Saturday, January 8th, hosting South Arkansas Community College. Saturday’s action will tip-off at 2 pm in Lockesburg. Contact Head Coach Robert Byrd for free season pocket schedules at 870-584-1105 or rbyrd@cccua.edu. ###

Current Active COVID-19 Cases in SW Arkansas

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 46

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 48

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 13

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 12

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 13

Pilgrim's in De Queen and Nashville Accepting Clothes and Toy Donations for Mayfield Tornado Victims Until Friday at Noon

Mickey & Melanie Buchanan Give to UAC Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign

The UA Cossatot Foundation recently received a $500 gift from Mickey and Melanie Buchanan to go toward the Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign.

“The opportunities provided by UA Cossatot to Southwest Arkansas have paved a path that affords students in our communities an education in professional and technical fields. Our son, Ty, chose to attend Welding and Industrial Maintenance programs in Lockesburg. We want to be able to help other students achieve their educational goals,” said Buchanan.

The UA Cossatot Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign is designed to offer more scholarship funds for UA Cossatot students through a matching grant awarded to UA Cossatot. All donations raised through this campaign are matched 100 percent up to $150,000. The goal is to raise $150,000 or more by 2025 to establish a new scholarship endowment of $300,000 in honor of the college’s upcoming 50th anniversary.

UA Cossatot’s Director of Development Dustin Roberts said, “We so appreciate Mickey and Melanie’s support of this campaign and our students. This gift will make a big impact, especially since their donation will be matched! ”

The UA Cossatot Foundation would like to invite all donors, alumni, and friends of the college to make a gift of any amount to the 50 & Forward Campaign to establish scholarship funds for generations to come.

For more information on UA Cossatot Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign, contact Dustin Roberts at 870-584-1172 or droberts@cccua.edu.

UA Cossatot Welcomes Ellen Moreland to the Board of Visitors

Ellen Moreland of Glenwood, Arkansas, recently joined UA Cossatot’s Board of Visitors.

Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole said, “We have an extremely active and energetic board that provides our college with locally-focused leadership, and Ellen fits perfectly with this group. She brings a lot of educational and medical industry knowledge to the board and will be a great presence, especially for our communities in Pike County."

Ellen graduated from Glenwood High School in 1984 then pursued her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Henderson State University, graduating in 1989. She continued her education, obtaining a Master of Nursing Science in 1995 from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Ellen has worked as a Nurse Practitioner for 26 years, first in Neurosurgery and currently in Family Practice. She is presently employed by HealthStar Physicians of Hot Springs and cares for patients in her community at Glenwood Family Medicine.

Ellen resides in Glenwood with her husband, Joe. She has two sons, one granddaughter and one grandson, all of whom she adores. Ellen is actively involved in her community and her church activities while

continuing to serve on other boards. Ellen enjoys time with family and friends, cooking, and watching all Razorback sports.

UA Cossatot Receives In-class Ambulance Simulator

The holidays arrived early for UA Cossatot and its Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) students; the long-awaited arrival of its in-class ambulance simulator.

The ambulance simulator was purchased with grant monies awarded to UA Cossatot and is located in the EMT classroom on the De Queen campus. This simulator exists to help students save lives by experiencing training scenarios that are as close to real-life as possible with instructor Waco Jackson and the inclusion of the most up-to-date technology available.

“This grant allows us to provide students with real-world experience in a classroom setting, making their training hands-on to improve their skills upon employment,” said Jackson.

Enrollment for spring 2022 EMT courses is currently open, and classes begin in January.

For more information on UA Cossatot’s ambulance simulator and EMT courses offered, contact Waco Jackson at 870-584-1101 or wjackson@cccua.edu. ###

Dewayne & Janice Mack Donate to UAC Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign

The UA Cossatot Foundation received a gift from Foundation Board Member Dewayne Mack and his wife, Janice, the week of Giving Tuesday. The $5,000 donation will go toward the Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign.“We just want to help in a little way for students less fortunate than others,” said Mack.

The UA Cossatot Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign is designed to provide more scholarship funds for UA Cossatot students through a matching grant UA Cossatot recently received. All donations raised through this campaign are matched 100 percent up to $150,000. The goal is to raise $150,000 or more by 2025 to establish a new scholarship endowment of $300,000 in honor of the college’s upcoming 50th anniversary.

Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole said, “We have worked so hard to get where we are over the past 46 years and we will keep doing all that we can for our students. When we have supporters like Dwayne and Janice, it helps eliminate the greatest hurdle our students face, and that is being able to afford college. It makes it even better to know that their $5,000 donation has immediately turned into $10,000 with the unique grant we received last year!”

The UA Cossatot Foundation would like to invite all donors, alumni, and friends of the college to make a gift of any amount to the 50 & Forward Campaign to establish scholarship funds for generations to come.

Remember, if you donate $100, it immediately turns into $200. If you donate $10,000, it immediately turns into $20,000.

For more information on UA Cossatot Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign, contact Dustin Roberts, Director of Development, at 870-584-1172 or droberts@cccua.edu. ###

Nashville Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade Winners

The turnout to the Nashville Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade was probably

the best of all time. Attendance was fantastic. The floats were really great and the

Sr. High and Jr. High marching bands were the icing on the cake. From the Chamber’s

board, we want to say “Thank You” for all who participated in this year’s Christmas

parade.

The 1st place float winner was: The Nashville High Spanish Club

The 2nd place float winner was: Husqvarna

The 3rd place float winner was: The Springs of Mine Creek Community Compassion Center

Update of Active COVID-19 Cases in SW Arkansas

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 48

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 36

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 12

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 12

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 16

Active COVID-19 Cases in SW Arkansas Update

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 44

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 28

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 14

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 17

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

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 44

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 30

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 17

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 21