Jeff Tollett, Manager of the Four States Fiber Outside Fiber Plant, updated De Queen Lions Club at Tuesday's noon meeting. As part of the Diamond State network, a coalition of 13 Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, the wholesale broadband provider in the state aims to provide high-speed internet access to 1.25 million rural Arkansans. Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative was awarded $53 million in FCC funding to provide high-speed fiber service to over 26,000 homes in Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. The benefits include 100 megabits per second upload/download for $49.95/month and 1 gigabit per second upload/download speeds for $79.95. Tollett also talked about the service reliability focus of Four States Fiber.
UA Cossatot Shooting Sports Team Tryouts Scheduled For September 9th
In preparation for their inaugural shooting sports season this October, UA Cossatot will hold team tryouts on Friday, September 9.
UA Cossatot already competes in the NJCAA Division II Region 2 in men’s and women’s basketball, and Shooting Sports is the latest foray into collegiate sports. Current students who are interested in participating in the Shooting Sports tryouts on September 9th, should contact Coach Brett Blackburn at 941-726-2245. Scholarships are available for Shooting Sports and all men and women are invited to tryout. UA Cossatot hopes to have a competitive team in place this year and plans to add men’s and women’s soccer in Fall of 2023.
Again, for more information about the UA Cossatot shooting sports program, contact coach Brett Blackburn at 941-726-2245 or via email at bblackburn@cccua.edu.
Relinda Ruth of UA Cossatot contributing to OER and OEN national events
Relinda Ruth of the UA Cossatot OER and Arkansas OEN
Our money-saving textbook policy is one aspect of a UA Cossatot educational experience that is different from many other colleges. Relinda Ruth not only heads up our Open Education Resources, but she is a recognized leader in the state in this field. Relinda was recently interviewed by the Open Education Network. That interview can be found at https://open.umn.edu/.../member-spotlight-arkansas...
Recently, the ACC joined the OEN. The OEN recently interviewed Relinda Ruth about Arkansas’s move toward OER and the ACC’s recent membership to the OEN. They published the interview on their blog- https://open.umn.edu/oen/blog-and-events
As the Arkansas OEN leader, Ruth participated in a 3-hour synchronous Zoom session on Wednesday morning. The presenters for the train-the-trainer event were Meggie Mapes, Introductory Course Director at the University of Kansas, and Cheryl Casey, Open Education Librarian at the University of Arizona.
There are 8 OEN delegates around the state, and institutions can select three individuals to serve as OER ambassadors. Arkansas can have 75 Open Educational Resource (OER) ambassadors among the ACC’s institutions. Ambassadors will be trained to bring expertise, mentorship, and best practices back to their member community. They will learn to facilitate workshops to engage and support faculty through a train-the-trainer event.
Active Cases of COVID-19 for SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 122
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 47
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 46
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 64
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 17
Active Cases Data for Miller County
Total Active Cases: 178
Current Active COVID-19 Cases Reported in SW AR
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 150
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 119
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 65
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Cases Data for Miller County
Total Active Cases: 166
Active COVID-19 Cases in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 89
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 135
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 56
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 31
Active Cases Data for Miller County
Total Active Cases: 205
Notice from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Share Post)
(Photo by David George)
Arkansas Cattlemen's Association
All of Arkansas is in a drought for the first time in 10 years. Conditions are rough for all of agriculture.
Hay production has all but stopped in the majority of the state, with estimates of drastically less hay harvested this year and a need to start feeding it soon because of limited grass.
Cattle are being sold at a drastically increased rate at Arkansas livestock markets because of limited grazing.
The ACA and Governor Asa Hutchinson have requested a USDA Drought Disaster Declaration for the entire state of Arkansas.
The ACA has also requested $3.5 million for the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to create a new program to help producers through this time - the Arkansas Emergency Feed Assistance Transportation Program.
This program would provide financial assistance to producers on transportation costs of feedstuffs, including hay, during this drought.
How can you help? Share this post to raise awareness, be prepared to contact your legislators if we make a call to action, and take care of yourself and your herd in this heat.
Latest COVID Numbers in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 119
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 53
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 56
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 26
For additional assistance or questions, call the ADH COVID-19 Call Center at 1-800-803-7847, or email ADH.CoronaVirus@arkansas.gov.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Research has shown that 90 percent of a person’s brain develops in the first five years of life.
That is why a child’s experiences and relationships during that time are critically important. Reading not only engages children and boosts brain development, but it also helps children and parents and children bond.
This year the Department of Human Services launched the “10 Minutes Matter” reading campaign.
Studies have shown that reading just one short book every day to a young child can increase their vocabulary by 300,000 words.
Reading creates a wonderful bonding experience between parent and child starting at birth. It stimulates the imagination and expands children’s knowledge of the world. It also strengthens social and emotional development by teaching them words to express their feelings.
Reading to your child for just 10 minutes a day can make a big difference and it is never too early to start.
For families with limited resources, there are several ways to get books a little to no cost.
The Arkansas Imagination Library works in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to send every child in Arkansas from birth to age 5 a new book each month. The books are free of cost and age-appropriate.
Research has shown that a child with 25 books in their home complete an average of two additional years of schooling compared to their peers without books in their home. The goal of the Arkansas Imagination Library is that every kindergartner begins school with 60 books in their home.
You can also check out books from your local library. We have posted a link to a map of all libraries in the state as well as a link to the Arkansas Imagination Library website on our website at www.arkansashouse.org.
UA Cossatot Partners with Dr. Randy Walker Clinic to Provide Mental Health Services to Students
UA Cossatot and Dr. Randy Walker Family Practice and Allergy Clinic recently partnered to provide mental health services to UA Cossatot students with no out-of-pocket expense to students.
The plan is for the clinic to bill the student’s insurance if available and then bill the college for any remainder. UA Cossatot has received HEERF funds to cover this cost, which are projected to consist mainly of copays.
Tonya Chambers, PMHNP, with Dr. Randy Walker Family Practice and Allergy Clinic, provides health coaching to patients struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, tobacco cessation, grief, anger management, OCD, PTSD, Trauma, and Caregiver support.
Angie Walker, with Dr. Randy Walker Family Practice and Allery Clinic, said, “Our goal is to improve health outcomes, reduce costs and create a happy, healthy community. This Partnership is the first step!”
Mental health services will be available to all UA Cossatot students beginning July 1. “This will be super convenient for our De Queen students, but telehealth will also be available so students on our other 3 locations can also utilize these services face-to-face!” said Suzanne Ward, Director of Student Services. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, “Up to 44% of college students reported having symptoms of depression and anxiety.” Additionally, “Up to 75% of struggling students are reluctant to seek help. This increases the risk of harmful outcomes, such as dropping out of college, poor academic performance, suicide and substance abuse.”
UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole said, “UA Cossatot students are the reason we exist and we want to make sure we are doing all we can to make them successful. Today's world has brought more stress than we have ever seen, and partnering with Dr. Walker's office to offer mental health counseling for our students will hopefully give our students a private and helpful way for them to deal with this stress or any other mental health matter they are facing. We also wanted to make sure there was no cost to our students for this service. We want to have healthy students...body and mind, and we feel this is a helpful way to accomplish this.”
For more information, contact Suzanne Ward at 870-584-1143 or sward@cccua.edu
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
If you are someone you know is caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, you may be interested in a new program launched this week.
The Arkansas Legislative Council recently approved the creation and funding for the Dementia Respite Care Pilot Program.
This program provides $500 respite grants to enable caregivers to take a break from caregiving.
It is estimated that more than 93,000 Arkansans are caring for a loved one with dementia. Full-time caregiving can take an emotional and physical toll on anyone. This program is designed to give those care-takers time to rest or just get out of the house to do routine activities many of us take for granted.
The program is the first of its kind in Arkansas. It was established by the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Advisory Council, which was created as a result of Act 391 in the 2021 Regular Session.
In addition to authorizing the Respite Program, the Council has worked to update Arkansas’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia Disease State Plan.
Under the Respite Program, families can receive two grants during a calendar year (with at least six months between approved dates). To qualify, care recipients must live in Arkansas and have a primary or secondary diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Additionally, the diagnosis must state that the patient requires daily assistance.
Respite Program grants come from a $200,000 investment, funded through the Social Services Block Grant.
The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Respite Care Pilot Program is administered by the DHS Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance.
These grants are available now and interested parties can apply starting today.
To learn more about the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Respite Care Pilot Program and to apply for assistance, please visit www.ALZark.org/grants, email grants@ALZark.org, or call 501-224-0021, extension 210.
Tri Lakes Bass Tournament Photos from Saturday, May 28, in SW Arkansas
Photos provided by Callie Miller of the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce.
UA Cossatot Releases Spring 2022 Honor Students and List of Graduates
UA Cossatot Releases Spring 2022 Honor Students and List of Graduates
UA Cossatot’s Office of the Registrar recently released the spring 2022 Chancellor’s List and Vice Chancellor’s List, as well as the names of the spring 2022 graduates.
93 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. 85 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 2022 Chancellor’s List:
Amity: Dathan Vaught
Ashdown: Reina Anderson, Hunter Billingsley, Blayne Buster, Quinton Holland, and Tyler Burns
Ben Lomond: Kaitlyn Finigan
Cove: Deantha Gibbons
De Queen: Jennifer Aparicio, Madison Bagley, Heather Bradshaw, Tressie Click, Kimberly Delgado,
Oscar Fernandez, Edgar Ferretiz, William Foster, Juan Gaona, Bryan Gutierrez, Halle Harp, Allen Hong, Maximino Lemus, Annabelle Lindsey, Magdalena Lugo, Rivera Magana, Daniel Marrufo, Marlen Martinez, Gerardo Monroy, Ariana Ortiz, Lizbeth Osura, Dulce Owen, Alex Pacheco,
Timothy Pham, Diana Ramirez, Linda Ramirez, Joshua Servante, McKenzie Simpson, Izabella Sotelo,
Ethan Wolcott, Samantha Ivy, Danielle Martinez, Stephanie Piza, Amanda May, John Montiel, and
Valentin Sanchez Jr
Dierks: Taylor Darling, Nancy Diaz, Allie McConnell, Kayden Turner, and Kimberly McCauley
Foreman: Caroline Beasley
Fouke: Denise Austin
Gillham: Joshua Vann
Glenwood: Alexus Caldwell and Benjamin Williams
Horatio: Kelsi Brown
Kirby: Jolie Brewer and Roberto Vasquez
Langley: Kamry Kelley and Taylor Kelley
Lockesburg: Lauren Carver, Calum Casiano, Jasie Miller, and Arrionna Stout
McCaskill: Justin Ellison
Mineral Springs: Marlon Graves Jr and Alan Hernandez
Murfreesboro: Kyla Collins, Johnaaron Legate, and Brooke Westfall
Nashville: Katie Cochran, Audri Couch, Dabne Cuellar, Joshua Feltenberger, Dennis Guzman,
Jessica Medina-Frias, Kendra Miller, Adam Nix, Arely Pioquinto, Maritsa Rosas, Diana Rubio- Hernandez, Braven Warren, Wiley Washburn, Kinsey Westfall, Blane Woods, and James Jordan.
Ozan: LaShonna Cooper and Daleigh Morris
Texarkana: Robert Haworth, Grant Nolen, Joseph Benett Shan, and Anthony Stine.
Umpire: Kelsie Faulkner
Winthrop: Riley Martin
UA Cossatot Spring 2022 Vice Chancellor’s List:
Amity: Jordyn Cotter and Joseph Galloway
Ashdown: Adkison Benjamin, Jaden Altenbaumer, Faith Green, Kellie Jones, Kenneth Purtell, Lexius Winfrey, Fletcher Swilley, and Breana Noble
Camden: Cha'keria Evans
Columbus: Riley Webb
De Queen: Abigail Angeles, Arlette Briones, Ashley Contreras, Ivette Gonzalez, Edith Hernandez,
Johnathan Hernandez, Liliana Hernandez, Victor Hernandez, Layton Jackson, Giovanna Lerma, Edwin Mora, Aldon Moreno-Cruz, Maria Munoz Juache, Myan Newman, Brenda Perez, Zuleima Rodriguez-Chavez, Jose Rojas, Logan Turner, Samantha Wilkerson, Rachel Williamson, Miranda Coto, Kimberly Frachiseur, Ercilia Gomez, Tasma Irons, Tanesha Van Horn, and Olivia Yandell
Delight: Noah McGalliard
Dierks: Chantal Alonso, Braxton Claborn, Jaiden Jackson, Allie Miller, Kitreena Russell, William Sirmon, and Kasyn Turner
Foreman: Daniel Eyraud, Chunjung Howell, and Colton Rose
Gillham: Ariel Dinkins
Hatfield: Esmerelda Johnson
Horatio: Melissa Arellano, Anahiz Ruvalcaba, and Roberto Villeda Jr
Kirby: Lucas Cowart
Langley: Jacy White
Lockesburg: Ciarra Walker and Shelby Blankenship
Mineral Springs: Destiny Bearden and Keon Piggee
Murfreesboro: Tammie Summers
Nashville: Estevan Bravo, Alexis Byers, Esmeralda Camacho, Lamia Hendrix, Jerry Hernandez,
Sandra Hernandez, Avery Hood, Dustin Hupp, Hannah McClendon, Amarion Nelson, Ivette Pizarro,
Mattison Steele, Haley Wright, Deven Barton, and Elizabeth McCauley
Newhope: Alleigh Tucker
Okolona: Lakyn Watts
Texarkana: Julie Clift, Peyton Dean, Joshua Robles Jr, and Chase Hicks
Umpire: Selena Zaragoza
Winthrop: Jaymee Hess and April Klitz
24 students graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors, meaning they graduate with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.9 to 4.0. 20 students graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors, meaning they graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 to 3.89. 29 students graduate with Cum Laude honors, meaning they graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.74.
UA Cossatot Spring 2022 Summa Cum Laude Honors:
Jackson Banister, Brayden Buck, Audri Couch, Kelsie Faulkner, Oscar Fernandez, Dennis Guzman, Jacob Heminger, Lamia Hendrix, Luis Hernandez, Allen Hong, James Jordan, Maximino Lemus, Johana Martinez,
Marlen Martinez, Jasie Miller, Adam Nix, Aiden Oglesby, Jaycee Runnels, Valentin Sanchez, Kristen Sewell,
Kimberly Taylor, Dathan Vaught, Natalee Voss, and Benjamin Williams
UA Cossatot Spring 2022 Magna Cum Laude Honors:
Estevan Bravo, Alexis Byers, Klair Castleberry, Colby Dellinger, Cha'keria Evans, Edgar Ferretiz, Cynthia Gallaway, Edith Hernandez, Liliana Hernandez, Jace Jackson, Randi Markham, Kendra Miller, Alex Pacheco,
Karleigh Reeder, Eric Rojo, Joshua Servante, Kayden Turner, Joshua Vann, Latoya Vaughn, and America Vega
UA Cossatot Spring 2022 Cum Laude Honors:
Jaden Altenbaumer, Reina Anderson, Deven Barton, Ada Camarillo, Abby Clark, Tonya Cloud, Tanaya Coburn, Jordyn Cotter, Hannah Crow, Kimberly Frachiseur, Shonda French, Michael Gibson, Ivette Gonzalez,
Christian Hart, Sandra Hernandez, Manuel Hernandez, Harley Keys, Johnaaron Legate, Leonardo Martinez,
Elizabeth McCauley, Samantha Mefford, Brenda Mera Leon, Aldon Moreno-Cruz, Summer Morgan, Raegan Porter, Angeles Rojas-Duran, Manuel Soto Ramirez, Burgundi Unruh, and Ciarra Walker
274 students graduate with a certificate of proficiency, technical certificate, or associate degree. Some students earned multiple certificates and degrees, allowing for 464 spring 2022 awards.
UA Cossatot Spring 2022 Graduates:
Alleene: Ethan Jones, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors &Controls
Amity: Jordyn Cotter, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies,
Technical Certificate: General Studies; Joseph Galloway, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Randi Markham, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Harrison Sutton, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices;
Dathan Vaught, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Arkadelphia: Klair Castleberry, Technical Certificate: Health Professions
Ashdown: Drake Abney, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors &Controls; William Abney, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Benjamin Adkison, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science: Business, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Jaden Altenbaumer, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Reina Anderson, Associate of Science: Psychology, Associate of General Studies: General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Hunter Billingsley, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Paiton Britt, Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting; Kyle Burnham, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Tyler Burnham, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Tyler Burns, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies: General Studies; Blayne Buster, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls; JaLiana Clinton, Associate of General Studies: General Studies, Associate of Science: STEM; Hannah Crow, Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Colby Dellinger, Associate of Applied Science:General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls; Logan Fisher, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Michael Wayne Friday, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Michael Gibson, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Corbin Gulley, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Veronica Hall, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Alexander Hamby, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Quinton Holland, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Colin Lockeby, Associate of General Studies General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Scotty McWhorter, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Certificate of Proficiency, Industrial Motors &Controls; Darcy Neff, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Aaliyah Nutt: Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Lachelsy O'Guinn, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Kasie Robinson, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Roricka Stewart, Associate of Science: Psychology, Associate of General Studies: General Studies; James Sullivan, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls; Fletcher Swilley, Associate of Applied Science:General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Charli Tompkins, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Matthew Vaught, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Lucas Wooden, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding
Buckner: Abby Clark, Technical Certificate: Health Professions
Camden: Cha'keria Evans, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Cove: Dayton Ralls, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls
De Queen: Wilber Abarca, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors &Controls; Jan Aguilar, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Sarah Ahumada, Associate of General Studies: General Studies; Cesar Alonso, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering;
Julio Alvarez, Associate of Science: STEM; Joaquin Ambriz, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Shannon Anderson, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Terry Anderson, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies;
Jennifer Aparicio, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Rodrigo Arroyo, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Chasity Borja, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Gracie Burcham, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Roshunda Burris, Technical Certificate: Health Professions;
Jesus Camacho, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Ada Camarillo, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Duncan Connor, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Cesar Cortes Espinoza, Certificate of Proficiency, Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Citlally Cuadra-Perez, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Abisai De Jesus, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Kimberly Delgado, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Brianna Devlin, Associate of General Studies; Brianna Devlin, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Oscar Fernandez, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Edgar Ferretiz, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; William Foster, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Alec Zander Frachiseur, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Kimberly Frachiseur, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Cynthia Gallaway, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies;
Juan Gaona, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Esteban Gardea, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering;
Jay Gatlin, Associate of Applied Science: General Business, Technical Certificate: Business Management, Certificate of Proficiency: Business Management; Trinity Geierman, Associate of Science: Psychology, Associate of Arts: Associate of General Studies; Misty Goings, Certificate of Proficiency: GIS Technology; Ivette Gonzalez, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Dieon Gonzalez, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Carlos Gonzalez Rodriguez, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Abel Gutierrez, Certificate of Proficiency, MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Angie Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Martha Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Liliana Hernandez, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of General Studies, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Edith Hernandez, Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Manuel Hernandez, Technical Certificate, Health Professions; Enrique Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Luis Hernandez, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Cezar Herrera, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Payton Hibbs, Associate of Science: Agriculture Science, Certificate of Proficiency: GIS Technology; Allen Hong, Technical Certificate: General Studies;
Samantha Ivy, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency:MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Layton Jackson, Associate of Arts, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Anayzia Jefferson, Technical Certificate:General Studies, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies; Maria Jimenez, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Ashley Johnson, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Irata Kelen, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding;
Rebekah Larremore, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Kevin Leeper, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Maximino Lemus, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Armando Lopez, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Erick Loredo, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Dalton Love, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Leonardo Martinez, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology; Johana Martinez, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Marlen Martinez, Technical Certificate, Health Professions; Leonardo Martinez Alvarez, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology; Meagan Martz, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Amanda May, Associate of Applied Science: General Business; Jessica McGough, Technical Certificate: Health Professions;
Edvinn Mendez, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW; Dair Mendoza, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Brenda Mera Leon, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching,Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant, Technical Certificate: General Studies; John Montiel, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Edwin Mora, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW; Aldon Moreno-Cruz, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Alexander Mosqueda, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Jonathan Mosqueda, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering;
Josefina Ortiz, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Danny Osura, Associate of Science: Middle Level Education; Alex Pacheco, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Yanira Pacheco-Solano, Associate of Science: Psychology, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Carson Patterson, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Connor Pearce, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Brenda Perez: Certificate of Proficiency: Medical Transcription; Ariel Perez, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Decorian Phillips, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Alex Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors &Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology;
Elijah Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Sebastian Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Vorian Rehm, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Pedro Rios, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Zuleima Rodriguez-Chavez, Associate of Science: Agri Science, Certificate of Proficiency: GIS Technology; Jose Rojas, Certificate of Proficiency Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Angeles Rojas-Duran, Associate of Science: Psychology, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Daniel Saldivar, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Allan San Juan, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Misael Sanches, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors &Controls; Johnny Sanchez, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Valentin Sanchez Jr., Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity; Josue Santiago, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering, Technical Certificate: Business Management, Certificate of Proficiency: Business Management; Edward Sosa, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Burgundi Unruh: Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant, Associate of General Studies; Tanesha Van Horn, Associate of Applied Science: General Business, Technical Certificate: Accounting; Ryan Vance, Associate of Science: Natural Resources,
Technical Certificate: General Studies, Certificate of Proficiency: GIS Technology; America Vega, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Sofia Velazquez, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Charles Wood, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors &Controls; Kamren Woods, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Eric Rojo, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering
Delight: Brookelyen Cox, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of Science: Psychology; Britton Hutcherson, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls; Madison May, Associate of Science: STEM
Dierks: Jo Anna Bobo, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Benjamin Bolland, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Brayden Buck, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology,
Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls; Keith Franklin, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Kayliegh Hill, Associate of Science: Agri Business, Technical Certificate: Agriculture; Jace Jackson, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls; Samantha Mefford, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Aiden Oglesby, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls; Aaron Stokes, Technical Certificate: Agriculture, Certificate of Proficiency: GIS Technology; Abigale Thomas, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Kayden Turner, Associate of General Studies
Foreman: Leigha Bearden, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Zackery Carver, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors &Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Jason Goeldi, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Chase Gross, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Robert Jones, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Colton Rose, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology
Fouke: Kristen Sewell, Technical Certificate: Health Professions
Gillham: Hadley Philamlee, Certificate of Proficiency: GIS Technology; Joshua Vann, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies
Glenwood: Carson Hall, Technical Certificate: Agriculture; Jecylin Harmon, Associate of Arts,
Associate of General Studies; Benjamin Williams, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Grannis: Adamari Aguirre, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Horatio: Johnathan Allen, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering;
Jared Batson, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Manuel Hernandez, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology,Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls; Bryan Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Marco Jimenez, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering;
Kandice Killion, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Summer Morgan, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Kaylee Murry, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant;
Adrian Patlan Hernandez, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls; Kevin Quiroz, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors &Controls; Alexis Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Anthony Ramirez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Ely Ricardo, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Maddie Rivas, Technical Certificate: Agriculture;
Krystal Robinson, Associate of General Studies; Brandon Stewart, Associate of Science: Psychology, Associate of Arts; Roberto Villeda Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW; Natalee Voss, Associate of General Studies
Kirby: Lucas Cowart, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Tonya White, Associate of Science: Psychology, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Linden: Victoria Harper, Associate of Science: Psychology
Lockesburg: Nelda Allen, Technical Certificate: Business Management, Certificate of Proficiency: Business Management; Brittany Bradshaw, Technical Certificate: Health Professions;
Calum Casiano, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Nickolas Chesser, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Ethan Clay, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Jacob Gilbert, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Baylee Harder, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies; Skylar Lawrence, Certificate of Proficiency : Industrial Motors & Controls; Kaitlen Martz, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; Jasie Miller, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Melinda Montiel, Technical Certificate:General Studies; Jesse Stegall, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Kimberly Taylor, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Ciarra Walker, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Lowell: Darline Montiel, Associate of Science: Psychology, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Mineral Springs: Marlon Graves Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering;
Alan Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Keon Piggee, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; LaToya Vaughn, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Sydaija Walton, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Taneiya White, Technical Certificate: Health Professions
Murfreesboro: Hayley Hale, Associate of Applied Science: General Business; Harley Keys, Technical Certificate: Welding; JohnAaron Legate, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Alex Trombley, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding
Nashville: Deven Barton, Associate of Applied Science: General Business; Gynder Benson, Associate of Science: Agri Education, Certificate of Proficiency: GIS Technology; Estevan Bravo, Technical Certificate: General Studies; James Brockman, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Alexis Byers, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Dana Carlton, Technical Certificate: Business Management, Certificate of Proficiency: Business Management, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; Aiden Chapman, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Tanaya Coburn, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Hector Cortez, Associate of Science: Criminal Justice, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Audri Couch: Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Kristi Noelle Couch, Associate of General Studies; Dennis Guzman, Associate of Science: Middle Level Education; Annette Harris, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Christian Hart, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology; Lamia Hendrix, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Sandra Hernandez, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; John Hudkins, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Dustin Hupp, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering; James Jordan, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW; Jackson King, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Elizabeth McCauley, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies; Hannah McClendon, Associate of Arts; Kendra Miller, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Quisha Morgan, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Adam Nix, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls,Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics;
Zachary Patrick, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Raegan Porter, Associate of Science: Psychology, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Karleigh Reeder, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Alissa Reid, Technical Certificate: Health Professions;
Maya Richard, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Diana Rubio, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Jaycee Runnels, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Alexandria Salinas, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Mark Sillavan, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls;
Mason Sillavan, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors &Controls; Cheyenne Sitzes, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Treyton Spurling, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics;
Takela Stewart, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Associate of Science: Psychology; Joshua Sweeden, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Carina Torres, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Haeden Walker, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Braven Warren, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Hadyn Whisenhunt, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics; Brenden Woodall: Certificate of Proficiency, Industrial Motors & Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Blane Woods, Certificate of Proficiency: Brakes, Suspension & Steering
Newhope: Dallas Fennell, Associate of Arts, Technical Certificate: General Studies;
Jacob Sharp, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics
Saratoga: James Archer Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding
Star City: Taniah Johnson, Technical Certificate: Health Professions
Texarkana: Julie Clift, Associate of Science: Psychology, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Tonya Cloud, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Jacob Heminger, Associate of General Studies: General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Jamile Navarrete, Associate of Applied Science: Digital Media & Marketing, Technical Certificate: Digital Media & Marketing
Umpire: Kelsie Faulkner, Associate of Arts, Technical Certificate: General Studies;
Selena Zaragoza, Technical Certificate: General Studies
Wickes: Vanessa Rundel, Certificate of Proficiency: Business Management
Wilton: Shonda French, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Lia Gulley, Associate of General Studies
Winthrop: Payton Allen, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Riley Martin, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors &Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices,
Certificate of Proficiency: Hydraulics & Pneumatics
22 students graduated with a General Education Development (GED) through UA Cossatot’s Adult Education program.
UA Cossatot Spring 2022 GED Students:
Lillian Houselog, Kason Fisher, Edgar Overturf, Gracelyn Garland, Maryann Ward, Dennis Ward, Charisse Ward, Heather Castle, Shamara Benson, Seth Carr, Savanna Parker, Shawn Eastman, Logan Wright, Chelby Hinton, Lexy Sullivan, Attalee Frachiseur, Alex Martinez, Francis Wyant, Triston Gallagher, Robert Manley, Davy Troup, and Ashley Hickox
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Expected for Arkansas on Tuesday
A heavy rain event is expected for Tuesday and Wednesday in Arkansas, but it appears the amounts will not be quite as heavy as previously thought.
The forecast calls for three to four inches of rain (instead of four to six inches) from central into southwest Arkansas. Elsewhere across the state, one to three-inch amounts is expected. Given this much rain, there is the potential for flash flooding in places and rises in area rivers.
Click on the pic below for the attached weather briefing PDF from the National Weather Service.
UA Cossatot Athletics Department to add Soccer for Fall 2023
UA Cossatot will be adding another team sport in fall 2023. The Colts will compete at the NJCAA Division II level in men’s and women’s soccer.
UA Cossatot’s Athletic Director Robert Byrd announced, “UA Cossatot Athletics is excited to continue to expand our sporting options with the addition of Men’s and Women’s soccer in the fall of 2023. The timing is perfect. We have so many high-quality soccer student-athletes in our area, and we knew it would be the perfect addition for the college. Our student-athletes will compete in Region 2 at the Division 2 level and have the opportunity to compete against programs across the state as well as in Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas.”
UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole added, "Soccer coming to UA Cossatot is the natural progression of our sports offerings. We wanted to make sure we would have world-class facilities before starting soccer and it looks like we will have that right here in De Queen. It is also natural to have soccer at UA Cossatot because our area has produced more class 4A and 5A high school state soccer championships than any other area. We are proud to build on that heritage. The area UA Cossatot serves also has the absolute greatest soccer fans on the planet, and to add collegiate soccer for these fans in 2023 is just another reason to add this program. We will begin recruiting student-athletes for soccer almost immediately, letting soccer players from the area and the world know the Colts will be playing for championships right away.”
For more information, contact Robert Byrd at 870-584-1105 or rbyrd@cccua.edu.
Severe Weather Briefing for Arkansas from the National Weather Service in Little Rock
[TODAY] A strong storm system will be approaching the region through today, providing the next widespread thunderstorm chances on Thursday. In between now and then, a stalled boundary draped across the state will remain the focus for intermittent showers and thunderstorms today.
[THURSDAY] Our next main concern for organized severe weather will set up on Thursday as a cold front moves across the state from west to east. All severe hazards will be possible including damaging winds, some hail, and a few tornadoes.
[ADDITIONAL HAZARDS] Heavy to excessive rainfall and local flash flooding will remain a concern today and Thursday, given multiple rounds of precipitation have led to widespread saturated regions.
Please click on the pic below to see the attached briefing for more information.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Teachers are the heart of our educational system. They inspire hope and instill a life-long love of learning.
The week of May 2 is National Teacher Appreciation Week. It’s a perfect time to show our appreciation to the 41,000 teachers in our state who lend their passion and skills to educate our students. The commitment and innovation of our teachers have helped lead our schools through one of the most challenging times for education in recent years.
There are many ways Arkansans can show their appreciation such as participating or planning events with your PTA, sending heartfelt cards and messages, or offering discounts at your place of business. Making sure our teachers feel valued and want to continue the profession are important factors in determining funding for education. The House and Senate Education Committees are currently conducting the Educational Adequacy Study. This study evaluates the entire spectrum of public education to determine whether students receive equal opportunity for an adequate education. Members spend a great deal of time reviewing teacher salaries and recruitment as part of the study.
In 2019, the General Assembly passed legislation increasing the minimum pay for teachers. In the most recent Regular Session, we passed Act 680 which seeks to raise the average salary by creating the Teacher Salary Equalization Fund. The bill outlines a statewide target average salary of $51,822 for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. This bill would direct the Department of Education to disperse money from the Equalization Fund to districts whose average teacher salary falls below $51,822.
The General Assembly is also consistently reviewing ways to recruit more qualified teachers. In the 2021 Regular Session we passed ACT 646 which provides that by August 1, 2022, each public school district and open enrollment public charter school in the state shall prepare a three-year teacher and administrator recruitment and retention plan. The act provides that the Department of Education shall set goals for increasing the number of teachers and administrators of minority races and ethnicities in this state.
We will continue to explore ways to recruit and retain teachers in the months ahead. Meanwhile, let’s all take a moment this week to let our teachers know how truly valuable their work has been in our communities.
Severe Weather Returns to Arkansas; NWS Outlook Attached
A flood watch for portions of northwestern Arkansas today
Increasing confidence for severe weather potential over most of Arkansas on Thursday
For more information, please click on the pic below for the graphical PDF briefing.
Bradford Donates to UA Cossatot Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign
The UA Cossatot Foundation recently received a $500 gift from Mrs. Jana Bradford of Glenwood, Arkansas, to the Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign.
Bradford was recently a guest speaker to juniors and seniors attending UA Cossatot’s Medical Professions class, part of the college’s High School Programs. Bradford spoke on medical-legal ethics and her role as a prosecuting attorney.
“It was an honor speaking to high school students and learning more about them and their aspirations, especially pertaining to higher education. I wanted to give to the Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign to help future generations and provide much-needed scholarship funds.”
The UA Cossatot Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign is created to offer 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 by 2025 to launch a new scholarship endowment of $300,000 in honor of the UA Cossatot’s upcoming 50th anniversary.
UA Cossatot’s Director of Development Dustin Roberts said, “We are so grateful for the generous donation received by Mrs. Bradford. The 50 & Forward Campaign is an excellent opportunity for donors, alumni, and friends of the college to make a gift of any amount, especially since your gift will be matched!”
For more information on UA Cossatot Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign, contact Dustin Roberts at 870-584-1172 or droberts@cccua.edu.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
From online homework assignments to scheduling telehealth visits, we live in a digital world where high-speed access is no longer a luxury. Unfortunately, too many households across Arkansas are still unable to access high-quality broadband internet.
According to a report released this week, Arkansas currently has 110,000 households that are underserved when it comes to broadband access.
Underserved households are those with less than 100+ Mbps access.
In October of last year, the Arkansas Legislative Council approved a contract with the Broadband Development Group to create a master plan for broadband development. The group released its report this week.
The group hosted or attended more than 300 community meetings in all 75 counties and received more than 18,000 surveys from residents in every county across the state. Several Arkansas legislators participated in these meetings to ensure a variety of voices were heard during the community fact-finding portion of our research. They also consulted with nearly 30 broadband providers to learn more about their perspectives.
The report not only assesses current broadband availability, but also maps out where the broadband gap exists in the state, calculates the budget needed to bridge the gap, and makes recommendations for improvements to the Arkansas Rural Connect grant program.
The report found that significant progress has already been made by utilizing state and federal programs in recent years to create coverage for about 100,000 households.
The remaining 110,000 households are not currently addressed by any identified programs at any level. It estimates the cost of covering these households at about $500 million. The report recommends using funds through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) grants to close the current gaps.
The General Assembly is currently reviewing the recommendations. You can find the full report at www.arkansashouse.org .
