In support of all our healthcare professionals, our first responders and all our businesses effected by Covid 19, Rotary Club of De Queen has put up American Flags throughout our county.
Ed 88's Loren Hinton is with De Queen Mayor Jeff Brown and has a live report from the water main break in De Queen.
Mayor of De Queen Jeff Brown reports that the city is without water today because of a 30 foot break in a 12 inch water main. The city's main water tank lost a million gallons in 30 minutes. Because of the outage, the Pilgrims' plant in De Queen is closed today. Mayor Brown says the city is in contact with the Arkansas Department of Health and repairs to the break could lead into the night time hours. We will update this story as details become available.
During the afternoon and evening of April 22, 2020, an outbreak of discrete supercell thunderstorms across portions of Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana led to widespread severe weather, including multiple tornadoes. Three people each were killed by tornadoes near the communities of Madill, Oklahoma and Onalaska, Texas; dozens of others were injured. The event came to fruition as a trough progressed eastward across the United States, interacting with a moist and unstable environment.
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
433 AM CDT Wed Apr 22 2020
Sevier-Howard-Little River-Hempstead-Nevada-Miller-McCurtain-
Red River-Bowie-Franklin-Titus-Camp-Morris-Cass-Wood-Upshur-
Marion-Smith-Gregg-
433 AM CDT Wed Apr 22 2020
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southwest
Arkansas, southeast Oklahoma and northeast Texas.
Today and Tonight...
Strong to severe thunderstorms, some of which could produce large
hail, damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes are likely today
before ending later tonight. In addition, heavy downpours will
likely accompany this storm system with one to three inches of
rainfall possible today through tonight.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Activation of emergency management personnel...amateur radio
operators...and storm spotters will be needed today into tonight.
Please relay any information about observed severe weather to the
NWS while following all local, state, and CDC guidelines.
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN SEVIER...
NORTHWESTERN HOWARD AND CENTRAL MCCURTAIN COUNTIES UNTIL 1015 AM
CDT...
At 932 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 12
miles west of Broken Bow, or 30 miles north of Clarksville, moving
northeast at 55 mph.
Nickel size hail and winds in excess of 30 mph will be possible with
this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Broken Bow, Grannis, Wright City, Millerton, Garvin, Glover,
Hochatown, Oak Hill and Golden.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
We have completed / executed these contracts that all relate to construction: (Company name listed first)
1. Terracon (Phase One Environmental Study) ($2300), SOILS Engineering and Soil Borings ($14,000)) This company will be on site next week to begin prep work and prepare for groundbreaking.
2. Bond Consulting (Civil Engineering) ($113,000) This company will also begin work immediately.
3. BXS ($6,519) D and O Insurance
4. GE (Capital Medical Equipment) (2.3 Million in the form of a long-term lease agreement)
5. We have had one conference with Network Solutions to develop a scope of work for IT. We have also reached out to Edafio of North Little Rock for IT services.
6. As of 4-16-2020 the County officially owns the land on which the hospital will be built.
7. We are keeping up with the bond market and right now, it would not be prudent to sell bonds at this time. We are still very much in a state of flux with our finances due to COVID-19. We will continue to monitor the economy and rely on bond counsel for the proper time to sell bonds.
8. We are currently preparing to erect a sign to put on our property that shows the hospital and expected completion date. We hope to secure a local vendor to complete this work.
In all, even though COVID-19 is making work difficult, the board continues to move forward where we can. We appreciate each and every person in this community for their support and because of the current health care crisis, we all have an even greater appreciation of the need for our own hospital close to home.
Dr. Steve Cole
Chancellor
UA Cossatot
While we are facing difficult and uncertain times, Arkansans should know that essential services in state government will continue.
This week during the 2020 Fiscal Session, the Arkansas General Assembly passed a balanced budget for the next fiscal year prioritizing funding for education, health care, and public safety.
The 2021 Fiscal Year begins July 1.
The Revenue Stabilization Act passed this week prioritizes $5.9 billion in spending for the next fiscal year. By law, the RSA prioritizes spending in categories with Category A spending first. This year’s RSA creates 5 categories: A, A1, B, C, and D.
Category A includes $5.3 billion in funding. Every state agency receives the majority of funding in Category A. This category also includes $60 million to the Restricted Reserve Fund which can be accessed for any urgent or unforeseen funding needs.
Category A1 includes $181.4 in funding for elementary and secondary education, Medicaid, and the Department of Correction to ensure these essential services are fully funded.
The total funding outlined in categories A, A1, B, and C total $5.67 billion. This is equal to the amount of revenue currently forecasted.
Due to the economic downturn created by the pandemic, the Department of Finance and Administration recently reduced the 2021 forecast for net general revenue available by $205.9 million.
To accommodate that reduction, $212 million of the budget is listed in Category D. Should the economy bounce back above the current forecast, the funds would be distributed as outlined in that category.
The Governor is reviewing guidance from medical experts on how to safety to re-engage businesses after Arkansas sees a decline in COVID-19 cases. The peak is expected around May 4. We do not anticipate our economy will slow down, but rather that we are on pause.
The House will reconvene on Friday, April 24 at noon to address any unfinished business and officially adjourn the 2020 Fiscal Session Sine Die.
You can watch live and recorded sessions of the House on our website. We have also posted a link to the legislation outlining next year’s budget. Visit: www.arkansashouse.org
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Telemedicine takes root in Sevier County with positive results
It was only a few weeks ago that the fledgling industry of telemedicine was being hailed as the future of medical care that would one day become the norm. Then came the coronavirus and covid-19 and visiting the doctor's office began to be discouraged as it was fast becoming just another opportunity to catch the virus that is taking a toll on healthcare professionals and the communities they serve.
Tiffany Maurer of De Queen has been chosen to be the new Economic Development Coordinator for Sevier County, replacing Lisa Taylor, who recently took the same job in Durant, Oklahoma.
“Tiffany’s hiring came the day before the COVID-19 outbreak in Arkansas”, according to Rural Development Authority Chair, Dr. Steve Cole, “So Tiffany has not really had a chance to get out in the public and meet people.”
Maurer comes to the position after serving more than four years in the Financial Aid department at UA Cossatot. Cole added, “What Tiffany lacks in top-level economic development experience, she more than makes up for with energy, drive, and a natural understanding of what true economic development is and means for the community”.
Maurer’s job activities have been limited by the recent COVID-19 outbreak, but she has still been busy, making key contacts with local, state and regional leaders plus helping the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce create and design the new Sevierly Strong – Stronger Together “We’re Open” campaign, the new campaign designed to let everyone know that Sevier County businesses are open for business.
“Over the next several weeks, and after the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed, Tiffany will be gaining momentum on all of our economic development efforts to improve Sevier County and our way of life”, added Cole.
The Sevier County Economic Development position is officially recognized by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission as the Economic Developer, Property Manager, and Community Editor for the county and is a collaborative effort between the Rural Development Authority, the City of De Queen, Sevier County, the De Queen Industrial Board, and UA Cossatot.
The COVID-19 outbreak continues to be the dominating presence in our daily lives and at UA Cossatot. From day one of this outbreak, we have been focused on the safety of our students, staff, and stakeholders and as we move forward, we will continue to do just that. According to most models that predict the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak for the United States, the peak in Arkansas is expected to occur around May 2nd. With this information, and input from colleagues around the state, it makes good sense for all of us at UA Cossatot to continue what we are presently doing. This means until at least May 1st, our campuses will continue to be closed to students and visitors and our employees will continue to work on campus, or from home if they are set up to do so. Those that do come to campus to work will be under strict guidance to practice social distancing and when at all possible, wear masks to protect each other.
We will continue to serve and provide all the resources our students need to be successful in their online learning environment. We do have a plan in place to take care of our hands-on, technical course students. That will occur after May 1st, providing it is safe to do so and we have the proper permissions from the UA System.
As for the summer and fall semesters, our registration is open for both semesters. We have made our entire registration process available online for the safety and convenience of our students. Our website contains all the information students need to register: https://www.cccua.edu.
Our summer term will feature ONLY online courses, including some new and innovative courses that our faculty have put together to accommodate our students.
We are planning on a full and normal fall 2020 semester.
These are unprecedented and unexplored times but we will all make it through by working together. You can always find more UA Cossatot information on Facebook (ED88 and UAC) and on our ed88radio.com and CCCUA.EDU website.
Cossatot Community College
UA Cossatot embraces diversity and is committed to improving the lives of those in our region by providing quality education, outstanding service, and relevant industry training. The University of Arkansas - Cossatot Community College offers degrees and certificates in more than two dozen fields.
Thank You,
Dr. Steve Cole
Chancellor, UA Cossatot
UA Cossatot’s summer and fall registration is now open to everyone with the summer semester set to begin on Monday, June 1, 2020. Students can sign up for classes by contacting a Student Services Advisor online, over the phone, through text message, or through Facebook messenger.
The complete full class schedule for the summer and fall courses can be viewed at UA Cossatot’s website at www.cccua.edu/enroll.
Cossatot Community College
Click the following links to access the PDF version of the current or upcoming semester's full course schedule. Summer 2020 Schedule (3.26.2020) Fall 2020 Schedule (4.16.2020 Find specific courses through Campus Connect Course Search. There's no need to login.
All classes offered this summer will be available online, and several online options are available this fall. The college if offering courses for specific programs as well as general education.
Incoming students or prospective students can take steps to enroll in any UA Cossatot course by contacting any one of the seven Student Services Advisors at UA Cossatot. Advisors include: Addison Hill, Rachel Barfield, Jocelin Galvez, Lizz Garza, Sheila McCandless, Holly Norman, and Suzanne Ward.
Their individual e-mail addresses and phone numbers can be viewed on UA Cossatot’s website under the employee directory by clicking on their name at www.cccua.edu/directory. On Facebook, students can search the advisor’s name at UA Cossatot to locate them and send them a message.
Cossatot Community College
©2020 Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas
Due to Covid-19, UA Cossatot’s Campuses are currently closed to the public, but Student Services Advisors are still working from home.
For any questions, please contact UA Cossatot at 870-584-4471.
As summer and fall registration takes place, UA Cossatot is proud to announce that 61% of all courses do not require a textbook. Five years ago, UA Cossatot became the first two-year college in Arkansas to abandon its traditional campus bookstore and create an internal textbook rental and open educational resource (OER) program. UA Cossatot quickly became a state leader in the OER movement with faculty using more open resources than any other two-year college in Arkansas. The college also became the first in the state to join the Open Textbook Network, which elevated its use of OER.
Instead of asking students to purchase an expensive textbook, the college chooses to help students financially by offering courses that do not require a textbook at all and instead use open resources that maintain high academic quality. This move has saved UA Cossatot students over 1.6 million dollars.
UA Cossatot Director of Educational Resources and OER Specialist, Relinda Ruth said, “With the current Covid-19 situation changing the way we traditionally function, many more faculty are choosing open resources to ensure students have access to free high-quality academic resources. In the fall, the business department will be 81 % OER, and the English department will be 100 % OER, which is a major accomplishment for our college and a tremendous benefit to UA Cossatot students!”
As UA Cossatot continues to be a leader in online education, students at UA Cossatot can expect more classes to use OER, which makes higher education more affordable. A chancellor-appointed OER Board reviews all open resources to ensure the college’s high standard for academic quality continues.
For more information about UA Cossatot’s textbook rental/OER program, please contact Relinda Ruth at rruth@cccua.edu.
The University of Arkansas Cossatot is pleased to announce another opportunity for students who plan to attend classes in the upcoming summer or fall term.
The Regional Advance Manufacturing Partnership (RAMP) Grant has two $500.00 scholarships available to any student who meets the scholarship requirements and plans to pursue certificates of proficiency or technical certificates in various industrial or diesel trades coursework.
Students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in General Technology in the areas of industrial technology, diesel technology, industrial electricity, welding, or pipe welding can also apply. These scholarships can be used for college expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and/or supplies.
Applications are currently being accepted, and UA Cossatot will continue to take applications up until July 1, 2020, which will then be reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Chosen recipients will be notified immediately so that proceeds can be applied towards either the summer or fall term.
The RAMP Scholarship Application is on the UA Cossatot website, along with requirements for potential recipients. For more information, please contact Tommi Cobb, RAMP Coordinator at 870-584-1158, or tcobb@cccua.edu.
Each year, Online U publishes its “Most Affordable Online College Rankings List,” which represents the most affordable online degrees in the country across a variety of popular subjects. UA Cossatot’s Criminal Justice degree is listed as its twelfth most affordable Criminal Justice online degree in the nation at the associate degree level for 2020.
UA Cossatot’s tuition rate is $74 per credit hour. The estimated cost for tuition and fees for a full-time criminal justice student at UA Cossatot is $1,548 a semester. The college’s Professional Studies department offers an Associate of Science and a Technical Certificate in Criminal Justice.
The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree is a transferrable degree that allows students to further their education after graduating. Completion of the associate’s degree can also improve overall employability. The Criminal Justice Technical Certificate prepares students for entry-level positions in the field of criminal justice as a dispatcher or a jailor.
Hector Cortez is a UA Cossatot Campus Police Officer and is also a student in the Criminal Justice program at the college. Hector said, “I have been interested in the criminal justice field since I was in junior high. After graduating from high school, I decided to apply at the Howard County Sheriff’s Department. I was given a job as a jailer and as a dispatcher. I couldn’t become a police officer until I turned 21. I decided to take classes at UA Cossatot while I worked because the college had a degree program for criminal justice, and I could take all of my classes online. Even though the classes were online, my instructors would work with me one-on-one, and they would respond to my questions within minutes!”
Hector added, “Taking classes at UA Cossatot has allowed me to get a great education in criminal justice. Some people want to go further into the criminal justice field, and more departments are now requiring applicants to have degrees or years of experience. Taking classes at UA Cossatot is inexpensive, and it allows people to check off the degree part of the requirement to apply.”
Officer Cortez went on to say, “I am now an employee of the college, and I can honestly say if criminal justice is your career goal, UA Cossatot is the place to help you achieve it.”
UA Cossatot is offering an Introduction to Criminal Justice class this summer, and this fall for anyone interested in this career field.
To view more information on Online U’s website, please visit www.onlineu.org. For any questions about UA Cossatot’s Criminal Justice program, please contact Barbara Lacefield at blacefield@cccua.edu.
OnlineU: Rankings of the Most Affordable Online Colleges
OnlineU provides unbiased rankings based on the factors you care about most - affordability, accessibility, and quality - to help you find the best match. Most Affordable Colleges Each year, we publish our Most Affordable Online College Rankings, which represent the most affordable online degrees in the country across a variety of popular subjects.
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City workers continue to adjust to pandemic
It's business as usual at De Queen City Hall, other than the doors being locked and everyone doing business through the phones or the drive-through window. According to Mayor Jeff Brown, the water continues to flow, the trash is being picked up and the police are just a phone call away.
Noah Reed will be attending Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas. He was awarded the highest and most prestigious scholarship available at SAU: the Presidential Scholarship. This financial aid package is only allowed for those with a score of 30 or higher on the ACT and gives the future student $5,500 per semester for eight consecutive semesters. He also received the Arkansas Governor's Distinguished Scholars Award which is $10,000 per year for four consecutive years.
At SAU, Noah will major in Biology, Pre-Heath, specifically Pre-Medicine. He plans to join religious associations and the Biology Club while attending SAU. During his freshman year, he will be a part of the Leadership College Living Learning Community, and will attend a Leadership Academy at SAU over the summer.
Noah is involved in several extracurricular activities, such as Fellowship of Christian Students, National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl, Science Bowl, and History Bowl. This year he was elected President of National Honor Society and retained his position as President of Fellowship of Christian Students. He is the Quiz Bowl captain for the third consecutive year, and achieved the award of 5A South Regional MVP with an average of nineteen questions per game. Additionally, he is the captain of both the Science and History Bowl teams. Noah is taking three Advanced Placements courses this year: Calculus, World History, and Biology. Noah has also been named the 2020 De Queen High School salutatorian. He is the son of Barry Reed and Jocelyn Phillips.
The De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce met on Tuesday and voted to postpone the Annual Sr Citizens' Appreciation Day and the Tri-Lakes Big Bass Festival until the Labor Day weekend. Sr Citizens' Appreciation Day is now scheduled for Friday, September 4th. The Big Bass Festival will take place on Saturday, September 5th.
The De Queen School District School Board met in regular session Monday, April 13, 2020 in the high school cafeteria. Before discussing regular agenda items, the board listened to Superintendent Jason Sanders and High School Principal Bryan Blackwood as they presented several options being explored to reschedule graduation for the Class of 2020 and the junior/senior prom. The two events have been postponed due to the Covid-19 social distancing guidelines.
The district is taking direction from the state government so dates for the two events cannot be set until the Governor gives directives allowing group events to resume. Mr. Sanders and Mr. Blackwood explained to the board how they are looking at all options and hope to be able to hold both events in the near future. If the rescheduled dates land in the summer months, changes in venue are possible to avoid the summer heat.
The board and district are committed to honoring the Class of 2020 and understand how important graduation ceremonies are to these seniors and their families. Once a new date is set and if there is a change in venue, the school district plans to communicate with the public in a timely manner which allows students and families to make the appropriate plans.
The original graduation date was Monday, May 11th and was set to be held on Bill Blackwood Field at Leopard Stadium. In order to honor the seniors, the lights and scoreboard will be turned on this night until midnight as a show of support and appreciation for the Class of 2020. It is a small gesture by the district in hopes of bringing something positive the seniors can lean on during this difficult time.
The district is asking everyone in the community to join in and show support for the Class of 2020 on May 11th by dressing up your business windows and marquees with messages of support for this year’s seniors. In addition, the district asks community members to support the local businesses that are honoring the Senior Class of 2020.
The 2020 Fiscal Session is now underway.
As we did in the recent special session, the House met at the Jack Stephens Arena at UALR to provide enough space for social distancing. We will continue to meet at that venue next week.
On the opening day of the session, the Governor told the General Assembly our state’s economy is not slowing down, but rather is on pause out of necessity.
The Governor is asking the General Assembly to cut $205 million from the previous balanced budget proposal presented before the pandemic. We intend to accomplish this while still fulfilling our obligations to education, public safety, and Medicaid.
While the legislature works on the state budget, we recognize many of you are struggling with your personal budget.
More than 132,000 unemployment claims have been processed in Arkansas. Arkansans who filed unemployment claims before March 28 should have received compensation by now. Those who filed before April 4 should receive payment this Monday.
Regular unemployment benefits now include an additional $600 weekly benefit payment for any workers eligible for state or federal unemployment insurance. There is no need to apply for this, these payments will automatically be issued, along with your regular UI benefit.
However, we know many other Arkansans are experiencing difficulty in processing claims and getting through the hotline. On Friday, the Joint Budget Committee passed an amendment for additional funding for extra help and overtime for the agency overseeing the unemployment hotline
If you are experiencing delays in filing your claim online or by phone, please understand that your claim will be processed and backdated. If eligible, you will receive your benefits based on your date of separation from your employment.
To assist the local Department of Workforce offices around the state with the massive volume of claims and questions, the Department of Commerce is utilizing almost 80 staff from the DWS central office and other Commerce staff and volunteers to answer the hotline calls and to file claims. They will continue to train available state employees. They are also evaluating the availability of an external call center. The external call center could provide a way for hours to be extended.
The website, www.ezarc.adws.arkansas.gov is available to process applications Sunday-Saturday from 6 am to 6 pm.
The hotline numbers 1-844-908-2178 or 501-534-6304 accept calls Monday – Friday, 8 am-3:30 pm.
ADWS EZARC - Welcome to EZARC
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday: 6:00AM - 6:00PMSaturday: 6:00AM - 6:00PMSunday: 6:00AM - 6:00PM This system is not compatible with mobile devices using older browsers. This site operates best with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher or Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or higher.
We have posted a link to frequently asked questions about unemployment on our website
The House will convene again on Wednesday at 11 am. Schedules and live stream information can also be found on our website.
Visit www.arkansashouse.org
Home - Arkansas House of Representatives
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With social distancing in practice, many 4-H’ers in our county are still at it. 4-H has many educational opportunities, and 4-H’ers are taking full advantage. Here are some of Sevier County’s 4-H’ers doing what they do best – “learning by doing”
For more information on the programs that are offered through 4-H, please contact the Sevier County Extension office at (870) 584-3013. We are still open during the COVID-19 crisis and ready to serve you.
Dana Stringfellow
Administrative Specialist III
Ouachita District Director – Chi Epsilon Sigma
Sevier County Extension Service
P O Box 990
De Queen, AR 71832
Email: dstringfellow@uaex.edu
Phone: (870) 584-3013