UA Cossatot Students Excel with Internship Opportunities at Tyson Foods
Notice from Sevier County Clerk about Campaign Signage
Just a reminder that all campaign type material must be at least one hundred feet away from the entrance to the polling place. This includes bumper stickers on vehicles. Also remind voters not to wear campaign T-shirts, caps or buttons when going to vote. If they do they will be asked to remedy the situation before voting.
Thanks
Debbie Akin
Sevier County Clerk
115 N. 3rd St.
Room 102
De Queen, AR 71832
870-642-2852
Emergency Food Boxes Offered at UA Cossatot in De Queen Tuesday
CADC will be providing food commodities on the De Queen campus of UA Cossatot on Tuesday, 10/06, from 10-2PM and we are asking that NO ONE park in the ERC parking lot from 7:00am to 2pm. If you would like to benefit you must line up and remain in your vehicle at all times. We plan on serving 300+ boxes/families. Some items include milk, meat and canned goods.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
For every dollar of general revenue coming into the state, 41% is spent on K-12 public schools. Approximately, half of all school district revenues come from the state. Our current process of determining the amount of state funding for our schools goes back to 2003. The Public School Funding Act of 2003 develops per-pupil funding amounts by assigning costs to various educational inputs.
Those inputs range from staff salaries to transportation needs. They are then compiled into a school district funding matrix used to produce a per-pupil foundation funding amount along with additional funding for programs for students with special needs, alternative learning environments, and professional development for instructional staff.
But the landscape of education has changed since 2003. That is why late last year, the House and Senate Education Committee agreed to hire
a consulting firm, Augenblick, Palaich and Associates, to take an in-depth look at our K-12 education and make recommendations to our current model of funding. The firm’s study has sought input from education officials around the state and reviewed academic research.
This week, the firm presented the committee with information showing the average counselor staffing ratio in Arkansas is 385:1, which is lower than the average for states in the southern region. However, the American School Counselor Association and the National Association of School Psychologist's recommended ratio is 250:1.
The consultants have also presented committee members with information on the effects of poverty on learning. Research shows academic performance correlates negatively with concentrations of poverty in schools. Higher concentrations of poverty seem to impact all students in a school, not only poor students. Some research suggests school effects could start at concentrations between 25% and 50%. The committee was presented with information on the possible strategies for improvement such as wrap around services and expanded learning programs.
Committee members are reviewing this information and previous presentations covering everything from college readiness to enrollment changes. Over the next few weeks, they will be using this information to make recommendations for the 2021 Regular Session. They will present their recommendations to House and Senate leadership by November 1.
You can watch all House and Senate Education Committee meetings and review the reports at www.arkansashouse.org.
Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,213
Confirmed Cases: 1,197
Probable Cases: 16
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 503
Confirmed Cases: 476
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 373
Confirmed Cases: 354
Probable Cases: 19
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 280
Confirmed Cases: 278
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 237
Confirmed Cases: 233
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 2
There are now 1,425 reported deaths, 1,278 confirmed and 147 probable, due to COVID-19, according to the Arkansas Department of Health, up from 1,407 Saturday.
The department reported 83,306 confirmed cases of the virus and another 3,707 probable cases Sunday, compared to 82,851 confirmed and 3,674 probable cases a day earlier. There are 1,424 active, according to health officials.
Keisha McKinney Included in Inaugural VIPinks Arkansas Campaign/Local leaders Will Raise Awareness and Funds in the Fight to End Breast Cancer
Little Rock, AR – In its inaugural year in Arkansas, 10 leading women will unite to fight breast cancer with the American Cancer Society through participation in the VIPinks campaign. Keisha McKinney, of De Queen, is a member of this elite group. Throughout October, VIPinks will encourage community members to take action in the fight against breast cancer.
“In addition to wearing pink and raising awareness about breast cancer, these women will be raising funds to help the American Cancer Society attack cancer from every angle and save more lives from breast cancer,” said DeAnna Korte, Senior Manager for Community Development for the American Cancer Society. “Funds raised help us save lives from breast cancer through early detection and prevention, innovative breast cancer research, and patient support.”
Each VIPink participant accepts a fundraising challenge and will compete to be the top fundraiser among her peers by the end of the campaign.
“I am forever indebted to the American Cancer Society. I’m a 12-year cancer survivor and the protocol that sent my cancer into remission was developed by an American Cancer Society funded research team,” stated McKinney. “But fighting this disease is bigger for us. My mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago and continues to fight her battle each day. This month she will travel to MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX to seek need treatments and potentially enroll in a clinical trial. I know these are treatment options that were not available 10 years ago when she was diagnosed and that is because of generous donors, talented research teams, and the commitment of the American Cancer Society.”
It is noted that nearly 300,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. The American Cancer Society is committed to continue to be the largest funder of cancer research outside of the US government. Each day new therapies, treatment protocols, screening guidelines, and survivorship patterns are being developed through the $64 million invested in cancer research.
During the pandemic, the American Cancer Society has been hit like most non-profits and this year’s VIPinks and Real Men Wear Pink candidates are challenged to continue to raise funds and bring awareness. Locally, McKinney is hosting a freezer meal fundraiser, partnering with local restaurants for a give back night, auctioning drawings by her toddler son, selling tshirts, and receiving online donations at tiny.cc/vipinkkeisha.
Join me at VIPink Arkansas
Why would I not! The American Cancer Society was the organization that developed the treatment and protocol that put my cancer into remission 12 years ago. I'll forever be grateful for this organization. And, now they need us more than ever to continue to offer services for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, and it is the most common cancer diagnosed in women other than skin cancer.
Our community can make a huge impact in the breast cancer cause,” said McKinney. “I am as committed now as I have ever been to raising funds and bringing awareness for this esteemed organization. I often get asked how the dollars help locally and I smile and say look at my face. I am here because of pennies, quarters, and dollars donated one at a time. When someone gets diagnosed with cancer, it doesn’t matter where they live, they have full access to the resources and treatments developed in the labs where the investment would make the greatest impact. That is always a local impact.”
In addition to funding cancer research, the American Cancer Society provides transportation grants, hotel partnerships, a patient hotline that is available 24/7 at 800-227-2345 and trusted information anytime at cancer.org.
American Cancer Society | Information and Resources about for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin
We know a cancer diagnosis can be scary - and overwhelming. Whether you need emotional support, the latest cancer information, a ride to chemo, or a place to stay when treatment is far away, we're here to help - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For more information about breast cancer or the VIPinks campaign in Arkansas, call 1-800-227-2345.
In Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month
Jocelin Tani Galvez
The Center for Student Success would like to continue to recognize some of our UA Cossatot Hispanic employees that are making an impact on our students throughout the month of October!
Jocelin began her journey as a college student who always stood out and excelled in anything she did. She obtained her Associates of Science degree in Medical Sciences in 2015, is an employee of the college since August 2017 and plans on graduating with a Master’s in Higher Education degree.
Jocelin helps assist students in our Student Services department at UA Cossatot as an Admissions and Recruitment Advisor. Jocelin’s father is from Zacatecas and her mother from Morelos Mexico. She helps lead and sponsors a student group on campus called Student Diversity Association which focuses on fundraising efforts benefiting those students who are not eligible to receive Federal Pell Grant.
Jocelin states “I am a second-generation Mexican American, and I am the oldest daughter of Claudio and Leticia Galvez. To me, being Hispanic is family, fiesta, faith, and food. Coming from a big family or "familia grande" means more than just parents and siblings; it means a strong relationship that instills in people the importance of honor, good manners, and respect. Fiestas are defined by celebration, and to many are regarded as the best way to become immersed in the culture of the Hispanic community. My family and myself are Catholic. I consider my faith to be a key part of who I am. The food and flavors of Hispanic culture is something I am also proud of, it's a part of my family history. Knowing what my parents sacrificed and stories of them moving to the U.S. for a chance at a better life, is something I will never take for granted. It's important to teach people about your history, sharing your culture and never forgetting where you come from, regardless of your ethnicity. Everyone should able to experience everyone’s culture!"
We are proud to have Jocelin Galvez as part of our campus community!
If you are someone who has questions in regards to admission requirements, you can call and ask for Jocelin Galvez at: 870-584-4471 Ext 1163.
State Representative Bags Boar and Deer Same Day
State Representative DeAnn Vaught got her first boar hog with a bow and soon after a nice buck came up the trail.
Sunday's COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,213
Confirmed Cases: 1,197
Probable Cases: 16
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 503
Confirmed Cases: 476
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 371
Confirmed Cases: 352
Probable Cases: 19
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 279
Confirmed Cases: 277
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 237
Confirmed Cases: 233
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 2
Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address Big News for Computer Science Education in Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK – In the six years since I signed the Computer Science Initiative legislation, the success of it has far exceeded my expectations, and today I’d like to talk about a new report that offers some bold recommendations for the future of computer science education in Arkansas.
The report is the work of the Arkansas Computer Science and Cybersecurity Task Force, which I established in December 2019. The team, which included representatives from education, business, industry, and technology, and philanthropic organizations, formally submitted its report to me this week, which I released at a news conference on Thursday.
In 2015, the first bill I signed as governor required every public school in the state to offer at least one computer-science course. Arkansas was the first state to do that.
National publications and technology organizations such as Wired magazine and Code.org have noted our success. The executive director of Computer Science Teachers Association told Education Week that no other state “has done more than Arkansas. They have a really strong, multifaceted plan that is well thought out. … The state is far better off than anyone else.”
But we can’t rest on our success. In the spirit of our past initiatives, the task force recommends two dramatic changes. The first is that Arkansas require students to have at least one computer-science credit to graduate. The second is that every school in Arkansas employ at least one certified computer science teacher. I am fully committed to these recommendations.
I also shared news about other initiatives that will give even more students access to high-speed internet. As part of its Project 10Million, T-Mobile is donating 18,000 internet access devices to Arkansas students. The company also is donating 100 gigabytes of data also at no cost to eligible households. Combined with the 20,000 devices the state is providing through CARES Act funding, more than 38,000 will be distributed around the state.
I also announced that we will increase high-speed broadband capacity to K-12 school districts, charter schools, and education cooperatives from the current 200 kilobits per second per user to at least 1 megabit per second. That is five times faster than current speeds. Arkansas will be one of the first states in the nation to meet the new standard of 1 megabit per second per user. The upgrade to the network should be completed by July 1 of next year.
This has been an important week for Computer Science Education in Arkansas. We have developed a national reputation for our computer science initiatives, which is nice. But our motivation and the payoff is the high-quality opportunities we are creating for our young people.
VIDEO: Daniel Martinez Visits with Ed88 About Statewide Community Survey
Daniel Martinez visited our De Queen studio this week to talk about a statewide community policing survey that every citizen in Arkansas is encouraged to take part in. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and can be found at:
Tell Us Your Views on Community Policing
1. This survey is designed to measure your views of community policing in YOUR community. Your participation will help improve the Governor's Task Force to Advance the State of Law Enforcement in Arkansas's understanding of the community needs and attitudes toward Law Enforcement. 2.
Fit 4 Life with Dr Andi Reeves
Friday COVID-19 Arkansas Health Department Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,208
Confirmed Cases: 1,193
Probable Cases: 15
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 2
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 493
Confirmed Cases: 468
Probable Cases: 25
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 10
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 366
Confirmed Cases: 347
Probable Cases: 19
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 272
Confirmed Cases: 270
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 234
Confirmed Cases: 231
Probable Cases: 3
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 1
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 958 new cases; 7,330 active cases; 475 hospitalized, which is down 10 from Thursday; 89 on ventilators, which is down 3 from Thursday; deaths added today, 7, for a total of 1,391; a total of 85,779 cases; 74,473 recoveries; PCR tests, 12,316; antigen tests, 757.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Craighead, 46; Pulaski, 39; Faulkner, 34; Sebastian, 33; and Pope, 27.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“We’ve received our first shipment of over 59,000 of the Abbott BinaxNOW rapid tests from the federal government. Today was another record breaking day of testing. This is welcome news as we continue to increase our testing efforts. This weekend, let’s all do our part to protect ourselves and others.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
VIDEO: Alicia Gonzalez Talks About 2020 Trunk or Treat in De Queen
We recently visited with Alicia Gonzalez about the 2020 Trunk or Treat Event coming to the Sportsplex in De Queen on Halloween.
VIDEO: Sevier County Hospital Board Meeting on Thursday October 1
Thursday's COVID-19 Updated Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,207
Total Active Cases: 8
Total Recovered Cases: 1,181
Total Deaths: 18
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 485
Total Active Cases: 17
Total Recovered Cases: 456
Total Deaths: 12
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 362
Total Active Cases: 11
Total Recovered Cases: 325
Total Deaths: 26
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 268
Total Active Cases: 15
Total Recovered Cases: 249
Total Deaths: 4
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 234
Total Active Cases: 14
Total Recovered Cases: 217
Total Deaths: 3
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,124 new cases; 7,244 active cases; 485 hospitalized, which is down 5 from Wednesday; 92 on ventilators, which is down 1 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 15, for a total of 1,384; a total of 84,821 cases; 73,734 recoveries; PCR tests, 11,244; antigen tests, 1,154.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 79; Washington, 77; Benton, 55; Craighead, 40; and Sebastian, 37.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“I never like the increase in cases, but I am encouraged by fewer hospitalized, the increased testing and the decline of active cases in K-12 and colleges. There were over 12,000 PCR and antigen tests yesterday, which is a record for our daily reporting. This high testing volume is vital to our efforts to slow the spread of this virus. Remember, we all have to be disciplined and serious about COVID-19.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Harvest Fest in Nashville October 31st
Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight at UA Cossatot
Lizz Garza
In Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Center for Student Success would like to recognize some of our UA Cossatot Hispanic employees that are making an impact on our students throughout the month of September -October!
Lizz Nayeli Garza has been an employee of the college since 2015 as a work study, part time in 2016 and became full time in 2018 working in Student Services as an Admissions Advisor and Recruiter. Her family originates from Tamaulipas Mexico. Lizz graduated in 2019 with her bachelor’s degree in University Studies and is working towards her Masters in College Counseling and Student Affairs with SAU. Her ultimate goal is to one day become a Licensed Professional Councilor (LPC) and work in a community college setting. Besides her working in student services at UA Cossatot she also donates her time as one of two student ambassador sponsors. Lizz states “to be Hispanic, for me, means to be proud of all my ancestors and acknowledge the sacrifices they made for me to be all that I am today. It means working for a better tomorrow for future generations for the yesterday that my ancestors created.” We are proud to have Lizz Garza in our campus community!
Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,206
Total Active Cases: 7
Total Recovered Cases: 1,181
Total Deaths: 18
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 482
Total Active Cases: 17
Total Recovered Cases: 453
Total Deaths: 12
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 359
Total Active Cases: 9
Total Recovered Cases: 325
Total Deaths: 25
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 268
Total Active Cases: 15
Total Recovered Cases: 249
Total Deaths: 4
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 231
Total Active Cases: 12
Total Recovered Cases: 216
Total Deaths: 3
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 942 new cases; 7,009 active cases; 490 hospitalized, which is unchanged from Tuesday; 93 on ventilators, which is down 4 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 19, for a total of 1,369; a total of 83,697 cases; 73,007 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,184; antigen tests, 1,405.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 51; Washington, 43; Craighead, 39; Benton, 28; and Faulkner, 26.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“Today’s numbers show a continued decline in our 7-day positivity rate with consistently high testing numbers each day. We have administered over 1 million COVID-19 tests since March and we have the infrastructure and supplies to increase our capacity as needed.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
New State Record for Arkansas, Gator Just Shy of 14 Feet Long
The New State Record for Arkansas! Measuring in at 13’ 11.5” and weighing 800lbs. I’ve got to give a shoutout to everyone that played a huge part in me being able to harvest such a Giant! God for blessing me with the opportunity, my wife for being so supportive of me being gone these last 2 weekends, and all my family and friends for the help along the way! I can’t stop smiling!!!
Travis Bearden said he, his father, brother, and best friend harvested the 800-pound gator at Lake Merrisach, just south of Gillett around 11 p.m.