Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

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 1,155 new cases; 8,520 active cases; 636 hospitalized, which is down 1 from Tuesday; 99 on ventilators, which is down 2 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 23, for a total of 1,751; a total of 101,596 cases; 86,520 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,674; antigen tests, 1,368.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 84; Craighead, 53; Benton, 44; Washington, 42; and White, 38.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"We are testing at record levels and we continue to see a high number of new cases across Arkansas. Compared to last Wednesday, we are plus 76 cases. Today we have 14 counties with more than 20 cases, once again highlighting the fact that this virus is not contained to one part of the state. We must all remain focused in our fight against COVID-19. Let’s be careful of the social gatherings and remind each other that wearing a mask protects those around us. Today everyone understands the need for social distancing."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,280
Confirmed Cases: 1,217
Probable Cases: 63
Total Active Cases: 45
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 28

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 544
Confirmed Cases: 501
Probable Cases: 43
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 420
Confirmed Cases: 390
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 340
Confirmed Cases: 333
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 254
Confirmed Cases: 245
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 3

Five Students of UA Cossatot Will Be a Part of Leadership Institute Virtual Event

We are pleased to announce that there will be five students to represent at this year HACU’s ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute Conference scheduled to begin Sunday, October 25-28.  HACU's ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute Virtual Event is a four day career leadership & development networking symposium designed to build the career & leadership skills of undergraduate students. Over 500 students from the U.S. and Puerto Rico will attend presentations, workshops, luncheons, and a town hall meeting as well as meet with conference exhibitors and recruiters. These students represent a wide range of academic disciplines. They arrive with resumes, eager to discuss career, internship, research and advanced education opportunities.
 

We are excited to have students represent UA Cossatot college and Arkansas!  

Carlee Helms Honored as De Queen Lions Club Student of the Month

Carlee Helms, senior of De Queen High, was recognized as Student of the Month at Tuesday’s meeting of the De Queen Lions Club. Carlee is a member of the National Honor Society and Gifted and Talented. She has been a cheerleader for De Queen High for 3 years, and All American Cheerleader for 2 years. Carlee is a member of the Lady Leopard Softball Team and has recently been selected as a senior maid for De Queen Homecoming. Megan Blanton presented Carlee with a framed certificate.

De Queen Lions members collected candy for the upcoming Trunk or Treat at the De Queen Sportsplex. Megan Blanton, on behalf of the Lions Club, is pictured with Alicia Gonzalez to contribute sweet treats for the kids on Halloween night.

In Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month

The Center for Student Success would like to continue to recognize another UA Cossatot Hispanic employees that is making an impact on campus throughout the month of October!

Erika Buenrrostro

Erika Buenrrostro was born in Mexico City, Mexico and has resided in De Queen Arkansas since 1989.  Working for UA Cossatot in De Queen Arkansas as a college recruiter and Coordinator of the Center for Student Success for the past 6 years.  She received her Associates of Arts degree in 2006 at UA Cossatot,  Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Development in 2008 and Masters of Education from U of A Fayetteville in 2016.  She has also completed 18 Graduate level credits towards a second Masters in Romance Language from the University of New Orleans allowing her to also serve as adjunct while teaching Spanish for UA Cossatot.

Erika is in charge of the Food Pantry on campus which helps provide food assistance for students with food insecurity and also serves as a ROTARACT sponsor.  Erika is an exceptional, highly motivated, dedicated person who carries the attitude and compassion for the community she serves.  Because Erika has developed a strong sense of devotion for Higher Ed, community organization and change she is one of many that help lead several student initiatives for the Sevier County area while also representing the college on state wide panels and conferences. 

In addition to her service and education Erika is a board member for CADC, ROTARY, Single Parent Scholarship of Sevier Co. and sits on other various local and state wide committees.  Erika is a prime example of “If you can believe it, you can achieve it”. 

In her spare time she loves to spend time with the most important people in her life… her 3 kids, her parents, friends and enjoys salsa dancing with her husband.  Erika states that being a female Latina means “stepping out of your comfort zone and all the boundaries that are set for you.  It means coming for the world and creating change that will impact future generations.  It also means love for family, friends, music and of course, FOOD!”.

We are proud to have Erika Buenrrostro as part of our campus community! If you or someone has questions in regards to the Center for Student Success, you can call and ask for Erika Buenrrostro at: 870-584-1133. 

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (10.20.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.

Tuesday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,274
Confirmed Cases: 1,216
Probable Cases: 58
Total Active Cases: 43
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 27

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 544
Confirmed Cases: 501
Probable Cases: 43
Total Active Cases: 27
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 417
Confirmed Cases: 387
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 342
Confirmed Cases: 335
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 254
Confirmed Cases: 245
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 3

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 531 new cases; 8,658 active cases; 613 hospitalized, which is up 41 from Sunday; 99 on ventilators, which is up 2 from Sunday; deaths added today, 10, for a total of 1,714; a total of 99,597 cases; 84,770 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,918; antigen tests, 803.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 53; Craighead, 45; Washington, 25; Sebastian, 24 and Benton, 23.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"We saw another decrease in new cases yesterday, and I am hopeful that the cases will stay low through the week. I applaud our students and educators for reducing the active cases in our schools. Let’s stay vigilant, and while cases usually go up in the next four days, let’s remember that it is up to each of us to do our part to help slow this virus and protect ourselves, our family, and our neighbors."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,271
Confirmed Cases: 1,214
Probable Cases: 57
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 29

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 539
Confirmed Cases: 497
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 413
Confirmed Cases: 383
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 342
Confirmed Cases: 335
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 254
Confirmed Cases: 245
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 3

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

October is breast cancer awareness month. This is an opportunity to remind Arkansans of the importance of mammograms for early detection and lifestyle changes that could help prevent cancer. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early when it is easier to treat, and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. It is important to still get checked for breast cancer regularly, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. As long as you’re not feeling sick or having any COVID-19 symptoms, experts say it’s safe to get a mammogram. 

In 2017, there were 2,163 new breast cancer cases and 414 cancer deaths in the state. However, Arkansas is ranked as one of the lowest states (37th) for breast cancer screening, according to the CDC Wonder (2018).  

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.  

In 2017, the General Assembly passed Act 708, which ensures that insurance policies cover annual mammograms for women over 40. It also ensures that 3D mammograms or ultrasounds are covered for women with dense breast tissue. While traditional mammograms are effective for many women, the ultrasound can detect changes in women with dense breast tissue. 

Only about 5–10% of breast cancers are believed to be hereditary, meaning they’re caused by abnormal changes in certain genes passed from parent to child. 

The vast majority of people who get breast cancer have no family history, suggesting that other factors must be at work, such as environment and lifestyle. 

If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may qualify for a free or low-cost mammogram through the Arkansas BreastCare program. BreastCare’s mission is to increase the rate of early detection of breast and cervical cancer and reduce the morbidity and mortality rates among women in Arkansas by lowering barriers to screening that result from lack of information, financial means, or access to quality services.

It is funded by the Arkansas Department of Health with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Arkansas Tobacco Excise Tax.

For more information, visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov.

Arkansas Department of Health

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UA Cossatot Receives a $2.2 Million Grant from U.S. Department of Education

Sunday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,264
Confirmed Cases: 1,213
Probable Cases: 51
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 537
Confirmed Cases: 495
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 413
Confirmed Cases: 383
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 20
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 341
Confirmed Cases: 334
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 254
Confirmed Cases: 245
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 3

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Voting to Determine Our Future

LITTLE ROCK – Monday is the first day for early voting, and today I’d like to talk about what will be on the ballot.

At the top of the ballot, of course, are the names of those running for president. You’ll also find the names of Arkansans who are running for the U.S. Congress and one statewide senate race. Of course, this year you will have local legislative races, school board elections, county government candidates, and perhaps, local issues to decide. In other words, we need to do a little homework before we vote. But most importantly, we all need to vote.

On the statewide ballot, we have the chance to vote on three proposed amendments to the constitution that members of the 92nd General Assembly referred to voters.

Issue 1 asks voters to indefinitely extend a half-cent sales tax that will be dedicated to the maintenance of roads, bridges, and highways. Voters approved the tax in 2012. Without voters’ approval to extend it, the tax will expire at the end of 2022.

Issue 2 restructures term limits for state legislators. Current law limits legislators to sixteen years in the Senate, the House, or in combination. The proposed change would limit service to twelve consecutive years. A former legislator would be able to serve again after a four-year break.

Issue 3 changes the way the citizens and legislators refer proposals to constitutional amendments for a statewide vote.

Since the founding of our nation, we have elected forty-five presidents. Since Arkansas became a state, we have elected forty-six governors. The freedom to vote and elect our leaders is a hard-won right and privilege that is unrivaled anywhere else in the world. At all levels of our nation – city, county, state, and federal – the ballot box is an equalizer that gives every citizen a voice in governing.

Millions of Americans have written the history of our nation by participating in our elections. The voting booth links us to the past as we determine our future. I know that sometimes the lines are long, and voting can be inconvenient. As the COVID-19 pandemic lingers, voting may be even more difficult. But don’t let that stop you from voting.

The leaders of Arkansas’s major political parties are united in their determination to ensure that every registered voter can safely and securely cast a ballot on November 3. Arkansans may not agree on everything, but I know we agree that every vote counts.

This year, you can vote by absentee ballot, you can do early voting starting Monday, October 19, or you can do it the traditional way by voting in person on Election Day.

Horatio High School Teams Having a Benefit Raffle for Side by Side ATV

Friday's COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,246
Confirmed Cases: 1,208
Probable Cases: 38
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 532
Confirmed Cases: 489
Probable Cases: 43
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 404
Confirmed Cases: 376
Probable Cases: 28
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 325
Confirmed Cases: 318
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 253
Confirmed Cases: 246
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 1

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 1,278 new cases; 8,424 active cases; 594 hospitalized, which is up 7 from Wednesday; 106 on ventilators, which is down 7 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 11, for a total of 1,645; a total of 96,524 cases; 82,529 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,786; antigen tests, 1,094.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 83; Benton, 76; Washington, 65; Craighead, 61; and Sebastian, 55.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“I expected the number of new cases to increase as we enter the last part of the week. This has been the pattern, but the cases reported today set a new record high. Our increased testing efforts allow us to find cases already present and react to them. Each one of us must be proactive in our individual efforts to help slow the spread of this virus.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

SLIDESHOW - Pumpkin Carving Contest Underway for Students at UA Cossatot Campuses

VIDEO: De Queen Youth League Basketball Registration

Gaytha Bakenhus and Joslynn Frachiseur stopped by Ed 88 to talk about youth league basketball registration.

VIDEO: Fit 4 Life with Dr Andi Reeves

Thursday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,240
Confirmed Cases: 1,206
Probable Cases: 34
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 527
Confirmed Cases: 488
Probable Cases: 39
Total Active Cases: 27
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 402
Confirmed Cases: 375
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 319
Confirmed Cases: 313
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 251
Confirmed Cases: 245
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 0

Julie Gomez 2020 Academic All-Star from UA Cossatot

The 32nd annual ACC Virtual Conference took place this week. UA Cossatot student Julie Gomez was chosen as our 2020 Academic All-Star. We are very proud of Julie! Julie is currently pursuing an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice at UA Cossatot. Upon her transfer to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, she plans to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Leslie Daniels of Youthbuild the Speaker at De Queen Lions Club Tuesday

Leslie Daniels, Case Manager of UA Cossatot’s Youthbuild, was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s noon meeting of the De Queen Lions Club. Enrollment is underway for Youthbuild. For more information on Youthbuild check out the website:

https://www.cccua.edu/community-workforce/adult-education/youthbuild

Cossatot Community College

YouthBuild provides training for the construction trades. Our program is a career and technical skills leadership program for youth age 16-24 who have dropped out of school. Students may earn stipends while they learn in the classroom and at the work site.

UA Cossatot Collegiate FFA Gun Raffle November 19th

It’s that time of year and the UA Cossatot Collegiate FFA members are out selling gun raffle tickets to raise money for scholarships and other FFA activities. We had to change up the raffle a little bit this year due to COVID-19 and we are disappointed that we won’t be able to have the chili supper. Tickets are available for $5 each or get 5 tickets for $20. See the flyer below for more information! We appreciate everyone’s support!