4-H Outdoor County O’Rama in Sevier County

Sevier County 4-H held their annual Outdoor County 4-H O’Rama. Due to COVID, the Outdoor O’Rama was held over various dates in March. The competitive events included gun safety and BB gun marksmanship, reel into sports fishing, and bicycle. The winners of these events will be eligible to compete at the District 4-H O’Rama that’s held in June. Even though it was a COVID year, 42 4-H’ers competed, which broke the record for the highest number of participants. Winners from each competition are as follows:

Gun Safety and BB Gun – JUNIORS: 1st – Drake Click, 2nd – Jake Seymour, 3rd –Ty Wagner, 4th - Charlie Collins, and 5th – Kaedon Davis. SENIORS: 1st – Hunter Frachiseur, 2nd – Ethan Wolcott, 3rd – Laikyn Morris, 4th - Brayden Frachiseur, and 5th – Kinlee Stivers.

Reel into Sports Fishing – JUNIORS: 1st – Landon Frachiseur, 2nd – Drake Click, 3rd – Pace Frachiseur, 4th – Jake Seymour, and 5th – Keegan McCoy. SENIORS: 1st – Hunter Frachiseur, 2nd - Brayden Frachiseur, 3rd – Ethan Wolcott, 4th – Kinlee Stivers, and 5th – Laikyn Morris

Bicycle – JUNIORS: 1st – Blair Bissell, 2nd – James Bartek, 3rd – Keegan McCoy, 4th- Wade Melton, and 5th - Libbie Bartek. SENIORS: 1st - Dori Bartek.

For more information on 4-H, contact Sevier County Extension Service at (870) 584-3013.

County Agent Rex Herring performing the skills portion of the 4-H Outdoor O’Rama Gun Safety test with Alex McCoy

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

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 1

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 220 new cases; 1,715 active cases; 151 hospitalized, which is up 3 from Tuesday; 20 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 7, for a total of 5,680; a total of 332,666 cases; PCR tests, 4,798; antigen tests, 924.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 79; Pulaski, 58; and Benton, 50.

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

“Vaccination efforts continue across the state, with an increase of nearly 26,000 yesterday. New cases, hospitalizations, and ventilator use remain steady compared to last week. We can't become complacent because of these improved numbers, and it's important we continue to get vaccinated.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 0

De Queen FFA Show Team at District Livestock Show

Press Release: 4/12/21

De Queen FFA Show Team does well at the District Livestock Show. On Saturday, April 10, three members of the De Queen FFA showt team exhibited their livestock projects at the Southwest District Spring Livestock Show held at Hope Ar. The members in attendance were Tristan Whisenhunt, Olivia Cooley, and Katie Cooley.

Whisenhunt exhibited a Chianina bull and won Grand Champion honors. He also had a steer who placed second in his class. Katie Cooley presented her Hereford heifer and brought home a Reserve Grand Champion placing for the team. Olivia Cooley showed a Simmental heifer and placed first in her class.

Congratulations to these De Queen FFA students who did a great job with their cattle exhibits. They have plans to exhibit at more shows later this spring.

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

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 69 new cases; 1,640 active cases; 156 hospitalized, which is down 7 from Sunday; 17 on ventilators, which is unchanged from Sunday; deaths added today, 4, for a total of 5,665; a total of 332,222 cases; PCR tests, 1,494; antigen tests, 93.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 18; Washington, 11; and Pulaski, 10.

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

“Our number of active cases and hospitalizations declined again yesterday. Our vaccine numbers are increasing, but we must do more. If you are 16 and older then you are eligible for the vaccine. It is important that our eligible high school students get a dose. Get your vaccine as soon as you can.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 0

Monday's SW Arkansas COVID-19 Active Case Numbers and Vaccines

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 0

UA Cossatot Students Visit to the State Capitol

The UA Cossatot Student Leadership Institute, lead by Erika Buenrrostro, visited the Capitol today and met with representatives from all over the state including our very own, DeAnn Vaught! Students were able to tour the capitol, sit in committee meetings and also see advocates in action.

Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

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

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 199 new cases; 1,707 active cases; 141 hospitalized, which is down 9 from Wednesday; 23 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 2, for a total of 5,662; a total of 331,704 cases; PCR tests, 5,385; antigen tests, 1,066.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 31; Washington, 26; and Benton, 19.

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

“Vaccine doses administered have increased by nearly 154,000 since this time last week. Our hospitalizations and new cases continue to decline, but it's important that we continue to get vaccinated to protect our fellow Arkansans.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

UA Cossatot Student Ambassador 5K Glow Run May 1st

Severe Weather Briefing Friday and Friday Night for the Ark-La-Tex

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

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0

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

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 244 new cases; 1,649 active cases; 150 hospitalized, which is down 2 from Tuesday; 20 on ventilators, which is down 6 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 7, for a total of 5,660; a total of 331,505 cases; PCR tests, 4,177; antigen tests, 1,242.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 30; Benton, 29; and Pulaski, 28.

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

“Yesterday's report shows an increase of over 27,000 vaccine doses administered. With COVID-19 cases increasing in other states, we are in a race to get everyone vaccinated. This is the key to victory. If you are over 16, let's get the dose.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Latest Aerial Photos of the New Sevier County Medical Center Construction Site

UA Cossatot Youthbuild GED Graduates

Leslie Daniels, case manager, pictured with Aliaah Ramos, from De Queen, and Travis Archer, from Dierks, who are UA Cossatot YouthBuild program’s most recent #GED graduates. Aliaah plans to enroll at UA Cossatot to study art. Travis is undecided, but both are continuing in the program to earn their NCCER certification. Congratulations! We are so proud of your accomplishment and hard work! #YouthBuild

Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught

On Tuesday, the House passed the following:

HB1388-This bill states that in an adoption proceeding concerning a minor who is not in the custody of the Department of Human Services, a prospective adoptive parent may voluntarily enter into a written agreement with a birth parent concerning post-adoption exchange of information, communication, or other contact between the birth parent and the minor.

HB1728-This bill states the use of campaign funds to pay a candidate's childcare expenses shall not be considered a taking of campaign funds as personal income if the campaign funds are used to pay for childcare for time the candidate is engaging in campaign activity and the childcare expenses would not exist in the absence of the campaign.

SB160-This bill states that in the 2022-2023 school year, Holocaust education shall be taught in all public schools in a manner that generates an understanding of the causes, course, and effects of the Holocaust. The bill states the lesson must also develops dialogue with students on the ramifications of bullying, bigotry, stereotyping, and discrimination.

SB394-This bill states that a public school district or open-enrollment charter school shall conduct a comprehensive school safety audit every 3 years to assess the safety, security, accessibility, and emergency preparedness of district buildings and grounds in collaboration with local law enforcement, fire, and emergency management officials.

SB27-This bill requires the Arkansas Department of Health to ensure that the Suicide Prevention Hotline employs individuals who have experience working with veterans or are veterans.

SB524-This bill states 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 plan should include goals for recruitment and retention of teachers and administrators of minority races and ethnicities who increase diversity among the district staff and, at a minimum, reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the district's students.

HB1743-This bill amends the Digital Product and Motion Picture Industry Development Act of 2009 to allow production companies a choice of applying for either a rebate or tax credit with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

SB474-This bill creates the offenses of fertility treatment abuse and fertility treatment fraud.

The House will convene on Wednesday at 1 pm.

Wednesday COVID-19 Active Case and Vaccination Numbers from the AR Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0

Fresh Start Program Continuing Through CDC

Saturday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 144 new cases; 1,684 active cases; 161 hospitalized, which is down 7 from Thursday; 26 on ventilators, which is unchanged from Thursday; deaths added today, 3, for a total of 5,639; a total of 330,753 cases; PCR tests, 4,246; antigen tests, 1,103.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 21; Benton, 13; and Greene, 9.

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

“We continue to see declining cases in our COVID-19 numbers. We are not increasing in cases like we see in many other states. Let’s all be mindful over Easter that we must continue to guard against the spread of the virus. Get a vaccine this weekend because this helps everyone. Yesterday, we saw an increase of over 29,000 vaccine doses administered.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0

UA Cossatot to Host Fiesta Fest May 1 in Downtown De Queen

PRESS RELEASE

183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832

870-584-1124

www.cccua.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 01 April 2021

CONTACT: Dustin Roberts, Director of Development

UA Cossatot to Host Fiesta Fest in Downtown De Queen

UA Cossatot will host Fiesta Fest on Saturday, May 1, 2021, in Downtown De Queen on North 3rd Street and West De Queen Avenue in front of the Courthouse from 1:00 PM until 9:00 PM.

The festival’s focus is bringing the community together to celebrate the cultures of Southwest Arkansas while raising scholarship money for UA Cossatot students.

Festivities will include food, vendors, live music, a DJ and light show, folkloric dancing, carnival rides, games, inflatables, and more.

“It a great time for all of us to come together for a common cause to celebrate the cultures that make up our community and help provide students of the college with an opportunity to benefit from the money that is raised from this event. These scholarships will help students complete their degree at the college,” said Director of the Center for Student Success, Erika Buenrrotro.

To become a sponsor or vendor for Fiesta Fest, contact Dustin Roberts, Director of Development, at droberts@cccua.edu or 870-584-1172. ###

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic in De Queen April 8

Thursday COVID-19 Update from AR Dept of Health

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 212 new cases; 1,695 active cases; 166 hospitalized, which is down 4 from Tuesday; 27 on ventilators, which is up 2 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 10, for a total of 5,626; a total of 330,398 cases; 253,685 recoveries; PCR tests, 5,767; antigen tests, 1,120.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 34; Pulaski, 26; Washington, 16; Faulkner, 14; and Sebastian, 13.

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

“The total number of vaccine doses administered since last week has increased by over 141,000. We also have over 61,000 additional Arkansans who are fully vaccinated. These numbers are encouraging, and with all Arkansans 16 and older eligible to receive the vaccine, we hope these numbers will continue to increase.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases:
Active Probable Cases:

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: