2020 Census Numbers in SW Arkansas
The 2020 Census numbers are in and as we reported earlier, every county in our immediate area of Southwest Arkansas lost population over the past ten years. Here are the 2020 population totals for a number of area towns and cities:
State Rank Name 2021 Pop. 2010 Census Change
15 Texarkana 29,473 29,976 -1.68%
43 Hope 9,425 10,117 -6.84%
56 De Queen 6,496 6,609 -1.71%
65 Mena 5,426 5,756 -5.73%
80 Ashdown 4,380 4,706 -6.93%
81 Nashville 4,302 4,626 -7.00%
168 Murfreesboro 1,598 1,677 -4.71%
196 Mineral Springs 1,132 1,203 -5.90%
203 Dierks 1,068 1,128 -5.32%
207 Horatio 1,016 1,049 -3.15%
214 Foreman 910 1,026 -11.31%
216 Kirby 878 786 +11.70%
234 Wickes 751 754 -0.40%
242 Lockesburg 718 735 -2.31%
Population totals for every incorporated town in the state can be found here: https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/cities/arkansas
Arkansas Trucking Academy Begins at 4 College Sites
The Arkansas Trucking Academy — the state’s first public program of its kind — will see its first students today.
The academy is offered by a consortium of four community colleges and supported by a $720,000 two-year grant at a time when a driver shortage is being keenly felt throughout the state and nationwide.
The consortium comprises Arkansas State University Three Rivers in Malvern, University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana in Hope, UA Cossatot’s Nashville campus and UA Rich Mountain in Mena. They are hoping to train 80 truck drivers per year, 20 at each location, through four- to five-week classes, according to ASU Three Rivers Chancellor Steve Rook.
https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/136873/arkansas-trucking-academy-begins-at-4-college-sites
A first-of-its-kind Arkansas Trucking Academy seeks to ease a driver shortage.
Active COVID Cases Increasing as Public Schools Are Back in Session in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 135
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 95
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 119
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 63
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee met on Monday to begin the discussion on the redistricting process for Congressional districts in Arkansas.
Redistricting is the periodic redrawing of district boundaries that elected representatives who serve specific geographic areas.
The periodic updating of districts must be done because, in a series of 1960’s cases, the U.S. Supreme Court held that districts must be equal in population. This is known as the “one-person, one-vote” requirement.
Arkansas code establishes that Arkansas is divided into four congressional districts, and the responsibility for the delineation of congressional districts of the substantially equal population is given to the Arkansas General Assembly.
The Board of Apportionment is responsible for drawing the boundaries of state legislative districts. The Board of Apportionment is comprised of the Governor, the Attorney General, and Secretary of State. The Board of Apportionment is holding meetings across the state, and the list of these events is found at www.arkansasredistricting.org.
On Thursday, the U.S. Census Bureau released its numbers. It shows the population of Arkansas is now 3,011,524, an increase of 3.3% since 2010. Northwest Arkansas saw the most amount of growth in the past decade.
Receiving this data is the first step. A software vendor contracted by the General Assembly will now begin entering the data in a format to allow members to draft potential maps. We expect to return to the Regular Session soon after that process is complete.
The maps ultimately adopted by the General Assembly must be as nearly equal as possible and must not limit the right to vote of any racial minority.
All legislative meetings regarding redistricting are open to the public, and there is time set aside for public comment.
You can also watch the meetings live and recorded on our website www.arkansashouse.org.
UA Cossatot Student Ambassadors Help in Welcoming Students to All Campuses
Ambassadors kicked off the semester today by providing FREE DONUTS to students of the college and continue Welcome Week!
Be on the lookout for daily clues via FB, Ed88 and email beginning at 10am as the Colts Horseshoe Scavenger Hunt BEGINS! Nashville… Make sure to check out the student Organization tables and games 11-2!
UA Cossatot Colts Basketball Benefit Golf Tournament Saturday at De Queen Country Club
Pictured (L-R): Coach Bryant Pagan II, Logan Cole, Chad Wilson, Cory Brown, J. Bigham, Tournament Director Jon Bunyard, and Head Coach Robert Byrd
Winners of the Championship Flight with a score of 57 were: Cole, Wilson, Brown and Bigham
Pictured (L-R): Coach Bryant Pagan II, Kyle Slayton, Jared Bristow, Trey Gentry, Jeffrey Mitchell, Tournament Director Jon Bunyard, and Head Coach Robert Byrd
Winners of the First Flight with a score of 62 were: Slayton, Bristow, Gentry, and Mitchell
Pictured (L-R): Coach Bryant Pagan II, Trever Berg, Will Dykes, Zac Herrington, Tournament Director Jon Bunyard, and Head Coach Robert Byrd (Drew Dykes not pictured)
Winners of the Second Flight with a score of 66 were: Herrington, Dykes, Berg, and Dykes
Also, Congratulations to Michael Collins (not pictured) for winning the longest drive during the tournament on the 9th hole. Collins won a $100 Academy Gift Card donated by Seth Tollett Farms.
Tyson Area Food Distribution Tuesday - Thursday
Monday's SW Arkansas COVID-19 Active Case Numbers and Vaccinations
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 142
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 96
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 111
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 130
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 72
Message from UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole
IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING COVID FROM CHANCELLOR DR. STEVE COLE
August 11, 2021
With vaccination rates being lower than expected and a spike in the Delta variant presently occurring, UA Cossatot has been monitoring the CDC and the prevailing local health conditions to make decisions designed to protect our students and employees. Yesterday, the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees passed a resolution that stated in part “…WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that, based on the spread of the Delta variant, communities with high transmission of COVID-19 should require individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings in indoor public settings; and WHEREAS the Board passed a resolution in May 2020 directing UA System institutions to adopt policies requiring face coverings in university facilities when physical distancing cannot be assured, and that such policies remain in effect as long as the use of face coverings is recommended by the CDC…”.
Based on this directive, and after meeting with our employees and Board of Visitors, beginning Monday, August 16th, all UA Cossatot campuses will require face coverings according to Procedure 1000, which requires that faculty, staff, students, and visitors are required to wear a face covering while in campus facilities. The following indoor exceptions apply to this procedure:
· Employees working alone in their offices.
· Participating in activities in which a face covering cannot be worn, or would prohibit normal breathing functions (such as eating, drinking, playing sports).
· Individuals with a documented disability.
· Instructors in outdoor or shop-type areas.
This face covering requirement will be in effect until the CDC designates all four counties in our service area as YELLOW (Moderate Risk) or GREEN (Low Risk). All four counties are currently RED (High Risk). I have included a link to the CDC Tracker here:
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/.
We will post CDC updates on our UA Cossatot website and all social media platforms. We will also send students email updates as conditions change.
It has been widely reported the strain the Delta variant has placed on our medical communities. In fact, our regional facilities are feeling the strain more now than ever before. We feel it is our obligation to make every reasonable effort to mitigate the spread of this virus and the highly contagious Delta variant. There is no doubt we must all work together to mitigate COVID by making safe and informed decisions, especially while the threat of this virus is high. The health and safety of our students and staff will remain my highest priority.
Please consider being vaccinated and please wear a mask!
Chancellor Cole
UA Cossatot Face Covering Procedure 1000
UA Cossatot Face Covering Procedure 1000
The University of Arkansas Board of Trustees voted on August 11, 2021 and directed each campus, division and unit to implement face covering policies for students, faculty, staff and guests, regardless of vaccination status, in indoor public settings where physical distancing cannot be assured in accordance with CDC guidance regarding the COVID-19 Delta variant. UA Cossatot, in the interest of campus and community health, has developed the following face covering procedure.
Faculty, staff, students, and visitors are required to wear a face covering while in campus facilities. The following indoor exceptions apply:
· Employees working alone in their offices.
· Participating in activities in which a face covering cannot be worn, or would prohibit normal breathing functions (such as eating, drinking, playing sports).
· Individuals with a documented disability.
· Instructors in outdoor or shop-type areas.
This procedure will be in force until the prevailing local health conditions warrant its cancellation.
Heat Advisory for Southwest Arkansas
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT TODAY...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 108 expected.
* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,
southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and
east and northeast Texas.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur, particularly for those working or
participating in outdoor activities.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
VIDEO: Sevier County Chamber Chat with Christie McCullough 08.10.21
Christy McCullough recently visited Ed 88 studios for our weekly Sevier County Chamber Chat.
COVID Numbers Continue to Climb in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 91
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 71
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 88
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 67
Heat Advisory Wednesday for Southwest Arkansas
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 108 expected.
* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,
southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and
east and northeast Texas.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur, particularly for those working or
participating in outdoor activities.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.VIDEO: "What's Up, Doc?" with Dr. Randy Walker 08.11.21
This week on "What's Up, Doc?", Dr. Randy talks about some of the persisting problems many COVID survivors have reported and why there is hope that many of these patients can expect to return to normal.
Lori House, CEO of the new Sevier County Medical Center, was Guest Speaker at De Queen Lions Club
Lori House, CEO of the new Sevier County Medical Center, was Tuesday’s guest speaker at the De Queen Lions Club. Lion Jeff Brown introduced House.
Coach Robert Byrd of UA Cossatot at De Queen Lions Club Meeting
Robert Byrd, Athletic Director and head coach of UA Cossatot Colts and Lady Colts, recently spoke at De Queen Lions Club about the success of the basketball teams’ previous season, the upcoming benefit golf tournament at De Queen County Club, and the upcoming season.
Heat Advisory for Southwest Arkansas
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 7 PM CDT TUESDAY...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 108 expected.
* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,
southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and
east and northeast Texas.
* WHEN...From 11 AM to 7 PM CDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur, particularly for those working or
participating in outdoor activities.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.U.S. Department of Commerce Awarding $2 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance to Support Healthcare and Workforce Training at UA Cossatot
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to UA Cossatot. This grant supports a Medical Mobile Unit and creates a healthcare simulation lab and telemedicine space at all four campuses. This EDA grant is expected to create 105 jobs.
“President Biden is committed to harnessing the full power of the federal government to ensure our nation not only recovers from this pandemic but builds back stronger,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment in Cossatot Community College will provide rural communities with access to healthcare and healthcare training programs to prepare students for good-paying, quality jobs.”
“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting community-led economic development strategies designed to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This EDA investment will create a Wellness Education Learning and Living (WELL) community with a Medical Mobile Unit to provide urgent care and create a healthcare simulation lab and telemedicine space to train workers in high-demand healthcare fields.”
“This grant is a real benefit to rural Arkansas,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for more healthcare options in rural Arkansas and the benefit of telemedicine. The funds will make a positive impact on the economy and the health of Arkansans.”
“Congress came together in a bipartisan way to pass the CARES Act to strengthen our communities’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent challenges it presents,” said Senator John Boozman. “I am pleased the EDA recognizes the need for expanded health care access and training in Southwest Arkansas and is making this investment to help the region better meet existing and future needs that will also result in more good jobs.”
“Rural America is too often overlooked for federal grants,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04). “That’s why I’m so grateful that the bipartisan CARES Act is making this critical health care investment possible. The residents of De Queen and the students at Cossatot Community College will benefit greatly from the jobs and training opportunities this grant will support. Smart, targeted investment like this greatly aids rural America’s post-pandemic recovery.”
“We feel this grant will impact Medical Education in Southwest Arkansas like nothing ever before, said UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole. “This WELL grant will allow UA Cossatot to establish four medical simulation/telemedicine labs on each of our four campuses in DeQueen, Lockesburg, Nashville, and Ashdown, two Ambulance Simulators on two campuses, the establishment of a new Medical Lab Technician program, and we will be purchasing a complete mobile medical unit that our medical faculty and students will be using to assist with health care needs around our service area. It is truly a game-changer for our college, and we can’t be more thankful to our Federal Delegation for helping see this through”.
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District (SWAPDD). EDA funds SWAPDD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development road map to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
This project is funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Public Law 116-136), which provided EDA with $1.5 billion for economic assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance, which is being administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, provides a wide range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
