Photos provided by Monte Bartek of Bartek Recon
Aerial Views of the New Sevier County Medical Center Under Construction in SW AR
Wednesday Severe Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service
Today will be the final day of a stretch of very active, and as we've seen, very impactful severe weather here in the Natural State.
As of this morning, the eastern 2/3rds portion of the state is at an enhanced risk (3/5) for severe weather, and the eastern 1/3rd (nearing the US-65 and I-530) corridor) is at a moderate risk (4/5) for severe weather today.
We expect to see an increase in coverage of stronger thunderstorms as an approaching cold front nears central Arkansas later this morning and into the afternoon. The severe threat will continue to increase across central and eastern Arkansas this afternoon and evening as a very favorable environment for severe weather will be in place.
We are expecting all severe hazards to be in play today, including damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes.
Additional non-thunderstorm hazards will also be noted in the attached briefing, including strong southerly gradient winds ahead of the cold front today, and potential frost conditions across northwest Arkansas Thursday morning.
Click on the pics below for today’s Severe Weather Briefing.
Severe Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service in Little Rock
We can expect more severe storm potential across the state today. The main threat today will be isolated to scattered storms, becoming strong to severe at times, and all hazards...including hail, damaging winds, and possibly a few tornadoes, will be possible.
No major changes have been made regarding the forecast for Wednesday, as we remain under an enhanced risk (3/5) for severe weather over a good portion of the state. Once again, all severe hazards will be possible on Wednesday, particularly for central and eastern Arkansas during the afternoon and evening hours.
Please click on the pic below to see the attached briefing of the latest information.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
An important deadline is approaching if you plan on voting in the May 24Preferential Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election.
If you have not already registered to vote, you have until April 25 to file your voter registration application with your county clerk.
If you submit your application close to an election registration deadline, you are strongly advised to follow up with your county clerk before Election Day.
You can check your voter registration status and find your polling location at www.voterview.org.
On the website, you can also find a list of who will appear on the ballot. If you do not see that information listed by May, call your County Clerk’s office.
Due to redistricting changes, we encourage you to review your ballot before heading to the polls. The boundaries of voting districts for state legislators shifted to reflect population changes in the 2020 Census. Districts were also renumbered. You may have the same lawmaker listed on your ballot but your House or Senate number may be different than what you’re used to.
Early voting for the primary and nonpartisan general election will begin on May 9.Early voting is available between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, ending at 5 p.m. on the Monday before the election. Off-site early voting hours may vary by county.
At the voting site, an election official will ask you to state your name, address, and date of birth. The election official will request you provide an approved form of I.D.
In a primary election, you must state the party primary in which you wish to vote. If you don’t wish to cast a party ballot, you may choose to vote in the nonpartisan races only (which may include judicial and prosecuting attorney races, and other local issues such as tax increases).
The General Election and Nonpartisan Runoff Election will be held on November 8.
You can find more information about voting in Arkansas at www.sos.arkansas.gov.
Severe Weather Briefing for Arkansas
Today we will be kicking off a span of a very active weather pattern, with daily severe weather chances for most of the state. The biggest update to relay is an upgrade in the day 1 SPC outlook forecast, which now includes an enhanced risk (3/5) for severe weather over central and northern Arkansas for later this afternoon and evening.
Episodes of severe weather are expected to continue into Tuesday and Wednesday. Following today, Wednesday will be our primary concern for a widespread bout of severe weather across the state.
Please click on the pic below to see the attached briefing for the latest information.
Stolen Copper Lines, Tools, etc.. at New Sevier County Medical Center Construction Site
UA Cossatot Athletics Department to Add Competitive Shooting Sports for 2022-23; A Visit With Coach Brett Blackburn
Colts' shooting sports coach Brett Blackburn visited our De Queen studios on Monday to talk about the new program.
UA Cossatot will be adding another team sport in the coming school year. The Colts will compete at the NJCAA Division II level in men’s and women’s clay target shooting beginning in the fall of 2022. Brett Blackburn will serve as the shooting sports coach.
UA Cossatot’s Athletic Director Robert Byrd announced, “UA Cossatot Athletics is excited to expand our sporting options with the addition of clay target shooting in the fall of 2022. Coach Blackburn is eager to begin the recruiting process, and we are looking forward to competing this upcoming fall.”
UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole added, "Shooting sports has become mainstream, especially in our area, and with the incredible interest from our local high school student-athletes, it just made sense for UA Cossatot to offer this sport for all men and women with interest in shooting sports.”
UA Cossatot has competed as a member of NJCAA Division II Region 2 in men’s and women’s basketball for the past three seasons. Clay target shooting is the first sport added to the UA Cossatot athletic department since joining the NJCAA with preliminary plans for future sports under consideration. Coach Blackburn will be visiting the regional and state tournaments.
UA Cossatot Clay Shooting Coach Brett Blackburn said, “The shooting program will build on the foundation started by high school and Jr high students of the AYSSP program from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. We look forward to building on these skills as the student-athletes grow as citizens and competitors at the collegiate level. Go Colts!”
For more information, contact Coach Blackburn at 941-726-2245 or bblackburn@cccua.edu.
Arkansas Legislators Recognized for Work on Step Therapy
Today, Senator Cecile Bledsoe and Representative DeAnn Vaught received awards for their recognition as 2021 SAIM Patient Access Champions, a well-deserved honor for their work on Step Therapy legislation in Arkansas.
During the 93rd General Assembly, Sen. Bledsoe and Rep. Vaught sponsored SB99, now Act 97. The law ensures step therapy protocols in Arkansas are based on widely accepted medical and clinical guidelines and provides a clear process for health care providers and patients to request exceptions to step therapy protocol.
Thanks to Sen. Bledsoe and Rep. Vaught, Arkansas has strong step therapy protection laws to ensure patients have timely access to treatments and medications best suited for their needs.
inVeritas CEO, Ruth Whitney was present for the award ceremony. inVeritas is proud to have played a part in helping to pass this important legislation.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
On Monday of last week, the House and Senate Judiciary Committees met jointly with the Charitable, Penal, and Correctional Institutions subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council.
Members reviewed reports from the Department of Corrections concerning the current prison population and recidivism rates. Currently, the recidivism rate for the entire department is 46.1%. That breaks down to 47.8% for the Division of Correction and 37.5% for the Division of Community Correction.
In Arkansas, recidivism is defined as either an arrest, conviction, or re-incarceration within a 3 year time period from an individual’s release from a correctional facility.
Arkansas’ definition of recidivism makes it difficult to compare to other states, but Corrections Secretary Solomon Graves told members Arkansas’ recidivism rate is “unacceptably high.”
Secretary Graves told members they will be reviewing current programs to evaluate their effectiveness. He added that this is an issue that government cannot solve alone. It will take a collaborative effort from advocacy groups and faith-based organizations.
To bring attention to the issue, the Governor has proclaimed the week of April 26 as Reentry Awareness Week.
The proclamation states that at least 90% of state prison inmates will be released at some point in their sentence. It goes on to say that because high recidivism increases the cost of corrections and puts Arkansas citizens at greater risk of becoming victims of crime, it is imperative that offenders returning to the community have the programs, services, and support they need to become productive citizens of the state.
Committee members were also presented with information showing that roughly two-fifths of individuals entering prison do not have a high school degree or GED. Research presented also showed that incarcerated people who participate in postsecondary education in prison are 48% less likely to recidivate than those who do not.
The inmate population for the Division of Correction is currently 15,089. There are 1,528 inmates in county jails waiting to be transferred.
In the most recent Fiscal Session, the General Assembly increased county jail reimbursements by $6.4 million. The General Assembly also approved the transfer of $150 million for various one-time funding projects including prison construction.
In the months ahead, the members will continue to consult with the Department of Corrections regarding the inmate population, recidivism, and ways we can improve on this crucial issue.
Severe Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service
A strong storm system will affect Arkansas on Tuesday Night and Wednesday
Showers and thunderstorms will be widespread, moving into Arkansas late Tuesday Night and Wednesday Morning and out of the state on Wednesday Evening.
Severe weather is possible, with the greatest likelihood over the southeast half of Arkansas. Storms that become severe will be capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 MPH, and there could be a few brief, weak tornadoes. It does appear that severe storms are more likely in areas south and east of Arkansas.
There will be areas of heavy rain. The forecast calls for one to two inches of precipitation at most locations. Isolated heavier amounts are possible, and this could cause localized flash flooding issues.
Strong winds are expected with the system, with gusts of 40 – 50 MPH possible, primarily over eastern portions of Arkansas and in the higher terrain of western Arkansas. This will create difficulty for higher profile vehicles, and cause hazardous conditions on area bodies of water.
(Click on the pic below for today’s Severe Weather Briefing PDF)
New Hospital Construction Project in Sevier County, Arkansas
Photos by Monte Bartek of Bartek Recon
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Whether it was due to a job loss, reduction in income or increased costs in healthcare, many homeowners fell behind in mortgage payments and utilities during the pandemic.
If you or someone you know is behind on payments, we want to direct your attention to a resource that could help.
Recently, the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) announced it is now distributing the state’s $54 million to homeowners who were impacted by COVID-19.
Arkansas was one of the first states to gain the US Treasury approval for the funds. The Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Fund https://apply.arkansashaf.com/loginis a federally-funded program helping Arkansas residents who are behind on their mortgages, electricity, gas and/or internet payments.
Eligibility is determined by need and household income. Homeowners must have a total annual household income of less than 150% of the area median income of their county. The maximum total annual household income for a family of four ranges from $81,150 to $112,350, depending upon the county in which they live. To determine eligibility for a specific county, go to arkansashaf.com/qualifyhttps://arkansashaf.com/qualify
Funds for qualified recipients will be provided directly to mortgage companies, internet companies, and utility providers.
Eligible homeowners are encouraged to apply through the online portal at: apply.arkansashaf.comhttps://apply.arkansashaf.com/login or contact our call center at 888.698.0964. Call center hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Applicants will need the following to apply:
1) Valid ID for applicant (spouse or co- borrower if applicable)
2) Proof of homeownership
3) Income documentation
4) Documents showing mortgage delinquency
The income limits vary based on the county and the number of occupants in your household. When you apply online, after entering some basic information, you will see the income limitations specific to you.
We’ve posted links for more information on our website www.arkansashouse.orghttp://www.arkansashouse.org
UA Cossatot Awarded $1.96 Million Workforce Development Grant To Support A Regional Cyber Learning Network
UA Cossatot has received a $1.96 million workforce development grant to fund further development of the CyberLearning Network (CyberLearN) – a regional cyber-learning partnership with six other schools in the University of Arkansas System to address Arkansas’s talent gap in cybersecurity.
The CyberLearN partners include UA Cossatot, UA Little Rock, UA Pine Bluff, UA – Pulaski Technical College, UA Hope-Texarkana, UACC Batesville, and UACC Morrilton. The Forge Institute, the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences, and SmartResume are also collaborating on the initiative.
Governor Asa Hutchinson awarded a total of $7.9 million in Large-Scale Workforce Development Grants to UA Cossatot and eight other organizations during a March 15 press conference at the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce. The grants were funded by the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce.
“We don’t have an unlimited source of funds in Arkansas for workforce training, so we want to invest it wisely,” Governor Hutchinson said. “And you do that by partnering with industry to guide our training, our funding so that it results in jobs.”
CyberLearN leverages shared resources for the purposes of expanding and diversifying cyber workforce education in Arkansas. The consortium will provide more equitable access to cybersecurity education for Arkansas learners, aligning freshman and sophomore cybersecurity curriculum with ABET, a national accreditation board, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Standards. CyberLearN partners will share instruction and create a common learning experience through standardized, hybrid-flexible learning spaces. “UA Little Rock is proud to lead in creating the CyberLearning Network, which will put Arkansas on the map for cybersecurity workforce education,” said Dr. Erin Finzer, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. “This new consortium among academic and nonprofit partners will serve as a model to provide collaborative education and training opportunities across the state. We thank Gov. Hutchinson and the Office of Skills Development for this investment in Arkansas’s economic security and for providing our state with cyber talent for many years to come.”
CyberLearN will drive economic development opportunities by providing robust talent pathways and creating opportunities to spur creative innovations. Arkansas currently has more than 3,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions listed on LinkedIn, and that number is expected to continue to grow. Now that Arkansas’s broadband initiatives have provided more internet access across the state, there are more opportunities for cybersecurity professionals to work remotely, which can provide a boost for rural communities.
The workforce development grant builds on the commitment and spirit of last year’s UA System announcement of a $900,000 CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to boost the state’s statewide workforce recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19 growth through the creation of the UA System Workforce Response and Training Center. That grant included nine UA System institutions, led by the Arkansas Economic Development Institute (AEDI) at UA Little Rock, to collect and analyze statewide workforce data and use outcomes to provide existing and bolstered education and training efforts through all seven of the UA System’s two-year colleges, along with two colleges of technology at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM).
“This is a shining example of the synergy that’s possible by harnessing UA System resources in a collaborative and innovative fashion to continue bolstering the growth of a world-class, highly skilled workforce in Arkansas,” said Chris Thomason, vice president for planning and development for the UA System. “When we’re able to pool the resources and talent within the UA System close to Arkansas citizens and in our communities, the momentum that’s created can have a much larger impact on the state’s economic growth and within Arkansas families.”
In order to support this economic and workforce development potential, UA Cossatot and its academic partners are providing stackable certificates, which are a set of professional credentials that can be stacked into more advanced certificate and degree programs or may be earned by Arkansas workers wishing to upskill or reskill. Stackable certificates are an innovative way for institutions of higher education to serve working students by providing them with distinct skillsets and manageable motivators on their way to a two-year or four-year degree. “COVID has changed a lot of how we operate in higher education, and this program shows a positive adaptation in meeting the needs of today’s learners,” said Dr. Philip Huff, assistant professor of cybersecurity at UA Little Rock. “The workforce needed in cybersecurity is so great right now, and we can’t simply tell the industry to wait four more years for us to provide you with a pipeline of talent when they need it yesterday. These stackable certificates address the immediate need, and also open up new academic paths if a student chooses to continue their education.”
The certificate programs, the first of which is pending approval for the Fall 2022 semester, include two certificates of proficiency in cybersecurity fundamentals that “stack” into a technical certificate and associate degree. By completing these foundational certificates, learners will be ready to enroll in upper-level specialized certificates in areas like data security, digital forensics, cybersecurity operations, and software security. These certificates are designed to provide college students and workers with a road to lifelong learning with personalized pathways to learn skills that meet both learner and employer needs. “Higher education should seize every viable opportunity to increase efficiency in the delivery of educational services contributing to workforce education. CyberLearN is exactly this kind of opportunity,” Dr. Albert Baker, chair of the Department of Computer Science at UA Little Rock. “It has been, and continues to be, energizing to collaborate on this opportunity to build efficiencies in the development of the Arkansas workforce in the emerging and evermore critically important cybersecurity industry.”
Dr. Steve Cole, UA Cossatot Chancellor, said one of his biggest worries is how to combat the cyber-attacks that are happening all around the world. This new partnership with CyberLearN will bring education and training opportunities directly to UA Cossatot and other two-year colleges across the state. Having a skilled workforce that can respond to cyber threats will ensure a resilient economy in Arkansas.
“Cybercrime just doesn’t touch large corporations, it even touches the small business owner with one employee,” Cole said. “To combat cybercrime, we must build a workforce of cybersecurity experts, and CyberLearN seeks to address this huge skills gap. Community colleges like ours find it extremely difficult sometimes to start new, technology-rich programs due to the high costs involved and the lack of available instruction, but a collaborative effort like CyberLearN allows us to tap into the talent at UA Little Rock and the Forge Institute to offer cybersecurity programming in our rural area. I am confident that, without this effort, it would be difficult to offer a world-class program like this to many rural parts of the state like ours.”
Snippets with Johnye Fisher from the Sevier County Library System
April is here and it is the fourth month of the year that brings us Earth Day, April Fool's Day, and Easter, just to name a few. Hibernating animals come out of their winter sleep, birds fly back to settle, and in some parts of the world, the harvest season begins. Speaking of Easter, On April 6th at 4 pm, Kelsie will have Easter storytime and activities for the kids. It has been said that April showers bring May flowers, so we will be giving away flower seeds for the kids to plant.
Kickin’ it with Klondike is April 20th at 4 pm. Come play games and have fun with Klondike.
Don’t forget now that spring is here. We have seeds of all kinds for checkout. Remember these are the only items you can check out and not bring back. However, we do ask that if you have seeds from your harvest, you share them with us so we can keep our seed program going.
And don’t forget you can access our card catalog anytime at:
www.seviercountylibrary.com/county-card-catalog.
Don’t forget the LIBBYAPP. You can follow the instructions to download the libbyapp from our Facebook.com/seviercountylibrary or simply go to your play store on your device. Remember you must search “Arkansas Digital Library Consortium” and hold a valid library card to browse our selection. For more information, you can call 584-4364
Amy at Horatio Library says, Happy April Y’all. Come check out the front of our building and let your children play. We have a caterpillar and an alligator out there. No that's not an April Fool’s joke either, we really do. We have lots of new books and DVD's that have come in this month. Come by and see what we have. We will be having a children's program on the 9th and 23d both will be at 10 a.m. Don't forget we also have a domino game that goes on Thursday's. We need to get these guys some more competition. Come out and join them. We hope to see you soon.
“Art at the Library” kick-off will be the week of April 6,7 and 9, patrons may come to the Lockesburg Library and prepare to start an art project for the library art show in May. All supplies will be provided and the theme is READ. On April 20, 21, and 23 in honor of Earth Day, Mz Wendy and the Lockesburg Library will celebrate by providing some STEM Earth Science activities around that theme. We will do some outdoor planting in the library flowerbeds and create a garden pot craft and al always a game will be included. Lockesburg Library designs programs for fun and learning. Homeschool groups are welcome and encouraged to participate during the hours the library is open at their convenience. Wednesdays and Thursdays 8:30 – 5:00 and Saturdays mornings. For more information, call Wendy Clay at the Lockesburg Library at 289-2233 or follow us on facebook on the Lockesburg Library page.
Hey from Gillham Library. We are still in the process of moving and almost done so please bear with us a little longer. The new building is really nice; we can’t wait for everyone to see it. While we are waiting there are still new books and DVD’S to check out. We have James Patterson and Dolly Parton’s Run Rose Run, Harlen Coben’s, The Match, David Rosenfelt’s Citizen K-9 and CJ Box’s Shadows Reel. We also have a new author that everyone is enjoying Jana Deleon, she writes about escapades in Louisiana. We have new DVD’s, Space Jam, The Addams Family 2, and Ghostbusters Afterlife. Come see us and check one out.
UA Cossatot Athletics Department to Add Competitive Shooting Sports for 2022-23
UA Cossatot will be adding another team sport in the coming school year. The Colts will compete at the NJCAA Division II level in men’s and women’s clay target shooting beginning in the Fall of 2022. Brett Blackburn will serve as the shooting sports coach.
UA Cossatot’s Athletic Director Robert Byrd announced, “UA Cossatot Athletics is excited to expand our sporting options with the addition of clay target shooting in the fall of 2022. Coach Blackburn is eager to begin the recruiting process, and we are looking forward to competing this upcoming fall.”
UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole added, "Shooting sports has become mainstream, especially in our area, and with the incredible interest from our local high school student-athletes, it just made sense for UA Cossatot to offer this sport for all men and women with interest in shooting sports.”
UA Cossatot has competed as a member of NJCAA Division II Region 2 in men’s and women’s basketball for the past three seasons. Clay target shooting is the first sport added to the UA Cossatot athletic department since joining the NJCAA with preliminary plans for future sports under consideration. Coach Blackburn will be visiting the regional and state tournaments.
UA Cossatot Clay Shooting Coach Brett Blackburn said, “The shooting program will build on the foundation started by high school and Jr high students of the AYSSP program from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. We look forward to building on these skills as the student-athletes grow as citizens and competitors at the collegiate level. Go Colts!”
For more information, contact Coach Blackburn at 941-726-2245 or bblackburn@cccua.edu.
UA Cossatot Students visit Arkansas State Capitol
UA Cossatot students recently visited the Arkansas State Capitol to learn about legislation, met with their state delegation, and visited the Governor.
The student groups consisted of UA Cossatot Student Ambassadors, Rotaract, and Youth Build.
Students first met with State Representative DeAnn Vaught and Collin Callaway with Arkansas Community Colleges. They discussed federal versus state issues, roles of Governor versus legislature, how a bill becomes a law, and legislative advocacy 101.
Students were then given a tour of the Capitol Building, followed by a panel discussion on hot topics from the 2021 session and anticipated issues for 2023. The visit ended with students meeting with Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. Students asked Governor Hutchinson questions, followed by a group picture.
UA Cossatot’s Director for Student Success and Enrichment and Student Ambassador Sponsor, Erika Buenrrostro, said, “It was an amazing experience for all the students and sponsors who visited the Capitol. This was some of our students' first time visiting the Capitol. There is always something new to learn and experience. Thank you to Collin Callaway, Representative DeAnn Vaught, and Governor Hutchinson for making this a fantastic experience for our students!”
For more information, contact Erika Buenrrostro at 870-584-1133 or ebuenrrostro@cccua.edu.
UA Cossatot’s Cosmetology Program Receives $500 Donation from The Springs of Mine Creek Nursing Home
UA Cossatot’s Cosmetology Program recently received a $500 donation from The Springs of Mine Creek Nursing Home. The donation will cover student expenses to attend the Discovery Beauty Show in Grapevine, TX, in April.
Twice a month, UA Cossatot Cosmetology students provide haircuts and other hair services for The Springs of Mine Creek Nursing Home residents under the supervision of a licensed instructor. In addition, UA Cossatot’s cosmetology students were invited to help residents get glammed up for their Valentine banquet, providing hairstyles and manicures.
“This arrangement is a win for all involved. Providing these services brings smiles all around for the residents, their caretakers and families, and the students,” said UA Cossatot’s Cosmetology Instructor Toyia Witherspoon. “It is so rewarding to make someone feel good about how they look and something we often take for granted in a normal day-to-day salon environment. We certainly appreciate the generosity of the Springs of Mine Creek and their support of our students.”
To book an appointment with UA Cossatot’s Cosmetology Salon, call 870-584-1360. The salon is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 am until 3:00 pm. For more info on UA Cossatot’s Cosmetology Program, contact Toyia Witherspoon at 870-584-1346 or twitherspoon@cccua.edu
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
From one-time bonuses to increased funding for safety equipment, the 93rd General Assembly made support for law enforcement a top priority in this fiscal session.
Act 224 provides a one-time stipend of $5,000 to full-time certified city and county law enforcement officers as well as probation and parole officers.
It also provides for a $2,000 one-time stipend for state troopers.
Act 223 increases the average starting salary for state troopers from $42,357 to $54,000.
This act also allows for an increase of positions at the Arkansas Crime Lab.
Act 225 which outlines the budget for Fiscal Year 2023 funds an increase for county jail reimbursement from $32 per day to $40 per day and provides $10 million for body cameras, bullet-proof vests, and other law-enforcement safety equipment.
The General Assembly passed Act 219 which will provide funding to hire an additional 45 deputy prosecutors this fiscal year.
Act 222 will provide funding for an additional 45 public defenders.
This will help to alleviate a backlog of cases in our court system.
Speaker Shepherd and Senator Hickey have issued a proclamation that calls for the Fiscal Session of the 93rd General Assembly to automatically adjourn sine die at noon on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
In accordance with House Rules, a caucus of the entire House of Representatives will be held 15 minutes following adjournment to elect the Speaker-designate for the 94th General Assembly. The House caucus will convene at 12:15 p.m. this Tuesday, March 15, 2022, for this purpose.
You can watch all House proceedings at www.arkansashouse.org.
De Queen Middle School February Good Citizens
L-R: Damon Martin, Emily Winton, Brielle Cooper & Eachan Helms
Congratulations to our DMS February Good Citizens. We are proud of you! Excellence is not a skill; it's an attitude!
UA Cossatot Career Coaches Host Career Exploration Camp for Six School Districts
By Dustin Roberts, Director of Development, UA Cossatot
UA Cossatot Career Coaches hosted a Career Exploration Camp on March 3rd and 4th for the six school districts they serve at UA Cossatot’s LIMI campus.
The school districts included Ashdown, Centerpoint, De Queen, Horatio, Kirby, and Nashville. Career Coaches arrived early with eager tenth graders to explore careers in Cosmetology, Welding, Digital Marketing, Dental Hygienist, OTA/PTA, and CDL. The students also learned about financial literacy and student organizations offered at UA Cossatot.
Over 35 support staff helped with this event and hosted nearly 600 students in two days. “Fun was had by all, and we built relationships with students that can help them make good career choices in their future,” said Julie Rhodes, Director of High School Programs.
The Career Coaches included Deanna Triplet (Nashville), Addison Hill (Kirby/Centerpoint), Hollie Chaytor (Horatio), Kacie Metzger (Ashdown), and Lizz Garza (De Queen).
Students in the 11th and 12th grade have an opportunity to take classes with the Secondary Career Center. They can choose from Welding, Automotive, Industrial Maintenance, or Medical to explore and obtain college credit while in high school. These classes are at no cost to the student. Students may also choose to start
taking college classes to get started on their degree as early as the 9th grade, dependent upon qualifying scores, at a discounted rate.
For more information, contact UA Cossatot’s High School Programs Department at 870-584-1344.