Sevier News

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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Did you know that out of the over 400,000 children and teens in foster care in the United States, over 100,000 of them are waiting to be adopted? Right now, there are 292 children in Arkansas whose parents’ parental rights have been terminated and are currently seeking a forever family.

November is National Adoption Month. It is a time to increase awareness of adoption issues, bring attention to the need for adoptive families for teens in the foster care system, and emphasize the value of youth engagement. On November 3, the Arkansas Department of Human Services will be hosting a National Adoption Month Rally at the State Capitol. The event begins at noon.

In the 2021 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed Act 574, which directed the House Committee on Aging, Children, and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs, and the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth to conduct a study of the best practices for reducing the number of children in foster care. Part of that study includes reviewing the length of time from termination of parental rights to adoption finalization for relative and foster parent adoptions. Significant progress has been made to shorten that time. The committee is scheduled to review a draft of the final report when they meet in November. While we continue our study and work to reduce the number of children entering the foster care system, we encourage you to explore how your family may be able to help.

Last year, the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) launched the Every Day Counts campaign as a reminder for people that every day these children and teens spend in foster care is a day too long because every day counts!

After the launch of the program, Project Zero took on the challenge to give every waiting child a short film by the end of 2021. Project Zero is a non-profit organization whose mission is to diligently and enthusiastically promote adoption through the foster care system with the ultimate goal of finding a forever family for every child who is waiting. These short films have been a critical piece in finding adoptive families for children in foster care. You can find the films and more information about each child in Project Zero’s Arkansas Heart Gallery at www.projectzero.org.

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November Snippets from Johnye Fisher of the Sevier County Library System

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Sevier County Library System’s annual Mister Roger’s Neighborhood Sweater Drive and Food for Fines month begins November 1st and ends November 30th.  

Let’s find some gently used items that someone can use for the winter to help keep them warm. Coats, hats, sweaters, gloves, scarves, etc. also patrons can bring any nonperishable food item to the library for a one-dollar reduction per item in existing overdue fines. Food accepted for fines on returned library materials only, not for replacement fees or lost or damaged items. Each community library will help their community with items taken. Also donations are always welcome for both clothing items and food items

Thanks to the communities for helping your community!

De Queen will host a Thanksgiving Story Time with Turkey Bingo on November 16th at 4 pm. There will be bingo prizes, treats for the kids and lots of fun. Make sure to tell all the kids and come enjoy a fun game of Turkey Bingo.

 

Remember we have the LIBBYAPP if we do not have a book on our shelves. 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

 

Catherine at Horatio Library says that Fall is beautiful and the weather is finally cooling off. The library is getting ready for Thanksgiving. We are changing our children’s program time to 4 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. We will have special guests, treats and activities so make sure to mark your calendar. For adults, we are considering beginning a craft program featuring different craft each Saturday at 10 am beginning the first Saturday of November.

In the meantime, come and take a look at our new books plus check our sale tables. We have something for everyone. For more information, you can call Catherine at 870-832-6882. I’ll be looking for you.

Here at the Lockesburg Library the special activity programs that are planned for children during the month of November will be our homeschool STEM subjects and on Saturday, November 5th from 10-11:00 our new Pokemon Club. According to librarian Wendy Clay, officers have been elected and mission/ goals planned. If you are 12 or under and enjoy all things Pokemon come meet with us. Call 289-2233 or consult our Meta Facebook page Lockesburg Library for weekly updates about everything that is going on at the library.

Rhonda at Gillham Library says Gosh this year has gone by really fast. We have Thanksgiving is coming up soon. Come on by and find out How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace! See how Charlie Brown celebrates Thanksgiving on DVD and book. John Sandford and Virgil Flowers are after killers in Righteous Prey, David Baldacci’s Amos Decker is so very smart with a remarkable memory or Danielle Steel’s Iris Cooper is a singing sensation. Dominoes and coffee on Tuesday’s if you like to play or just want to learn how.  Remember we are Open Tuesday 9-1, Friday 1-5 and Saturday 10-2. Call Rhonda, Freda or Mr. Bob at 386-5665 for more information.


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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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It is estimated that 225 people die every day from a drug overdose in America. In 2020, 547 people died from a drug overdose in Arkansas.

The current opioid epidemic is one of the deadliest drug epidemics in our history.

October 26 has been proclaimed as Opioid Awareness Day in Arkansas. It is a time for communities and individuals to raise awareness and prevent new victims from falling prey to addiction.

In recent years the Arkansas General Assembly has expanded access to naloxone and created criminal and civil immunities for those who try to get help for an overdose patient.

In 2021, we passed Act 651. This act mandates the co-prescription of an opioid antagonist under certain conditions. One of the conditions includes if the patient has a history of opioid use disorder or drug overdose.

In the 2019 Session, the General Assembly passed Act 646 which provides for controlled substance overdose identification training by law enforcement officers with an emphasis on opioid overdoses. That same year, the legislature passed Act 964 which prohibits a healthcare insurer, including the Arkansas Medicaid Program, from requiring prior authorization for medication-assisted treatment of opioid addiction.

In 2017, the General Assembly passed Act 284 which authorizes pharmacists to dispense naloxone, a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid-induced overdose.

And in 2015, the Joshua Pauley Act became law. The law provides immunity for those calling for help for someone who is overdosing.

Another way to prevent abuse is to encourage the safe storage and disposal of prescription drugs.

The Arkansas Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 29 from 10 am to 2 pm. This is an opportunity to safely dispose of expired or unused prescription drugs. There are more than 250 locations across the state. You can find the location of events and permanent drop boxes at www.artakeback.org .

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UA Cossatot Colts/Lady Colts Benefit Golf Tournament in Nashville

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UA Cossatot Agriculture Projects to be Showcased in Washington, D.C.

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Six agriculture students from UA Cossatot will be attending the annual National Science Foundation Advanced Technician Education (NSF ATE) conference on October 25-28, 2022 in Washington D.C.

This year Keaton Cox, Kaydee Cowling, and Haley Wright are presenting posters about projects conducted by the agriculture department. Three additional students attending the conference include April Klitz, Hannah Honey, and Valerie Smith. UA Cossatot faculty members Kelli Harris and Crystal Sims will also be in attendance.

Cox’s research is about water quality. The students in Natural Resources have been collecting water samples and testing for coliform bacteria, lead, mercury, pH, and other quality factors. The data is recorded through ArcGIS Survey123, including location data which is then mapped.

Cowling and Wright’s project started in the Intro to GIS class in the spring of 2022. They are collaborating with Casey Hardaway at Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center to collect location data on fossils found on the management area.

The conference will host more than 850 NSF ATE grantees and their project cohorts to focus on the critical issues related to advanced technological education. Fundamental persons working on ATE projects across the country will partake in the hybrid event. Conference partakers represent community colleges,

business and industry, secondary school systems, and four-year universities covering projects in a wide variety of areas, such as information technology, engineering technology, micro-and nanotechnologies, chemical technology, biotechnology, and other program areas.

The primary goal of the GSTARS project is to design and implement a curriculum that meets the region’s need for technician-level GIS skills in agriculture and related science industries. In addition, the $299,635 grant will create pathways for future GIS Technicians to enter the local workforce.

“This grant has created an amazing opportunity to integrate technology and technical skills, such as GIS data collection and drone operations, into our agriculture and science programs. We are excited to share what our students have been learning at UA Cossatot through the GSTARS grant during the NSF ATE conference," said GSTARS team leader and agriculture faculty, Kelli Harris.

To learn more about this grant and conference, contact Kelli Harris at kharris@cccua.edu. ###

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Arkansas Community Colleges announce scholarships for 22 academic all-star students

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
October 11, 2022 

 

For questions or more information, please contact: 

Collin Callaway, Senior Policy Director 

Arkansas Community Colleges 

Cell: 501-554-2146 

ccallaway@arkansascc.org 

 

HOT SPRINGS (October 11, 2022) – Winners of the Academic All-Star Scholarships were announced today in Hot Springs at the Arkansas Community Colleges annual conference (ACC).  

Governor Asa Hutchinson presented the keynote address at a brunch honoring the 22 student scholarship winners. The students were awarded a full-tuition transfer scholarship to any Arkansas public, four-year university to complete their bachelor’s degree. The combined total for the scholarships are estimated to be more than $500,000.  

“These scholarships will enable our highest-achieving students to reach for their dreams at any of Arkansas’s public, four-year universities,” said Andrea Henderson, ACC Executive Director. “Many of these students are not only working hard to maintain excellent grades but are also adding jobs and parenthood to their list of responsibilities, which makes their accomplishments even more impressive. These students deserve our recognition, and these scholarships are a fantastic way to help them achieve their goals.”  

Each of the 22 public two-year colleges names one student as an “Academic All-Star.” These students maintain a cumulative grade point average of no less than 3.25 out of a possible 4.0 and are outstanding campus and community leaders.  

The 22 member institutions of ACC, located throughout the state, serve more than 60,000 Arkansans per year through educational programs, technical training, continuing education, and customized workforce training for today’s businesses and industries.  

Here are the Academic All-Stars and their respective colleges:  

Arkansas Northeastern College 

Maddie Treece 

Arkansas State University  Beebe 

Steven Winchell 

Arkansas State University Mid-South 

Jayden McNair 

Arkansas State University Mountain Home 

Elsie Clark 

Arkansas State University Newport 

Dustin Mars 

Arkansas State University Three Rivers 

Kevin Nard 

Black River Technical College 

Kimberly Stokes 

East Arkansas Community College 

Megan Sullivan 

National Park College 

Tyanna Lindsey 

North Arkansas College 

Marie Kershaw 

Northwest Arkansas Community College 

Lizbeth Cenobio  

Ozarka College  

Sarah Kirby 

Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas 

Ashlynne Jenkins 

South Arkansas Community College 

SaKiya Gill 

Southeast Arkansas College 

Verdia Mays 

Southern Arkansas University Tech  

Brooke Avant  

University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville 

Samantha Wilson 

University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton 

April Brown  

University of Arkansas Cossatot 

McKenzie Simpson 

University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana 

Allison Bonner 

University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College 

Chacall D Charles 

University of Arkansas Rich Mountain 

Mary Kate Duncan 

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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There is an important deadline approaching for Arkansans planning to vote in the November election.

If you have not already registered to vote, you have until October 11 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. The General Election and Nonpartisan Runoff Election will be held on November 8. 

Early voting will begin on October 24. Early voting is available between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondaythrough Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, ending at 5 p.m. on the Monday before the election. 

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. 

You can check your voter registration status and find your polling location at www.voterview.org. On the website, you can find a sample ballot for your precinct. 

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 district number may be different than in previous years. 

While Presidential elections get a lot of attention, the elections happening in midterm years are equally important. This election will determine our next Governor and constitutional officers. This ballot also includes several city and county elections, candidates for the Arkansas General Assembly, congressional races, and proposed amendments to the Arkansas Constitution.

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Sevier County Holiday Assistance Application

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NEWS RELEASE October 10, 2022

Submitted by: Kim Frachiseur, 4-H Program Assistant


Families may apply for holiday assistance by completing an application process. A new universal application has been formed to make the process easier for residents. Shop w/a Cop, Shop w/a Brother’s Keeper (BKMC), and any other organization that would like to provide aid this holiday season are welcome to use the applications. Each organization will select families for their individual programs by using this application. This means that families will only have to apply once this year.

This is for Sevier County residents only. Please be aware that assistance is given based on need, and just because you apply, you are not guaranteed assistance. For any questions, please contact Kim Frachiseur at the Sevier County Extension Office by calling 870-584-3013.

Residents may fill out the online form by going to https://forms.gle/NkWPvtZGkQ7Yy5ZT8, or paper copies may be picked up at the De Queen City Hall or the Sevier County Extension Office.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact the Sevier County Extension Office as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

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King Art Show Begins Friday, October 7th

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Hours are 10 am - 5 pm Friday and Saturday, and 12 - 4 pm on Sunday.

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Michael D. Jones and Linda Croy of Bentonville Establish Howard County Scholarship

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UA Cossatot Foundation recently received a $5,000 gift from Michael D. Jones and Linda Croy of Bentonville, AR.

The gift will establish the Michael D. Jones Sophomore Scholarship and award five students from Howard County a $1,000 scholarship each. In addition, students must have completed at least 30 credit hours, be in a degree-specific field of study, and have a financial need.

Jones said, “I grew up in Howard County and my parents, Darwin and Effie Jones, were educators in Mineral Springs, Arkansas. I wanted to contribute to the education of students attending the UA Cossatot to give back to that area.”

The UA Cossatot Foundation welcomes gifts of any amount to support scholarships and help UA Cossatot achieve its educational mission.

Dustin Roberts, UA Cossatot’s Director of Development, said, “We greatly appreciate Michael and Linda’s generous donation to support our Howard County Students. This gift will truly make a difference and help local college students achieve their educational goals.”

For more information or to make a gift to the UA Cossatot Foundation, contact Dustin Roberts at 870-584-1172 or droberts@cccua.edu.

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UA Cossatot Receives Harvest Regional Bank’s 2022 Outstanding Partner in Education Award

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UA Cossatot was selected as Harvest Regional Food Bank’s 2022 Outstanding Partner in Education at this year’s Hunger Action Luncheon held on September 27, 2022, in Texarkana, TX. Erika Buenrrostro and Alisa Cooke with UA Cossatot attended the luncheon and accepted the award.

Harvest Regional Food Bank recognized UA Cossatot and the work the college’s Center for Student Success’s food pantry has done to help combat hunger on all four campuses.

“Joining during an unprecedented global pandemic and jumping right in to provide food assistance to students in not one but four of our counties is no small task! This is why we will be honoring our partnership with UA Cossatot and our other award recipients,” said Callie Buckley, Harvest Regional Food Bank Impact Coordinator.

“We are super excited to receive the “Harvest Regional Bank’s 2022 Outstanding Partner in Education Award” recognition presented by Harvest Foods. Food insecurity is an issue in every community but also impacts college campuses nationwide. While food and housing costs continue to increase, we wanted to create a safe place on campus where students could receive weekly food voucher cards and bags, allowing them to focus more on academics. The Center for Student Success takes pride in its services and feels honored to be

chosen as the recipient of this award. Opening the Center in 2017 has been one of our most significant accomplishments on campus,” said Erika Buenrrostro, Director of Student Success and Enrichment.

For more information, contact Erika Buenrrostro at 870-584-1133 or ebuenrrosto@cccua.edu.

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AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address Celebrating the Heritage of Hispanic Americans

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LITTLE ROCK – Today I would like to talk about Hispanic Heritage Month and what this occassion represents. Hispanic influence can be seen in all aspects of American life and culture.

In the 1980’s Arkansas saw a growth in the Hispanic population, which continued well into the 21st century. According to the 2020 census, Arkansas was one of 15 states where the Hispanic population made up more than half of all population growth in the state. Hispanic roots in Arkansas run deep and have become a vital part of our communities around the state.

In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law a week-long celebration for Hispanic Heritage. He believed that it was important to celebrate the heritage of our American citizens who were of Hispanic descent because it was those who came before them who helped settle our land and built our country into what it is now.

Later in 1988, Hispanic Heritage Week grew into Hispanic Heritage Month after President Ronald Reagan signed it into law.

It is no coincidence that this falls in September as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua celebrate their independence on September 15. But also, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Hispanic Heritage is American heritage because the American story is about every person who takes responsibility, works hard, and dreams big. When we take the time to honor those who made this American story possible, we can overcome America’s challenges and continue to be a beacon of freedom for the world.

When President Reagan signed into law the month-long celebration, he did so because he believed that the celebration of Hispanic Heritage was an example of how fundamental family is to our country.

He believed that the strength of America’s families translated into the strength of our country. This time of celebration looks into a culture’s strongest qualities, and Hispanic Heritage Month is a time where we can honor a love for family and connect through the stories of those who came before us.

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UA Cossatot Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Old Lockesburg Middle School

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UA Cossatot hosted an open house on Thursday, September 15, to showcase Phase I completion of the old Lockesburg Middle School restoration project. Visitors toured the Blue Darter Museum, the Community Room, and six classrooms. Dr. Steve Cole, Chancellor of UA Cossatot, was on hand to answer questions about the project and the future plans for the updated facility. New to Lockesburg will be a nursing medical simulation lab and plenty of new classroom space to offer new training and programs.

The Lockesburg restoration project was made possible, in part, by a grant from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council. Phase 2 of the project is scheduled to begin the week of September 19 and will include the south side of the old middle school facility. According to Dr. Cole, when Phase 2 is completed, UA Cossatot plans to ask the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program to name the entire 9.8-acre Lockesburg campus as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, with the renovated buildings designated as contributing buildings.

Members of the public who wish to donate money or artifacts to the Blue Darter Museum or the campus beautification effort may contact UA Cossatot Director of Development Dustin Roberts at droberts@cccua.edu or call (870) 584-1172. In addition, bricks, classrooms, and the exterior building are available for naming as part of the Blue Darter Heritage Campaign.

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Active COVID-19 Cases in SW Arkansas

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Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 62

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 38

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 23

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 39

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 11

Active Cases Data for Miller County
Total Active Cases: 106

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Lockesburg Middle School Restoration Project Open House September 15th

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Work is wrapping up on the latest phase of the restoration project at the old Lockesburg Middle School. UA Cossatot will host an open house at the location on Thursday, September 15th from 11:00 AM till 1:00 PM. The public is invited to the event to tour the remodeled facility, which will house a Lockesburg School Museum as well as classrooms for UA Cossatot.

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Weekly Update from State Representative

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Labor Day is a time to reflect on the social and economic achievements of American workers. The labor force in Arkansas and its forecasted potential is worth celebrating. 

The most recent report from the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (ADWS) shows unemployment in our state at 3.2 percent. The jobless rate nationwide stands at 3.5 percent. 

According to an ADWS report titled Long-Term Industry and Occupational Projections, Arkansas will add 124,387 new jobs by the year 2030. That’s a 9.05% increase.  

Goods-Producing industries are expected to add 14,340 new jobs, while the Services-Providing industries should see most of the growth, with 114,345 new jobs being added. 

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is estimated to add 21,219 jobs during the projection period, a 21.11 percent increase, making the major group the top and fastest growing in the state. Restaurant cooks are slated to be the second fastest growing occupation in the major group, increasing employment by 51.77 percent. 

Nurse Practitioners are slated to be the fastest growing occupation statewide, increasing by 54.04 percent. Healthcare Support Occupations is projected to add 11,271 jobs by 2030 and be the second fastest growing major group, increasing the workforce by 20.13 percent. 

Fastest growing occupations by expected percentage changes also include fundraisers, occupational therapy assistants, speech pathologists, and operation research analysts. 

When it comes to the highest paying jobs in the state, Obstetricians and Gynecologists topped the list with an annual salary of $258,940. Anesthesiologists, with an average annual salary of $234,970, ranked second on the Occupations Paying the Most list. Surgeons, physicians, and pediatricians are also in the top 5. 

Whether you are searching for the right job or the right person for the job, the Division of Workforce Services can help. ADWS offers a variety of services, like job search and résumé assistance, career counseling, workforce readiness training, and referrals to employers who are hiring. Learn about the labor market and the occupations that are most in-demand in your area by visiting www.dws.arkansas.gov .

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Jeff Tollett of Four States Fiber at De Queen Lions Club

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Jeff Tollett, Manager of the Four States Fiber Outside Fiber Plant, updated De Queen Lions Club at Tuesday's noon meeting. As part of the Diamond State network, a coalition of 13 Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, the wholesale broadband provider in the state aims to provide high-speed internet access to 1.25 million rural Arkansans. Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative was awarded $53 million in FCC funding to provide high-speed fiber service to over 26,000 homes in Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. The benefits include 100 megabits per second upload/download for $49.95/month and 1 gigabit per second upload/download speeds for $79.95. Tollett also talked about the service reliability focus of Four States Fiber.