Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

When the House reconvenes on Monday, members will likely be entering the last week of the 2023 Regular Session. Currently, the General Assembly is expected to adjourn on April 7.

 Before members adjourn, they will be addressing education funding, tax cuts, and amending the Revenue Stabilization Act which prioritizes spending for the next fiscal year. 

On Thursday, the House Education Committee advanced HB1688. This bill amends public school funding. It increases per-pupil funding from the current amount of $7,413 to $7,618 for the 2023-2024 school year. The bill would increase the amount to $7,771 for the 2024-2025 school year. This bill will now go to the full House for a vote. 

Also on Thursday, several legislators and the Governor announced the introduction of a proposed tax cut. SB549 would reduce the state’s top income tax rate from 4.9% to 4.7%. It would also reduce the corporate income tax rate from 5.3% to 5.1%. The reductions would be retroactive to January 1, 2023.SB549 will be before the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee on Monday. 

One of the last items of legislation before House members every session is the Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA). The RSA outlines general revenue spending. Once a proposal for the budget is released, it will be posted at arkansashouse.org. 

Meanwhile, the House passed a number of bills during the 12th week of the session including the following: 

SB248-This bill creates the Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship Program. The bill states that a student is eligible to receive an Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship if the student receives the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and demonstrates financial need as determined by FASFA. The Plus Scholarship would be awarded in $1,000 increments per student per academic year. 

HB1503-This bill creates the offense of operating a chop shop and makes the offense a Class C felony. 

HB1468-This bill prohibits requiring employees of public schools and state-supported institutions of higher education to use a person’s preferred pronoun, name, or title without parental consent. 

HB1610-This bill amends the law relating to public meetings under the Freedom of Information Act. It defines a public meeting as one-third or more of the members of a governing body of all municipalities, counties, townships, school districts, boards, bureaus, or commissions of the State of Arkansas. 

SB377-This bill creates a misdemeanor offense concerning initiative petitions if a person knowingly changes a signature on a petition, erases or destroys a signature, pays a person in exchange for not signing a petition, or misrepresents the purpose and effect of the petition. 

HB1617-This bill would require an autopsy in the case of a suspected drug overdose. 

HB1502-This bill creates the offense of sexual solicitation of a minor and classifies the offense as a Class B felony. 

The House will convene on Monday, April 3, at 1:30 p.m. You can watch all committee meetings and House floor proceedings at arkansashouse.org.

UA Cossatot announces 2023 Outstanding Faculty and Staff

ACC Faculty 2023

Bruce Franklin grew up in south-central Oklahoma and received his MA degree (History and Education) from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1994 and earned eighteen graduate hours in Sociology from Texas A&M University in Commerce, TX, in 2018. He has been with UAC since 1999, teaching History and Sociology courses. Bruce has been married to his wife for 41 years, and they have a son, 37, a daughter 34, and a granddaughter, 10. Bruce enjoys watching pro football and baseball and gardening. Bruce is a fan of old westerns, good sci-fi movies, rock music, Mexican food, and pizza!

ACC Staff 2023

Pat Earnest began her UA Cossatot career in January 1996.  Pat received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from East Texas State University in Texarkana. She also holds an Adult Education Certification from UALR.

Pat has worn many hats through the years, usually, more than one at a time, as do all UAC employees. However, she is winding down, working part-time as the Perkins Grant Coordinator, and will finally retire full-time in September. She plans to have an exciting retirement, clean house, and travel.

Severe weather risk for the ArkLaTex Friday

Showers and thunderstorms this morning will decrease in coverage before redevelopment later this afternoon. A squall line is then expected to sweep across the state.with the possibility of strong tornadoes with the best chances over the southeast. 

In addition to the severe threat, flooding is a concern. Several inches of rain fell across parts of northwest Arkansas last night with additional widespread rain expected. The precipitation is expected to exit the state late this evening.

Severe weather risk for Arkansas Thursday and Friday

A strong storm system is expected to bring showers and thunderstorms to the state Thursday through Friday night. Some of these storms could become strong to severe. In addition to the threat for severe weather, there is also a threat for flooding due to the expected heavy rainfall. Please see the attached briefing for more details.

There is a Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorm late on Thursday into early Friday, along and mainly north of our I-30 corridor. Damaging winds and large hail will be the primary threats and locally heavy rainfall could bring isolated flash flooding.

Locally heavy rainfall from a line of strong to possibly severe thunderstorms, could result in isolated flash flooding late Thursday into early Friday with the Slight Risk north of our I-30 corridor.

There is a Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorm late on Thursday into early Friday, along and mainly north of our I-30 corridor. Damaging winds and large hail will be the primary threats and locally heavy rainfall could bring isolated flash flooding.

Locally heavy rainfall from a line of strong to possibly severe thunderstorms, could result in isolated flash flooding late Thursday into early Friday with the Slight Risk north of our I-30 corridor.

A line of strong to severe storms will continue across the area during early Friday with afternoon heating firing up a Slight Risk for severe storms in deep E TX, all of our Parishes and south central AR during the afternoon. Damaging winds and large hail will be the primary threats and locally heavy rainfall could bring isolated flash flooding.

Severe Weather Briefing for Arkansas on Thursday; Freeze watch also in effect for the weekend

A round of showers and thunderstorms will move across the state later today into tonight and some of these storms could become strong to severe. Damaging winds will be the primary hazard.

Showers and thunderstorms will begin to increase late this morning in Northeast Texas, Southeast Oklahoma, Southwest Arkansas, and even Northwest Louisiana by early this afternoon. All of this well ahead of a strong cold front and associated upper level disturbance that will approach the region from the west tonight. An isolated severe threat exists with these afternoon storms with large hail possible, but the majority of our severe weather threat will hold off until late this afternoon as the warm front comes into play. Then the thunderstorms gradually become more surface based moving eastward and better organize ahead of the strong cold front as it moves across I-30 this evening. The thunderstorms will merge into a potent squall line, while moving southeastward ahead of the cold front this evening. Large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes are the main threats late this afternoon and on through much of Thursday night, before diminishing in the predawn hours. Locally heavy rainfall will also be possible with 2 inches or more in the stronger storms, which may result in minor flooding of our low lying and poor drainage areas.

...FREEZE WATCH IN EFFECT FOR SW ARKANSAS AND SE OKLAHOMA FROM LATE FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 32 possible.

* WHERE...In Arkansas, Sevier County, Howard County, Little
  River County, Hempstead County and Nevada County. In Oklahoma,
  McCurtain County.

* WHEN...From late Friday night through Saturday morning.

* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
  sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
  plumbing.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent
freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should
be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have
in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-
ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

In the 9th week of the 2023 Regular Session, the House passed several bills addressing education, elections, and healthcare. The House also passed a bill to increase the property tax credit for Arkansas families. 

With a vote of 99-0, the House voted in favor of increasing the homestead property tax credit from $375 a year to $425 a year. HB1032 now heads to the Senate. 

Education bills passing the House this week include the Seizure Safe Schools Act. HB1315 requires all schools to have at least 2 employees trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of seizures and know how to respond.  

The House also voted in favor of HB1535 and HB1462. 

HB1535 states that at each regular monthly meeting of a school board, a report of student academic performance should be provided to the board. 

HB1462 clarifies the definition of “unaccompanied homeless youth” to mean an individual between the ages of 16 and 22 who is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. The definition will allow a school’s liaison for homeless children and youth to provide additional support. HB1462 also waives fees for identification, driver’s license, and birth certificates for unaccompanied homeless youth. 

The House passed several bills regarding elections including HB1487 and HB1510. 

HB1487 creates the Ballot Security Act of 2023. The bill allows for the tracking of ballots and proper delivery and creates a process to preserve spoiled ballots. 

HB1510 would require special elections to be held on the same dates as primary and general elections. It states special elections shall be held on the second Tuesday of March or November in a year when a presidential election is held or the second Tuesday of May and November of all other years. The bill outlines specific criteria for exceptions to hold an emergency special election. 

The House also passed HB1035. This bill requires a healthcare insurer to provide coverage for screening for depression of the birth mother by a healthcare professional within the first 6 weeks of the birth mother's having given birth on or after January 1, 2024. 

The House voted in favor of SB199. This bill states that a healthcare professional who performs a gender transition procedure on a minor is liable if the minor is injured in any way. It also states that a civil action can be filed for up to 15 years after the minor turns 18 years of age. 

And the House passed SB295. This bill seeks to create the Cost-Shifting Prevention Act of 2023 by addressing the rates paid for customer-owned net-metering facilities. It would require utilities to compensate solar users at wholesale rates as they do other power providers. 

The House will reconvene on Monday at 1:30 p.m. You can watch all committee meetings and House 

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

In the 8th week of the 2023 Regular Session, the House passed SB294. This bill creates the LEARNS Act and outlines several educational reforms. 

SB294 raises the minimum teacher salary to $50,000 a year and raises current teacher salaries by $2,000. 

It requires that students be reading at a 3rd-grade level before advancing to the 4th grade. It also calls for 120 reading coaches to be deployed statewide and supplemental educational services for students struggling to read. 

The bill creates the Education Freedom Account. In a three-year phased-in approach, the account would offer universal school choice to all parents by the 2025-2026 school year. 

It also offers high school students the option of a career-ready diploma and requires high school students to complete 75 hours of community service before graduation. 

This bill now goes back to the Senate to concur in a House amendment. 

The House also passed HB1458. This bill creates the Vincent Parks Law. Vincent Parks was a Jonesboro police officer who died last summer during law enforcement training. HB1458 would require instructors to complete training on the recognition and management of certain health conditions and establish procedures in the event a cadet or officer has symptoms of cardiac arrest while receiving training. 

On Wednesday, the House passed HB1486. This bill amends the law concerning distracted driving. It states if a distracted driver causes an accident that results in serious physical injury or death of another person, the driver upon conviction is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and could face a fine of up to $2,500 and imprisonment for up to one year. 

The House also passed HB1365 and SB265. 

HB1365 classifies the theft of a catalytic converter as a Class C felony. It states a person commits unauthorized possession of a catalytic converter if the person knowingly possesses a catalytic converter that has been removed from a motor vehicle and is not permanently marked. 

SB265 allows a hospital pharmacy to dispense up to a 31-day supply of medication to emergency room patients or patients who are being discharged from the hospital. Currently, hospitals can dispense a 2-day supply.

Severe Weather expected this afternoon and overnight for the ArkLaTex

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

TORNADO WATCH 57 REMAINS VALID UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN ARKANSAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 6 COUNTIES IN SOUTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS UNION, IN SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS COLUMBIA HEMPSTEAD HOWARD LAFAYETTE NEVADA, IN LOUISIANA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 11 PARISHES IN NORTH CENTRAL LOUISIANA LINCOLN UNION IN NORTHWEST LOUISIANA BIENVILLE BOSSIER CADDO CLAIBORNE DE SOTO NATCHITOCHES RED RIVER SABINE WEBSTER

The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Little River County in southwestern Arkansas...
  Hempstead County in southwestern Arkansas...
  Northern Miller County in southwestern Arkansas...
  Sevier County in southwestern Arkansas...
  Howard County in southwestern Arkansas...
  Central Bowie County in northeastern Texas...

* Until 1045 PM CST.

* At 943 PM CST, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
  extending from near De Queen to near Horatio to 6 miles west of
  Richmond to 6 miles south of New Boston, moving east at 45 mph.

  HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated. Numerous trees and power lines have been
           downed with these storms across McCurtain County
           Oklahoma. Roof damage has been reported as well.

  IMPACT...Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to
           mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

* Locations impacted include...
  Texarkana, De Queen, Wake Village, Ashdown, Nashville, New Boston,
  Mineral Springs, Dierks, Horatio, Foreman, Umpire, Nash, Hooks,
  Redwater, Red Lick, Lockesburg, Wilton, Blevins, Tollette and
  Fulton.

A Moderate Risk (red) and an Enhanced Risk (orange) remains in place across the region for today and tonight. All modes of severe weather will be possible (tornadoes, hail, wind). Remember, NOW is the time to prepare, don't wait for warnings to be issued before taking action!

Severe weather is likely across the entire region Thursday afternoon, especially in the northwest half of the region, continuing into the overnight hours. The above graphic shows the different tornado, severe hail, and severe wind outlooks. Areas in the significant hatched area have the best chances to see strong EF2 or greater tornadoes, damaging winds of 70-80 mph and hail 2" in diameter or greater.

Areas of prolonged rainfall may result in flooding and flash flooding over the next few days. A Flash Flood Watch will go into effect at 6PM this evening, and remain in effect through Noon Friday.

A Wind Advisory will go into effect at noon today and continue through noon on Friday. South to southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected with gusts up to 45 mph possible.

Weather radar at 8:45 pm Thursday

Go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the Tornado Watch and Flood Watch.

TORNADO WATCH 55 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1030 PM CST FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS IN ARKANSAS. COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE: LITTLE RIVER, MILLER, AND SEVIER

...FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM CST THIS EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING... A widespread severe weather outbreak appears to be possible this afternoon and into the evening and overnight hours. There will be two main chances for severe weather. The first will come during the early or mid-afternoon hours when we have the potential for discrete supercells. This would pose a threat of large hail and strong tornadoes. The second round will come along just ahead of an advancing cold front that will push through during the late afternoon and into the evening and overnight hours. The main threat for this round will be damaging wind gusts and embedded tornadoes. In addition, moderate to heavy rainfall will be possible from training storms, increasing the potential for Flash Flooding.

Thunderstorms will become numerous this afternoon and continue into tonight, with widespread severe weather likely across much of the region. The greatest risk for severe weather will exist along and east of Highway 281 during the day, shifting east of the I-35 corridor during the evening hours. All modes of severe weather will be possible, including large hail, damaging wind gusts, and tornadoes.

ACCUWEATHER

Thunderstorms on Thursday will erupt from the afternoon into the nighttime hours from Texas through the Ark-La-Tex region and into the lower Mississippi Valley.

This will be the peak of the severe weather risk this week, with AccuWeather forecasters warning of a rare 'high risk' for severe thunderstorms across parts of northeastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, northern Louisiana and a large portion of Arkansas. This threat area includes the cities of Dallas, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Shreveport, Louisiana. Damaging hail, perhaps as large as golf or tennis balls, and a few powerful tornadoes will be possible.

Storm chasers, such as extreme meteorologist Reed Timmer, were gathering in the high-risk area early on Thursday, ahead of the expected formation of tornadoes late in the day.

A much wider part of the country, spanning more than a dozen states and extending from southern Texas to Kentucky, can also experience strong thunderstorms that also could produce damaging wind gusts that bring down trees and power lines, as well as flooding downpours that could imperil motorists.

Severe Weather to affect Arkansas Wednesday and Thursday

An active weather pattern is underway with the first round of severe weather expected this afternoon through tonight. An additional round of heavy rain and severe thunderstorms are expected Thursday afternoon through the early morning hours on Friday. Severe weather types include damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes.

The threat for flash flooding will increase across the central and northern portions of the state over the next few days.

Please see the attached briefing for more details.

National Weather Service in Little Rock, AR

Storms and gusty winds expected for Arkansas on Wednesday

A system will be moving through the region on Wednesday which could bring a few strong storms to the area but the overall threat appears to be minimal. The greater concern may be the strong winds that will accompany the system outside of any thunderstorm activity.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

More than 70 bills have been signed into law since the 2023 Regular Session began and several more are now making their way to the Governor’s desk. 

In the 6th week of the session, the House passed bills addressing mental health access, payment to our county jails, teacher retirement, and voter input on tax measures.  

On Thursday, the House passed HB1181. This bill seeks to address a shortage of mental health professionals in the state by establishing the Counseling Compact in Arkansas. The compact allows professional counselors licensed and residing in compact member states to practice in other member states without the need for multiple licenses. 

That same day the House passed SB 72. This bill requires the Division of Correction to begin paying reimbursements to county jails for holding state inmates from the day the inmate is sentenced. Currently, reimbursements can start after the division receives commitment orders.  

Earlier this week, the House passed SB116. This bill would allow a classroom teacher that leaves active employment for a period of time and then returns back to employment, to purchase the gap years at actuarial cost with the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System. The purpose of this bill is to encourage experienced teachers to return to the classroom. 

The House also passed HB1027. This bill would require voter approval for any new advertising and promotion tax or any increase of existing advertising and promotion tax. Currently, this tax can be levied by county quorum courts. 

Other bills passing the House this week include the following: 

HB1006-This bill states that an employer that covers abortions or travel expenses related to abortions for employees shall provide 12 weeks of paid maternity leave to eligible employees. 

HB1334-This bill creates the Restroom Access Act. It requires retail establishments to allow access to employee restrooms for customers with certain medical conditions. 

HB1325-This bill states that if a county board of election commissioners decides to hold early voting at an additional polling site, the hours the additional early voting polling site is open shall be the same hours as the county clerk's designated early voting location. 

HB1307-This bill authorizes the State Treasurer to divest certain investments if financial providers discriminate against energy companies, firearms entities, or otherwise refuse to deal based on environmental, social justice, and other governance-related factors. 

The House will begin the 7th week of the session on Monday, February 20.

ServSafe Manager Training Class at UA Cossatot De Queen Campus

The Sevier County Extension Office will be offering ServSafe Manager Training in English on March 20th and Test will be on March 23rd from 9-12 in the Adams Building on UA Cossatot campus.. The class will be from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. on the 20th. 

Registration deadline is March 10th. If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact the Sevier County Extension Office at 870-584-3013 or stop by our office located on the UA Cossatot campus in Adams Building in De Queen. You can also email me, Janet Cantrell at jcantrell@uaex.edu for more information.   Please make checks payable to Sevier County Extension.

UA Cossatot Chosen To Receive US Department Of Labor Grant Of Nearly $1.6 Million

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 16, 2023

CONTACT: Loren Hinton, Community Relations Coordinator

UA Cossatot Chosen To Receive US Department Of Labor Grant Of Nearly $1.6 Million

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $50 million in grants to help 15 community colleges in 14 states expand access to education and training for good-paying jobs and equitably meet employers’ and workers’ skill development needs.

The funding announced today – together with the $45 million awarded in September 2022 – is a combined investment of $95 million since 2022 in the community college system from the Department of Labor under the Biden-Harris administration, allowing 28 community colleges in 24 states to provide career pathways for participants to train in healthcare, teaching, clean energy and other key industries.

In January 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that full-time college graduates earn almost twice as much each week as workers with high school diplomas. For people in marginalized and underserved communities, a lack of access to education and training hinders career pathways and often worsens their economic disparities.

“Community colleges offer accessibility and affordability that make them great options for people in marginalized and underrepresented communities to learn the skills needed to succeed in the workforce,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “Combined with our September 2022 funding, today’s award will put $95 million to work to help community colleges in 24 states tailor their curriculum to respond to regional labor market needs, continue the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to investing in education programs that connect people to quality jobs, and create a more inclusive and equitable workforce.”

Upon the announcement of the grant, UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole said, "This grant will mean 1.6 million dollars to our college to aid us in our ongoing effort to help hard-to-reach students succeed in certain education and medical programs. This is fantastic news for our college and our area!"

Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, the third round of Strengthening Community Colleges training grants will enable recipients to increase educational and economic opportunities for people in underrepresented communities. Grants will provide opportunities to design and align education and training to respond to regional and state labor market needs through accelerated learning pathways.

In March 2022, the department announced funding availability for the second round of Strengthening Community College Training grants. A subsequent announcement – in June 2022 – made $50 million available for the round of funding awarded today.

Grant recipients include:

Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

De Queen, AR $1,597,031

Los Angeles Community College District

Sylmar, CA$ 1,600,000

Arapahoe Community College

Littleton, CO $4,989,434

College of Central Florida

Ocala, FL $4,732,384

William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, IL $1,599,842

Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, IA $4,999,094

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Fergus Falls, MN $4,201,050

County College of Morris

Randolph, NJ $1,600,000

Lorain County Community College District

Elyria, OH $5,000,000

Tulsa Community College

Tulsa, OK $1,600,000

Northeastern Technical College

Cheraw, SC $4,900,636

Piedmont Technical College

Greenwood, SC $4,987,461

Brazosport College

Lake Jackson, TX $1,598,762

Southside Virginia Community College

Alberta, VA $1,599,530

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, WI $4,994,776

Hazardous weather outlook for Arkansas Wednesday night into Thursday morning

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Arkansas,
southwest Arkansas, north central Louisiana, northwest Louisiana,
southeast Oklahoma, east Texas and northeast Texas.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Thunderstorms are expected later today into tonight. A few storms
could be severe. Damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes
will be possible. In addition, locally heavy rainfall may lead to
more minor flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Thunderstorms will continue into early Thursday. A few storms could
be severe. Damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes will be
possible. In addition, locally heavy rainfall may lead to more minor
flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas.

Rain may return to the region late Monday and early Tuesday morning,
however, no hazardous weather is expected with next week`s activity
at this time.

More than 40 million at risk for severe weather from Texas to Ohio

By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

“It will be like lighting a match,” one AccuWeather senior meteorologist said as she explained factors coming together for all modes of severe weather, including the potential for a few tornadoes.

Severe weather will erupt from the Gulf coast to the Great Lakes region from Wednesday night to Thursday night, AccuWeather meteorologists warn. Not only will the severe weather occur unusually far to the north for this time of year, but it will also come with the dangers of nighttime thunderstorms capable of spawning a few tornadoes and other hazards.

A potent storm will harness the power of the jet stream and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico to trigger severe thunderstorms that will put more than 40 million people at risk.

UA Cossatot honors two local WWII veterans during basketball games in Lockesburg

Sterling Daniel and Sam Phillips were honored recently by UA Cossatot at Veteran’s Night basketball games. State Representative DeAnn Vaught and UA Cossatot Chancellor Steve Cole are pictured with Daniel and Phillips at midcourt between games and presented special proclamations from the Arkansas Legislature, thanking them for their service to America.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

On the 5th week of the Regular Session, the House passed legislation addressing substance abuse, teen pregnancy, public assistance, and transportation. 

The House passed HB1144. This bill creates the Arkansas Family Treatment Specialty Court Act. 

The bill states that there is a critical need for judicial intervention and support for effective treatment programs to reduce the number of family separations due to substance use disorders and mental health disorders.  HB1144 address that by creating a specialized court within the court system, similar to our current drug courts. 

The House also passed the Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students Act. HB1161 allows pregnant and parenting students to have an additional 10 days of excused absence after the birth of their child. This bill also ensures adequate nursing facilities are provided by schools to parenting students. 

The House passed two bills this week regarding qualifications for public assistance. 

HB1197 would disqualify a person from collecting unemployment compensation for any week he or she fails to respond to a job offer or fails to appear for a job interview. 

HB1196 would require an able-bodied person to work, train, or volunteer in order to qualify for and receive public housing. Several exceptions are outlined in the bill. 

In addition, the House passed HB1182. This bill aims to address the state’s shortage of large animal veterinarians by providing clarity regarding the certification of a veterinary technician specialist and defines a collaborative agreement between a veterinarian and a specialist. 

The House passed SB43 which defines an adult-oriented performance and adds certain restrictions. 

And the House passed a couple of transportation bills. 

HB1324 would allow law enforcement officers to pull over a driver who does not have their headlights on when it is raining, snowing, or any time the windshield wipers are being used. 

SB47 repeals a law that prohibits leaving a running vehicle unattended.

The deadline to file proposed constitutional amendments was Wednesday of this week.

In all, 33 proposals were filed. Constitutional amendments are typically one of the last items to be addressed in the session. You can review the proposals at arkansashouse.org.

State Representative DeAnn Vaught Update

On Tuesday, The House Education Committee advanced HB1185. This bill states that a student who attended preschool in a non-resident school district for at least one year before kindergarten will not count against that school’s 3% cap of non-residents under the School Choice Act of 2015.

The House Education Committee also advanced HB1161. This bill creates the Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students Act. It allows pregnant and parenting students to have an additional 10 days of excused absence for a parenting mother and father after the birth of their child.

The House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee advanced HB1197. This bill would disqualify a claimant from collecting unemployment compensation benefits for any week that the claimant fails to respond to an offer of employment or fails to appear for a previously scheduled job interview.

The full House passed several bills addressing teacher retirement including HB1200. HB1200 provides for members who served in the armed forces for a period in which a military draft was in effect to receive up to 5 years of free service credit before retirement regardless of their current status.

The last day to file proposed constitutional amendments is Wednesday, February 8. Constitutional amendments are filed at House Joint Resolutions or Senate Joint Resolutions. You can review the proposals filed at arkansashouse.org.

The House will reconvene on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.

UA Cossatot Releases Fall 2022 Honor Students and List of Graduates

UA Cossatot’s Office of the Registrar recently released the fall 2022 Chancellor’s List and Vice Chancellor’s List as well as the names of the fall 2022 graduates.

90 students were named to the Chancellor’s list maintaining a minimum of 4.0 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours.  92 students were named on the Vice Chancellor’s list maintaining a minimum of a 3.5 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours.

UA Cossatot Fall 2022 Chancellor’s List:

Amity: Brayden Taylor and Kenyon Turner

Ashdown:  Hunter Billingsley, Quinton Holland, Michala Scarborough, Vonee Thomas, Charli Tompkins, Emma Wrinkle, and Zulma Gonzalez

Cove: Deantha Gibbons, Katelyn McLain, and Valley Meeks

De Queen: Hailey Carter,  Clyde Chandler, Ashley Contreras, Jera Cotton, Kimberly Delgado, Oscar Fernandez, Edgar Ferretiz, Litzi Flores, Halle Harp, Johnathan Hernandez, Fatima Jaimes,  Meagan Martz, Dair Mendoza, Gerardo Monroy, Aldon Moreno-Cruz, Ariana Ortiz, Dulce Owen,  Alex Pacheco, Jaclyn Pham, Diana Ramirez,  Elaina Rivas, Joshua Roberts, Rojas Jose Margarito, Jamileth Rueda, Misael Sanches, Joshua Servante, Izabella Sotelo, Wendy Victoriano, and Reyna Lopez

Delight: Tristan Humphry

Dierks:  Kevin Herrington and Kimberly McCauley

Foreman: Caroline Beasley and Ashalin Casper

Gillham: Angelica Aguilar

Glenwood: Lauren Fortner and Knighten Richter

Hatfield: Esmerelda Johnson

Horatio: Kelsi Brown, Bryan Hernandez, Reese Walker, and Saranenkhjin Williams

Kirby: Jolie Brewer and Montana Cook

Langley: Taylor Kelley

Lockesburg: Lauren Carver, Calum Casiano, Sabrina Cooke, Emma Gilbert, Cadee Glasgow, Megan Midgett, Arrionna Arie, and Shelby Blankenship

Mineral Springs: Liliana Meraz

Murfreesboro: Brooke Westfall

Nashville: Jose Luis Bretado Jr, Alexis Byers, Katie Cochran, Olivia Dean, Kerri Foster, Jenna Hostetler, Dustin Hupp, Jackson King, Sophie Kuykendall, Crimson Lovewell, Kiersten Priddy, Kyleigh Scoggins, Kyrell Williams, Logan Wilson, Blane Woods, Haley Wright, and James Jordan

Texarkana: Tonya Cloud, Audrey Fricks, and Meagan Toliver

Wickes: Emily Whisenhunt

Wilton: Kristen Lopez

Winthrop: April Klitz

UA Cossatot Fall 2022 Vice Chancellor’s List:

Amity: Kylee Crump, Cameron Johnson, and Kaden Owens

Ashdown: Jaden Altenbaumer, Faith Green, Heavenleigh Kelm, Braydee Kennemore, Aaliyah Nutt,

Dillon Reed, Kimberly Strube, Vonjoy Thomas, Isabella Woolfley, and Candace McGee

Ben Lomond: Matthew Harrison

Buckner: Abby Clark

Cove: Kortlyn McKee

De Queen: Sara Abril, Saul Barron Jr, Jasmin Cisneros, Jose Cortes, Kaylee Coto, Abisai De Jesus, Elise Dean, Edith Garcia, Ana Gutierrez, Zoe Helms, Victor Hernandez, Allen Hong, Megan Kuykendall, Dalton Love, Magdalena Lugo, Jesus Marrufo, Henry Martinez, Kevin Martinez,  

Duran Morales, Olympia Quintana, Sebastian Ramirez, Vorian Rehm, Luke Rogers, Ana Servante,  

Penelope Sims, Sarah White, Ethan Wolcott, Danielle Martinez, Olivia Yandell, and Raven Revels

Dierks: Nancy Diaz, Josie Galloway, Jaiden Jackson, Casey Kirby, Kitreena Russell, William Sirmon, and Hunter Young

Foreman: Landon Lansdell, Trista Martin, and Jabrea Walker

Garvin: Hannah Honey

Gillham: Kasey Frachiseur

Glenwood: Isai Felix and Graicyn Richter

Horatio: Carson Bright, Demi Leonard, Haylee Stubbs, and Alexis Ragan

Lockesburg: Espinoza Cortes, Samantha Fowler, and Mallori Marshall

Mena: Cash Parker and Marissa Robbins

Mineral Springs: Marlon Graves Jr and Keon Piggee

Murfreesboro: Kaylynn Cox and Tammie Summers

Nashville: Hallie Caldwell, Isai Camacho, Jackson Carter, Reagan Cooley, Martin Garcia,  

Lamia Hendrix, Isaac Jamison, Caleb King, Kortlan Parker, Samuel Rodgers, Justin Wescott, and

Gordon Morrow

Newhope: Austin Mack and Jacob Sharp

Ozan: LaShonna Cooper and Daleigh Morris
Texarkana: Peyton Dean, Abigail Houck, and Kimberly Leverett

18 students graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors, meaning that they graduate with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.9 to 4.0.  14 students graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors meaning that they graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 to 3.89.  27 students graduate with Cum Laude honors meaning that they graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.74.

Students Graduating Fall 2022 with Summa Cum Laude Honors:

Denise Austin of Fouke, Hunter Billingsley of Ashdown, Alexis Byers of Nashville, Calum Casiano of Lockesburg, Kimberly Delgado of De Queen, Alec-Zander Frachiseur of De Queen, Dennis Guzman of Nashville, Luis Hernandez of De Queen, Quinton Holland of Ashdown, James Jordan of Nashville, Denise Lawrence of Lockesburg, Ariana Ortiz of De Queen, Dulce Owen of De Queen, Brenda Perez of De Queen, Diana Ramirez of De Queen, Vorian Rehm of De Queen, Izabella Sotelo of De Queen, and

Brooke Westfall of Murfreesboro

Students Graduating Fall 2022 with Magna Cum Laude Honors:

Victoria Alfaro Zapata of De Queen, Jennifer Aparicio-Montiel of De Queen, Destiny Bearden of Mineral Springs, Ashley Contreras of De Queen, Shonda French of Wilton, Halle Harp of De Queen, Samantha Harris of Fayetteville, Robert Haworth of Texarkana, Lamia Hendrix of Nashville, Jackson King of Nashville, Keon Piggee of Mineral Springs, Stephanie Piza of De Queen, Jose Rojas of De Queen, and Ethan Wolcott of De Queen.

Students graduating fall 2022 with Cum Laude Honors:

Chantal Alonso of Dierks, Jaden Altenbaumer of Ashdown, Melody Altenbaumer of Ashdown, Laura Alvarado of De Queen, Abigail Angeles of Cabot, Hector Blanco of De Queen, Heather Bradshaw of De Queen, Estevan Bravo of Nashville, Ty Buchanan of Ashdown, Miranda Coto of De Queen, Lucas Cowart of Kirby, Abisai De Jesus of De Queen, Kisa Epps of Nash, William Foster of De Queen, Kimberly Frachiseur of De Queen, Marlon Graves Jr. of Hope, Alexander Hamby of Ashdown, Alyssa Harrison of Nashville, Kevin Hernandez of Gillham, Shelby Hill-Blankenship of Lockesburg, Diana Lerma of De Queen, Karina Lopez-Balderas of Gillham, Leonardo Martinez of De Queen, Jose Rojas of De Queen, Anahiz Ruvalcaba of Horatio,

Maria San Juan of Horatio, and Alleigh Tucker of Newhope

UA Cossatot Students Graduating in Fall 2022 Include:

Amity: Joseph Galloway, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls and Harrison Sutton, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology and

Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls

Ashdown: Jaden Altenbaumer, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Melody Altenbaumer, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Hunter Billingsley, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Paiton Britt, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Shernesia Broughton, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Ty Buchanan, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors &Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Kyle Burnham, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Michael Wayne Friday, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding;

Jessica Green, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Corbin Gulley, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Alexander Hamby, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate; Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Quinton Holland, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Heavenleigh Kelm, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Candace McGee, Certificate of Proficiency: Digital Media & Marketing; Aaliyah Nutt, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching,

Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant; ShaCoya Poole, Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting, Certificate of Proficiency: Medical Transcription; Ashley Rechkemmer, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Timothy Smith, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Vonjoy Thomas, Associate of Science: STEM, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Samantha Trotter, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing;  

Braley Turner, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant

Broken Bow: Melissa Stuart, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing

Cabot: Abigail Angeles, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Cove: Ricardo Maldonado, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control

De Queen: Yuri Aguilar, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Victoria Alfaro Zapata, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Laura Alvarado, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Aparicio-Montiel, Associate of General Studies; Jennifer Aparicio-Montiel, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Adolfo Barreto, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Saul Barron Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control; Hector Blanco, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Chasity Borja, Associate of Science: Middle Level Education, Associate of General Studies; Heather Bradshaw, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Tucker Brown, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Nubia Buendia Gonzalez, Associate of Arts,

Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Marisol Buenrostro,  Associate of Science: Business, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Jesus Camacho Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Veronica Castro, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Ashley                                                                                                                                       Contreras, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Jose Cortes Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Miranda Coto, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Kaydee Cowling, Technical Certificate: Agriculture, Certificate of Proficiency: GIS Technology; Leslie Daniels, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technology, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Abisai De Jesus, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Kimberly Delgado, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching,  Associate of General Studies: General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Technical Certificate:  General Studies; Yatzari Dominguez, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing;  Oscar Fernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW; Edgar Ferretiz, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW; William Foster, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency:                                                                                                                                                  Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance;

Alec-Zander Frachiseur, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding;

Kimberly Frachiseur, Associate of General Studies: General Studies, Juan Gaona, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Edwin Garcia, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Luis Gomez Santiago, Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technology; Halle Harp, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Luis Hernandez, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies; Manuel Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Victor Hernandez, Technical Certificate: General Studies;

Tays Hernandez Santiago, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Tasma Irons, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate:  General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Irata Kelen, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding,

Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Diana Lerma, Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting;

Giovanna Lerma, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies; Erick Loredo, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Magdalena Lugo, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Jair Marrufo, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices;

Leonardo Martinez, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Giovanni Mendez, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; Dair Mendoza, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control;

Edwin Mora, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel, Certificate of Proficiency, Pipe Welding GTAW; Aldon Moreno-Cruz, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe SMAW,

Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe GMAW/FCAW; Amari Morrison, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Alexander Mosqueda, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Ariana Ortiz, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Catherine Ousse, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Dulce Owen, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Alex Pacheco, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe SMAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe GMAW/FCAW; Angelica Padilla, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Connor Pearce, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Brenda Perez, Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting; Stephanie Piza, Associate of Science: Psychology, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Diana Ramirez, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant,

Technical Certificate: General Studies; Vorian Rehm, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Luke Rogers, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Jose Rojas, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Misael Sanches, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Izabella Sotelo, Associate of Science: STEM

Sofia Velazquez, Associate of Science: Business; Joseph Whisenhunt, Certificate of Proficiency:                                                                                                                                                  Digital Media & Marketing; Taylor Whittington, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Ethan Wolcott, Associate of General Studies: General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Gage Woods, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices,

Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Erika Zamora, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Delight: Brookelyen Cox, Associate of Science: Psychology, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Bobbie Craig, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Dierks: Chantal Alonso, Associate of Science: Business, Technical Certificate: General Studies;

Destiny Faulkner, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Allie Miller, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Kitreena Russell, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; William Sirmon, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls,

Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Fayetteville: Samantha Harris, Associate of Science: Business

Foreman: Myranda Gross, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Harley Reaves, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Colton Rose, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity,

Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls

Fouke: Denise Austin, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Gillham: Jessica Gonzalez, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate:  Health Professions; Kevin Hernandez, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Karina Lopez-Balderas, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

Glenwood: Traemichael Samuel, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Grannis: Adamari Aguirre, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

Haworth: Scout Dorsey, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing

Hope: Marlon Graves Jr., Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate:  Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control,

Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Jessica Langston, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Makaylia Tate, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology

Horatio: Melissa Arellano, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Bryan Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Maddie Rivas, Associate of Science: Agriculture Business;

Anahiz Ruvalcaba, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Maria San Juan, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Haylee Stubbs, Associate of Science: STEM; Roberto Villeda Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GTAW

Kirby: Lucas Cowart, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls

Langley: Jacy White, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant

Lockesburg: Calum Casiano, Technical Certificate:  Automotive & Diesel Technology,

Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Shelby Hill-Blankenship, Associate of Science: Psychology, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies: General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies;

Denise Lawrence, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Abbigail Stinson, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology

Mena: Elizabeth Smith, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Mineral Springs: Destiny Bearden, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Alan Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Nyna Nuttall, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate: Health Professions;  

Keon Piggee, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency:Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance;

X'aivier Reed, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Science: Agriculture Science, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Murfreesboro: JohnAaron Legate, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Hope Littles, Associate of General Studies; Tammie Summers, Certificate of Proficiency: Digital Media & Marketing;

Brooke Westfall, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant, Technical Certificate: General Studies                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Nash: Kisa Epps, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Nashville: Paula Alvarez, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Gloria Avila, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Estevan Bravo, Associate of Science: Criminal Justice; James Brockman, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Gilberto Bustos Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Alexis Byers, Associate of Science: Psychology,

Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies; Isai Camacho, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Dana Carlton, Associate of Applied Science: General Business, Technical Certificate:  Accounting; Sarah Cobb, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Krystle Finley, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Dennis Guzman, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies;  

Alyssa Harrison, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of Arts,

Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Lamia Hendrix, Associate of General Studies; Jerry Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Megan Huffman, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant;

James Jordan, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Pipe Welding,

Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GTAW; Jackson King, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Kortlan Parker, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Hayden Patrick, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Athena Paulino, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing,

Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Braven Warren, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology;

Blane Woods, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance                                                                                                                             

Newhope: Michael Arivett, Associate of Science: STEM, Technical Certificate: General Studies;

Jacob Sharp, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Alleigh Tucker, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Technical Certificate: Health Professions                                                                                                                                                                       

Oklahoma City: Jamile Navarrete, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting

Saratoga: James Archer Jr., Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding,

Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding

Texarkana: Andrea Davis, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; Mashandy Harris, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Robert Haworth, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Shae Reid, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; Joseph Russell, Associate of Arts,

Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Umpire: Haley Manasco, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate:  Health Professions

Washington: Kaylin Romine, Associate of General Studies: General Studies

Wilton: Shonda French, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of General Studies         

Winthrop: Kelli Cowan, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technology

Winter weather advisories, winter storm warnings, and ice storm warnings across Arkansas; ice affecting travel, trees, and power lines

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Prepare for possible power
outages.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.