From the Center for Disease Control

Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals.

Therefore, CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.

Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing. When feasible, organizers could modify events to be virtual.

This recommendation does not apply to the day to day operation of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning, or businesses. This recommendation is made in an attempt to reduce introduction of the virus into new communities and to slow the spread of infection in communities already affected by the virus. This recommendation is not intended to supersede the advice of local public health officials.

Arkansas Public Schools Temporarily Closed

Governor shuts down all Arkansas schools for two-week period; programs throughout the local area are cancelled as well.

For the complete story, visit:

https://www.dequeenbee.com

Governor shuts down all Arkansas schools for two-week period; programs throughout the local area are cancelled as well

Closures and cancellations are sweeping the community and state as COVID-19 has taken root in Arkansas. Governor Asa Hutchinson, on Sunday afternoon, said in a press conference that all Arkansas schools will close by Tuesday, March 17 and stay closed until March 30, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Arkansas Temporarily Closing Public Schools

BREAKING NEWS: The Arkansas Department of Education in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health is closing all public schools STATEWIDE starting Tuesday, March 17th until Monday, March 30th. Districts MAY close on Monday, March 16 if they are prepared to do so.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

While the state response to COVID-19 is one that is rapidly evolving, we do want to update you on the latest developments.

Late Friday afternoon, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced he will amend an executive order to allow expanded use of telemedicine in the state. The Governor also announced he is providing additional resources to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) which will create 10 new lab positions and assist with much-needed help at the call center.

Additionally, the state has requested and will receive more personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical personnel and first responders.

As of Friday afternoon, there is a total of 9 presumed positive cases in Arkansas. The patients with presumed positive test results reside in the central Arkansas region. Schools in Pulaski, Grant, Jefferson, and Saline counties are currently closed. Residents in these counties are being asked to limit large gatherings to 200 people or less.

On Monday, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) issued a public health directive to long-term care facilities across the state to question visitors about their travel over the past 14 days and to screen visitors and staff for signs of illness and fever.

All Arkansans are being asked to reconsider every trip out of state.

Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, Medical Director for Outbreak Response at ADH, advised that if you are showing symptoms (including coughing, fever, and shortness of breath), you should consult your primary care provider instead of county health units or the hospital.

If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.

While ADH is currently limited in the number of tests they can administer, physicians can order tests from commercial labs.

UAMS has set up a coronavirus hotline for people who have questions or feel they may have symptoms. The number is 1-800-632-4502. UAMS HealthNow is also available for free COVID-19 screenings.

To access, go to UAMS HealthNow and click on “Begin Screening.”

This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to patients of all ages across the state of Arkansas and is accessible from a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer with video capabilities.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital announced that any family with children health questions related to COVID-19 can call 1-800-743-3616.

ADH has activated a call center to answer questions from health care providers and the public about the novel coronavirus. During normal business hours (8:00 am – 4:30 pm), urgent and non-urgent calls, please call 1-800-803-7847. After normal business hours, urgent calls needing immediate response, please call 501-661-2136.

Jonquil Festival Cancelled at Historic Washington State Park

Horatio Team Advancing to All-State

Gov. Hutchinson, ADE Announce Teams Advancing to All-State Coding Competition Including Team From Horatio

LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Asa Hutchinson and the Arkansas Department of Education announced today the 17 teams advancing to the Fourth Annual All-State Coding Competition in May. Sixteen teams are winners of All-Region Coding Competitions that took place Feb. 28 around the state. Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, the school that produced the first-place team at the 2019 state competition, will receive an automatic invitation to send a team to the 2020 state competition.

"Congratulations to the 17 teams that qualified for the Annual Governor’s All-State Coding Competition,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “This competition is an excellent showcase for our students' creativity, and I look forward to seeing the bright and talented students on this year’s teams demonstrate impressive levels of innovation and skill in coding." The ADE Office of Computer Science used a rubric to score each team that participated in the regional events.

The following teams have been selected to advance to the state competition. ASMSA in Hot Springs – Karsen Beck, Dunagan Evans, and Trinity Robinson Bentonville High School in Bentonville – Katherine Pearce, Mekhi Scullawl, and Caleb Jones Bentonville West High School in Bentonville – Karina Batra and Ryder Johnson Cabot High School in Cabot – Ethan Peck, Tyler Lacroix, and Addison Zheng Central Junior High School in Springdale – Jackson Daniel, Audrey Shellhammer, and Connor Simmons Clinton High School in Clinton – Titus Johnson, Alex Prosser, and Reynaldo Saavedra Conway High School in Conway – Ethan Moss, Brian Russell, and Kevin Lewis Don Tyson School of Innovation in Springdale – Lucas Kellar, James Cassady, and Benjamin Easterling Fayetteville High School in Fayetteville – Gabriel Giarratana, Katherine Pummill, and Minsoo Song Greenbrier High School in Greenbrier – Geoffrey Shoemaker, Hayden Herman, and Christian Watts Greenwood High School in Greenwood – Shea Brown, Jackson Stewart, and William Hutchinson Haas Hall Academy in Fayetteville – Owen Bell, Julian Sanker, and Daniel Whitmire Har-Ber High School in Springdale – Samuel Lonneman, Jesse Ford, and Melvin Vizueth Horatio High School in Horatio – Jacob Brecheisen, Duncan Connor, and Hannah Norman Jonesboro High School in Jonesboro – Matthew Sherman, Kyle Clayton, and Eric Seglem Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock – Hetvi Shah, Alex Borengasser, and Anne Li Rogers New Technology High School in Rogers – Volodymyr Miata, David Daniel, and Joshua Thomson

Each member of the first-place team at the state competition will receive a $2,000 award that will be deposited into a 529 College Savings Plan. Each member of the second-place team will receive a $1,000 award deposited into a 529 College Savings Plan, with each member of the third-place team receiving a $500 award deposited into a 529 College Savings Plan. In addition, the schools that register/sponsor the first, second, and third-place teams will receive $10,000, $6,000, and $4,000 (respectively) to support their computer science programs.

The prizes and competition expenses are paid for with a Verizon grant to ARCodeKids. ADE extends congratulations to the advancing team members, sponsors, and schools. In addition, all 16 hosting locations are to be commended for the work of their staff in making the regional events successful and fun for students.

Teams advancing to the state competition will receive an official invitation with more details by April 17, 2020. Follow us on Twitter @ArkansasEd. Like us on Facebook at Arkansas Department of Education. Follow us on Instagram at arkansas_ed.

First Impressions Hospitality Training Postponed

FIRST IMPRESSIONS HOSPITALITY TRAINING HAS BEEN POSTPONED due to concerns and recommendations regarding COVID19. The workshop will be rescheduled with the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and announced as soon as a possible date is available. The De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce appreciates all who registered online and through email, and we will keep you updated on this and other training opportunities as dates become available. Thank you for the willingness to invest your time into making our community a thriving place to work, stay and play!

Managers and front-line workers in the hospitality industry - restaurants, retail shopping and specialty shops, convenience stores, motels, cabin rentals and event venues, attractions, etc. - are encouraged to attend! This training focuses on giving you skills proven to boost your business’s profit. Training is provided by a certified instructor from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, and is all about your business creating the best First Impression. ** Participating businesses will be eligible for the new HOSPITALITY AWARD and recognition at the 2021 Annual Community and Business Awards Banquet! ** De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce

Spring Sports Suspended in Arkansas

From the Nashville News Leader

ATTENTION CADC EHS/HS/ABC PARENTS and/or LEGAL GUARDIANS:

There will be no school effective until March 30, 2020. Children will return to school on March 30, 2020. AMI packet information is being sent home for our children and families today. Here is a little more information about this virus: Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging global disease. There is more to learn about its transmission, severity, and other features, as well as what may happen in the United States.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides up-to-date information about prevention, symptoms, testing, and the current situation. We are sorry for any inconveniences caused by this decision, but it is in the best interest of our students, families, staff, and communities. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Barbie Baxter, CADC EHS/HS/ABC Program Manager-Director at (501) 332-5426.

Thank you,

Barbie Baxter

Save AR Students Week Postponed

The DHS Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services/Drug Director’s Office announced this morning that the Save AR Students kickoff and the week in its’ entirety has been postponed until further notice due to the threat posed with COVID-19. A decision was made to also postpone the “Preventing and Overcoming Drug Abuse” lunch-and-learn that was being offered in connection with the Save AR Students week.

Once the new Save AR Students events dates are known, plans are to reschedule the lunch and learn for the same week (if possible).

Tammy Coleman

Director, Public Services & Workforce Development 870-584-1149 / tcoleman@cccua.edu / www.cccua.edu UA Cossatot / 183 College Drive/ De Queen, AR 71832

Cossatot Community College

March 15, 2020 In the UA Cossatot update that was sent on March 12th, we indicated that the Coronovirus situation was extremely fluid and could change at a moment's notice. - Read More March 12, 2020 UA Cossatot is working closely with the University of Arkansas System Office, UAMS, and other entities to ensure our pandemic plan regarding COVID-19 protects our students, employees, and other stakeholders.

Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Arkansas

Governor Hutchinson Orders US and Arkansas Flags to Fly at Half-Staff Flags will be lowered March 11, 2020 to sunset on the day of interment Governor Asa Hutchinson ordered the Arkansas and U.S. flags lowered to half-staff on Wednesday in memory of Hot Springs Police Officer Brent William Scrimshire who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Tuesday.

Officer Scrimshire was selfless and brave in serving Hot Springs, Governor Hutchinson said Wednesday. He put the safety of others ahead of his personal safety. Tuesday evening, Officer Scrimshire gave his life in service of others. I was saddened to learn of his death. I offer my condolences to his family and his fellow officers in the Hot Springs Police Department.

I have ordered the Arkansas and U.S. flags to fly at half-staff in memory of the service of Officer Brent William Scrimshire and as an expression of our shared sorrow for his death. Officer Scrimshire was named a Regional Officer of the Year by Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and as Hot Springs Officer of the Quarter in September.

Cotton Statement on Death of Hot Springs Officer

Hot Springs Police officer 1st Class Brent Scrimshire was shot and killed in the line of duty tonight around 6:30 pm after a traffic stop at the 100 block of Kenwood Street. He leaves behind a wife and two children. Our thoughts and prayers for his family and fellow officers. (Hot Springs Broadcast Network)

Anyone who wants to help the family of Officer Scrimshire, can donate at any Diamond Bank or Arvest Bank in the state. (Arkansas Families of Fallen Officers) account.

Cotton Statement on Death of Hot Springs Officer
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the statement below following news reports that Officer Brent Scrimshire of Hot Springs was killed in the line of duty.

“The city of Hot Springs and the state of Arkansas mourns the tragic loss of Officer Scrimshire. Brent Scrimshire gave his life for the safety of his fellow man—the ultimate sacrifice deserving of our deepest respect. May God welcome Brent home and bring comfort to his family.”

Caddo River Festival Coming to Glenwood, AR in April

Caddo River Festival is coming to Glenwood , Arkansas April 24th & April 25th , 2020. Booths are $50, call 870-223-3963.

Census 2020 is Underway

The #2020Census has officially started. You will start receiving mailers from The US Census Bureau. The online website has gone LIVE for self-reporting at https://my2020census.gov/ . You do not have to have the unique ID to begin.

#Census2020 is important for every American community because #WeCount. It will determine:
📚School funding
🚗Roads, public transportation, & infrastructure
👨👩👧👦Community Resources
Political representation for the next 🔟 years!

REMEMBER: The #2020Census will NOT ask about your:

❌ immigration or citizenship status

❌ income

❌ Social Security Number

Community resources available at arcounts.org. Follow us on FB
https://www.facebook.com/ARcensus2020/
Twitter @ar_census

Arkansas is using #GetOutTheCountAR

Census 2020

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Sporting Clay Tournament in Texarkana March 28th

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

With spring just around the corner, it's important to remember that state and federal income tax forms are due soon. Both state and federal income tax forms must be postmarked no later than April 15, 2020, to avoid penalties and late fees.

The legislature prioritized and passed several changes to its tax laws during the 92nd General Assembly, which means that your income tax rate may have changed from last year.

The passage of ACT 182 during the 2019 legislative session, for example, reduces the top income tax rate in our state from 6.9% to 6.6%. The income tax rate will lower again in 2021 to 5.9%. This rate reduction took effect on January 1, 2020, for individuals and will be phased in for corporations by 2021. This is in addition to previous tax cuts passed in recent years impacting every income group.

Because of these reduced tax rates, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration announced to employers that the income tax withholding tables will change. As a result, you may see an increase in the amount of your paycheck starting this month.

This increase will be offset in the future by lower tax refunds. As tax refunds issued now relate to tax year 2019 they are not affected by the withholding changes. The upcoming withholding changes will not impact annual refunds until calendar year 2021.

Many Arkansans can utilize the IRS’s Free File program. This web-based program is a free federal tax preparation and electronic filing program for the approximately 70% of taxpayers who earn less than $60,000 in annual adjusted gross income. Eligible consumers can go to IRS.gov and choose from multiple private companies that will file federal returns at no charge.

If you cannot afford to pay for tax preparation assistance, you may also be eligible to receive free help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). Consumers can call (800) 829-1040 for information about VITA volunteer locations near them. Additionally, seniors can contact AARP at (888) 227-7669 to find the nearest TCE Tax-Aide site.

Internal Revenue Service | An official website of the United States government

An official website of the United States Government

Cotton, Boozman Ask SBA for More Feedback on Rule Harming Poultry Producers

Washington, D.C. — Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and John Boozman (R-Arkansas) today led nine of their colleagues in sending a letter to Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Jovita Carranza expressing concern over a new rule that will make it more difficult for poultry growers to access SBA loans. Specifically, the Senators are concerned that while the SBA is accepting comments on the rule until April 10, 2020, the provisions targeting poultry farmers are slated to go into effect on March 11, 2020, before the SBA has time to fully evaluate the comments submitted. The Senators ask the SBA to extend the comment period for the interim rule in order to better understand its potential impact on the poultry community.

The letter is also signed by Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Doug Jones (D-Alabama), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Kelly Loeffler (R-Georgia), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Richard Burr (R-North Carolina), David Perdue (R-Georgia), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and Jim Inhofe (R-Oklahoma).

Background:
On February 10, 2020, the SBA released an Interim Final Rule (IFR) establishing a review process whereby SBA would review farmer contracts and make an “affiliation” determination – whether that farmer was “affiliated” with a chicken processing company, thus ineligible for SBA assistance through loan guarantees – based on a set of criteria newly announced in the Interim Final Rule. This would substantially affect the operations of many small, family farms across the country. Importantly, the comment period for the IFR closes on April 10, 2020, but the effective date of the poultry-related provisions goes live on March 11, 2020. This letter requests that SBA extend the effective date to October 1, when the remainder of the rule’s provisions goes final.

March 6, 2020
The Honorable Jovita Carranza

Administrator

United States Small Business Administration

409 3rd Street SW

Washington, DC 20416

Dear Administrator Carranza:

We write to respectfully express our concerns with the United States Small Business

Administration's (SBA) Interim Final Rule entitled Express Loan Programs; Affiliation Standards (Docket No. SBA-2020-02128 / RIN 3245-AG74), published in the Federal Register on February 10, 2020. Due to our concerns with the underlying policy changes, specifically those made to 13 C.F.R. §121.301(f), included in the rule and their potentially significant impact on poultry farmers in our states, we urge SBA to extend to October 1, 2020 the effective date of the above-referenced Interim Final Rule. We do not agree with the decision to make the effective date March 11, 2020, prior to the end of the comment period on April 10, 2020, and we believe that an extension is a more appropriate course of action that will allow SBA a meaningful opportunity to review and consider all comments.

Access to capital is one of the most significant barriers to entry for farming, which is why Congress specifically included agriculture in the SBA’s mandate. Unfortunately, the Interim Final Rule, as currently written, could adversely affect many independent, small, family farmers that raise broiler chickens and turkeys across the country. Our constituent farmers deserve to have their voices heard prior to the implementation of a rule that will result in a significant impact on their livelihood. With the current state of the farm economy in mind, we urge SBA to take the necessary time to consider the potential significant impacts this rule would have on the sustainability of our family farm operations.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.

More than 670 Feral Hogs Removed from Public and Private Lands

After 68 hours of a helicopter operation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services, in cooperation with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, removed several hundred feral hogs from national wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas and private lands in the state.

Crews were able to remove a total of 673 feral hogs from more than 376,000 acres in 13 days of flying. Properties flown included Big Lake NWR, Dale Bumpers White River NWR, UA Pine Tree Experimental Station WDA, Trusten Holder WMA, Big Lake WMA, St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA, Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA Deer Research Area and Cut-Off Creek WMA as well as 52 private landowners.

The aerial operations are the result of planning and coordination of multiple partners, condensed into several days of actual operations. The AGFC, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and USDA APHIS would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while the activities were underway and apologize for any inconvenience related to the operation.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

The UA Cossatot Employee Safety and Wellness Committee would like to remind everyone that March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

“Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined in the United States.”~fightcolorectalcancer.org 

·         During the next year, one in twenty people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, bringing an estimated 147,950 new cases in 2020. 

·         Proper screening could prevent sixty percent of colorectal cancer deaths. 

·         While data indicates that new colorectal cancers in those over age 50 have fallen consistently since 1985, rates of colorectal cancer for those under age 50 have risen, especially for rectal cancer. 

Helpful information can be found at https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/colorectal-cancer/facts-stats/ 

Attached is a fact sheet from the American Cancer Society, which lists common risk factors for colon cancer: 

·         Heredity – Up to 30% of people with colorectal cancer have a family history of the disease.

·         Personal history of colorectal polyps, previously treated colorectal cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease.

·         Personal history of radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer.

·         Type 2 diabetes.

·         Obesity.

·         Physical inactivity.

·         Diets high in red or processed meat and/or diets low in calcium, fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain fiber.

·         Smoking.

·         Alcohol use.

Facts about colon cancer & rectal cancer | Fight CRC

Need more information about colorectal cancer to share with your family, friends, or community? Know the facts and tell someone you care about. Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined in the United States. There will be an estimated 147,950 new cases of colorectal cancer in 2020.

Arkansas Bar Association Announces Arkansas Legal Hall of Fame

The Arkansas Bar Association is seeking nominations for its first ever Arkansas Legal Hall of Fame. Launching in 2020, the Legal Hall of Fame will honor Arkansas’ greatest lawyers, most revered institutions, most treasured traditions and other legends of the Bar. The 2020 class will be inducted at a ceremony on Thursday, September 24, in Little Rock. The Legal Hall of Fame is presented by Arkansas Business.

“The Legal Hall of Fame will help us recognize the men and women who have made an extraordinary contribution to the law, society, the administration of justice and legal education. We invite all Arkansans, not just the legal community, to nominate individuals and groups who have helped shape justice and positively impacted our profession and state,” said Arkansas Bar Association President Brian Rosenthal. “We want to share and preserve the significant contributions those in the legal community have made to enhance the lives of Arkansas citizens.”

The general public is encouraged to submit nominations. The eligibility requirements and nomination forms can be found at www.arkbar.com/events/hof. This nomination form, along with the required attachments, is due on or before March 16, 2020, and should be sent to hof@arkbar.com. Please call 501-801-5663 to request a form.

Hall of Fame

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