Arkansas News

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Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Foster Families Answering the Call

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LITTLE ROCK – May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, and today I’d like to thank our foster families and all the people who work so hard to put our neediest children in homes and other safe settings.

In my five years as governor, I have watched with admiration and gratitude as private citizens, many of them from the faith community, have toiled alongside employees of state agencies to reduce the number of children in foster care. They’ve reduced the number of children in foster care by more than 15 percent. The number was reduced from 5,200 in 2015 to the current 4,400.

The mission to take in foster children and to match with foster parents is a challenge on the easiest of days. The COVID-19 pandemic has added an unexpected layer of difficulty.

One challenge unique to COVID-19 is the understandable fear that a child placed into a foster home has been exposed to the coronavirus. Foster parents must consider the risk of accepting a child with the virus. At least one child placed in a home has tested positive.

But as Lauri Currier, executive director of The Call indicated, the family took the positive test in stride. As Lauri said, they did what these families do. They took care of the child and the other members of the family. They self-quarantined.

The Call is a faith-based organization whose members find and train foster families and supports them spiritually and financially. The Call is the largest nonprofit in Arkansas that is devoted to assisting foster children and families. As members of The Call began to comprehend that COVID-19 was going to be a problem, they determined the virus wouldn’t stop their work.

The county coordinators work closely with their families and know their needs. Volunteers bought and delivered meals and other necessities so the families could stay at home.

The Call conducts regular mandatory training sessions for families that want take in foster children. The leaders weren’t willing to let the limit on the size of gatherings put the training on hold. They developed a virtual program and trained 173 people, which represented about 85 families.

Our social-distancing requirements meant canceling the annual Walk for the Waiting fundraiser at War Memorial Stadium. But the three sponsoring organizations – The Call, Immerse, and Project Zero – refused to cave to the illness. They organized neighborhood walks, and last weekend, they raised a hundred-and-six thousand dollars.

We recognize the important work of foster parents and the sacrifices they make. For that reason, the CARES Act Steering Committee, which my administration created to oversee the distribution of federal assistance in Arkansas, recommended a one-time payment of $500 to any foster family that provided overnight care to at least one child between March 11 and April 30. It is a small way for us to thank those who take on financial challenges and health risks during this time.

Family challenges don’t stop for pandemics. New children in need of care arrive regularly. But those who are there to help children in the foster-care system haven’t let the pandemic stop them. As Lauri Currier of The Call said, kids lives are at stake. They can’t put their work on hold.

Thanks to people such as Lauri and our childcare workers and many others whose names we'll never know, the needy children in Arkansas are finding a safe place to go and lots of love when they get there.

 
 
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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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Since the beginning of this health emergency, more than 60,000 tests for COVID-19 have been conducted in Arkansas.

While testing was initially limited, the capacity at commercial labs has increased significantly resulting in shortened turnaround times.

Earlier this week, the CDC committed to providing 90,000 kits and swabs per month to the State of Arkansas. The goal is to now test 60,000 in Arkansas during the month of May.

If you have symptoms such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath OR if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 call ahead to your health care provider. Testing is available.

People who are considered high risk should contact their health care provider early, even if symptoms are mild. Those at higher risk for serious illness include older adults and people with underlying chronic medical conditions.

There are now 165 testing locations in 56 counties. You can find one near you at www.healthy.arkansas.gov or call your health provider.

Increased testing is critical to preventing the spread of the virus. It also plays an important role in making decisions to re-open businesses and roll back restrictions.

Early testing can help identify anyone who came in contact with an infected person so they too can be treated quickly.

As more testing becomes available, the Arkansas Department of Health is also expanding the number of health experts working on contact tracing. Contact tracing is part of the process of supporting patients with suspected or confirmed infection. In contact tracing, public health staff works with a patient to help them recall everyone with whom they have had close contact during the timeframe while they may have been infectious.

Public health staff then warn these exposed individuals of their potential exposure as rapidly and sensitively as possible.
The Arkansas Department of Health currently has close to 200 individuals working on case investigation and contact tracing. They include nurses, disease intervention specialists, epidemiologists, and ADH trained staff. There are more than 125 student volunteers with the College of Public Health being trained to assist with contact tracing in the next few weeks.

While testing and tracing are key components to re-opening our economy, every Arkansan can play a significant role as well. We should continue to practice social distancing and wear a mask in public places.

 
 
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Governor Hutchinson Announces New Text Alert System to Provide Timely COVID-19 Updates

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NORTH LITTLE ROCK— Governor Asa Hutchinson has announced a new text alert system with the ability to provide timely COVID-19 alerts and other critical guidance directly from the Arkansas Division Emergency Management to Arkansas residents.

Arkansans can opt-in to the new system today by texting ‘COVID19ARK’ to 67283.

“This is a free service from the Division of Emergency Management and RAVE Mobile Safety that will enable Arkansans to receive COVID-19 alerts and other guidance,” said Governor Hutchinson. “Participation in Smart911 will provide first responders additional information they need to ensure your safety and wellbeing.”

Residents who have opted in for alerts will also receive instructions to sign up for Smart911, a free service that allows individuals and families to provide key context to 9-1-1 call takers and first responders.

Through the Smart911 app or smart911.com, residents can create a Safety Profile that contains critical information including pre-existing conditions and quarantine status.

As Arkansas manages the COVID-19 outbreak and a surge in 9-1-1 calls, the information in these Safety Profiles allows 9-1-1 operators to proactively identify and communicate with those at greatest risk while also providing first responders the context and foresight they need to protect themselves from exposure and arrive on the scene fully informed.

Smart911

This service helps 9-1-1 protect your family by providing more information to first responders. You should sign up too, it is free!

 
 
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HHS Awards Arkansas $4.7 Million for Expanded Coronavirus Testing

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WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman—applauded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for awarding federal funds to Arkansas health centers for expanded coronavirus testing.

The grants—totaling $4,766,433—were awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to 12 HRSA-funded health care centers in Arkansas. The investment will be used to expand testing and allow for the purchase of personal protective equipment; training for staff; outreach, procurement and administration of tests; and laboratory services. This funding will also support notification of contacts of patients who test positive and the expansion of walk-up or drive-up testing capabilities.

“These health centers play a critical role in keeping Arkansans healthy. Providing additional resources to expand testing is key to identifying patients infected with this disease and preventing its spread in the community. These funds will help achieve the governor’s goal of conducting 60,000 coronavirus tests in the state during May,” members said.

This funding builds on a $10.5 million investment in Arkansas HRSA-funded facilities.

The only one are health center received funding from HRSA:

Healthy Connections Inc.

Mena

$292,819

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Lake Wind Advisory Through 7 p.m. Friday in Southwest Arkansas

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* WHAT...South winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph
overnight to become northwest around 20 mph this afternoon.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,
southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and
east and northeast Texas.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT this evening.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... Southerly winds will increase to 10 to 20
mph ahead of a frontal boundary through the predawn hours. Winds
will shift to the northwest later today and approach 20 mph with
higher gusts.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Boaters on area lakes should use extra caution since strong winds
and rough waves can overturn small craft.

 
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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Issues Important Reminder To Arkansans Acquiring Livestock From Out of State

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Little Rock, AR -- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is reminding Arkansans that they must ensure any livestock they purchase or receive from other states meets the State and Federal import requirements. The Department of Agriculture’s Livestock and Poultry Division can offer assistance to ensure the animals have the proper documentation to allow movement into Arkansas.

“We appreciate the efforts of Arkansans to help alleviate challenges that animal agricultural producers have encountered due to temporary closures of processing facilities in other states,” said Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture. “Our staff is available to help answer questions about safety protocols and importation requirements that are in place to protect Arkansans and our state’s agriculture industry,” said Ward.

All animals brought into Arkansas must meet the importation requirements set by USDA and the State’s Health Requirements Governing the Entry of Livestock, Poultry, and Exotic Animals. For swine, USDA interstate commerce regulations call for Premises Identification Number Ear Tags for Slaughter Swine, and the state requires that swine that are not from a qualified-validated herd be tested for Brucellosis and Pseudorabies. A Certificate of Veterinarian Inspection is also required to make sure the animal is not showing signs of illness. These rules are in place for public safety and to prevent the spread of disease within the state.

“Brucellosis and Pseudorabies are highly communicable diseases that can spread quickly from animal to animal, and in the case of Brucellosis, to humans,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Randy Chick. “We are aware of individuals planning to purchase live animals, particularly swine, directly from out-of-state producers. These rules are in place to help the Department monitor and prevent diseases that can have devastating impacts on the Arkansas agriculture industry,” said Livestock and Poultry Director Patrick Fisk.

More information about animal importation requirements may be obtained from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture website at https://www.aad.arkansas.gov/…/59372…/Entry_Requirments_.pdf

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If people are not planning to process the animals themselves, they should know that many meat processors in Arkansas are already booked for several months. Individuals planning to purchase an animal for processing should first check with local processing plants or prepare for other options such as arranging for holding the animal until it can be processed.

A list of Arkansas meat processors may be found on an interactive map at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/…/fsis/t…/inspection/mpi-directory

Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory

The Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection (MPI) Directory is a listing of establishments that produce meat, poultry, and/or egg products regulated by FSIS. The Establishment Demographic Data includes additional establishment information about FSIS regulated establishments, including size, species slaughtered and aggregate categorical production information.

 
 
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UA Cossatot Announces New Basketball Coach and Athletic Director

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On Wednesday, May 6, 2020, UA Cossatot hosted a virtual Zoom press conference to introduce Robert Byrd as the college's newly hired men's and women's basketball coach. It was also announced during the conference that Coach Byrd would also be taking on the role of Athletic Director for UA Cossatot.
UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, kicked off the conference by welcoming everyone and then introducing Coach Byrd. Dr. Cole said, "We are very pleased and excited to have Coach Byrd take on the role of Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director for the college. We were looking for a talented player's coach, and that is what we found in Coach Byrd."
Byrd recently completed his second year as an Assistant Coach for the University of St. Thomas Men's Basketball team in Houston, Texas. For the 2019-2020 season, the Celts finished 24-2 overall and 16-2 in the SCAC to win the conference regular-season championship. The Celts were ineligible for postseason play due to their transition from NAIA to NCAA. Nevertheless, the Celts won their first-round game in the USCAA D1 National Tournament. After their first game, the tournament was canceled due to COVID-19. The Celts were the #2 seed and were ranked second in the USCAA D1 National Poll.
During the 2018-2019 season, the Celts finished the season 23-11 overall and 11-7 in RRAC play. This earned them the #4 seed in the RRAC tournament. The Celts ultimately won the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament Championship by first knocking off #2 nationally ranked LSUA in the semifinals and beating #15 ranked LSUS in the championship game. They received a #22 ranking in the final NAIA D1 national poll and a #6 seed in the NAIA D1 National Tournament.
Coach Byrd joined the Celts after serving one year as an assistant and six years as Head Men's Basketball Coach at Lone Star College-CyFair. During his time at LSC-CyFair, Robert accumulated over 20 wins in each of his six seasons as Head Coach and guided over 30 players to 4-year universities on athletic and academic scholarships.
Coach Byrd participated in the NBPA Top 100 camp in 2005 as a camper and also worked with the NBPA Top 100 camp from 2009-2016 as a Camp Counselor and Assistant Equipment Manager. After graduating from the University of Houston with a BA in Psychology, Coach Byrd also pursued a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas.
Coach Byrd stated during the conference, "I want to thank God, my family, and Dr. Cole for this opportunity. I am excited about athletics at UA Cossatot, and I am looking forward to getting started. I am excited about building relationships. It is important to me to help the players at UA Cossatot on and off the court in basketball, in academics, and in life.”
Coach Byrd is set to begin work at UA Cossatot this summer. Colts and Lady Colt's basketball tryouts will be announced at a later date. For more information, Coach Byrd can be contacted at rbyrd@cccua.edu.

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Murphy USA, Murphy Oil Great Partners, Governor Says as Company Announces Move

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LITTLE ROCK – The Murphy companies in El Dorado have been “amazing partners” with Arkansas, and that will not change as Murphy Oil moves its operation to Houston, Governor Asa Hutchinson said after learning the news on Wednesday (May 6).

Murphy USA, which employs 600 people and operates gas stations across the United States, will remain in El Dorado.

“Both Murphy Oil and Murphy USA have been amazing partners for Arkansas through many decades, and I’m confident they will continue to be a key part of our economic future, even though we are saddened by the news today that Murphy Oil will be moving 82 jobs to Houston as a result of this change,” Governor Hutchinson said. “We are very pleased with the continued presence of Murphy USA, which has 600 employees and its headquarters in El Dorado, and that they have a continued commitment to the El Dorado Promise. We know that we will continue to work with both companies in the future.” 

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Severe Storms Predicted for Late Thursday Night/Early Friday Morning

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SIGN UP FOR CODE RED FOR EMERGENCY WEATHER NOTIFICATIONS

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Click on link below to sign up for Code Red in your area!

Click on link below to sign up for Code Red in your area!

City of De Queen | Heart of Tri-Lakes Country

July 1st is opening day for Bi-Annual Mobile Food Vendor Applications. The City of De Queen will accept applications for mobile food vendors for fifteen bi-annual permits. The bi-annual permits are available ($100 for 6 months) for vendors to set up on privately-owned...

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National Nurses Week 2020

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Nurses have worked heroically and have put in extra hours over the past few weeks and months on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. Thank you nurses for what you do every day! This week is National Nurses Week and May 6th is National Nurses Day. We honor and celebrate those who devote themselves to the care of others.

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Governor Hutchinson Extends Public Health Emergency In Arkansas

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LITTLE ROCK - Governor Asa Hutchinson has extended Arkansas’s COVID-19 public health and disaster emergency for an additional 45 days, he announced at a news conference today.

Governor Hutchinson issued Executive Order 20-25 to renew the public health and disaster emergency he originally declared on March 11, 2020, and amended on March 26.

“Every industry sector in Arkansas has been affected by the outbreak of COVID-19,” Governor Hutchinson said. “The pandemic continues to have a statewide impact on grocery stores, small businesses, pharmacies, hospitals, and restaurants to name a few. It’s important that we continue to adequately support and protect our industries and people until the threat is no longer imminent.”

The Governor has also issued an updated directive for out-of-state travelers, as detailed in Executive Order 20-25.

Under this new directive, all travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Orleans, and all international locations must follow quarantine directives outlined by the Arkansas Department of Health Secretary Dr. Nate Smith. Governor Hutchinson and Secretary Smith have identified these locations based on the high level of COVID-19 cases in each state or region. The Secretary of Health may amend the list of quarantine locations as the situation progresses.

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Governor Announces Theaters, Lecture Halls, Other Large Venues Okayed For Limited Reopening

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LITTLE ROCK – Indoor venues such as theaters, arenas, stadiums, and auction houses that are designed for large groups may reopen on May 18 on a limited basis, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced at his daily COVID-19 press conference today.

The Arkansas Department of Health issued a directive today that allows the venues to open for audiences of fewer than 50 and that requires strict social distance among performers, contestants, and members of the audience.

“We are attempting to move past the restrictions that have been necessary during this pandemic, but we must do so in a manner that is based on solid data,” Governor Hutchinson said today. “I am confident this measured reopening is the best approach that will allow us to enjoy these entertainment venues again. As we cautiously emerge from this difficult time, we will keep an eye on data for any evidence that we are moving too quickly.”

This directive covers indoor venues for commercial, community, or civic events and activities where an audience, spectators, or a gathering of people are present, such as concerts, plays, movies, lectures, presentations, conferences, conventions, sporting events, races, fundraisers, trade shows, and festivals.

Venues include auditoriums, lecture halls, movie theatres, other theatres, museums, arenas, sports venues, race tracks, stadiums, gymnasiums, auction houses, amusement centers, barns, exhibit halls, conventions centers, and funeral homes. The list of venues also includes recreational facilities such as bowling alleys and trampoline parks.

Gatherings subject to this directive also include, without limitation, community, civic, public, leisure, commercial, or sporting events. 

This directive is not intended for gatherings of people in unconfined outdoor spaces, such as parks or athletic fields, where physical distancing of at least six feet can be easily achieved. Those may open today, May 4.

Nor is this directive intended for houses of worship, which are addressed under a separate guidance.

The ADH issued this directive today in regard to reopening large venues:

  • The performers/players/contestants must be separated from the audience by at least 12 feet and must be limited to 50 or fewer.

  • The audience is limited to 50 or fewer people.

  • Lines or queues for entrance, exit, making purchases, or for other reasons must be marked or monitored to maintain six feet between people.

  • Seating must be arranged to maintain six feet between members of the audience.

  • Family groups may sit together but maintain six feet between groups.

  • Every other row of seating should be unoccupied.

  • Face coverings are required except for children younger than 10.

  • Performers/players/contestants may be without a face covering if they are 12 feet from each other.

  • Signs must be posted at all entrances advising members of the public not to enter if:
    -  They have fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or a recent loss of taste or smell.
    -  They have had known exposure to someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.

  • Signs must be posted at all entrances advising members of the public that they may wish to refrain from entering if:
    -  They are 65 years of age or older.
    -  They have underlying health conditions including high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, severe obesity, asthma, or weakened immunity.

  • Hand-sanitizer stations must be available at all entrances and exits.

  • Refreshments may be served. However, self-service operations, including, but not limited to, salad bars, buffets, and condiment bars shall not be allowed.

  • The facility, including seating, shall be cleaned and disinfected before and after each use.

  • Frequently touched surfaces shall be cleaned periodically during the course of the event.

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Central Arkansas Development Council to Distribute over 500,000 lbs. of Food in its 19 County Service Area During the Month of May

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Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) whose mission is to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty, to help vulnerable populations achieve their potential, and to build strong communities in Arkansas through community action will be holding an emergency food distribution in its 19 county service area during the month of May. CADC will be distributing 10,000 food boxes that will contain over 50 pounds of food, including meat, beans, vegetables, and fruit. These boxes will also include essential household items such as toilet paper. Central Arkansas Development Council hopes that by holding this distribution, we can alleviate some of the uncertainties many in the community are currently facing at this time. Customers will be asked to show I.D. and will be limited to one box per family. Families will have to meet income eligibility guidelines to qualify. Distributions will occur during from 10 AM to 2 PM or while supplies last. The locations and dates are as follows: County Location Street Address City Date
Lonoke
Lonoke Old Gym
501 West Academy Street
Lonoke
May 6
Grace Community Church
30 West 2nd Street
Ward
May 6 Lafayette CADC Office 403 N King Lewisville May 7
Little River
Ashdown Methodist Church
145 E Commerce
Ashdown
May 7 Howard City Park 1301 W. Johnson St Nashville May 8
Sevier
Fairgrounds
930 Rockefeller Ave
Dequeen
May 8 Ouachita Camden Fairview Intermediate School Gym 255 Pope Street Camden May 12
Calhoun
Fairgrounds
1st at Hunt Street
Hampton
May 13 Dallas Carthage Old School Cafe 319 West Central Ave Carthage May 13
Columbia
Fairgrounds
200 Columbia Rd 13
Magnolia
May 14 Union East Side Fairgrounds 430 E 19th El Dorado May 14
Montgomery
Ouachita Baptist Church
3586 Hwy 270E
Mt. Ida
May 19
Central Arkansas Development Council
PO Box 580
Benton, AR 72018
501-315-1121
Pike Municipal Building 204 E. Main Murfreesboro May 19
Saline
Saline County Fairgrounds
406 Fairfield
Benton
May 20 Pulaski Barton Coliseum 2600 Howard Little Rock May 21
Clark
The Rec Center
379 N 23rd St
Arkadelphia
May 22 Hot Spring ASU Three Rivers 1 College Circle Malvern May 22
Miller
First United Methodist Church
400 E. 6th. Street
Texarkana
May 27 Hempstead The Coliseum 800 S Mockingbird Hope May 28
Nevada
Fairgrounds
Fairgrounds Road
Prescott
May 29
CADC will also be distributing The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) USDA Commodities the same day in many locations. Customers may qualify for both programs.
CADC would like to invite all news and media outlets to join and share in this event as we intend to bring joy, happiness, and much needed supplies to families across Arkansas during this pandemic. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” Ghandi.
Founded in 1965, Central Arkansas Development Council is a private nonprofit community action agency operating in 19 counties in the state of Arkansas. CADC is a local force in the War on Poverty providing a hand-up, promoting self-help in our neighborhoods and for our families. We are committed to providing opportunities for empowerment for individuals, families and communities. For more information on the distribution, visit our website at www.cadc.com, or contact your local CADC office.
Randy Morris
Chief Executive Officer
rmorris@cadc.com

Central Arkansas Development Council

Central Arkansas Development Council is a private non-profit Community Action Agency. CADC is a local force in the War on Poverty.

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From the Arkansas Ready for Business Grant Program

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🛑 PLEASE STOP AND READ!!
THEN APPLY ‼️‼️‼️

❌❌ THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE on the ARKANSAS READY for BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM:❌

‼️‼️PLEASE SHARE WITH SMALL
BUSINESSES‼️‼️

❌ Please note that eligible
expenditures include:
📌 Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE)
📍 No-contact thermometers for
employees And customers
📌 No-contact Point of Sale (POS)
payment equipment
📍 Supplies And disinfectants to
initially deep clean premises and
for use on an ongoing basis
📌 Also included are expenses
associated with hiring a third
party to perform periodic deep
cleaning services
📍 Hand sanitizer stations
📌 Restocking of necessary
supplies/raw materials
📍 Expenses associated with
reconfiguring business to meet
recommended health and safety
guidelines, signage, marketing
and other one-time expenses
associated with reopening or
resuming normal operations.
❌ The program will utilize federal
funds provided to the state of
Arkansas through the CARES Act.

🔴 When submitting an application
please have ready:
‼️ Driver’s License of authorized
business representative
‼️ Signed W9
‼️ Certificate of Good Standing
from Secretary of State
(Business License or Sales Tax
Permit for Sole Proprietors)

‼️‼️ AEDC will be accepting
applications ‪Tuesday, May 5th
from 8:00am – 6:00pm‬ and ‪
AND Wednesday, May 6th from
8:00am – 6:00pm‬.

❌❌ Businesses that have already
successfully submitted an
application DO NOT need to
reapply‼️