VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (07.20.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Monday, July 20, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response. (Click on Play Button Above)
UA Cossatot Board of Visitors Elect Officers to Serve at July Meeting
On Monday, July 13, 2020, the UA Cossatot Board of Visitors met for their July summer meeting to discuss the upcoming academic year. The board also elected three members to serve as officers for the next fiscal year.
At the meeting, it was decided that Kathy Beavert would serve as Chair of the Board of Visitors. Robert Martinez was elected to serve as Vice-Chair, and Tim Pinkerton accepted the position of Secretary.
Kathy Beavert is a resident of Murfreesboro, and Robert Martinez lives in De Queen. In 2000, both Beavert and Martinez became members of the college’s Board of Trustees. In 2001, they became members of UA Cossatot’s Board of Visitors. Nashville resident, Tim Pinkerton became an official Board of Visitors member in 2018.
The college’s Board of Visitors consists of nine total members. Other members of UA Cossatot’s Board of Visitors include Tyler Davis of Ashdown, Jay Dooley of De Queen, Jimmy Tumey of Ashdown, Barbara Horn of Foreman, Dr. Glen Lance of Nashville, and Angie Walker of De Queen.
The next Board of Visitors meeting is scheduled to take place in September 2020
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Arkansans who may have concerns about going to the polls this November while the health crisis continues can make plans now to ensure their vote counts.
Arkansas law allows voters to request absentee ballots if they will be "unavoidably absent" on Election Day or if they have illnesses or physical disabilities. Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston has interpreted this law to allow the ability to vote with an absentee ballot due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an interpretation that Governor Hutchinson and both the Republican and Democratic party leaders are in agreement.
Thurston said voters could now begin requesting absentee ballots from the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office or their local county clerk. To receive an absentee ballot, you must be a registered voter. The voter registration deadline is October 5.
The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot by mail is October 27, though a voter can pick up an absentee ballot in person until November 2, the day before the election.
All absentee ballots must be returned by 7 p.m. on Election Day, November 3, to be counted, Thurston said. Note: On your application, you may designate how you wish to receive your ballot: by picking it up in person, by mail, or bearer.
The absentee voting requirements are different from the universal vote-by-mail system in place in some states, which send a ballot by mail to every registered voter. In Arkansas, a voter must request an absentee ballot. Absentee voters are also required to submit a copy of their photo ID with their ballot.
For more information on how to download an absentee ballot application and how to contact your county clerk, visit our website at www.arkansashouse.org.
Sunday's COVID-19 Updated Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 846
Active Positive: 61
Recovered: 776
Deaths: 9
Negatives: 3,849
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 167
Active Positive: 38
Recovered: 128
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,791
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 60
Active Positive: 13
Recovered: 46
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 945
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 101
Active Positive: 16
Recovered: 85
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,759
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 30
Active Positive: 13
Recovered: 17
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 2,154
Arkansas State Fair Canceled For 2020
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (News release) – The board of directors for the Arkansas Livestock Show Association, the organization that produces the annual Arkansas State Fair, announced Friday the cancellation of the 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was scheduled for October 16 – 25, 2020.
https://www.fox16.com/news/breaking-news/arkansas-state-fair-canceled-for-2020/
Arkansas State Fair canceled for 2020
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (News release) - The board of directors for the Arkansas Livestock Show Association, the organization that produces the annual Arkansas State Fair, announced today the cancellation of the 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's event was scheduled for October 16 - 25.
Saturday's COVID-19 Maps and Numbers from the Arkansas Department of Health
The Arkansas Department of Health has released the latest COVID-19 numbers for the state and area counties in southwest Arkansas.
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 842
Active Positive: 61
Recovered: 772
Deaths: 9
Negatives: 3,826
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 161
Active Positive: 39
Recovered: 121
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,770
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 58
Active Positive: 12
Recovered: 45
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 943
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 98
Active Positive: 14
Recovered: 84
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,752
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 27
Active Positive: 12
Recovered: 15
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 2,130
Ozark Natural Science Center Facebook Live Campfire Concert this Saturday
The Ozark Natural Science Center virtual campfire concert, which will take place via Facebook this Saturday from 4-5 p.m., will feature songs and stories about the Ozarks. The event will be on the Ozark Natual Science Center’s Facebook Page and will feature performances by Still on the Hill, and Tater, Mater and Squarsh.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/science-center-hosts-virtual-campfire-concert
Science Center Hosts Virtual Campfire Concert
Becca Martin-Brown from the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette tells us about the Ozark Natural Science Center virtual campfire concert , which will take
Namida Lab Expands COVID-19 Antibody Testing in Arkansas
Namida Lab, a private biotech startup headquartered in Fayetteville, offers FDA-approved commercial COVID-19 serology antibody testing to the public and expanded blood collection locations around the state.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/namida-lab-expands-covid-19-antibody-blood-test-sites-arkansas
Namida Lab Expands COVID-19 Antibody Blood Test Sites in Arkansas
Namida Lab, a private biotech startup headquartered in Fayetteville, offers FDA-approved commercial COVID-19 serology antibody testing to the public and expanded blood collection locations around the state.
Speed Limits to Increase on Some Arkansas Highways
The Arkansas Department of Transportation has started installing new speed limit signs around the state after the Highway Commission approved increasing the speed limit from 70 to 75 miles per hour on rural interstates and 60 to 65 miles per hour on urban interstates.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/speed-limits-increase-some-arkansas-highways
Speed Limits to Increase on Some Arkansas Highways
The Arkansas Department of Transportation has started installing new speed limit signs around the state after the Highway Commission approved increasing the speed limit from 70 to 75 miles per hour on rural interstates and 60 to 65 miles per hour on urban interstates. Officials estimate the changes will cost about $350,000.
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Friday (07.17.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Friday, July 17, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
SLIDESHOW: Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson Issues Statewide Mask Mandate To Begin Monday
(Click on Photos Above for a 5 page Slideshow of Statewide Mask Mandate)
Arkansans will be required to wear face masks beginning Monday to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The mandate was issued by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson on Thursday. The face masks mandate will expire once the state of emergency concerning the pandemic ends. Currently that public health emergency is set to expire in just over two weeks, though it could be extended again.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-gov-asa-hutchinson-issues-statewide-mask-mandate
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson Issues Statewide Mask Mandate
Arkansans across the state will soon be required to wear face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 due to a mandate issued by the governor on Thursday. This comes as the state experienced its third highest daily increase in new coronavirus cases since the beginning of the pandemic.
UA Cossatot Begins Phase 3 for Summer Reopening on July 20
UA Cossatot will begin Phase 3 of its summer reopening plan on Monday, July 20. Phase 3 means that UA Cossatot will be getting closer to a normal workday for employees and students. Phase 3 has all 12-month employees coming back to campus after many were working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. All campuses will be open to students as well, providing in-person assistance for fall 2020 registration.
Things will be much different though, according to UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole “While we certainly don’t have a playbook for COVID-19, we know we have to try to get back to as close to normal as we can, and for us, that is getting everyone back on campus and serving students. Our staff has developed a comprehensive plan to reopen safely, meaning we will be following all CDC safety guidelines, including proper social distancing and the mandatory wearing of face masks. We understand this is hard for some, but we feel this is the best defense we have in keeping students and employees safe.”
UA Cossatot will use Phase 3 to prepare for the fall 2020 semester, which is slated to start on August 17. Vice Chancellor of Academics, Ashley Aylett says that UA Cossatot will have face-to-face classes, but they may not be the traditional classes some are used to, “Our faculty have taken the time to design face-to-face courses that provide for easy social distancing and limit the time students spend in the classroom. We feel we are prepared to bring students into a safe environment, but have everything in place to move completely online if our local health conditions deteriorate to the point where we have to shutter our college”.
UA Cossatot will have special entrances, and signs will be posted on all campuses reminding students and visitors that you must have a face mask on to be in campus buildings, and you must stay six feet away from others at all times.
Student Enrollment Options for Horatio Schools in the Fall of the 20-21 School Year
Families will have two choices for student enrollment in the fall of the 20-21 school year. Please carefully consider the information below in making your decision. For parents that are considering the virtual option, an appointment must be made with the building principal by August 3.
Summer Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:00-4:00
Gayla Youngblood, High School Principal 870-832-1900
Curtis Black, Elementary School Principal 870-832-1930
Governor Hutchinson Appoints Martinez to the Arkansas Law Enforcement Task Force
Daniel Martínez of UA Cossatot and resident of Lockesburg, Arkansas was recently appointed to the Arkansas Law Enforcement Task Force by Governor Asa Hutchinson on June 11, 2020. Daniel has been selected to represent Southwest Arkansas. He will work with other task force members throughout the state to make recommendations and suggestions to the Governor to enhance trust between law enforcement and communities.
Governor Hutchinson created this task force and selected its members to study and analyze the best practices and procedures for recruiting, training, and maintaining law enforcement officers in the state. The task force members include individuals in law enforcement, community members, and activists.
Martinez plays an active role in his community. He serves on many boards and civic organizations while also volunteering to help make a difference.
After graduating from Lockesburg High School in 2008, Daniel enrolled in college at UA Cossatot. In 2010 he graduated from UA Cossatot with an Associate of Arts degree. In 2013, he became an Administrative Officer for Tres Agaves, and in 2017 he was hired at UA Cossatot for the position of Marketing Coordinator.
Daniel has served on a three-year term as a member of the Board of Directors for the Sevier County De Queen Chamber of Commerce, serving his final year as President in 2019. He is currently in an advisory position to the board as a past president.
Martinez is a member of the De Queen Lion’s Club, and for the past two years, has been a part of the Sevier County Edge (Economic Development for Growth and Excellence) Council. He has also assisted the Sevier County Tourism Committee in the development and creation of the Sevier County tourism logo.
When asked about his new position, Daniel said, “I look forward to representing my community in Southwest Arkansas. I look forward to working with other task force members to help Arkansas Law Enforcement and its communities move forward. I also want to encourage anyone that would like to share concerns or ideas to please contact me via e-mail at dmtz.swark@gmail.com.”
Daniel will work with the Arkansas Law Enforcement Task Force for the remainder of the year to address the pressing issues and concerns that have been discussed across Arkansas and the United States. The task force will make its final recommendations to Governor Hutchinson by December 31, 2020.
Fit 4 Life with Dr Andi Reeves
This week on Fit-4-Life, Dr Andi talks about Pee Wee Boot Camp at Rehab Specialists
Baptist Health Center Needs Volunteers for Clinical Research for COVID-19 Vaccine Study
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (News release)- Baptist Health Center for Clinical Research is conducting a late-stage, Phase 3 study on a potential COVID-19 vaccine, and is recruiting volunteers to participate.
Baptist Health Center for Clinical Research announces COVID-19 vaccine study, needs volunteers
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (News release)- Baptist Health Center for Clinical Research is conducting a late-stage, Phase 3 study on a potential COVID-19 vaccine, and is recruiting volunteers to participate. Baptist Health Center for Clinical Research's involvement is part of its Arkansas COVID Vaccine Initiative. Baptist Health is the only site in the state offering this [...]
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Thursday (07.16.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Thursday, July 16, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m.. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Talk Business and Politics Survey: Most Arkansas Education Union Members Concerned About Schools Reopening
The Arkansas Education Association’s survey of members finds that a supermajority of respondents are concerned about reopening schools this fall in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The survey, released Wednesday, fielded more than 6,100 responses from members with more than 88% being from teachers. Of those teachers, roughly 44% are from the elementary level, 20% teach middle school, 27% cover high school grades, and 9% were classified as other.
Survey: Most Arkansas Education Union Members Concered About Schools Reopening
The Arkansas Education Association's survey of members finds that a supermajority of respondents are concerned about reopening schools this fall in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey, released Wednesday, fielded more than 6,100 responses from members with more than 88% being from teachers.
Red Cross Provides Antibody Testing to Blood Donors
The American Red Cross is in need of donations from donors of all blood types. This summer, the nonprofit is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies as an additional health service to their donors.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/red-cross-provides-antibody-testing-blood-donors
Red Cross Provides Antibody Testing to Blood Donors
The American Red Cross is in need of donations from donors of all blood types. This summer, the nonprofit is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies as an additional health service to their donors.