Arkansas News

Arkansas Among States Leading in Human Rights for Kids

Arkansas State Sen. Greg Leding is a founding board member of the national nonprofit organization, Human Rights for Kids, which works to protect both native and immigrant children from abuse, injustice and exploitation. Leding discusses successful bipartisan legislative efforts in Arkansas to protect children at risk, which ranks the state among the top three in the nation.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-among-states-leading-human-rights-kids

Arkansas Among States Leading in Human Rights for Kids

Arkansas State Sen. Greg Leding is a founding board member of the national nonprofit organization, Human Rights for Kids, which works to protect both native and immigrant children from abuse, injustice and exploitation. Leding discusses successful bipartisan legislative efforts in Arkansas to protect children at risk, which ranks the state among the top three in the nation.

Sunday's COVID-19 Update

 
 
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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,497
Confirmed Cases: 1,301
Probable Cases: 196
Total Active Cases: 118
Active Confirmed Cases: 48
Active Probable Cases: 70

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 676
Confirmed Cases: 586
Probable Cases: 90
Total Active Cases: 75
Active Confirmed Cases: 49
Active Probable Cases: 26

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 515
Confirmed Cases: 454
Probable Cases: 61
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 431
Confirmed Cases: 401
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 68
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 21

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 288
Confirmed Cases: 274
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 17
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 2

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Going Above and Beyond for Foster Children

LITTLE ROCK – November is National Adoption Month in Arkansas, and November 21st is National Adoption Day. Today I’d like to share the story of an amazing employee of the Division of Children and Family Services, which is a part of our state Department of Human Services, or DHS. This employee is typical of the hundreds of DHS employees who care for our most vulnerable children all over Arkansas.

But first, let me start with some good news on our state foster-care and adoption programs. During the last fiscal year, Children and Family Services finalized 872 adoptions, and thirty-six percent of those children went to live with relatives. Of the over 4,300 children in foster care, fifty-five percent were in the system less than a year. Eighty-four percent of the children statewide received a face-to-face monthly visit from a caseworker, and ninety-three percent of those children met face-to-face with a staff member, even those who aren’t a caseworker.

And now to the story.

Ewonda Baker, a twenty-seven-year program assistant for the agency, is one of those employees whose concern for the children extends beyond her duties.

Ewonda was helping to look after two boys – one six and the other eleven. She took the younger boy to school every day. On October 12th, she arrived as usual at 6:45 at the foster home. When the boys didn’t come out, she called the foster mother, only to learn she was in the hospital with COVID-19; the boys were quarantining with the foster father.

The next morning, Ewonda called to check on the foster mother, and learned that the foster father was now sick and likely needed to be hospitalized. Ewonda volunteered to care for the boys until Family Services could find a place for them. She put on her mask, shield, gloves, and rolled down the windows in her van. The boys climbed into the back seat, and she drove to a testing site. Guess what, both boys tested positive. As Family Services staff searched for a placement to take the boys temporarily, Ewonda stayed in the vehicle with the boys for hours.

When Family Services couldn’t find a family that could take the boys, Ewonda volunteered. She already had been with the boys. Family Services accepted Ewonda’s offer and sent the trio to a quarantine house in Searcy that one of the Division’s partners, Methodist Family Health, provided. Ewonda, who has five grown children, said the decision wasn’t difficult. Someone had to take care of the kids.

They were the only occupants of the fully furnished quarantine house. For fourteen days, Ewonda checked the boys’ temperature twice a day and helped them stay on track with their schoolwork. They never developed symptoms. The boys, who aren’t brothers, have been placed with other families. The foster father remains in the hospital but is improving.

Health Department guidelines required Ewonda to quarantine for another fourteen days. She can return to work after November 6. She is also back at home with her husband, Brian, who is pastor of St. Mark Community Church in Jacksonville.

Ewonda says her job is more than a job. It’s a ministry. “These kids are more than a file folder,” she says. “These are people who need our help, our love, and compassion.”

Thank you, Ewonda, and all the other employees of DHS who have chosen to help other Arkansans, often at great inconvenience and sometimes at the risk to their own health. I am always amazed by stories such as Ewonda’s but never surprised. That’s who Arkansans are. Many of you have accepted the call to foster or adopt children. Because of you, our foster children have a better life now and a bright future.

Friday COVID-19 Arkansas Health Department Update

 

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,478
Confirmed Cases: 1,291
Probable Cases: 187
Total Active Cases: 114
Active Confirmed Cases: 46
Active Probable Cases: 68

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 658
Confirmed Cases: 576
Probable Cases: 82
Total Active Cases: 65
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 18

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 507
Confirmed Cases: 449
Probable Cases: 58
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 410
Confirmed Cases: 383
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 53
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 287
Confirmed Cases: 273
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1

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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,548 new cases; 10,493 active cases; 667 hospitalized, which is up 25 from Wednesday; 103 on ventilators, which is down 8 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 11, for a total of 2,037; a total of 117,360 cases; 97,276 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,450; antigen tests, 1,728.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 139; Benton, 133; Washington, 92; Sebastian, 79; and Craighead, 67.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"Today's significant increase in new cases shows that we have the virus in all our communities. Our increase in hospitalizations breaks the recent trend of smaller numbers. The coming weeks are critical, and we must be diligent, intentional, and not be careless."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

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UA Cossatot Will Recognize Veterans in November

From November 9th through November 13th, UA Cossatot will be holding Veterans Week at the college to recognize veterans who have served their country. Veterans Week at UA Cossatot will include Veterans Week Profiles of Service videos will be featured on Ed 88's Facebook page all week long.

UA Cossatot's annual Veterans Day Breakfast was canceled this year due to COVID-19, but UA Cossatot wishes to honor all veterans and thank them for their sacrifice.

The College Relations department at UA Cossatot has made a video of Veterans from our local American Legion Post 54 as well as members of our faculty and staff and we are excited to spotlight individual interviews.

For any questions about Veterans Week at UA Cossatot, please contact UA Cossatot's Director of Institutional Research and Assessment Tommi Cobb at tcobb@cccua.edu or 870-584-1158

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Joyce Elliott Concedes, Calls For Every Vote In District To Be Counted

The Democratic candidate for Arkansas’ 2nd Congressional District has officially conceded the race, but also called for the counting of each absentee ballot in the district.

Arkansas State Sen. Joyce Elliott lost to incumbent congressman French Hill by around 10%, which amounted to around 30,000 votes. The race had been the closest congressional race in the state, and Democrats’ best change at flipping a seat. Polling showed less that one percentage point separating Elliott and Hill up to Election Day.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/joyce-elliott-concedes-race-ar-02-calls-every-vote-district-be-counted

Joyce Elliott Concedes In Race For AR-02, Calls For Every Vote In District To Be Counted

The Democratic candidate for Arkansas' 2nd Congressional District has officially conceded the race, but also called for the counting of each absentee ballot in the district. Arkansas State Sen. Joyce Elliott lost to incumbent congressman French Hill by around 10%, which amounted to around 30,000 votes.

Killing Cancer Cells

Hudson Beyzavi, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, discusses his work developing a drug candidate that kills triple negative breast cancer cells.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/killing-cancer-cells

Killing Cancer Cells

Hudson Beyzavi, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, discusses his work developing a drug candidate that kills triple

Thursday COVID-19 Update

 
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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,458
Confirmed Cases: 1,283
Probable Cases: 175
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 58

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 631
Confirmed Cases: 561
Probable Cases: 70
Total Active Cases: 45
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 502
Confirmed Cases: 447
Probable Cases: 55
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 394
Confirmed Cases: 373
Probable Cases: 21
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County

Total Cumulative Cases: 281
Confirmed Cases: 269
Probable Cases: 12

Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 1

Hospital Association Director Says Some Arkansas Hospitals 'Stretched Thin'

The continued rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations has some hospitals "stretched thin," with a shortage of healthcare workers more of a concern than hospital bed availability, according to Bo Ryall, president and CEO of the Arkansas Hospital Association.

Ryall, speaking Tuesday (Nov. 3) during Gov. Asa Hutchinson's weekly COVID briefing, said hospital systems in northeast and central Arkansas are especially "tight." He said the latest statewide numbers show that 10% of all occupied beds in Arkansas hospitals have COVID patients, 26% of intensive care beds have COVID patients, and 31% of ventilators in use are with COVID patients. Ryall said those percentages are some of the "highest numbers" in the key metrics.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/hospital-association-director-says-some-arkansas-hospitals-stretched-thin

Hospital Association Director Says Some Arkansas Hospitals 'Stretched Thin'

The continued rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations has some hospitals "stretched thin," with a shortage of healthcare workers more of a concern than hospital bed availability, according to Bo Ryall, president and CEO of the Arkansas Hospital Association. Ryall, speaking Tuesday (Nov. 3) during Gov.

Wednesday COVID-19 Maps and Numbers Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,436
Confirmed Cases: 1,280
Probable Cases: 156
Total Active Cases: 90
Active Confirmed Cases: 43
Active Probable Cases: 47

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 628
Confirmed Cases: 560
Probable Cases: 68
Total Active Cases: 47
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 491
Confirmed Cases: 442
Probable Cases: 49
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 385
Confirmed Cases: 368
Probable Cases: 17
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 278
Confirmed Cases: 266
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 2

 
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Tri-County Regional Library System Board Meeting Tuesday, November 10th

The Tri-County Regional Library System Board will meet for their quarterly meeting on Tuesday, November 10 at 5 p.m. at the Sevier County Library, De Queen, AR branch.

Marilyn B. Archer, MLS

Director

Tri-County Regional Library System

Serving 11 Public Libraries in Howard, Little River and Sevier Counties in Southwest Arkansas

Sevier County Water Association Needing Operator/Service Technician

Sevier County Water Association will be accepting applications for operator/service technician until filled. Great benefit package offered. 401k retirement plan, 75% employer paid health insurance, and paid sick time and vacation time. Water Treatment and Distribution license grade II preferred but not required for hire but will be required in 12 months of hire. Salary depending upon experience. Must be able to pass a drug test.

The applications may be picked up at 479 De Queen Lake Rd. during office hours 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Equal Opportunity Employer

2021 Regular Session Committee Selection

This year, returning House members and members-elect will make their committee selection for the 2021 Regular Session just days after the election.

A House caucus has been scheduled for November 6. During the caucus, newly elected members will draw for seniority and all members will select their seats for the 93rd General Assembly. After seat selection, the committee selection process will begin.

The vast majority of legislation considered during a legislative session begins in a standing committee.

There are 10 standing committees in the House. These include 5 class “A” committees and 5 class “B” committees.

Each member serves on 1 “A” committee and 1 “B” committee.

Class “A” committees include:

• Education

• Judiciary

• Public Health, Welfare and Labor

• Public Transportation

• Revenue and Taxation

Class “B” Committees include:

• Aging, Children and Youth,

Legislative and Military Affairs

• Agriculture, Forestry and

Economic Development

• City, County and Local Affairs

• Insurance and Commerce

• State Agencies and

GovernmentaAffairs

Each standing committee consist of 20 members which include 5 members from each of the 4 House district caucuses.

Pursuant to a House Rule adopted by the 92nd General Assembly, the most senior member of the House of Representatives will select first and will choose a position on a Class “A” standing committee. The seniority rotation procedure will continue until the member with the least seniority makes his or her selection. After the member with the least seniority makes his or her Class “A” standing committee selection, the most senior member will select his or her Class “B” standing committee. The seniority rotation will continue until the member with the least seniority selects his or her Class “B” standing committee.

Selection for the House Budget Committee, Arkansas Legislative Council, and Legislative Joint Auditing will take place after standing committee selection.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Sevier County's New Hospital to Take Place this Friday, November 6th

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sevier County Medical Center (SCMC) will be held November 6th, 2020, at 11:00 A.M. in De Queen, Arkansas. The ceremony is open to the public and will include speakers from the SCMC board of governors, the SCMC foundation board, plus state and local leaders.

The event will take place at the site of the new hospital at the corner of Hwy 71 and Lee Lane, 3.8 miles north of De Queen. "Coming Soon" signs will be displayed at the site location. Everyone is invited to join the celebration on November 6th as the official start of construction begins.

All press, local radio, and media are invited to the groundbreaking ceremony. Handout programs will be available at the ceremony as well.

Dr. Steve Cole, Chair of the SCMC Board of Governors, said, "This had been a long time in the making, but a new day in health care for Sevier County comes on November 6th. Every single resident of Sevier County that helped vote in the sales tax to make this dream come true gets credit for making this a reality. Sevier County deserves the very best in hospital services and the Board of Governors is dedicated to ensure this happens. SCMC will create over 100 local high-paying jobs and we all have a hospital just minutes away, truly a great time to live in Sevier County."

The Sevier County Medical Center is scheduled to open in spring of 2022. For more information about the groundbreaking ceremony, please contact Sevier County Economic Development Director Tiffany Maurer at 870-584-1184 or tmaurer@cccua.edu.