Arkansas Epidemiologist Discusses Early Plans for Vaccine Distribution

At-risk health professionals in Arkansas will be first in line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine – even if they’ve already had the virus – while members of the broad general public might not start being vaccinated until April, according to state plans still being developed.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Jennifer Dillaha said in an interview Dec. 1 that frontline medical professionals who work with COVID-19 patients will be among those who receive the first vaccinations, which are expected to arrive this month. The vaccines will be administered to those individuals even if they have already recovered from COVID-19 because they are at higher risk and can be reinfected.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/12/arkansas-epidemiologist-discusses-early-plans-for-vaccine-distribution/

Arkansas epidemiologist discusses early plans for vaccine distribution - Talk Business & Politics

At-risk health professionals in Arkansas will be first in line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine - even if they've already had the virus - while members of the broad general public might not start being vaccinated until April, according to state plans still being developed. State Epidemiologist Dr. Jennifer Dillaha said in an interview Dec.

Efforts Underway To Help Arkansas Hospitals, Public Schools Amid Rising COVID Cases

With hospitalizations continuing to set new daily records, Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday discussed changes to the state’s trauma system to coordinate COVID-19 care, and efforts to expedite bringing teachers into the state’s beleaguered public schools.

The recent spikes in new known COVID-19 cases has put pressure on Arkansas hospitals. Between Nov. 2 and Nov. 30, total cases rose by 38.5%, deaths rose by 26%, known active cases were up 56%, hospitalizations rose by 54.5%, and ventilator use rose by 69%. Hospitalizations reached another daily record Tuesday of 1,074, up 11 from Monday, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). And of the 1,147 ICU beds statewide, only 72 were available, according to the ADH.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/efforts-underway-help-arkansas-hospitals-public-schools-amid-rising-covid-cases

Efforts Underway To Help Arkansas Hospitals, Public Schools Amid Rising COVID Cases

With hospitalizations continuing to set new daily records, Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday discussed changes to the state's trauma system to coordinate COVID-19 care, and efforts to expedite bringing teachers into the state's beleaguered public schools. The recent spikes in new known COVID-19 cases has put pressure on Arkansas hospitals.

Dicamba Debate Could Impact Crop Planning For 2021

The debate over the use of dicamba use continues to rage throughout the country and in the courtroom and it will soon affect crop planning for 2021.

The broad-spectrum herbicide, which was first developed and registered in the late 1960s, has been the foundation of several marketed weed control measures and, more recently, genetically modified seed technologies.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/dicamba-debate-could-impact-crop-planning-2021

Dicamba Debate Could Impact Crop Planning For 2021

The debate over the use of dicamba use continues to rage throughout the country and in the courtroom and it will soon affect crop planning for 2021. The broad-spectrum herbicide, which was first developed and registered in the late 1960s, has been the foundation of several marketed weed control measures and, more recently, genetically modified seed technologies.

Arkansas’ Gross Tax Revenue Up Almost 12% For The Fiscal Year

Gains in retail and vehicle sales, along with a shift in individual income tax payments, continue to show up in Arkansas tax revenue that beats estimates. For the first five fiscal months (July-November), gross revenue is up almost 12% compared with the same period in 2019.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration reported Wednesday that gross revenue for fiscal year-to-date is $3.092 billion, up 11.9% compared with the same period in 2019 and up 11% over the budget forecast.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-gross-tax-revenue-almost-12-fiscal-year

Arkansas' Gross Tax Revenue Up Almost 12% For The Fiscal Year

Gains in retail and vehicle sales, along with a shift in individual income tax payments, continue to show up in Arkansas tax revenue that beats estimates. For the first five fiscal months (July-November), gross revenue is up almost 12% compared with the same period in 2019.

Arkansas Health Secretary Updates Legislators on COVID-19 Vaccine EUA, Distribution

Arkansas Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero, who is also the chair of the CDC's national Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, went before state legislators Monday to discuss the latest developments in the race to distribute the first of what are likely to be several COVID-19 vaccines. To watch the full Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee meeting, click here.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-health-secretary-updates-legislators-covid-19-vaccine-eua-distribution

Arkansas Health Secretary Updates Legislators on COVID-19 Vaccine EUA, Distribution

Arkansas Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero, who is also the chair of the CDC's national Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, went before state legislators Monday to discuss the latest developments in the race to distribute the first of what are likely to be several COVID-19 vaccines.

Arkansas's COVID-19 Hospitalizations, Cases Set Records in November

COVID-19 cases and deaths rose significantly in Arkansas during the month of November. According to reporters from ArkansasCOVID.com, the top 10 days with the most new cases were all reported in November. More than 45,000 total cases were reported that months alone, which is a 63 percent increase over October.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansass-covid-19-hospitalizations-cases-set-records-november

Arkansas's COVID-19 Hospitalizations, Cases Set Records in November

COVID-19 cases and deaths rose significantly in Arkansas during the month of November. According to reporters from ArkansasCOVID.com, the top 10 days with the most new cases were all reported in November. More than 45,000 total cases were reported that months alone, which is a 63 percent increase over October.

Thursday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,751
Confirmed Cases: 1,422
Probable Cases: 329
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 39

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 841
Confirmed Cases: 670
Probable Cases: 171
Total Active Cases: 48
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 31

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 656
Confirmed Cases: 554
Probable Cases: 102
Total Active Cases: 35
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 849
Confirmed Cases: 786
Probable Cases: 63
Total Active Cases: 148
Active Confirmed Cases: 139
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 397
Confirmed Cases: 358
Probable Cases: 39
Total Active Cases: 34
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 6

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

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,212 new cases; 16,378 active cases; 1,088 hospitalized, which is up 14 from Tuesday; 186 on ventilators, which is down 9 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 10, for a total of 2,522; a total of 161,521 cases; 125,975 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,095; antigen tests, 2,764.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 258; Benton, 166; Washington, 158; Craighead, 119; and Faulkner, 84.

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

“I expected the return to higher case numbers today, and all indications are that the number will continue to be high through the week. With COVID-19 virus in every area of the state (and nation), we need to double our efforts to follow public health guidelines.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Tri-County Regional Library Board of Trustees Meeting moved to December 8th

The Tri-County Regional Library System Board meeting postponed in November has been rescheduled for Tuesday, December 8th at 5 pm at the Sevier County Library-De Queen location.

Marilyn B. Archer, MLS

Director

Tri-County Regional Library System

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

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,736
Confirmed Cases: 1,417
Probable Cases: 319
Total Active Cases: 72
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 37

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 836
Confirmed Cases: 668
Probable Cases: 168
Total Active Cases: 51
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 28

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 651
Confirmed Cases: 552
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 830
Confirmed Cases: 767
Probable Cases: 63
Total Active Cases: 149
Active Confirmed Cases: 138
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 651
Confirmed Cases: 552
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 5

LIVE VIDEO: CARES Act Steering Committee Meeting Wednesday (12.02.20) 3:30PM

The CARES Act Steering Committee, created by Governor Asa Hutchinson to recommend the best use of federal COVID-19 aid, meets virtually at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 2, 2020.

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (12.01.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

Pesticide Applicator Training in Sevier County

County Extension Agent, Rex Herring will conduct two Private Applicator Training (PAT) sessions on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 1:30 and 5:00 pm at the Adams Building on UA Cossatot College Campus in De Queen.

Anyone whose PAT license has expired or those who do not have a license and need to be certified to purchase restricted products for farm or ranch use should attend one of the meetings.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, you do need to pre-register to attend. Class size is limited to nine participants so we cannot take walk-ins. Please wear a mask and follow all social distancing guidelines. For more information or to register for a class, call Dana at (870) 582-3056

Giving Tuesday at UA Cossatot is December 1st

Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday!

Giving to the UA Cossatot Foundation on #GivingTuesday can help local college students earn a college degree.

Please consider making a donation at https://www.cccua.edu/ua-cossatot-foundation/events/giving-tuesday or text Cossatot to 41444.

Virtual Graduation Ceremony at UA Cossatot

The college feels it is safest for our graduates, their families, and our staff to cancel the face-to-face graduation ceremonies scheduled for this fall (Dec 5 for medical and Dec 11 for other programs). We will be streaming a virtual ceremony on December 18th. Graduates should reach out to Ashley Aylett via email aaylett@cccua.edu or text 870-584-1125 for details ASAP. Information will be available on our website at https://www.cccua.edu/student-life/graduation-information

Dr. Ashley Aylett

Vice Chancellor for Academics

Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,707
Confirmed Cases: 1,402
Probable Cases: 305
Total Active Cases: 68
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 33

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 801
Confirmed Cases: 659
Probable Cases: 142
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 18

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 641
Confirmed Cases: 545
Probable Cases: 96
Total Active Cases: 43
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 789
Confirmed Cases: 728
Probable Cases: 61
Total Active Cases: 140
Active Confirmed Cases: 129
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 370
Confirmed Cases: 338
Probable Cases: 32
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Hospitalizations and Patients on Ventilators Reach New Daily Records

COVID-19 hospitalizations and ventilations hit new record highs, and the number of school districts with high community infection rates jumped from 88 to 117. Arkansas’ former Surgeon General said the state is moving “into a bad place” with respect to COVID spread.

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) on Wednesday (Nov. 25) reported a rise of 40 COVID hospitalizations, pushing the total to a record of 1,028. COVID patients on ventilators rose by 31 to a record 190. Total cumulative confirmed and probable cases rose by 1,965 to 150,277, and confirmed and probable deaths rose by 20 to 2,425.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/11/covid-19-hospitalizations-and-patients-on-ventilators-reach-new-daily-records/

COVID-19 hospitalizations and patients on ventilators reach new daily records - Talk Business & Politics

COVID-19 hospitalizations and ventilations hit new record highs, and the number of school districts with high community infection rates jumped from 88 to 117. Arkansas' former Surgeon General said the state is moving "into a bad place" with respect to COVID spread. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) on Wednesday (Nov.

Sunday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,704
Confirmed Cases: 1,401
Probable Cases: 303
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 35

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 800
Confirmed Cases: 658
Probable Cases: 142
Total Active Cases: 46
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 20

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 640
Confirmed Cases: 541
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 46
Active Confirmed Cases: 40
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 776
Confirmed Cases: 714
Probable Cases: 62
Total Active Cases: 140
Active Confirmed Cases: 127
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 368
Confirmed Cases: 336
Probable Cases: 32
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 6

Saturday's COVID-19 Maps and Numbers from the Arkansas Department of Health

Governor Hutchinson Provides Today’s COVID-19 Update

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

In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,052 new cases; 16,908 active cases; 1,011 hospitalized, which is up 8 from Thursday; 192 on ventilators, which is up 23 from Thursday; no deaths added today, for a total of 2,436; a total of 153,677 cases; 119,558 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,330; antigen tests, 355.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 133; Washington, 68; Pulaski, 65; Craighead, 64; and Saline, 41.

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

“As expected, we saw a decrease in testing yesterday, leading to a decrease in new cases compared to last week. The extent to which efforts were taken to help slow the spread this week will become evident in the weeks to come as we get back to a normal level of testing. Continue to protect yourself, your friends, and your family this weekend."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,700
Confirmed Cases: 1,397
Probable Cases: 303
Total Active Cases: 77
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 38

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 795
Confirmed Cases: 656
Probable Cases: 139
Total Active Cases: 51
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 640
Confirmed Cases: 541
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 50
Active Confirmed Cases: 43
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 772
Confirmed Cases: 711
Probable Cases: 61
Total Active Cases: 152
Active Confirmed Cases: 138
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 366
Confirmed Cases: 335
Probable Cases: 31
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 5

De Queen Lions Contribute to Local Food Pantries

De Queen Lions Club contributed $2,000 to Thanksgiving dinners, food pantries and food distributions this Thanksgiving holiday. The Lions gave $500 checks to Friendship Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, De Queen Church of Christ and the Chalice Cupboard this year to help feed the hungry.

Chris Burke, representing Friendship Baptist Church of De Queen, received a $500 check from De Queen Lions to help with the church’s Thanksgiving Dinner distribution.

Lion Ray Wilson from First Baptist Church of De Queen received a $500 check for the FBC Food Closet from De Queen Lions Club President, Scott Simmons.

Lion Gary "Stoney" Walker of the Chalice Food Cupboard in De Queen received $500 from De Queen Lions to help with turkeys and other food purchases for the cupboard.

UA Professor Seeks To Understand Obstacle To Organic Farming In The South

A research project by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is hoping to understand why more farmers in the south don't produce organic crops. Professor Michael Popp from the Fayetteville campus designed a survey to collect information about types of crops and obstacles to organic farming in the region.

"There are weed control issues. There are production method issues. There's uncertainty about price premiums [farmers] can attain," Popp said. "There are worries about whether those premiums would erode if you produce too much organic food."

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/ua-professor-seeks-understand-obstacle-organic-farming-south

UA Professor Seeks To Understand Obstacle To Organic Farming In The South

A research project by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is hoping to understand why more farmers in the south don't produce organic crops. Professor Michael Popp from the Fayetteville campus designed a survey to collect information about types of crops and obstacles to organic farming in the region.