Griffin To Exit Arkansas Governor's Race, Will Seek Attorney General Post

By ROBY BROCK / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

The field for Arkansas governor just got smaller. Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin, R-Ark., announced Monday (Feb. 8) he would no longer seek the state’s top executive post and instead will run for Attorney General.

In a Monday morning announcement, Griffin said, “Since announcing my campaign for governor last year, I’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible support I have received from all corners of the state. While I believe Arkansans are ready for my message of bold, conservative leadership, my conversations with friends and supporters have persuaded me that at this time, I can do more for Arkansas in a different capacity. I have prayed about this decision with my family and I have listened.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/griffin-exit-arkansas-governors-race-will-seek-attorney-general-post

CREDIT FOX16.COM

Legislators Pass Bill Requiring Women Call Resource Hotline Before an Abortion

By ZUZANNA SITEK

A bill that requires the Arkansas Department of Health to set up a hotline program for women seeking an abortion by 2023 passed both the Arkansas House and Senate last week. The Every Mom Matters Act, or EMMA, will require women to call a hotline that will be staffed with care agents contracted out by ADH, who will provide information about resources, both public and private, that the bill's sponsors say may lead to fewer abortions.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/legislators-pass-bill-requiring-women-call-resource-hotline-abortion

Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

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

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 637 new cases; 15,320 active cases; 777 hospitalized, which is down 4 from Sunday; 142 on ventilators, which is up 16 from Sunday; deaths added today, 30, for a total of 5,106; a total of 307,373 cases; 229,290 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,139; antigen tests, 573.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 125; Benton, 52; Garland, 45; Lonoke, 36; and Sebastian, 33.

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

"Today's report shows nearly half as many new cases as last Monday. This, as well as almost 90,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered last week, provides us with hope as we continue to fight this pandemic. Our united efforts as a state will help to get past this, but it takes everyone working together."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,464
Confirmed Cases: 1,701
Probable Cases: 763
Total Active Cases: 115
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 77

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,445
Confirmed Cases: 963
Probable Cases: 482
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 60

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,086
Confirmed Cases: 833
Probable Cases: 253
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,769
Confirmed Cases: 1,528
Probable Cases: 241
Total Active Cases: 103
Active Confirmed Cases: 75
Active Probable Cases: 28

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 913
Confirmed Cases: 708
Probable Cases: 205
Total Active Cases: 28
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 9

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Giving Youth in Our Care a Chance at a Better Life

LITTLE ROCK – In the past six years, much has changed in the way we treat young people in state custody, and today I’d like to talk about the ways we have reformed juvenile justice.

After I was elected and before I took office, I made a surprise visit to the Alexander Juvenile Treatment Center to make it clear that I intended to protect the youth in the custody of our state. In 2016, after continued reports of violence and poor management of the system, the state took over operation of Arkansas’s seven youth treatment centers.

In January of 2018, I made another surprise visit to the treatment center in Dermott. I wanted to remind leaders once again that I am serious about the way we treat our youthful offenders.

In 2019, with the support of legislation by the 92nd General Assembly, we improved the system dramatically. In fact, the Division of Youth Services reported this week that the number of youth commitments to state custody has decreased from 534 down to 297, a 44 percent drop.

In my administration, we have stressed the need to provide educational opportunities for our children and teens who are in the detention system. Our system is meant to rehabilitate young people, not to punish them.

For our youth to successfully reenter society, they need to continue their education, learn social skills, and learn about trades and careers. We want to give them every opportunity to escape the cycle of violence, abuse, and incarceration that many of them have known throughout their young life.

To ensure that we are giving them the best chance we can, we assess each youth and base the treatment program on the needs we discover in the assessment. This will highlight for the judge and the probation officers the issues that led the youth to this point in life and reduce the risk that he or she will re-offend.

At the end of 2020, Judge Wiley Branton Jr., a juvenile court judge, retired after twenty-seven years on the bench. 

In an interview with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette upon his retirement, he said that juvenile judges “have the responsibility of fixing broken people ... fixing families that have issues … trying to turn (young people) around into constructive citizens.”

Judge Branton’s motto was “there are no throwaway people.”

Judge Tjuana Byrd, who was elected last year, is one month into her career as a juvenile judge. Her words echo Judge Branton’s philosophy and fit with the approach my administration has pursued in reforming juvenile justice.  She says that diverting a first-time nonviolent offender sometimes is better than court and detention. She said, “Sometimes a kiddo doesn't need to see a judge at all. Sometimes they just need redirection. … When they do come before the court, we have tools that help us decide what services are actually best for the children and their families. … When a child comes into the system, it might be the last chance to get a kid and the family on the right track.”

Judge Branton, Judge Byrd, and a host of other judges such as Troy Braswell, have contributed to the reform of our juvenile justice system. These judges and the experts in the Division of Youth Services have the wisdom and compassion to pursue the best course for our youth who are in trouble. Their work offers our youth a chance at a better life.

Friday COVID-19 Arkansas Health Department Update

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 Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,469 new cases; 16,992 active cases; 815 hospitalized, which is down 69 from Wednesday; 145 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 24, for a total of 5,009; a total of 302,899 cases; 225,114 recoveries; PCR tests, 12,782; antigen tests, 2,068.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 349; Garland, 203; Benton, 178; Washington, 154; and Faulkner, 124.

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

"The best news today is that our hospitalizations decreased by 69, but it is disappointing that our deaths because of COVID-19 have now exceeded 5,000 Arkansans. Our heart goes out to those families who have lost loved ones. All of this is a reminder that our actions make a difference."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,418
Confirmed Cases: 1,684
Probable Cases: 734
Total Active Cases: 94
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 59

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,423
Confirmed Cases: 957
Probable Cases: 466
Total Active Cases: 108
Active Confirmed Cases: 51
Active Probable Cases: 57

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,069
Confirmed Cases: 821
Probable Cases: 248
Total Active Cases: 45
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,738
Confirmed Cases: 1,510
Probable Cases: 228
Total Active Cases: 102
Active Confirmed Cases: 83
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 900
Confirmed Cases: 700
Probable Cases: 200
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 6

Daily Legislative Report From State Representative Deann Vaught:

The House has adjourned from the 4th week of the Regular Session. The following bills were passed by the House Thursday afternoon:

** HB1315. This bill creates a state meat inspection program. The bill states that a lack of a state meat inspection program causes a significant loss of revenue generated from meat processing for this state and stifles opportunities for farmers to expand their meat processing capacity. It also states that without a state meat inspection program, it is currently prohibitively expensive for food banks to receive and distribute meat.

** HB1236-This bill states in the event of a civil disturbance or a crime in progress that requires additional law enforcement resources, the Governor may establish a system of unified command of law enforcement efforts and may designate which law enforcement agency or law enforcement agencies have primary jurisdiction on the State Capitol grounds and in the State Capitol building.

** HB1338-This bill raises the number of signatures needed for an individual to be placed on the Arkansas ballot as a candidate for President of the United States. Currently, 1,000 signatures are required. This bill raises it to 5,000.

** HB1228-This bill allows the establishment of designated entertainment districts in an area with entities authorized to sell alcoholic beverages.

** HB1124-This bill amends punitive articles of the Military Code of Arkansas concerning sexual assault and sexual contact.

The House also passed a resolution to extend the session if needed. HCR1008 provides for a recess on April 9 and an extension of the 2021 Regular Session until May 3, if necessary.

The House will convene on Monday at 1 pm.

Public Support for Southwest Arkansas Via Sales Tax Revenue

VIDEO: Sevier County Medical Board Met Thursday, 02.04.21

Sevier County Medical Center Board meeting live. On the agenda, construction update and logo unveiling.

Arkansas Surgeon General Greg Bledsoe Running for Lieutenant Governor

by Roby Brock

Arkansas Surgeon General Greg Bledsoe announced Thursday (Feb. 4) that he will seek the Republican nomination for Lt. Governor in 2022.

He has served as the state’s surgeon general since 2015 when he was appointed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Bledsoe has been one of the governor’s chief advisors through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bledsoe is an emergency room physician and earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. After a residency at UAMS, he spent five years on the faculty in the Johns Hopkins Department of Emergency Medicine.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/02/arkansas-surgeon-general-greg-bledsoe-running-for-lt-governor/

Bill Requiring Abortion-Seekers To Know About Alternatives Passes Committee

By SARAH KELLOGG

An Arkansas Senate Committee has advanced a bill that would require those seeking an abortion to know about the resources available to them in an attempt to reduce the rate of abortion in the state.

The Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor committee approved House Bill 1195, by a voice vote on Wednesday.

House Bill 1195, or the "Every Mom Matters Act," would require a person seeking an abortion to first receive a "resource access assistance offer," which according to the bill, consists of a care agent informing the person the availability of pregnancy program services, care plan coordination services as well as other services.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/bill-requiring-abortion-seekers-know-about-alternatives-passes-committee

Sen. Bob Ballinger, R-Ozark and Rep. Jim Dotson, R-Bentonville, presented the bill to the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on Wednesday.

CREDIT ARKANSAS SENATE

Razorbacks Football Schedule At War Memorial Amended; ASU Game Added in 2025

By TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS STAFF

An agreement to keep Arkansas Razorback football games at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock includes a long-awaited matchup with Arkansas State University in 2025, and two games with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

The UA has signed an amendment to an existing agreement with the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism to bring two additional Razorback football games to War Memorial in future seasons and extend the overall agreement through the 2025 season.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/razorbacks-football-schedule-war-memorial-amended-asu-game-added-2025

The Arkansas Razorbacks and the ASU Red Wolves will face off in a 2025 game as part of a new agreement for War Memorial Stadium announced Wednesday.

CREDIT WMSTADIUM.COM

Daily Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught:

On Wednesday, the House passed several pieces of legislation, including the following:

· HB1212-This bill gives the Director of the Division of Workforce Services the discretion to modify employer contributions for certain unemployment insurance claims during an emergency.

· HB1068-This bill would allow for the use of telemedicine for group therapy sessions.

· HB1101-This bill amends the number of signatures required to petition a school district board of directors to meet. HB1101 states a petition must include the signatures of either 50 qualified electors in the district or 1% of the qualified electors, whichever number is greater. Currently, the law requires only 50 signatures of qualified electors.

· HB1269-This bill allows counties to pass an ordinance to allow individuals to drive golf carts on county roads.

· HB1244-This bill authorizes DFA to issue a driver’s license or identification card without a photograph if the licensee has a religious objection to having his or her photo taken. This bill does not change requirements for voter identification.

· HB1322-This bill amends the timeline for embalming a dead body. Currently, the law states that a dead body not buried within 24 hours must be embalmed or refrigerated. HB1322 extends the timeline to 48 hours, aligning it with current rules regarding cremation.

· SB131-This bill amends the continuing eligibility for the Arkansas Concurrent Challenge Scholarship Program from a letter grade of C average to a 2.5 GPA. This makes the eligibility consistent with the requirements for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.

· SB126-This bill allows recipients of the Arkansas Governor's Distinguished Scholarship to also be eligible for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.

The House will convene at 1 pm on Thursday.

Thursday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

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 2,426 new cases; 16,533 active cases; 884 hospitalized, which is up 15 from Tuesday; 142 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 46, for a total of 4,985; a total of 300,430 cases; 223,644 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,060; antigen tests, 1,813.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 318; Garland, 185; Faulkner, 173; Benton, 172; and Washington, 154.

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

"Today's report shows an increase in new cases from last week, but we still show a decrease in active cases from last week. Our vaccination efforts continue to progress, with over 15,600 additional doses administered yesterday. We have been trending in the right direction, and we all need to wear a mask, watch our distance, and wash our hands to ensure that trend continues."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 73
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 46

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 93
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 51

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 43
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 88
Active Confirmed Cases: 72
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 5

Howard County Extension Office Offers ServSafe Manager Course

SPECIAL NEWS RELEASE

Jean A. Ince

County Extension Agent-

Staff Chair

February 2, 2021

ServSafe has been the industry standard since 1919 in training millions of people how to receive, store, prepare, and serve food safely. Through the Cooperative Extension Service, we offer training and certifications for the ServSafe Food Handler, ServSafe Manager, and ServSafe Instructor & Proctor programs. The Arkansas Department of Health is now requiring each food service facility to have at least one supervisory employee who has Certified Food Manager training.

A ServSafe Certified Food Manager Course will be offered on March 9 & 10, 2021 at the Howard County Extension Homemaker Education Center in Nashville. The center is located at 425 N. Second Street. The training will take place beginning at 8:00 a.m. on both days. The course will cost $140 for new managers and $60 for re-certifications. The course cost pays for the book and the exam. Participants who pass the exam will receive a ServSafe Food Manager Certification good for five years. All participants must pre-register and pay by March 1. Class size is limited due to Covid-19. Registration will be done on a first come, first serve basis. Once the ServSafe books are distributed, they are non-refundable.

If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact the Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517 or stop by our office located on the second floor of the courthouse in Nashville. You can also email Jean Ince at jince@uaex.edu. This workshop is open to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any

other legally protected status. Persons who require ADA accommodation, language and/or interpretation services for your ServSafe course instruction, and/or examination should notify the county Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible prior to the activity.

Arkansas ‘Stand Your Ground’ Bill Fails in House Committee; Floor Move Expected

by Marine Glisovic (msglisovic@sbgtv.com)

Following a more than three-hour long debate, members of the House Judiciary Committee voted Tuesday (Feb. 2) against SB 24 – a proposal to end the duty to retreat when using physical or deadly force.

Despite the bill failing to get out of committee, its lead sponsor, Sen. Bob Ballinger, R-Oark, said he’s “confident it becomes law.”

The House co-sponsor of the bill, Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Clarksville, said he plans to ask the full House to extract the bill out of committee as early as Wednesday, potentially bringing it to a vote on the House floor.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/02/arkansas-stand-your-ground-bill-fails-in-house-committee-floor-move-expected/

Report: Heartland Region Poised for Industrial Resurgence as Firms Consider Reshoring

by Talk Business & Politics staff

A new report Wednesday (Feb. 3) from Bentonville think tank Heartland Forward highlights the need for a bipartisan strategy to bring manufacturers back to the U.S.

The new research, “Reshoring America: Can the Heartland Lead the Way?,” says the nation’s Heartland region can play a significant role in the country’s industrial comeback driven by reshoring, the return of manufacturing centers to the U.S. from abroad.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/02/report-heartland-region-poised-for-industrial-resurgence-as-firms-consider-reshoring/

Arkansas’ Net Available Tax Revenue Surplus Tops $400 Million

By TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS STAFF

Arkansas’ tax revenue picture continues to be impressive, with gross revenue for the first seven fiscal months (July-January) up almost 10% compared with the same period in 2019-2020. January revenue was up more than 20% above forecast.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration reported Tuesday that gross revenue for fiscal year-to-date is $4.419 billion, up 9.7% compared with the same period in 2019-2020 and up 12.1% over the budget forecast. Tuesday’s report also showed a fiscal year-to-date revenue surplus – “net available revenue” collected beyond what was estimated – of $421.8 million.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-net-available-tax-revenue-surplus-tops-400-million

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration reports the state took in $635.8 in net available general revenues in January.

CREDIT KUAR NEWS

Arkansas To Receive More Vaccines; Dr. Romero Warns Of Virus Variants

By MICHAEL TILLEY/ TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Tuesday the state will receive a 5% increase in vaccines delivered, which is on top of the 16% increase announced last week. He also said Walmart will receive 10,000 doses beginning Feb. 11 to be distributed at more than 60 stores in the state.

In addition to an increased vaccine supply from the federal government, Gov. Hutchinson also said Tuesday during his weekly COVID-19 briefing he will not extend beyond Feb. 3 the 11 p.m. required closing of bars.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-receive-more-vaccines-dr-romero-warns-virus-variants

Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Health Secretary Dr. José Romero and other state officials enter the governor's conference room at the state Capitol for Tuesday's coronavirus press conference.

CREDIT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE / YOUTUBE

Data Suggests Arkansas Nearing End of Third Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic

By ANTOINETTE GRAJEDA

January was full of record-breaking days in terms of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. However, those numbers started to decrease by the end of the month, a possible indication the state has turned a corner in its battle against the coronavirus. We take a look back at pandemic trends during January in our monthly conversation with the assistant editors of the Arkansas COVID website.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/data-suggests-arkansas-nearing-end-third-wave-covid-19-pandemic

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 51
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 29

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 49

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 86
Active Confirmed Cases: 75
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 6