Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide a briefing to media at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 14, 2021.
AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | A Thousand Deep: Reflections of 9/11
LITTLE ROCK – On September 11, 2001, I had just taken charge as administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. For today’s weekly address, we are offering a shortened version of A Thousand Deep: Asa Hutchinson Remembers 9.11 which is a video with my reflections about the day of the 9/11 attacks and the valor of America's response.
***
On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was strapped into a National Guard plane that lifted off into an empty sky from the Albuquerque airport. The scene was the same around the nation. Within hours after a 33-year-old Egyptian terrorist crashed a Boeing 767 into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, the FAA had stopped all air travel over the United States.
At 7 that morning, I was preparing to leave my hotel in Albuquerque when I heard the first report that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. Only a month earlier, on the nomination of President George W. Bush, I had taken the job as administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration. I had traveled to New Mexico for a public debate with Governor Gary Johnson about drug policy.
My staff and members of my security team understood quickly that we wouldn’t be returning to Washington on a commercial flight. We went to the Albuquerque DEA office. We sent out word to all of the field divisions to work their informants for any hint of a further attack.
By the time we had secured a National Guard plane and pilot to take us to Washington, 29-year-old Arkansan Sara Low was already among the victims. Sara, a native of Batesville, was an attendant on Flight 11, the first plane to crash into the World Trade Center. Malissa White-Higgins, born and raised in Bald Knob, Arkansas, worked in human resources for Marsh & McLennan on the 99th floor of the North Tower. She died after the plane struck.
***
We evacuated the DEA offices in Washington, which were directly across the street from the Pentagon. Several DEA employees had seen American Airlines Flight 77 crash into the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m., nearly an hour after the first crash.
Navy Operations Specialist Second Class Nehamon Lyons, the third Arkansan to die on 9/11, was killed in the assault on the Pentagon. He was born in Pine Bluff in March 1971. He was 30.
***
As our plane entered Washington airspace that evening, a fighter jet accompanied us to a military facility. At the smoke-filled DEA headquarters, I gathered with my executive staff. I had been on the job for a little over a month, and my job was changing dramatically. The DEA was pivoting from the war on drugs to the war on terrorism. Our agents across the country were watching for any tip about another attack.
I went home about midnight.
***
A week or so after the attack, Attorney General John Ashcroft called a meeting of the Justice Department in the Justice Department Command Center. Attorney General Ashcroft said: “I’ve just been told by the President of the United States, ‘Don’t let this happen again.’ I’ve got to expect more from each of you. You’ve got to expect more from all of your people. You’ve got to work longer hours. You’ve got to work harder. We’ve got to do everything we can to make sure there is not another attack. We’ve got to change from prosecution to prevention. If you are not willing to carry out that responsibility, say so now, and get up and walk out.”
***
The terrorists and their sponsors hoped to destroy the United States. Although they killed nearly 3,000 people, our enemies learned that they had mistaken America’s kindness, generosity, and compassion for weakness. In the same way that many of our enemies before them have underestimated our strength, the attackers mistakenly believed that they could deliver a sharp blow, and America would falter.
The terrorists did, indeed, strike a grievous blow. But as the world knows, their mission failed. Utterly and completely.
***
The 9/11 attack brought out the best in Americans, from our next-door neighbors, first responders, elected officials, and law enforcement at all levels. Twenty years later, I am still amazed, but not surprised, at the dedication of DEA employees.
As the administration and the FAA talked about how to get our planes flying again, we knew we needed to enlarge our Air Marshal Program. I sent out a directive to DEA employees asking for volunteers to work as a sky marshal. We needed a hundred.
We got four hundred.
DEA employees lined up – a thousand deep. That’s a powerful message and a forceful discouragement to our enemies. When America is called to stand against evil, we will line up on the front lines a thousand deep.
UAMS Research Team Finds Potential Cause of COVID-19 ‘Long-haulers’
By David Robinson
Sept. 9, 2021 | LITTLE ROCK — A UAMS research team has identified a potential cause of long-lasting symptoms experienced by COVID-19 patients, often referred to as long-haulers. The findings were published in the journal, The Public Library of Science ONE (PLOS ONE).
At the heart of the team’s findings is an antibody that shows up weeks after an initial infection and attacks and disrupts a key regulator of the immune system, said lead researcher John Arthur, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chief of the Division of Nephrology in the UAMS College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine.
As many as 30% of COVID-19 patients experience lingering fatigue, brain fog and shortness of breath. The cause of long COVID-19 has eluded scientists, but the UAMS team’s discovery sheds important new light on the molecular-level mechanisms behind it.
https://news.uams.edu/2021/09/09/uams-research-team-finds-potential-cause-of-covid-19-long-haulers/
State Chamber Chief Says Organization Unlikely to Take Position on Vaccine Mandate; Wants Corporate Income Tax Reduction
by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas President and CEO Randy Zook says the business community’s reaction to a Biden executive order mandating vaccines has been “muted.” He also said an upcoming legislative session to reform the tax code should include changes to the corporate income tax.
Late last week, President Joe Biden issued an executive order with far-reaching implications to require vaccines among employers with more than 100 employees, as well as federal employees and contractors and health care personnel. Those not seeking a vaccine must provide proof of negative COVID-19 tests on a weekly basis. Zook said his members have mixed feelings on the rule.
New Abortion Law in Texas Impacts Clinics in Arkansas
SB8, a new law in Texas that has made abortion effectively illegal after 6 weeks of pregnancy, means women are traveling out of state to get access to services. One clinic in Little Rock is already seeing Texans travel from nearly seven hours away.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/new-abortion-law-texas-impacts-clinics-arkansas
Texas Capitol Building
CLARK VAN DER BEKEN / UNSPLASH
U.S. Army Medical Team Assisting UAMS Amid Staffing Shortage
By MADDIE BECKER & MICHAEL HIBBLEN
A military medical team is now working alongside medical professionals at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences which has been short-staffed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Stephen Mette, senior vice chancellor for UAMS Health and chief executive officer for UAMS Medical Center, welcomed the 23-person team to the state-run facility Monday. Members of the team will assist with COVID-19 patients and other needs. He said UAMS has expanded physical space to take care of more patients, but hasn’t had enough staff.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/us-army-medical-team-assisting-uams-amid-staffing-shortage
Dr. Stephen Mette, senior vice chancellor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, talks with members of the military medical team before a press conference Monday.
CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS
Sign Up: Elder Abuse Webcast for September 30th, Register Today
The Elder Abuse Webcast is free and open to the public and will cover elder financial abuse, an overview of Medicaid fraud investigative authority expansion and other relevant topics to Elder Abuse. The Arkansas Securities Department, Arkansas State Nursing Board and Attorney General's Office will be presenting. This webcast does NOT offer any continuing education credits.
DATE: Thursday, September 30
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
REGISTER: https://arkansasag.webex.com/arkansasag/onstage/g.php?MTID=e630a436b7825f85a59d61845817adf54
Contact: Rachel Ellis
(501) 682-3645
Rachel.Ellis@ArkansasAG.gov
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
There are three legislative meetings scheduled this month to review proposals for congressional redistricting.
Arkansans are welcome to attend these meetings and comment on the proposals.
The proposals will be outlined in bills drafted by legislators. We have provided a link to the bills at www.arkansashouse.org.
The House and Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committees will be meeting jointly in the MAC building located directly behind the State Capitol.
The schedule will be as follows:
September 20, 2021 (1 p.m.)-Any congressional redistricting bills that have been filed by September 17, 2021, will be taken up by the committees.
September 23, 2021 (1 p.m.) - Any congressional redistricting bills that have been filed by September 21, 2021, will be taken up by the committees.
September 27, 2021 (1 p.m.) - Any congressional redistricting bills that have been filed by September 24, 2021, will be taken up by the committees.
The committees will take no action during these three meetings.
It is anticipated that leadership will call members back into the extended session of the 93rd General Assembly on September 29. That date is subject to change, and we will continue to update you on any developments.
The General Assembly is tasked with only drawing the boundaries of the U.S. House of Representatives districts in Arkansas. The Board of Apportionment is tasked with drawing the state legislative boundaries.
Our state’s population increased by 3.3% since 2010 when we last drew congressional boundaries. Some areas of the state have increased in population more than others. Our task is to redraw those boundaries now to ensure they are as equally populated as possible.
All meetings will be live-streamed and recorded at www.arkansashouse.org.
Active Cases in SW Arkansas Public Schools
The ADH has released their most recent report on the number of active cases of COVID-19 in the state's public schools and colleges. Some area schools of note include:
UA Cossatot less than 5 (ADH does not release info for schools with fewer than 5 active cases to protect student privacy.)
Mena 14
De Queen 19
Ashdown 19
Centerpoint 20
Nashville 14
South Pike County 11
Horatio 15
Foreman 20
Texarkana, AR 12
Cossatot River 9
For the complete report, please visit:
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/School_Report_09132021.pdf
ATTORNEY GENERAL ALERT: Football Season Excitement Means Scammers See Opportunity to Score
LITTLE ROCK – This fall, Arkansans will once again have the opportunity to enjoy live football games at all of our great in-state institutions. However, Arkansans looking to buy tickets, should be leery of scammers. Unfortunately, scam artists will try to take advantage of fans by selling them tickets that are fake, duplicates or non-existing. They may use high-pressure-sales tactics to rush innocent Arkansans into buying tickets using deals that seem unbeatable and many times are. Sports fans should be spending their time cheering on their favorite teams – not calling penalties on scammers.
“Arkansans couldn’t be more excited to get back into the stadiums to watch live football, a cherished tradition,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Whether you support the Razorbacks, Red Wolves, Bears or Boll Weevils, everyone deserves to cheer for their favorite team without worry of scammers trying to take advantage of their wallets.”
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge issued the following tips to help Arkansans protect themselves when looking to buy game tickets during the upcoming football season.
Research the seller or broker with the Better Business Bureau and ensure it is a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers.
A legitimate ticket broker will offer a refund policy. Only buy tickets from a reseller that provides clear details about the terms of the transaction.
Always use a credit card to make a ticket purchase because credit card laws provide buyers with some recourse if the tickets are fraudulent.
Check the seats ahead of time. Ask for section, row and seat numbers to avoid obstructed views and purchasing tickets that do not exist.
Stick with well-known ticket sellers who offer guarantees and policies that protect buyers and have the ability to investigate and restrict accounts of merchants who violate the policies.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Refuse to be rushed. Scam artists often try to hurry prospective buyers into making a decision.
Consumers who think they may have purchased a counterfeit ticket can contact the National Association of Ticket Brokers at 630-510-4594 or the Arkansas Attorney General’s Public Protection Department.
For more information on how to avoid scams and other consumer-related topics, visit ArkansasAG.gov, email Consumer@ArkansasAG.gov, or call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 482-8982.
Aerial Photos of Construction Site at the New Sevier County Medical Center
Photos are provided by Monte Bartek of Bartek Recon.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Rice is grown in over 40 Arkansas counties. The crop contributes billions to the state’s economy and accounts for approximately 25,000 jobs, crucial to rural communities.
September is National Rice Month, a month-long celebration of all things rice. In Arkansas, we have a great deal to celebrate.
Our state is home to 2,300 rice farms and 96% of those farms are family owned and operated. Our farmers produce more than 9 billion pounds of rice each year.
The history of rice in Arkansas began in the 1800’s but it wasn’t until 1910 that production, research and milling were established in the state.
Today, Arkansas produces approximately 48 percent of U.S. rice and ranks number one in acres planted and bushels produced. Arkansas has been the nation’s leading rice-producing state since 1973.
Arkansas rice farmers not only contribute to our economy by creating jobs, they’re also known for giving back to their communities. The state’s rice industry gives over 100,000 pounds of rice annually to fight food insecurity in Arkansas.
Rice farmers have a commitment to protect and preserve natural resources. Today, Arkansas rice farmers produce more rice using less land, energy and water than they did 20 years ago. Working rice fields also provide critical wildlife habitat for many species of birds, mammals and reptiles.
A half-cup cooked serving of white or brown rice costs less than 10 cents, and provides vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Consuming Arkansas-grown rice helps support our neighbors who continue to produce a quality food supply. You can help celebrate rice month by purchasing Arkansas-grown rice at your local supermarket.
We’ve posted more information about the industry on our websitewww.arkansashouse.org.
COSL Announces Howard County Tax Auction
(September 7, 2021) LITTLE ROCK, Ark – Commissioner of State Lands Tommy Land announced that his office will auction tax-delinquent land in Howard County on Wednesday, September 22, at 2:00 p.m. The auction will be held at the Carter Day Training Center in Nashville, with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m.
“Since we were unable to hold public auctions in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, we are auctioning properties that were scheduled for sale last year,” Land said. “These are properties whose taxes have been delinquent since 2015.”
Next year, during the 2022 auction season, the COSL office will auction two years’ worth of properties. “That will catch us up so that we’re current on all sales,” Land said.
Prospective bidders can find an online Public Auction Catalog, including a buyer’s guide; statutes governing sales; auction date, time and location; and a complete listing of parcels offered. This resource is on the Commissioner’s website, www.cosl.org, and is regularly updated.
The website also includes an instructional video demonstrating how to research information about each parcel available for sale.
“We open the bidding at the amount of taxes, penalties and interest due,” Land said. “Anyone who has delinquent property going up for auction should be aware they only have 10 business days after the auction to redeem property sold there.”
Bidders must register for the auction, but the registration is free. The first $100 of any parcel’s purchase price must be paid in cash, while the remainder may be paid by cash, check or credit card.
“Property taxes help fund schools, roads, libraries and public services including ambulances,” Land said. “Everyone benefits from paying those taxes — and the property owner benefits from paying on time, by avoiding interest and penalties on delinquent taxes.”
Properties that do not sell at auction will appear on the COSL’s post-auction sales list 30 days after the auction date. From there, they can be purchased through an online auction system. Another instructional video on the COSL website demonstrates that process to bidders.
Owners of delinquent parcels may redeem those delinquent taxes online at www.cosl.org using a credit or debit card. Those who prefer to pay by check or money order can print a Petition to Redeem from the website or call the office at 501-324-9422 to request the petition, which must accompany their payment.
Latest COVID-19 Cases in Public Schools and Colleges in Arkansas
The ADH has released their most recent report on the rise of active cases of COVID-19 in the state's public schools and colleges. Some area schools of note include:
UA Cossatot less than 5 ( ADH does not release info for schools with fewer than 5 active cases to protect student privacy)
Mena 51
De Queen 33
Ashdown 32
Centerpoint 28
Nashville 24
Caddo Hills 23
South Pike County 23
Horatio 16
Mineral Springs 14
Foreman 13
Texarkana, AR 13
Cossatot River 8
Kirby 8
Dierks 5
For the complete report, please visit:
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/School_Report_09062021.pdf
Active COVID-19 Cases in SW Arkansas Following Labor Day Weekend
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 156
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 131
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 118
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 167
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 119
Rare Communicable Brain Disease Found in Horses in Arkansas
by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)
Cases of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) have been confirmed in Arkansas in horses at two separate locations in Pulaski County, according to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.
EEE is an extremely rare but serious and fatal infection that causes encephalitis, an acute inflammation of the brain. The disease is spread by biting insects, primarily mosquitoes and flies that have bitten birds infected with the EEE virus (EEEV). Insect control and vaccination are the recommended preventative measures.
EEE can infect a wide range of animals other than horses, including other mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. While humans can also contract the disease through biting insects, they cannot get the disease through direct contact with an infected animal.
https://talkbusiness.net/2021/09/rare-communicable-brain-disease-found-in-horses-in-arkansas/
Two Arkansas Men Found Guilty in Connection with Proposed Elm Springs Wind Farm
by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)
A federal jury in Fayetteville has found two Arkansas men guilty of fraud and money laundering in connection with the development of a wind turbine that was never operational and a proposed wind farm project in Washington County that was never constructed. The convictions were detailed in a press release Friday (Sept. 3) from the U.S. Department of Justice.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jody Davis of Searcy and Phillip Ridings North Little Rock formed a limited liability company in Texas in 2014 called Dragonfly Industries International LLC. They also created an Arkansas LLC called Arkansas Wind Power (AWP). They told investors they planned to develop a revolutionary wind turbine design on a 311-acre wind farm proposed for construction in Elm Springs.
Dr. Mark Cochran Set to Retire from Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)
After guiding the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture through a decade of growth, vice president for agriculture Dr. Mark J. Cochran will retire effective Sept. 30.
During his tenure, Cochran encouraged the growth of the entrepreneurship and commercialization of research products and obtained funding to continue the Division of Agriculture’s research and extension work, enabling the traditional land grant mission to remain strong in Arkansas.
“After 39 rewarding years in the University of Arkansas System, retirement is not a decision that was made casually or in haste,” he said. “It’s been an honor to lead the Division of Agriculture and there is still much that can be accomplished. However, the time has come to pass on that responsibility to the next leader of the division and to enjoy time with my family and especially my granddaughter.”
Sarah Huckabee Sanders Kicks Off 15-Stop Tour In Campaign For Arkansas Governor
Nine months after announcing her candidacy for Arkansas governor through a produced video, Sarah Huckabee Sanders is now taking her campaign to the people. This Labor Day weekend she began a series of 15 appearances around the state.
On Monday evening, the former White House press secretary spoke to an enthusiastic crowd at a rally in Benton. Sanders was introduced by her father, former Gov. Mike Huckabee.
“She understands why she wants to run, what she will do when elected, and I believe with all my heart – and this is hard to say for reasons that will make perfect sense when I say it – I think she will be the best governor Arkansas ever had,” Huckabee said.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders speaking to a crowd of supporters Monday evening in Benton.
CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS
Schools, Hospitals Navigate COVID-19
By KYLE KELLAMS
Our monthly update from ArkansasCovid.com includes higher rates of infection for younger Arkansans and a steady number of new cases diagnosed throughout August.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/schools-hospitals-navigate-covid-19
COURTESY / ARKANSASCOVID.COM