Howard News

Governor Hutchinson Appoints Martinez to the Arkansas Law Enforcement Task Force

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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.

 
 

Howard County Farmers' Market in Nashville Friday

We will be having the Farmers Market on Friday, 17 July 2020 starting at 7am. We recommend you get there as soon as we open for the best selection. The Farmers Market will be open until 11am or vendors sell out. Friday’s forecast is for a 20% chance of rain. So put an umbrella in the car just in case!

We also request you wear protective masks and follow social distancing of 6 feet separation from others as you shop at the market. Most importantly, please stay home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. We want everyone to have a safe time while at the market.

Our vendors will be bringing the following to the market:

- Jamison Orchards –
JulyPrince yellow-fleshed freestone peaches

- Columbus AR Gardens –
Various types of house, herb, and vegetable plants

- Wenta Farm -
Hand-picked blueberries, figs

- Green’s Farm -
Delicious plum jelly, pound cake, tea cakes, apple plum jelly

- Heirloom Farm -
Vine-ripened squash, kale

- Wildflowers -
Garden fresh potatoes, onions, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, honey, jams & jellies

- Salinas Farm -
Freshly harvested tomatoes, okra, cantaloupes, cucumbers, zucchini, jams & jellies

- Dupree & Myers Farm
Squash, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini bread, facemasks, hand sanitizer

- Jamison Orchard -
Wonderful peaches – FirePrince & JulyPrince yellow fleshed, plums

- Threat Farm -
Free-range eggs

- Double J Farm -
Raw Honey

- Carolyn’s Kitchen -
Various freshly baked goods

- Pounds Farm –
Purple hull peas

If more vendors contact the market manager then we will update this post. WIC and SNAP Accepted by participating vendors. We thank you for your patronage!

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Thursday COVID-19 Numbers and Maps

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 822
  Active Positive: 62
  Recovered: 751
  Deaths: 9
  Negatives: 3,769

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 157
  Active Positive: 38
  Recovered: 118
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,733

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 54
  Active Positive: 13
  Recovered: 41
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 930

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 94
  Active Positive: 14
  Recovered: 80
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 1,714

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 23
  Active Positive: 12
  Recovered: 11
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 2,059

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Heat Advisory Again for Southwest Arkansas Thursday

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Afternoon maximum heat index values will range between
  105-110 degrees.

* WHERE...Southeast Oklahoma, Southwest Arkansas, Northern
  Louisiana, and portions of Northeast and Deep East Texas.

* WHEN...Through 7 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Heat and humidity will significantly increase the
  potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those
  working or participating in outdoor activities.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
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Walmart Requiring Shoppers To Wear Masks Beginning Monday

Walmart says shoppers must wear masks inside its stores starting Monday — the largest retailer to join a growing list of companies making face covering mandatory across the nation.

Walmart and Sam's Club — as well as Kroger — are joining Costco, Starbucks, Best Buy, Panera Bread and others in implementing a nationwide requirement for customers to wear masks inside their stores. 

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/walmart-will-require-shoppers-wear-masks-other-retailers-urged-follow

Walmart Will Require Shoppers To Wear Masks; Other Retailers Urged To Follow

Walmart says shoppers must wear masks inside its stores starting Monday - the largest retailer to join a growing list of companies making face covering mandatory across the nation. Walmart and Sam's Club - as well as Kroger - are joining Costco, Starbucks, Best Buy, Panera Bread and others in implementing a nationwide requirement for customers to wear masks inside their stores.

Arkansas County Clerks Begin Issuing Absentee Ballot Applications

Registered voters seeking to avoid crowded voting centers this upcoming General Election during the COVID-19 pandemic can vote absentee, according to a recent directive from Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston. Applications are required and now available online and via mail by request. 

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-county-clerks-begin-issuing-absentee-ballot-applications

Arkansas County Clerks Begin Issuing Absentee Ballot Applications

Registered voters seeking to avoid crowded voting centers this upcoming General Election during the COVID-19 pandemic can vote absentee, according to a recent directive from Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston. Applications are required and now available online and via mail by request.

Wednesday's Arkansas COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 819
  Active Positive: 75
  Recovered: 735
  Deaths: 9
  Negatives: 3,757

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 154
  Active Positive: 38
  Recovered: 115
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,731

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 50
  Active Positive: 9
  Recovered: 41
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 928

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 90
  Active Positive: 12
  Recovered: 78
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 1,698

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 20
  Active Positive: 10
  Recovered: 10
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 2,044

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Wednesday, Another Heat Advisory for SW AR from the NWS

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Heat index values between 105 to 109 degrees.

* WHERE...Portions of Northeast Texas, Southeast Oklahoma, and
  Southwest Arkansas.

* WHEN...Through 7 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Hot afternoon high temperatures and high humidity may
  cause heat illnesses to occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
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NWS Issues Heat Advisory Again Tuesday for Southwest Arkansas

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Heat index values between 105 to 109 degrees.

* WHERE...Portions of Northeast Texas, Southeast Oklahoma, and
  Southwest Arkansas.

* WHEN...Through 7 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Hot afternoon high temperatures and high humidity may
  cause heat illnesses to occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
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Arkansas Education Association Concerns of Reopening Schools

The Arkansas Education Association has not ruled out a legal challenge to Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s recently announced plans to open schools, but boycotts and other disruptions are not planned, according to AEA Executive Director Tracey-Ann Nelson.

Arkansas Secretary of Education Dr. Johnny Key said the opening plan provides flexibility for districts that may need more time to prepare, including acquiring technology equipment for “blended learning” – a mix of in-class and virtual instruction – and gathering personal protective equipment such as face masks.

Opening schools will return hundreds of thousands of students, teachers and staff to more than 1,000 school facilities in the state. During the 2019-2020 school year, the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) reported 479,432 K-12 students, 33,399 teachers and 36,274 staff.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/07/arkansas-education-association-wants-concerns-fully-addressed-before-schools-open/

Arkansas Education Association wants concerns 'fully addressed' before schools open - Talk Business & Politics

The Arkansas Education Association has not ruled out a legal challenge to Gov. Asa Hutchinson's recently announced plans to open schools, but boycotts and other disruptions are not planned, according to AEA Executive Director Tracey-Ann Nelson.

Two Large Diamonds Found Recently at Crater of Diamonds in Murfreesboro

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (News release) — Confirmation of two large diamonds found at Crater of Diamonds State Park made for a busy week last week at the park, one of the only places in the world where the public can search for diamonds in their original volcanic source.

https://www.fox16.com/news/local-news/two-visitors-find-large-diamonds-at-crater-of-diamonds-state-park/

Two visitors find large diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (News release) - Confirmation of two large diamonds found at Crater of Diamonds State Park made for a busy week last week at the park, one of the only places in the world where the public can search for diamonds in their original volcanic source.

UAMS Chancellor Calls For Mandate To Require Masks Throughout Arkansas

UAMS Chancellor Dr. Cam Patterson has been through a health crisis before. When he was entering the medical field in the late 80’s, the country was awakening to the HIV epidemic. Today, the COVID-19 pandemic is moving more rapidly and affecting many more people in Arkansas and across the globe.

With the state recording its highest one-day number of COVID-19 cases – 1,061 on Saturday – Patterson said it’s time for a statewide mask mandate.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/uams-chancellor-calls-mandate-require-masks-throughout-arkansas

UAMS Chancellor Calls For Mandate To Require Masks Throughout Arkansas

UAMS Chancellor Dr. Cam Patterson has been through a health crisis before. When he was entering the medical field in the late 80's, the country was awakening to the HIV epidemic. Today, the COVID-19 pandemic is moving more rapidly and affecting many more people in Arkansas and across the globe.

Tuesday COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 811
  Active Positive: 82
  Recovered: 720
  Deaths: 9
  Negatives: 3,725

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 138
  Active Positive: 29
  Recovered: 108
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,674

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 45
  Active Positive: 5
  Recovered: 40
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 921

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 89
  Active Positive: 11
  Recovered: 78
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 1,683

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 20
  Active Positive: 11
  Recovered: 9
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 2,020

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Howard County Farmers Market open Monday Afternoon in Nashville

Market Monday, June 13 starting at 3 pm.

For those who may not be able to come to the Friday morning market, the Howard County Farmers Market will be having a Monday afternoon market day, starting at 3 p.m. We have vendors who will be bringing their items to the market. Here is who's coming and what they plan to bring:

- Wildflowers -

Garden fresh potatoes, onions, carrots, honey, jams & jellies, mini coconut and pecan pies

- Mobbs Farm -

Cucumbers, purple hull peas, jalapenos

- Wenta Farm -

Hand-picked blueberries, figs, cucumbers

- Green’s Farm -

Delicious plum jelly, tea cakes, apple plum jelly

- Grandma Sylvia's Creations -

Crocheted facemasks, earrings

- Threat Farm -

Free-range eggs

- Double J Farm -

Raw honey

- Aunt Ferns Fried Pies –

Various flavors

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We recommend you get there as soon as we open for the best selection. We also request you wear protective masks and follow social distancing of 6 feet separation from others as you shop at the market. Most importantly, please stay home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. We want everyone to have a safe time at the market.

WIC and SNAP Accepted by participating vendors. We thank you for your patronage!