Sevier County Judge Greg Ray And Callie Miller of the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce were in the Ed 88 Studio Thursday to talk about the Tri Lakes Big Bass Festival coming up September 5th.
Thursday's COVID-19 Numbers
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 1,009
Active Positive: 50
Recovered: 949
Deaths: 10
Negatives: 4,579
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 360
Active Positive: 57
Recovered: 299
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 2,586
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 189
Active Positive: 27
Recovered: 161
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,239
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 154
Active Positive: 21
Recovered: 132
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,338
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 118
Active Positive: 36
Recovered: 81
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,933
Southwest Arkansas Rainfall on Wednesday
Rainfall totals in southwest Arkansas as of 4pm Wednesday according to USGS:
Red River at Index, AR 08/12 16:00 CDT 9.29
Rolling Fork near DeQueen, AR 4.31
Little River near Horatio, AR 4.10
Cossatot River near Vandervoort, AR 7.78
Saline River near Dierks, AR 9.56
Significant rainfall in southwest Arkansas leads to rainfall totals near 10 inches
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - An upper level disturbance that ran into a front as it moved from Oklahoma into west and southwest Arkansas produced a cluster of storms that built up over time, resulting in heavy rainfall across the area Wednesday morning.
Fit 4 Life with Dr Andi Reeves
On this week's edition of Fit-4-Life, Dr Andi talks about a new nutrition class and a Bible study at Rehab Specialists.
Continuing Education Schedule at UA Cossatot
Our UA Cossatot Fall 2020 Continuing Education schedule is out now! Visit the link to learn more!
https://www.cccua.edu/news/ua-cossatot-announces-fall-2020-continuing-education-schedule
UA Cossatot Announces Fall 2020 Continuing Education Schedule
University of Arkansas Cossatot has announced its Continuing Education schedule for the fall 2020 semester. The college's Continuing Education department offers classes and training that are available to train for a new career, gain a new skill, grow a business or personally enrich life.
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Thursday (08.13.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Thursday, August 13, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update From Monticello Wednesday (08.12.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide an update to media in Monticello Wednesday, August 12, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Wednesday's Arkansas COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 996
Active Positive: 47
Recovered: 939
Deaths: 10
Negatives: 4,571
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 355
Active Positive: 59
Recovered: 292
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 2,575
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 185
Active Positive: 27
Recovered: 157
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,234
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 150
Active Positive: 17
Recovered: 132
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,322
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 111
Active Positive: 32
Recovered: 78
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,918
The Governor's Working Group with the AAA Announcement
Arkansas Education Group, Another Teacher Of The Year Oppose School Reopening Plans
Objections to opening schools with in-class instruction from Arkansas teachers of the year and the Arkansas Education Association are not moving Gov. Asa Hutchinson from his stance on the Aug. 24 opening of all public schools.
Arkansas Education Association President Carol Fleming on Monday told state lawmakers she believes it is not safe for schools to open to in-class instruction. She said schools should open the 2020-2021 school year with virtual learning only.
Arkansas Education Group, Another Teacher Of The Year Oppose School Reopening Plans
Objections to opening schools with in-class instruction from Arkansas teachers of the year and the Arkansas Education Association are not moving Gov. Asa Hutchinson from his stance on the Aug. 24 opening of all public schools. Arkansas Education Association President Carol Fleming on Monday told state lawmakers she believes it is not safe for schools to open to in-class instruction.
Arkansas Center for Health Improvement Publishes Local COVID-19 Case Data
The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health, is providing key local coronavirus outbreak data on its ACHI website to Arkansas communities, healthcare agencies and the public to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-center-health-improvement-publishes-local-covid-19-case-data
Arkansas Center for Health Improvement Publishes Local COVID-19 Case Data
The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health, is providing key local coronavirus outbreak data on its website to Arkansas communities, healthcare agencies and the public to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 in Arkansas
Updated: August 7, 2020 Dr. Joe Thompson, president and CEO of ACHI, provides a public service announcement regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. "Isolation" and "quarantine," two other terms often used in reference to avoiding the spread of illness, have similar but distinct meanings. Read More.
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (08.11.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Tuesday's COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 992
Active Positive: 51
Recovered: 931
Deaths: 10
Negatives: 4,569
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 342
Active Positive: 53
Recovered: 285
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 2,511
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 181
Active Positive: 66
Recovered: 114
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,234
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 148
Active Positive: 16
Recovered: 131
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,313
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 108
Active Positive: 31
Recovered: 76
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,903
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
With children headed back to school this month, now is the perfect time for many families to get caught up on immunizations. The summer of 2020 may be more critical than previous summers, as there is a concern that immunizations have declined in recent months due to the pandemic.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month.
National Immunization Awareness Month is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.
When you receive immunizations, your chance of becoming ill from diseases is much lower. Furthermore, if you become sick, you will likely experience a milder case than if you were not vaccinated. Immunizations lower your risk of complications from infectious diseases, such as seasonal flu and shingles. They can also reduce your risk of a hospital stay. This prevention is especially important now, as hundreds of people are currently in the hospital for COVID-19.
Although we think of the fall as flu season, Dr. Jose Romero, Secretary of Health at the Arkansas Department of Health, has stated that August is the time of year when health providers start vaccinating against influenza.
Typically, only half of Arkansans receive a flu shot every year. The Health Department is hoping to increase that percentage this year.
Dr. Romero also stated this week that we don’t know yet what the confluence is between influenza and COVID-19.
The Health Department will have the flu vaccine available next month. The department will hold drive-thru vaccination clinics starting Sept. 21. The vaccine will also be made available to schools throughout the state. Clinics and pharmacies may have the flu vaccine available even sooner.
As a reminder, Arkansas law requires all students attending Arkansas schools and licensed childcare facilities to be vaccinated against certain diseases, unless an official exemption form is filed. Visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov to learn more.
Howard County Farmers Market Monday August 10th
Howard County Farmers Market Monday, August 10, starting at 3 pm.
For those who may not be able to come to the Friday morning market, we will be having a Monday afternoon market day tomorrow, 10 Aug starting at 3pm. We have some vendors who will be bringing their items to the market.
Here is who's coming and what they plan to bring:
- Wenta Farm -
Hand-picked figs (fresh and frozen), cucumbers, tomatoes, hot and sweet peppers, squash, tomato plants
- Mobbs Farm -
Fresh Okra
-Grandma Sylvia's Creations -Crocheted facemasks, earrings
- Threat Farm -Free-range eggs
- Columbus Arkansas Gardens -
Plants: Salvia, wildflower mix, chia, amaranth, cranberry hibiscus
If more vendors contact us we will update our facebook page.
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!
COVID-19 Case Numbers for Monday
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 989
Active Positive: 53
Recovered: 926
Deaths: 10
Negatives: 4,553
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 340
Active Positive: 64
Recovered: 272
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 2,499
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 181
Active Positive: 70
Recovered: 110
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,226
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 142
Active Positive: 13
Recovered: 128
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,283
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 101
Active Positive: 26
Recovered: 74
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,878
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (08.10.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Monday, August 10, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Sunday's COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 988
Active Positive: 55
Recovered: 923
Deaths: 10
Negatives: 4,545
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 336
Active Positive: 74
Recovered: 259
Deaths: 3
Negatives: 2,478
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 180
Active Positive: 72
Recovered: 107
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,221
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 140
Active Positive: 12
Recovered: 127
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,258
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 101
Active Positive: 26
Recovered: 74
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,864
Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Arkansas’s New Secretary of Health
LITTLE ROCK – I have appointed Dr. José Romero as Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health, and today I’d like to share some things about the man who is assuming this job in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr. Romero moved to Arkansas in 2008 as Director of the Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He also served in a similar position at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. He served as the Director of Clinical Trials Research at Arkansas Children’s Research Institute from 2008-2019.
Dr. Nate Smith, our former Secretary of Health who has now taken a position with the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, named Dr. Romero as the department’s chief medical officer in the spring. When Dr. Smith left for his new job, I named Dr. Romero interim secretary. And this week, I offered him the job as secretary.
It was an easy choice. Dr. Romero has devoted his career to public health, and he has earned a distinguished national reputation for his work in infectious diseases.
Dr. Romero was born in Mexico, where his grandfather worked the land, taught himself to read and write, and eventually owned a small grocery story. His grandfather’s goal for his children was simple. He wanted them to learn to read and write. Shortly after Dr. Romero was born, his parents moved to Michigan, where his father earned a master’s degree in civil engineering. Many of the bridges he designed in California are still standing.
Dr. Romero, who was a competitive swimmer as a teenager, spent most of his childhood in California. His brothers and sister were born in the United States. He became a citizen when he was in the sixth grade. At his naturalization ceremony, the judge asked young José to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
He knew from a young age that he wanted to be a doctor, and he returned to Guadalajara for medical school, where he graduated in the top 1 percent of his class.
His resume includes an impressive list of jobs, appointments, and accomplishments. He is chairman of the Center for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which is providing guidance nationally on the development and administration of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Much of his work has involved the study of pediatric infectious diseases. In his well-rounded career, Dr. Romero has done almost everything – from research to leading hospital departments – which has prepared him well to lead the Arkansas Department of Health.
We are blessed that Dr. Romero chose to make Arkansas his home. I am grateful he has agreed to become our Secretary of Health at this difficult time.
Governor Hutchinson Proclaims COVID-19 A Valid Reason to Vote Absentee; Order Also Gives Elections Officials Extra Time to Process Ballots
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson issued an executive order today that allows Arkansans to vote absentee if they are concerned that voting in person may be a risk to their health or the health of others because of COVID-19. Executive Order 20-44 also allows elections officials to start processing the absentee ballots a week earlier than usual to allow for an anticipated increase in the number of absentee voters. He issued the executive order in response to an official request from the Arkansas Association of County Clerks.
“This order affirms Secretary of State John Thurston’s position that the fear of exposure to COVID-19 or of exposing others at the polls is reason enough for a voter to cast an absentee ballot,” Governor Hutchinson said. “If a significant number of voters chooses that option, elections officials could be overwhelmed. We’ve already seen a significant increase in the number of applications for absentee ballots. This executive order builds in extra time for them to process and authenticate absentee ballots to ensure an accurate count and a fair election.”
The additional number of days for processing ballots will coincide with the 15-day early voting period. During that time, elections officials will be allowed to process only the registration information from the outer envelopes of an absentee ballot. By Arkansas law, they will not be permitted to open the ballots and count absentee votes until 8:30 a.m. election day. The deadlines for applying for an absentee ballot and submitting a completed ballot remain the same.
The application for absentee ballots and the deadlines are available on the Secretary of State’s website.
Executive Order 20-44 is on Governor Asa Hutchinson’s website.