Emergency Assistance for Rent/Mortgage/Water Payments Available

Central Arkansas Development Council will begin providing EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR RENT/MORTGAGE PAYMENTS and WATER PAYMENTS effective immediately.

Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) whose mission is to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty, to help vulnerable populations achieve their potential, and to build strong communities in Arkansas through community action will begin providing emergency financial assistance to customers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic effective immediately.

These funds are specifically for past due rent/mortgage payments and past due water utility assistance due to financial restraints as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will closely follow the requirements for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The maximum benefit for Rent/Mortgage assistance is $500 and the maximum benefit for the Water Utility Assistance is $150.

Applicants must reside in one of the nineteen counties in CADC’s service area, meet income guidelines of 125% of poverty, complete the customer intake form, provide a copy of their ID, provide proof of all household income (last 4 check stubs, unemployment, child support, SSI, SSDI, retirement benefits, etc.). If requesting assistance with rent or mortgage applicant must provide lease/mortgage agreement and have occupied the residence for at least six (6) months along with a copy of past due statement and/or letter from the landlord showing past due amount. If requesting assistance with past due water bill applicant must provide a copy of past due water utility bill or payment summaries from utility office showing the delinquent amount.

All statements must have a current date. Applications are being taken by appointment only at the local CADC office in each of the 19 counties CADC serves. Locations are listed in the following table:

County City Address Telephone

Hempstead Hope 200 South Elm Street, Suite 2 870-724-5080

Howard Nashville 103 West Shepherd Street 870-455-0203

Little River Texarkana 4415 Jefferson Avenue, Suite B 870-330-4965

Pike Mt. Ida 156 Senior Drive 870-867-0151

Sevier Texarkana 4415 Jefferson Avenue, Suite B 870-330-4965

31st Annual Tri-Lakes Big Bass Festival September 5th

Final Registration Week at UA Cossatot

We are 11 days away from the first day of the fall semester! From August 10 - August 18 come see UA Cossatot Student Services or visit with your advisor to get enrolled and get a FREE t shirt and be entered to win a laptop. All campuses will be open Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm beginning on August 10.

Thursday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 958
  Active Positive: 44
  Recovered: 904
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,455

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 308
  Active Positive: 61
  Recovered: 245
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,415

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 160
  Active Positive: 70
  Recovered: 89
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,205

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 134
  Active Positive: 13
  Recovered: 120
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,189

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 88
  Active Positive: 20
  Recovered: 67
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,719

VIDEO: CARES Act Steering Committee Meeting Wednesday (08.05.20) 330PM

The CARES Act Steering Committee, created by Governor Asa Hutchinson to recommend the best use of federal COVID-19 aid, met virtually at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2020.

Governor Hutchinson Appoints Dr. José Romero As Health Secretary

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has appointed Dr. José Romero as Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). Governor Hutchinson announced the appointment today at his COVID-19 briefing.

Dr. Romero, who has been serving as interim secretary of health, replaces Dr. Nate Smith, who has accepted a position at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Romero previously served as ADH’s chief medical officer. He currently chairs the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which is providing guidance nationally on the development and administration of a COVID-19 vaccine.

“This was an easy decision,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Dr. Romero has a national reputation for his work with infectious diseases. He has been involved in our fight against COVID-19 from the first day. His vast knowledge of viral infections has been integral to our decision making as we have refined our response to the pandemic. His years of work within the state’s medical community will allow a seamless transition as he assumes this important role.”

Dr. Romero moved to Arkansas in 2008 as Director of the Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. He served as the Director of Clinical Trials Research at Arkansas Children’s Research Institute from 2008-2019.

“I am honored to be named to this important role and look forward to ensuring that the Department of Health fulfills its mission of protecting and improving the health and well-being of all Arkansans,” Dr. Romero said. “I’m excited to work with the governor, the Legislature, our partners at the local, state and federal level, and the people of this state to help Arkansans live healthier lives.” 

He has been a member of the Arkansas Vaccine Medical Advisory Committee since 2008 and chair of the committee since 2015. Since 2012, he has been the ADH Pediatric Tuberculosis Physician. 

During his time at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Dr. Romero was Director for Latino Health-Related Research Affairs and Director of the Minority Health Education and Research Office.

Dr. Romero lives in Little Rock with his wife of 12 years and their Scottish Terrier. 

AUDIO: UAMS Scientists Offer Guidance on Types of Face Coverings

Opinions on the use of face coverings continue to evolve since a COVID-19 pandemic was declared. Two experts with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences reveal which masks are best to wear, how to use them and what protections face coverings offer.  

https://www.kuaf.com/post/uams-scientists-offer-guidance-types-face-coverings

UAMS Scientists Offer Guidance on Types of Face Coverings

Opinions on the use of face coverings continue to evolve since a COVID-19 pandemic was declared. Two experts with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences reveal which masks are best to wear, how to use them and what protections face coverings offer.

Stay Here, Stay Safe at UA Cossatot

At UA Cossatot your health and safety is top priority. This fall everyone will be required to wear face masks and rooms will be disinfected after each class has ended. Many courses will also be available in a hybrid format. It is not too late to enroll for the fall semester, classes begin on August 17.

Study Shows Arkansas Rice Best Positioned To Survive Current Farming Conditions, Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned what looked to be abysmal conditions for Arkansas farmers into something worse as the growing season got underway, but one crop might provide a buffer – rice. Two crops, cotton and corn, could be especially hard hit through 2023, according to a model run by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/study-shows-arkansas-rice-best-positioned-survive-current-farming-conditions-pandemic

Study Shows Arkansas Rice Best Positioned To Survive Current Farming Conditions, Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned what looked to be abysmal conditions for Arkansas farmers into something worse as the growing season got underway, but one crop might provide a buffer - rice. Two crops, cotton and corn, could be especially hard hit through 2023, according to a model run by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Agriculture Department Issues Animal Movement Restrictions to Prevent Virus Spread

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging hooved animal owners to comply with animal movement restrictions issued in response to the discovery of Vesticular Stomatitis Virus in three horses in Benton County. VSV is a viral disease affecting horses, cattle, sheep, goats and swine. Transmission typically occurs through fly bites.

Agriculture Department Issues Animal Movement Restrictions to Prevent Virus Spread

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging hooved animal owners to comply with animal movement restrictions issued in response to the discovery of Vesticular Stomatitis Virus in three horses in Benton County. VSV is a viral disease affecting horses, cattle, sheep, goats and swine. Transmission typically occurs through fly bites.

Thousands Of PUA Claims On Hold Due To Fraud Concerns, Arkansas COVID-19 Cases Pass 45,000 Mark

Around 27,000 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims and approximately 10,000 unemployment insurance claims in the state of Arkansas are currently on hold due to fraud concerns, according to the state.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said any fraudulent claims filed to the state will be turned over law enforcement and the FBI.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/thousands-pua-claims-hold-due-fraud-concerns-arkansas-covid-19-cases-pass-45000-mark

Thousands Of PUA Claims On Hold Due To Fraud Concerns, Arkansas COVID-19 Cases Pass 45,000 Mark

Around 27,000 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims and approximately 10,000 unemployment insurance claims in the state of Arkansas are currently on hold due to fraud concerns, according to the state. Gov. Asa Hutchinson said any fraudulent claims filed to the state will be turned over law enforcement and the FBI.

U of A, UAMS Research Team Develops Long-Lasting Disinfectant Spray

Researchers from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are creating and testing a long-lasting liquid anti-bacterial, anti-viral surface spray coating for both domestic and commercial use.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/u-uams-research-team-develops-long-lasting-disinfectant-spray

U of A, UAMS Research Team Develops Long-Lasting Disinfectant Spray

Researchers from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are creating and testing a long-lasting liquid anti-bacterial, anti-viral surface spray coating for both domestic and commercial use.

Kristen Gibson on University of Arkansas’ Short Talks From the Hill

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In a new episode of the University of Arkansas’ Short Talks From the Hill, Kristen Gibson explains how soap destroys respiratory viruses such as coronavirus and offers tips for handling potentially contaminated surfaces.

Gibson is an associate professor of food safety and microbiology for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, and in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. She studies the fate and transport of pathogens within food systems, focusing on human noroviruses and fresh produce, as well as retail food safety.

When the coronavirus pandemic broke, Gibson's knowledge and expertise were in high demand. Was packaged and take-out food safe? How should it be handled? Gibson addressed these concerns with several media outlets and emphasized the critical importance of hand-washing, something everyone should be doing regularly, she says, even when there isn't a pandemic.

In this new podcast, Gibson explains the effect of soap on respiratory viruses, such coronavirus.

"Respiratory viruses have what is called an envelope. And this is basically … a fatty layer around the virus itself. And so, if you remember a little bit about chemistry from back in the day, soap is designed to break down fat. So, for respiratory viruses, soap will destroy that outer envelope that protects the virus. And then it makes it more susceptible to kind of destroying the virus and making it not able to infect anymore."

To listen to Gibson discuss her research, go to ResearchFrontiers.uark.edu, the home of research news at the University of Arkansas, or visit the "On Air" and "Programs" link at KUAF.com.

Short Talks From the Hill highlights research and scholarly work at the University of Arkansas. Each segment features a university researcher discussing his or her work. Previous podcasts can be found under the 'Short Talks From the Hill' link at ResearchFrontiers.uark.edu.

To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uark.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch and Instagram at ArkAgResearch.

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

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 944
  Active Positive: 35
  Recovered: 899
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,452

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 303
  Active Positive: 60
  Recovered: 241
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,408

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 158
  Active Positive: 70
  Recovered: 87
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,199

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 132
  Active Positive: 15
  Recovered: 116
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,182

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 84
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 65
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,689

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Wednesday (08.05.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Contact tracing is one of the most important public health strategies currently available to help us reduce the spread and transmission of COVID-19.

The idea behind contact tracing is to see who is a close contact of an individual who has tested positive for the virus, identify who has been exposed, provide them with information about testing and how to quarantine. Contact tracers help notify people who may not know they have been exposed and helps close the loop.

This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) voted to direct $16 million of federal funds to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) to expand contact tracing. The extra funding requested is meant to fund an equivalent 350 contract tracers and 20 nurses.

ALC also approved the use of $7 million in federal CARES Act funds for COVID-19 relief in Northwest Arkansas. The money will be used to track a spike in cases in the Marshallese and Latinx communities. A large portion of COVID-19 deaths in Northwest Arkansas has come from these communities.

To help with contact tracing, ADH has contracted with two firms, General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) and Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC). These two contractors are on track to have a combined 700 contract tracers by the end of the year.

Many contact tracers will call from the number (877) ARCOV19 or (877) 272-6819, but a contact investigator may also reach out from a different phone number.

It’s possible you won’t recognize the number, but it’s important to answer or return the call if it goes to voicemail.

The case investigator and contact tracer will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card. If the caller ever discusses money, that’s a sign that it is not a legitimate Department of Health investigator. If you want to verify that you have been contacted by a Health Department case investigator or contact tracer, you may call (800) 803-7847.

Educational Resource Center at UA Cossatot

Time to return summer rentals! Use the outdoor drop box or return your rentals at the ERC! Don't forget to wear a mask and practice physical distancing!

Tuesday's COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 939
  Active Positive: 35
  Recovered: 894
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,449

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 300
  Active Positive: 67
  Recovered: 231
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,405

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 156
  Active Positive: 70
  Recovered: 85
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,193

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 131
  Active Positive: 17
  Recovered: 113
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,164

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 81
  Active Positive: 20
  Recovered: 60
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,653

Little River County Rodeo Royalty Contest August 22nd

VIDEO: Governor Asa Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (08.03.20) 130PM

High school football teams can begin no-contact practice in Arkansas starting this week as the total number of people to test positive for the coronavirus surpasses 42,000.

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Monday, August 3, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.