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

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,264
Confirmed Cases: 1,213
Probable Cases: 51
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 537
Confirmed Cases: 495
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 413
Confirmed Cases: 383
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 20
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 341
Confirmed Cases: 334
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 254
Confirmed Cases: 245
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 3

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Voting to Determine Our Future

LITTLE ROCK – Monday is the first day for early voting, and today I’d like to talk about what will be on the ballot.

At the top of the ballot, of course, are the names of those running for president. You’ll also find the names of Arkansans who are running for the U.S. Congress and one statewide senate race. Of course, this year you will have local legislative races, school board elections, county government candidates, and perhaps, local issues to decide. In other words, we need to do a little homework before we vote. But most importantly, we all need to vote.

On the statewide ballot, we have the chance to vote on three proposed amendments to the constitution that members of the 92nd General Assembly referred to voters.

Issue 1 asks voters to indefinitely extend a half-cent sales tax that will be dedicated to the maintenance of roads, bridges, and highways. Voters approved the tax in 2012. Without voters’ approval to extend it, the tax will expire at the end of 2022.

Issue 2 restructures term limits for state legislators. Current law limits legislators to sixteen years in the Senate, the House, or in combination. The proposed change would limit service to twelve consecutive years. A former legislator would be able to serve again after a four-year break.

Issue 3 changes the way the citizens and legislators refer proposals to constitutional amendments for a statewide vote.

Since the founding of our nation, we have elected forty-five presidents. Since Arkansas became a state, we have elected forty-six governors. The freedom to vote and elect our leaders is a hard-won right and privilege that is unrivaled anywhere else in the world. At all levels of our nation – city, county, state, and federal – the ballot box is an equalizer that gives every citizen a voice in governing.

Millions of Americans have written the history of our nation by participating in our elections. The voting booth links us to the past as we determine our future. I know that sometimes the lines are long, and voting can be inconvenient. As the COVID-19 pandemic lingers, voting may be even more difficult. But don’t let that stop you from voting.

The leaders of Arkansas’s major political parties are united in their determination to ensure that every registered voter can safely and securely cast a ballot on November 3. Arkansans may not agree on everything, but I know we agree that every vote counts.

This year, you can vote by absentee ballot, you can do early voting starting Monday, October 19, or you can do it the traditional way by voting in person on Election Day.

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

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,246
Confirmed Cases: 1,208
Probable Cases: 38
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 532
Confirmed Cases: 489
Probable Cases: 43
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 404
Confirmed Cases: 376
Probable Cases: 28
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 325
Confirmed Cases: 318
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 253
Confirmed Cases: 246
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 1

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 1,278 new cases; 8,424 active cases; 594 hospitalized, which is up 7 from Wednesday; 106 on ventilators, which is down 7 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 11, for a total of 1,645; a total of 96,524 cases; 82,529 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,786; antigen tests, 1,094.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 83; Benton, 76; Washington, 65; Craighead, 61; and Sebastian, 55.

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

“I expected the number of new cases to increase as we enter the last part of the week. This has been the pattern, but the cases reported today set a new record high. Our increased testing efforts allow us to find cases already present and react to them. Each one of us must be proactive in our individual efforts to help slow the spread of this virus.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

SLIDESHOW - Pumpkin Carving Contest Underway for Students at UA Cossatot Campuses

VIDEO: Fit 4 Life with Dr Andi Reeves

Thursday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,240
Confirmed Cases: 1,206
Probable Cases: 34
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 527
Confirmed Cases: 488
Probable Cases: 39
Total Active Cases: 27
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 402
Confirmed Cases: 375
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 319
Confirmed Cases: 313
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 251
Confirmed Cases: 245
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 0

Julie Gomez 2020 Academic All-Star from UA Cossatot

The 32nd annual ACC Virtual Conference took place this week. UA Cossatot student Julie Gomez was chosen as our 2020 Academic All-Star. We are very proud of Julie! Julie is currently pursuing an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice at UA Cossatot. Upon her transfer to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, she plans to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Leslie Daniels of Youthbuild the Speaker at De Queen Lions Club Tuesday

Leslie Daniels, Case Manager of UA Cossatot’s Youthbuild, was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s noon meeting of the De Queen Lions Club. Enrollment is underway for Youthbuild. For more information on Youthbuild check out the website:

https://www.cccua.edu/community-workforce/adult-education/youthbuild

Cossatot Community College

YouthBuild provides training for the construction trades. Our program is a career and technical skills leadership program for youth age 16-24 who have dropped out of school. Students may earn stipends while they learn in the classroom and at the work site.

UA Cossatot Collegiate FFA Gun Raffle November 19th

It’s that time of year and the UA Cossatot Collegiate FFA members are out selling gun raffle tickets to raise money for scholarships and other FFA activities. We had to change up the raffle a little bit this year due to COVID-19 and we are disappointed that we won’t be able to have the chili supper. Tickets are available for $5 each or get 5 tickets for $20. See the flyer below for more information! We appreciate everyone’s support!

ATTORNEY GENERAL ALERT: Statewide Drug Take Back Day Scheduled for October 24

ATTORNEY GENERAL ALERT: Statewide Drug Take Back Day Scheduled for October 24

LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is encouraging Arkansans to clean out their medicine cabinets and bring any unused or expired medications to one of the State's more than 250 Prescription Drug Take Back Day drop-off locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 24.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Decisions regarding our state budget show the priorities we make as a state. The budget-making process has a direct impact on everything from classrooms to health care.

Budget hearings will begin Tuesday, October 13, 2020, and are scheduled to conclude November 12, 2020. The Joint Budget Committee sits with the Arkansas Legislative Committee as voting participants in the hearings, creating the Arkansas Legislative Council/Joint Budget Committee.

The hearings will begin with requests from licensing boards and commissions. The second week members will review recommendations from the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Public Safety.

On week 3, Higher Education Institutions, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Transformation and Shared Services will have proposals reviewed.

The courts, constitutional offices, and the Agriculture Department will be reviewed in the 4th week.

On November 10, members will be presented with the General Revenue Forecast and the Governor’s Balanced Budget Proposal. The latest revenue reports show general revenue is now $227.4 million or 15.0 percent above this time last year. The forecast provided at the budget hearings will tell us if we can expect continued growth in the months ahead.

The final week of hearings will then continue with proposals from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Education.

Members can begin pre-filing legislation for the 2021 Regular Session on November 16. The Regular Session begins January 11, 2020. You can find a list of daily meetings and watch the proceedings live on our website at www.arkansashouse.org.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Arkansas 4th District Congressional Candidates Meet For Debate

Arkansas 4th District Rep. Bruce Westerman met with his Democrat and Libertarian challengers in a debate held by Arkansas PBS Tuesday. Democrat William Hanson and Libertarian Frank Gilbert are challenging the incumbent Republican congressman in the race to represent the southwest Arkansas district in the U.S House of Representatives.

Westerman is a trained forester and engineer and has served in the House since 2015. Hanson is an attorney and former law professor. Gilbert is the former mayor of the Grant County town of Tull.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-4th-district-congressional-candidates-meet-debate

Arkansas 4th District Congressional Candidates Meet For Debate

Arkansas 4th District Rep. Bruce Westerman met with his Democrat and Libertarian challengers in a debate held by Arkansas PBS Tuesday. Democrat William Hanson and Libertarian Frank Gilbert are challenging the incumbent Republican congressman in the race to represent the southwest Arkansas district in the U.S House of Representatives.

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

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,232
Confirmed Cases: 1,203
Probable Cases: 29
Total Active Cases: 17
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 524
Confirmed Cases: 487
Probable Cases: 37
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 400
Confirmed Cases: 375
Probable Cases: 25
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 314
Confirmed Cases: 308
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 250
Confirmed Cases: 244
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 1

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson to Announce Plans for Abbott BinaxNOW Rapid Test Distribution Wednesday 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson will make an announcement regarding the distribution of Abbott BinaxNOW Rapid COVID-19 Tests live at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Governor Asa Hutchinson announced the state will start using antigen testing kits to conduct weekly COVID-19 testing of employees at certain public school districts, as well as at all state prisons and Human Development Centers run by the Department of Human Services. The tests will be performed using BinaxNOW kits made by Abbott Laboratories that return results in about 15 minutes without the use of any other equipment.

State Announces Antigen Testing Plan for School, Prison, DHS Employees

On Wednesday, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced the state will start using antigen testing kits to conduct weekly COVID-19 testing of employees at certain public school districts, as well as at all state prisons and Human Development Centers run by the Department of Human Services.

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

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,229
Confirmed Cases: 1,202
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 520
Confirmed Cases: 486
Probable Cases: 34
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 397
Confirmed Cases: 374
Probable Cases: 23
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 308
Confirmed Cases: 304
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 35
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 2

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 249
Confirmed Cases: 244
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 1

Stand Up for America November 7th in Nashville

UA Cossatot Colts Help with Food Pantry in De Queen

“A huge thank you to the UA Cossatot Colts Men's Basketball Team and Coach Robert Byrd for helping us unload food at the De Queen Church of Christ Food Pantry today. Awesome young men.” - Toney Stowers

Phone Service Out Temporarily Later This Week at UA Cossatot

UA Cossatot is upgrading to a new phone system this week. On Wednesday, October 14th, sometime between 10:00 and 11:15 am, phone service at UAC will be interrupted for a short period of time. We expect an outage of approximately fifteen minutes for our toll free number, 800-844-4471, as well as the numbers for all of our staff. However, our Nashville and Ashdown numbers may take longer to restore. There could be longer, isolated outages associated with individual numbers. We apologize for the temporary inconvenience, and we do appreciate your patience.

Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,229
Confirmed Cases: 1,202
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 520
Confirmed Cases: 486
Probable Cases: 34
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 397
Confirmed Cases: 374
Probable Cases: 23
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 308
Confirmed Cases: 304
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 35
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 2

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 249
Confirmed Cases: 244
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 1

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

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 654 new cases; 7,839 active cases; 608 hospitalized, which is up 32 from Sunday; 104 on ventilators, which is up 5 from Sunday; deaths added today, 17, for a total of 1,586; a total of 93,487 cases; 80,496 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,089; antigen tests, 705.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 80; Washington, 57; Sebastian, 33; Craighead, 32; and Benton, 27.

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

“Our hospitalizations continue to be at a high level. This puts stress on our healthcare workers. While we have sufficient bed capacity in our hospitals, this does strain the system. This is why we need to work together to reduce our cases and reduce our hospitalizations.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

American Cancer Society VIPinks Ambassador Keisha McKinney at Ed 88 Studios

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and American Cancer Society VIPinks Ambassador, Keisha McKinney, visited our De Queen studio recently to talk about her cancer experience and how we can help in the battle to defeat this disease.