Monday COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,498
Confirmed Cases: 1,304
Probable Cases: 194
Total Active Cases: 118
Active Confirmed Cases: 50
Active Probable Cases: 68
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 687
Confirmed Cases: 594
Probable Cases: 93
Total Active Cases: 81
Active Confirmed Cases: 54
Active Probable Cases: 27
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 517
Confirmed Cases: 455
Probable Cases: 62
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 12
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 435
Confirmed Cases: 402
Probable Cases: 33
Total Active Cases: 68
Active Confirmed Cases: 44
Active Probable Cases: 24
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 288
Confirmed Cases: 274
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 17
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 2
Veterans Salutes from UA Cossatot and Ed 88
Sunday's COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,497
Confirmed Cases: 1,301
Probable Cases: 196
Total Active Cases: 118
Active Confirmed Cases: 48
Active Probable Cases: 70
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 676
Confirmed Cases: 586
Probable Cases: 90
Total Active Cases: 75
Active Confirmed Cases: 49
Active Probable Cases: 26
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 515
Confirmed Cases: 454
Probable Cases: 61
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 431
Confirmed Cases: 401
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 68
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 21
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 288
Confirmed Cases: 274
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 17
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 2
Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Going Above and Beyond for Foster Children
LITTLE ROCK – November is National Adoption Month in Arkansas, and November 21st is National Adoption Day. Today I’d like to share the story of an amazing employee of the Division of Children and Family Services, which is a part of our state Department of Human Services, or DHS. This employee is typical of the hundreds of DHS employees who care for our most vulnerable children all over Arkansas.
But first, let me start with some good news on our state foster-care and adoption programs. During the last fiscal year, Children and Family Services finalized 872 adoptions, and thirty-six percent of those children went to live with relatives. Of the over 4,300 children in foster care, fifty-five percent were in the system less than a year. Eighty-four percent of the children statewide received a face-to-face monthly visit from a caseworker, and ninety-three percent of those children met face-to-face with a staff member, even those who aren’t a caseworker.
And now to the story.
Ewonda Baker, a twenty-seven-year program assistant for the agency, is one of those employees whose concern for the children extends beyond her duties.
Ewonda was helping to look after two boys – one six and the other eleven. She took the younger boy to school every day. On October 12th, she arrived as usual at 6:45 at the foster home. When the boys didn’t come out, she called the foster mother, only to learn she was in the hospital with COVID-19; the boys were quarantining with the foster father.
The next morning, Ewonda called to check on the foster mother, and learned that the foster father was now sick and likely needed to be hospitalized. Ewonda volunteered to care for the boys until Family Services could find a place for them. She put on her mask, shield, gloves, and rolled down the windows in her van. The boys climbed into the back seat, and she drove to a testing site. Guess what, both boys tested positive. As Family Services staff searched for a placement to take the boys temporarily, Ewonda stayed in the vehicle with the boys for hours.
When Family Services couldn’t find a family that could take the boys, Ewonda volunteered. She already had been with the boys. Family Services accepted Ewonda’s offer and sent the trio to a quarantine house in Searcy that one of the Division’s partners, Methodist Family Health, provided. Ewonda, who has five grown children, said the decision wasn’t difficult. Someone had to take care of the kids.
They were the only occupants of the fully furnished quarantine house. For fourteen days, Ewonda checked the boys’ temperature twice a day and helped them stay on track with their schoolwork. They never developed symptoms. The boys, who aren’t brothers, have been placed with other families. The foster father remains in the hospital but is improving.
Health Department guidelines required Ewonda to quarantine for another fourteen days. She can return to work after November 6. She is also back at home with her husband, Brian, who is pastor of St. Mark Community Church in Jacksonville.
Ewonda says her job is more than a job. It’s a ministry. “These kids are more than a file folder,” she says. “These are people who need our help, our love, and compassion.”
Thank you, Ewonda, and all the other employees of DHS who have chosen to help other Arkansans, often at great inconvenience and sometimes at the risk to their own health. I am always amazed by stories such as Ewonda’s but never surprised. That’s who Arkansans are. Many of you have accepted the call to foster or adopt children. Because of you, our foster children have a better life now and a bright future.
Friday's New Sevier County Medical Center Groundbreaking Ceremony
Friday COVID-19 Arkansas Health Department Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,478
Confirmed Cases: 1,291
Probable Cases: 187
Total Active Cases: 114
Active Confirmed Cases: 46
Active Probable Cases: 68
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 658
Confirmed Cases: 576
Probable Cases: 82
Total Active Cases: 65
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 18
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 507
Confirmed Cases: 449
Probable Cases: 58
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 410
Confirmed Cases: 383
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 53
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 19
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 287
Confirmed Cases: 273
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
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 1,548 new cases; 10,493 active cases; 667 hospitalized, which is up 25 from Wednesday; 103 on ventilators, which is down 8 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 11, for a total of 2,037; a total of 117,360 cases; 97,276 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,450; antigen tests, 1,728.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 139; Benton, 133; Washington, 92; Sebastian, 79; and Craighead, 67.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"Today's significant increase in new cases shows that we have the virus in all our communities. Our increase in hospitalizations breaks the recent trend of smaller numbers. The coming weeks are critical, and we must be diligent, intentional, and not be careless."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
UA Cossatot Will Recognize Veterans in November
From November 9th through November 13th, UA Cossatot will be holding Veterans Week at the college to recognize veterans who have served their country. Veterans Week at UA Cossatot will include Veterans Week Profiles of Service videos will be featured on Ed 88's Facebook page all week long.
UA Cossatot's annual Veterans Day Breakfast was canceled this year due to COVID-19, but UA Cossatot wishes to honor all veterans and thank them for their sacrifice.
The College Relations department at UA Cossatot has made a video of Veterans from our local American Legion Post 54 as well as members of our faculty and staff and we are excited to spotlight individual interviews.
For any questions about Veterans Week at UA Cossatot, please contact UA Cossatot's Director of Institutional Research and Assessment Tommi Cobb at tcobb@cccua.edu or 870-584-1158
Thursday COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,458
Confirmed Cases: 1,283
Probable Cases: 175
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 58
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 631
Confirmed Cases: 561
Probable Cases: 70
Total Active Cases: 45
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 9
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 502
Confirmed Cases: 447
Probable Cases: 55
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 394
Confirmed Cases: 373
Probable Cases: 21
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 13
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 281
Confirmed Cases: 269
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 1
Wednesday COVID-19 Maps and Numbers Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,436
Confirmed Cases: 1,280
Probable Cases: 156
Total Active Cases: 90
Active Confirmed Cases: 43
Active Probable Cases: 47
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 628
Confirmed Cases: 560
Probable Cases: 68
Total Active Cases: 47
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 9
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 491
Confirmed Cases: 442
Probable Cases: 49
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 11
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 385
Confirmed Cases: 368
Probable Cases: 17
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 9
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 278
Confirmed Cases: 266
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 2
Tri-County Regional Library System Board Meeting Tuesday, November 10th
The Tri-County Regional Library System Board will meet for their quarterly meeting on Tuesday, November 10 at 5 p.m. at the Sevier County Library, De Queen, AR branch.
Marilyn B. Archer, MLS
Director
Tri-County Regional Library System
Serving 11 Public Libraries in Howard, Little River and Sevier Counties in Southwest Arkansas
UA Cossatot Student Pumpkin Carving Contest
Congratulations to Jayla Sanders of Ashdown for being the winner for the Pumpkin Carving Contest sponsored by the UA cossatot Student Ambassadors!
Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,417
Confirmed Cases: 1,274
Probable Cases: 143
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 41
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 625
Confirmed Cases: 558
Probable Cases: 67
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 490
Confirmed Cases: 441
Probable Cases: 49
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 11
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 378
Confirmed Cases: 365
Probable Cases: 13
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 277
Confirmed Cases: 264
Probable Cases: 13
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 3
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 584 new cases; 10,135 active cases; 688 hospitalized, which is up 33 from Sunday; 119 on ventilators, which is up 12 from Sunday; deaths added today, 27, for a total of 1,985; a total of 113,641 cases; 94,664 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,866; antigen tests, 578.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 48; Washington, 37; Craighead, 33; Sebastian, 31; and White, 28.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"There is a slight decrease in new cases compared to last Monday with an increase in testing. While this is some good news, we are still seeing high numbers of deaths and hospitalizations. During tomorrow's weekly update, I'll discuss the state's winter strategy, and we'll receive an update about Arkansas schools and hospitals."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Sunday's COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,394
Confirmed Cases: 1,265
Probable Cases: 129
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 40
Active Probable Cases: 38
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 617
Confirmed Cases: 553
Probable Cases: 64
Total Active Cases: 53
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 478
Confirmed Cases: 431
Probable Cases: 47
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 10
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 370
Confirmed Cases: 359
Probable Cases: 11
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 274
Confirmed Cases: 261
Probable Cases: 13
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 3
Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Fall Adventures in Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK – The blazing foliage of fall is reason enough to travel the Natural State this weekend, but there’s more to autumn in Arkansas than the brightly colored leaves. Today I’d like to mention a few spots worth a visit this time of year in addition to the trails of leaves.
Arkansas State Parks is a big part of our tourism economy, and tourism is Arkansas’s second-largest industry. More than 8 million tourists visit our state and its parks every year, which brings in a billion dollars annually.
We have fifty-two state parks in forty-eight counties. The parks system encompasses nearly 55,000 beautiful acres all over the state, including over 400 miles of trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.
The leaves demand the most attention, of course. Kirk Jordan, a photographer who travels the state for Arkansas State Parks, spent Thursday on the road and said this weekend is a prime time for viewing in the Ouachitas and Ozarks. Farther north, and at higher elevations, the leaves have peaked, and in southern Arkansas, Kirk says you have a couple of weeks still. He said that this year’s colors are even brighter than last year.
Kirk contributes to Arkansas Tourism’s weekly Fall Color Update at Arkansas.com, where you also can read about our scenic roadways, such as the Talimena National Scenic Byway. In eastern Arkansas, Crowley’s Ridge Parkway and the Great River Road National Scenic Byways cut through the hardwoods of the St. Francis National Forest. The Pig Trail is one of five U.S. Forest Service Scenic Byways in the Ozark National Forest. Another is the Sylamore Byway, which runs between Calico Rock and Allison.
One of the great things about Arkansas is that you don’t have to stay in your car to enjoy the leaves. Five years ago, I was one of the first cyclists to ride on a section of the Delta Heritage Trail State Park near Helena-West Helena just as the leaves were starting to turn. That trail cuts through some of the prettiest landscape in the state. Since then, through various public and private-sector partnerships, our state has added miles and miles.
You can enjoy autumn from a canoe or kayak at Lake Monticello or Bayou Bartholomew, the longest bayou in the world and the second-most diverse stream in the nation with more than a hundred aquatic species. At Lake Chicot State Park, bird watchers on foot find this is a good time of year to add new sightings to their list.
The choices for autumn adventure are many. I hope you can find a moment to enjoy Arkansas. That’s a good way to clear your mind as you prepare to vote on Tuesday.
The Cosmo Ghouls at UA Cossatot
Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,371
Confirmed Cases: 1,252
Probable Cases: 119
Total Active Cases: 73
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 39
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 599
Confirmed Cases: 543
Probable Cases: 56
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 8
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 465
Confirmed Cases: 423
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 364
Confirmed Cases: 356
Probable Cases: 8
Total Active Cases: 20
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 270
Confirmed Cases: 258
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 2
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 1,072 new cases; 9,466 active cases; 666 hospitalized, which is up 4 from Wednesday; 100 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 19, for a total of 1,894; a total of 109,712 cases; 92,172 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,906; antigen tests, 1,241.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Garland, 108; Pulaski, 95; Washington, 90; Benton, 76; and Craighead, 52.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"As I typically do, I looked back at last Thursday's cases and compared them to today. We had 1,202 total new cases last Thursday compared to 1,072 today. This decrease was also recorded with an increase in total testing from this time last week. While these numbers may provide some encouragement, we know that we still have a long way to go to beat COVID-19."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
SW Arkansas/Texarkana Area New Arkansas Hot Spot for COVID-19
While Northeast Arkansas has been hit hard in recent weeks with a rise in COVID-19 cases, the Texarkana area in the southwest corner of the state has some of the highest 14-day moving average positivity rates.
Miller County, the home of Texarkana, has the highest 14-day moving average rate of 23.3%, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). Rounding out the top five are Sevier County, just north of Miller, at 19.6%; Mississippi County at 19.5%; Lafayette County, just east of Miller County, at 17.2%; and Jackson County at 16.3%.
COVID-19 positivity rates highest in southwest and northeast corners of Arkansas - Talk Business & Politics
While Northeast Arkansas has been hit hard in recent weeks with a rise in COVID-19 cases, the Texarkana area in the southwest corner of the state has some of the highest 14-day moving average positivity rates. Miller County, the home of Texarkana, has the highest 14-day moving average rate of 23.3%, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).
Thursday COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,362
Confirmed Cases: 1,247
Probable Cases: 115
Total Active Cases: 70
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 40
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 590
Confirmed Cases: 534
Probable Cases: 56
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 10
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 459
Confirmed Cases: 419
Probable Cases: 40
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 360
Confirmed Cases: 354
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 269
Confirmed Cases: 257
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 3
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 961 new cases; 9,303 active cases; 662 hospitalized, which is down 14 from Tuesday; 99 on ventilators, which is up 5 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 18, for a total of 1,875; a total of 108,640 cases; 91,441 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,105; antigen tests, 1,457.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 79; Pulaski, 66; Washington, 50; Craighead, 44; and Greene, 41.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"Today we reached over 300,000 total tests for the month of October. This means that over 10% of the population of Arkansas was tested for COVID-19 in the past 27 days. This could not have been accomplished without the remarkable work from the Arkansas Department of Health and its partners. While our new case numbers today are lower than they were last Wednesday (1,155), we still have to be disciplined, watch out for our neighbors, and follow the public health guidelines.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
In the 2019 Regular Session, the General Assembly made the first effort to reorganize state government in 50 years. We are now seeing the results of that effort through millions in savings.
The 92nd General Assembly passed Act 910, known as the "Transformation and Efficiencies Act." Since it took effect cabinet secretaries have been asked to find opportunities to improve their departments in the three ways:
1. Efficiencies
2. Improved managerial support
3. Improved delivery of services to citizens
One way departments have accomplished this is by focusing on location sharing when possible and evolving to a new work environment that is less expensive and ensures less square footage. The Department of Transformation and Shared Services reports that from July 1, 2019, to March 4, 2020, departments have realized more than $920,000.00 in savings on rent and 80,282 square feet of reduction in space.
A second way departments have improved is through budget reduction. In the balanced budget presented for year two of the biennium without additional funding, there is a $10 million reduction in the performance fund. This fund is set-aside and available to supplement department budgets as needed as a result of their annual performance reviews. Departments have also reduced the number of filled positions by 310 since July 1, 2019. This was accomplished by finding new ways to improve delivery and a commitment to shared services. No jobs were lost as a result of the transformation of Arkansas government.
Reallocation of general revenue has also helped the state maximize funding levels, with departments realizing more than $6,305,160 in savings by making a commitment to do more with less.
Finding ways to save taxpayer dollars and provide better services does not end with one piece of legislation. While the Transformation and Efficiencies Act has now shown to produce substantial savings, we will continue to find ways to do more.
Our Pre-Session Budget hearings will resume next week and continue through November 12. You can watch live at www.arkansashouse.org.