LITTLE ROCK – This year for the first time, enrollment in computer science courses topped 10,000, the sixth straight year enrollment has increased, and today I’d like to talk about what’s happening and what’s down the road.
To be exact, the number of Arkansas high school students taking at least one computer science course is 10,450. That is an increase of six-and-a-half percent over the last school year and nearly 850 percent increase over the 1,100 students who were enrolled six years ago.
We showed improvement in other areas as well. For the first time in Arkansas, the percentage of African American students who are taking a computer science class exceeds the percentage of all African American students enrolled in Arkansas high schools. Also for the first time, the percentage of all minority students taking a high school computer science course exceeds the percentage of all minority students enrolled in our high schools.
In addition, we continue to show tremendous growth in the number of girls who are taking computer science. When we started this initiative, 223 girls were enrolled in a computer science class. This year, the Arkansas Department of Education reports that the number has jumped to 3,135. That is a 1,300 percent increase over 2014.
Many publications and tech organizations, such as Code.org, have recognized Arkansas as a leader in computer science education. But we can’t rest on our success, which is why I’m working with the Arkansas General Assembly to open up more opportunities for our young people. Last year, I created the Computer Science and Cybersecurity Task Force, and one of its recommendations is to require a computer science course to be taken for graduation. I am grateful to Senator Jane English for sponsoring this legislation and recognizing its importance. And, by the school year 2022-2023, every high school in the state must employ at least one teacher who is certified to teach computer science.
When we became the first state in the nation to require all high schools to teach computer science, our goal was to increase enrollment to 7,500 by the 2019-2020 school year. We surpassed that goal a year early. This year, even with COVID-19, we topped over 10,000. We have done that because educators and students embraced the initiative. We have enhanced our education system, strengthened our workforce, and we are continuing to set the pace.
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Holds a Press Conference on Arkansas's Rising COVID-19 Cases Friday (11.20.20)
Governor Asa Hutchinson holds a news conference on the state's rising COVID-19 case numbers on Friday, November, 20, 2020.
Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,620
Confirmed Cases: 1,352
Probable Cases: 268
Total Active Cases: 93
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 56
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 747
Confirmed Cases: 631
Probable Cases: 116
Total Active Cases: 50
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 22
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 588
Confirmed Cases: 501
Probable Cases: 87
Total Active Cases: 63
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 21
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 642
Confirmed Cases: 593
Probable Cases: 49
Total Active Cases: 176
Active Confirmed Cases: 159
Active Probable Cases: 17
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 336
Confirmed Cases: 307
Probable Cases: 29
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 13
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 2,238 new cases; 16,998 active cases; 899 hospitalized, which is down 2 from Wednesday; 146 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 22, for a total of 2,297; a total of 139,855 cases; 109,135 recoveries; PCR tests, 11,560; antigen tests, 2,034.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 207; Washington, 131; Sebastian, 122; Benton, 110; and Craighead, 102.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“I will be addressing the high number of new cases in a Friday news conference. Today we implemented the first recommendation of the COVID-19 Winter Task Force, and I will address hospital capacity tomorrow.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
UA Cossatot Student Creates Safety Flyer for Pandemic Fatigue
This month’s flyer is on how to deal with stress from the Covid Pandemic. Please enjoy the artwork contributed by our very own student, Max Lemus. He is quite talented!
Thursday COVID-19 Update
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 1,715 new cases; 16,577 active cases; 901 hospitalized, which is up 6 from Tuesday; 143 on ventilators, which is up 6 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 30, for a total of 2,275; a total of 137,617 cases; 107,772 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,924; antigen tests, 2,467.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 176; Washington, 147; White, 105; Benton, 84; and Craighead, 78.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“Our hospitalizations again reached an all-time high today. This puts a strain on our medical teams and it’s never been more important for all of us to do our part and be part of the solution. Thanks to everyone for making common sense and necessary adjustments for Thanksgiving.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,607
Confirmed Cases: 1,348
Probable Cases: 259
Total Active Cases: 93
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 54
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 736
Confirmed Cases: 623
Probable Cases: 113
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 21
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 579
Confirmed Cases: 494
Probable Cases: 85
Total Active Cases: 56
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 20
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 618
Confirmed Cases: 574
Probable Cases: 44
Total Active Cases: 173
Active Confirmed Cases: 160
Active Probable Cases: 13
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 330
Confirmed Cases: 303
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 11
Governor Hutchinson Announces Record Number Of Arkansas Students Taking Computer Science
LITTLE ROCK – Enrollment in Computer Science courses topped 10,000 for this school term, a record number of students that is an increase of 6.5 percent over the previous year and an 847 percent increase since the 2014-2015 term, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced at a news conference today.
The enrollment numbers were taken from Arkansas school districts’ Cycle 2 enrollment reports, which were due to the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) by October 15.
The enrollment report shows that for the first time in Arkansas, the percentage of African American students who are taking a computer science class – 19.6 percent – exceeds the percentage of all African American students – 19.2 percent – enrolled in Arkansas high schools.
ADE also reports that the number of girls taking at least one computer science class increased by 283 to 3,135, a 28 percent increase over the past year and a 1,300 percent increase over 2014, when 223 girls were enrolled.
“When we became the first state in the nation to require all high schools to teach computer science, our goal was to increase enrollment to 7,500 by the 2019-2020 school year,” Governor Hutchinson said. “We surpassed that goal a year early, and this year, even with COVID-19, we topped 10,000. Educators and students embraced the initiative. We have enhanced our education system, and we are strengthening our workforce.”
Governor Hutchinson also announced his support for legislation during the 93rd General Assembly that would require a computer science credit to graduate and would require each high school to employ at least one certified computer science teacher. Senator Jane English is sponsoring the bill.
Anthony Owen, State Director of Computer Science, praised the work that led to the sixth consecutive increase in enrollment. “I am proud beyond words that our schools, educators, and students stepped up and again demonstrated that computer science remains a top priority across Arkansas.”
De Queen Lions Club "Feed the Colts Night" at UA Cossatot
De Queen Lions Club fed the Colts Basketball Team smoked brisket sandwiches Wednesday evening at UA Cossatot. De Queen Lions plan to feed the Lady Colts today at lunch. The Lady Colts were out of town last night at a scrimmage game at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas.
College-Employer Partnerships at UA Cossatot Prove to be Successful
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 18 November 2020
CONTACT: Ben Renfrow, Marketing Coordinator
College-Employer Partnerships at UA Cossatot Prove to be Successful
UA Cossatot is a community college that is proud to partner with local industry. While supporting businesses in our area by helping them fill the demand for more skilled and trained workers, UA Cossatot is thrilled to create a pathway for more students to find local employment resulting in a high salary career.
Industrial Maintenance is a popular career choice right now and will continue to hold a bright job outlook for the next decade. Industries need more skilled and technical workers, which is why UA Cossatot’s Lockesburg Industrial Maintenance Institute has received so much industrial support. UA Cossatot serves four counties and has partnerships with American Electric Power, Ash Grove, Domtar, Husqvarna, Weyerhaeuser, and Tyson Foods. UA Cossatot students have more opportunities than ever before to receive their education in a skilled and technical career here at home and then find employment without leaving Southwest Arkansas.
Tyson Foods in Broken Bow, OK, and Nashville, AR, have both offered internship opportunities for UA Cossatot students. While accommodating the student’s class schedules, Tyson Foods offers students, in the internship program, the chance to earn experience while learning new skills. Most students who have completed the internship program were hired immediately following graduation. “Our internship program can help a student decide if a career in industrial maintenance is a good match for their personality, lifestyle, passions and goals. This way a student can avoid spending time and money on training for a career that does not really suit their abilities or needs.” said Tem Gunter, Complex HR Manager for Tyson’s Nashville facility.
(from left to right) Ernan Gomez of Blevins, UA Cossatot Instructor Randy Thompson, and Cameron Lane of McCaskill
Adding, “The team at the LIMI has done a tremendous job identifying and preparing high-performing IM students for these internships.”
Tyson’s Broken Bow plant currently has two refrigeration and five maintenance positions available. Donna Duggan, Complex HR Manager for Tyson’s Broken Facility says, “The Lockesburg Industrial Maintenance program prepares both high school and adult learners for careers in industrial maintenance utilizing part-time and full-time employment opportunities with industry to complement classroom instruction. These employment opportunities within Tyson allow students to earn while they learn which leads to productive careers and upward mobility paths within the company.” Students interested in the internship positions may visit www.tysonfoods.com/careers to apply.
High school students looking to get ahead can also earn college credit in industrial maintenance at UA Cossatot’s Lockesburg Campus through the college’s Secondary Career Center. Students who begin taking classes in their junior and senior year of high school would lack approximately one year of course work before achieving a technical certificate, allowing them to graduate their freshman year of college.
The industrial maintenance program at UA Cossatot offers two career pathways. Students can choose to pursue their education in industrial technology, which requires 37 credits, or industrial electricity, which requires 33 credits. After completing the 37 or 33 credits, students will earn a technical certificate in that area. Many students choose to major in both, which qualifies them to receive an associate’s degree in General Technology. As students earn college credit throughout the program, they can also receive stackable certificates of proficiency as they continue in their chosen focus area to help build up their resume.
In as little as one semester or year, students can graduate from UA Cossatot with a certificate and start out making possibly $30,000 to $50,000 a year with the potential to earn up to $60,000 a year or more.
(from left to right) Zach Backus of Nashville, Corta Young of McCaskill, and UA Cossatot Instructor Randy Thompson
UA Cossatot’s Workforce Development department looks for opportunities to help local businesses and industries, while also assisting students in finding jobs. For any questions about college-employer partnerships UA Cossatot is involved in, please contact UA Cossatot’s Workforce Development department at 870-584-4471 or e-mail workforcedevelopment@cccua.edu. For more information about the Industrial Maintenance Program or other skilled and technical programs UA Cossatot offers, please contact Skilled and Technical Sciences and Professional Programs Academic Advisor Sarah Chesshir at 870-584-1338 or schessir@cccua.edu.###
University of Arkansas Cossatot is a community college in Southwest Arkansas accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Offering technical certification and Associate degrees, UAC also collaborates with other colleges and universities to offer bachelor's degrees on its three campuses. UAC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution in compliance with the Higher Education Act of 1965 and other Civil Rights laws and offers equal opportunity for admission and employment. Employment preference is given to applicants possessing a Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) with all other qualifications being equal. Programs and activities of UAC are provided to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, Vietnam era veteran or special disabled veteran status, or sex. Questions or concerns regarding affirmative action can be directed to the Compliance Officer, c/o UA Cossatot, 183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832. For Arkansas RELAY Voiced Services call 711 or 800-285-1121. Visit www.cccua.edu for more information.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The 2021 Regular Session begins in less than two months. We want to take this week to update you on the ongoing budget hearings in preparation for the session.
Pre-session budget hearings have been extended. They began last month and will continue from now to November 19. This week, members were presented with the General Revenue Forecast and the Governor's Balanced Budget Proposal. The Governor's plan calls for a reduction of sales tax on vehicles priced less than $10,000. His proposal also calls for a reduction in the income tax rate for new residents moving into Arkansas.
The proposal includes recommendations for one-time funding from the $240 million expected budget surplus. Those recommendations include a transfer of $100 million to the Long Term Reserve Fund and a $30 million transfer to the Department of Commerce for rural broadband.
By law, the Governor is required to submit a balanced budget proposal. While we take the proposal from the executive branch into consideration, appropriation bills and the budget are ultimately drafted and voted on by the legislature.
The House and Senate Education Committees have recommended an increase of $99.7 million in funding for k-12 education for the next fiscal year. The committees recommended an increase of $86.9 million for Fiscal Year 2023.
Currently, state funding is $6,985 per student. The committees' recommendation increases the amount to $7,131 next year and to $7,281 in Fiscal Year 2023. The committees' proposal is also reflected in the Governor's proposed budget.
This week, the Department of Finance and Administration issued its economic forecast. For the next fiscal year, the department expects state revenue to increase by $172 million or 3% more than the current fiscal year. The short-term outlook for the Arkansas economy remains mixed. The forecast states there are noticeable lags in recovery by travel, conventions, and full-service restaurants.
Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,601
Confirmed Cases: 1,344
Probable Cases: 257
Total Active Cases: 97
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 55
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 728
Confirmed Cases: 617
Probable Cases: 111
Total Active Cases: 67
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 29
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 572
Confirmed Cases: 488
Probable Cases: 84
Total Active Cases: 56
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 22
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 609
Confirmed Cases: 564
Probable Cases: 45
Total Active Cases: 174
Active Confirmed Cases: 160
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 326
Confirmed Cases: 300
Probable Cases: 26
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 10
Tuesday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps
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 1,308 new cases; 16,485 active cases; 861 hospitalized, which is up 31 from Sunday; 123 on ventilators, which is up 7 from Sunday; deaths added today, 42, for a total of 2,225; a total of 134,348 cases; 105,468 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,329; antigen tests, 620.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 161; Pulaski, 130; Benton, 70; Sebastian, 64; and Craighead, 63.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“The new cases are higher than last Monday, and this may be an indication we are in for a tough week ahead. The 42 new deaths is regrettably an all-time high in a single day. While there is good news on the vaccine front this morning, we have to work together to reduce cases, hospitalizations and save lives.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,586
Confirmed Cases: 1,341
Probable Cases: 245
Total Active Cases: 98
Active Confirmed Cases: 46
Active Probable Cases: 52
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 721
Confirmed Cases: 613
Probable Cases: 108
Total Active Cases: 67
Active Confirmed Cases: 40
Active Probable Cases: 27
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 563
Confirmed Cases: 482
Probable Cases: 81
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 22
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 584
Confirmed Cases: 542
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 157
Active Confirmed Cases: 146
Active Probable Cases: 11
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 320
Confirmed Cases: 294
Probable Cases: 26
Total Active Cases: 33
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 10
UA Cossatot Student Scholarships Thank You
Monday COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,577
Confirmed Cases: 1,335
Probable Cases: 242
Total Active Cases: 103
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 56
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 721
Confirmed Cases: 612
Probable Cases: 109
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 32
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 558
Confirmed Cases: 476
Probable Cases: 82
Total Active Cases: 50
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 24
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 567
Confirmed Cases: 525
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 155
Active Confirmed Cases: 139
Active Probable Cases: 16
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 317
Confirmed Cases: 291
Probable Cases: 26
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 11
Saturday COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,565
Confirmed Cases: 1,329
Probable Cases: 236
Total Active Cases: 115
Active Confirmed Cases: 48
Active Probable Cases: 67
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 709
Confirmed Cases: 604
Probable Cases: 105
Total Active Cases: 71
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 30
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 547
Confirmed Cases: 470
Probable Cases: 77
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 20
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 539
Confirmed Cases: 500
Probable Cases: 39
Total Active Cases: 146
Active Confirmed Cases: 125
Active Probable Cases: 21
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 312
Confirmed Cases: 290
Probable Cases: 22
Total Active Cases: 27
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 8
Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,545
Confirmed Cases: 1,318
Probable Cases: 227
Total Active Cases: 110
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 69
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 702
Confirmed Cases: 601
Probable Cases: 101
Total Active Cases: 72
Active Confirmed Cases: 44
Active Probable Cases: 28
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 536
Confirmed Cases: 464
Probable Cases: 72
Total Active Cases: 33
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 16
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 507
Confirmed Cases: 468
Probable Cases: 39
Total Active Cases: 120
Active Confirmed Cases: 97
Active Probable Cases: 23
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 307
Confirmed Cases: 286
Probable Cases: 21
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 8
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 1,809 new cases; 14,491 active cases; 805 hospitalized, which is up 4 from Wednesday; 116 on ventilators, which is unchanged from Wednesday; deaths added today, 18, for a total of 2,144; a total of 128,09 cases; 102,355 recoveries; PCR tests, 11,164; antigen tests, 1,740.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 154; Washington, 70; Sebastian, 66; Craighead, 60; and Benton, 58.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"Yesterday was a strong day of testing for Arkansas. Our increased testing efforts continue to reveal consistently high numbers of new COVID-19 cases throughout the state. When you get out each day, be mindful of the pressure on our hospitals, doctors, and health care workers. Let's reduce the hospitalizations by doing our part to protect each other."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Thursday COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,541
Confirmed Cases: 1,316
Probable Cases: 225
Total Active Cases: 121
Active Confirmed Cases: 44
Active Probable Cases: 77
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 697
Confirmed Cases: 598
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 27
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 526
Confirmed Cases: 460
Probable Cases: 66
Total Active Cases: 28
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 12
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 488
Confirmed Cases: 449
Probable Cases: 39
Total Active Cases: 105
Active Confirmed Cases: 81
Active Probable Cases: 24
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 306
Confirmed Cases: 286
Probable Cases: 20
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 7
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 1,962 new cases; 13,691 active cases; 801 hospitalized, which is down 9 from Tuesday; 116 on ventilators, which is down 11 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 14, for a total of 2,126; a total of 126,197 cases; 101,583 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,390; antigen tests, 2,247.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 172; Benton, 144; Garland, 136; Washington, 121; and Sebastian, 116.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"Today we saw another record number of reported new cases. There was a small decline in hospitalizations but the high number of cases is a profoundly serious reminder of the emergency that continues. Susan and I just spoke about our holiday plans and we are taking extra precautions and limiting the number. Plan safely."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,522
Confirmed Cases: 1,315
Probable Cases: 207
Total Active Cases: 117
Active Confirmed Cases: 50
Active Probable Cases: 67
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 694
Confirmed Cases: 598
Probable Cases: 96
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 50
Active Probable Cases: 28
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 523
Confirmed Cases: 458
Probable Cases: 65
Total Active Cases: 28
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 12
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 466
Confirmed Cases: 430
Probable Cases: 36
Total Active Cases: 89
Active Confirmed Cases: 66
Active Probable Cases: 23
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 295
Confirmed Cases: 277
Probable Cases: 18
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 6
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Veterans live and work in every community of Arkansas. We are their friends, their family, their co-workers, and their neighbors. It is up to us to ensure that every veteran feels that his or her service to this country is appreciated.
There are ways every Arkansan can help our veterans. Shop at your local businesses that support the military and hire veterans. Reach out to your veteran community and find ways to volunteer. We can all teach our children about the sacrifices veterans have made and create a new generation of appreciation.
But the easiest way is to simply say, "Thank you for what you have done for our country."
On this Veterans Day, we would like to say a special thank you to the more than 219,000 veterans who call Arkansas home.
Every session, we introduce legislation to make Arkansas a better place for our military members and vets. In the most recent session, we passed legislation to make it easier for military spouses to find employment quickly and legislation paving the way for an extensive study on veteran affairs in our state.
Act 551 directs the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, and Legislative and Military Affairs and the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs to meet jointly to conduct the Arkansas Legislative Study on Veterans Affairs. The study aims to examine veterans' issues in the state, including the occurrence of suicide among the veteran population. The committees have conducted town-hall-style meetings across the state to hear from veterans. They will use the information they've gathered to make recommendations for the 2021 Regular Session.
We also passed Act 820. This legislation states an occupational licensing entity shall grant active military members and returning veterans, as well as spouses of active military and returning veterans, with automatic licensure to engage in an occupation or profession if they have an equivalent license in another state.
And in 2017, we passed legislation exempting military retirement benefits from state income tax.
We look forward to continued progress. May we continue to make our state a place our vets are proud to call home.
Veterans Salutes from UA Cossatot and Ed 88
Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,505
Confirmed Cases: 1,311
Probable Cases: 194
Total Active Cases: 112
Active Confirmed Cases: 53
Active Probable Cases: 59
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 690
Confirmed Cases: 598
Probable Cases: 92
Total Active Cases: 76
Active Confirmed Cases: 51
Active Probable Cases: 25
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 519
Confirmed Cases: 457
Probable Cases: 62
Total Active Cases: 31
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 10
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 445
Confirmed Cases: 413
Probable Cases: 32
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 53
Active Probable Cases: 21
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 291
Confirmed Cases: 275
Probable Cases: 16
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 4
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 945 new cases; 12,488 active cases; 786 hospitalized, which is up 45 from Sunday; 116 on ventilators, which is up 13 from Sunday; deaths added today, 23, for a total of 2,108; a total of 122,811 cases; 99,861 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,358; antigen tests, 721.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 128; Washington, 79; Independence, 75; Sebastian, 56; and Benton, 49.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"We continue to see a high level of hospitalizations across the state. This increase can affect everyone, even those who have not contracted COVID-19. We all have a responsibility to our friends, family, and neighbors to do our part as we fight this virus."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
