Severe Weather Briefing Friday and Friday Night for the Ark-La-Tex
Thursday COVID-19 Active Cases Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 0
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0
Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 244 new cases; 1,649 active cases; 150 hospitalized, which is down 2 from Tuesday; 20 on ventilators, which is down 6 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 7, for a total of 5,660; a total of 331,505 cases; PCR tests, 4,177; antigen tests, 1,242.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 30; Benton, 29; and Pulaski, 28.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“Yesterday's report shows an increase of over 27,000 vaccine doses administered. With COVID-19 cases increasing in other states, we are in a race to get everyone vaccinated. This is the key to victory. If you are over 16, let's get the dose.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
UA Cossatot Youthbuild GED Graduates
Leslie Daniels, case manager, pictured with Aliaah Ramos, from De Queen, and Travis Archer, from Dierks, who are UA Cossatot YouthBuild program’s most recent #GED graduates. Aliaah plans to enroll at UA Cossatot to study art. Travis is undecided, but both are continuing in the program to earn their NCCER certification. Congratulations! We are so proud of your accomplishment and hard work! #YouthBuild
Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught
On Tuesday, the House passed the following:
HB1388-This bill states that in an adoption proceeding concerning a minor who is not in the custody of the Department of Human Services, a prospective adoptive parent may voluntarily enter into a written agreement with a birth parent concerning post-adoption exchange of information, communication, or other contact between the birth parent and the minor.
HB1728-This bill states the use of campaign funds to pay a candidate's childcare expenses shall not be considered a taking of campaign funds as personal income if the campaign funds are used to pay for childcare for time the candidate is engaging in campaign activity and the childcare expenses would not exist in the absence of the campaign.
SB160-This bill states that in the 2022-2023 school year, Holocaust education shall be taught in all public schools in a manner that generates an understanding of the causes, course, and effects of the Holocaust. The bill states the lesson must also develops dialogue with students on the ramifications of bullying, bigotry, stereotyping, and discrimination.
SB394-This bill states that a public school district or open-enrollment charter school shall conduct a comprehensive school safety audit every 3 years to assess the safety, security, accessibility, and emergency preparedness of district buildings and grounds in collaboration with local law enforcement, fire, and emergency management officials.
SB27-This bill requires the Arkansas Department of Health to ensure that the Suicide Prevention Hotline employs individuals who have experience working with veterans or are veterans.
SB524-This bill states that by August 1, 2022, each public school district and open-enrollment public charter school in the state shall prepare a three-year teacher and administrator recruitment and retention plan. The plan should include goals for recruitment and retention of teachers and administrators of minority races and ethnicities who increase diversity among the district staff and, at a minimum, reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the district's students.
HB1743-This bill amends the Digital Product and Motion Picture Industry Development Act of 2009 to allow production companies a choice of applying for either a rebate or tax credit with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
SB474-This bill creates the offenses of fertility treatment abuse and fertility treatment fraud.
The House will convene on Wednesday at 1 pm.
Wednesday COVID-19 Active Case and Vaccination Numbers from the AR Department of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 0
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0
Fresh Start Program Continuing Through CDC
Saturday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 144 new cases; 1,684 active cases; 161 hospitalized, which is down 7 from Thursday; 26 on ventilators, which is unchanged from Thursday; deaths added today, 3, for a total of 5,639; a total of 330,753 cases; PCR tests, 4,246; antigen tests, 1,103.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 21; Benton, 13; and Greene, 9.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“We continue to see declining cases in our COVID-19 numbers. We are not increasing in cases like we see in many other states. Let’s all be mindful over Easter that we must continue to guard against the spread of the virus. Get a vaccine this weekend because this helps everyone. Yesterday, we saw an increase of over 29,000 vaccine doses administered.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0
UA Cossatot to Host Fiesta Fest May 1 in Downtown De Queen
PRESS RELEASE
183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832
870-584-1124
www.cccua.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 01 April 2021
CONTACT: Dustin Roberts, Director of Development
UA Cossatot to Host Fiesta Fest in Downtown De Queen
UA Cossatot will host Fiesta Fest on Saturday, May 1, 2021, in Downtown De Queen on North 3rd Street and West De Queen Avenue in front of the Courthouse from 1:00 PM until 9:00 PM.
The festival’s focus is bringing the community together to celebrate the cultures of Southwest Arkansas while raising scholarship money for UA Cossatot students.
Festivities will include food, vendors, live music, a DJ and light show, folkloric dancing, carnival rides, games, inflatables, and more.
“It a great time for all of us to come together for a common cause to celebrate the cultures that make up our community and help provide students of the college with an opportunity to benefit from the money that is raised from this event. These scholarships will help students complete their degree at the college,” said Director of the Center for Student Success, Erika Buenrrotro.
To become a sponsor or vendor for Fiesta Fest, contact Dustin Roberts, Director of Development, at droberts@cccua.edu or 870-584-1172. ###
Thursday COVID-19 Update from AR Dept of Health
In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 212 new cases; 1,695 active cases; 166 hospitalized, which is down 4 from Tuesday; 27 on ventilators, which is up 2 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 10, for a total of 5,626; a total of 330,398 cases; 253,685 recoveries; PCR tests, 5,767; antigen tests, 1,120.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 34; Pulaski, 26; Washington, 16; Faulkner, 14; and Sebastian, 13.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“The total number of vaccine doses administered since last week has increased by over 141,000. We also have over 61,000 additional Arkansans who are fully vaccinated. These numbers are encouraging, and with all Arkansans 16 and older eligible to receive the vaccine, we hope these numbers will continue to increase.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases:
Active Probable Cases:
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases:
Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases:
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 4
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases:
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases:
Daily Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught:
By a vote of 64-34 and 1 member voting present, the House passed SB410 on Tuesday. This bill establishes the framework for a new Medicaid expansion program called ARHOME which stands for Arkansas Health & Opportunity for Me. ARHOME would replace the current Arkansas Works program. It would continue to offer low-income families private insurance, with incentives for taking advantage of work opportunities, education, and skill development.
The House also passed the following:
HB1788-This bill would allow a municipal improvement district to enter a partnership with a private sector company to provide broadband internet service.
SB161-This bill would allow public schools to offer a hunting safety course as part of their curriculum.
HB1750-This bill states that a medical marijuana dispensary shall post signage at the check-in station of the dispensary notifying the qualifying patient of the availability of a pharmacist consultant. It also requires that information be posted on the dispensary website.
SB163-This bill creates the Arkansas Military Affairs Council Act and establishes the Military Affairs Grant Program. The council will work with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to promote and support military installations for state and local economic development.
SB397-This bill directs the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create a Higher Education Consumer Guide for prospective students and parents.
The guide would include the following information on each state-supported higher education institution:
Retention and graduation rates.
The cost of tuition. The average amount borrowed and loan default rate. Percentage of students who applied for first-time undergraduate admission and were offered admission. Average composite test scores of students enrolled.
Job placement of students within the first three years of graduation.
The House will convene on Wednesday at 1 pm.
Monday's SW Arkansas COVID-19 Active Case Numbers and Vaccines
In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 79 new cases; 1,773 active cases; 164 hospitalized, which is down 7 from Sunday; 28 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Sunday; deaths added today, 6, for a total of 5,601; a total of 330,008 cases; 253,402 recoveries; PCR tests, 1,581; antigen tests, 245.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 13; Pulaski, 9; Benton, 8; St. Francis, 8; and Craighead, 7.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“Our decline in active cases continues today. There are almost 2,500 fewer active cases than the report on March 1 of this year. There are also over 275 fewer hospitalizations than March 1. We continue to fight back against the virus, and the vaccine is our best tool.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases:
Thursday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 231 new cases; 2,128 active cases; 172 hospitalized, which is down 1 from Tuesday; 43 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 13, for a total of 5,560; a total of 329,177 cases; 252,612 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,154; antigen tests, 1,026.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Sebastian, 42; Washington, 29; Pulaski, 26; Benton, 17; and Baxter, Crawford, and Faulkner with 7 each.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“We continue to see some of the lowest numbers we've seen since the early days of this pandemic. This trend can continue if we all do our part. If it's your turn, get vaccinated today for a healthier community.”
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 9
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases:
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 1
Daily Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught:
The House approved a resolution that will provide for an extended recess of the 2021 Regular Session. HCR1015 would allow the General Assembly to recess on April 30 and return when census data becomes available to complete congressional redistricting. Currently, census data is expected to be released in September.
The House also voted in favor of the following bills on Monday:
HB1678-This bill allows the State Board of Education to issue a teaching license to a university professor or an assistant professor.
HB1313-This bill addresses damage, destruction, or vandalism to buildings and objects on the State Capitol Grounds and at the Governor’s Mansion. It states damage to public buildings or objects of respect is a Class A misdemeanor if the damage is under $500. It becomes a Class D felony if the value of the damage exceeds $500.
HB1505-This bill makes leaving the scene of an accident with injuries a Class D felony. If there are serious physical injuries or death of a person, the offender would be charged with a Class B felony.
SB339-This bill states restaurants holding a valid alcoholic beverage permit may sell alcoholic beverages in a sealed container to be consumed off-premises. This is currently allowed under an executive order due to the health emergency. SB339 would allow the practice to continue after the emergency.
SB341-This bill prohibits collective bargaining by public employees. The bill states public employees do not include law enforcement officers, firefighters, or public transit system employees.
SB354-This bill states that interscholastic, intercollegiate, intramural, or club athletic teams or sports that are sponsored by a school shall be expressly designated as one of the following based on biological sex:
(1) "Male", "men's", or "boys”
(2) "Female", "women's", or "girls"
It also states a student who is deprived of an athletic opportunity or suffers harm as a result of a violation of this law can seek injunctive relief and monetary damages.
The House will convene on Tuesday at 1 pm.
Monday COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 17
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 4
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases:
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
In the 10th week of the 2021 Regular Session, the House passed several bills focusing on improved education.
Once enacted, these bills would increase funding for our public schools, raise teacher salaries, and require every high school student to complete a computer science course.
HB1677 raises the foundation funding amount for public schools from the current $6,899 per student to $7,182 per student for the next school year. It increases the amount for the 2022-2023 school year to $7,349 per student. The bill also outlines enhanced funding amounts for school districts where a large majority of students qualify for the national school lunch program. This bill will now be considered by the Senate Education Committee.
This week, the House also addressed teacher salaries. While the 92nd General Assembly worked to improve the minimum teacher salary, our teachers continue to make less than those surrounding states when it comes to the average salary. The current average salary for teachers is $49,822.
HB1614 seeks to raise the average salary by creating the Teacher Salary Equalization Fund. The bill outlines a statewide target average of $51,822 for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. This bill would direct the Department of Education to disperse money from the Equalization Fund to districts whose average teacher salary falls below $51,822.
The House voted 97-0 in favor of HB1614. The bill is now before the Senate Education Committee.
Meanwhile, another education bill is making its way to the Governor’s desk.
The House passed SB107, which requires students entering the ninth grade class of 2022-2023 to earn one credit in a computer science course before graduation. SB107 states that beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, a public school district shall employ a computer science teacher at each high school.
The House also passed two other education bills this week, HB1451 and HB 1594.
HB1451 allows a public school district to adopt a bilingual program or a dual-immersion program approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
HB1594 allows the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to grant a teaching license to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients who have completed the necessary requirements.
You can find summaries of other legislation passed this week as well recorded meetings, links to live streams, and committee agendas at www.arkansashouse.org.
UA Cossatot Secondary Career Center Students Win Welding Competition
UA Cossatot Secondary Career Center students from the Nashville Campus attended and won first place in the 2021 Weld-A-Thon competition Thursday, March 18 at South Arkansas Community College.
UA Cossatot Secondary Career Center students, Damion Barbre of Dierks High School, Brantley Cupples of Nashville High School, and Harley Keys from Murfreesboro High School won 1st place. Fellow student, Dalton Gibson of Dierks High School was also in attendance. Participants were given a blueprint, welding materials, and had two hours to build a custom fire pit.
Each winning team member received a welding helmet, three pairs of welding gloves, a $50 visa gift card, a t-shirt, and a ball cap. Also, all competition participants were entered into a drawing for a $350 welding helmet and Damion Barbre was the drawing winner.
The students were accompanied by their welding instructor, Stuart Dufrene, and Director of High School Programs, Julie Rhodes. Rhodes said, “This is a tremendous opportunity that shows the standards of excellence that UA Cossatot requires.”
For more information on UA Cossatot Secondary Career Center, contact Director Julie Rhodes at 870-584-1343 or jrhodes@cccua.edu. ###
Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 34
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 23
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 7
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases:
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 4
Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 117 new cases; 2,863 active cases; 250 hospitalized, which is up 7 from Sunday; 58 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Sunday; deaths added today, 7, for a total of 5,481; a total of 327,060 cases; 250,717 recoveries; PCR tests, 2,313; antigen tests, 138.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 15; Crawford, 13; Pulaski, 12; Washington, 11; and Lonoke, 8.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“Today's number of active cases is the lowest in Arkansas since early June. We are making great progress in decreasing our new case numbers, but we must continue to get vaccinated. The best thing each of us can do is get the vaccine when it's our turn.”
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 20
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 2
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 6
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 3