Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Arkansans know that no summer barbecue is complete without fresh watermelon. Our state may not be the largest producer of watermelon, but Arkansas communities lay claim to being the home of the world’s largest and the world’s sweetest. 

The month of July is known as National Watermelon Month. July is typically the largest shipping month of the year, with over 15 states harvesting simultaneously. 

The United States currently ranks 7th in the worldwide production of watermelon. Over 1,200 varieties of watermelon are grown across 96 countries worldwide. But the impact the crop has on communities here in Arkansas has been a cause for celebration for decades.  

In Arkansas, we have more than 200 farms harvesting more than 1,500 acres of watermelons. Crops are valued at more than $5 million. 

The city of Hope annually celebrates its claim as the home of the world’s largest watermelons with a yearly watermelon festival. The event first originated in 1926 and has been ongoing, though not continuous, since 1977. 

And since 1980, the residents of Cave City have been coming together to celebrate the "World's Sweetest Watermelons" and reconnect with family and friends. Now, in its 40th year, the watermelon festival is the largest festival in the region. 

Researchers are now finding out that watermelons are even more nutritious than previously known. The USDA's Agricultural Research Service recently identified over 1,500 small molecules of diverse chemical characters in the fruit, known as phytochemicals. They concluded that eating watermelon is an excellent way to increase your intake of antioxidants, non-protein amino acids, and lycopene. This means that every time you eat watermelon, you’ll be improving the health of your cells, organs, and nervous system. 

In addition to farmer’s markets and fruit stands across the state, you can find Arkansas watermelons and any Arkansas grown produce at supermarkets by looking for the “Arkansas Grown” label. The “Arkansas Grown” logo is a registered trademark of the Department filed with the Arkansas Secretary of State. It may appear in black and white or black and green versions.

 We’ve posted more information, including recipes and expert tips on finding the perfect watermelon, on our website www.arkansashouse.org.

Sunday COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 21

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 21

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 10

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 12

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 19

CADC Summer Utility Assistance Public Service Announcement

UA Cossatot Announces their LPN Graduates

UA Cossatot hosted a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) graduation and pinning ceremony on Friday, June 25, at the UA Cossatot Bank of Lockesburg Historic Gymnasium.

Graduates included: Sanjuana Alvarez-Hernandez, Victoria Boyd, Heather Bradshaw, Dondria Burdette, Rosio Cisneros, Brittany Crumpler, Elizabeth DiBucci, Yatzari Dominguez, Hannah Fry, Myranda Gross, Caitlin Harding, Evie Harris, Crystal Hernandez, Alondra Lerma, Haley Manasco, Ana Martinez, Leslie Martinez, Emily McCarley, Hannah Pate, Alexis Rubio, Gabriela Ruiz, Shyla Schwartz, Maeghan Vaughn, Caylee Young, Victoria Alfaro, Ada Camarillo, Aldair Guerrero, Kimberly McCauley, Samantha Molina, JaQuasha Ogden, and Hailey Oglesby.

The Practical Nursing Program offers two educational formats for students, an 11-month day program that begins in August and ends in June and an 18-month evening program that begins in January and ends in June of the following year. Students successfully completing the Practical Nursing Program Course are awarded a Technical Certificate. The course of study meets the requirements of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, and after graduation, students are eligible to apply for the State licensing examination to become an LPN.

Dr. Ashley Aylett, Vice Chancellor for Academics, stated “we are extremely happy we were able to gather in-person to celebrate these LPN graduates. We are always proud of all our graduates, but we are especially proud of this LPN cohort. The COVID-19 pandemic made the past year extremely difficult to navigate for most everyone. This particular group of LPN students experienced a complete change in the way the nursing program was delivered—requiring them to transition to several months of virtual learning, testing, and clinical. These students’ dedication and determination are evident through the successful completion of the program during a time like none of us have experienced. This was also our first time hosting the nursing pinning combined with the conferral of degrees. This allowed students and families to gather for a single ceremony versus two as we have done in the past. We feel the single ceremony was extremely meaningful and successful.”

For more information on UA Cossatot’s LPN program, contact Medical Education at 870-584-1211.

VIDEO: Sevier County Judge Greg Ray About the Tri Lakes Bass Tournament

Single Parent Scholarship Fall Semester Application is Open

https://www.aspsf.org/applynow

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Arkansas started a new fiscal year this week, and final reports for the previous year give us an optimistic outlook about the future of our economy.

Fiscal Year 2021 ended on June 30. We began Fiscal Year 2022 on July 1.

Results from collections and distributions for FY2021 reached $6.845 billion. This is $1.09 billion or 19% above prior-year results.

The collections fully funded the Revenue Stabilization Act for the Fiscal Year 2021 and left a surplus of $945.7 million. The fiscal year ended above forecast in all major categories of collections and above year-ago levels. The Department of Finance and Administration says there are several contributing factors.

The deadline for individual income taxes was extended last year to July. Payroll withholding tax exceeded expectations amid a faster rebound in the state economy. Sales tax exceeded expectations from the combined factors of an economic rebound, stimulus transfers, and growth in online marketplace sales.

The state’s most significant sources of revenue come from individual income tax and sales and use tax.

•• Individual income tax collections totaled $3.97 billion. That is $550 million or 16.1% above FY2020.

•• Sales and Use collections totaled $2.88 billion. That is $340 million or 13.4% above FY2020.

•• Corporate Income Taxes totaled $651.9 million. That is an increase of $169.8 million or 35.2% above FY2020.

This week, the Governor authorized the Department of Finance and Administration to increase the state forecast for FY2021 by $213 million.

This increase allowed for $86.6 million to be diverted to the Medicaid trust fund. That brings the balance of the trust fund to more than $600 million, ensuring that there are adequate funds for the healthcare of low-income Arkansans.

After the revised forecast, the state’s Long-Term Reserve Fund has a balance of $1.22 billion.

The Governor has indicated he will call a special session this fall to address future tax cuts. We will continue to update you on any developments.

Tuesday's COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the AR Dept of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 14

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 18

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 10

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 13

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 13

Widespread Shower and Thunderstorm Activity Is Expected Across SW Arkansas Thursday

Showers and thunderstorms will become widespread across much of the state Thursday and Thursday night. While severe weather chances remain low, some storms could produce locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds.

Heat indices across southern Arkansas could approach or exceed 100 degrees in some locations Thursday afternoon.

Widespread showers and thunderstorms will persist across roughly the southern half of the state on Friday. Severe weather chances will remain low, but a few storms could produce locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds.

After a mostly dry weekend, isolated to scattered thunderstorms are back in the forecast Monday and Tuesday.

Message Last Updated: 4:32 AM local time on 7/1/2021.

Wednesday COVID-19 SW Arkansas Active Cases and Vaccinations Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 6

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 7

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

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 6

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 5

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

There are currently 58,000 Arkansans who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It is estimated that 67,000 will be diagnosed by 2025.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, an opportunity to hold a conversation about the brain, and share the fact that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are a major public health issue.

In 2019, there were 1,507 deaths from Alzheimer’s in Arkansas. That’s a 250% increase since the year 2000. It is now the 6th leading cause of death in the state.

Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.

Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. The greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. Alzheimer’s disease is considered to be younger-onset Alzheimer’s if it affects a person under 65.

More than 6 million Americans are now living with Alzheimer’s.

The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is estimated to total $355 billion in 2021.

In the most recent legislative session, the General Assembly addressed this health issue when it passed Act 391.

Act 391 creates the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council. The council will examine the needs of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, services available in the state for patients and their family caregivers, and the ability of healthcare providers and facilities to meet the current and future needs. The council will make findings and recommendations in an annual report known as the State Alzheimer’s Plan.

Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits. When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body. We’ve provided links to more information on our website

at www.arkansashouse.org.

Sunday COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 4

Friday COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 4

Wednesday COVID-19 SW Arkansas Active Cases and Vaccinations Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 6

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 3

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council Highway Commission Review and Advisory Subcommittee reviewed a presentation regarding Arkansas’ inland waterways.

This year marks 50 years of service from the McClellan‐Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. The system serves a 12 state region and provides a cost-effective form of transportation to Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and surrounding states.

The anniversary reminds us of the importance of our waterways and our duty to ensure this infrastructure is well maintained. Arkansas’s inland waterways system is vital to our economic growth. The inland waterways efficiently, sustainably, and cost-effectively transport critical commodities like agricultural goods, energy products, building materials, and industrial chemicals.

Arkansas has over 1,860 miles of navigable inland waterways, ranking it third in the nation. Arkansas’ inland waterway assets include the Mississippi, Arkansas, Ouachita, Red, and White Rivers. The waterways account for $4.4 billion in gross state product and contribute more than $270 million in state and local tax revenue. The Mississippi River is the main trade corridor for goods produced in the northern part of the U.S. traveling to gateway ports near the Gulf of Mexico. As trade between the U.S. and Latin America grows, the importance of Arkansas waterways and the strategic location of the state will enhance manufacturing and distribution opportunities.

There are 11 public ports in the state. Arkansas’ ports, inland waterways, and inland waterways-dependent industries support more than 50,000 jobs.

The waterways can often be the most economical choice for transportation. One standard 15-barge tow moves the equivalent of 216 rail cars or 1,050 trucks. Waterborne transportation requires significantly less fuel than rail or trucks.

The Arkansas Waterways Commission is the sole state agency responsible for developing, promoting, and protecting waterborne transportation in Arkansas.

You can find more information about our waterways system on their website at www.waterways.arkansas.gov.

Monday's SW Arkansas COVID-19 Active Case Numbers and Vaccines

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 6

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 0

Tamla Heminger Recognized as UA Cossatot's Teacher of the Year

Thursday COVID-19 Active Cases Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 6

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 4

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

This week, we would like to remind families of an upcoming scholarship deadline. July 1 is the deadline to apply for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.

The scholarship provides tuition assistance to traditional and non-traditional students attending universities and two-year colleges – both public and private – in the state.

Freshman students at four-year colleges receive $1,000 from the scholarship. Second- and third-year students receive $4,000, and senior-level students are awarded $5,000 per year.

At two-year colleges, first-year students receive $1,000 annually, while second-year students are awarded $3,000. To maintain eligibility, students must keep a 2.5-grade point average.

Traditional students must score at least 19 on the ACT to qualify for the scholarship. The latest ACT score accepted by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education will be from the June testing. Students who have yet to achieve a score of 19 make take the Accuplacer test as a substitute.

Since its inception in 2009, the Arkansas lottery has helped raise more than $1 billion in scholarship proceeds and awarded more than 650,000 Academic Challenge Scholarships to students.

The lottery also funds the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship and the Arkansas Concurrent Challenge Scholarships.

Students seeking certification for high-demand occupations in healthcare information technology and industrial manufacturing may apply for the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship.

And funding is available for high school students who wish to start early on receiving credit for college courses through the Arkansas Concurrent Academic Challenge Scholarship.

Every bit of education you get after high school increases the chances you'll earn good pay. Most college graduates earn more money during their working years than people who stop their education at high school earn. The more education you get, the more likely it is you will always have a job.

For more information and to apply, visit scholarships.adhe.edu.