Clark Contractors out of Little Rock has finished construction of the new De Queen High
School. The building project was under contract for the amount of $13,657,107. At the August
2020 school board meeting, Superintendent Jason Sanders shared the good news that the project was
completed on time and actually came in under budget. The new two story 76, 000 sq. ft. building
was finished at $315,5000 under budget.
Sanders was presented a check from Clark Contractors to represent the savings from
the project.The savings will be utilized in a Phase 2 project at the Old High School which
includes demolition of part of the old high school, an expansion of the junior high cafeteria, a
new tv production lab, and the renovation of several existing offices and classrooms.
Sanders stated “ De Queen Public Schools continue to strive to have some of the
nicest school facilities in Arkansas. Our staff and students are excited to move into these new
facilities and we look forward to many years of its use in our school district.”
Arkansas Department of Agriculture Issues Warning on Mystery Seed Packets
Since July, residents across the state and country have reported receiving unsolicited packets of seeds that appear to come from China. The Arkansas Department of Agriculure warns not to plant the seeds and to turn them over to the department or a local extension office.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-department-agriculture-issues-warning-mystery-seed-packets
Arkansas Department of Agriculture Issues Warning on Mystery Seed Packets
Since July, residents across the state and country have reported receiving unsolicited packets of seeds that appear to come from China. The Arkansas Department of Agriculure warns not to plant the seeds and to turn them over to the department or a local extension office.
Message from the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association and doctors are urging people to seek medical help when needed during the pandemic.
Don't Die of Doubt
The American Heart Association and doctors are urging people to seek medical help when needed during the pandemic.
Arkansas Congressional Candidate Joyce Elliott Launches First TV Ad In Race
Arkansas state Sen. Joyce Elliott (D-Little Rock), the Democratic nominee for the state's Second Congressional District, released her first TV ad of the campaign cycle in her bid to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. French Hill (R-Little Rock).
Arkansas Congressional Candidate Joyce Elliott Launches First TV Ad In Race
Arkansas state Sen. Joyce Elliott (D-Little Rock), the Democratic nominee for the state's Second Congressional District, released her first TV ad of the campaign cycle in her bid to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. French Hill (R-Little Rock). Her campaign said the ad, "Hands," is part of a six-figure buy and will also be backed up with digital advertising.
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update From Monticello Wednesday (08.12.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide an update to media in Monticello Wednesday, August 12, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Wednesday's Arkansas COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 996
Active Positive: 47
Recovered: 939
Deaths: 10
Negatives: 4,571
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 355
Active Positive: 59
Recovered: 292
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 2,575
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 185
Active Positive: 27
Recovered: 157
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,234
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 150
Active Positive: 17
Recovered: 132
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,322
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 111
Active Positive: 32
Recovered: 78
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,918
Cotton Statement on 8th Circuit Ruling on Dismemberment Abortions
Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after the 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals vacated an injunction imposed by the district court preventing enforcement of Arkansas's law prohibiting "dismemberment abortions":
"After years of obstruction and delay, Arkansas is one step closer to protecting unborn babies from the barbaric method of dismemberment abortion. Today's ruling moves us toward a society that respects the dignity and worth of every human being."
Cotton Reacts to Chinese Sanctions
Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement after China announced sanctions against him:
"The Chinese Communist Party imposed these impotent sanctions against me because I defend the real victims of Chinese Communism: the millions of Americans harmed by the Wuhan coronavirus, the workers whose factories shut down and moved offshore to China, the businesses and inventors whose property has been stolen, the Chinese Christians and missionaries whose churches have been razed by bulldozers, the Uighurs and other minorities languishing in concentration camps, the Hong Kong students fighting desperately for their democracy, and the Chinese people trapped in a high-tech communist tyranny. Chinese Communism is the most dangerous threat to freedom in the world, and I will never back down from fighting it. If China thinks my opposition to its communist tyranny to date warrants these sanctions, I have two words for them: just wait."
The Governor's Working Group with the AAA Announcement
Domtar Changes for 2021
Domtar to shutter paper machine work in Ashdown, transition to soft wood and pulp production
Domtar Corp. announced Friday (Aug. 7) it would permanently shutter its paper machine operations at its Ashdown plant to save $200 million by 2021. The South-Carolina based company will transition its Ashdown operations to soft wood and fluff pulp production.
This transition, which leaves part of the site operational, will cost up to $20 million and could take 14 months to complete. The company did not note the impact on the 142 employees who have been laid-off since April due to COVID-19 slowdowns.
Domtar to shutter paper machine work in Ashdown, transition to soft wood and pulp production - Talk Business & Politics
Domtar Corp. announced Friday (Aug. 7) it would permanently shutter its paper machine operations at its Ashdown plant to save $200 million by 2021. The South-Carolina based company will transition its Ashdown operations to soft wood and fluff pulp production.
School Shooting at SAU Magnolia
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) - One student died and another was injured in a shooting at Southern Arkansas University, according to a post on the university's Facebook page.
https://katv.com/news/local/1-student-dead-1-injured-in-shooting-at-southern-arkansas-university
1 student dead, 1 injured in shooting at Southern Arkansas University
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) - One student died and another was injured in a shooting at Southern Arkansas University, according to a post on the university's Facebook page. University police reported that around 12:56 a. m. Tuesday, three students living off-campus went to campus and met someone in the parking lot of the Donald W.
Arkansas Education Group, Another Teacher Of The Year Oppose School Reopening Plans
Objections to opening schools with in-class instruction from Arkansas teachers of the year and the Arkansas Education Association are not moving Gov. Asa Hutchinson from his stance on the Aug. 24 opening of all public schools.
Arkansas Education Association President Carol Fleming on Monday told state lawmakers she believes it is not safe for schools to open to in-class instruction. She said schools should open the 2020-2021 school year with virtual learning only.
Arkansas Education Group, Another Teacher Of The Year Oppose School Reopening Plans
Objections to opening schools with in-class instruction from Arkansas teachers of the year and the Arkansas Education Association are not moving Gov. Asa Hutchinson from his stance on the Aug. 24 opening of all public schools. Arkansas Education Association President Carol Fleming on Monday told state lawmakers she believes it is not safe for schools to open to in-class instruction.
Arkansas Center for Health Improvement Publishes Local COVID-19 Case Data
The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health, is providing key local coronavirus outbreak data on its ACHI website to Arkansas communities, healthcare agencies and the public to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-center-health-improvement-publishes-local-covid-19-case-data
Arkansas Center for Health Improvement Publishes Local COVID-19 Case Data
The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health, is providing key local coronavirus outbreak data on its website to Arkansas communities, healthcare agencies and the public to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 in Arkansas
Updated: August 7, 2020 Dr. Joe Thompson, president and CEO of ACHI, provides a public service announcement regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. "Isolation" and "quarantine," two other terms often used in reference to avoiding the spread of illness, have similar but distinct meanings. Read More.
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (08.11.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Tuesday's COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 992
Active Positive: 51
Recovered: 931
Deaths: 10
Negatives: 4,569
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 342
Active Positive: 53
Recovered: 285
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 2,511
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 181
Active Positive: 66
Recovered: 114
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,234
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 148
Active Positive: 16
Recovered: 131
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,313
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 108
Active Positive: 31
Recovered: 76
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,903
Blood Drive in Centerpoint Thursday August 13th
The Moonlighters EHC will sponsor a LifeShare blood drive on Thursday, August 13, 2020 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Center Point Community Center. All donors are asked to bring their donor card or other identification. For more information, call Karen Siefert at 903-794-3173 or Cindy Harding at 870-451-3179. A drawing will be held at the end of the blood drive....one donor will receive a certificate for two free burgers, fries and drinks compliments of the Center Point Store.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
With children headed back to school this month, now is the perfect time for many families to get caught up on immunizations. The summer of 2020 may be more critical than previous summers, as there is a concern that immunizations have declined in recent months due to the pandemic.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month.
National Immunization Awareness Month is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.
When you receive immunizations, your chance of becoming ill from diseases is much lower. Furthermore, if you become sick, you will likely experience a milder case than if you were not vaccinated. Immunizations lower your risk of complications from infectious diseases, such as seasonal flu and shingles. They can also reduce your risk of a hospital stay. This prevention is especially important now, as hundreds of people are currently in the hospital for COVID-19.
Although we think of the fall as flu season, Dr. Jose Romero, Secretary of Health at the Arkansas Department of Health, has stated that August is the time of year when health providers start vaccinating against influenza.
Typically, only half of Arkansans receive a flu shot every year. The Health Department is hoping to increase that percentage this year.
Dr. Romero also stated this week that we don’t know yet what the confluence is between influenza and COVID-19.
The Health Department will have the flu vaccine available next month. The department will hold drive-thru vaccination clinics starting Sept. 21. The vaccine will also be made available to schools throughout the state. Clinics and pharmacies may have the flu vaccine available even sooner.
As a reminder, Arkansas law requires all students attending Arkansas schools and licensed childcare facilities to be vaccinated against certain diseases, unless an official exemption form is filed. Visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov to learn more.
Howard County Farmers Market Monday August 10th
Howard County Farmers Market Monday, August 10, starting at 3 pm.
For those who may not be able to come to the Friday morning market, we will be having a Monday afternoon market day tomorrow, 10 Aug starting at 3pm. We have some vendors who will be bringing their items to the market.
Here is who's coming and what they plan to bring:
- Wenta Farm -
Hand-picked figs (fresh and frozen), cucumbers, tomatoes, hot and sweet peppers, squash, tomato plants
- Mobbs Farm -
Fresh Okra
-Grandma Sylvia's Creations -Crocheted facemasks, earrings
- Threat Farm -Free-range eggs
- Columbus Arkansas Gardens -
Plants: Salvia, wildflower mix, chia, amaranth, cranberry hibiscus
If more vendors contact us we will update our facebook page.
We recommend you get there as soon as we open for the best selection. We also request you wear protective masks and follow social distancing of 6 feet separation from others as you shop at the market.
Most importantly, please stay home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. We want everyone to have a safe time at the market.
WIC and SNAP Accepted by participating vendors. We thank you for your patronage!
COVID-19 Case Numbers for Monday
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 989
Active Positive: 53
Recovered: 926
Deaths: 10
Negatives: 4,553
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 340
Active Positive: 64
Recovered: 272
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 2,499
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 181
Active Positive: 70
Recovered: 110
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,226
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 142
Active Positive: 13
Recovered: 128
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,283
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 101
Active Positive: 26
Recovered: 74
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,878
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (08.10.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Monday, August 10, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Sunday's COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 988
Active Positive: 55
Recovered: 923
Deaths: 10
Negatives: 4,545
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 336
Active Positive: 74
Recovered: 259
Deaths: 3
Negatives: 2,478
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 180
Active Positive: 72
Recovered: 107
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,221
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 140
Active Positive: 12
Recovered: 127
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,258
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 101
Active Positive: 26
Recovered: 74
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,864
