Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media from Mena on Friday, September 11, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response. Hutchinson will be in Mena today for his daily briefing but he announced that starting next week, he will only provide weekly updates with additional briefings as needed.
Governor Hutchinson Appoints Susannah Marshall As Commissioner of Arkansas State Bank Department
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has appointed Susannah Marshall as the next commissioner of the Arkansas State Bank Department.
“Susannah Marshall understands banking and knows Arkansas banks as well as anyone in the state,” Governor Hutchinson said today. “Her promotion to commissioner will provide a seamless transition of leadership as Commissioner Franks retires with the banking department in excellent condition.”
Ms. Marshall has worked for the Arkansas State Bank Department since 1995. She was appointed deputy bank commissioner in 2007. She will replace Commissioner Candace Franks, who will retire October 1 after forty years with the State Bank Department.
“I’m delighted to have Susannah serve as the twenty-second bank commissioner of Arkansas,” Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston said. “She brings twenty-five years of industry knowledge and experience working in various capacities of our bank department. We look forward to her continued leadership and service to the banking industry.”
Before her appointment as deputy bank commissioner, Ms. Marshall was a commercial bank examiner from 1995 to 2003. In 2005, she became a financial analyst and was promoted to financial analyst supervisor. As deputy bank commissioner, Ms. Marshall directly oversees the application and analyst division of the department, as well as two commercial examination groups, and the information systems examination group.
"I am honored to be appointed as the next bank commissioner for the Arkansas State Bank Department, and I want to thank Governor Hutchinson and Secretary Preston for this opportunity,” Ms. Marshall said. “I look forward to continuing to serve the banking industry in Arkansas. As commissioner, I will work to further strengthen the regulatory partnership with Arkansas banks and help our industry build on many years of growth and success. Arkansas is a national leader in banking and finance, and our institutions are committed to serving their customers and enhancing economic development in their communities.”
Ms. Marshall earned her undergraduate degree in accounting from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro in May 1994. She is a 2002 graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking in Dallas, and Arkansas Business selected her for its 40 Under 40 honor in 2011. Ms. Marshall obtained the designation of Commissioned Senior Examiner and is a certified examination manager.
Ms. Marshall has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and currently serves on various committees within the organization, including vice-chairman of a multistate regional regulatory committee and a national committee of state and federal regulators.
CARES Act Committee Approves More than $200 million for City/County Expenses, Tourism Industry Support
More than $200 million in requests were approved Wednesday (Sept. 9) by the Arkansas CARES Act Steering Committee, with $150 million for cities and counties and $50 million for a grant program to help businesses in the state’s tourism industry.
Budget requests approved by the committee now go before the Arkansas Legislative Council.
CARES Act committee approves more than $200 million for city/county expenses, tourism industry support - Talk Business & Politics
More than $200 million in requests were approved Wednesday (Sept. 9) by the Arkansas CARES Act Steering Committee, with $150 million for cities and counties and $50 million for a grant program to help businesses in the state's tourism industry. Budget requests approved by the committee now go before the Arkansas Legislative Council.
Howard County Extension to Offer ServSafe Managers Course
Incumbent Rep. Hill Strikes Opponent Elliot In New TV Ad Saying "She'll Tax Anything"
U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, launched a new ad in his Second Congressional District re-election campaign that raps Sen. Joyce Elliott, D-Little Rock, for her votes on taxes, particularly a cell phone fee that partially funds 911 calls.
The ad, “She’ll Tax Anything,” features a suburban mom complaining that 25% of her cell phone bill includes taxes. She says Sen. Elliott voted “multiple times” to nearly triple our cell phone taxes in Arkansas.” The ad claims that Arkansas has the 6th highest tax bill in the country for cell phones, while the mom in the ad says “with the coronavirus, staying connected is even more important.”
Incumbent Rep. Hill Strikes Opponent Elliot In New TV Ad Saying "She'll Tax Anything"
U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, launched a new ad in his Second Congressional District re-election campaign that raps Sen. Joyce Elliott, D-Little Rock, for her votes on taxes, particularly a cell phone fee that partially funds 911 calls. The ad, "She'll Tax Anything," features a suburban mom complaining that 25% of her cell phone bill includes taxes.
Senator Tom Cotton On Trump’s List As Potential U.S. Supreme Court Justice
U.S. Senator Tom Cotton, R-Ark., was among 20 additional individuals named by President Trump as potential Supreme Court nominees at the White House on Wednesday.
Afterwards, Cotton released a statement saying, “I’m honored that President Trump asked me to consider serving on the Supreme Court and I’m grateful for his confidence. I will always heed the call of service to our nation. The Supreme Court could use some more justices who understand the difference between applying the law and making the law, which the Court does when it invents a right to an abortion, infringes on religious freedom, and erodes the Second Amendment.”
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/sen-cotton-trump-s-list-potential-us-supreme-court-justice
Sen. Cotton On Trump's List As Potential U.S. Supreme Court Justice
U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., was among 20 additional individuals named by President Trump as potential Supreme Court nominees at the White House on Wednesday. Afterwards, Cotton released a statement saying, "I'm honored that President Trump asked me to consider serving on the Supreme Court and I'm grateful for his confidence.
Arkansans Abroad Face Absentee Voting Issues
According to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office, about 42,000 Arkansans cast absentee ballots in the 2018 election. Officials say that number could double or triple due as more people vote absentee because of the pandemic. Voters are being urged to vote early to ensure their ballots arrive on time and planning ahead is just one complexity facing Arkansans casting their ballots from overseas.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansans-abroad-face-absentee-voting-issues
Arkansans Abroad Face Absentee Voting Issues
According to the Arkansas Secretary of State's office, about 42,000 Arkansans cast absentee ballots in the 2018 election. Officials say that number could double or triple due as more people vote absentee because of the pandemic. Voters are being urged to vote early to ensure their ballots arrive on time and planning ahead is just one complexity facing Arkansans casting their ballots from overseas.
Thursday COVID-19 Cases and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 1,174
Active Positive: 13
Recovered: 1,145
Deaths: 16
Negatives: 5,825
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 437
Active Positive: 18
Recovered: 411
Deaths: 8
Negatives: 3,296
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 311
Active Positive: 27
Recovered: 266
Deaths: 18
Negatives: 1,500
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 240
Active Positive: 15
Recovered: 221
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 3,290
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 191
Active Positive: 10
Recovered: 180
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,834
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Thursday (09.10.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Thursday, September 10, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Tyson Donation Gives DJHS and DMS Students Comfortable Seating
De Queen Public Schools would like to thank Tyson Foods Inc. for their generous donation of $5,000. The grant money was used to help purchase new picnic tables and benches for the outdoor seating areas at the middle school and junior high. The picnic tables are located underneath the newly constructed pavilion that students use during lunch and the benches are located underneath the awning at the bus unloading zone.
Front Row L to R: Students Donovan Ester, Jeremiah Coto, Denise Hernandez, and Ashlee McCullough
Back Row L to R: DMS Principal Brandon Lindly, Tyson Plant Manager Chris McKinney, Superintendent Jason Sanders, and DJHS Principal Bill Huddleston
Notice from Sevier County Clerk - Debbie Akin
Reminder that October 5 is last day to register to vote and a reminder to request an application for an absentee ballot. We will begin mailing ballots on September 18. Reminder to keep in mind that you need to act soon if you want to vote absentee by mail. We want all votes to count. The earlier you get your ballot mailed the sooner it can be accounted for. Our office will not be offended if voters want to call to verify that their ballot has been received.
WE ARE STILL IN NEED OF POLL WORKERS. WE WILL BE TRAINING WORKERS SEPTEMBER 28 THROUGH OCTOBER 2. Anyone interested should call 870-642-2852 before September 28.
Thanks
Debbie Akin
Sevier County Clerk
115 N. 3rd St.
Room 102
De Queen, AR 71832
870-642-2852
Lost Wages Assistance Program Now Available To Arkansans
Arkansans financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic can now apply for aid through the federal Lost Wages Assistance Program (LWAP), as the state’s total number of COVID-19 cases has surpassed 66,000.
The state added 294 new coronavirus cases, bringing the cumulative total to 66,021. The state also reported 5,154 testing results in the past 24 hours. The number of those hospitalized with COVID-19 is now 409, an addition of 10. Those on a ventilator also increased by 10 for a total of 84. Nine more Arkansans have died from COVID. The death toll is now 917.
Lost Wages Assistance Program Now Available To Arkansans, State's Total COVID-19 Cases Pass 66,000
Arkansans financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic can now apply for aid through the federal Lost Wages Assistance Program (LWAP), as the state's total number of COVID-19 cases has surpassed 66,000. The state added 294 new coronavirus cases, bringing the cumulative total to 66,021. The state also reported 5,154 testing results in the past 24 hours.
Wednesday COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 1,173
Active Positive: 14
Recovered: 1,143
Deaths: 16
Negatives: 5,712
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 437
Active Positive: 30
Recovered: 399
Deaths: 8
Negatives: 3,275
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 307
Active Positive: 27
Recovered: 263
Deaths: 17
Negatives: 1,483
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 240
Active Positive: 17
Recovered: 219
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 3,246
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 189
Active Positive: 9
Recovered: 179
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,822
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Wednesday (09.09.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Rural Broadband Grant Program to Allow more Companies to Participate
Electric cooperatives and their subsidiaries are now eligible to apply for an Arkansas Rural Connect (ARC) grant to build out broadband in rural Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Commerce announced Friday (Sept. 4).
The Arkansas Legislative Council executive subcommittee approved the change outlined in a supplemental emergency ARC rule this week. The approved rule also gives further flexibility to the threshold that requires 500 population and retail customers.
Rural broadband grant program to allow more companies to participate - Talk Business & Politics
Electric cooperatives and their subsidiaries are now eligible to apply for an Arkansas Rural Connect (ARC) grant to build out broadband in rural Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Commerce announced Friday (Sept. 4). The Arkansas Legislative Council executive subcommittee approved the change outlined in a supplemental emergency ARC rule this week.
Four Oklahoma Family Members Die in Arkansas Small Plane Crash
CHESTER, Ark. (AP) — Authorities say four members of a family from Oklahoma were killed when their single-engine plane crashed into a ravine in rural northwest Arkansas.
Crawford County Sheriff Ron Brown says the plane crashed Friday evening and was found the following morning.
https://www.fox16.com/news/state-news/4-oklahoma-family-members-die-in-arkansas-small-plane-crash/
4 Oklahoma family members die in Arkansas small plane crash
CHESTER, Ark. (AP) - Authorities say four members of a family from Oklahoma were killed when their single-engine plane crashed into a ravine in rural northwest Arkansas. Crawford County Sheriff Ron Brown says the plane crashed Friday evening and was found the following morning. Brown says the Fort Smith airport tower lost contact with the [...]
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
With more Arkansans working and learning remotely in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, the issue of broadband access has become increasingly relevant. Yet as broadband access becomes more necessary to normal modern life, there is growing concern about a digital divide, whereby some areas are cut off from opportunities for distance learning and economic development by a lack of adequate broadband service. Those with lower incomes and people living in rural areas are particularly likely to face digital obstacles when trying to do schoolwork at home during the Covid-19 outbreak. That is why House and Senate leadership recently made a request to the CARES Act Steering Committee to transfer $100 million of CARES Act funding to the Arkansas Rural Connect
Program (ARC). The committee agreed with the recommendation and the measure was ultimately approved by the Arkansas Legislative Council. The Arkansas Rural Connect program is a grant program designed to expand the broadband footprint in rural Arkansas communities. The ARC program will provide grants to qualifying communities of at least 500 people to assist in the deployment or improvement of high-speed broadband to its residents.
The ARC program builds on the work of the Arkansas General Assembly. In the 2019 Regular Session, we passed Act 198 which gave municipalities and other public entities new options to apply for funding to deploy broadband.
Arkansas currently ranks 41st in broadband access. This relatively low ranking is closely related to the fact that over 20% of Arkansans remain without access to a wired broadband connection capable of 25 Mbps speeds or faster. But with the added funding, we hope to see access improve. To date, the ARC program has awarded 21 projects. Those projects have a total of more than $27 million. There are more projects that have been submitted and are currently
being reviewed.
Communities and providers may still apply. The Department of Commerce will continue to receive applications until all funds are expended or until there is not enough time left to deploy broadband and meet the CARES Act deadline of December 30, 2020.
I have provided a link to the grant application on our website
Arkansas VA Workers Call For Enhanced COVID-19 Protections
While Labor Day traditionally celebrates the legacy of trade unions and the larger labor movement in the United States, some union members in Arkansas say they’re not being afforded proper protections by the federal government during the coronavirus pandemic.
Members of the American Federation of Government Employees’ National VA Council held a socially-distanced protest in North Little Rock on Monday calling for a new contract between workers and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-va-workers-call-enhanced-covid-19-protections
Arkansas VA Workers Call For Enhanced COVID-19 Protections
While Labor Day traditionally celebrates the legacy of trade unions and the larger labor movement in the United States, some union members in Arkansas say they're not being afforded proper protections by the federal government during the coronavirus pandemic.
Great Arkansas Cleanup Recruits More Volunteers
The Great Arkansas Cleanup starts this month and runs through October 31. Robyn Taylor, volunteer program manager with Keep Arkansas Beautiful, says the group is looking to recruit 10,000 volunteers to help collect an increase in disposable PPE litter.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/great-arkansas-cleanup-recruits-more-volunteers
Great Arkansas Cleanup Recruits More Volunteers
The Great Arkansas Cleanup starts this month and runs through October 31. Robyn Taylor, volunteer program manager with Keep Arkansas Beautiful, says the group is looking to recruit 10,000 volunteers to help collect an increase in disposable PPE litter.
Tuesday COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 1,173
Active Positive: 16
Recovered: 1,141
Deaths: 16
Negatives: 5,708
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 437
Active Positive: 31
Recovered: 398
Deaths: 8
Negatives: 3,265
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 306
Active Positive: 27
Recovered: 262
Deaths: 17
Negatives: 1,481
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 238
Active Positive: 16
Recovered: 218
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 3,235
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 189
Active Positive: 9
Recovered: 179
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,815
