Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Work Crosses Multiple Fronts
From managing the state’s populations of wildlife, lakes, rivers and land to providing ongoing, conservation education that connects Arkansans to the outdoors, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission isn’t slowing down in the face of COVID-19.
SPONSORED: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Work Crosses Multiple Fronts
Pandemic or no, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission isn't staying idle during these challenging times. The work is too important. From managing the state's populations of wildlife, lakes, rivers and land to providing ongoing, conservation education that connects Arkansans to the outdoors, the AGFC isn't slowing down in the face of COVID-19.
Trial Date Finalized in Bielema, Foundation Case
FAYETTEVILLE — A trial date has been set in the dispute between former University of Arkansas football coach Bret Bielema and the Razorback Foundation.
The trial is scheduled to begin the week of June 1, 2021, at the John Paul Hammerschmidt Federal Building in Fayetteville, according to a scheduling order issued Friday. U.S. district judge P.K. Holmes III is presiding over the case.
https://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2020/sep/18/trial-date-finalized-bielema-foundation-case/
Trial date finalized in Bielema, foundation case
Published: Friday, September 18, 2020 - A trial date has been set in the dispute between former University of Arkansas football coach Bret Bielema and the Razorback Foundation. The trial is scheduled to begin the week of June 1, 2021, at the John Paul Hammerschmidt Federal Building in Fayetteville, according to a scheduling order issued Friday.
Tagged Catfish for Prizes in Arkansas
Governor Hutchinson Proclaims Sept. 26 National Hunting and Fishing Week in Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioners watched a special video at their regularly scheduled meeting today from Gov. Asa Hutchinson, recognizing Sept. 26 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Arkansas and proclaiming the week leading up to it as Arkansas Hunting and Fishing Week.
Now in its 49th year, NHF Day is the largest, most effective grassroots movement ever undertaken to promote outdoor sports and conservation. Celebrated on the fourth Saturday of September, the federally recognized holiday brings together sportsmen and women from across America to celebrate the rich tradition of hunting, sport shooting and fishing through organized local, state and national events aimed at introducing new audiences to the outdoors.
In the video Hutchinson said, “Arkansans’ love of fishing was evident this year when we saw a significant increase in the number of people who went fishing during the COVID-19 pandemic. … With National Hunting and Fishing Day, we are raising awareness of the importance of our natural resources and the need to conserve them.”
Commissioners with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission also unanimously approved $735,444.68 to be transferred to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services. This represents all fine money collected from wildlife violations in Fiscal Year 2020 and will be given to educators to increase conservation education in Arkansas.
The Division of Rural Services distributes the fine money through grants for which any teacher, principal or other educator may apply. These grants can enhance learning opportunities for youth, especially in some of the rural areas of Arkansas, where education dollars are at a premium. Grants help promote AGFC programs such as Archery in the Schools, Project WILD and the Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program. Many educators also use the grants to fund expenses for conservation-oriented field trips, such as those taken to AGFC nature centers and hatcheries.
All fine money collected in a county goes back to these education grants for that county. A list of available funds and a downloadable application are available at the Division of Rural Services website, https://www.arkansasedc.com/Rural-Services/division/grants/wildlife-education-grant.
In other business, the Commission:
Approved an increase in the 2021 Fisheries Division budget of $635,759 for research and management concerning invasive Asian carp in Arkansas.
Approved the sale of a surplus boat, motor and trailer to the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission;
Authorized the following two projects, which are eligible for Marine Fuel Tax funding:
Gar Creek Access - The City of Ozark is requesting support to construct a courtesy dock at the Gar Creek Access Area on the Ozark Pool of the Arkansas River. The total cost of the project is $19,835.00 with the city requesting $7,935 in assistance.
Howard County Gilham Lake Road - This project will repair 9.5 miles of road, culverts and riprap. The total project is $287,151.02 with $18,901.44 in in-kind coming from the county.
Heard an update from Deke Whitbeck from the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation about the successful completion of the 2020 online silent auction which replaced the canceled Arkansas Outdoors Hall of Fame Banquet;
Heard from guest speaker Col. Bill Bryant Director of Arkansas State Police with his thanks to AGFC wildlife officers for their assistance and professionalism during protests in June;
Heard an update on bat conservation from Blake Sasse, AGFC Nongame Mammal Program coordinator;
Recognized Blake Sasse as the 2020 AGFC Wildlife Biologist of the Year;
Recognized Paul Dunham as the 2020 AGFC Wildlife Technician of the Year;
Recognized Wildlife Management Region 3 (southeastern Arkansas) with the 2020 “No Pig Left Behind” award for removing more than 1,700 feral hogs in their district so far this year.
Authorized the removal of outdated and obsolete inventory with an original cost of $32,959 and a current net book value of $3,105.
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Two Arkansas Counties Sue Walmart Over Opioids
Two Arkansas counties have sued Walmart Inc. over allegations that the Bentonville retailer contributed to the opioid epidemic by failing to maintain tight controls when filling opioid prescriptions.
Pulaski and Jefferson counties filed the lawsuit against Walmart in July, making them the latest two government entities to sue the retailer over allegations it contributed to the opioid crisis.
https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/132823/two-counties-sue-walmart-over-opioids
Two Counties Sue Walmart Over Opioids
Two Arkansas counties have sued Walmart Inc. over allegations that the Bentonville retailer contributed to the opioid epidemic by failing to maintain tight controls when filling opioid prescriptions. Pulaski and Jefferson counties filed the lawsuit against Walmart in July, making them the latest two government entities to sue the retailer over allegations it contributed to the opioid crisis.
Dr. Pete Mourani to Lead Arkansas Children's Research Institute
Following a national search, Arkansas Children’s has named Dr. Pete Mourani president of Arkansas Children’s Research Institute (ACRI) and senior vice president and chief research officer for the state’s only pediatric health system.
Dr. Pete Mourani to Lead Arkansas Children's Research Institute
Following a national search, Arkansas Children's has named Dr. Pete Mourani president of Arkansas Children's Research Institute (ACRI) and senior vice president and chief research officer for the state's only pediatric health system. He will serve as the fifth president of ACRI, effective Dec. 7, and succeeds Dr. Greg Kearns, who retired.
State Sees End To Months-Long Decrease In Unemployment
Arkansas’ unemployment rate ended its decreasing trend in the month of August, increasing by .3%. The current unemployment rate in the state is now 7.4%
According to data produced by the U.S. Department of Labor, Arkansas’ unemployment rate remains lower than the national rate, which totaled 8.4% in August.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/state-sees-end-months-long-decrease-unemployment
State Sees End To Months-Long Decrease In Unemployment
Arkansas' unemployment rate ended its decreasing trend in the month of August, increasing by .3%. The current unemployment rate in the state is now 7.4% According to data produced by the U.S. Department of Labor, Arkansas' unemployment rate remains lower than the national rate, which totaled 8.4% in August.
As Judge Considers Challenge To Early Census Deadline, Arkansas Officials Consider Impact
Arkansas could lose billions of dollars in future federal funding because of a new 2020 census deadline. On Thursday, a federal judge extended a temporary restraining order that was to expire that day to Sept. 24 because the government had not produced all documents requested by the court.
On Aug. 3, U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham announced the deadline for states to accept responses is now Sept. 30, a full month earlier than the original deadline.
As Judge Considers Challenge To Early Census Deadline, Arkansas Officials Consider Impact
Arkansas could lose billions of dollars in future federal funding because of a new 2020 census deadline. On Thursday, a federal judge extended a temporary restraining order that was to expire that day to Sept. 24 because the government had not produced all documents requested by the court. On Aug.
Sunday's COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,193
Confirmed Cases: 1,184
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 455
Confirmed Cases: 450
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 344
Confirmed Cases: 330
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 251
Confirmed Cases: 250
Probable Cases: 1
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 218
Confirmed Cases: 216
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 0
Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Arkansas’s Growing and Successful Tech Environment
LITTLE ROCK – Today I’d like to share two pieces of news that illustrate how Arkansas has fostered an environment that encourages high-tech entrepreneurs and the educators who mentor and inspire them.
On Wednesday, I helped cut the ribbon for the Tech Depot in Newport. Tech Depot is an information technology education center with classrooms and training labs for apprentices who are employed by Arkansas companies. Tech Depot will offer courses in general IT skills, data analysis, cyber security, and software development.
The Arkansas Center for Data Sciences, one of the partners in this innovative program, will match companies to apprentices. Arkansas State University-Newport will provide the educational content for the IT Generalist class, which will start at the end of the month. The school has a long track record for creating training programs that fit the needs of industry. The Newport Economic Development Commission, the third Tech Depot partner, will coordinate the different elements of the program and help integrate them into the local economy.
We were cutting the ribbon at the Tech Depot in Newport a day after the leaders at the Venture Center in Little Rock learned they had captured the top prize at the Finovate conference. Finovate – which is a combination of “finance” and “innovate” – is the world’s top fintech conference. Five other winners of awards have worked with the Venture Center in Little Rock.
This award is appropriate because Little Rock is the birthplace of fintech. Fintech, by the way, is a combination of the words finance and technology.
I liked what Venture Center Executive Director Wayne Miller had to say about the award. Little Rock has always been known as the birthplace of fintech. Now, Wayne said, Little Rock is the epi-center of fintech innovation.
These two bits of news coming in the same week illustrate the strength of the technology industry in Arkansas. We see how education and business combine in public-private partnerships to produce tech-savvy entrepreneurs, strengthen our economy, and polish Arkansas’s reputation as a leader in technology.
The Venture Center programs help new companies accelerate their growth. Tech Depot in Newport will turn out graduates ready to join innovative companies or start their own.
In my remarks at the Tech Depot ribbon cutting, I celebrated a tech center in the rural part of our state. I also told of a trip I made to Silicon Valley to recruit technology companies. I quickly concluded they were reluctant to come. They were happy to lure Arkansans out to California, but they weren’t that excited about coming to Arkansas. I realized that we were going to have to build our own high-tech industry, and that we would build it from our own stable of world-class talent.
We are accomplishing that with a speed and success that exceeded my hopes but didn’t surprise me. That’s the way Arkansans work. Educators, business leaders, and elected leaders have embraced the challenge. We are equipping our workforce and bringing home the prizes.
Challenge To Eye Doctor Law Knocked Off Ballot By Arkansas Supreme Court
The Arkansas Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a proposed initiated act to overturn a state law expanding optometric procedures does not qualify for the November ballot. The measure would have overturned Act 579 of 2019, which permitted optometrists to perform limited eye surgeries.
Safe Surgery Arkansas, which was supported by the state’s ophthalmologists, is the group that was pushing to overturn Act 579. Arkansans for Healthy Eyes, a group led by optometrists, had challenged the ballot initiative.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/challenge-eye-doctor-law-knocked-ballot-arkansas-supreme-court
Challenge To Eye Doctor Law Knocked Off Ballot By Arkansas Supreme Court
The Arkansas Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a proposed initiated act to overturn a state law expanding optometric procedures does not qualify for the November ballot. The measure would have overturned Act 579 of 2019, which permitted optometrists to perform limited eye surgeries.
Friday COVID-19 Arkansas Health Department Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,188
Confirmed Cases: 1,183
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 450
Confirmed Cases: 447
Probable Cases: 3
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 337
Confirmed Cases: 325
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 252
Confirmed Cases: 250
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 215
Confirmed Cases: 213
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 0
Governor Hutchinson Announces Record Antigen Testing in Today’s COVID-19 Update
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson announced record antigen testing in today’s COVID-19 update.
In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 724 new cases; 5,767 active cases; 381 hospitalized, which is down 8 from Thursday; 77 on ventilators, which is up 5 from Thursday; a total of 72,338 cases; and 65,542 recoveries.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 59; Benton, 34; Crawford, 33; Jefferson, 32; and Craighead, 27.
Governor Asa Hutchinson released the following statement on today's COVID-19 numbers:
“Today we set a record for our antigen COVID-19 testing in Arkansas. We had over 11,000 tests with both PCR tests and antigen tests. Our cases were down from yesterday at 724, but we want this to go down more. Five hundred seventy-eight of the tests were community and 146 were in corrections. Have a great weekend but be safe and always remember to protect yourself and others.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Create Bridges - Murriel Wiley and Matt Gilley in the Ed 88 Studio
Create Bridges is a cooperative effort to promote commerce and tourism through education and community involvement. Murriel Wiley of Create Bridges is the 3 C's region program coordinator for Little River, Howard, and Sevier counties here in Southwest Arkansas. Today Murriel visits with Matt Gilley of Big Gilley's Smokehouse, LLC in Ashdown. The topic: Barbeque and Branding: Marketing a Rural Restaurant".
New Workforce Classes Coming Soon to UA Cossatot
UA Cossatot's David Sirmon talks about a pair of workforce classes in the medical and pharmacy fields beginning soon at UAC.
Fit 4 Life with Dr Andi Reeves
Awareness Of Holocaust Declining Among Younger Generations, Especially In Arkansas
A new report released Wednesday details just how little younger generations of Americans know about the Holocaust, especially those in Arkansas.
The U.S. Millennial Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness Survey breaks down state-by-state what Millennials and Gen Z know about the deaths of Jews by the Nazis during World War II. It was commissioned by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
Awareness Of Holocaust Declining Among Younger Generations, Especially In Arkansas
A new report released Wednesday details just how little younger generations of Americans know about the Holocaust, especially those in Arkansas. The U.S. Millennial Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness Survey breaks down state-by-state what Millennials and Gen Z know about the deaths of Jews by the Nazis during World War II.
New Program Provides Free Legal Assistance to Families Affected by Opioids
Getting a job, paying rent and other matters can be difficult after struggles with opioid abuse that might have included legal difficulties, which creates long-term issues for individuals who are trying to get or stay sober. The Center for Arkansas Legal Services and Legal Aid of Arkansas have launched a new program called Beyond Opioids to provide free legal assistance to families who have been affected by the opioid epidemic.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/new-program-provides-free-legal-assistance-families-affected-opioids
New Program Provides Free Legal Assistance to Families Affected by Opioids
Getting a job, paying rent and other matters can be difficult after struggles with opioid abuse that might have included legal difficulties, which creates long-term issues for individuals who are trying to get or stay sober.
Thursday COVID-19 Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,186
Confirmed Cases: 1,184
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1
Total Recovered Cases: 1,154
Recovered Confirmed Cases: 1,153
Recovered Probable Cases: 1
Total Deaths: 16
Confirmed Deaths: 16
Probable Deaths: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 450
Confirmed Cases: 447
Probable Cases: 3
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 1
Total Recovered Cases: 429
Recovered Confirmed Cases: 427
Recovered Probable Cases: 2
Total Deaths: 8
Confirmed Deaths: 8
Probable Deaths: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 332
Confirmed Cases: 322
Probable Cases: 10
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 0
Total Recovered Cases: 297
Recovered Confirmed Cases: 292
Recovered Probable Cases: 5
Total Deaths: 23
Confirmed Deaths: 18
Probable Deaths: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 249
Confirmed Cases: 247
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 1
Total Recovered Cases: 234
Recovered Confirmed Cases: 233
Recovered Probable Cases: 1
Total Deaths: 4
Confirmed Deaths: 4
Probable Deaths: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 215
Confirmed Cases: 213
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 0
Total Recovered Cases: 193
Recovered Confirmed Cases: 192
Recovered Probable Cases: 1
Total Deaths: 3
Confirmed Deaths: 2
Probable Deaths: 1
Governor Hutchinson Releases Statement on Today’s COVID-19 Numbers
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson released the following statement on today's COVID-19 numbers:
“The increased use of antigen point-of-care testing is encouraging. This shows our investment in point-of-care testing is helping address the new demand for rapid tests on our K-12 and college campuses. Today’s report includes almost 10,000 tests between the PCR tests and the antigen tests. Of course, this means we identified new cases, and this will allow our more than 770 contact tracers to do their work and reduce the spread of the virus. Right now, we are concentrating on identifying communities that have an increased level of spread and encouraging stricter compliance with our health guidelines.”
Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,185
Confirmed Cases: 1,183
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 0
Total Recovered Cases: 1,154
Recovered Confirmed Cases: 1,152
Recovered Probable Cases: 2
Total Deaths: 16
Confirmed Deaths: 16
Probable Deaths: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 450
Confirmed Cases: 447
Probable Cases: 3
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 1
Total Recovered Cases: 427
Recovered Confirmed Cases: 425
Recovered Probable Cases: 2
Total Deaths: 8
Confirmed Deaths: 8
Probable Deaths: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 331
Confirmed Cases: 321
Probable Cases: 10
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 0
Total Recovered Cases: 295
Recovered Confirmed Cases: 290
Recovered Probable Cases: 5
Total Deaths: 23
Confirmed Deaths: 18
Probable Deaths: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 249
Confirmed Cases: 247
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 1
Total Recovered Cases: 232
Recovered Confirmed Cases: 231
Recovered Probable Cases: 1
Total Deaths: 4
Confirmed Deaths: 4
Probable Deaths: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 215
Confirmed Cases: 213
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 0
Total Recovered Cases: 189
Recovered Confirmed Cases: 188
Recovered Probable Cases: 1
Total Deaths: 3
Confirmed Deaths: 2
Probable Deaths: 1
