Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered online activity in our state. More Arkansans are working remotely, learning through distance education, using telehealth, and attending online church services.

It remains to be seen to what extent some of the changes in habit will continue after the health crisis ends. That is why 2020 is a critical year for closing the digital divide in Arkansas.

This week, the House and Senate committees for Advanced Communication and Information Technology were briefed on a new tool designed to give the state an accurate picture of the current broadband service available.

Arkansans are encouraged to visit broadband.arkansas.gov and click on the “Test Your Broadband Speed” green button icon in the lower right-hand corner. This directs the user to a speed test, which will determine the user’s upload speed and download speed. The user will then be directed to a quick survey of 11 questions.

The questions include asking the user the name of their provider, how much they pay for the service, and what speed has been promised by the provider. The results of the speed test are then integrated into the Arkansas Broadband Survey Results Dashboard.

The Arkansas State Broadband Plan outlines a goal of seeing 25Mbps/3Mbps broadband deployed to all population centers in Arkansas over 500 by the year 2022. While Arkansas has a way to go before reaching that goal, we are making progress. Just recently, the legislature approved a measure to direct $100 million of CARES Act funding to the Arkansas Rural Connect program, a grant program designed to expand the broadband footprint in rural Arkansas communities.

The information you provide will help the Arkansas State Broadband Office determine what areas of our state are underserved and what our next steps should be to keep our state connected.

Home - Arkansas State Broadband Office

New Opportunities For Arkansas Rural Connect Applicants: There is now $100M in CARES Act funding available for broadband deployment to qualified areas before December 30, 2020. Internet Service Providers (ISP's) and Electric Cooperatives and their subsidiaries may now apply. Other companies capable of deploying broadband are also allowed to apply.

Rare B-29 Currently at Little Rock Airport

This is one of only two airworthy B-29 Superfortresses left in the world. This aircraft is currently on the ground at Clinton National airport in Little Rock. It arrived Sunday and will remain in the capital city until Wednesday.

Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,194
Confirmed Cases: 1,185
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 456
Confirmed Cases: 450
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 4

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: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 0

Governor Hutchinson Provides Today’s COVID-19 Update

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. 
In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 616 new cases; 6,706 active cases; 447 hospitalized, which is up 35 from Sunday; 97 on ventilators, which is up 12 from Sunday; deaths added today, 15, for a total of 1,197; a total of 76,364 cases; 66,934 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,657; antigen tests, 253.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 56; Benton, 39; Craighead, 39, Jefferson, 34; Washington 29.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“We continue to see good testing numbers in Arkansas. Our antigen testing has already exceeded our monthly goal and our PCR testing is on pace to do the same. The Arkansas Department of Health continues to do outstanding work in identifying and tracing COVID-19 cases across the state. Tomorrow, I will talk about what we should do to prepare for the winter and discuss the latest White House report.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (09.22.20) 130PM

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.

https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/132533/arkansas-game-and-fish-commissions-work-crosses-multiple-fronts

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.

https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/132876/dr-pete-mourani-to-lead-arkansas-childrens-research-institute

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.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/judge-considers-challenge-early-census-deadline-arkansas-officials-consider-impact

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.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/awareness-holocaust-declining-among-younger-generations-especially-arkansas

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.