Lawsuit Aims to End Arkansas's COVID-19 Emergency

In early September, 18 Arkansas lawmakers and seven citizens filed a lawsuit against Arkansas Secretary of Health Jose Romero to take control of the COVID-19 public health emergency the governor declared in March. The declaration, which has been extended through the end of the year, resulted in a list of protective directives and mandates issued by the governor in collaboration with the Department of Health.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/lawsuit-aims-end-arkansass-covid-19-emergency

Lawsuit Aims to End Arkansas's COVID-19 Emergency

In early September, 18 Arkansas lawmakers and seven citizens filed a lawsuit against Arkansas Secretary of Health Jose Romero to take control of the COVID-19 public health emergency the governor declared in March. The declaration, which has been extended through the end of the year, resulted in a list of protective directives and mandates issued by the governor in collaboration with the Department of Health.

Waiver Permits Schools to Serve Free Meals Through End of Year

The USDA has issued a waiver allowing schools to serve free meals to all children, not just students, through Dec. 31 or until funding runs out. From the closure of schools in March to the beginning of August, the district has served more than 165,000 meals on 109 serving days.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/waiver-permits-schools-serve-free-meals-through-end-year

Waiver Permits Schools to Serve Free Meals Through End of Year

The USDA has issued a waiver allowing schools to serve free meals to all children, not just students, through Dec. 31 or until funding runs out. Fayetteville Public Schools is one district that has opted in to the program.

Thursday COVID-19 Update from AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,196
Confirmed Cases: 1,187
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 463
Confirmed Cases: 453
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 352
Confirmed Cases: 337
Probable Cases: 15
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 253
Confirmed Cases: 252
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 223
Confirmed Cases: 221
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 7

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 Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,086 new cases; 7,061 active cases; 457 hospitalized, which is down 11 from Wednesday; 97 on ventilators, which is up 7 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 17, for a total of 1,246; a total of 79,049 cases; 68,902 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,405; antigen tests, 1,148.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 91; Jefferson, 69; Washington, 63; Benton, 58; and Sebastian, 41

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Concealed Handgun Course Registration through Friday

UA Cossatot's Continuing Education Department will be offering a Concealed Handgun Course and the deadline to register is this Friday!

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,194
Confirmed Cases: 1,185
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 458
Confirmed Cases: 450
Probable Cases: 8
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 351
Confirmed Cases: 336
Probable Cases: 15
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 252
Confirmed Cases: 251
Probable Cases: 1
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 223
Confirmed Cases: 221
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
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 Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 982 new cases; 6,777 active cases; 468 hospitalized, which is up 9 from Tuesday; 90 on ventilators, which is up 2 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 20, for a total of 1,229; a total of 77,963 cases; 68,178 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,460; antigen tests, 1,732.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Craighead, 79; Pulaski, 75; Benton, 57; Washington, 51; and Jefferson, 50.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"Today we are again reminded of the serious nature of COVID-19. Following the guidelines of the Arkansas Department of Health continues to be the most effective way to mitigate the spread of this virus. Wearing a mask, keeping a six-foot distance, and frequently washing your hands will help slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout the state.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

VIDEO: CARES Act Steering Committee Meeting Wednesday (09.23.20) 4PM

The CARES Act Steering Committee, created by Governor Asa Hutchinson to recommend the best use of federal COVID-19 aid, meets virtually at 4 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2020.

VIDEO: Gov. Asa Hutchinson Speaks at the Arkansas Good Roads Foundation Annual Meeting Wednesday 12PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson delivers remarks at the Arkansas Good Roads Foundation Annual Meeting at 12 noon on Wednesday, September 23, 2020.

Jimmy Carver of Carvers' Refrigeration Makes Scholarship Donation to UA Cossatot

Coach Robert Byrd Guest Speaker at Tuesday's De Queen Lions Club Noon Meeting

Robert Byrd, Athletic Director and head basketball coach of UA Cossatot Men’s and Women’s teams, was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s Noon Meeting of the De Queen Lions Club.

Meagan Blanton of the De Queen Lions Club presented Tony Stowers, pastor of De Queen Church of Christ, with a $250 check to help with the church’s food pantry.

Central Arkansas Development Council to Distribute over 500,000 lbs. of Food in its 19 County Service Area During the Months of October and November

CADC will be distributing nearly 10,000 food boxes that will contain over 50 pounds of food, including meat, flour, and canned vegetables. Click on the link below.

Physical Therapist Assistant Graduation Monday 09.21.20 at UA Cossatot - Ashdown

Physical Therapy Assistant Class of 2020 included:
Allie Anderson - Ashdown, AR
Alondra Galvez - De Queen, AR
Luis Herrera - De Queen, AR
Riley House - Delight, AR
Myka Lemley - Texarkana, AR
Katherine Malca - Texarkana, TX
Kayla Mills - Texarkana, AR
Lacey Morton - Lewisville, AR
Ashley Thompson - Ashdown, AR (not pictured)

Click on Photo for Slideshow of Graduates

Faculty: Jennifer Sanderson, Heather Orr, Kellie Winn, Kelsey May
UA Cossatot Chancellor - Dr. Steve Cole
Keynote Speaker - Jennifer Sanderson

University of Arkansas sued over parking policies

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A University of Arkansas freshman is suing the University’s Board of Trustees over parking policies.

According to the class action complaint filed earlier this month, Elizabeth Ann Corbitt was fined and her car was towed after parking in a reserved lot.

https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/university-of-arkansas-sued-over-parking-policies/

University of Arkansas sued over parking policies

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) - A University of Arkansas freshman is suing the University's Board of Trustees over parking policies. According to the class action complaint filed earlier this month, Elizabeth Ann Corbitt was fined and her car was towed after parking in a reserved lot. Corbitt is represented by her father, a Little Rock attorney.

Pair of Goats Spotted on I-49 Bridge Near Fayetteville

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A pair of goats were spotted, apparently stranded, on an Interstate 49 bridge near Greenland on Monday.

UPDATE: The pair of goats spotted on the Interstate 49 bridge near Greenland have been euthanized.

According to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the goats were killed upon the owner’s request.

https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/goats-spotted-on-i-49-bridge-near-fayetteville/

Goats spotted on I-49 bridge near Fayetteville euthanized

UPDATE: The pair of goats spotted on the Interstate 49 bridge near Greenland have been euthanized. According to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the goats were killed upon the owner's request. An official with AGFC said the owner of the goats was on the bridge with a bucket of feed, trying to coax the goats to move.

State offering $735,000 to Schools, Conservation

About $735,000 -- garnered from hunting and fishing fines -- is up for grabs as grants to school districts and conservation districts, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Division of Rural Services announced Monday.

The application deadline is Oct. 8.

https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2020/sep/22/state-offering-735000-to-schools-conservation/

State offering $735,000 to schools, conservation

FILE - The state Capitol is shown in this file photo. About $735,000 -- garnered from hunting and fishing fines -- is up for grabs as grants to school districts and conservation districts, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Division of Rural Services announced Monday. The application deadline is Oct. 8.

Report Finds Naloxone Prescriptions on Rise in Arkansas

According to a new data brief from the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, the number of Arkansans receiving opioid prescriptions is decreasing while the number of individuals receiving prescriptions for the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone is increasing. Arkansas has the second highest opioid prescribing rate in the country.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/report-finds-naloxone-prescriptions-rise-arkansas

Report Finds Naloxone Prescriptions on Rise in Arkansas

According to a new data brief from the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, the number of Arkansans receiving opioid prescriptions is decreasing while the number of individuals receiving prescriptions for the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone is increasing. Arkansas has the second highest opioid prescribing rate in the country.

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (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. Click on > Play button above.

Tuesday COVID-19 Update

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: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 345
Confirmed Cases: 331
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: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 221
Confirmed Cases: 219
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 0

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: