Governor Hutchinson Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Memory of Officer Kevin Collins

LITTLE ROCK  – Governor Asa Hutchinson has ordered the United States flag and the flag of the State of Arkansas to be lowered to half-staff in tribute to the memory of Officer Kevin Collins of the Pine Bluff Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty on Monday, October 5, 2020. The flag shall be lowered immediately and remain at half-staff to the day of interment. 

The full proclamation can be found HERE.

Governor Hutchinson released a statement on the passing of Officer Collins:

“I was deeply saddened to learn that Officer Kevin Collins was shot and killed in the line of duty yesterday. Officer Collins spent his 5-year career at the Pine Bluff Police Department protecting and serving his community. He selflessly put his life on the line each day in the violent crimes unit and paid the ultimate price for the safety of others. We are forever grateful for his service and the dedication of our entire law enforcement community. Our prayers remain with Officer Collins’ family, the Pine Bluff Police Department, and for the full recovery of Lt. Ralph Isaac.”

Bearden First Daisy Award Recipient at Howard Memorial Hospital

Svetlana Bearden, RN was the first Daisy Award recipient at Howard Memorial Hospital

UA Cossatot Students Excel with Internship Opportunities at Tyson Foods

Howard Memorial Hospital Honors Ken Young for His Service on the Board

Ken Young served on the Howard Memorial Hospital Board from July 2014 through July 2020.   Due to COVID and not having in-person meetings, it was difficult to present him with this plaque. Finally, Debra, Bill and Alesha were able to present this plaque to Ken for our appreciation of his loyal and dedicated service to Howard Memorial Hospital.

UAMS Drive-Thru Clinic Safely Accommodates Patients During Pandemic

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest in Fayetteville is operating a drive-thru clinic for patients seeking medical exams, but are too wary of entering a medical facility during the pandemic. Dr. Hunter Judkins, medical director of the Family Medicine Residency Program, initiated the novel extension clinic.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/uams-drive-thru-clinic-safely-accommodates-patients-during-pandemic

UAMS Drive-Thru Clinic Safely Accommodates Patients During Pandemic

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest in Fayetteville is operating a drive-thru clinic for patients seeking medical exams, but are too wary of entering a medical facility during the pandemic. Dr. Hunter Judkins, medical director of the Family Medicine Residency Program, initiated the novel extension clinic.

Notice from Sevier County Clerk about Campaign Signage

Just a reminder that all campaign type material must be at least one hundred feet away from the entrance to the polling place. This includes bumper stickers on vehicles. Also remind voters not to wear campaign T-shirts, caps or buttons when going to vote. If they do they will be asked to remedy the situation before voting.

Thanks

Debbie Akin

Sevier County Clerk

115 N. 3rd St.

Room 102

De Queen, AR 71832

870-642-2852

Emergency Food Boxes Offered at UA Cossatot in De Queen Tuesday

CADC will be providing food commodities on the De Queen campus of UA Cossatot on Tuesday, 10/06, from 10-2PM and we are asking that NO ONE park in the ERC parking lot from 7:00am to 2pm.  If you would like to benefit you must line up and remain in your vehicle at all times.   We plan on serving 300+ boxes/families.  Some items include milk, meat and canned goods. 

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

For every dollar of general revenue coming into the state, 41% is spent on K-12 public schools. Approximately, half of all school district revenues come from the state. Our current process of determining the amount of state funding for our schools goes back to 2003. The Public School Funding Act of 2003 develops per-pupil funding amounts by assigning costs to various educational inputs.

Those inputs range from staff salaries to transportation needs. They are then compiled into a school district funding matrix used to produce a per-pupil foundation funding amount along with additional funding for programs for students with special needs, alternative learning environments, and professional development for instructional staff.

But the landscape of education has changed since 2003. That is why late last year, the House and Senate Education Committee agreed to hire

a consulting firm, Augenblick, Palaich and Associates, to take an in-depth look at our K-12 education and make recommendations to our current model of funding. The firm’s study has sought input from education officials around the state and reviewed academic research.

This week, the firm presented the committee with information showing the average counselor staffing ratio in Arkansas is 385:1, which is lower than the average for states in the southern region. However, the American School Counselor Association and the National Association of School Psychologist's recommended ratio is 250:1.

The consultants have also presented committee members with information on the effects of poverty on learning. Research shows academic performance correlates negatively with concentrations of poverty in schools. Higher concentrations of poverty seem to impact all students in a school, not only poor students. Some research suggests school effects could start at concentrations between 25% and 50%. The committee was presented with information on the possible strategies for improvement such as wrap around services and expanded learning programs.

Committee members are reviewing this information and previous presentations covering everything from college readiness to enrollment changes. Over the next few weeks, they will be using this information to make recommendations for the 2021 Regular Session. They will present their recommendations to House and Senate leadership by November 1.

You can watch all House and Senate Education Committee meetings and review the reports at www.arkansashouse.org.

Home - Arkansas House of Representatives

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Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,213
Confirmed Cases: 1,197
Probable Cases: 16
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 503
Confirmed Cases: 476
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 373
Confirmed Cases: 354
Probable Cases: 19
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 280
Confirmed Cases: 278
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 237
Confirmed Cases: 233
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 2

There are now 1,425 reported deaths, 1,278 confirmed and 147 probable, due to COVID-19, according to the Arkansas Department of Health, up from 1,407 Saturday.

The department reported 83,306 confirmed cases of the virus and another 3,707 probable cases Sunday, compared to 82,851 confirmed and 3,674 probable cases a day earlier. There are 1,424 active, according to health officials.

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday(10.06.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.

VIDEO: CARES Act Steering Committee Meeting Tuesday (10.06.20) 330PM

The CARES Act Steering Committee, created by Governor Asa Hutchinson to recommend the best use of federal COVID-19 aid, meets virtually at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, 2020.

Lawsuit Between Tyson Foods and Former Keystone Owner Heads to Arbitration

A lawsuit between Tyson Foods the former owner of Keystone Foods over the acquisition of Keystone Foods will now be heard in arbitration, according to a federal judge’s ruling on Wednesday, (Sept. 30).

Tyson Foods acquired certain assets of Keystone Foods for $2.16 billion from Marfrig Global in November 2018.  Within a few months, Keystone, now known as Beef Holdings, sued Tyson Foods in April 2019 claiming the actual purchase price was slashed from $2.5 billion, calling it a breach of contract.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/10/lawsuit-between-tyson-foods-and-former-keystone-owner-heads-to-arbitration/

Lawsuit between Tyson Foods and former Keystone owner heads to arbitration - Talk Business & Politics

A lawsuit between Tyson Foods the former owner of Keystone Foods over the acquisition of Keystone Foods will now be heard in arbitration, according to a federal judge's ruling on Wednesday, (Sept. 30). Tyson Foods acquired certain assets of Keystone Foods for $2.16 billion from Marfrig Global in November 2018.

U.S. Supreme Court To Hear Arkansas Appeal On Pharmacy Benefit Managers Tuesday

Arkansas Solicitor General Nicholas Bronni will defend before the U.S. Supreme Court the constitutionality of a state law regulating pharmacy benefit managers next Tuesday.

Passed in 2015, Act 900 seeks to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which act as middlemen between pharmacists and insurance providers. Their reimbursement rates theoretically incentivize pharmacies to find lower wholesale drug prices.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/us-supreme-court-hear-arkansas-appeal-pharmacy-benefit-managers-tuesday

U.S. Supreme Court To Hear Arkansas Appeal On Pharmacy Benefit Managers Tuesday

Arkansas Solicitor General Nicholas Bronni will defend before the U.S. Supreme Court the constitutionality of a state law regulating pharmacy benefit managers next Tuesday. Passed in 2015, Act 900 seeks to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which act as middlemen between pharmacists and insurance providers.

Arkansas’ ‘Remarkable’ Tax Revenue Up Almost 18% In The First Fiscal Quarter

Arkansas tax revenue continues to beat prior-year levels and forecasts despite an economy weighed down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tax collections during the first quarter (July-September) of the fiscal year provided $158.8 million more in available revenue than expected.

The gross general revenue was $1.993 billion, up 17.7% compared to the same period in 2019, and up 11.6% above the budget forecast, according to Friday’s (Sept. 2) report from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-remarkable-tax-revenue-almost-18-first-fiscal-quarter

Arkansas' 'Remarkable' Tax Revenue Up Almost 18% In The First Fiscal Quarter

Arkansas tax revenue continues to beat prior-year levels and forecasts despite an economy weighed down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tax collections during the first quarter (July-September) of the fiscal year provided $158.8 million more in available revenue than expected.

Jobless Numbers in Arkansas Both Better and Worse

Arkansas's jobless numbers for August 2020 are better than earlier this year, but they're worse than this time last year. Michael Tilley with Talk Business and Politics explains and discusses several other items making news in the River Valley.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/jobless-numbers-arkansas-both-better-and-worse

Jobless Numbers in Arkansas Both Better and Worse

Arkansas's jobless numbers for August 2020 are better than earlier this year, but they're worse than this time last year. Michael Tilley with Talk Business and Politics explains and discusses several other items making news in the River Valley.

Keisha McKinney Included in Inaugural VIPinks Arkansas Campaign/Local leaders Will Raise Awareness and Funds in the Fight to End Breast Cancer

Little Rock, AR – In its inaugural year in Arkansas, 10 leading women will unite to fight breast cancer with the American Cancer Society through participation in the VIPinks campaign. Keisha McKinney, of De Queen, is a member of this elite group. Throughout October, VIPinks will encourage community members to take action in the fight against breast cancer.

“In addition to wearing pink and raising awareness about breast cancer, these women will be raising funds to help the American Cancer Society attack cancer from every angle and save more lives from breast cancer,” said DeAnna Korte, Senior Manager for Community Development for the American Cancer Society. “Funds raised help us save lives from breast cancer through early detection and prevention, innovative breast cancer research, and patient support.”

Each VIPink participant accepts a fundraising challenge and will compete to be the top fundraiser among her peers by the end of the campaign.

“I am forever indebted to the American Cancer Society. I’m a 12-year cancer survivor and the protocol that sent my cancer into remission was developed by an American Cancer Society funded research team,” stated McKinney. “But fighting this disease is bigger for us. My mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago and continues to fight her battle each day. This month she will travel to MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX to seek need treatments and potentially enroll in a clinical trial. I know these are treatment options that were not available 10 years ago when she was diagnosed and that is because of generous donors, talented research teams, and the commitment of the American Cancer Society.”

It is noted that nearly 300,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. The American Cancer Society is committed to continue to be the largest funder of cancer research outside of the US government. Each day new therapies, treatment protocols, screening guidelines, and survivorship patterns are being developed through the $64 million invested in cancer research.

During the pandemic, the American Cancer Society has been hit like most non-profits and this year’s VIPinks and Real Men Wear Pink candidates are challenged to continue to raise funds and bring awareness. Locally, McKinney is hosting a freezer meal fundraiser, partnering with local restaurants for a give back night, auctioning drawings by her toddler son, selling tshirts, and receiving online donations at tiny.cc/vipinkkeisha.

Join me at VIPink Arkansas

Why would I not! The American Cancer Society was the organization that developed the treatment and protocol that put my cancer into remission 12 years ago. I'll forever be grateful for this organization. And, now they need us more than ever to continue to offer services for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, and it is the most common cancer diagnosed in women other than skin cancer.

Our community can make a huge impact in the breast cancer cause,” said McKinney. “I am as committed now as I have ever been to raising funds and bringing awareness for this esteemed organization. I often get asked how the dollars help locally and I smile and say look at my face. I am here because of pennies, quarters, and dollars donated one at a time. When someone gets diagnosed with cancer, it doesn’t matter where they live, they have full access to the resources and treatments developed in the labs where the investment would make the greatest impact. That is always a local impact.”

In addition to funding cancer research, the American Cancer Society provides transportation grants, hotel partnerships, a patient hotline that is available 24/7 at 800-227-2345 and trusted information anytime at cancer.org.

American Cancer Society | Information and Resources about for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin

We know a cancer diagnosis can be scary - and overwhelming. Whether you need emotional support, the latest cancer information, a ride to chemo, or a place to stay when treatment is far away, we're here to help - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information about breast cancer or the VIPinks campaign in Arkansas, call 1-800-227-2345.

In Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month

Jocelin Tani Galvez

The Center for Student Success would like to continue to recognize some of our UA Cossatot Hispanic employees that are making an impact on our students throughout the month of October!

Jocelin began her journey as a college student who always stood out and excelled in anything she did. She obtained her Associates of Science degree in Medical Sciences in 2015, is an employee of the college since August 2017 and plans on graduating with a Master’s in Higher Education degree.

Jocelin helps assist students in our Student Services department at UA Cossatot as an Admissions and Recruitment Advisor. Jocelin’s father is from Zacatecas and her mother from Morelos Mexico. She helps lead and sponsors a student group on campus called Student Diversity Association which focuses on fundraising efforts benefiting those students who are not eligible to receive Federal Pell Grant.

Jocelin states “I am a second-generation Mexican American, and I am the oldest daughter of Claudio and Leticia Galvez. To me, being Hispanic is family, fiesta, faith, and food. Coming from a big family or "familia grande" means more than just parents and siblings; it means a strong relationship that instills in people the importance of honor, good manners, and respect. Fiestas are defined by celebration, and to many are regarded as the best way to become immersed in the culture of the Hispanic community. My family and myself are Catholic. I consider my faith to be a key part of who I am. The food and flavors of Hispanic culture is something I am also proud of, it's a part of my family history. Knowing what my parents sacrificed and stories of them moving to the U.S. for a chance at a better life, is something I will never take for granted. It's important to teach people about your history, sharing your culture and never forgetting where you come from, regardless of your ethnicity. Everyone should able to experience everyone’s culture!"

We are proud to have Jocelin Galvez as part of our campus community!

If you are someone who has questions in regards to admission requirements, you can call and ask for Jocelin Galvez at: 870-584-4471 Ext 1163.

State Representative Bags Boar and Deer Same Day

State Representative DeAnn Vaught got her first boar hog with a bow and soon after a nice buck came up the trail.

Sunday's COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,213
Confirmed Cases: 1,197
Probable Cases: 16
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 503
Confirmed Cases: 476
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 371
Confirmed Cases: 352
Probable Cases: 19
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 279
Confirmed Cases: 277
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 237
Confirmed Cases: 233
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 2

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address Big News for Computer Science Education in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK – In the six years since I signed the Computer Science Initiative legislation, the success of it has far exceeded my expectations, and today I’d like to talk about a new report that offers some bold recommendations for the future of computer science education in Arkansas.

The report is the work of the Arkansas Computer Science and Cybersecurity Task Force, which I established in December 2019. The team, which included representatives from education, business, industry, and technology, and philanthropic organizations, formally submitted its report to me this week, which I released at a news conference on Thursday.

In 2015, the first bill I signed as governor required every public school in the state to offer at least one computer-science course. Arkansas was the first state to do that.

National publications and technology organizations such as Wired magazine and Code.org have noted our success. The executive director of Computer Science Teachers Association told Education Week that no other state “has done more than Arkansas. They have a really strong, multifaceted plan that is well thought out. … The state is far better off than anyone else.”

But we can’t rest on our success. In the spirit of our past initiatives, the task force recommends two dramatic changes. The first is that Arkansas require students to have at least one computer-science credit to graduate. The second is that every school in Arkansas employ at least one certified computer science teacher. I am fully committed to these recommendations.

I also shared news about other initiatives that will give even more students access to high-speed internet. As part of its Project 10Million, T-Mobile is donating 18,000 internet access devices to Arkansas students. The company also is donating 100 gigabytes of data also at no cost to eligible households. Combined with the 20,000 devices the state is providing through CARES Act funding, more than 38,000 will be distributed around the state.

I also announced that we will increase high-speed broadband capacity to K-12 school districts, charter schools, and education cooperatives from the current 200 kilobits per second per user to at least 1 megabit per second. That is five times faster than current speeds. Arkansas will be one of the first states in the nation to meet the new standard of 1 megabit per second per user. The upgrade to the network should be completed by July 1 of next year.

This has been an important week for Computer Science Education in Arkansas. We have developed a national reputation for our computer science initiatives, which is nice. But our motivation and the payoff is the high-quality opportunities we are creating for our young people.