Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Governor Hutchinson Praises Confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson praised the Senate’s confirmation of President Trump’s nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett today as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
“President Trump chose wisely, and Judge Barrett will be an excellent addition to the Supreme Court,” Governor Hutchinson said today after the Senate confirmed her nomination. "Her originalist view of the Constitution is essential to the rule of law. I am confident she will base her decisions on the law rather than a modern interpretation designed to please a certain constituency."
Monday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,335
Confirmed Cases: 1,233
Probable Cases: 102
Total Active Cases: 69
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 44
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 577
Confirmed Cases: 523
Probable Cases: 54
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 9
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 447
Confirmed Cases: 411
Probable Cases: 36
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 4
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 354
Confirmed Cases: 347
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 30
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 263
Confirmed Cases: 253
Probable Cases: 10
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 2
Walmart Files Suit Against DOJ, DEA Over Opioid Meds
Walmart filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on Thursday (Oct. 22), asking for clarity to pharmacists’ requirements when filling prescriptions containing opioids. The company filed the 54-page complaint in the Eastern District of Texas the Sherman Division.
In 2019, the DEA began to crack down on pharmacists and physicians looking to curb the massive use of the potent drugs and the highly addictive nature of opioids used to manage pain. The complaint claims the government’s recent actions attempt to make up for years of “profound failures” to limit the number of opioid drugs being produced and sold on the market and stop “bad actors” from prescribing them without cause. The suit claims the DEA was given years of reports naming suspicious activity from doctors across the nation who manage to have their licenses still because the regulatory continued to renew them.
https://talkbusiness.net/2020/10/walmart-files-suit-against-doj-dea-over-opioid-meds/
Walmart files suit against DOJ, DEA over opioid meds - Talk Business & Politics
Walmart filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on Thursday (Oct. 22), asking for clarity to pharmacists' requirements when filling prescriptions containing opioids. The company filed the 54-page complaint in the Eastern District of Texas the Sherman Division.
UAMS Study Shows That 3.5% of Arkansans Have Had COVID-19
A University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) seroprevalence study shows that 3.5% of Arkansans have had COVID-19, roughly the same percentage of population of the 104,135 known cumulative cases reported Friday (Oct. 23) by the Arkansas Department of Health.
UAMS researcher Dr. Joshua Kennedy associate professor in the College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, along with Craig Forrest, Ph.D., and Karl Boehme, Ph.D., associate professors in the College of Medicine Department of Microbiology and Immunology, have spearheaded an effort to analyze blood samples from Arkansans.
https://talkbusiness.net/2020/10/uams-study-shows-that-3-5-of-arkansans-have-had-covid-19/
UAMS study shows that 3.5% of Arkansans have had COVID-19 - Talk Business & Politics
A University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) seroprevalence study shows that 3.5% of Arkansans have had COVID-19, roughly the same percentage of population of the 104,135 known cumulative cases reported Friday (Oct. 23) by the Arkansas Department of Health.
Arkansas County Clerks See Uptick In Absentee Ballot Requests, But Feel Prepared For 2020 Election
With the general election less than two weeks away, Arkansans currently have three ways to vote: on Election Day, Nov. 3, during early voting which runs until Nov. 2, or with an absentee ballot, where the deadline to apply to receive one by mail is Oct. 27.
On the Arkansas absentee ballot application itself, voters must choose between three options for requesting a ballot.
Arkansas County Clerks See Uptick In Absentee Ballot Requests, But Feel Prepared For 2020 Election
With the general election less than two weeks away, Arkansans currently have three ways to vote: on Election Day, Nov. 3, during early voting which runs until Nov. 2, or with an absentee ballot, where the deadline to apply to receive one by mail is Oct. 27.
Sunday's COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,327
Confirmed Cases: 1,229
Probable Cases: 98
Total Active Cases: 62
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 41
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 568
Confirmed Cases: 515
Probable Cases: 53
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 10
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 446
Confirmed Cases: 411
Probable Cases: 35
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 350
Confirmed Cases: 343
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 262
Confirmed Cases: 252
Probable Cases: 10
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 3
AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Making a Difference with Crisis Intervention And Stabilization Units
LITTLE ROCK – Recent events around the nation have led to discussions about law-enforcement practices. Today I’d like to talk about the progress Arkansas has made with crisis intervention training for police officers and the Crisis Stabilization Units that offer an alternative to jail for people who are suffering a mental-health crisis.
Our innovative approach was driven by a 21-percent increase in the number of inmates over a three-year period from 2012 to 2015. By 2017, the Arkansas Department of Corrections was at capacity, and hundreds of more inmates were in county jails awaiting transfer to the prison system.
In 2017, the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 423, which called for Crisis Intervention Training for law-enforcement officers and created a pilot program of four Crisis Stabilization Units. Arkansas is the only state to create this kind of partnership of state government, counties, and law enforcement agencies.
The Crisis Intervention Training equipped officers to deescalate violent situations and to recognize the difference between someone whose behavior was criminal and those who were suffering a mental-health crisis. For those suffering a mental-health incident, the stabilization units offered treatment and a bed in a health clinic instead of a night in jail.
Since the first stabilization unit opened on March 1, 2018, the four units have treated nearly 5,000 people in mental-health crisis; nearly 1,500 were diverted by police. Over 500 police officers have received intervention training. At the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy, more than 500 new recruits have received the 16 hours of training. Nearly 2,300 veteran officers have received online intervention training.
But the numbers don’t reflect the real-life impact of this initiative. I have heard many stories about the people who have benefited from this forward-thinking approach, including this incident in Fort Smith, which illustrates the value of cooperation among teams as well as the stabilization units. Two crisis intervention officers were summoned to a hospital where police were observing a woman curled into the fetal position with her hair pulled over her eyes. She had no identification and couldn’t speak to the officers. Animal control officers were caring for her dog, which was with her when police found her. At the suggestion of a crisis intervention officer, the officers caring for her dog found the dog had a chip and learned the woman’s name. When the officer at the hospital called her by name, the woman began to answer then the officer sat with the woman and spoke her name. The lady officer immediately began looking at her and she explained that the officers were there to help. The woman slowly began speaking and answering questions. Officers took her to the crisis stabilization unit, where the staff treated her, and she later thanked officers for their help.
The President of the United States has asked the U.S. Attorney General to study successful programs such as ours, and our report is on its way to the Administration.
We have neglected the mental-health challenges in our nation for far too long. The Crisis Stabilization Units provide help to those who suffer from mental illness, and the training reduces risk of injury to our officers and the people they encounter.
Program To Provide Food Boxes To Arkansas Students, Families
Arkansas students receiving school-based food assistance could be getting some extra help thanks to a new program by the Arkansas Food Bank.
The food bank announced the Emergency School Pantry Program, which is a partnership with five other food banks in the state, and will provide food boxes for 36 weeks.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/program-provide-food-boxes-arkansas-students-families
Program To Provide Food Boxes To Arkansas Students, Families
Arkansas students receiving school-based food assistance could be getting some extra help thanks to a new program by the Arkansas Food Bank. The food bank announced the Emergency School Pantry Program, which is a partnership with five other food banks in the state, and will provide food boxes for 36 weeks.
State Collaboration Forms to Locate Missing Students During Pandemic
Thousands of Arkansas students have gone missing from public school since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared eight months ago, designated as "no shows." We learn the latest preliminary data and about a new Arkansas Department of Education collaboration launched to help locate, and keep students engaged in their districts.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/state-collaboration-forms-locate-missing-students-during-pandemic
State Collaboration Forms to Locate Missing Students During Pandemic
Thousands of Arkansas students have gone missing from public school since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared eight months ago, designated as "no shows." We learn the latest preliminary data and about a new Arkansas Department of Education collaboration launched to help locate, and keep students engaged in their districts.
Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,301
Confirmed Cases: 1,221
Probable Cases: 80
Total Active Cases: 53
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 35
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 556
Confirmed Cases: 510
Probable Cases: 46
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 7
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 432
Confirmed Cases: 402
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 342
Confirmed Cases: 335
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 260
Confirmed Cases: 251
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 3
Governor Asa Hutchinson Announces Prosecuting Attorney Appointments
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced his intent to appoint the following prosecuting attorneys:
Charles E. Black, Texarkana, as Prosecuting Attorney of the Eighth Judicial District-South. Term begins January 1, 2021, and expires December 31, 2022. Replaces Stephanie Potter Barrett.
“Charles Black has years of prosecutorial experience and has served the Eighth Judicial District-South for the last five years,” Governor Hutchinson said. “He is a seasoned prosecutor, and I am pleased he will continue his service to the Eighth Judicial District-South as Prosecuting Attorney.”
Charles E. Black issued the following statement:
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Governor for his consideration and appointment. Having been the Chief Deputy Prosecutor for many years, I anticipate a smooth transition next year.”
Erin Hunter, De Queen, as Prosecuting Attorney of the Ninth Judicial District-West. Term begins January 1, 2021, and expires December 31, 2022. Replaces Bryan Chesshir.
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Erin Hunter as Prosecuting Attorney of the Ninth Judicial District-West,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Having served in various prosecutorial roles such as De Queen City Attorney, Drug Court Prosecuting Attorney, and most recently, as Sevier County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Ms. Hunter is highly qualified to serve in this role.”
Erin Hunter released the following statement:
“I would like to thank Governor Hutchinson so much for this opportunity. I am sincerely grateful. I look forward to continuing to fulfill the duties of the Prosecutor’s office that Bryan Chesshir faithfully executed during his terms as elected prosecutor.”
Jason Barrett, Maumelle, as Prosecuting Attorney of the Eighteenth Judicial District-West. Term begins January 1, 2021, and expires December 31, 2022. Replaces Andy Riner.
“Jason Barrett will bring years of experience in private practice and various deputy prosecuting attorney roles to the Eighteenth Judicial District-West as Prosecuting Attorney,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I appreciate Mr. Barrett’s willingness to serve.”
Jason Barrett released the following statement:
“I am honored and grateful that Governor Hutchinson has chosen me to serve as the Prosecuting Attorney for the Eighteenth Judicial District-West. I look forward to serving the people of Montgomery and Polk Counties and am excited to again have the opportunity to work with some of the finest law enforcement officers in our state. Together we will continue the job of making our communities the safest and best places to live in Arkansas.”
Meet the Colts Event and Fish Fry on Friday at Skilled Trades UA Cossatot De Queen
UA Cossatot will host a Meet the Colts event and fish fry on October 21 through October 24. Festivities will take place in Nashville, Ashdown, De Queen, and Lockesburg. The Southwest Arkansas community and UA Cossatot Colts fans will have the opportunity to meet this year’s Colts and Lady Colts as well as purchase a fish meal to support UA Cossatot student-athletes.
The fish meal includes fried catfish, french fries, hushpuppies, and coleslaw for a donation of $10 or more. Colts merchandise will also be available for purchase.
The Nashville event and fish fry will take place at the Howard County Courthouse on Wednesday, October 21. The Ashdown event and fish fry will take place at the Little River County Courthouse on Thursday, October 22. The De Queen event and fish fry will take place at the Skilled Trades Building of UA Cossatot on Friday, October 23. The final event and fish fry will take place in front of UA Cossatot’s Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium on Saturday, October 24. Each event and fish fry will begin at 11:00 am and end at 1:00 pm.
UA Cossatot Basketball Coach, Robert Byrd said, “We're excited about the upcoming Meet the Colts Week. Our student athletes will have the opportunity to visit the counties we serve. We are looking forward to interacting with members of each community.”
Business to-go orders are available for delivery. Pre-orders for deliveries are available now until October 20 by contacting Dustin Roberts at 870-584-1172 or droberts@cccua.edu. Pre-order payments and general donations to the UA Cossatot Colts and Lady Colts can also be made by texting CossatotColts to 41444
Arkansas Joins Multi-State Antitrust Lawsuit Against Google
A group of Republican state attorneys general, along with the Department of Justice, is accusing Google of forming a monopoly on internet search engines and online advertising.
Arkansas joins 10 other states and the DOJ in bringing the lawsuit against the tech giant, which was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-joins-multi-state-antitrust-lawsuit-against-google
Arkansas Joins Multi-State Antitrust Lawsuit Against Google
A group of Republican state attorneys general, along with the Department of Justice, is accusing Google of forming a monopoly on internet search engines and online advertising. Arkansas joins 10 other states and the DOJ in bringing the lawsuit against the tech giant, which was filed Tuesday in U.S.
Fit 4 Life with Dr Andi Reeves
Issue 3 Proposes Changing Process for Submission, Approval of Citizen-Initiated Acts
If Issue 3 is approved, amendments to the Arkansas Constitution would change the process for the submission, challenge and approval of proposed citizen-initiated acts, constitutional amendments and referenda. Proponents say it should be more difficult to change the state's Constitution. Opponents say Issue 3 is trying to trick people into disenfranchising themselves.
Issue 3 Proposes Changing Process for Submission, Approval of Citizen-Initiated Acts
If Issue 3 is approved, amendments to the Arkansas Constitution would change the process for the submission, challenge and approval of proposed citizen-initiated acts, constitutional amendments and referenda. Proponents say it should be more difficult to change the state's Constitution. Opponents say Issue 3 is trying to trick people into disenfranchising themselves.
Thursday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,291
Confirmed Cases: 1,221
Probable Cases: 70
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 30
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 546
Confirmed Cases: 503
Probable Cases: 43
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 6
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 426
Confirmed Cases: 396
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 17
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 341
Confirmed Cases: 334
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 31
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 258
Confirmed Cases: 249
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 3
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 1,202 new cases; 8,730 active cases; 612 hospitalized, which is down 24 from Wednesday; 96 on ventilators, which is down 3 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 21, for a total of 1,772; a total of 102,798 cases; 87,311 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,039; antigen tests, 1,405.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 115; Benton, 93;Craighead, 70; Washington, 50; and Garland, 39.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“I continue to watch the week-to-week trends. Last Thursday, we reported 1,278 new cases. Today, there is a slight decrease to 1,202 new cases. If the trend continues similar to last week, then we will see around 1,000 new cases tomorrow. Let's work to beat last week's numbers as we are challenged in this pandemic. Let's pull together; let’s protect each other and be safe. Earlier today, I spoke with Secretary Alex Azar of the Department of Health and Human Services on vaccine distribution plans. There is hope on the horizon.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Arkansas to Provide $10 Million in Aid to Tenants Behind on Rent
For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic reached Arkansas in March, state legislators have approved $10 million in federal stimulus money to help tenants who are behind on their rent. The Arkansas Fresh Start COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program will cover up to two and a half months of past due rent for applicants making up to 80 percent of area median income. A website to submit applications will be up in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, some renters who are facing eviction for non-payment of rent may qualify for the CDC eviction moratorium after submitting a declaration form to their landlords.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-provide-10-million-aid-tenants-behind-rent
Arkansas to Provide $10 Million in Aid to Tenants Behind on Rent
For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic reached Arkansas in March, state legislators have approved $10 million in federal stimulus money to help tenants who are behind on their rent. The Arkansas Fresh Start COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program will cover up to two and a half months of past due rent for applicants making up to 80 percent of area median income.
Community Project Planning Meeting October 28 at De Queen Sportsplex
A Community Project Planning Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28th at 6:00pm at the De Queen Sportsplex.
All local residents who are interested in helping organize efforts to support the minority populations of De Queen are encouraged to come out and participate.
The purpose of the meeting is to begin planning a Southwest Arkansas Juneteenth celebration, discuss fundraising options for a Sevier County African American museum and multicultural center, and to develop programs that provide regularly scheduled Sevier County Latino and black history education for the public.
People of all races, ages, backgrounds and identities are welcome to attend. Please wear a face mask and practice social distancing. An online option to view the meeting will be available as well.
For questions, please contact Kevyn Wayne or email DQunity@gmail.com.
Issue 2 Asks Voters to Approve Changes to Term Limits
Issue 2 asks voters to approve changing term limits for the General Assembly described in Amendment 73 of the Arkansas Constitution. The amendment would eliminate lifetime term limits, but require breaks in service for future state senators and representatives.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/issue-2-asks-voters-approve-changes-term-limits
Issue 2 Asks Voters to Approve Changes to Term Limits
Issue 2 asks voters to approve changing term limits for the General Assembly described in Amendment 73 of the Arkansas Constitution. The amendment would eliminate lifetime term limits, but require breaks in service for future state senators and representatives.