Court: Sales Tax Can't Fund Highway Project In Central Arkansas

The Arkansas Supreme Court says a half-cent sales tax can't be used to fund a $1 billion project widening an interstate corridor in the heart of downtown Little Rock.

Justices on Thursday ruled the tax approved by voters in 2012 cannot be used for any highways with more than four lanes. The court reversed and remanded a Pulaski County judge's decision to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the Interstate 30 corridor project, which runs through downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/court-sales-tax-cant-fund-highway-project-central-arkansas

Court: Sales Tax Can't Fund Highway Project In Central Arkansas

The Arkansas Supreme Court says a half-cent sales tax can't be used to fund a $1 billion project widening an interstate corridor in the heart of downtown Little Rock. Justices on Thursday ruled the tax approved by voters in 2012 cannot be used for any highways with more than four lanes.

Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,371
Confirmed Cases: 1,252
Probable Cases: 119
Total Active Cases: 73
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 39

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 599
Confirmed Cases: 543
Probable Cases: 56
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 465
Confirmed Cases: 423
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 364
Confirmed Cases: 356
Probable Cases: 8
Total Active Cases: 20
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 270
Confirmed Cases: 258
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 2

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 1,072 new cases; 9,466 active cases; 666 hospitalized, which is up 4 from Wednesday; 100 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 19, for a total of 1,894; a total of 109,712 cases; 92,172 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,906; antigen tests, 1,241.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Garland, 108; Pulaski, 95; Washington, 90; Benton, 76; and Craighead, 52.

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

"As I typically do, I looked back at last Thursday's cases and compared them to today. We had 1,202 total new cases last Thursday compared to 1,072 today. This decrease was also recorded with an increase in total testing from this time last week. While these numbers may provide some encouragement, we know that we still have a long way to go to beat COVID-19."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

SW Arkansas/Texarkana Area New Arkansas Hot Spot for COVID-19

While Northeast Arkansas has been hit hard in recent weeks with a rise in COVID-19 cases, the Texarkana area in the southwest corner of the state has some of the highest 14-day moving average positivity rates.

Miller County, the home of Texarkana, has the highest 14-day moving average rate of 23.3%, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). Rounding out the top five are Sevier County, just north of Miller, at 19.6%; Mississippi County at 19.5%; Lafayette County, just east of Miller County, at 17.2%; and Jackson County at 16.3%.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/10/covid-19-positivity-rates-highest-in-southwest-and-northeast-corners-of-arkansas/

COVID-19 positivity rates highest in southwest and northeast corners of Arkansas - Talk Business & Politics

While Northeast Arkansas has been hit hard in recent weeks with a rise in COVID-19 cases, the Texarkana area in the southwest corner of the state has some of the highest 14-day moving average positivity rates. Miller County, the home of Texarkana, has the highest 14-day moving average rate of 23.3%, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).

Hospitality Industry Hanging Tough With Partial Help on the Way

Montine McNulty has led the Arkansas Hospitality Association since 1996. The statewide organization represents hotels, restaurants, convention and meeting spaces, and tourism destinations in Arkansas.

For the last decade the tourism and hospitality industry enjoyed unprecedented growth as the state added more attractions and amenities. Employment over the last decade grew by more than 20,000 jobs. Today, employment in the sector stands at 104,200, which is 17,000 fewer jobs than a year ago.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/10/hospitality-industry-hanging-tough-with-partial-help-on-the-way/

Hospitality industry hanging tough with partial help on the way - Talk Business & Politics

Montine McNulty has led the Arkansas Hospitality Association since 1996. The statewide organization represents hotels, restaurants, convention and meeting spaces, and tourism destinations in Arkansas. For the last decade the tourism and hospitality industry enjoyed unprecedented growth as the state added more attractions and amenities.

UA Arkansas Poll Looks Good For Trump, Cotton, Highway Tax

President Donald Trump leads former Vice President Joe Biden in Arkansas, 65%-32%, Sen. Tom Cotton appears headed to an easy re-election, and ballot measures to continue a sales tax for highways and amend legislative term limits laws had broad support in the annual Arkansas Poll released Oct. 28 by University of Arkansas political science professor Dr. Janine Perry.

Trump leads Biden, 65%-32% with 3% indicating support for “other.” Fifty-eight percent of respondents and 63% of very likely voters approve of Trump’s job performance, while 40% of respondents and 36% of very likely voters disapprove.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/ua-arkansas-poll-looks-good-trump-cotton-highway-tax

UA Arkansas Poll Looks Good For Trump, Cotton, Highway Tax

President Donald Trump leads former Vice President Joe Biden in Arkansas, 65%-32%, Sen. Tom Cotton appears headed to an easy re-election, and ballot measures to continue a sales tax for highways and amend legislative term limits laws had broad support in the annual Arkansas Poll released Oct.

New Trail Network Set To Open In Central Arkansas

A new 28-mile network of walking and biking trails will soon open in central Arkansas thanks to a partnership between state and local parks departments and a philanthropic organization.

State and city officials announced the network of trails at Pinnacle Mountain State Park and River Mountain and Two Rivers parks at a news conference Wednesday. Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. said the system will serve as an inclusive space for residents to get outdoors.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/new-trail-network-set-open-central-arkansas

New Trail Network Set To Open In Central Arkansas

A new 28-mile network of walking and biking trails will soon open in central Arkansas thanks to a partnership between state and local parks departments and a philanthropic organization. State and city officials announced the network of trails at Pinnacle Mountain State Park and River Mountain and Two Rivers parks at a news conference Wednesday.

U of A Reviews Diversity Training to Comply With Presidential Order

The University of Arkansas is reviewing all departmental diversity trainings, workshops and materials in order to comply with the Trump administration's "Executive Order on Race and Sex Stereotyping." The order, which goes into effect Nov. 21, prohibits discussion of "divisive concepts" including systemic racism, white privilege and unconscious bias during workplace trainings.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/u-reviews-diversity-training-comply-presidential-order

U of A Reviews Diversity Training to Comply With Presidential Order

The University of Arkansas is reviewing all departmental diversity trainings, workshops and materials in order to comply with the Trump administration's "Executive Order on Race and Sex Stereotyping." The order, which goes into effect Nov. 21, prohibits discussion of "divisive concepts" including systemic racism, white privilege and unconscious bias during workplace trainings.

ACHI Data Shows Increase in Arkansas School Districts in COVID-19 Red Zone

School district “red zones” where COVID-19 infections are concentrated in local communities — tracked and mapped by the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement — are increasing across the state as the pandemic worsens, the center says. The color-coded school district state map, which is refreshed every Thursday provide superintendents, teachers, staff and parents clear guidance on taking protective measures.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/achi-data-shows-increase-arkansas-school-districts-covid-19-red-zone

ACHI Data Shows Increase in Arkansas School Districts in COVID-19 Red Zone

School district "red zones" where COVID-19 infections are concentrated in local communities - tracked and mapped by the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement - are increasing across the state as the pandemic worsens, the center says. The color-coded school district state map, which is refreshed every Thursday provide superintendents, teachers, staff and parents clear guidance on taking protective measures.

Thursday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,362
Confirmed Cases: 1,247
Probable Cases: 115
Total Active Cases: 70
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 40

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 590
Confirmed Cases: 534
Probable Cases: 56
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 459
Confirmed Cases: 419
Probable Cases: 40
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 360
Confirmed Cases: 354
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 269
Confirmed Cases: 257
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 3

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 961 new cases; 9,303 active cases; 662 hospitalized, which is down 14 from Tuesday; 99 on ventilators, which is up 5 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 18, for a total of 1,875; a total of 108,640 cases; 91,441 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,105; antigen tests, 1,457.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 79; Pulaski, 66; Washington, 50; Craighead, 44; and Greene, 41.

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

"Today we reached over 300,000 total tests for the month of October. This means that over 10% of the population of Arkansas was tested for COVID-19 in the past 27 days. This could not have been accomplished without the remarkable work from the Arkansas Department of Health and its partners. While our new case numbers today are lower than they were last Wednesday (1,155), we still have to be disciplined, watch out for our neighbors, and follow the public health guidelines.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Horatio High School National Honor Society Candy Drop Halloween Night

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

In the 2019 Regular Session, the General Assembly made the first effort to reorganize state government in 50 years. We are now seeing the results of that effort through millions in savings.

The 92nd General Assembly passed Act 910, known as the "Transformation and Efficiencies Act." Since it took effect cabinet secretaries have been asked to find opportunities to improve their departments in the three ways:

1. Efficiencies

2. Improved managerial support

3. Improved delivery of services to citizens

One way departments have accomplished this is by focusing on location sharing when possible and evolving to a new work environment that is less expensive and ensures less square footage. The Department of Transformation and Shared Services reports that from July 1, 2019, to March 4, 2020, departments have realized more than $920,000.00 in savings on rent and 80,282 square feet of reduction in space.

A second way departments have improved is through budget reduction. In the balanced budget presented for year two of the biennium without additional funding, there is a $10 million reduction in the performance fund. This fund is set-aside and available to supplement department budgets as needed as a result of their annual performance reviews. Departments have also reduced the number of filled positions by 310 since July 1, 2019. This was accomplished by finding new ways to improve delivery and a commitment to shared services. No jobs were lost as a result of the transformation of Arkansas government.

Reallocation of general revenue has also helped the state maximize funding levels, with departments realizing more than $6,305,160 in savings by making a commitment to do more with less.

Finding ways to save taxpayer dollars and provide better services does not end with one piece of legislation. While the Transformation and Efficiencies Act has now shown to produce substantial savings, we will continue to find ways to do more.

Our Pre-Session Budget hearings will resume next week and continue through November 12. You can watch live at www.arkansashouse.org.

VIP Spring 2021 Registration Underway at UA Cossatot

VIP Week begins today for UA Cossatot students. Contact your advisor to enroll early!

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,351
Confirmed Cases: 1,243
Probable Cases: 108
Total Active Cases: 71
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 40

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 582
Confirmed Cases: 528
Probable Cases: 54
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 451
Confirmed Cases: 413
Probable Cases: 38
Total Active Cases: 20
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 358
Confirmed Cases: 352
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 267
Confirmed Cases: 255
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 3

UA Cossatot Spring 2021 Registration Opens November 2

On November 2, 2020, UA Cossatot advisors will begin helping incoming and returning UA Cossatot students enroll in spring 2021 classes. The college will be offering many courses in several different formats this coming spring to help students receive college credit with different wants, needs, and schedules.

UA Cossatot will be offering 16-week and 8-week term courses in-class and online. To enroll in spring classes, students need to contact a Student Services Advisor at 870-584-4471 or studentservices@cccua.edu. Walk-ins are always welcome during the college’s business hours from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Student Services advisors are located at the college’s De Queen, Nashville, and Ashdown Campuses.

UA Cossatot wants to ensure students that their safety is vitally important to everyone at the college. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the college has taken precautions and has guidelines in place to help provide a safe learning environment. UA Cossatot wants to encourage returning students and invite all new incoming students to pursue local education and stay here and stay safe this spring. To view the entire spring schedule of UA Cossatot classes, please visit www.cccua.edu/enroll

Cossatot Community College

Click the following links to access the PDF version of the current or upcoming semester's full course schedule. Spring 2021 Course Offerings (10.19) Find specific courses through Campus Connect Course Search. There's no need to login. Just click on the "Campus Connect Course Search" link below, choose a semester from the drop-down menu, and start searching for your courses.

2020 Fall Officers are Elected to Serve in Collegiate FFA

UA Cossatot’s Collegiate FFA organization announces the fall 2020 FFA officers. These officers will serve for a term of one semester and be active leaders in UA Cossatot’s FFA.

The officers include President Kirsten Nicholas, Vice-President Lindy Price, Secretary Will McAlister, Treasurer Kayleigh Hill, and Reporter Kaydee Cowling.

The 2020 FFA scholarship recipients were also recently announced. The recipients include five students: Lindy Price, Will McAlister, Kirsten Nicholas, Cason Launius, and Samantha Mefford. These students can earn up to $500 each through service to the college and community. Some of the projects planned for this year include raising money for the FFA through the annual gun raffle, getting students certified as EIA verifiers through the Livestock & Poultry Commission, and shopping for the local angel tree during the holidays.

The collegiate FFA student organization at UA Cossatot provides agriculture students many opportunities to learn and develop their leadership and communication skills. Networking and scholarship opportunities are also available by participating in various conferences, service projects, and other activities.

For additional information about UA Cossatot’s Collegiate FFA student organization, please contact Kelli Harris at 870-584-1218 or kharris@cccua.edu.

International Travel Opportunities for UA Cossatot Agriculture Students

Historic Preservation Leads to $224 Million in Private Investments Over Last Decade

Historic preservation in Arkansas has been a significant economic engine, according to a report commissioned by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP).

Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst said Monday (Oct. 26) the report demonstrates how vital historic preservation is to the state’s economy by noting that in the last decade the Arkansas Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit has attracted nearly $224 million in private investment for the rehabilitation of historic properties.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/10/report-historic-preservation-leads-to-224-million-in-private-investments-over-last-decade/

Report: Historic preservation leads to $224 million in private investments over last decade - Talk Business & Politics

Historic preservation in Arkansas has been a significant economic engine, according to a report commissioned by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP). Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst said Monday (Oct.

Arkansas Geneticist Authors First Care Guidelines For Adults With Down Syndrome

For the first time ever, a group of researchers has published a set of evidence-based medical care guidelines for adults living with the most common genetic disorder in humans.

The group of 13 researchers, physicians and social workers from across the country published the guidelines for adults living with Down syndrome in conjunction with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-geneticist-authors-first-care-guidelines-adults-down-syndrome

Arkansas Geneticist Authors First Care Guidelines For Adults With Down Syndrome

For the first time ever, a group of researchers has published a set of evidence-based medical care guidelines for adults living with the most common genetic disorder in humans. The group of 13 researchers, physicians and social workers from across the country published the guidelines for adults living with Down syndrome in conjunction with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

7th Arkansas Legislator Tests Positive For Coronavirus

An Arkansas state senator has tested positive for the coronavirus, marking the 7th virus case among lawmakers in the past week.

Sen. Cecile Bledsoe tested positive Sunday for the virus. That's according to Senate President Jim Hendren.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/7th-arkansas-legislator-tests-positive-coronavirus

7th Arkansas Legislator Tests Positive For Coronavirus

An Arkansas state senator has tested positive for the coronavirus, marking the 7th virus case among lawmakers in the past week. Sen. Cecile Bledsoe tested positive Sunday for the virus. That's according to Senate President Jim Hendren. Bledsoe is the latest lawmaker to test positive in an outbreak that prompted a halt to budget hearings last week.

Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,341
Confirmed Cases: 1,237
Probable Cases: 104
Total Active Cases: 67
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 40

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 578
Confirmed Cases: 524
Probable Cases: 54
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
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: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 266
Confirmed Cases: 254
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 3

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 612 new cases; 9,571 active cases; 649 hospitalized, which is up 16 from Sunday; 102 on ventilators, which is up 7 from Sunday; deaths added today, 21, for a total of 1,833; a total of 106,727 cases; 89,730 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,965; antigen tests, 641.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 53; Washington, 45; Craighead, 42; and Sebastian, 37; and Benton, 30.

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

"These numbers should put everyone in Arkansas on alert. We are not having a steep escalation of cases but we do see the new cases steadily increasing in the last few weeks. The increased hospitalizations and deaths are somber reminders of the current threat. United, we will have success but it takes everyone to fight hard in the coming weeks. We must do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Arkansas, especially as we head toward what could be a very challenging winter."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers: