The Tri-County Regional Library System Board will meet for their quarterly meeting on Tuesday, November 10 at 5 p.m. at the Sevier County Library, De Queen, AR branch.
Marilyn B. Archer, MLS
Director
Tri-County Regional Library System
Serving 11 Public Libraries in Howard, Little River and Sevier Counties in Southwest Arkansas
Zac Dunlap Band was the special guest of the Nashville Rotary Club. The band will return as the headliner act at Stand Up For America on Saturday, November 7th at the Nashville City Park.
This year, returning House members and members-elect will make their committee selection for the 2021 Regular Session just days after the election.
A House caucus has been scheduled for November 6. During the caucus, newly elected members will draw for seniority and all members will select their seats for the 93rd General Assembly. After seat selection, the committee selection process will begin.
The vast majority of legislation considered during a legislative session begins in a standing committee.
There are 10 standing committees in the House. These include 5 class “A” committees and 5 class “B” committees.
Each member serves on 1 “A” committee and 1 “B” committee.
Class “A” committees include:
• Education
• Judiciary
• Public Health, Welfare and Labor
• Public Transportation
• Revenue and Taxation
Class “B” Committees include:
• Aging, Children and Youth,
Legislative and Military Affairs
• Agriculture, Forestry and
Economic Development
• City, County and Local Affairs
• Insurance and Commerce
• State Agencies and
GovernmentaAffairs
Each standing committee consist of 20 members which include 5 members from each of the 4 House district caucuses.
Pursuant to a House Rule adopted by the 92nd General Assembly, the most senior member of the House of Representatives will select first and will choose a position on a Class “A” standing committee. The seniority rotation procedure will continue until the member with the least seniority makes his or her selection. After the member with the least seniority makes his or her Class “A” standing committee selection, the most senior member will select his or her Class “B” standing committee. The seniority rotation will continue until the member with the least seniority selects his or her Class “B” standing committee.
Selection for the House Budget Committee, Arkansas Legislative Council, and Legislative Joint Auditing will take place after standing committee selection.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sevier County Medical Center (SCMC) will be held November 6th, 2020, at 11:00 A.M. in De Queen, Arkansas. The ceremony is open to the public and will include speakers from the SCMC board of governors, the SCMC foundation board, plus state and local leaders.
The event will take place at the site of the new hospital at the corner of Hwy 71 and Lee Lane, 3.8 miles north of De Queen. "Coming Soon" signs will be displayed at the site location. Everyone is invited to join the celebration on November 6th as the official start of construction begins.
All press, local radio, and media are invited to the groundbreaking ceremony. Handout programs will be available at the ceremony as well.
Dr. Steve Cole, Chair of the SCMC Board of Governors, said, "This had been a long time in the making, but a new day in health care for Sevier County comes on November 6th. Every single resident of Sevier County that helped vote in the sales tax to make this dream come true gets credit for making this a reality. Sevier County deserves the very best in hospital services and the Board of Governors is dedicated to ensure this happens. SCMC will create over 100 local high-paying jobs and we all have a hospital just minutes away, truly a great time to live in Sevier County."
The Sevier County Medical Center is scheduled to open in spring of 2022. For more information about the groundbreaking ceremony, please contact Sevier County Economic Development Director Tiffany Maurer at 870-584-1184 or tmaurer@cccua.edu.
Congratulations to Jayla Sanders of Ashdown for being the winner for the Pumpkin Carving Contest sponsored by the UA cossatot Student Ambassadors!
Since the COVID-19 pandemic was detected in the U.S., the share of women in the workforce has fallen to levels not seen since 1988. Data shows women not only lost the most jobs since the start of the outbreak, but they are also exhausted from performing most of the childcare and household responsibilities, so some are choosing to leave their jobs.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/number-working-women-drops-levels-not-seen-1988
Number of Working Women Drops to Levels Not Seen Since 1988
Since the COVID-19 pandemic was detected in the U.S., the share of women in the workforce has fallen to levels not seen since 1988. Data shows women not only lost the most jobs since the start of the outbreak, but they are also exhausted from performing most of the childcare and household responsibilities, so some are choosing to leave their jobs.
The 22nd annual Arkansas Poll reports voters are most concerned about healthcare and the economy amid the pandemic. Politics was a top issue for more than 20 percent of respondents for the first time in the history of the poll.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-poll-finds-healthcare-economy-biggest-concerns-voters
Arkansas Poll Finds Healthcare, Economy Biggest Concerns for Voters
The 22nd annual Arkansas Poll reports voters are most concerned about healthcare and the economy amid the pandemic. Politics was a top issue for more than 20 percent of respondents for the first time in the history of the poll.
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,417
Confirmed Cases: 1,274
Probable Cases: 143
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 41
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 625
Confirmed Cases: 558
Probable Cases: 67
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 490
Confirmed Cases: 441
Probable Cases: 49
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 11
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 378
Confirmed Cases: 365
Probable Cases: 13
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 277
Confirmed Cases: 264
Probable Cases: 13
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
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 584 new cases; 10,135 active cases; 688 hospitalized, which is up 33 from Sunday; 119 on ventilators, which is up 12 from Sunday; deaths added today, 27, for a total of 1,985; a total of 113,641 cases; 94,664 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,866; antigen tests, 578.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 48; Washington, 37; Craighead, 33; Sebastian, 31; and White, 28.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"There is a slight decrease in new cases compared to last Monday with an increase in testing. While this is some good news, we are still seeing high numbers of deaths and hospitalizations. During tomorrow's weekly update, I'll discuss the state's winter strategy, and we'll receive an update about Arkansas schools and hospitals."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Since Aug. 24, approximately 2,060 Arkansas public school teachers and staff have tested positive for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, according to the Arkansas Department of Health. At least 60 have been hospitalized, 14 have landed in an intensive care unit and seven have been placed on ventilators. Six have died, according to health department data and news reports.
The numbers, which the health department provided to the Arkansas Nonprofit News Network on Oct. 21, shed new light on the toll that COVID-19 has taken on Arkansas educators since the school year began. The health department has not previously published statewide totals for public school employees over this period. The department does publish a biweekly report of school employee and student case numbers in school districts with five or more “active” cases, along with cumulative cases since June 15.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-educators-hit-hard-covid-19-new-figures-show
Arkansas Educators Hit Hard By COVID-19, New Figures Show
Since Aug. 24, approximately 2,060 Arkansas public school teachers and staff have tested positive for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, according to the Arkansas Department of Health. At least 60 have been hospitalized, 14 have landed in an intensive care unit and seven have been placed on ventilators.
The 22nd annual Arkansas Poll reports voters are most concerned about healthcare and the economy amid the pandemic. Politics was a top issue for more than 20 percent of respondents for the first time in the history of the poll.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-poll-finds-healthcare-economy-biggest-concerns-voters
Arkansas Poll Finds Healthcare, Economy Biggest Concerns for Voters
The 22nd annual Arkansas Poll reports voters are most concerned about healthcare and the economy amid the pandemic. Politics was a top issue for more than 20 percent of respondents for the first time in the history of the poll.
Medical marijuana sales in Arkansas rose after a COVID-19 pandemic was declared last March, resulting in marijuana flower shortages. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission, which regulates the industry, has recently licensed several more medical marijuana cultivation facilities to open by next year. Existing Arkansas cultivators have filed suit to block industry expansion, claiming there is adequate supply.
Arkansas's Existing Medical Marijuana Cultivators Sue to Stop Industry Expansion
Medical marijuana sales in Arkansas rose after a COVID-19 pandemic was declared last March, resulting in marijuana flower shortages. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission, which regulates the industry, has recently licensed several more medical marijuana cultivation facilities to open by next year. Existing Arkansas cultivators have filed suit to block industry expansion, claiming there is adequate supply.
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,394
Confirmed Cases: 1,265
Probable Cases: 129
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 40
Active Probable Cases: 38
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 617
Confirmed Cases: 553
Probable Cases: 64
Total Active Cases: 53
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 478
Confirmed Cases: 431
Probable Cases: 47
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 10
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 370
Confirmed Cases: 359
Probable Cases: 11
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 274
Confirmed Cases: 261
Probable Cases: 13
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 3
LITTLE ROCK – The blazing foliage of fall is reason enough to travel the Natural State this weekend, but there’s more to autumn in Arkansas than the brightly colored leaves. Today I’d like to mention a few spots worth a visit this time of year in addition to the trails of leaves.
Arkansas State Parks is a big part of our tourism economy, and tourism is Arkansas’s second-largest industry. More than 8 million tourists visit our state and its parks every year, which brings in a billion dollars annually.
We have fifty-two state parks in forty-eight counties. The parks system encompasses nearly 55,000 beautiful acres all over the state, including over 400 miles of trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.
The leaves demand the most attention, of course. Kirk Jordan, a photographer who travels the state for Arkansas State Parks, spent Thursday on the road and said this weekend is a prime time for viewing in the Ouachitas and Ozarks. Farther north, and at higher elevations, the leaves have peaked, and in southern Arkansas, Kirk says you have a couple of weeks still. He said that this year’s colors are even brighter than last year.
Kirk contributes to Arkansas Tourism’s weekly Fall Color Update at Arkansas.com, where you also can read about our scenic roadways, such as the Talimena National Scenic Byway. In eastern Arkansas, Crowley’s Ridge Parkway and the Great River Road National Scenic Byways cut through the hardwoods of the St. Francis National Forest. The Pig Trail is one of five U.S. Forest Service Scenic Byways in the Ozark National Forest. Another is the Sylamore Byway, which runs between Calico Rock and Allison.
One of the great things about Arkansas is that you don’t have to stay in your car to enjoy the leaves. Five years ago, I was one of the first cyclists to ride on a section of the Delta Heritage Trail State Park near Helena-West Helena just as the leaves were starting to turn. That trail cuts through some of the prettiest landscape in the state. Since then, through various public and private-sector partnerships, our state has added miles and miles.
You can enjoy autumn from a canoe or kayak at Lake Monticello or Bayou Bartholomew, the longest bayou in the world and the second-most diverse stream in the nation with more than a hundred aquatic species. At Lake Chicot State Park, bird watchers on foot find this is a good time of year to add new sightings to their list.
The choices for autumn adventure are many. I hope you can find a moment to enjoy Arkansas. That’s a good way to clear your mind as you prepare to vote on Tuesday.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sevier County Medical Center (SCMC) will be held November 6th, 2020, at 11:00 A.M. in De Queen, Arkansas. The ceremony is open to the public and will include speakers from the SCMC board of governors, the SCMC foundation board, plus state and local leaders.
The event will take place at the site of the new hospital at the corner of Hwy 71 and Lee Lane, 3.8 miles north of De Queen. "Coming Soon" signs will be displayed at the site location. Everyone is invited to join the celebration on November 6th as the official start of construction begins.
All press, local radio, and media are invited to the groundbreaking ceremony. Handout programs will be available at the ceremony as well.
Dr. Steve Cole, Chair of the SCMC Board of Governors, said, "This had been a long time in the making, but a new day in health care for Sevier County comes on November 6th. Every single resident of Sevier County that helped vote in the sales tax to make this dream come true gets credit for making this a reality. Sevier County deserves the very best in hospital services and the Board of Governors is dedicated to ensure this happens. SCMC will create over 100 local high-paying jobs and we all have a hospital just minutes away, truly a great time to live in Sevier County."
The Sevier County Medical Center is scheduled to open in spring of 2022. For more information about the groundbreaking ceremony, please contact Sevier County Economic Development Director Tiffany Maurer at 870-584-1184 or tmaurer@cccua.edu.
Grant Funding Breakdown
One of the largest single private grants ever given to a university for advancing research and economic development will allow the new research institute (I3R) to be become a reality. The $194.7 million grant from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation funds multiple projects to grow the university’s cross-disciplinary research capability, expand the scope of discoveries made by University of Arkansas researchers and increase the velocity in which discoveries are transferred to the marketplace where they can improve or save lives.
I3R is envisioned as a unique approach to research that will distinguish the University of Arkansas by creating a flexible, state-of-the-art collaborative framework designed to facilitate the integration of research across five overlapping clusters of innovation.
In addition to establishing I3R, the grant provides funding for the I3R Research Facility, entrepreneurship education and an expansion of the university’s presence in the region.
Serving Arkansas and Beyond
Seeking admission to the University of Arkansas? Take time to explore what we offer. We think you'll like what you find. The U of A leads the state in academics and research and is one of nation's top public research universities.
The cattle industry seems to be shrugging off some of the disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic with cattle placements and marketings on an upward swing as the industry approaches its seasonal peak, according to the cattle on feed report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture released for the month of October.
Feedlot placements typically peak in October. Those placements will be tabulated in the November Cattle on feed report.
Cattle placements on the rise as the industry enters recovery phase - Talk Business & Politics
The cattle industry seems to be shrugging off some of the disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic with cattle placements and marketings on an upward swing as the industry approaches its seasonal peak, according to the cattle on feed report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture released for the month of October.
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.
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:
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%.
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).