Monday COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,498
Confirmed Cases: 1,304
Probable Cases: 194
Total Active Cases: 118
Active Confirmed Cases: 50
Active Probable Cases: 68
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 687
Confirmed Cases: 594
Probable Cases: 93
Total Active Cases: 81
Active Confirmed Cases: 54
Active Probable Cases: 27
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 517
Confirmed Cases: 455
Probable Cases: 62
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 12
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 435
Confirmed Cases: 402
Probable Cases: 33
Total Active Cases: 68
Active Confirmed Cases: 44
Active Probable Cases: 24
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 288
Confirmed Cases: 274
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 17
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 2
Veterans Salutes from UA Cossatot and Ed 88
Census Report: COVID-19 Economic Fallout Dire in Several Industries
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has hit the U.S. economy hard and the fallout on several economic sectors remains dire, according to a report released Wednesday (Nov. 4) by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The report looked at how social distancing and safe-at-home practices have brought catastrophic declines to industries such as transportation, entertainment and child care through the first half of 2020.
https://talkbusiness.net/2020/11/census-report-covid-19-economic-fallout-dire-in-several-industries/
Census Report: COVID-19 economic fallout dire in several industries - Talk Business & Politics
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has hit the U.S. economy hard and the fallout on several economic sectors remains dire, according to a report released Wednesday (Nov. 4) by the U.S. Census Bureau. The report looked at how social distancing and safe-at-home practices have brought catastrophic declines to industries such as transportation, entertainment and child care through the first half of 2020.
Arkansas Among States Leading in Human Rights for Kids
Arkansas State Sen. Greg Leding is a founding board member of the national nonprofit organization, Human Rights for Kids, which works to protect both native and immigrant children from abuse, injustice and exploitation. Leding discusses successful bipartisan legislative efforts in Arkansas to protect children at risk, which ranks the state among the top three in the nation.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-among-states-leading-human-rights-kids
Arkansas Among States Leading in Human Rights for Kids
Arkansas State Sen. Greg Leding is a founding board member of the national nonprofit organization, Human Rights for Kids, which works to protect both native and immigrant children from abuse, injustice and exploitation. Leding discusses successful bipartisan legislative efforts in Arkansas to protect children at risk, which ranks the state among the top three in the nation.
Sunday's COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,497
Confirmed Cases: 1,301
Probable Cases: 196
Total Active Cases: 118
Active Confirmed Cases: 48
Active Probable Cases: 70
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 676
Confirmed Cases: 586
Probable Cases: 90
Total Active Cases: 75
Active Confirmed Cases: 49
Active Probable Cases: 26
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 515
Confirmed Cases: 454
Probable Cases: 61
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 431
Confirmed Cases: 401
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 68
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 21
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 288
Confirmed Cases: 274
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 17
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 2
Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Going Above and Beyond for Foster Children
LITTLE ROCK – November is National Adoption Month in Arkansas, and November 21st is National Adoption Day. Today I’d like to share the story of an amazing employee of the Division of Children and Family Services, which is a part of our state Department of Human Services, or DHS. This employee is typical of the hundreds of DHS employees who care for our most vulnerable children all over Arkansas.
But first, let me start with some good news on our state foster-care and adoption programs. During the last fiscal year, Children and Family Services finalized 872 adoptions, and thirty-six percent of those children went to live with relatives. Of the over 4,300 children in foster care, fifty-five percent were in the system less than a year. Eighty-four percent of the children statewide received a face-to-face monthly visit from a caseworker, and ninety-three percent of those children met face-to-face with a staff member, even those who aren’t a caseworker.
And now to the story.
Ewonda Baker, a twenty-seven-year program assistant for the agency, is one of those employees whose concern for the children extends beyond her duties.
Ewonda was helping to look after two boys – one six and the other eleven. She took the younger boy to school every day. On October 12th, she arrived as usual at 6:45 at the foster home. When the boys didn’t come out, she called the foster mother, only to learn she was in the hospital with COVID-19; the boys were quarantining with the foster father.
The next morning, Ewonda called to check on the foster mother, and learned that the foster father was now sick and likely needed to be hospitalized. Ewonda volunteered to care for the boys until Family Services could find a place for them. She put on her mask, shield, gloves, and rolled down the windows in her van. The boys climbed into the back seat, and she drove to a testing site. Guess what, both boys tested positive. As Family Services staff searched for a placement to take the boys temporarily, Ewonda stayed in the vehicle with the boys for hours.
When Family Services couldn’t find a family that could take the boys, Ewonda volunteered. She already had been with the boys. Family Services accepted Ewonda’s offer and sent the trio to a quarantine house in Searcy that one of the Division’s partners, Methodist Family Health, provided. Ewonda, who has five grown children, said the decision wasn’t difficult. Someone had to take care of the kids.
They were the only occupants of the fully furnished quarantine house. For fourteen days, Ewonda checked the boys’ temperature twice a day and helped them stay on track with their schoolwork. They never developed symptoms. The boys, who aren’t brothers, have been placed with other families. The foster father remains in the hospital but is improving.
Health Department guidelines required Ewonda to quarantine for another fourteen days. She can return to work after November 6. She is also back at home with her husband, Brian, who is pastor of St. Mark Community Church in Jacksonville.
Ewonda says her job is more than a job. It’s a ministry. “These kids are more than a file folder,” she says. “These are people who need our help, our love, and compassion.”
Thank you, Ewonda, and all the other employees of DHS who have chosen to help other Arkansans, often at great inconvenience and sometimes at the risk to their own health. I am always amazed by stories such as Ewonda’s but never surprised. That’s who Arkansans are. Many of you have accepted the call to foster or adopt children. Because of you, our foster children have a better life now and a bright future.
Friday's New Sevier County Medical Center Groundbreaking Ceremony
Sevier County Hospital Board Meeting on November 5th
Friday COVID-19 Arkansas Health Department Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,478
Confirmed Cases: 1,291
Probable Cases: 187
Total Active Cases: 114
Active Confirmed Cases: 46
Active Probable Cases: 68
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 658
Confirmed Cases: 576
Probable Cases: 82
Total Active Cases: 65
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 18
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 507
Confirmed Cases: 449
Probable Cases: 58
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 410
Confirmed Cases: 383
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 53
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 19
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 287
Confirmed Cases: 273
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1
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 1,548 new cases; 10,493 active cases; 667 hospitalized, which is up 25 from Wednesday; 103 on ventilators, which is down 8 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 11, for a total of 2,037; a total of 117,360 cases; 97,276 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,450; antigen tests, 1,728.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 139; Benton, 133; Washington, 92; Sebastian, 79; and Craighead, 67.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"Today's significant increase in new cases shows that we have the virus in all our communities. Our increase in hospitalizations breaks the recent trend of smaller numbers. The coming weeks are critical, and we must be diligent, intentional, and not be careless."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
UA Cossatot Will Recognize Veterans in November
From November 9th through November 13th, UA Cossatot will be holding Veterans Week at the college to recognize veterans who have served their country. Veterans Week at UA Cossatot will include Veterans Week Profiles of Service videos will be featured on Ed 88's Facebook page all week long.
UA Cossatot's annual Veterans Day Breakfast was canceled this year due to COVID-19, but UA Cossatot wishes to honor all veterans and thank them for their sacrifice.
The College Relations department at UA Cossatot has made a video of Veterans from our local American Legion Post 54 as well as members of our faculty and staff and we are excited to spotlight individual interviews.
For any questions about Veterans Week at UA Cossatot, please contact UA Cossatot's Director of Institutional Research and Assessment Tommi Cobb at tcobb@cccua.edu or 870-584-1158
Lifeshare Blood Drive in Nashville Today!
Joyce Elliott Concedes, Calls For Every Vote In District To Be Counted
The Democratic candidate for Arkansas’ 2nd Congressional District has officially conceded the race, but also called for the counting of each absentee ballot in the district.
Arkansas State Sen. Joyce Elliott lost to incumbent congressman French Hill by around 10%, which amounted to around 30,000 votes. The race had been the closest congressional race in the state, and Democrats’ best change at flipping a seat. Polling showed less that one percentage point separating Elliott and Hill up to Election Day.
Joyce Elliott Concedes In Race For AR-02, Calls For Every Vote In District To Be Counted
The Democratic candidate for Arkansas' 2nd Congressional District has officially conceded the race, but also called for the counting of each absentee ballot in the district. Arkansas State Sen. Joyce Elliott lost to incumbent congressman French Hill by around 10%, which amounted to around 30,000 votes.
Killing Cancer Cells
Hudson Beyzavi, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, discusses his work developing a drug candidate that kills triple negative breast cancer cells.
Killing Cancer Cells
Hudson Beyzavi, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, discusses his work developing a drug candidate that kills triple
Thursday COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,458
Confirmed Cases: 1,283
Probable Cases: 175
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 58
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 631
Confirmed Cases: 561
Probable Cases: 70
Total Active Cases: 45
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 9
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 502
Confirmed Cases: 447
Probable Cases: 55
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 394
Confirmed Cases: 373
Probable Cases: 21
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 13
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 281
Confirmed Cases: 269
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 1
Sevier County Election Results from Tuesday
Photos taken Tuesday night at Sevier County Courthouse
Hospital Association Director Says Some Arkansas Hospitals 'Stretched Thin'
The continued rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations has some hospitals "stretched thin," with a shortage of healthcare workers more of a concern than hospital bed availability, according to Bo Ryall, president and CEO of the Arkansas Hospital Association.
Ryall, speaking Tuesday (Nov. 3) during Gov. Asa Hutchinson's weekly COVID briefing, said hospital systems in northeast and central Arkansas are especially "tight." He said the latest statewide numbers show that 10% of all occupied beds in Arkansas hospitals have COVID patients, 26% of intensive care beds have COVID patients, and 31% of ventilators in use are with COVID patients. Ryall said those percentages are some of the "highest numbers" in the key metrics.
Hospital Association Director Says Some Arkansas Hospitals 'Stretched Thin'
The continued rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations has some hospitals "stretched thin," with a shortage of healthcare workers more of a concern than hospital bed availability, according to Bo Ryall, president and CEO of the Arkansas Hospital Association. Ryall, speaking Tuesday (Nov. 3) during Gov.
De Queen Lions Club Met Tuesday at Noon
Lion Jeff Brown introduced Tuesday’s guest speaker at the noon meeting of De Queen Lions Club. Erin Hunter was recently appointed Prosecuting Attorney for the Ninth Judicial District - West. Her term begins January 1, 2021, and expires December 31, 2022. She replaces Bryan Chesshir.
Wednesday COVID-19 Maps and Numbers Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,436
Confirmed Cases: 1,280
Probable Cases: 156
Total Active Cases: 90
Active Confirmed Cases: 43
Active Probable Cases: 47
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 628
Confirmed Cases: 560
Probable Cases: 68
Total Active Cases: 47
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 9
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 491
Confirmed Cases: 442
Probable Cases: 49
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 11
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 385
Confirmed Cases: 368
Probable Cases: 17
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 9
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 278
Confirmed Cases: 266
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 2
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (11.03.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, November 3,, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.