Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,648
Confirmed Cases: 1,365
Probable Cases: 283
Total Active Cases: 86
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 52
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 773
Confirmed Cases: 641
Probable Cases: 132
Total Active Cases: 57
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 27
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 608
Confirmed Cases: 513
Probable Cases: 95
Total Active Cases: 70
Active Confirmed Cases: 45
Active Probable Cases: 25
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 699
Confirmed Cases: 647
Probable Cases: 52
Total Active Cases: 173
Active Confirmed Cases: 161
Active Probable Cases: 12
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 608
Confirmed Cases: 513
Probable Cases: 95
Total Active Cases: 70
Active Confirmed Cases: 45
Active Probable Cases: 25
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase across the state, the Arkansas Department of Health reminds Arkansans that the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people who live with you.
While the number of people around your table may be smaller this year, we want to take a moment to express our thanks for Arkansans who make it possible for what is on the table.
Our grocery store employees have worked tirelessly to keep the doors open. Our food processors, truckers, and farmers also deserve our utmost appreciation for keeping the shelves stocked. Arkansans made not only your meal but countless meals across the country possible.
Arkansas is forecast to rank 2nd in the nation in the number of turkeys raised, accounting for 14% of all turkeys raised in the United States.
The Arkansas turkey industry creates and supports close to 20,000 jobs in Arkansas.
Arkansas is the 5th largest producer of sweet potatoes. And last year, Arkansas farmers harvested more than 740,000 acres of corn.
Although few go shopping for actual soybeans for Thanksgiving, there is an excellent chance the soybean plays a significant part in your feast. This year Arkansas ranked as 11th in the nation in soybean production. Soybean oil is used in cooking and frying foods. Salad dressings, margarine, and mayonnaises are made with soybean oil.
Arkansas farmers may have contributed to your dessert menu as well, especially when it comes to the pies. We are one of 15 states to grow pecans.
You can help show your appreciation to our Arkansas farmers and food service workers by looking for the “Arkansas Grown” label at your local supermarket.
From our house to yours, we wish you a very happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Christmas and Candlelight at Historic Washington State Park
CHRISTMAS AND CANDLELIGHT
December 5th and 12th, 2020
5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
We are gearing up for another Christmas and Candlelight. This year's event will be slightly different than years past.
The illuminated streets and beautiful 19th-century decorations will still be on display, but in-house tours will not be available due to health restrictions. Tours throughout the park will be free, and you will still be able to see fantastic programs given by Historic Washington staff at our selected historic sites. The 1874 Courthouse Visitor Center and Gift Shop will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Masks will be required to enter the building with limited capacity.
While touring the grounds at Historic Washington, guests are reminded to follow the recommended Arkansas Department of Health and CDC guidelines in keeping a good separation, at least 6 feet, from others while attending the event. Moreover, if you cannot maintain a proper distance, a face-covering is required.
Williams' Tavern will be open. Seating inside is limited, but outside seating will be available. You must wear a face-covering until you are served. Please click the button below for more information, and we hope to see you at Historic Washington for our Christmas and Candlelight event.
Governor Discusses Legislative Agenda, Medicaid Waiver, and Redistricting
Gov. Asa Hutchinson anticipates a lot of negotiation over taxes in the upcoming legislative session.
With an expected $240 million surplus, Hutchinson has laid out proposals to:
Reduce the top individual income tax rate for new residents to 4.9% for five years. Doing so would attract tech and manufacturing talent and retirees, he said.
Lower the sales tax on used vehicles from 6.5% to 3.5% for those with sale prices between $4,000 and $10,000. There is no tax for cars sold for less than $4,000.
Place $100 million in the state’s long-term reserve account.
Governor discusses legislative agenda, Medicaid waiver, redistricting - Talk Business & Politics
Gov. Asa Hutchinson anticipates a lot of negotiation over taxes in the upcoming legislative session. With an expected $240 million surplus, Hutchinson has laid out proposals to: Reduce the top individual income tax rate for new residents to 4.9% for five years. Doing so would attract tech and manufacturing talent and retirees, he said.
Arkansas Governor: No Plans For Statewide School Or Business Shutdowns; Working to Expedite 1,104 More Nurses
Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he does not plan to shut down schools or businesses despite rising numbers among COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
On Friday, the governor reported 2,061 new confirmed and probable cases, 36 more hospitalizations, and 24 more deaths.
In an interview with Talk Business & Politics for Sunday’s TV show, Hutchinson said it would not be fair to business owners who have followed state health directives and have worked to keep their facilities safe.
Arkansas Governor: No Plans For Statewide School Or Business Shutdowns
Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he does not plan to shut down schools or businesses despite rising numbers among COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. On Friday, the governor reported 2,061 new confirmed and probable cases, 36 more hospitalizations, and 24 more deaths.
Sunday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,641
Confirmed Cases: 1,359
Probable Cases: 282
Total Active Cases: 89
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 55
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 768
Confirmed Cases: 638
Probable Cases: 130
Total Active Cases: 54
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 27
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 605
Confirmed Cases: 510
Probable Cases: 95
Total Active Cases: 72
Active Confirmed Cases: 46
Active Probable Cases: 26
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 688
Confirmed Cases: 636
Probable Cases: 52
Total Active Cases: 182
Active Confirmed Cases: 170
Active Probable Cases: 12
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 349
Confirmed Cases: 320
Probable Cases: 29
Total Active Cases: 47
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 10
Governor Hutchinson Issues Statement on the Passing of AGFC Commissioner Joe Morgan
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson issued the following statement on the passing of Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioner Joe Morgan:
“Joe Morgan was my first appointment to the Game and Fish Commission due to his unmatched commitment to the outdoors and his character and integrity. He was an advocate for hunting and fishing in Arkansas long before he joined the Commission. Generations to come will benefit from his service to the state. He was a friend and will be missed. Susan and I express our condolences and prayers for the family.”
Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Setting the Pace in Computer Science Education
LITTLE ROCK – This year for the first time, enrollment in computer science courses topped 10,000, the sixth straight year enrollment has increased, and today I’d like to talk about what’s happening and what’s down the road.
To be exact, the number of Arkansas high school students taking at least one computer science course is 10,450. That is an increase of six-and-a-half percent over the last school year and nearly 850 percent increase over the 1,100 students who were enrolled six years ago.
We showed improvement in other areas as well. For the first time in Arkansas, the percentage of African American students who are taking a computer science class exceeds the percentage of all African American students enrolled in Arkansas high schools. Also for the first time, the percentage of all minority students taking a high school computer science course exceeds the percentage of all minority students enrolled in our high schools.
In addition, we continue to show tremendous growth in the number of girls who are taking computer science. When we started this initiative, 223 girls were enrolled in a computer science class. This year, the Arkansas Department of Education reports that the number has jumped to 3,135. That is a 1,300 percent increase over 2014.
Many publications and tech organizations, such as Code.org, have recognized Arkansas as a leader in computer science education. But we can’t rest on our success, which is why I’m working with the Arkansas General Assembly to open up more opportunities for our young people. Last year, I created the Computer Science and Cybersecurity Task Force, and one of its recommendations is to require a computer science course to be taken for graduation. I am grateful to Senator Jane English for sponsoring this legislation and recognizing its importance. And, by the school year 2022-2023, every high school in the state must employ at least one teacher who is certified to teach computer science.
When we became the first state in the nation to require all high schools to teach computer science, our goal was to increase enrollment to 7,500 by the 2019-2020 school year. We surpassed that goal a year early. This year, even with COVID-19, we topped over 10,000. We have done that because educators and students embraced the initiative. We have enhanced our education system, strengthened our workforce, and we are continuing to set the pace.
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Holds a Press Conference on Arkansas's Rising COVID-19 Cases Friday (11.20.20)
Governor Asa Hutchinson holds a news conference on the state's rising COVID-19 case numbers on Friday, November, 20, 2020.
UAMS Receives Nearly $3 Million For Arkansas Rural Physician Expansion
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has received $2.83 million to address a shortage of doctors in rural parts of the state. The funding is the latest from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which previously awarded $4.6 million to the program.
Dr. Richard Turnage, executive associate dean for clinical affairs at UAMS’ College of Medicine, is overseeing the program to train, then retain primary care physicians in medically underserved areas. A goal is to attract medical students from the communities to increase the likelihood that they will be successful in their applications and time in medical school.
UAMS Receives Nearly $3 Million For Arkansas Rural Physician Expansion
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has received $2.83 million to address a shortage of doctors in rural parts of the state. The funding is the latest from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which previously awarded $4.6 million to the program.
UA Cossatot FFA Gun Giveaway Winners 2020
UA Cossatot FFA Gun Giveaway.
Winners were Trey Witherspoon, Jennifer Martin, and Harold Sherwood.
De Queen Rotary 5K on December 5th
Pesticide Applicator Training in Howard County December 8th
Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,620
Confirmed Cases: 1,352
Probable Cases: 268
Total Active Cases: 93
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 56
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 747
Confirmed Cases: 631
Probable Cases: 116
Total Active Cases: 50
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 22
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 588
Confirmed Cases: 501
Probable Cases: 87
Total Active Cases: 63
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 21
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 642
Confirmed Cases: 593
Probable Cases: 49
Total Active Cases: 176
Active Confirmed Cases: 159
Active Probable Cases: 17
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 336
Confirmed Cases: 307
Probable Cases: 29
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 13
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 2,238 new cases; 16,998 active cases; 899 hospitalized, which is down 2 from Wednesday; 146 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 22, for a total of 2,297; a total of 139,855 cases; 109,135 recoveries; PCR tests, 11,560; antigen tests, 2,034.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 207; Washington, 131; Sebastian, 122; Benton, 110; and Craighead, 102.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“I will be addressing the high number of new cases in a Friday news conference. Today we implemented the first recommendation of the COVID-19 Winter Task Force, and I will address hospital capacity tomorrow.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Governor Hutchinson Announces 11 p.m. Closing for Businesses Licensed to Sell, Serve Alcohol on Premises
As Recommended by Winter COVID-19 Task Force
LITTLE ROCK – In the continuing effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Arkansas Health Department has issued a directive that Arkansas businesses that are licensed to sell and allow consumption of alcohol on their premises must close by 11 p.m., Governor Asa Hutchinson announced today.
The directive covers restaurants, bars, and private clubs with “on-premise” permits. The directive is effective on Friday, November 20, 2020, and remains in effect through January 3, 2021.
“In an effort to reduce the spread of the virus as a result of prolonged social interaction in group settings, I am accepting the recommendation of the Winter COVID Task Force to require bars, restaurants, and clubs that sell alcohol for consumption in their establishment to close at 11 p.m.,” Governor Hutchinson said. “This is a balanced approach that is limited and targeted as we work to reduce new COVID cases in our state.”
The Arkansas Health Department’s directive follows:
Directive for hours of operation to
Alcoholic Beverage Control on-premise permitted locations
Issued November 19, 2020
Effective November 20, 2020
Until January 3, 2021
The Secretary of Health, in consultation with the Governor, has sole authority over all instances of quarantine, isolation, and restrictions on commerce and travel throughout Arkansas, as necessary and appropriate to control disease in the state of Arkansas as authorized by Ark. Code Ann. §20-7-101 et seq., and the Rules Pertaining to Reportable Disease (2019). Based on available scientific evidence, and in order to encourage the use of face coverings and social distancing, it is necessary and appropriate to take further action to ensure that COVID-19 remains controlled and that residents and visitors in Arkansas remain safe.
The Secretary of Health issues this Directive in conjunction with Executive Order 20-48.
Alcoholic Beverage Control on-premise permitted locations shall close at 11:00 p.m.
Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 20-7-101, any person violating a directive from the Secretary of Health during this public health emergency may be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprisonment not exceeding one (1) month, or both.
UA Cossatot Student Creates Safety Flyer for Pandemic Fatigue
This month’s flyer is on how to deal with stress from the Covid Pandemic. Please enjoy the artwork contributed by our very own student, Max Lemus. He is quite talented!
Thursday COVID-19 Update
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 1,715 new cases; 16,577 active cases; 901 hospitalized, which is up 6 from Tuesday; 143 on ventilators, which is up 6 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 30, for a total of 2,275; a total of 137,617 cases; 107,772 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,924; antigen tests, 2,467.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 176; Washington, 147; White, 105; Benton, 84; and Craighead, 78.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“Our hospitalizations again reached an all-time high today. This puts a strain on our medical teams and it’s never been more important for all of us to do our part and be part of the solution. Thanks to everyone for making common sense and necessary adjustments for Thanksgiving.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,607
Confirmed Cases: 1,348
Probable Cases: 259
Total Active Cases: 93
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 54
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 736
Confirmed Cases: 623
Probable Cases: 113
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 21
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 579
Confirmed Cases: 494
Probable Cases: 85
Total Active Cases: 56
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 20
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 618
Confirmed Cases: 574
Probable Cases: 44
Total Active Cases: 173
Active Confirmed Cases: 160
Active Probable Cases: 13
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 330
Confirmed Cases: 303
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 11
VIDEO: CARES Act Steering Committee Meeting Wednesday (11.18.20) 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. Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
Governor Hutchinson Announces Record Number Of Arkansas Students Taking Computer Science
LITTLE ROCK – Enrollment in Computer Science courses topped 10,000 for this school term, a record number of students that is an increase of 6.5 percent over the previous year and an 847 percent increase since the 2014-2015 term, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced at a news conference today.
The enrollment numbers were taken from Arkansas school districts’ Cycle 2 enrollment reports, which were due to the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) by October 15.
The enrollment report shows that for the first time in Arkansas, the percentage of African American students who are taking a computer science class – 19.6 percent – exceeds the percentage of all African American students – 19.2 percent – enrolled in Arkansas high schools.
ADE also reports that the number of girls taking at least one computer science class increased by 283 to 3,135, a 28 percent increase over the past year and a 1,300 percent increase over 2014, when 223 girls were enrolled.
“When we became the first state in the nation to require all high schools to teach computer science, our goal was to increase enrollment to 7,500 by the 2019-2020 school year,” Governor Hutchinson said. “We surpassed that goal a year early, and this year, even with COVID-19, we topped 10,000. Educators and students embraced the initiative. We have enhanced our education system, and we are strengthening our workforce.”
Governor Hutchinson also announced his support for legislation during the 93rd General Assembly that would require a computer science credit to graduate and would require each high school to employ at least one certified computer science teacher. Senator Jane English is sponsoring the bill.
Anthony Owen, State Director of Computer Science, praised the work that led to the sixth consecutive increase in enrollment. “I am proud beyond words that our schools, educators, and students stepped up and again demonstrated that computer science remains a top priority across Arkansas.”
