Sunday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,704
Confirmed Cases: 1,401
Probable Cases: 303
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 35

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 800
Confirmed Cases: 658
Probable Cases: 142
Total Active Cases: 46
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 20

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 640
Confirmed Cases: 541
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 46
Active Confirmed Cases: 40
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 776
Confirmed Cases: 714
Probable Cases: 62
Total Active Cases: 140
Active Confirmed Cases: 127
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 368
Confirmed Cases: 336
Probable Cases: 32
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 6

Saturday's COVID-19 Maps and Numbers from the Arkansas Department of Health

Governor Hutchinson Provides Today’s COVID-19 Update

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,052 new cases; 16,908 active cases; 1,011 hospitalized, which is up 8 from Thursday; 192 on ventilators, which is up 23 from Thursday; no deaths added today, for a total of 2,436; a total of 153,677 cases; 119,558 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,330; antigen tests, 355.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 133; Washington, 68; Pulaski, 65; Craighead, 64; and Saline, 41.

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

“As expected, we saw a decrease in testing yesterday, leading to a decrease in new cases compared to last week. The extent to which efforts were taken to help slow the spread this week will become evident in the weeks to come as we get back to a normal level of testing. Continue to protect yourself, your friends, and your family this weekend."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,700
Confirmed Cases: 1,397
Probable Cases: 303
Total Active Cases: 77
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 38

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 795
Confirmed Cases: 656
Probable Cases: 139
Total Active Cases: 51
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 640
Confirmed Cases: 541
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 50
Active Confirmed Cases: 43
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 772
Confirmed Cases: 711
Probable Cases: 61
Total Active Cases: 152
Active Confirmed Cases: 138
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 366
Confirmed Cases: 335
Probable Cases: 31
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 5

De Queen Lions Contribute to Local Food Pantries

De Queen Lions Club contributed $2,000 to Thanksgiving dinners, food pantries and food distributions this Thanksgiving holiday. The Lions gave $500 checks to Friendship Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, De Queen Church of Christ and the Chalice Cupboard this year to help feed the hungry.

Chris Burke, representing Friendship Baptist Church of De Queen, received a $500 check from De Queen Lions to help with the church’s Thanksgiving Dinner distribution.

Lion Ray Wilson from First Baptist Church of De Queen received a $500 check for the FBC Food Closet from De Queen Lions Club President, Scott Simmons.

Lion Gary "Stoney" Walker of the Chalice Food Cupboard in De Queen received $500 from De Queen Lions to help with turkeys and other food purchases for the cupboard.

UA Professor Seeks To Understand Obstacle To Organic Farming In The South

A research project by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is hoping to understand why more farmers in the south don't produce organic crops. Professor Michael Popp from the Fayetteville campus designed a survey to collect information about types of crops and obstacles to organic farming in the region.

"There are weed control issues. There are production method issues. There's uncertainty about price premiums [farmers] can attain," Popp said. "There are worries about whether those premiums would erode if you produce too much organic food."

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/ua-professor-seeks-understand-obstacle-organic-farming-south

UA Professor Seeks To Understand Obstacle To Organic Farming In The South

A research project by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is hoping to understand why more farmers in the south don't produce organic crops. Professor Michael Popp from the Fayetteville campus designed a survey to collect information about types of crops and obstacles to organic farming in the region.

UAMS, Arkansas Children's Northwest Launch Pediatric Sports Medicine Program

Arkansas Children’s Northwest and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Orthopedics Northwest have developed a pediatric sports medicine program to provide comprehensive orthopedic care for student athletes in the region.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/uams-arkansas-childrens-northwest-launch-pediatric-sports-medicine-program

UAMS, Arkansas Children's Northwest Launch Pediatric Sports Medicine Program

Arkansas Children's Northwest and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Orthopedics Northwest have developed a pediatric sports medicine program to provide comprehensive orthopedic care for student athletes in the region.

Mid-South Farmers Asked to Participate in Organic Production Survey

Researchers with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, with support from Winrock International, are asking farmers in the Mid-South to participate in a survey to measure interest in organic crop, feed, and livestock production.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/mid-south-farmers-asked-participate-organic-production-survey

Mid-South Farmers Asked to Participate in Organic Production Survey

Researchers with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, with support from Winrock International, are asking farmers in the Mid-South to participate in a survey to measure interest in organic crop, feed, and livestock production.

Friday's COVID-19 Arkansas Health Department Updated Maps and Numbers

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,697
Confirmed Cases: 1,392
Probable Cases: 305
Total Active Cases: 83
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 46

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 795
Confirmed Cases: 656
Probable Cases: 139
Total Active Cases: 57
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 626
Confirmed Cases: 525
Probable Cases: 101
Total Active Cases: 58
Active Confirmed Cases: 43
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 770
Confirmed Cases: 709
Probable Cases: 61
Total Active Cases: 164
Active Confirmed Cases: 149
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 365
Confirmed Cases: 334
Probable Cases: 31
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 5

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Thanksgiving and Arkansas Turkey Week

LITTLE ROCK – It’s Thanksgiving week and Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year. I do like the reminder that we as individuals and as a state and nation should pause and give thanks. I grew up in a small country church in which we always sang the old hymn, “Count your blessings, name them one by one.”

Even during this pandemic, there are so many blessings of life that follow us every day. In the United States of America, we are particularly grateful for our freedom to worship, freedom to assemble, and the freedom to disagree politically. We are blessed in Arkansas with an amazing geography that adds beauty to our lives each day. The fall foliage continues to be one of the most beautiful I have seen in recent years. We are blessed to have the beauty of our hill country and the unique Delta sunrises. I am thankful for my family and friends who are there with me through thick and thin.

But Thanksgiving week means it’s also Arkansas Turkey Week, which gives me another opportunity to pose for pictures with a 4-H turkey on the front steps of the capitol while I talk about Arkansas’s poultry industry.

Arkansas’s poultry business includes turkeys, broilers, and eggs. Poultry leads Arkansas’s agricultural sector with total cash receipts of $4.5 billion, which is 52 percent of state agricultural cash receipts. The Arkansas turkey industry creates and supports nearly 20,000 jobs in Arkansas.

Arkansas raises an average of 30 million turkeys per year, which is about 576 million pounds of protein, the third-largest number of turkeys in the nation.

Kenny and Dolly are two of the Arkansas turkeys raised this year. They come from a noble line. They are the fourth and fifth turkeys that sisters Victoria and Kristin Lehmann have raised and brought to the capitol for Arkansas Turkey Week. Penny, Nellie, and Gertrude came the first three years, and this year they brought two new turkeys.

As usual, they showed their turkeys at the fair, with everybody wearing masks and keeping their distance. They gave away many of their turkeys, which will be just about the perfect size for Thursday.

Victoria is a freshman in animal science at the University of Arkansas. She is on the pre-vet track. Kristin is a junior at Nemo-Vista High School.

As the official ambassadors for Arkansas turkeys, Kenny and Dolly won’t suffer the fate of thousands of their kin on Thanksgiving Day. They are back at the farm with the sisters and their parents, living a life of turkey royalty.

Governor Hutchinson Announces Appointments to the Arkansas State Police Commission

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced his intent to appoint Murray Benton Sr. and Ken Reeves to the Arkansas State Police Commission.

Murray Benton Sr., Jonesboro, will replace Bill Benton. His term will begin on January 1, 2021, and expire on January 14, 2023. 

Governor Hutchinson issued the following statement:

“I’m delighted to appoint Murray Benton to the Arkansas State Police Commission. Our state police deserve the highest quality of service, and I have no doubt that Murray’s proven leadership in business and his community will serve him well. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Bill Benton, who has spent 6 years as a dedicated commissioner.”

Murray Benton Sr. issued the following statement:

“It is such an honor to be included in this group of amazing commissioners. I’m grateful to the Governor for his confidence in me and for the opportunity to serve our Arkansas State Police. I’ll give 110% in every aspect of this role.”

Benton has been the President of Mid South Sales for over 30 years. He is an active board member of Baptist Memorial Health Care System, NEA Baptist Hospital, Jonesboro Unlimited, NEA Industrial Development Commission, and the Advisory Committee on Petroleum Storage Tanks.

Ken Reeves, Harrison, will replace Jane Christenson. His term will begin on January 15, 2021, and expire on January 14, 2028.

Governor Hutchinson issued the following statement:

“Ken’s legal background and experience working with law enforcement will be an asset to the State Police Commission. He is a lifelong Arkansan committed to public service. I am confident he will be an outstanding addition to the Commission.”

Ken Reeves issued the following statement:

“In my years as a practicing attorney, I have had an excellent relationship with city, county, and state law enforcement. I believe very strongly in the rule of law. I admire the commission and their service to the State Police and look forward to joining this fine tradition.”

Ken Reeves spent more than a decade serving as Vice President and General Counsel at FedEx Freight, Inc. He previously served on the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission. He also served as Chairman of the Arkansas Supreme Court Professional Conduct Committee, Boone County Economic Development Corporation, and North Arkansas Medical Center.  

UAMS Report Shows ‘Unsettling’ Trend In Pandemic, New Daily Cases Again Top 2,000

It’s not a pretty picture. Updated University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences COVID-19 modeling suggests the virus will hit the state harder before it, ideally, relents. Apathy and COVID fatigue are primary causes of “increasing pressure” on hospitals, according to UAMS.

“Taking all statistics presented in this report as a whole, we conclude COVID-19 in Arkansas has entered a phase of community spread in which the virus is so prevalent it can no longer be associated with a person or a place,” noted the UAMS report posted Tuesday.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/uams-report-shows-unsettling-trend-pandemic-new-daily-cases-again-top-2000

UAMS Report Shows 'Unsettling' Trend In Pandemic, New Daily Cases Again Top 2,000

It's not a pretty picture. Updated University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences COVID-19 modeling suggests the virus will hit the state harder before it, ideally, relents.

Former Politician Involved In Adoption Scheme To Be Sentenced In January

Prosecutors in Arkansas will seek a 10-year prison sentence next week for a former Arizona politician who acknowledged running an illegal adoption scheme in three states involving women from the Marshall Islands.

Prosecutors said former Maricopa County Assessor Paul Petersen defrauded state courts, violated an international adoption compact and took advantage of birth mothers.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/former-politician-involved-adoption-scheme-be-sentenced-january

Former Politician Involved In Adoption Scheme To Be Sentenced In January

Prosecutors in Arkansas will seek a 10-year prison sentence next week for a former Arizona politician who acknowledged running an illegal adoption scheme in three states involving women from the Marshall Islands. Prosecutors said former Maricopa County Assessor Paul Petersen defrauded state courts, violated an international adoption compact and took advantage of birth mothers.

De Queen Elementary Closed to On-Site Instruction Through December 4th

Due to Covid-19 related issues affecting support personnel, De Queen Elementary School will be closed for onsite instruction the week of November 30th through December 4th. Classroom teachers are to report to campus Monday, November 30th to assist with work packets. De Queen Elementary plans to return to normal onsite instruction on Monday, December 7th. All other campuses will be open as normal for onsite instruction.

Packets can be picked up at the front door of the elementary school from the filing cabinet. There is a drawer labeled for each grade.

For students in Mrs. Nix and Ms. Lester, Mrs. Kitchens, Mrs. Martinez, or Mrs. Beasley, their packets will be in the top drawer of the filing cabinet in an envelope marked with their name. These students will not need to take another packet.

It is required that students complete this work and return it to school when they return on December 7th.

The front office at De Queen Elementary will be open all week for phone calls at 870-584-4311 to answer any questions. If any parent needs an older sibling who is at another campus to stay home and help with childcare, please call the Elementary office and request that assistance. While the building is closed to onsite instruction, the district will conduct a deep cleaning of the Elementary campus to prepare for the return of students on December 7th.

While we understand that the closure of a school building places an extra burden on our Leopard families, we ask you to continue to provide your patience and support as we navigate this challenging school year. We will continue to strive to provide our students with the highest quality education while keeping the health of our students, staff, and families our top priority.

Beau McCastlain

District Communications Director

De Queen Public Schools.

De Queen Christmas Parade 2020

Come celebrate Christmas with us in this new and most unusual- but still totally fun sort of way!

To sign up for your stationary spot, please contact the Chamber Office at 870-584-3225!

We encourage all church, dance, business, and community groups of all types to attend and participate in this with us! Hope to see you there!

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,673
Confirmed Cases: 1,382
Probable Cases: 291
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 43

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 783
Confirmed Cases: 650
Probable Cases: 133
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 615
Confirmed Cases: 516
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 58
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 733
Confirmed Cases: 678
Probable Cases: 55
Total Active Cases: 173
Active Confirmed Cases: 159
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 354
Confirmed Cases: 325
Probable Cases: 29
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 4

Holiday Notes From the Nashville Chamber of Commerce

DOWNTOWN TREES:

City crews to put up Main Street Christmas trees: December 2nd,

Downtown individual trees are $35.00. Customer decorates and we supply the signage.

Call the Chamber office to order 845-1262.

We will put up only 50 trees this year. Call early to get yours

CHRISTMAS PARADE:

Christmas parade will be in the City Park Sat. Dec.12th. The time is 5:30 p.m. until 8:00. Floats will be parked along the drive through route in the park.

No charge to enter…but we will have 1, 2, & 3rd place winners. 1st= $250, 2nd=$150, & 3rd =$100.

People driving through the park will vote on the parked displays will be how we will determine the winners.

The parked floats will in turn vote on any of the cars that want to decorate. The winner of the

best drive through car will receive a $50 gift certificate

To enter your float, call the park at (870) 845-7405, talk to Megan.

CHRISTMAS BUCKS PROMO:

We will set out Christmas “Bucks” to participating members the week of Dec. 1st

“Bucks” drawing will be for $100.00. One winner per week for 3 weeks: Dec 4th,Dec 11th, &

Dec. 18th. These are Friday drawings for 3 weeks.

Winners will redeem their winnings where their registration was drawn at the participating Chamber merchant.

They will have one week to go to the merchant and make their purchase up to $100 at the

participating merchant. The Chamber will give the merchant the $100 for their purchase.

Merchants who have winners need to contact the Chamber to get reimbursed for the winner.

Decline in Available Workforce Pushes Arkansas Jobless Rate Lower in October

An almost 1% decline in the state’s labor force combined with a scant increase in new jobs pushed the jobless rate to 6.2%, down from 7.2% in September but still higher than the 3.5% in October 2019.

The number of employed in Arkansas during October was an estimated 1,248,547, down 67,353 jobs, or 5.1% lower, compared with October 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The October numbers are preliminary and subject to revision. The report marked the seventh full month of COVID-19 impacts on the economy.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/11/decline-in-available-workforce-pushes-arkansas-jobless-rate-lower-in-october/

Decline in available workforce pushes Arkansas jobless rate lower in October - Talk Business & Politics

An almost 1% decline in the state's labor force combined with a scant increase in new jobs pushed the jobless rate to 6.2%, down from 7.2% in September but still higher than the 3.5% in October 2019. The number of employed in Arkansas during October was an estimated 1,248,547, down 67,353 jobs, or 5.1% lower, compared with October 2019, according to the U.S.

Medicaid Expansion, Taxes on Tap for 2021 Legislative Session

John Brummett, political writer for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, talks with Roby Brock, from our partner Talk Business and Politics, about what we might expect when the Arkansas legislature gathers early next year for its 2021 session regarding Medicaid expansion and taxes.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/medicaid-expansion-taxes-tap-2021-legislative-session

Medicaid Expansion, Taxes on Tap for 2021 Legislative Session

John Brummett, political writer for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette , talks with Roby Brock, from our partner Talk Business and Politics , about what we might expect when the Arkansas legislature gathers early next year for its 2021 session regarding Medicaid expansion and taxes.

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

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,665
Confirmed Cases: 1,378
Probable Cases: 287
Total Active Cases: 85
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 50

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 777
Confirmed Cases: 645
Probable Cases: 132
Total Active Cases: 55
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 611
Confirmed Cases: 513
Probable Cases: 98
Total Active Cases: 66
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 710
Confirmed Cases: 657
Probable Cases: 53
Total Active Cases: 168
Active Confirmed Cases: 156
Active Probable Cases: 12

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 351
Confirmed Cases: 322
Probable Cases: 29
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 8

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 1,017 new cases; 16,727 active cases; 974 hospitalized, which is up 12 from Sunday; 164 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Sunday; deaths added today, 30, for a total of 2,387; a total of 146,190 cases; 113,946 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,693; antigen tests, 890.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 157; Washington, 75; Benton, 69; Sebastian, 57; and Saline, 54.

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

“We saw a decrease in new cases from last Monday, and this is a hopeful sign; but our hospitalizations are still going up. How we handle Thanksgiving this year will determine our hospitalizations around Christmas. Thanks for being a part of turning this fight around.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Arkansas Lawmakers To Vote On Near-Total Abortion Ban

A new bill would make nearly all forms of abortion a crime in Arkansas, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Senate Bill 6, sponsored by Sen. Jason Rapert, R-Conway, and Rep. Mary Bentley, R-Perryville, allows abortion to be performed legally only when the mother’s life is threatened or to remove an ectopic pregnancy.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-lawmakers-vote-near-total-abortion-ban

Arkansas Lawmakers To Vote On Near-Total Abortion Ban

A new bill would make nearly all forms of abortion a crime in Arkansas, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Senate Bill 6, sponsored by Sen. Jason Rapert, R-Conway, and Rep. Mary Bentley, R-Perryville, allows abortion to be performed legally only when the mother's life is threatened or to remove an ectopic pregnancy.

Arkansas Business Interruption Grant Application Deadline Looms

Arkansas service and hospitality businesses impacted by the pandemic have until Wednesday at midnight to apply for Business Interruption Program grants, made available through the federal CARES Act. Stacy Hurst, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, as well as Mary Beth Brooks, director of the Small Business Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas describe the process and need. The help line number is (888) 722-1554.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-business-interruption-grant-application-deadline-looms

Arkansas Business Interruption Grant Application Deadline Looms

Arkansas service and hospitality businesses impacted by the pandemic have until Wednesday at midnight to apply for Business Interruption Program grants, made available through the federal CARES Act. Stacy Hurst, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, as well as Mary Beth Brooks, director of the Small Business Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas describe the process and need.