Governor Hutchinson Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Memory of Sgt. J.L. “Buck” Dancy

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has ordered the Arkansas and U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff in tribute to the memory of North Little Rock Police Sergeant J.L. “Buck” Dancy, 62, who died in the line of duty on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. The flag will fly at half-staff from today until sunset Tuesday, December 8, 2020, the day of his interment.

Governor Hutchinson released this statement:  

“I was sad to learn of the death of Sergeant J.L. “Buck” Dancy. He spent 35 years protecting the people of North Little Rock. He worked in many divisions in the North Little Rock Police Department.  Chief Tracy Roulston says that Sergeant Dancy was the rock of the investigative division. He wasn’t shy about his faith in God, and his faith guided his life. He was a father figure and a mentor to younger officers. His death is a great loss to the department and to the city. I offer my condolences to his family, friends, and his fellow officers.”

The full proclamation can be found HERE.

If you would like to be notified when Governor Hutchinson orders the Arkansas and the United States flags to be lowered to half-staff, sign up for Citizens Alerts.

UA Cossatot Student Ambassadors Help with Cossatot River Basketball Game

Our UAC Student Ambassadors making a difference in our communities. Earlier this week, this group worked in the concession stand when Cossatot River High School hosted Murfreesboro for some basketball.

Sevier County December Library Snippets

Merry Christmas Y’all! We hope you all have safe travels and enjoy this Christmas season.

Our Annual Sweater Drive and Food for Fines in November was a success as always. Thank you to all who donated to help your community members. There will be lots of warm folks and full bellies for the holidays we hope.

Beginning December 1st your children will be able to write letters to Santa at the De Queen Library. Since we are not able to hold our 10th Annual Christmas Program due to COVID, we became creative. Area children can come in, receive a paper and envelope, write their letter to Santa, drop in our special mailbox and raise the flag. There is a trick to this so read carefully, your child’s name and address needs to be on the envelope in order to receive a reply from the north pole(wink).

The first 30 children that come in to fill out and mail their letter to Santa, will receive a craft to put together with Kelsie on December 16th during our Christmas virtual story time on facebook.com/seviercountylibrary.

Kelsie will have our regular scheduled virtual story time December 2nd she has got something good up her sleeve so you don’t want to miss it.

Ho Ho Ho and a big Merry Christmas from the Horatio Library. This year has been much different than the ones we have seen in the past. Unfortunately, Covid doesn’t care if its Christmas or not. Our priority has to be the safety of our patrons so we will not be having our annual Christmas Party. On December 12th, on our Facebook page, we will have our online Christmas Story and activities for you to do with your kids. Come by the library and check out our Christmas selection. We have DVD’S such as The Polar Express. Children’s books like How to Catch an Elf and The Dog Who Thought He was Santa. We have adult authors suchs as Diana Palmer, Shelly Shepherd Gray and Fern Michaels. We have Jingle all the Way by Debbie Macomber which is currently on the Bestseller List. We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and safe and Happy New Year. We pray for a much better 2021. We hope to see you soon. Call Amy for more information at 832-6882

Ms. Wendy and the Lockesburg Library wants their patrons to know that it has been a pleasure to provide you library services this year. We know that this probably won’t go down as your best holidays ever, but know that we are thinking of you and wishing you the best for the new year. Thank you for your support. For your convenience our book collection can be accessed at: https://evolveopac.infovisionsoftware.com/lockesburg

The Lockesburg Library is open Wednesdays, Thursdays 8:30-5:00 and Saturday mornings 8:30-12:30. Call Ms. Wendy for more information at 289-2233

Merry Christmas from the Gillham Library. Our Christmas Virtual Story will be December 12th on facebook.com/gillhamlibrary. Come and see us and check out a good book. Danielle Steel’s “All That Glitters”, David Baldacci’s “Daylight” or Michael Connelly’s “The Law of Innocence” just to name a few. We are adding great books and DVD’S all the time. We will have a display of good Christmas books for checkout in the month of December. Wishing everyone a Great Christmas!

Johnye Fisher

Head Librarian

Sevier County Library System

200 W Stilwell Ave

De Queen, AR. 71832

VIDEO: Thursday's Board Meeting of the New Sevier County Medical Center

Arkansas Epidemiologist Discusses Early Plans for Vaccine Distribution

At-risk health professionals in Arkansas will be first in line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine – even if they’ve already had the virus – while members of the broad general public might not start being vaccinated until April, according to state plans still being developed.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Jennifer Dillaha said in an interview Dec. 1 that frontline medical professionals who work with COVID-19 patients will be among those who receive the first vaccinations, which are expected to arrive this month. The vaccines will be administered to those individuals even if they have already recovered from COVID-19 because they are at higher risk and can be reinfected.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/12/arkansas-epidemiologist-discusses-early-plans-for-vaccine-distribution/

Arkansas epidemiologist discusses early plans for vaccine distribution - Talk Business & Politics

At-risk health professionals in Arkansas will be first in line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine - even if they've already had the virus - while members of the broad general public might not start being vaccinated until April, according to state plans still being developed. State Epidemiologist Dr. Jennifer Dillaha said in an interview Dec.

Efforts Underway To Help Arkansas Hospitals, Public Schools Amid Rising COVID Cases

With hospitalizations continuing to set new daily records, Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday discussed changes to the state’s trauma system to coordinate COVID-19 care, and efforts to expedite bringing teachers into the state’s beleaguered public schools.

The recent spikes in new known COVID-19 cases has put pressure on Arkansas hospitals. Between Nov. 2 and Nov. 30, total cases rose by 38.5%, deaths rose by 26%, known active cases were up 56%, hospitalizations rose by 54.5%, and ventilator use rose by 69%. Hospitalizations reached another daily record Tuesday of 1,074, up 11 from Monday, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). And of the 1,147 ICU beds statewide, only 72 were available, according to the ADH.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/efforts-underway-help-arkansas-hospitals-public-schools-amid-rising-covid-cases

Efforts Underway To Help Arkansas Hospitals, Public Schools Amid Rising COVID Cases

With hospitalizations continuing to set new daily records, Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday discussed changes to the state's trauma system to coordinate COVID-19 care, and efforts to expedite bringing teachers into the state's beleaguered public schools. The recent spikes in new known COVID-19 cases has put pressure on Arkansas hospitals.

Dicamba Debate Could Impact Crop Planning For 2021

The debate over the use of dicamba use continues to rage throughout the country and in the courtroom and it will soon affect crop planning for 2021.

The broad-spectrum herbicide, which was first developed and registered in the late 1960s, has been the foundation of several marketed weed control measures and, more recently, genetically modified seed technologies.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/dicamba-debate-could-impact-crop-planning-2021

Dicamba Debate Could Impact Crop Planning For 2021

The debate over the use of dicamba use continues to rage throughout the country and in the courtroom and it will soon affect crop planning for 2021. The broad-spectrum herbicide, which was first developed and registered in the late 1960s, has been the foundation of several marketed weed control measures and, more recently, genetically modified seed technologies.

Arkansas’ Gross Tax Revenue Up Almost 12% For The Fiscal Year

Gains in retail and vehicle sales, along with a shift in individual income tax payments, continue to show up in Arkansas tax revenue that beats estimates. For the first five fiscal months (July-November), gross revenue is up almost 12% compared with the same period in 2019.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration reported Wednesday that gross revenue for fiscal year-to-date is $3.092 billion, up 11.9% compared with the same period in 2019 and up 11% over the budget forecast.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-gross-tax-revenue-almost-12-fiscal-year

Arkansas' Gross Tax Revenue Up Almost 12% For The Fiscal Year

Gains in retail and vehicle sales, along with a shift in individual income tax payments, continue to show up in Arkansas tax revenue that beats estimates. For the first five fiscal months (July-November), gross revenue is up almost 12% compared with the same period in 2019.

Arkansas Health Secretary Updates Legislators on COVID-19 Vaccine EUA, Distribution

Arkansas Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero, who is also the chair of the CDC's national Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, went before state legislators Monday to discuss the latest developments in the race to distribute the first of what are likely to be several COVID-19 vaccines. To watch the full Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee meeting, click here.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-health-secretary-updates-legislators-covid-19-vaccine-eua-distribution

Arkansas Health Secretary Updates Legislators on COVID-19 Vaccine EUA, Distribution

Arkansas Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero, who is also the chair of the CDC's national Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, went before state legislators Monday to discuss the latest developments in the race to distribute the first of what are likely to be several COVID-19 vaccines.

Arkansas's COVID-19 Hospitalizations, Cases Set Records in November

COVID-19 cases and deaths rose significantly in Arkansas during the month of November. According to reporters from ArkansasCOVID.com, the top 10 days with the most new cases were all reported in November. More than 45,000 total cases were reported that months alone, which is a 63 percent increase over October.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansass-covid-19-hospitalizations-cases-set-records-november

Arkansas's COVID-19 Hospitalizations, Cases Set Records in November

COVID-19 cases and deaths rose significantly in Arkansas during the month of November. According to reporters from ArkansasCOVID.com, the top 10 days with the most new cases were all reported in November. More than 45,000 total cases were reported that months alone, which is a 63 percent increase over October.

Thursday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,751
Confirmed Cases: 1,422
Probable Cases: 329
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 39

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 841
Confirmed Cases: 670
Probable Cases: 171
Total Active Cases: 48
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 31

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 656
Confirmed Cases: 554
Probable Cases: 102
Total Active Cases: 35
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 849
Confirmed Cases: 786
Probable Cases: 63
Total Active Cases: 148
Active Confirmed Cases: 139
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 397
Confirmed Cases: 358
Probable Cases: 39
Total Active Cases: 34
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 6

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 2,212 new cases; 16,378 active cases; 1,088 hospitalized, which is up 14 from Tuesday; 186 on ventilators, which is down 9 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 10, for a total of 2,522; a total of 161,521 cases; 125,975 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,095; antigen tests, 2,764.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 258; Benton, 166; Washington, 158; Craighead, 119; and Faulkner, 84.

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

“I expected the return to higher case numbers today, and all indications are that the number will continue to be high through the week. With COVID-19 virus in every area of the state (and nation), we need to double our efforts to follow public health guidelines.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Tri-County Regional Library Board of Trustees Meeting moved to December 8th

The Tri-County Regional Library System Board meeting postponed in November has been rescheduled for Tuesday, December 8th at 5 pm at the Sevier County Library-De Queen location.

Marilyn B. Archer, MLS

Director

Tri-County Regional Library System

Serving 11 Public Libraries in Howard, Little River and Sevier Counties in Southwest Arkansas

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,736
Confirmed Cases: 1,417
Probable Cases: 319
Total Active Cases: 72
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 37

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 836
Confirmed Cases: 668
Probable Cases: 168
Total Active Cases: 51
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 28

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 651
Confirmed Cases: 552
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 830
Confirmed Cases: 767
Probable Cases: 63
Total Active Cases: 149
Active Confirmed Cases: 138
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 651
Confirmed Cases: 552
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 5

LIVE VIDEO: CARES Act Steering Committee Meeting Wednesday (12.02.20) 3:30PM

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, December 2, 2020.

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (12.01.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

Pesticide Applicator Training in Sevier County

County Extension Agent, Rex Herring will conduct two Private Applicator Training (PAT) sessions on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 1:30 and 5:00 pm at the Adams Building on UA Cossatot College Campus in De Queen.

Anyone whose PAT license has expired or those who do not have a license and need to be certified to purchase restricted products for farm or ranch use should attend one of the meetings.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, you do need to pre-register to attend. Class size is limited to nine participants so we cannot take walk-ins. Please wear a mask and follow all social distancing guidelines. For more information or to register for a class, call Dana at (870) 582-3056

Giving Tuesday at UA Cossatot is December 1st

Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday!

Giving to the UA Cossatot Foundation on #GivingTuesday can help local college students earn a college degree.

Please consider making a donation at https://www.cccua.edu/ua-cossatot-foundation/events/giving-tuesday or text Cossatot to 41444.

Virtual Graduation Ceremony at UA Cossatot

The college feels it is safest for our graduates, their families, and our staff to cancel the face-to-face graduation ceremonies scheduled for this fall (Dec 5 for medical and Dec 11 for other programs). We will be streaming a virtual ceremony on December 18th. Graduates should reach out to Ashley Aylett via email aaylett@cccua.edu or text 870-584-1125 for details ASAP. Information will be available on our website at https://www.cccua.edu/student-life/graduation-information

Dr. Ashley Aylett

Vice Chancellor for Academics

Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,707
Confirmed Cases: 1,402
Probable Cases: 305
Total Active Cases: 68
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 33

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 801
Confirmed Cases: 659
Probable Cases: 142
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 18

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 641
Confirmed Cases: 545
Probable Cases: 96
Total Active Cases: 43
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 789
Confirmed Cases: 728
Probable Cases: 61
Total Active Cases: 140
Active Confirmed Cases: 129
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 370
Confirmed Cases: 338
Probable Cases: 32
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Hospitalizations and Patients on Ventilators Reach New Daily Records

COVID-19 hospitalizations and ventilations hit new record highs, and the number of school districts with high community infection rates jumped from 88 to 117. Arkansas’ former Surgeon General said the state is moving “into a bad place” with respect to COVID spread.

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) on Wednesday (Nov. 25) reported a rise of 40 COVID hospitalizations, pushing the total to a record of 1,028. COVID patients on ventilators rose by 31 to a record 190. Total cumulative confirmed and probable cases rose by 1,965 to 150,277, and confirmed and probable deaths rose by 20 to 2,425.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/11/covid-19-hospitalizations-and-patients-on-ventilators-reach-new-daily-records/

COVID-19 hospitalizations and patients on ventilators reach new daily records - Talk Business & Politics

COVID-19 hospitalizations and ventilations hit new record highs, and the number of school districts with high community infection rates jumped from 88 to 117. Arkansas' former Surgeon General said the state is moving "into a bad place" with respect to COVID spread. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) on Wednesday (Nov.