New Years Eve 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 3,184 new cases; 21,853 active cases; 1,174 hospitalized, which is up 13 from Tuesday; 205 on ventilators, which is up 7 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 34, for a total of 3,637; a total of 222,430 cases; 166,198 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,843; antigen tests, 4,389.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 355; Washington, 290; Benton, 278; Faulkner, 150; and Sebastian, 134.

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

"We continue to see high numbers of new cases and capacity pressures on our hospitals. I urge everyone to be careful as we enter another holiday to reduce the virus spread, and we need to support each other as Arkansans while we work to distribute the vaccine."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,063
Confirmed Cases: 1,548
Probable Cases: 515
Total Active Cases: 92
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 57

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,097
Confirmed Cases: 797
Probable Cases: 300
Total Active Cases: 54
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 806
Confirmed Cases: 651
Probable Cases: 155
Total Active Cases: 76
Active Confirmed Cases: 60
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,243
Confirmed Cases: 1,103
Probable Cases: 140
Total Active Cases: 116
Active Confirmed Cases: 94
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 680
Confirmed Cases: 544
Probable Cases: 136
Total Active Cases: 114
Active Confirmed Cases: 64
Active Probable Cases: 50

The Arkansas Consumer Ranked as Top 2020 Statewide Business Story

by Talk Business & Politics staff

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant disruption to the national and state economies, but sales tax collections clearly show the Arkansas consumer was not scared away. Most economists say that federal stimulus checks and enhanced unemployment benefits helped prop up the consumer.

Following are the top five business stories as viewed by Talk Business & Politics.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/12/the-arkansas-consumer-ranked-as-top-2020-statewide-business-story/

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Duck Hunting: An Arkansas Tradition

LITTLE ROCK – Duck hunting is one of the great cultural traditions of Arkansas, and it also pumps a lot of money into our economy.

Stuttgart and Arkansas County are known as the duck-hunting capital of the world. Every Thanksgiving, Stuttgart hosts the Wings Over the Prairie Festival and the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest, which attract thousands of duck hunters. But duck hunting is special in hundreds of camps and bayous across the state, from Alicia to Des Arc to Dumas.

The late Pat Peacock of Stuttgart, the first woman to serve on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission when she was appointed to fill an unexpired term, was an avid duck hunter. She is the only woman to win the duck-calling contest twice.

Ann Marie Doramus, whom I appointed as the first woman to a full term on the Game and Fish Commission, was eight when she killed her first duck.

I come from the hill country of Arkansas. I love the hills. But there is a certain beauty of a cold-morning sunrise over flooded timber in the Delta as ducks are flying in that you don’t see in other parts of the state. When you see that greenhead mallard coming in, pulling its webbed feet up, ready to land, the beauty of that moment is unmatched.

One of my greatest joys as a father and grandfather has been to pass that tradition along to my sons, my son-in-law, and my grandchildren. My grandson had the thrill of taking his first banded duck last season.

My daughter loves to watch the dogs work. The beauty of those black labs as they retrieve the ducks is a scene you won’t see in the mountains.

Of course, you’ve got to follow up with the duck recipes. My family and friends love the jalapeno duck poppers that I make for the holidays.

Bryan Hendricks, the outdoors writer for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, captured the essence of duck hunting in a column he wrote in November.

“Stars mottle a moonless sky as a squad of duck hunters count the minutes to dawn. The temperature is in the low 40s, but the edge of a sharp breeze seeps through insulated layers of modern fabrics. It stings the cheeks, but it feels different in the dark woods than it does in a parking lot. It's a sensation that I have associated with duck hunting since I first felt it as a child.

“There's much huffing as over-clad bodies squeeze into neoprene waders. Shotgun actions open and close with metallic clanks. Duck calls on neck lanyards sound like plastic wind chimes as they collide with every move. It is the sound of duck season in Arkansas.”

Thanks, Bryan Hendricks, for sharing that memory with us.

One of the missions of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is to spread the word about the joys of duck hunting. We want a new generation of hunters to experience the thrill and learn to love the outdoors. Today, I’m doing my part.

Message from the Nashville Chamber of Commerce

We have received information that there is someone calling merchants trying to sell advertising on refrigerator magnets. They are saying that they have permission from the City of Nashville, the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, and the Howard County Library.

Be advised that the Nashville Chamber of Commerce has no knowledge of the company known as UAC trying to make these sales. PLEASE BE ON ALERT

Thanks,

Mike Reese

Chamber Director

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 86
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 54

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 72
Active Confirmed Cases: 58
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 88
Active Confirmed Cases: 70
Active Probable Cases: 18

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 111
Active Confirmed Cases: 61
Active Probable Cases: 50

LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides Weekly COVID-19 Update Tuesday (12.29.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.

YEAREND: Busy 2020 in the Forest Industry, Oh, and There Is A Pandemic Too!

By Matthew Pelkki

MONTICELLO, Ark. — Even if you leave out the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the year 2020 was a busy one for Timber related news, both good and bad.

In the Arkansas forest products industries, industry expansions and investments included the Green Bay Packaging's Morrilton facility's virgin fiber project. After closing one paper facility in Crossett in 2019, Georgia-Pacific announced a 37-million-dollar investment in Crossett's remaining paper mill. Koppers, a wood treatment company, expanded its Little Rock operations. Resolute Forest Products acquired mills in El Dorado and Glenwood with plans to upgrade and expand each.

https://www.uaex.edu/media-resources/news/december2020/12-23-2020-UAM-YEAREND-Forestry%20.aspx

Extension Homemakers Provide Blankets for UAMS Patients

By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Normally, Santa visits patients at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences this time of year to personally deliver blankets donated by Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council clubs and other volunteers throughout the state. Santa could not visit due to the social distancing requirements, but Extension Homemakers still provided plenty of blankets for people spending the holidays in the hospital.

Extension Homemakers in Cleburne, Craighead, Crawford, Jackson, Jefferson, Hot Spring and Van Buren counties donated 342 blankets, helping the UAMS Auxiliary meet its goal of collecting 400 blankets for patients.

https://www.uaex.edu/media-resources/news/december2020/12-23-2020-Ark-AEHC-blankets.aspx

IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON — Sarah Payton, president of the Willing Workers of White Hall EHC Club, delivers blankets to UAMS Volunteer Services Coordinator Marcia Dunbar in Little Rock. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

State Economists: Resurgence Likely to Depend on Pace of Vaccine Vistribution, Extent of Federal Help

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Modeling 2021 economic conditions may be akin to trying to hit a satellite with a BB gun. The virus is expected to rage well into the year, even with vaccines. Some dramatic changes in consumer and worker behavior could become trends. An additional federal stimulus may be stimulative. Or not. Add to all that the entry of a new U.S. president.

Good luck hitting the satellite, and don’t put your eye out with that thing.

Michael Pakko, chief economist and state economic forecaster at the Arkansas Economic Development Institute at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, addresses the point of unusual uncertainty with any 2021 financial analysis.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/12/state-economists-resurgence-likely-to-depend-on-pace-of-vaccine-distribution-extent-of-federal-help/

COVID-19 Update for Tuesday, December 29th

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,031
Confirmed Cases: 1,541
Probable Cases: 490
Total Active Cases: 81
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 44

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,073
Confirmed Cases: 788
Probable Cases: 285
Total Active Cases: 55
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 780
Confirmed Cases: 632
Probable Cases: 148
Total Active Cases: 57
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,186
Confirmed Cases: 1,059
Probable Cases: 127
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 66
Active Probable Cases: 12

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 652
Confirmed Cases: 525
Probable Cases: 127
Total Active Cases: 108
Active Confirmed Cases: 58
Active Probable Cases: 50

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 1,651 new cases; 20,831 active cases; 1,155 hospitalized, which is up 62 from Sunday; 201 on ventilators, which is up 15 from Sunday; deaths added today, 55, for a total of 3,537; a total of 216,528 cases; 162,787 recoveries; PCR tests, 4,382; antigen tests, 2,272.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 266; Benton, 139; Washington, 131; Faulkner, 110; and Saline, 91.

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

"It will take a few days to know whether the increase in hospitalizations is the result of buildup after the long Christmas weekend. Regardless, the high number of cases continues to strain our health care system. Regretfully, we also have an additional 55 deaths in Arkansas from COVID-19. The importance of following guidance from the Department of Health cannot be overstated."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Parade Participants Donate Winnings to Local Group in Need

DE QUEEN--Two local groups who participated in the De Queen Tour of Lights earlier this month made the holidays brighter for those in need this season as they opted to donate prize money earned in the float contest.

The De Queen Tour of Lights was a reverse style parade held Saturday December 5th at Herman Dierks Park in place of the annual event traditionally set for the square downtown. Local groups were asked to set up a display that would be evaluated by judges and the community was encouraged to view the floats from the safety their vehicles to avoid the spread of COVID-19. The top 3 winners of each category receive prize money from the local chamber of commerce in the amount of $100 for 1st place, $75 for 2nd and $50 for 3rd.

The folks of Kindred at Home - Home Health and Community Care services were contacted by The De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce this week about receiving their winnings after their grinch-themed set-up earned them a first place spot in the commercial category. Home Health Specialist Debra Morse had other plans for the money as she requested their $100 prize be donated to a local charity of the chamber’s choice instead. An additional parade participant, who asked to remain anonymous, requested that their $75 prize be donated to a local group in need as well. The two organizations who chose to give back to the De Queen community are not affiliated with each other and did not discuss the idea of donating in advance, proving two random acts of kindness were carried out by separate groups who unknowingly had one common goal of helping those in need.

As many area “shop with a cop” and “Angel tree” programs have already been completed for the year, the Chamber Board of Directors selected CASA of The Ouachita Region to become the recipient of these funds, which will now be used to help children during the holidays. CASA is an acronym for “Court Appointed Special Advocates” and their mission is to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children within the court system. Cynthia Martin and Espe Mosqueda graciously accepted the donation on the organization’s behalf and reported that support like this is “always appreciated.”

The funds will go towards clothing, gifts, and items for local children in the foster care system within Sevier, Polk and Montgomery Counties.

As the busy holiday season continues and the cold winter months roll on, the De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce would like to express thanks to the groups who have chosen to donate their prize money to help local kids this time of year.

CASA of The Ouachita Region is always in need of volunteers and those interested in supporting the group can call 479-243-9277. They can also be reached by email at casaouachita71953@gmail.com

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Arkansas’ legislature is considered a part-time citizen legislature. Most House members have a full-time career in addition to their legislative obligations. Members typically come from a wide range of professional backgrounds and the 93rd General Assembly is no exception.

The state’s largest industry is well represented as 7 members will bring an agricultural background to the House.

There will be six members who either currently work or previously worked in the healthcare industry. The professions include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.

There will be six attorneys and 10 members who are currently teachers, professors, or former educators.

Several incoming members are small business owners. Other professions include real estate agents, engineers, consultants, a television producer, and a pastor just to name a few.

Having a diverse membership helps the House of Representatives more effectively serve the people of Arkansas. For the 93rd General Assembly, the House membership will not only be diverse in professional backgrounds but in age, gender, and race as well.

Our members will range in ages from 29 to 78. There will be 24 women and 76 men serving in the 93rd General Assembly. There will be 12 African-American legislators serving in the House.

This body will also bring a range of legislative experience. There will be 16 members serving their first full term and 10 members serving their 6th term.

Of the 100 representatives in the 93rd General Assembly, the House is proud to say we will have 12 who have served in the armed forces.

Each of us represents approximately 30,000 Arkansans. We look forward to updating you during the session. As a reminder the session begins at noon on January 11. We stream all meetings at arkansashouse.org.

Monday's Arkansas COVID-19 Update from the Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 95
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 48

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 31

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 62
Active Confirmed Cases: 51
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 89
Active Confirmed Cases: 74
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 113
Active Confirmed Cases: 62
Active Probable Cases: 51

Saturday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 109
Active Confirmed Cases: 50
Active Probable Cases: 59

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 97
Active Confirmed Cases: 56
Active Probable Cases: 41

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 60
Active Confirmed Cases: 49
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 103
Active Confirmed Cases: 86
Active Probable Cases: 17

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 124
Active Confirmed Cases: 69
Active Probable Cases: 55

Nashville Chamber Christmas Bucks Winner

The Nashville Chamber of Commerce wants to thank everyone who registered in this year’s Christmas Bucks drawing. The 3rd winner of

$100 was Brad Holland of Nashville who registered at Hoppin

Nutrition.

Congratulations from the Nashville Chamber of Commerce!

Another of the 2021 Reasons for Attending UA Cossatot Next Spring - Family

2021 Reasons To Attend UA Cossatot This Spring.....Reason #1210.... at UAC, we are like one big family!

It's true! UA Cossatot is big enough to offer the courses you need, and yet our instructors know our students by name. We care about our students and we want them to be successful. We know that a Cossatot education will open a lot of doors for you, whether you decide to take your education and see the world, or if you decide to stay here and make our corner of the world a better place.

Enjoy your holidays. And remember....2021 is a brand new year, time for a fresh start. Visit us online at: https://www.cccua.edu/

Judge Temporarily Halts Four Arkansas Abortion Laws

By DANIEL BREEN

A federal judge has blocked four laws restricting access to abortion in Arkansas just hours after they took effect.

U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker on Tuesday granted the request from abortion rights groups, issuing a two-week restraining order against the laws. Baker had previously put a halt to the laws in 2017, though a federal appeals court later vacated that ruling….. (Click on Link Below for More)

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/judge-temporarily-halts-four-arkansas-abortion-laws

Supporters of Planned Parenthood gather in front of its Little Rock clinic in this file photo from Feb. 2018.

CREDIT PLANNED PARENTHOOD GREAT PLAINS

Thursday's COVID-19 Updated Numbers and Maps

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 2,893 new cases; 22,516 active cases; 1,110 hospitalized, which is up 7 from Tuesday; 174 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 38, for a total of 3,376; a total of 207,941 cases; 155,447 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,604; antigen tests, 3,697.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 272; Pulaski, 265; Benton, 260; Faulkner, 123; and Craighead, 109

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

"Today's high number of cases is concerning as we're two days away from Christmas. This is frequently a time to gather with our family in large groups, but this year that presents an increased risk of spreading COVID-19, so let’s plan with our safety guidelines in mind. Please protect yourself and your family."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 50
Active Probable Cases: 49

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 105
Active Confirmed Cases: 55
Active Probable Cases: 50

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 98
Active Confirmed Cases: 82
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 51
Active Probable Cases: 31

Another of the 2021 Reasons for Attending UA Cossatot Next Spring...Location

2021 Reasons To Attend UA Cossatot In The Spring.....Reason #1313

Location, Location, Location…Location. UA Cossatot offers classes on four separate campuses in Southwest Arkansas. De Queen, Nashville, Ashdown, and Lockesburg. And, when you include our online classes, your UAC campus could be as close as your very own living room. Convenience has always been a characteristic of our college and we invite you to join us this spring. Classes begin January 11th. To find out more, visit our website: www.cccua.edu.

U.S. Department of Justice Files Lawsuit Against Walmart for Unlawful Prescriptions Adding to the National Opioid Crisis

by Kim Souza

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Bentonville-based Walmart on Tuesday, (Dec. 22) claiming the retail giant and its pharmacists did not properly screen opioid prescriptions, and the lack of oversight contributed to the ongoing U.S. controlled substance crisis.

The complaint alleges that this unlawful conduct resulted in hundreds of thousands of violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The Justice Department seeks civil penalties, which could total in the billions of dollars, and injunctive relief, according to the release. The federal government is seeking billions in dollars in civil penalties which could be more than $67,000 per for each unlawful prescription.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/12/doj-files-lawsuit-alleging-walmart-contributed-to-national-opioid-crisis/