Vote in the Arkansas Country Music Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the Arkansas Country Music Awards. Singer / songwriter Rachel Edge of Umpire and a UA Cossatot alumnus is eligible to be nominated. To make a nomination, visit:

https://arkansasmusic.org/vote

The Arkansas Country Music Awards, Inc. is a non-profit entity aimed at cultivating the music of the Natural State. The highly anticipated annual red carpet event covers the current music scene, honoring legends, producers, independent artists, and more.

Singer / Songwriter Rachel Edge of Umpire

De Queen Public Schools Preparing Procedures for Valentine’s Day Deliveries

De Queen Public Schools understands that Valentine’s Day brings a lot of excitement for our students, families, and local businesses. We understand that our local florists and other businesses depend on the income generated with the excitement surrounding Valentine’s Day. Having said that, the health of our students and staff remains our top priority, especially during this challenging time. Below are guidelines and procedures for Valentine’s day deliveries. These guidelines and procedures are to ensure a smooth and safe school day on Friday, February 12th.

● We highly encourage parents/guardians to deliver their V-Day gifts on Thursday, February, 11th from 3:30 to 5 PM.

● District staff will be on hand to accept the deliveries

● We are asking flower shops to deliver 3:30 to 5 PM on Thursday, February, 11th.

● There will be no outside food accepted.

We want to again thank you for your continued patience and support during this difficult school year. It is because of that patience and support that De Queen Public Schools continues to have a great school year despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

Beau McCastlain

De Queen Public Schools

Communications Director

Mars Petcare To Expand Fort Smith Operation, Add More Than 120 Jobs

By TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS STAFF

Gov. Asa Hutchinson and officials with Mars Petcare were in Fort Smith on Friday to announce a $145 million expansion of the company’s plant at Chaffee Crossing that will create more than 120 jobs.

Officials with Mars Petcare – based in Brussels, Belgium, with a U.S. headquarters south of Nashville, Tenn. – announced in November 2007 they would build the Fort Smith pet food production and packaging plant, and the $80 million facility opened in September 2009. The average annual salary at the plant was then estimated at $35,300.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/mars-petcare-expand-fort-smith-operation-add-more-120-jobs

The Fort Smith manufacturing plant will undergo a $145 million dollar expansion that will add at least 120 jobs in the Arkansas River Valley area.

CREDIT TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

State's Alternative Care Sites Scheduled To Begin Accepting COVID-19 Patients Next Week

By ZUZANNA SITEK

As hospitalizations for COVID-19 throughout Arkansas remain at all time highs, the state and its healthcare partners are preparing for the continued upward trend in cases by opening two alternative care sites next week. The facilities, which will provide 124 additional beds, will be located in Little Rock and Van Buren and will mostly be used to care for low-acuity COVID-19 patients.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/states-alternative-care-sites-scheduled-begin-accepting-covid-19-patients-next-week

Arkansas Medical Marijuana Industry Adds Dispensaries, Patients and Exceeds 2020 Expectations

By ZUZANNA SITEK

Many industries across Arkansas have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the medical marijuana business is not one of them. According to Medical Marijuana Commission Spokesman Scott Hardin, the industry closed out 2020 having made about $175 million in sales on 26,000 pounds of product. The state also started last year with fewer than ten open dispensaries but is starting 2021 with 32, as well as a lot more patients with medical marijuana cards.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-medical-marijuana-industry-adds-dispensaries-patients-and-exceeds-2020-expectations

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Sunday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 63
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 32

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 54
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 20

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 61
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 171
Active Confirmed Cases: 135
Active Probable Cases: 36

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 84
Active Confirmed Cases: 51
Active Probable Cases: 33

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | My Goals for the 93rd General Assembly

LITTLE ROCK – The 93rd General Assembly convened this week, and today I’d like to talk about the goals that I shared with legislators in my State of the State address.

I expect legislation that will boost our economy from tax cuts to reduced regulations. We need laws that will assure that our police officers have the highest standards, and are fully trained, funded, and supported. We also want laws to increase accountability and oversight.

Two years ago, legislators raised the pay of our dedicated public-school teachers. I support another round of pay increases. My goal is to raise average teacher salaries by $2,000 over the next two years, and I expect there will be great legislative support for this effort. 

During my time in office, we have become a national leader with our computer science initiative. But we can’t relax in our success. This year, I am asking the general assembly to support legislation that will require all students to take at least one computer science course in order to graduate, and to require all schools to employee at least one certified computer science teacher. We will have to increase the training of our teachers even more, but we are ready to do it because this will give our young people even greater opportunities right here in Arkansas. 

During each regular session while I have been governor, we have lowered taxes on hard-working Arkansans. As a result, we have moved $800 million from the government bank account into the hands of Arkansans.

This session, I am asking for two specific tax cuts. I would like to reduce the sales tax on used cars that sell between $4,000 and $10,000. The tax would be reduced from 6.5 percent to 3.5 percent. This would give relief to thousands of Arkansans who depend upon used vehicles for getting to work and to school.

To pay for tax cuts, we need to continue to grow our economy and bring people to Arkansas. To help with that goal, I am recommending a second tax cut. And that is that we lower our tax rate for new residents to 4.9 percent for the first five years they live in Arkansas. That will attract new Arkansans, who will spend money and pay taxes, and companies that will create jobs and contribute to our economy.

This year the individual income tax rate has been reduced to 5.9 percent, and I hope that within the next five years, Arkansas will reduce the rate to 4.9 percent for all residents.

We are entering 2021 with a balanced budget, a strong economy, and the strength of Arkansans to pull through these tough days. As I established my legislative goals for the 93rd General Assembly, I am mindful that the most urgent task is to respond and recover from the pandemic and to do everything needed to get our vaccines out to everyone in need.

Friday COVID-19 Arkansas Health Department Update

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 Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,491 new cases; 24,740 active cases; 1,295 hospitalized, which is down 67 from Wednesday; 241 on ventilators, which is down 14 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 42, for a total of 4,228; a total of 264,511 cases; 193,321 recoveries; PCR tests, 12,294; antigen tests, 3,161.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 327; Washington, 212; Benton, 175; Garland, 127; and Sebastian, 99.

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

"Today's report shows over 800 fewer cases with higher testing than this time last week. We also saw a decrease in hospitalizations and ventilator usage. This will relieve some of the strain on our health care system as we continue to distribute vaccine doses."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,225
Confirmed Cases: 1,606
Probable Cases: 619
Total Active Cases: 62
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 30

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,217
Confirmed Cases: 864
Probable Cases: 353
Total Active Cases: 47
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 924
Confirmed Cases: 738
Probable Cases: 186
Total Active Cases: 55
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,502
Confirmed Cases: 1,308
Probable Cases: 194
Total Active Cases: 164
Active Confirmed Cases: 131
Active Probable Cases: 33

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 813
Confirmed Cases: 641
Probable Cases: 172
Total Active Cases: 80
Active Confirmed Cases: 54
Active Probable Cases: 26

Continuing Education Classes at UA Cossatot

Our Continuing Education & Workforce Development Department has announced a wide range of classes at UAC for the Spring 2021 semester!

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Public participation is an essential part of our democracy. In preparation for the upcoming session, House and Senate leadership have agreed to a few rules so Arkansans can participate in an environment that is as safe and healthy as possible.

With limited exceptions, a mask or other cloth face covering will be required to enter committee rooms and public comment holding rooms. All individuals will be submitted to a temperature check and onsite health screening at the entrance to either the State Capitol Building or the adjacent MAC Building.

We have provided nearby space for committee rooms for members of the public to watch the live stream while they wait for their turn to testify for or against a bill. These rooms will provide ample space for social distancing.

Staff will direct you to sign up sheets and they will be available at www.arkleg.state.ar.us .

In an effort to prevent crowds in committee rooms, the rules call for revised committee agendas. These are designed to let the public know what bills will be heard on a given day. Committee agendas will be divided into three categories.

(A) Regular Agenda–bills to be considered by the committee on the date of the agenda.

(B) Consent Agenda–bills on the committee agenda for which there is no known opposition or expected public testimony and that may be taken up at any time by the committee.

(C) Deferred Bills–bills for which committee consideration has been deferred either for failure of the sponsor to appear or at the request of the sponsor.

Committee agendas will be posted at least eighteen (18) hours prior to the committee meeting.

There is limited public seating in the House chamber. Our chamber proceedings and every committee is live streamed and archived on our websitewww.arkansashouse.org.

On Monday, January 11, members will be sworn into office and officially elect the Speaker for the 93rd General Assembly.

On Tuesday, January 12, the Governor will give his State of the State address in the House Chamber.

We will continue to update you during the session.

Single Parent Scholarships Awarded

Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Sevier County

Our Spring semester application process is now open. Just go to aspsf.org to apply for a single parent scholarship. Click on find my county for Sevier County and submit your application. Please include all required forms and downloads before the May 2nd. Deadline. Only fully completed applications will be awarded scholarships.

Election Information from the Sevier County Clerk's Office for the Upcoming School Election

ELECTION INFORMATION FROM THE SEVIER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE FOR UPCOMING SCHOOL ELECTION: May 18, 2021

First Day for School Board Candidates to begin getting petition signatures was December 1, 2020.

Filing dates for School Board Candidates begins on Monday, February 22 at 12:00 Noon and ends on Monday, March 1 at 12:00 Noon

Positions to be elected in 2021 are as follows:

Horatio School District – Zone 1, Incumbent is Joe Jones

Zone 4, Incumbent is Sherri Hodges

De Queen School District – Zone 3, Incumbent is Gloria Caldwell

Filing requirements are a Political Practices Pledge, an Affidavit of Eligibility, and a Petition with required number of signatures. ( 20 signatures – be sure to get extra)

The last day to register to vote in the May School Elections will be April 19, 2021.

The last day to transfer from another county in Arkansas is Friday, May 14.

Early voting begins Tuesday, May 11 Early voting is from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon. – Fri.

Early voting ends on Monday May 17 at 4:30 p.m.

If you have questions please feel free to call the Sevier County Clerk’s office at 870-642-2852.

ANYONE INTERESTED IN BEING AN ELECTION WORKER IN THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS SHOULD CONTACT THE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE AT 870-642-2852.

BE SURE TO MAKE ADDRESS OR NAME CHANGES TO YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION PRIOR TO ELECTION DAY!

IDENTIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED FROM ALL VOTERS IN THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS.

FRIENDS Foundation Established for Sevier County

Sevier County Economic Development Director Tiffany Maurer has announced that a foundation has been created to benefit Sevier County. The foundation is called FRIENDS, and it recently became an official 501 (c) (3) with the IRS allowing donors to receive tax credits. This foundation aims for funds to be raised from donations to assist Sevier County and its residents in cultivating and completing economic development projects and activities.

FRIENDS stands for Funding Retention and Increasing Efforts for Notable Economic Development in Sevier County. It was created last year with citizens of Sevier County in mind. Anyone who donates a minimum of $100 automatically becomes a member of the FRIENDS Foundation and funds raised will help Sevier County grow financially while also providing the Sevier County Economic Development department with the opportunity to receive money for business development, training, advertising, and assistance with projects to benefit Sevier County residents. The foundation will look for projects within opportunity zones while keeping site selection, business retention, and training efforts in mind to help with business development.

The annual FRIENDS Foundation meeting for 2021 will take place at the Herman Dierks Park Community Building in De Queen on Friday, February 5, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. The meeting is open to the public.

Topics to be discussed at the meeting will include future projects, funding progress toward the annual budget, and potential projects to establish the Sevier County Opportunity Zone Investment Fund. Masks will be required, and social distancing will be encouraged.

For questions on becoming a FRIENDS member or to RSVP for the FRIENDS Foundation’s annual meeting, please contact Sevier County Economic Development Director Tiffany Maurer at tmaurer@cccua.edu or 870-584-1184

New Sevier County Hospital Photos of Progress (Click on Photos to Scroll)

Progress continues on the construction of the new Sevier County Medical Center north of De Queen. These excerpts were taken from this week's field observation report filed by the Little Rock architectural firm Wittenberg, Delony, and Davidson.

De Queen Rotary's Boulevard of Flags

January 31st is the application deadline for the De Queen Rotary Club's "Boulevard of Flags" project.

Dr Jason Lofton at De Queen Lions Club Tuesday, January 12th

Dr Lofton visited with De Queen Lions Club Tuesday, 01/12, to discuss COVID-19 and the current vaccines.

Howard County 4-H BBQ Bowl Cancelled for 2021

SPECIAL NEWS RELEASE
Jean A. Ince
County Extension Agent-
Staff Chair
January 6, 2021

The Howard County 4-H Foundation has made the decision to cancel this year’s 4-H BBQ Bowl due to Covid-19 concerns. Plans are to resume the BBQ Bowl in 2022.

The 4-H BBQ Bowl is the major fundraiser of the Howard County 4-H Foundation. These funds help support Howard County 4-H youth at local, district, state and national educational activities and events.

The Howard County 4-H Foundation would like to thank all those who have supported this fundraiser in the past: Tyson Foods, Cash Savers, Southwest Arkansas Radio, Nashville News Leader, local businesses who donated the use of their cookers including Pilgrims, Nashville Family Dentistry, Farm Bureau, Farm Credit, Nashville FFA, Diamond Bank, Reliable Poultry and numerous individuals. We would also like to thank those volunteers who donated their time to cook the meat and to those who have purchased ribs or Cornish hens to support 4-H youth. We hope to see you again in 2022!

Need Help with Energy Bills?

The 15 community action agencies across Arkansas have started taking applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps low income households with energy bills. There will likely be more applications than usual because many more people are struggling financially during the pandemic.

Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little, River, Nevada, and Sevier County assistance programs:

Get applications to the following services. Rent help, government cash assistance, foreclosure prevention, free food pantries and programs; medical or dental care and more. The churches in counties including Sevier or Hempstead County region, charities, non-profits in Lafayette County and government assistance programs help low income families. They also give free cars or clothes, prescription medications, school supplies, Christmas presents and help families reduce their debts.

The non-profit community action agency Southwest Arkansas Development Council, Inc. provides a number of services to low income families and the working poor. Some of the other main beneficiaries include senior citizens, the disabled, and families with young children.

https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/hempstead__howard__lafayette__.html

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 67
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 28

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 50
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 70
Active Confirmed Cases: 55
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 151
Active Confirmed Cases: 127
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 49
Active Probable Cases: 25

Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html

Governor Hutchinson Delivers State of the State Address

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson delivered the State of the State Address to the Members of the 93rd General Assembly Tuesday morning.