Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Several bills are now making their way to the Governor’s desk including one that could expand broadband services across the state.

SB74 had unanimous support in both the House and the Senate. This bill allows cities, counties, and improvement districts to partner with established providers to expand broadband services for those who currently do not have service or those who are underserved.

SB74 has an emergency clause which means it will become effective after the Governor signs it.

Other bills passed by the House in recent days include:

HB1151-This bill suspends the public school rating system for the 2020-2021 school year due to the disruption to education caused by the pandemic.

HB1009- This bill allows a public school or an open-enrollment public charter school to distribute excess food to students for consumption on the school campus or at home.

HB1113-This bill amends the Commission of State Lands Urban Homestead Act. Currently, the Commissioner of State Lands can donate land to community organizations to develop low-income housing. This bill states that if the donated land has not been used for that purpose after three years, the commissioner can allow the land to be used for the development of a public school or open-enrollment charter school in an area with a high poverty rate.

HB1032-This bill allows taxpayers with military retirement benefit under $6,000 to claim a total retirement exemption up to that amount if the taxpayer has additional retirement income. The Department of Finance and Administration estimates this bill affects 700 Arkansans.

HB1202-This bill requires counties to post sample ballots on the Secretary of State website at least 20 days before each preferential primary and general election and at least ten days before each general primary, general runoff, school, or special election.

HB1211-This bill states the Governor shall not prohibit or limit a religious organization from continuing to operate religious services during a declared emergency.

HB1003-This bill ensures respectful language is used in Arkansas code regarding individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and removes from the Arkansas code the term "hearing impaired".

SB76-This bill creates a permitting process for excursion trains to serve and sell alcoholic beverages.

HB1056-This bill amends the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act by allowing public meetings to be held via phone or video conference during a declared emergency.

HB1009- This bill authorizes the Veterinary Medical Examining Board to promulgate rules for the use of telemedicine.

HB1013-amends Arkansas Music Appreciation Day to add James "Jim Dandy" Mangrum, Buddy Jewell, and Mark Lavon "Levon" Helm. September 1 was established as Arkansas Music Appreciation Day by the 92nd General Assembly.

The House will reconvene on Monday at 1 pm. You can find all agendas and links to live-streams of meetings at www.arkansashouse.org.

Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 75
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 40

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 71
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 4

Tri-County Regional Library Board February Meeting Cancelled; Next Meeting May 8

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Tri-County Regional Library System Board for February 8, 2021 has been CANCELLED. The NEXT meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2021 at 5 p.m. 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

Sunday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

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 1,707 new cases; 17,326 active cases; 951 hospitalized, which is down 45 from Thursday; 144 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Thursday; deaths added today, 47, for a total of 4,831; a total of 292,563 cases; 217,633 recoveries; PCR tests, 13,027; antigen tests, 3,565.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 271; Benton, 171; Washington, 147; Sebastian, 89; and Faulkner, 74.

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

"Today we saw a decrease of over 450 new cases from this time last week. We have also distributed over 84,000 doses of vaccine in the past week. With a decline in hospitalizations, we remind ourselves that watching our distance and wearing a mask does make a difference. Please keep the guidelines in mind as we go into the weekend.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,341
Confirmed Cases: 1,658
Probable Cases: 683
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,348
Confirmed Cases: 920
Probable Cases: 428
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 42

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,031
Confirmed Cases: 807
Probable Cases: 224
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,652
Confirmed Cases: 1,438
Probable Cases: 214
Total Active Cases: 83
Active Confirmed Cases: 77
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 877
Confirmed Cases: 682
Probable Cases: 195
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 4

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Getting to the Other Side of COVID

LITTLE ROCK – We are in our second month of inoculating Arkansans against COVID-19, and today I’d like to talk about the progress we are making.

We have received nearly 473,000 doses of the vaccine, and we have administered right at 252,000 of the first dose. Arkansas ranks in the Top 15 states in the number of doses administered, and we are also giving out the second dose of the vaccine on schedule with a separate supply for the second dose.

Our goal is to vaccinate all those who are eligible in the 1-A category by the end of January. This includes health care workers, nursing home residents and staff, and first responders. We expect to meet that objective. We also added to the mix some elements of Phase 1-B, which includes people older than seventy, teachers and school staff, and daycare workers. Once we complete these categories, we will go into other essential workers. Those are identified on our Arkansas Department of Health website. You should remember that this is subject to adjustment as we receive additional information and different CDC guidance.

I have designated Colonel Robert Ator to coordinate and oversee the distribution of the vaccine.

Colonel Ator, whose friends call him Gator, is a retired wing commander of the 189th Airlift Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard.

With his experience in logistics and supply-chain, Colonel Ator is the perfect person to oversee this mission.

As part of our distribution plan, we are working with pharmacies and with state hospitals and other providers to streamline the administration of the vaccines. Our Department of Health team is tracking the supply and redistributing excess vaccine to ensure that the doses are at the sites where they are most needed. The team also is attempting to increase the supply of vaccine and to improve communication with the public and our medical providers.

The vaccine is our best hope for containing COVID-19, and while the number of new COVID cases are gradually trending down, this is no time to let up.

Bryan Duffie, who is superintendent of the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, reports that about 55 percent of the district’s staff has received the vaccine. We do hope that number increases.

The district partnered with Baptist Hospital North Little Rock, and on the first day, 115 staff members took the vaccine.  

Danyelle Musselman, wife of Razorbacks basketball coach Eric Musselman, wants the vaccine so that she can safely visit her sister, who had a heart transplant and is in the high-risk category. She said she has studied vaccines. She said she likes to read and know things for herself rather than listen to opinions.

Danyelle said that “it’s time to get to the other side of this, and the vaccine is the way to do it. We all want to spend time with our friends and family. We want to have birthday parties. We want to have dinners out. We want to have fans at Razorback games.”

Now that we have vaccines, and we have folks such as Colonel Ator and the incredible team at the Department of Health, Superintendent Duffie, and Danyelle Musselman leading the way, we are going to beat this. The First Lady and I have had our vaccine, and there were no side effects. I encourage all of you to get the vaccine at your first opportunity. We’re all ready to get to the other side of this pandemic.

Good Citizens Receive Certificates at De Queen Middle School

De Queen Middle School January Good Citizens

L-R: Addison Gray, Ty Wagner, Elajay Ferretiz & Alorah Cox

Daily Legislative Report From State Rep Deann Vaught:

With a vote of 94-0, the House passed legislation to expand broadband access in Arkansas.

SB74 allows cities, counties, and improvement districts to partner with established providers to expand broadband services for those who currently do not have service or those who are underserved.

The House passed HB1113, which amends the Commission of State Lands Urban Homestead Act.

Currently, the Commissioner of State Lands can donate land to community organizations to develop low-income housing. This bill states that if the donated land has not been used for that purpose after three years, the commissioner has the option to allow the land to be used for the development of a public school or open-enrollment charter school in an area with a high poverty rate.

The House passed HB1202. This bill requires counties to post sample ballots on the Secretary of State website at least 20 days before each preferential primary and general election and at least ten days before each general primary, general runoff, school, or special election.

The House passed HB1211, which states the Governor shall not prohibit or limit a religious organization from continuing to operate religious services during a declared emergency.

The House also passed SB76, which creates a permitting process for excursion trains to serve and sell alcoholic beverages.

The House will reconvene on Monday at 1 pm.

COVID Numbers Trend Lower But UAMS Report Predicts A Resurgence

By MICHAEL TILLEY/ TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

The overall trend of fewer new and active cases continued Wednesday with the Arkansas Department of Health reporting double-digit declines in hospitalizations and ventilator use. Deaths, however, rose by 52 to 4,742.

The ADH reported 1,777 new known confirmed and probable cases, down more than 700 from the previous Wednesday, but bringing the cumulative total to 288,964. Active confirmed and probable cases fell by 472 to 17,686. The ADH also reported 85 available ICU beds as of 2 p.m. Wednesday, up from 83 on Tuesday. Hospitalizations fell by 66 to 1,029, well below the record of 1,371 on Jan. 11.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/covid-numbers-trend-lower-uams-report-predicts-resurgence

Lines of cars with people being tested for COVID-19 stream through a garage at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences on July 13, 2020.

CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS

Arkansas Governor Lobbying For More COVID Vaccines; Cases Rise Again

By MICHAEL TILLEY/ TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Tuesday he had an “optimistic” call with the White House COVID-19 coordinator on receiving more vaccines, saying that a consistent and increasing supply is needed for more efficient vaccine distribution.

More vaccines are certainly needed to contain the ongoing virus spread in Arkansas. New reported COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations all rose in Tuesday’s report from the Arkansas Department of Health. Confirmed and probable cases rose by 2,485, bringing the cumulative total to 287,187. Tuesday’s new cases are above the 1,854 on the previous Tuesday.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-governor-lobbying-more-covid-vaccines-cases-rise-again

A COVID-19 vaccine was shown during a press conference last month at the Arkansas Department of Health as the first people in the state were vaccinated.

CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS

Arkansas Legislature Considers Centralized Sample Election Ballots Web Portal

By JACQUELINE FROELICH

Arkansas House Bill 1202, a bipartisan measure proposed by State Rep. Andrew Collins, D-Pulaski County, amends Arkansas election law to establish statewide online access to sample election ballots via the Arkansas Secretary of State Voter View portal.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-legislature-considers-centralized-sample-election-ballots-web-portal

Arkansas Democrat Rep. Andrew Collins shows his draft bill to create a statewide sample ballot portal.

COURTESY / ANDREW COLLINS

Friday COVID-19 Update 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 Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,892 new cases; 17,547 active cases; 996 hospitalized, which is down 33 from Wednesday; 143 on ventilators, which is down 14 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 42, for a total of 4,784; a total of 290,856 cases; 216,277 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,326; antigen tests, 3,195.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 303; Benton, 229; Washington, 177; Garland, 129; and Faulkner, 84.

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

"Today's report shows over 1,200 fewer cases with higher testing than last week. The decline, as well as a decrease in active cases, shows good trends, but another day of over 40 deaths reminds us that this virus is still present in all corners of the state. We continue to work to slow the spread."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,332
Confirmed Cases: 1,654
Probable Cases: 678
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,331
Confirmed Cases: 913
Probable Cases: 418
Total Active Cases: 72
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 34

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,016
Confirmed Cases: 793
Probable Cases: 223
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,636
Confirmed Cases: 1,422
Probable Cases: 214
Total Active Cases: 85
Active Confirmed Cases: 79
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 875
Confirmed Cases: 680
Probable Cases: 195
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 8

Arkansas Tourism Officials Encourage People To Take Action On ‘Plan For Vacation Day’

By ALEXANDRIA BROWN

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted officials to encourage people not to travel, causing the cancellation of many vacation plans. But the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and its partners are urging residents to enjoy some time off while staying in the state.

Tuesday was National Plan for Vacation Day, with officials saying there are plenty of things to do while remaining safe. Tourism is a vital part of the state's economy.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-tourism-officials-encourage-people-take-action-plan-vacation-day

Withrow Springs at Huntsville, which features a 150-foot high bluff overlooking the creek and Ozark Mountains, is one of the places touted for vacations in Arkansas.

CREDIT ARKANSAS STATE PARKS

Sarah Huckabee Sanders To Run For Governor Of Arkansas

By SARAH KELLOGG

Former White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders is running to become the 47th Governor of Arkansas.

Sanders, who had the longest tenure as Press Secretary to former President Donald Trump, announced her gubernatorial campaign for the 2022 election Monday through a video announcement.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/sarah-huckabee-sanders-run-governor-arkansas

Sanders announced her candidacy for Governor of Arkansas on Monday morning through a video published on her social media accounts.

CREDIT SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 66
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 35

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 17

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 93
Active Confirmed Cases: 85
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 11

Governor Hutchinson Announces Arkansas Unemployment Rate Drops To 4.2 Percent In December

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas’s unemployment rate dropped by 2.1 percent to 4.2 percent in December, which is 2.5 percent lower than the national average of 6.7 percent, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced today.

“The coronavirus knocked the wind out of our sails for a moment, but the strong economic foundation we had built before the pandemic held firm, as I knew it would, and now a robust recovery is in sight,” Governor Hutchinson said. “The falling unemployment rate combined with the $319 million more than we expected in state revenue for fiscal year 2021 are signs that we have taken the right steps to limit the economic damage of COVID-19. This news does not soften the blow of the human toll on our state. We must continue to do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus and to come to the aid of the thousands of Arkansans who have lost loved ones to this disease.”

Arkansas’ civilian labor force increased by 38,904, a result of 65,543 more employed and 26,639 fewer unemployed Arkansans, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.  The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services released the report today.

The unemployment rate was 3.5 percent in February and jumped to 5 percent in March when the state recorded its first COVID-19-related death. Arkansas’s unemployment rate peaked at 10.8 percent in April and has declined every month but one since.

Daily Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught:

The third week of the 2021 Regular Session is now underway.

This morning, the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced HB1202. This bill requires counties to post sample ballots on the Secretary of State website at least 20 days before each preferential primary and general election and at least 10 days before each general primary, general runoff, school, or special election.

The afternoon, the House passed several bills, including HB1056. This bill amends the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act by allowing public meetings to be held via phone or video conference during a declared emergency.

The House passed HB1009, which authorizes the Veterinary Medical Examining Board to promulgate rules for the use of telemedicine.

The House also passed HB1013, which amends Arkansas Music Appreciation Day to add James "Jim Dandy" Mangrum, Buddy Jewell, and Mark Lavon "Levon" Helm. September 1 was established as Arkansas Music Appreciation Day by the 92nd General Assembly. The legislation states Arkansas has a proud history of contributing music and musicians to the nation, including Johnny Cash, B. B. King, Glen Campbell, Charlie Rich, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Al Green, Conway Twitty, Floyd Cramer.

The House will reconvene Tuesday at 1 pm.

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

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,316
Confirmed Cases: 1,645
Probable Cases: 671
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,301
Confirmed Cases: 900
Probable Cases: 401
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 23

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,002
Confirmed Cases: 782
Probable Cases: 220
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 17

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,614
Confirmed Cases: 1,403
Probable Cases: 211
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 86
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 862
Confirmed Cases: 669
Probable Cases: 193
Total Active Cases: 33
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 10

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 636 new cases; 17,792 active cases; 1,084 hospitalized, which is up 4 from Sunday; 187 on ventilators, which is up 17 from Sunday; deaths added today, 44, for a total of 4,650; a total of 284,702 cases; 211,684 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,486; antigen tests, 357.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 138; Washington, 69; Benton, 66; Craighead, 33; and Jefferson, 29.

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

"While we saw a significant decline in new cases, our testing was also lower. An additional 44 deaths and a slight increase in hospitalizations remind us of the challenge we continue to face with this pandemic and what happens if we don't follow health department guidelines."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides Weekly COVID-19 Update Tuesday (01.26.21) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

In the second week of the 2021 Regular Session, the House voted on bills addressing everything from car tags to jury duty pay.

The bills now advancing to the Senate include:

HB1028-This bill changes the length of time a consumer has to tag their vehicle. Current law gives car buyers 30 days to pay the sales tax and register a vehicle after purchase. HB 1028 would extend it to 60 days.

HB1059-This bill allows participants in a specialty court program, such as drug court, to transfer to a similar program if they move to another court district. This bill also includes guidelines for courts to establish a veterans treatment specialty court program and a DWI specialty court program. In addition, HB1059 sets to develop a domestic violence specialty court program.

Specialty courts are designed to lower the prison population by directing individuals to needed treatment programs.

HB1185-This bill allows the Department of Correction to make an administrative transfer of an inmate to the Division of Community Correction. This would not impact the length of a sentence but rather allow the department to transfer an inmate if they need behavioral or substance abuse treatment.

HB1058-This bill allows a juror to donate their per diem compensation and mileage reimbursement to an eligible nonprofit entity. The administrative office of the courts will be tasked with compiling a list of eligible nonprofits.

An eligible nonprofit should offer services in multiple counties and have as one of its primary goals the providing of:

• Crime victim assistance or counseling

• Services for abused or neglected children

• Shelter for victims of domestic violence

• Services for veterans

• Legal education for students seeking a Juris Doctor degree

HB1107-This bill amends the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to allow the Arkansas Department of Health to request physical or electronic copies of prescriptions from prescribers or dispensers when checking for accuracy.

The House reconvenes on Monday at 1 pm. You can find a list of all agendas and links to live-streams of all meetings at www.arkansashouse.org.

Drawdown and Fish Dinner Benefit Coming to UA Cossatot March 12th

UA Cossatot will host TWO drawdowns for UA Cossatot’s Colts and Lady Colts! It will be held on Friday, March 12, 2021. The first drawdown starts at 5:30 PM and the second drawdown at 7:30 PM at the UA Cossatot Bank of Lockesburg Gymnasium. Dr. Steve Cole and Loren Hinton will emcee the event. Head Coach and Athletic Director, Robert Byrd and the entire Colts and Lady Colts teams will be in attendance to root on each ticket holder!

How does a Drawdown work?

Tickets are eliminated until only one is left. The last ticket on the board is the winner of the Drawdown prize. The last ten (10) people holding tickets are given the option to keep drawing and eliminating tickets or to split the money among themselves. All must agree to split or keep drawing until they all agree or only one is left as the winner. Winner does not have to be present to win.

Why would you want to buy a $50 Drawdown Ticket?

· With only 120 tickets being sold per drawdown, each ticket has a 1 in 120 chance of winning $2,500!

· Each ticket includes a delicious fried fish dinner for 2 (can take order to-go)

· Fun fellowship with friends and excitement to see whose ticket is drawn next (Can also watch on Facebook live from home)!

· Door prizes

· Proceeds benefit the UA Cossatot Colts and Lady Colts

How do I buy a ticket?

Tickets are available online by texting the word Cossatot to 41444.

Dustin Roberts, Foundation Director, will give participants their ticket number(s) after purchase.

Cash and check is also accepted. Call or text 870-584-1172 or email droberts@cccua.edu to purchase tickets with cash or check.