Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.
Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Wood Pellet Industry on Fire in Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK – A company that produces wood pellets for grilling has announced it will open a plant in Hope this year, and today I’d like to talk about the wood-pellet industry in Arkansas and what it means for this state.
Wood pellets are manufactured from sawdust, shavings, and other sweepings from sawmill floors as well as from timber that is too small or otherwise not suitable for milling. Initially, the pellets were used for heating and producing energy, but some companies, such as Fiber Energy Products in Mountain View, produce food-grade pellets for grilling.
Wood pellets are a sustainable fuel and produce fewer carbons, which makes the pellets a clean source of energy; and the temperature of a pellet fire is easier to control than a log fire.
The pellets resemble rabbit food. The manufacturing process begins with hammermilling, which pulverizes the wood scraps, which are then dried, hammermilled again, and then pressed into molds to form the pellets.
Highland Pellets, a company in Pine Bluff, began producing wood pellets in December 2016. Brian Reed, manager for fiber procurement, said Highland ships its pellets to the United Kingdom, which has required all its coal-fired power plants to convert to cleaner, sustainable fuels.
Fiber Energy, which produces pellets for the outdoor grill, sells pellets made from hickory, apple, cherry, mesquite, oak, and pecan.
On Wednesday, the family owned Dansons company announced it will open a plant to produce food-grade wood pellets in Hope. Dan Thiessen founded Dansons with his sons in 1999 to convert sawmill waste into animal bedding and wood-pellet fuel. The company also builds pellet-burning barbecue pits, which it will distribute from its plant in Hope. Dansons will produce pellets made from cherry, maple, white oak, elm, sweet gum, sassafras, and mesquite.
Dansons estimates that over the next three years, it will create fifty to one hundred jobs in Hope, which has a population of 10,000 and an unemployment rate of about 4.6 percent.
At least two other Arkansas companies produce wood pellets – Fiber Resource in Pine Bluff and Biomass in Monticello.
The wood-pellet industry is a perfect fit for Arkansas. It’s another tool for managing our forests. It reduces sawmill waste by creating another product from the scraps. It creates another market that allows landowners to sell small diameter trees that generally aren’t valuable. The pellet plants need wood. Arkansas has wood. The plants need employees. Arkansas offers a solid workforce. The top reason it’s a good fit, perhaps, is that pelleters are producing wood pellets for grilling, and we Arkansans love our barbecue.
First FRIENDS Foundation Meeting Takes Place
PRESS RELEASE
183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832
870-584-1124
www.cccua.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12 February 2021
CONTACT: Ben Renfrow, Marketing Coordinator
The first annual FRIENDS Foundation meeting took place on Friday, February 5, 2021, at 11:30 A.M. at the De Queen Herman Dierks Park community building. FRIENDS is a foundation that was established to help Sevier County grow through economic development projects and activities. Twenty-eight people attended the meeting, and five attended via zoom.
The history of FRIENDS and the Sevier County Economic Development department was discussed during the meeting. Membership and funding progress toward the annual budget was also covered. The meeting concluded with the election of the 2021 FRIENDS Foundation Board of Directors.
The FRIENDS Foundation Board of Directors includes President Mike Branson, Vice-President Greg Revels, Secretary/Treasurer Jay Bunyard, Dr. Steve Cole, Jimmy Bristow, Angie Walker, and Ned Hendrix.
Jeff Tollett and Dion Cooper from REA were invited to the meeting as special guests to announce to the foundation members that REA has plans to enter broadband service in our community and answered questions about that process.
The FRIENDS Board of Directors had its first directors’ meeting on Friday, February 12, 2021, at UA Cossatot’s De Queen Campus in the Weyerhaeuser room at 11:30 A.M. At the meeting, they met with a hotel developer to gain insights on hospitality conditions since the pandemic hit. They also discussed leadership training opportunities for our community to consider.
All individuals of Sevier County are encouraged and welcome to join FRIENDS. Membership for the year is granted with any donation of $100 or more. For any questions about the Sevier County FRIENDS
Foundation, please contact Sevier County Economic Development Director Tiffany Maurer at tmaurer@cccua.edu or 870-584-1184.###
Click on Photo for Briefing on Very Cold Temperatures and Wintry Precipitation Mix on the Way to Arkansas
Click on Photo above for the Winter Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service
Freezing Temperatures This Weekend Could Continue To Make Arkansas Roads Hazardous
Though Arkansas is not expected to see more winter precipitation until Sunday, below freezing temperatures in the next couple of days still pose a danger to the state’s roadways.
The ice storm, which traveled through the state late Wednesday into Thursday morning, brought snow, freezing rain and sleet. According to the state Department of Transportation’s I Drive Arkansas website, as of Thursday evening, the majority of roads in northeast Arkansas still had either slush, patches of ice or even ice coating them. Roads as south as Pine Bluff were impacted by the storm system.
Dave Parker, spokesman for the department, said though they are not expecting more precipitation until late in the weekend, crews will be working to get the current ice and snow off of roads before even colder temperatures arrive.
A plow from the city of Little Rock travels on Thursday
CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS
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 1,103 new cases; 13,518 active cases; 712 hospitalized, which is down 23 from Wednesday; 117 on ventilators, which is down 21 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 25, for a total of 5,199; a total of 311, 043 cases; 233,057 recoveries; PCR tests, 11,617; antigen tests, 1,470.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 178; Benton, 90; Washington, 60; Saline, 57; and Sebastian, 52
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"For the second day in a row, we see a decrease of over 50% in new cases from last week. Vaccine administration has progressed throughout the state, with an increase of over 94,000 since last week. We must continue doing our part in this fight."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 132
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 91
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 84
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 52
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 21
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 102
Active Confirmed Cases: 65
Active Probable Cases: 37
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 30
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 10
Application Deadlines Extended for Programs at UA Cossatot
VIDEO: Callie Miller with Sevier County Chamber of Commerce on Ed 88
Callie Miller, De Queen / Sevier County Chamber of Commerce President, was a guest on the Ed 88 Morning Show Thursday and announced new chamber board members and discusssed some planned spring events.
BBQ Wood Pellet Mill to Open in Hope, 50-100 New Jobs Forthcoming
by Roby Brock
Credit Stock.Adobe.com
Dansons USA said Wednesday (Feb. 10) it will open “the country’s largest barbecue wood pellet mill and distribution center” in Hope, Ark. The facility is expected to create 50-100 new jobs over the next three years, according to the company.
The facility, which is approximately 335,000 square feet and sits on 143 acres, will initially start with three pelleters and a 100,000-ton capacity, but has the infrastructure for eventual expansion to 300,000 tons and nine pelleters. The site will also serve as a distribution center for wood pellets as well as wood pellet barbecue grills, according to Dansons.
https://talkbusiness.net/2021/02/bbq-wood-pellet-mill-to-open-in-hope-50-100-new-jobs-forthcoming/
Road Conditions Thursday Morning in Arkansas
Senate Committee Advances Bill That Would Ban All Abortions In Arkansas
A bill that would ban all abortions in the state with few exceptions will now go to the Arkansas Senate floor after a committee voted to advance it Wednesday.
Under Senate Bill 6, a person is not allowed to perform an abortion under any circumstance unless it is to "save the life or preserve the health of the child, remove a dead unborn child caused by spontaneous abortion or remove an ectopic pregnancy."
There are no exceptions listed in the legislation for instances of rape or incest.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/senate-committee-advances-bill-would-ban-all-abortions-arkansas
ARKANSAS SENATE
Texarkana Arkansas Restaurant Refuses To Follow Directive For Employees To Wear Masks
Despite a clear directive from Gov. Asa Hutchinson that Arkansas restaurant employees who come in contact with customers must wear face masks, some restaurants are still not taking the safety precaution to try and limit the spread of the coronavirus. But Hutchinson said Tuesday he believes most restaurants are following his guidance.
One restaurant that has not required any employees to wear masks, according to an employee who spoke with a KUAR reporter Saturday, is a Chicken Express franchise in Texarkana, Ark. It also appeared that there was no effort by employees to maintain social distancing.
“We’re not required to wear masks,” said the employee who didn’t give her name.
An employee at a Chicken Express restaurant in Texarkana, Ark. telling a reporter Saturday that employees are not required to wear masks. That assertion was contradicted by the state Department of Health and Gov. Asa Hutchinson.
CREDIT MICHAEL HIBBLEN / KUAR NEWS
Thursday 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 Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,092 new cases; 14,190 active cases; 735 hospitalized, which is down 40 from Tuesday; 138 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 26, for a total of 5,174; a total of 309,940 cases; 231,828 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,790; antigen tests, 2,207.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 163; Washington, 85; Benton, 71; Saline, 68; and Faulkner, 56.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"Compared to last week, there are over 1,300 fewer new cases and over 2,300 fewer active cases. Our mitigation efforts are working, but we cannot use this as an excuse to relax. This virus can spread rapidly, and we all must work together to defeat it."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 123
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 84
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 90
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 56
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 22
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 94
Active Confirmed Cases: 62
Active Probable Cases: 32
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 31
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 10
Sevier County Library System Notice
MESSAGE FROM THE SEVIER COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Attention Patrons and Community:
Since the cases of Covid -19 has tripled in the last week The Sevier County Library board has decided to go back to curbside service for ALL Sevier County Libraries beginning February 11. This is for the safety of our staff, patrons and community. We hope that you will be patient with us during this pandemic. Please do not hesitate to call us for all your curbside needs.
Thank you
The Sevier County Library Board of Trustees
Congrats! Shaglista Ware
We want to congratulate and recognize Shaglista Ware on graduating this past December and share her story about how Career Pathways helped her reach her educational goals at UA Cossatot.
“My name is Shaglista, and I am a recent RN graduate. I started with the LPN program at UA Cossatot and quickly found out that I did not qualify for financial aid anymore, and the school didn’t accept student loans. I was referred to Crystal Hunter, and she provided me with the information needed to get set up with Career Pathways. I qualified and received way more help than I imagined getting. I live an hour away. By contacting Career Pathways, I received a gas voucher, help with uniforms, supplies, and most importantly, help with my tuition. I received assistance throughout the LPN program and the RN program. Career Pathways also paid for both of my state tests for both programs. Because of Career Pathways, I was able to finish nursing school without any debt or any financial worry. I am forever grateful and will continue to refer students to Career Pathways. Thank you!” - Shaglista Ware
Our Career Pathways department wants UA Cossatot students to have the best experience they can while enrolled at our college. Career Pathways provides assistance and many resources for UA Cossatot students. For any questions about Career Pathways, please contact Crystal Hunter at 870-584-1119.
Colts Basketball Games Postponed in Little Rock Today
UA Cossatot Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director, Robert Byrd, tells Ed 88 that today's scheduled games in Little Rock at Arkansas Baptist have been postponed due to road conditions in central Arkansas.
Daily Legislative Report From State Rep Deann Vaught:
Wednesday is the last day members can file proposed Constitutional Amendments. The General Assembly can refer a maximum of three amendments for the November 2022 General Election ballot.
Proposed amendments are filed as either a House Joint Resolution (HJR) or a Senate Joint Resolution (SJR).
The House State Agencies committee will review and vote on proposed amendments later in the session.
Meanwhile, the House passed several bills this afternoon, including the following:
HB1110-This bill requires a state entity to report security breaches to the legislative auditor. If the auditor believes the security incident significantly compromises citizens’ data or creates significant concern, the auditor will notify the Governor and legislative leaders.
HB1265-This bill amends the law concerning the unlawful passing of a school bus. It states drivers must come to a complete stop no less than 30 feet from the bus when it stops to load or unload passengers. This 30 feet perimeter would apply to public roads, private or public property open to the general public, and any driveway or parking lot belonging to a public school.
HB1017-This bill states that Arkansas would permanently adopt Daylight Saving Time when the federal government allows states to do so and when surrounding states declare their intent to do so.
HB1359-This bill allows the Division of Children and Family Services to release certain information regarding foster children, such as information needed for tax filing purposes.
HB1176-This bill would ensure that Arkansas Medicaid reimbursements for telemedicine of certain behavioral and mental health services continue after the health emergency ends.
HB1116- This is a bill to establish “Simon’s Law,” named after a Missouri child whose death led to similar laws being passed in several states. It would require health care professionals to obtain at least one parent's consent before placing a “do not resuscitate” order for a child.
HB1029-This bill adds former representative and civil rights attorney John Walker to the list of Arkansas civil rights leaders to be included in teaching materials regarding African-American history in public schools.
The House will convene on Wednesday at 1 pm.
Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 127
Active Confirmed Cases: 43
Active Probable Cases: 84
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 101
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 64
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 22
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 101
Active Confirmed Cases: 74
Active Probable Cases: 27
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 30
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 10
De Queen Public Schools Report
Community Organizers Announce New Non-Profit Organization and Mural Project in De Queen
NEWS RELEASE
Minority Affairs Council Contact: 720-477-9659 February 9th, 2021 DQUnity@Gmail.com
Community Organizers Announce New Non-Profit Organization and Mural Project in De Queen
DE QUEEN, AR—A team of area organizers have launched an inclusive local group and announced plans for a community mural as their first project in De Queen this month.
The new Non-Profit organization is aiming to support the minority populations of Sevier County and unite the communities of Southwest Arkansas as a whole. After their most recent meeting held in downtown De Queen Thursday February 4th, leaders conducted a poll and voted “Minority Affairs Council” as the name for the group.
The first community goal carried out by the Minority Affairs Council will be to cover up graffiti markings with a “Welcome to De Queen Mural” on a storage unit business recently vandalized on the Eastern edge of town. MAC has received permission from the business owner to paint the building’s exterior and the group is in the process of commissioning a team of artists to bring the work of community art to life.
In addition to erasing the act of vandalism, the group also envisions the future mural to serve as a tourist attraction for visitors driving through on U.S Highway 70. Ideally, travelers can take a family photo at the “Welcome to De Queen Mural” and stop for coffee and food at nearby Jitterbug Java and Hachi Hachi restaurants on the way through town.
The Minority Affairs Council also hopes to use the mural as an opportunity to promote the diverse cultures of Sevier County and talks of possibly painting leaders of De Queen’s past or the word “Welcome” in different languages on the piece are in the works as well. This decision, along with selecting a Board of Directors and finalizing regular meeting places and times are on the agenda for the next meeting on February 18th.
Other goals for the group this year include planning an annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, organizing authentic Hispanic Heritage month events and a Juneteenth celebration to embrace African-American culture. The Minority Affairs Council also hopes to support BIPOC residents in pursuing local Government, build a multi-cultural center and African-American museum in the future.
To fund the community mural, a series of fundraisers will be held to collect money to pay for the supplies and provide artist compensation.
People of all ages, ethnicities, religions and cultures are welcome to be involved in the Minority Affairs Council and the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 18th at 7:30pm at Party Room Candela in Downtown De Queen.
All meetings can also be viewed on Facebook live and in-person meeting attendees are encouraged to wear masks and social distance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
For questions, please contact DQunity@gmail.com