News

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Court Orders Nine Members of Plant Board to be Removed

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by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

The Pulaski County Circuit Court, 6th Division, issued an order Thursday (June 10) removing nine of the 18 members of the State Plant Board from their positions on the board. The Court’s action was a result of a ruling from the Arkansas Supreme Court that those nine members had been unconstitutionally appointed.

In 2017, a lawsuit was filed by six Arkansas farmers challenging the constitutionality of the statute that provides for certain members of the Plant Board to be elected by private trade associations. The circuit court upheld the constitutionality of the statute and the farmers appealed to the Arkansas Supreme Court.

The members removed from the Board are:

Tommy Anderson, Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association; Marty Eaton, Arkansas Seed Dealers Association; Terry Fuller, Arkansas Seed Growers Association; Mark Hopper, Arkansas Pest Management Association; Brad Koen, Arkansas Crop Protection Association; Scott Milburn, Arkansas Forestry Association; Mark Morgan, Arkansas State Horticultural Society; Jason Parks, Arkansas Green Industry Association; and Terry Stephenson, Arkansas Oil Marketers Association.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/06/court-orders-nine-members-of-plant-board-to-be-removed/

arkansas.gov

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Sunday COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

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Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 17
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 6

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 1

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UA Cossatot Partners With Pilgrim's Pride for the Better Futures Program

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UA Cossatot announces its new partnership with Pilgrim’s Pride for its students and future students.

In May, Chancellor of UA Cossatot, Dr. Steve Cole signed an agreement with Pilgrim’s Pride in De Queen to be part of the local Better Futures program.

With this local program, any Pilgrim’s Pride employee and their dependents may attend UA Cossatot tuition-free for any field of study they choose.

According to Chancellor Cole, “It's a tremendous day for education in our region as this will open doors for hundreds, if not thousands, of Pilgrim's Pride employees and their family members. UA Cossatot is proud to partner with Pilgrim's Pride on this endeavor as it will be a game changer for many families and our economy as a whole."

This program will begin in fall 2021 and UA Cossatot will be working with Pilgrim’s Pride to establish a seamless recruitment and enrollment process. More information on the Better Futures program can be found at https://betterfutures.jbssa.com/.

pilgrims logo.jpg
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VIDEO: De Queen City Pool - Joslynn Frachiseur

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Joslynn Frachiseur of De Queen Parks and Rec was our in-studio guest this morning and talked about the popularity of the De Queen City Pool, public swim hours, pool party reservation info, and the upcoming Freedom Fest on July 3rd. To find out more about Parks and Rec activities, call the park office at (870) 642-4140.

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VIDEOS: Flood Warning Extended Through the Weekend for Little River

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...The Flood Warning is extended for the following river in
Oklahoma...Arkansas...

  Little River At Horatio affecting McCurtain, Sevier, Little River
  and Howard Counties.

...The Flood Warning is cancelled for the following river in
Oklahoma...Arkansas...

  Little River Near Idabel affecting McCurtain, Sevier and Little
  River Counties.

ARC061-081-133-OKC089-121415-
/O.EXT.KSHV.FL.W.0126.000000T0000Z-210613T0532Z/
/HRGA4.3.ER.210608T2102Z.210610T1945Z.210612T1132Z.NO/
904 AM CDT Fri Jun 11 2021

...The Flood Warning is now in effect until early Sunday morning...

The Flood Warning continues for
  the Little River At Horatio.
* Until late Saturday night.
* At 8:00 AM CDT Friday the stage was 30.4 feet.
* Flood stage is 27 feet.
* Major flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast.
* Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending
  at 8:00 AM CDT Friday was 30.9 feet.
* Forecast...The Little River at Horatio is expected to fall below
  flood stage Saturday morning and continue falling to 16.7 feet
  Wednesday morning.
* Impact...Flooding to diminish and end through Saturday.
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Arkansas Commits $17 Million for Ebbing Military Mission; Governor Outlines Merit Bonuses, New School Vaccine Policy

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by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Governor Asa Hutchinson made news on three fronts Tuesday (June 8) in his weekly press briefing. Hutchinson outlined the state’s commitment to a new military mission in Fort Smith, performance bonuses for state workers, and a loosening of student quarantines for those fully vaccinated.

The governor said Arkansas will put up $17 million as part of its commitment to the new F-35 and F-16 military mission at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith. The money will be used to extend the runway at the base by 1,300 additional feet. The city of Fort Smith has committed $5 million to the runway extension.

The state’s portion of the $22 million commitment will come from either legislative approval to use rainy day or restrictive reserve funds or the governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund, Hutchinson said.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/06/state-commits-17-million-for-ebbing-military-mission-governor-outlines-merit-bonuses-new-school-vaccine-policy/

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With Walton Financial Support, Statewide Fund Started for Arkansas LGBTQ Community

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by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

A new statewide fund will support organizations working to improve the quality of life for LGBTQ Arkansans.

According to a news release Thursday (June 10), the $1 million fund is launching with philanthropic support from the Alice L. Walton Foundation and from Tom Walton and his wife Olivia through the Walton Family Foundation.

Organizations offering legal, health, education and advocacy services, along with other high-demand needs will be eligible for grants.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/06/with-walton-financial-support-statewide-fund-started-for-arkansas-lgbtq-community/

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Governor Announces Raises For State Employees, New COVID-19 Guidelines For Schools

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By SARAH KELLOGG

State employees in Arkansas will soon have the opportunity to earn a raise as a result of their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Tuesday a 3% "performance or merit" bonus will be given to state agencies, that in turn will be distributed to their employees based on their work.

According to Hutchinson, this pay amount to state employees is the largest one since he took over as governor, costing the state around $11.2 million dollars in state general revenue and a total of $28 million from "all sources" including federal ones.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/governor-announces-raises-state-employees-new-covid-19-guidelines-schools

The COVID-19 numbers for June 8, 2021.CREDIT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

The COVID-19 numbers for June 8, 2021.

CREDIT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

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Arkansas Apportionment Board Hires Former Chief Justice As Redistricting Coordinator

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By SARAH KELLOGG

The members of the state Board of Apportionment, who are responsible for redrawing Arkansas’ congressional districts, on Monday approved the hiring of a former state Supreme Court chief justice to serve as the redistricting coordinator.

The three-membered board, consisting of Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and Secretary of State John Thurston, motioned and then approved the hiring of Betty Dickey to serve in the position at a rate of $10,000 a month until the end of the redistricting process.

After officially calling the meeting to order, the committee quickly went into executive session to interview Dickey. After reconvening, the board made a motion to hire her, which passed. 

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-apportionment-board-hires-former-chief-justice-redistricting-coordinator

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Secretary of State John Thurston gather during the second Board of Apportionment meetingCREDIT ARKANSAS PBS

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Secretary of State John Thurston gather during the second Board of Apportionment meeting

CREDIT ARKANSAS PBS

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Governor Hutchinson Declares Emergency in Response to Southeast Arkansas Flooding

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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has declared a state of emergency in response to recent flooding in southeast Arkansas. This declaration comes after over a foot of rain fell on some communities in a 24-hour period.

"After discussions with community members, local leaders, and the Division of Emergency Management, it quickly became clear that assistance is needed," Governor Hutchinson said on Thursday. "Business owners, farmers, and everyone in the area are feeling the impact of this weather event, and we're moving quickly to help however we can."

The declaration will direct $100,000 from the Emergency Response Fund of the Governor's Disaster Fund to be used at the discretion of the Director of the Division of Emergency Management.

The Governor plans to visit Dumas Friday morning to assess the damage and needs of affected communities. 

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Wednesday COVID-19 SW Arkansas Active Cases and Vaccinations Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

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Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 1

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Major Flooding for Little River in SW Arkansas and SE Oklahoma

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Record flooding of tens of thousands of acres throughout much of Little River and Sevier counties of Arkansas.

Serious flooding of several thousands of acres of grazing and farming land will take place. The Kansas City Southern Railroad bed will be flooded both northwest and southeast of the Highway 41 bridge. Several secondary roadways will be cutoff in the area. Also expect severe backwater flooding on the Cossatot and Rolling Fork Rivers at and upstream from their confluences with the Little River.

The golf course west of Horatio, Arkansas floods. Also, ranchers should evacuate cattle and farm machinery to higher ground and have preparations complete for a major flood. Expect considerable lowland flooding of several hundred acres of grazing and farming land. Expect major backwater flooding of small tributaries at their confluence with the Little River such as the Cossatot and the Rolling Fork Rivers.

The boat ramp recreation area at Wilton, Arkansas downstream from Horatio is flooded and closed. Also, the golf course west of Horatio, Arkansas suffers from overflow.

The golf course west of Horatio is cut off from vehicle traffic by floodwaters. A few hundred acres of lowland flood both upstream and downstream from the Highway 41 bridge.

...The Flood Warning is extended for the following river in
Oklahoma...Arkansas...

  Little River Near Idabel affecting McCurtain, Sevier and Little
  River Counties.

...The Flood Warning continues for the following river in Oklahoma...
Arkansas...

  Little River At Horatio affecting McCurtain, Sevier, Little River
  and Howard Counties.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Do not drive cars through flooded areas.
Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.
A Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. All
interested parties should take necessary precautions immediately.

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.


917 AM CDT Wed Jun 9 2021

...The Flood Warning is now in effect until Friday afternoon...

The Flood Warning continues for
  the Little River Near Idabel.
* Until Friday afternoon.
* At 8:30 AM CDT Wednesday the stage was 35.2 feet.
* Flood stage is 30 feet.
* Major flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast.
* Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending
  at 8:30 AM CDT Wednesday was 35.3 feet.
* Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage late
  Thursday evening and continue falling to 14.3 feet Monday morning.
* Impact...At 34 feet, Farmers and ranchers should have preparations
  completed for a major flood with all cattle and farm machinery
  evacuated. Thousands of acres of lowland in the Little River flood
  plain will be flooded and several secondary roads and bridges will
  be cut off.  Move livestock and equipment to higher ground.
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Nursing Assistant Training Program at UA Cossatot in Nashville Beginning in July

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Nursing Assistant Program

This 90-hour training combines classroom instruction, lab activities, and supervised practical training in a nursing facility. It prepares students for all aspects of nursing assisting. Successful completers receive a certificate, and are eligible to take the State competency exam. $691 (includes $645 tuition plus $46 for textbooks)  

Register by: July 7

Date: July 15 – August 12 (Mondays  - Thursdays)

Time: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Location: Nashville

Instructor: Melba Hess

 

16 hours of clinical training will be conducted in a long term care facility within the UA Cossatot service area.

Nursing Assistant Training Program Application Packet