...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT TODAY...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 108 expected.
* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,
southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and
east and northeast Texas.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur, particularly for those working or
participating in outdoor activities.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
VIDEO: Sevier County Chamber Chat with Christie McCullough 08.10.21
Christy McCullough recently visited Ed 88 studios for our weekly Sevier County Chamber Chat.
COVID Numbers Continue to Climb in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 91
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 71
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 88
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 67
Heat Advisory Wednesday for Southwest Arkansas
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 108 expected.
* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,
southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and
east and northeast Texas.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur, particularly for those working or
participating in outdoor activities.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.VIDEO: "What's Up, Doc?" with Dr. Randy Walker 08.11.21
This week on "What's Up, Doc?", Dr. Randy talks about some of the persisting problems many COVID survivors have reported and why there is hope that many of these patients can expect to return to normal.
Lori House, CEO of the new Sevier County Medical Center, was Guest Speaker at De Queen Lions Club
Lori House, CEO of the new Sevier County Medical Center, was Tuesday’s guest speaker at the De Queen Lions Club. Lion Jeff Brown introduced House.
Democratic Party Chair Michael John Gray Leaving Post
by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)
Michael John Gray, the former state representative who has served as Democratic Party of Arkansas chairman since 2017, is leaving his position, he announced Monday (Aug. 9).
Gray intends to resign as party chairman effective Sept. 1, 2021. He made the announcement to party leaders during an Executive Committee meeting on Monday night, followed by an informal meeting of the State Committee.
“Our state has been through immense changes since I began serving in public life and the challenges seem to be more important than ever. As Chairman, I’ve met people all across this state, with diverse backgrounds and upbringings, and found that when you turn down the noise from the cable television rhetoric most of us want the same thing. We want a good life for our families and we don’t want to be ignored by the people who claim to be our leaders. I got involved to give voice to my neighbors, the forgotten communities across the Delta, and to build a path for those who haven’t always been engaged. I will continue to do that every day of my life. I am a better person for it and am extremely grateful to the friends that I have made across this state, and I am humbled by the support they’ve given me.
https://talkbusiness.net/2021/08/democratic-party-chair-michael-john-gray-leaving-post/
Defense Focuses On Disgraced Judge’s Credibility As Baker Bribery Case Goes To Jury
By DEBRA HALE-SHELTON/ ARKANSAS NONPROFIT NEWS NETWORK
Jurors in the bribery trial of former lobbyist Gilbert Baker went home for the weekend after hearing closing arguments and deliberating less than two hours Friday afternoon.
Deliberations will resume Monday morning in U.S. District Court in Little Rock. Jurors have endured two weeks of testimony, more than a little legal jargon, and two coronavirus scares that sent one former juror and a prosecutor home with the virus and led to all trial participants being tested for it.
Baker, a former chairman of the Republican Party of Arkansas, is charged with bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy. He is accused of being the middleman in an alleged plot in 2013 to bribe former Faulkner County Circuit Judge Mike Maggio on behalf of Michael Morton, a wealthy nursing-home owner and campaign financier from Fort Smith.
Defendant Gilbert Baker exits the U.S. courthouse on Friday afternoon.
CREDIT BRIAN CHILSON / ARKANSAS NONPROFIT NEWS NETWORK
Fayetteville VA Urging All Veterans to Get COVID-19 Vaccine
The Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks in Fayetteville is again reaching out to enrolled veterans and their families to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, to reduce the spread of the new aggressive Delta variant. Veterans are encouraged to call 1-800-691-8387 ext. 67979 or email Jean.Nelson2@va.gov.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/fayetteville-va-urging-all-veterans-get-covid-19-vaccine
VHSO Registered Nurse Jean Nelson (right), and pharmacist Meredith White are co-coordinating COVID-19 vaccinations.
COURTESY / VHSO
Test Scores Drop Across the Board for Arkansas Students
By KYLE KELLAMS
Most Arkansas students will be attending classes in just a couple of weeks as a new school year launches. This academic year comes after an odd school year which also produced low test scores for Arkansas students. Sarah McKenzie from Office for Education Policy at the University of Arkansas provides some insight.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/test-scores-drop-across-board-arkansas-students
YUSTINUS TJIUWANDA / UNSPLASH
Coach Robert Byrd of UA Cossatot at De Queen Lions Club Meeting
Robert Byrd, Athletic Director and head coach of UA Cossatot Colts and Lady Colts, recently spoke at De Queen Lions Club about the success of the basketball teams’ previous season, the upcoming benefit golf tournament at De Queen County Club, and the upcoming season.
Heat Advisory for Southwest Arkansas
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 7 PM CDT TUESDAY...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 108 expected.
* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,
southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and
east and northeast Texas.
* WHEN...From 11 AM to 7 PM CDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur, particularly for those working or
participating in outdoor activities.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.U.S. Department of Commerce Awarding $2 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance to Support Healthcare and Workforce Training at UA Cossatot
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to UA Cossatot. This grant supports a Medical Mobile Unit and creates a healthcare simulation lab and telemedicine space at all four campuses. This EDA grant is expected to create 105 jobs.
“President Biden is committed to harnessing the full power of the federal government to ensure our nation not only recovers from this pandemic but builds back stronger,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment in Cossatot Community College will provide rural communities with access to healthcare and healthcare training programs to prepare students for good-paying, quality jobs.”
“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting community-led economic development strategies designed to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This EDA investment will create a Wellness Education Learning and Living (WELL) community with a Medical Mobile Unit to provide urgent care and create a healthcare simulation lab and telemedicine space to train workers in high-demand healthcare fields.”
“This grant is a real benefit to rural Arkansas,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for more healthcare options in rural Arkansas and the benefit of telemedicine. The funds will make a positive impact on the economy and the health of Arkansans.”
“Congress came together in a bipartisan way to pass the CARES Act to strengthen our communities’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent challenges it presents,” said Senator John Boozman. “I am pleased the EDA recognizes the need for expanded health care access and training in Southwest Arkansas and is making this investment to help the region better meet existing and future needs that will also result in more good jobs.”
“Rural America is too often overlooked for federal grants,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04). “That’s why I’m so grateful that the bipartisan CARES Act is making this critical health care investment possible. The residents of De Queen and the students at Cossatot Community College will benefit greatly from the jobs and training opportunities this grant will support. Smart, targeted investment like this greatly aids rural America’s post-pandemic recovery.”
“We feel this grant will impact Medical Education in Southwest Arkansas like nothing ever before, said UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole. “This WELL grant will allow UA Cossatot to establish four medical simulation/telemedicine labs on each of our four campuses in DeQueen, Lockesburg, Nashville, and Ashdown, two Ambulance Simulators on two campuses, the establishment of a new Medical Lab Technician program, and we will be purchasing a complete mobile medical unit that our medical faculty and students will be using to assist with health care needs around our service area. It is truly a game-changer for our college, and we can’t be more thankful to our Federal Delegation for helping see this through”.
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District (SWAPDD). EDA funds SWAPDD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development road map to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
This project is funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Public Law 116-136), which provided EDA with $1.5 billion for economic assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance, which is being administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program, provides a wide range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Back To School COVID Message From Dr. Steve Cole, UA Cossatot Chancellor
Greetings to all students, faculty, and staff at UA Cossatot.
Here it is, the start of a fresh semester and here we are, dealing with another outbreak of COVID-19.
The Chancellor’s Cabinet at UA Cossatot has been monitoring the prevailing health conditions of our local area and, as we did this past year, we will continue to sanitize classrooms and other public spaces and provide masks and hand sanitizers for all students and employees that choose to wear one.
For the upcoming fall semester, here are a few things we want everyone to consider:
If you have questions about vaccinations, mask use, etc., please talk to your family physician, pharmacist, or other professional who is specifically trained in this area. Please don’t rely on social media, unreliable “news” sources, or other unqualified messengers. The most important thing is for everyone to make really good, informed decisions about their own health and how they can help reduce the spread of COVID and reduce the risk associated with it in case they test positive for it.
Getting vaccinated remains your best option for protection against the virus. If you haven’t done so already, I strongly encourage you to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible. If you need additional information about how and why to get vaccinated locally, please reach out to Dr. Ashley Aylett (aaylett@cccua.edu) for a complete list of locations that offer free vaccines.
There is currently a state law that states that UA Cossatot cannot require masks on our campuses. Even though we don’t require masks when you are on campus, masks are effective in preventing direct exposure to airborne virus particles, and we strongly encourage you to wear a mask if social distancing is not possible.
Communication and contact tracing are still vitally important as we monitor students and employees who may be exposed to COVID. The rules and guidance related to quarantine and isolation (based on Arkansas Department of Health guidelines) continue to evolve depending on your vaccination status. If you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID or if you have tested positive, please contact the following people:
For UA Cossatot students, contact Dr. Ashley Aylett (aaylett@cccua.edu)
For UA Cossatot employees, contact Ms. Kelly Plunk (kplunk@cccua.edu)
We are looking forward to a fantastic fall semester! We will all have to work hard to take care of one another and have a successful academic year.
As always, please let me know if I can do anything for you!
Dr. Cole
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
This week, House members convened in the House Chamber for two orders of business.
In accordance with ACT 403 of the Regular Session, the House convened as a committee of the whole on Tuesday, August 4, to consider whether to terminate the Governor’s July 29, 2021 declaration of a statewide public health emergency.
When it was determined that no concurrent resolutions had been filed in the House and that one resolution filed in the Senate had been withdrawn, the House adjourned its committee of the whole. Since no resolution was adopted by the General Assembly, the Governor’s declaration remains in effect for 60 days.
The House convened on Wednesday, August 4, for an Extraordinary Session.
The Governor called for the session primarily for two purposes.
The first item on the call was to allow public school boards and open enrollment charter schools to implement masking protocols for children under 12. Children under 12 are currently not eligible to receive the vaccine for COVID-19.
The second purpose listed on the call was to concur with the Governor's decision to terminate the state’s participation in federal pandemic unemployment compensation program often referred to as PUA.
In response, to the call the House considered two pieces of legislation
HB1001 outlines the General Assembly’s concurrence with the termination of PUA in Arkansas.
This bill passed in the House with a vote of 74-17-0
HB1003 stated that a public school district can mandate the use of a face mask, shield, or other face covering only with approval of the school board and if the district or area served by an open-enrollment charter school has a fourteen-day COVID-19 infection rate of at least 50 new known infections per 10,000 residents of the public school district based on the most recent data published by the Department of Health or the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement. Currently, 100 school districts meet that criteria.
HB1003 outlined certain exemptions and limits such mandates to 60 days. This bill underwent Committee review, but did not advance to the House floor. The House adjourned the special session on Friday, August 6.
We will continue to update you on the actions of the General Assembly regarding the current emergency.
All of our meetings are streamed live and archived on our website www.arkansashouse.org.
UA Cossatot Honor Students and Graduate List for Summer 2021
UA Cossatot Has Announced the Honor Graduates for Summer 2021
To earn a place on the Chancellor's List a student must complete at least 12 hours of college level credit classes and achieve a semester gpa of 4.0. Ariel Dinkins of Gillham made the Chancellor's List while earning an Associate of Science Degree in Business.
Students who achieve the honor of Vice Chancellor's List, must complete at least 12 hour college level credit classes and earn a semester gpa of 3.50 to 3.99. Vice Chancellor's honorees include:
Weston Harp Associate of Arts De Queen
Sofia Velaquez AS in Business De Queen
Shalene Cardenas AS in Business Nashville
Congratulations to each of our honor students!
UA Cossatot Graduate List for Summer 2021
Erica Alexander Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Shreveport
Michael Barnard Associate of General Studies De Queen
Payton Bobo Associate of Arts & Associate of General Studies Dierks
Marlene Briones Health Professions Technical Certificate De Queen
Jade Burgess Psychology Associate of Science & General Studies Technical Certificate Idabel
Shannon Burkland Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Texarkana
Dillon Cheater STEM Associate of Science Sallisaw, OK
Hannah Coffman Cosmetology Technical Certificate Amity
Brayden Counts Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Dierks
Haley Davis Associate of General Studies Nashville
MaKayla Dixon STEM Associate of Science Ashdown
Delaney Eckert Associate of General Studies & General Studies Technical Certificate Dierks
Sha'uri Esquivel STEM Associate of Science De Queen
Maya Fant Psychology Associate of Science & General Studies Technical Certificate Nashville
Aubree Gauldin Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Foreman
Lacie Grace Cosmetology Technical Certificate Nashville
Triston Green General Technology Associate of Applied Science Nashville
Weston Harp Associate of Arts & General Studies Technical Certificate De Queen
Jerimiyah Harris Business Associate of Science Nashville
Samantha Henderson Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Broken Bow
Candice Hughes Associate of General Studies Murfreesboro
Alyssa Jackson Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Fouke
Sophie Jackson STEM Associate of Science Cove
Jacques Ketant Associate of General Studies & General Studies Technical Certificate North Miami, FL
Brayden Kirby Associate of General Studies & General Studies Technical Certificate Dierks
Garrett Lance Associate of General Studies & General Studies Technical Certificate Nashville
Hope Littles Associate of Arts & General Studies Technical Certificate Murfreesboro
Aubrey Lockeby Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Ashdown
Megan Lovelis Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Star City
David Mitchell Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Ashdown
Crystal Morgan Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Texarkana
Breanna Mounts Associate of General Studies & General Studies Technical Certificate Newhope
Rena Owens Associate of General Studies & Teaching: K-6 Associate of Science Waldron
Callie Redfearn Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science Ashdown
Erica Resendiz Physical Therapy Assistant Associate of Applied Science De Queen
Raven Revels Agri Business Associate of Science De Queen
Garrett Talley Associate of General Studies Nashville
Congratulations to all of our UA Cossatot Summer Graduates!
UAMS Offering Revolutionary CAR T-Cell Therapy for Myeloma Patients
By Linda Haymes
The Myeloma Center at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is offering a new cutting-edge immunotherapy treatment for myeloma patients.
UAMS is the first and only medical facility in Arkansas approved to provide cellular therapy to myeloma patients.
“This is exciting because this is the first cellular therapy product commercially available for myeloma patients,” said Myeloma Center clinical director Frits van Rhee, M.D. Ph.D.
Representative Brandt Smith to Challenge U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford in GOP Primary
by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)
Four-term State Rep. Brandt Smith, R-Jonesboro, told Talk Business & Politics on Friday (Aug. 6) he intends to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, in the Republican primary in 2021.
Smith, 62, said he’s talked with many constituents in Northeast Arkansas during recent years and he thinks there’s a disconnect between Crawford and people in the district. “Politicians don’t own these seats … They belong to the people of Arkansas. I’ve been blessed to be elected to four terms, but I only occupy that seat as long as the people re-elect me. It belongs to them,” he said.
Smith, a Jonesboro native, said he had a “heated conversation” with Crawford about his plans to challenge him. Smith claimed the conversation grew so contentious that he hung up the phone.
https://talkbusiness.net/2021/08/rep-brandt-smith-to-challenge-u-s-rep-rick-crawford-in-gop-primary/
Dodroe Named Arkansas Air National Guard Commander, Gentry to Command 188th
by Talk Business & Politics staff
Col. Leon Dodroe, former commander of the 188th Wing in Fort Smith, was promoted to brigadier general and assumed command of the Arkansas Air National Guard. Col. Jeremiah Gentry was promoted to 188th commander.
Dodroe replaced Brig. Gen. Thomas Crimmins who was selected by the U.S. Air Force as senior defense official and defense attaché to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Dodroe enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1993 and served with the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga. In 1995, he was selected for pilot training and received his commission through Officer Candidate School. Upon completion of flight training school in 1996, he was assigned as the Fixed Wing Platoon Leader for the Southern European Task Force at Vicenza, Italy. He has also served in the Arizona Army National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserve, holding numerous leadership positions before joining the Arizona Air National Guard in 2010.
C-130 aircraft line up to take off at the Little Rock Air Force Base.
Provost Charles Robinson Named Interim Chancellor for University of Arkansas
by Talk Business & Politics staff
The University of Arkansas System announced Monday (Aug. 9) that Charles Robinson, provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at the UA, will become interim chancellor for the state’s flagship university beginning Aug. 16.
Bill Kincaid has served as acting chancellor since former chancellor Joe Steinmetz resigned on June 18. Kincaid will move back into his role as senior managing associate general counsel.
UA System President Donald Bobbitt said over the next year a national search will take place to consider internal and external candidates for the permanent chancellor position, and he will form a representative search committee to assist in the search.
Photo courtesy of the University of Arkansas.