Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Thursday, July 16, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m.. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Thursday COVID-19 Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 822
Active Positive: 62
Recovered: 751
Deaths: 9
Negatives: 3,769
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 157
Active Positive: 38
Recovered: 118
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,733
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 54
Active Positive: 13
Recovered: 41
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 930
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 94
Active Positive: 14
Recovered: 80
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,714
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 23
Active Positive: 12
Recovered: 11
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 2,059
Heat Advisory Again for Southwest Arkansas Thursday
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Afternoon maximum heat index values will range between
105-110 degrees.
* WHERE...Southeast Oklahoma, Southwest Arkansas, Northern
Louisiana, and portions of Northeast and Deep East Texas.
* WHEN...Through 7 PM CDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Heat and humidity will significantly increase the
potential for heat related illnesses, 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.
Walmart Requiring Shoppers To Wear Masks Beginning Monday
Walmart says shoppers must wear masks inside its stores starting Monday — the largest retailer to join a growing list of companies making face covering mandatory across the nation.
Walmart and Sam's Club — as well as Kroger — are joining Costco, Starbucks, Best Buy, Panera Bread and others in implementing a nationwide requirement for customers to wear masks inside their stores.
Walmart Will Require Shoppers To Wear Masks; Other Retailers Urged To Follow
Walmart says shoppers must wear masks inside its stores starting Monday - the largest retailer to join a growing list of companies making face covering mandatory across the nation. Walmart and Sam's Club - as well as Kroger - are joining Costco, Starbucks, Best Buy, Panera Bread and others in implementing a nationwide requirement for customers to wear masks inside their stores.
VIDEO: CARES Act Steering Committee Meeting Wednesday (07.15.20)
The CARES Act Steering Committee, created by Governor Asa Hutchinson to recommend the best use of federal COVID-19 aid, will meet virtually at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Arkansas County Clerks Begin Issuing Absentee Ballot Applications
Registered voters seeking to avoid crowded voting centers this upcoming General Election during the COVID-19 pandemic can vote absentee, according to a recent directive from Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston. Applications are required and now available online and via mail by request.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-county-clerks-begin-issuing-absentee-ballot-applications
Arkansas County Clerks Begin Issuing Absentee Ballot Applications
Registered voters seeking to avoid crowded voting centers this upcoming General Election during the COVID-19 pandemic can vote absentee, according to a recent directive from Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston. Applications are required and now available online and via mail by request.
De Queen School Board Met Monday, July 13th
The De Queen School District School Board met in regular session Monday, July 13th, 2020 in the high school cafeteria. During the Superintendent’s report, the board listened to Superintendent Jason Sanders and High School Principal Bryan Blackwood as they explained the proposed procedures and logistics for the Class of 2020 Commencement Ceremony scheduled to be held on Friday, July 31st. Mr. Sanders also described to the board how the district is preparing for the 2020-2021 school year under the "Ready for Learning" guidance from the Arkansas Department of Education. Details of the two topics discussed are below:
Class of 2020 Graduation
The board approved the district to go forward with the proposed plans to hold graduation for the Class of 2020 on Friday, July 31st at Leopard Coliseum. In order to provide a safe environment and to be in line with CDC/ADH guidelines, the graduation ceremony will be divided into three separate sessions. Mr. Blackwood explained that this would allow for enough space for the graduates to be socially distanced on the arena floor. Students will be allowed tickets for up to ten family members which will allow enough room for social distancing in the seating area. The sessions will be separated by enough time to allow the arena to be disinfected, sanitizer stations will be available, and masks will be required for everyone except for children under the age of ten.
Mr. Blackwood and his staff are currently reaching out to members of the Class of 2020 to confirm if they are attending in order to establish an accurate count. Once, the count is established, more information will be released on the times of each session and which session each student will attend.
The high school is also working on providing a live video stream of the event. The graduation plans will be presented this week for state approval. If you have any questions, you are encouraged to call the high school office at 870-642-2426.
Return to School/Ready for Learning Planning:
Mr. Sanders explained to the board that the administration has been busy studying the “Ready for Learning” guidelines and is currently creating plans to follow those guidelines. He explained this district has the challenge of finding a delicate balance of providing a safe environment while providing an effective education to the extent possible.
The “Ready for Learning” guidelines require districts to implement blended learning systems that deliver curriculum, instruction, and assessment both on and off-site through virtual methods. The district recently released a survey to district parents that asked questions regarding internet/cell phone service in their areas and their feelings toward the return to school this fall. More than 600 responded to the survey and the district is currently making plans to address some of the challenges and concerns discovered from the survey.
Mr. Sanders also explained to the board that teachers are the ones closest to the challenges that will come with the return to school and that the district is currently taking steps to hear their concerns and input. Teachers and staff are encouraged to contact their building principal with any questions or concerns they may have as soon as possible. Principals and the administration will meet with teacher representatives on Wednesday, July 13th to hear those concerns and go through a detailed building by building plan for the return to school and ensure that all buildings follow CDC/ADH guidelines to the fullest extent possible.
Wednesday's Arkansas COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 819
Active Positive: 75
Recovered: 735
Deaths: 9
Negatives: 3,757
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 154
Active Positive: 38
Recovered: 115
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,731
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 50
Active Positive: 9
Recovered: 41
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 928
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 90
Active Positive: 12
Recovered: 78
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,698
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 20
Active Positive: 10
Recovered: 10
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 2,044
Wednesday, Another Heat Advisory for SW AR from the NWS
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Heat index values between 105 to 109 degrees.
* WHERE...Portions of Northeast Texas, Southeast Oklahoma, and
Southwest Arkansas.
* WHEN...Through 7 PM CDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Hot afternoon high temperatures and high humidity may
cause heat illnesses to occur.
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: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update from Conway (07.15.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media from Conway on Wednesday, July 15th, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response. (Click on Play Button Above)
NWS Issues Heat Advisory Again Tuesday for Southwest Arkansas
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Heat index values between 105 to 109 degrees.
* WHERE...Portions of Northeast Texas, Southeast Oklahoma, and
Southwest Arkansas.
* WHEN...Through 7 PM CDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Hot afternoon high temperatures and high humidity may
cause heat illnesses to occur.
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.
Arkansas Education Association Concerns of Reopening Schools
The Arkansas Education Association has not ruled out a legal challenge to Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s recently announced plans to open schools, but boycotts and other disruptions are not planned, according to AEA Executive Director Tracey-Ann Nelson.
Arkansas Secretary of Education Dr. Johnny Key said the opening plan provides flexibility for districts that may need more time to prepare, including acquiring technology equipment for “blended learning” – a mix of in-class and virtual instruction – and gathering personal protective equipment such as face masks.
Opening schools will return hundreds of thousands of students, teachers and staff to more than 1,000 school facilities in the state. During the 2019-2020 school year, the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) reported 479,432 K-12 students, 33,399 teachers and 36,274 staff.
Arkansas Education Association wants concerns 'fully addressed' before schools open - Talk Business & Politics
The Arkansas Education Association has not ruled out a legal challenge to Gov. Asa Hutchinson's recently announced plans to open schools, but boycotts and other disruptions are not planned, according to AEA Executive Director Tracey-Ann Nelson.
UAMS Chancellor Calls For Mandate To Require Masks Throughout Arkansas
UAMS Chancellor Dr. Cam Patterson has been through a health crisis before. When he was entering the medical field in the late 80’s, the country was awakening to the HIV epidemic. Today, the COVID-19 pandemic is moving more rapidly and affecting many more people in Arkansas and across the globe.
With the state recording its highest one-day number of COVID-19 cases – 1,061 on Saturday – Patterson said it’s time for a statewide mask mandate.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/uams-chancellor-calls-mandate-require-masks-throughout-arkansas
UAMS Chancellor Calls For Mandate To Require Masks Throughout Arkansas
UAMS Chancellor Dr. Cam Patterson has been through a health crisis before. When he was entering the medical field in the late 80's, the country was awakening to the HIV epidemic. Today, the COVID-19 pandemic is moving more rapidly and affecting many more people in Arkansas and across the globe.
Arkansas Activities Association Fall Sports Update
The latest update from the Arkansas Activities Association regarding fall sports in 2020
Message from the Sevier County Library System
**ATTENTION PATRONS** DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES ALL SEVIER COUNTY LIBRARIES WILL GO BACK TO PHASE 1 WITH CURBSIDE SERVICES ONLY AT THIS TIME. WE WILL UPDATE AS WE KNOW MORE INFORMATION. THIS IS FOR SAFETY PURPOSES ONLY.
New Sevier County Hospital Architectural Design Graphics
At last week's meeting of the Sevier County Medical Center Board, the architect presented the board members with a slide show of the new hospital design.
Tuesday COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 811
Active Positive: 82
Recovered: 720
Deaths: 9
Negatives: 3,725
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 138
Active Positive: 29
Recovered: 108
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,674
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 45
Active Positive: 5
Recovered: 40
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 921
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 89
Active Positive: 11
Recovered: 78
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,683
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 20
Active Positive: 11
Recovered: 9
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 2,020
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update (07.14.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Monday's Updated COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 807
Active Positive: 88
Recovered: 710
Deaths: 9
Negatives: 3,695
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 137
Active Positive: 30
Recovered: 106
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,636
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 43
Active Positive: 3
Recovered: 40
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 904
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 88
Active Positive: 11
Recovered: 77
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,645
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 19
Active Positive: 10
Recovered: 9
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,974
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (07.13.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Monday, July 13, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.