Sevier News

Tuesday's COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 939
  Active Positive: 35
  Recovered: 894
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,449

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 300
  Active Positive: 67
  Recovered: 231
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,405

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 156
  Active Positive: 70
  Recovered: 85
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,193

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 131
  Active Positive: 17
  Recovered: 113
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,164

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 81
  Active Positive: 20
  Recovered: 60
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,653

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Governor Asa Hutchinson Announces Intent to Grant Executive Clemency

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced his intent to grant 11 pardons. An additional 34 clemency requests were denied and four had no action taken upon them. These include requests from both inmates and non-inmates.

The applicants intended for pardons have completed all jail time and paid all fines related to their sentences. There is a 30-day waiting period to receive public feedback on the notices before final action is taken.

Governor Hutchinson intends to grant pardons to the following people:

John R. Fortune (El Dorado): Theft of Property (C Felony) (Case #17724).

This notice is issued based on the dates of conviction (1981 – Union County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Wendi Kelley (Hot Springs): Theft of Property over $200 (C Felony) (CR 93-392).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1994 – Garland County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Brian Landthrip (Oark, AR): Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Felony) (CR 96-40),Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Revocation) (C Felony) (CR 96-40), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Revocation) (C Felony) (CR 96-40).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1996 – Johnson County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Andrew Lewis (Leslie): Possession of Controlled Substance-Schedule I/II (C Felony) and Drug Paraphernalia (A Misdemeanor) (CR 2006-114).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2007 – Searcy County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Steven D. Prine (Tuckerman): Residential Burglary (B Felony)(CR 96-58), Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 96-58), Commercial Burglary (C Felony)(CR 97-10), Theft of Property (B Felony)(CR 97-10), Theft by Receiving (B Felony)(CR 97-10), Commercial Burglary (C Felony)(CR 97-14), Breaking or Entering (D Felony)(CR 97-14), and Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 97-14).

This notice is issued based on the date of convictions (1997 – Jackson County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. The Prosecuting Attorney has raised objections to the application.

David Sims (North Little Rock): Carrying Certain Prohibited Weapon (Misdemeanor)(CR 98-000038), Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor)(CR 98-000039), and Domestic Battering 3rd (A Misdemeanor)(CR 99-002478).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1998 – Pulaski County, 2000 - Pulaski County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Marguerite Taggart  (Pine Bluff): Attempted Robbery (B Felony)(CR 85-113-1), Robbery (Revocation) (B Felony)(CR 85-113-1), Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 88-64-1), Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 93-714), and Robbery (B Felony)(CR 96-554-3).

This notice is issued based on the dates of conviction (1985- Jefferson County, 1988 - Jefferson County, 1988 - Jefferson County, 1994 - Jefferson County, 1996 - Jefferson County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Janice A. Thomas/Allyoune (Little Rock): Robbery (B Felony) (CR 87-02601).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1988 – Pulaski County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. The Prosecuting Attorney has objections to the application.

Michael E. Walker (Glenwood): Criminal Mischief in the First Degree (C Felony) (CR 99-55).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1999 – Clark County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Ty Woods (Hot Springs): Theft Of Property $2,500 or more (B Felony)(CR 2006-1274).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2007 – Craighead County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Joe A. Vance (Gillham): Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine, 3 counts (Y Felony) (1994-41, 1994-40, and 1994-39) (Guilty Plea), Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) (Y Felony) (2001-118) (Guilty Plea), and Attempted Manufacture of Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine (A Felony) (2006-86) (Guilty Plea).

This notice is issued based on the dates of conviction (1995 - Sevier County, 2002 - Sevier County, 2007 - Sevier County), and the fact that there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

VIDEO: Governor Asa Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (08.03.20) 130PM

High school football teams can begin no-contact practice in Arkansas starting this week as the total number of people to test positive for the coronavirus surpasses 42,000.

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Monday, August 3, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

Monday's Number of COVID-19 Cases

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 935
  Active Positive: 34
  Recovered: 891
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,409

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COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 296
  Active Positive: 71
  Recovered: 223
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,374

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 153
  Active Positive: 71
  Recovered: 81
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,186

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 128
  Active Positive: 16
  Recovered: 111
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,137

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 78
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 59
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,629

YouthBuild Program Launches August 17 at UA Cossatot

UA Cossatot recently became the second college in Arkansas to offer a YouthBuild program. YouthBuild programs provide educational training and occupational skill development to students ages 16 to 24. In the program, students can choose two skill pathways to obtain employment in construction/carpentry or industrial maintenance/welding.

The program's first semester will begin on August 17, 2020, at UA Cossatot's De Queen Campus, and the deadline to enroll in the program is August 10. No educational requirements exist to register. Students who do not have a high school degree or a GED certificate will earn their GED certificate in the program.  

Depending upon class size, the Construction/Carpentry Pathway will be offered in the morning, while the Industrial Maintenance/Welding Pathway will be available in the afternoon.  

Students who sign up to participate in the YouthBuild program will have the opportunity to learn hands-on experience while learning skills that can lead to future employment. The program is free to everyone enrolled, and YouthBuild students will benefit from supportive services at UA Cossatot. 

Leslie Daniels and Steve McJunkins

Leslie Daniels and Steve McJunkins

The college's Job Placement Specialist will be working independently with students to help them learn about available careers. UA Cossatot's YouthBuild program will give students the opportunity to give back to their communities while volunteering and achieving experience they can use throughout their lifetime. 

UA Cossatot's YouthBuild program consists of three staff members: Instructor, Steve McJunkins; Job Placement Specialist, Casey Morris; and Case Manager, Leslie Daniels. The college’s YouthBuild staff are located in the Frachisuer-Pullium building on UA Cossatot's De Queen Campus.

To enroll in UA Cossatot's YouthBuild program or for more information, please contact Casey Morris at 870-557-0883 or cmorris@cccua.edu. Students can also contact Leslie Daniels at 870-584-9798 or ldaniels@cccua.edu. UA Cossatot is open from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. this summer Monday thru Thursday. Walk-ins are always welcome.


COVID-19 Update for Sunday from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 933
  Active Positive: 37
  Recovered: 886
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,401

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 294
  Active Positive: 73
  Recovered: 219
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,363

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 152
  Active Positive: 76
  Recovered: 75
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,182

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 128
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 109
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,101

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 77
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 58
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,612

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Saturday's COVID-19 Numbers from the Arkansas Department of Health

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 929
  Active Positive: 44
  Recovered: 875
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,384

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 291
  Active Positive: 73
  Recovered: 216
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,352

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 149
  Active Positive: 75
  Recovered: 73
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,173

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 125
  Active Positive: 17
  Recovered: 107
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,077

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COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 77
  Active Positive: 21
  Recovered: 55
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,594

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | The Arkansas Access Point Project

LITTLE ROCK – Under our state’s broadband initiative, the number of Arkansans with access to high-speed internet is increasing, and today I’d like to talk about the Arkansas Access Point Project, a new program that will make the world wide web available for thousands more students.

This week I announced that our Department of Education has signed agreements with three major telecommunications companies to purchase Wi-Fi access devices and unlimited data plans at a reduced cost for every school district in the state.

The Department of Education will buy as many as 20,000 of the devices with $10 million from funding provided through the federal CARES Act. The devices and internet access are free to students. School districts are equipping students with computers and tablets.

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The coronavirus pandemic has forced us to adjust our methods of teaching and focused attention on the need for the option of virtual education. Arkansas Access Point Project expands our ability to teach virtually and increases the number of students who can choose that option.

This program opens new opportunities and narrows the gap between those who have access to high-speed broadband and those who do not. Students will be able to take the devices home. They won’t have to sit in a McDonald’s to do their homework. This is especially important to our rural communities and for families who otherwise might not be able to afford this vital access.

Sally Bennett, superintendent of the rural Rivercrest District in northeast Arkansas, welcomed the news that AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon had agreed to participate in the project. She knows firsthand that the digital divide is real and deep.

Sally and her team of educators have worked hard and creatively during the pandemic to provide internet access to students. In the spring, they equipped school buses with Wi-Fi devices to deliver the internet along with meals for students who were confined to home. They extended Wi-Fi into the schools’ parking lot, but this still doesn’t help the student in their home.

She estimates that 40 percent of the eleven-hundred students in Rivercrest District have no access to internet, so you can understand why she calls our new initiative a “game changer.”

I share the superintendent’s excitement about this agreement, but this doesn’t completely bridge the digital divide in our state. We still have a lot of work to do to expand access to broadband internet. It’s important that everyone in Arkansas has the opportunities that come with easy and reliable access to the world wide web, whether they live in rural Mississippi County or in the state capital.

Governor Hutchinson Creates Advisory Group To Advise High School Sports During Pandemic

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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has appointed 14 physicians, mental health professionals, coaches, and educators to the High School Sports Advisory Group, which he created to consider the safest way to conduct sports and activities for the 2020-2021 school year. 

“The Department of Health will continue its responsibility to provide health guidelines, and this group of experts will serve in an advisory capacity to look specifically at how we can have fall sports in the safest manner possible,” Governor Hutchinson said. “We want to consider every angle to protect our athletes, cheerleaders, and band members.

“My message for the football players on Monday is to grab your helmet for practice and then after practice, grab a mask. Because our responsibility for safety extends beyond the practice field.”

Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Greg Bledsoe will chair the group. Kelvin Gragg, superintendent of the Dumas School District, is vice chair.

The other members of the High School Sports Advisory Group are:

  • Dr. Lowry Barnes, orthopedic surgeon and chairman of UAMS Department of Orthopedics. 

  • Jacob Brown, Therapeutic Family Services. 

  • Paul Calley, dean of students, assistant football coach, Southwest High School.

  • Jason Cates, athletic trainer at Cabot School District; chairman of the Arkansas Sports Medicine Committee.

  • Laura Crow, volleyball coach at Conway High School.

  • Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, state epidemiologist, Arkansas Department of Health. 

  • Fitz Hill, State Board of Education. 

  • Dr. Michael Israel, associate professor of Adolescent Medicine and Director of Sports Medicine at Arkansas Children’s.

  • Dr. Lee Johnson, state representative. 

  • Janet McDonald, behavioral health professional at Pinnacle Point. 

  • Lance Taylor, director of the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA). 

  • Dr. Joel Tumlison, physician specialist, Arkansas Department of Health.

Tri-County Regional Library Board of Trustees Meeting August 11

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The Quarterly meeting of the Tri-County Regional Library Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11th at 5 p.m. at the De Queen, Arkansas, Branch of the Sevier County Library. Items on the agenda are the 2020-2021 Budget and other financial matters.

Marilyn B. Archer, MLS

Director

Tri-County Regional Library System

Serving 11 Public Libraries in Howard, Little River and Sevier counties in SW Arkansas

Friday's COVID-19 Updated Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 927
  Active Positive: 50
  Recovered: 867
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,337

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 287
  Active Positive: 80
  Recovered: 205
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,325

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 145
  Active Positive: 71
  Recovered: 73
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,162

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 125
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 107
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 2,047

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 69
  Active Positive: 21
  Recovered: 47
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,563

UAMS to Provide COVID-19 Drive-Up Testing Aug. 6 in DeQueen

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LITTLE ROCK – Drive-up testing for COVID-19 will be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Aug. 6 at the University of Arkansas Cossatot Community College DeQueen Campus, 183 College Drive in DeQueen. There will be no out-of-pocket cost for testing. The first 200 community members will be tested.

The testing will be conducted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in cooperation with UA Cossatot Community College and the Blue and You Foundation.

You do not have to be a UAMS patient to be seen. This testing is for everyone who feels they need testing. Patients will get instructions on how to take care of themselves and their family at home. Test results will be returned either through an online patient portal, letter or phone call.

Even if you don’t have any symptoms, wash your hands regularly and practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from other people not in your household, and wear a mask in public. An online screening tool is available at uamshealth.com/healthnow. Phone screening is available through the UAMS Health hotline at 800-632-4502.

UAMS is the state’s only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; hospital; a main campus in Little Rock; a Northwest Arkansas regional campus in Fayetteville; a statewide network of regional campuses; and seven institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Translational Research Institute and Institute for Digital Health & Innovation. UAMS includes UAMS Health, a statewide health system that encompasses all of UAMS’ clinical enterprise including its hospital, regional clinics and clinics it operates or staffs in cooperation with other providers. UAMS is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. U.S. News & World Report named UAMS Medical Center the state’s Best Hospital; ranked its ear, nose and throat program among the top UAMS to Provide COVID-19 Drive-Up Testing Aug. 6 in DeQueen Page 2 50 nationwide; and named six areas as high performing — cancer, colon cancer surgery, heart failure, hip replacement, knee replacement and lung cancer surgery. UAMS has 2,727 students, 870 medical residents and five dental residents. It is the state’s largest public employer with more than 10,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS, its regional campuses, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health. Visit www.uams.edu or www.uamshealth.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram.

2020 Arkansas Sales Tax Holiday

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday August 1, 2020, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday August 2, 2020, the State of Arkansas will hold its sales tax holiday allowing shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain School Supplies, School Art Supplies, School Instructional Materials, and clothing free of state and local sales or use tax.

All retailers are required to participate and may not charge tax on items that are legally tax-exempt during the Sales Tax Holiday.

Thursday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 918
  Active Positive: 55
  Recovered: 853
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,307

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 282
  Active Positive: 87
  Recovered: 193
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,293

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 138
  Active Positive: 69
  Recovered: 68
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,148

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 124
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 106
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 2,017

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 65
  Active Positive: 17
  Recovered: 47
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,517

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update From Russellville Wednesday (07.29.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide an update to media in Russellville Wednesday, July 29, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

COVID-19 Update for Wednesday 07/29/20

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 913
  Active Positive: 54
  Recovered: 849
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,274

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 275
  Active Positive: 83
  Recovered: 190
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,271

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 106
  Active Positive: 40
  Recovered: 65
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,109

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 123
  Active Positive: 16
  Recovered: 107
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 1,997

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 60
  Active Positive: 17
  Recovered: 42
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,492

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VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson, Commerce Secretary Preston Make Economic Development Announcement

Governor Asa Hutchinson will be joined by Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston for an economic development announcement Wednesday, July 29, 2020, live at 10:00 a.m. (Click on Play Button Above)

Tuesday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 906
  Active Positive: 51
  Recovered: 846
  Deaths: 9
  Negatives: 4,249

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 246
  Active Positive: 57
  Recovered: 187
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,184

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 82
  Active Positive: 20
  Recovered: 61
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,074

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 121
  Active Positive: 16
  Recovered: 105
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 1,981

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 58
  Active Positive: 17
  Recovered: 40
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,465

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