Clark Contractors out of Little Rock has finished construction of the new De Queen High
School. The building project was under contract for the amount of $13,657,107. At the August
2020 school board meeting, Superintendent Jason Sanders shared the good news that the project was
completed on time and actually came in under budget. The new two story 76, 000 sq. ft. building
was finished at $315,5000 under budget.
Sanders was presented a check from Clark Contractors to represent the savings from
the project.The savings will be utilized in a Phase 2 project at the Old High School which
includes demolition of part of the old high school, an expansion of the junior high cafeteria, a
new tv production lab, and the renovation of several existing offices and classrooms.
Sanders stated “ De Queen Public Schools continue to strive to have some of the
nicest school facilities in Arkansas. Our staff and students are excited to move into these new
facilities and we look forward to many years of its use in our school district.”
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update From Monticello Wednesday (08.12.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide an update to media in Monticello Wednesday, August 12, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Wednesday's Arkansas COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 996
Active Positive: 47
Recovered: 939
Deaths: 10
Negatives: 4,571
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 355
Active Positive: 59
Recovered: 292
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 2,575
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 185
Active Positive: 27
Recovered: 157
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,234
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 150
Active Positive: 17
Recovered: 132
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,322
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 111
Active Positive: 32
Recovered: 78
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,918
The Governor's Working Group with the AAA Announcement
Arkansas Education Group, Another Teacher Of The Year Oppose School Reopening Plans
Objections to opening schools with in-class instruction from Arkansas teachers of the year and the Arkansas Education Association are not moving Gov. Asa Hutchinson from his stance on the Aug. 24 opening of all public schools.
Arkansas Education Association President Carol Fleming on Monday told state lawmakers she believes it is not safe for schools to open to in-class instruction. She said schools should open the 2020-2021 school year with virtual learning only.
Arkansas Education Group, Another Teacher Of The Year Oppose School Reopening Plans
Objections to opening schools with in-class instruction from Arkansas teachers of the year and the Arkansas Education Association are not moving Gov. Asa Hutchinson from his stance on the Aug. 24 opening of all public schools. Arkansas Education Association President Carol Fleming on Monday told state lawmakers she believes it is not safe for schools to open to in-class instruction.
Arkansas Center for Health Improvement Publishes Local COVID-19 Case Data
The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health, is providing key local coronavirus outbreak data on its ACHI website to Arkansas communities, healthcare agencies and the public to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-center-health-improvement-publishes-local-covid-19-case-data
Arkansas Center for Health Improvement Publishes Local COVID-19 Case Data
The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health, is providing key local coronavirus outbreak data on its website to Arkansas communities, healthcare agencies and the public to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 in Arkansas
Updated: August 7, 2020 Dr. Joe Thompson, president and CEO of ACHI, provides a public service announcement regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. "Isolation" and "quarantine," two other terms often used in reference to avoiding the spread of illness, have similar but distinct meanings. Read More.
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (08.11.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Tuesday's COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 992
Active Positive: 51
Recovered: 931
Deaths: 10
Negatives: 4,569
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 342
Active Positive: 53
Recovered: 285
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 2,511
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 181
Active Positive: 66
Recovered: 114
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,234
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 148
Active Positive: 16
Recovered: 131
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,313
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 108
Active Positive: 31
Recovered: 76
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,903
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
With children headed back to school this month, now is the perfect time for many families to get caught up on immunizations. The summer of 2020 may be more critical than previous summers, as there is a concern that immunizations have declined in recent months due to the pandemic.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month.
National Immunization Awareness Month is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.
When you receive immunizations, your chance of becoming ill from diseases is much lower. Furthermore, if you become sick, you will likely experience a milder case than if you were not vaccinated. Immunizations lower your risk of complications from infectious diseases, such as seasonal flu and shingles. They can also reduce your risk of a hospital stay. This prevention is especially important now, as hundreds of people are currently in the hospital for COVID-19.
Although we think of the fall as flu season, Dr. Jose Romero, Secretary of Health at the Arkansas Department of Health, has stated that August is the time of year when health providers start vaccinating against influenza.
Typically, only half of Arkansans receive a flu shot every year. The Health Department is hoping to increase that percentage this year.
Dr. Romero also stated this week that we don’t know yet what the confluence is between influenza and COVID-19.
The Health Department will have the flu vaccine available next month. The department will hold drive-thru vaccination clinics starting Sept. 21. The vaccine will also be made available to schools throughout the state. Clinics and pharmacies may have the flu vaccine available even sooner.
As a reminder, Arkansas law requires all students attending Arkansas schools and licensed childcare facilities to be vaccinated against certain diseases, unless an official exemption form is filed. Visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov to learn more.
COVID-19 Case Numbers for Monday
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 989
Active Positive: 53
Recovered: 926
Deaths: 10
Negatives: 4,553
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 340
Active Positive: 64
Recovered: 272
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 2,499
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 181
Active Positive: 70
Recovered: 110
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,226
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 142
Active Positive: 13
Recovered: 128
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,283
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 101
Active Positive: 26
Recovered: 74
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,878
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (08.10.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Monday, August 10, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Sunday's COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 988
Active Positive: 55
Recovered: 923
Deaths: 10
Negatives: 4,545
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 336
Active Positive: 74
Recovered: 259
Deaths: 3
Negatives: 2,478
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 180
Active Positive: 72
Recovered: 107
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,221
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 140
Active Positive: 12
Recovered: 127
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,258
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 101
Active Positive: 26
Recovered: 74
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,864
Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Arkansas’s New Secretary of Health
LITTLE ROCK – I have appointed Dr. José Romero as Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health, and today I’d like to share some things about the man who is assuming this job in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr. Romero moved to Arkansas in 2008 as Director of the Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He also served in a similar position at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. He served as the Director of Clinical Trials Research at Arkansas Children’s Research Institute from 2008-2019.
Dr. Nate Smith, our former Secretary of Health who has now taken a position with the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, named Dr. Romero as the department’s chief medical officer in the spring. When Dr. Smith left for his new job, I named Dr. Romero interim secretary. And this week, I offered him the job as secretary.
It was an easy choice. Dr. Romero has devoted his career to public health, and he has earned a distinguished national reputation for his work in infectious diseases.
Dr. Romero was born in Mexico, where his grandfather worked the land, taught himself to read and write, and eventually owned a small grocery story. His grandfather’s goal for his children was simple. He wanted them to learn to read and write. Shortly after Dr. Romero was born, his parents moved to Michigan, where his father earned a master’s degree in civil engineering. Many of the bridges he designed in California are still standing.
Dr. Romero, who was a competitive swimmer as a teenager, spent most of his childhood in California. His brothers and sister were born in the United States. He became a citizen when he was in the sixth grade. At his naturalization ceremony, the judge asked young José to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
He knew from a young age that he wanted to be a doctor, and he returned to Guadalajara for medical school, where he graduated in the top 1 percent of his class.
His resume includes an impressive list of jobs, appointments, and accomplishments. He is chairman of the Center for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which is providing guidance nationally on the development and administration of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Much of his work has involved the study of pediatric infectious diseases. In his well-rounded career, Dr. Romero has done almost everything – from research to leading hospital departments – which has prepared him well to lead the Arkansas Department of Health.
We are blessed that Dr. Romero chose to make Arkansas his home. I am grateful he has agreed to become our Secretary of Health at this difficult time.
Governor Hutchinson Proclaims COVID-19 A Valid Reason to Vote Absentee; Order Also Gives Elections Officials Extra Time to Process Ballots
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson issued an executive order today that allows Arkansans to vote absentee if they are concerned that voting in person may be a risk to their health or the health of others because of COVID-19. Executive Order 20-44 also allows elections officials to start processing the absentee ballots a week earlier than usual to allow for an anticipated increase in the number of absentee voters. He issued the executive order in response to an official request from the Arkansas Association of County Clerks.
“This order affirms Secretary of State John Thurston’s position that the fear of exposure to COVID-19 or of exposing others at the polls is reason enough for a voter to cast an absentee ballot,” Governor Hutchinson said. “If a significant number of voters chooses that option, elections officials could be overwhelmed. We’ve already seen a significant increase in the number of applications for absentee ballots. This executive order builds in extra time for them to process and authenticate absentee ballots to ensure an accurate count and a fair election.”
The additional number of days for processing ballots will coincide with the 15-day early voting period. During that time, elections officials will be allowed to process only the registration information from the outer envelopes of an absentee ballot. By Arkansas law, they will not be permitted to open the ballots and count absentee votes until 8:30 a.m. election day. The deadlines for applying for an absentee ballot and submitting a completed ballot remain the same.
The application for absentee ballots and the deadlines are available on the Secretary of State’s website.
Executive Order 20-44 is on Governor Asa Hutchinson’s website.
Friday's COVID-19 Updated Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 969
Active Positive: 49
Recovered: 910
Deaths: 10
Negatives: 4,478
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 322
Active Positive: 68
Recovered: 251
Deaths: 3
Negatives: 2,446
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 164
Active Positive: 69
Recovered: 94
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,209
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 137
Active Positive: 13
Recovered: 123
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,202
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 91
Active Positive: 21
Recovered: 69
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,784
Low Response Rate on 2020 Census Could Cost Arkansas Billions
Arkansans could lose billions in federal funding as a result of changes to the 2020 census. Earlier this week, the U.S. Census Bureau announced the deadline for states to accept responses is now September 30, a full month earlier than previously planned.
According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Arkansas's response rate of 57.7% is among the lowest in the nation. The national self-response rate is 63%. The census count, which is taken once every decade, is also used to determine political districts and representation.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/low-response-rate-2020-census-could-cost-arkansas-billions
Low Response Rate On 2020 Census Could Cost Arkansas Billions
Arkansans could lose billions in federal funding as a result of changes to the 2020 census. Earlier this week, the U.S. Census Bureau announced the deadline for states to accept responses is now September 30, a full month earlier than previously planned.
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Friday (08.07.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Friday, August 7, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Emergency Assistance for Rent/Mortgage/Water Payments Available
Central Arkansas Development Council will begin providing EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR RENT/MORTGAGE PAYMENTS and WATER PAYMENTS effective immediately.
Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) whose mission is to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty, to help vulnerable populations achieve their potential, and to build strong communities in Arkansas through community action will begin providing emergency financial assistance to customers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic effective immediately.
These funds are specifically for past due rent/mortgage payments and past due water utility assistance due to financial restraints as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will closely follow the requirements for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The maximum benefit for Rent/Mortgage assistance is $500 and the maximum benefit for the Water Utility Assistance is $150.
Applicants must reside in one of the nineteen counties in CADC’s service area, meet income guidelines of 125% of poverty, complete the customer intake form, provide a copy of their ID, provide proof of all household income (last 4 check stubs, unemployment, child support, SSI, SSDI, retirement benefits, etc.). If requesting assistance with rent or mortgage applicant must provide lease/mortgage agreement and have occupied the residence for at least six (6) months along with a copy of past due statement and/or letter from the landlord showing past due amount. If requesting assistance with past due water bill applicant must provide a copy of past due water utility bill or payment summaries from utility office showing the delinquent amount.
All statements must have a current date. Applications are being taken by appointment only at the local CADC office in each of the 19 counties CADC serves. Locations are listed in the following table:
County City Address Telephone
Hempstead Hope 200 South Elm Street, Suite 2 870-724-5080
Howard Nashville 103 West Shepherd Street 870-455-0203
Little River Texarkana 4415 Jefferson Avenue, Suite B 870-330-4965
Pike Mt. Ida 156 Senior Drive 870-867-0151
Sevier Texarkana 4415 Jefferson Avenue, Suite B 870-330-4965
Sevier County 2020 Census Contest
We hope by now, you have seen that we have launched a Sevier County 2020 Census Contest where we are giving away 2 FREE iPads!
What do you need to do, by August 31 to qualify for the contest?
complete your census report - 2020census.gov (easiest on your phone)
screenshot your confirmation page
mark out your address
post your confirmation page with the marked out address in the comments on the FB post announcing the contest. English | Espanol | Marshallese
It's that simple - 9 questions. 4 minutes.
And, we need you. Not only is it the law to complete your census, but our community depends on you for important funding for essential departments like schools, roads, community assets. August began the door to door information collection phase, meaning census tackers will be in our community collecting information from those who have not completed their census. To avoid unwanted porch guests, complete your census today!
Continue to follow Sevier County Economic Development and De Queen/Sevier Chamber of Commerce for updates and more information throughout the rest of the month.
Other links and information you may find helpful.
FAQ for popular questions - https://2020census.gov/en/help.html
Census takers in your neighborhood - https://2020census.gov/en/census-takers.html
Required by law to report - https://2020census.gov/en/am-i-required.html
Our community is counting on you!
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook. Participation by each individual indicates a complete release of Facebook. Participation also waives Sevier County Economic Development, the De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce, the City of De Queen, the Sevier County Quorum Court, and UA Cossatot of any liability.
English
By law, the Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about you, your home, or your business, even to law enforcement agencies. That's protected under Title 13 of the U.S. Code.
