Sevier News

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 1,134
  Active Positive: 50
  Recovered: 1,072
  Deaths: 12
  Negatives: 5,416

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 398
  Active Positive: 28
  Recovered: 365
  Deaths: 5
  Negatives: 3,036

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 265
  Active Positive: 37
  Recovered: 215
  Deaths: 13
  Negatives: 1,404

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 208
  Active Positive: 32
  Recovered: 174
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,954

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 161
  Active Positive: 23
  Recovered: 137
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,670

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Watches and Warnings From the National Weather Service

nws 1.png
This product covers ArkLaTex

**Major Hurricane Laura Continues to Strengthen across the Central
Gulf of Mexico and is Expected to Make Landfall Tonight**

NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Bienville, Bossier,
      Bowie, Caddo, Caldwell, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Claiborne,
      Columbia, Grant, Gregg, Harrison, Hempstead, Howard, Jackson,
      La Salle, Lafayette, Lincoln, Little River, Marion, Miller,
      Morris, Nevada, Ouachita, Panola, Rusk, Sevier, Smith, Union,
      Union, Upshur, Webster, and Winn
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Angelina, De Soto,
      Nacogdoches, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Sabine, San
      Augustine, and Shelby

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 330 miles south-southeast of Natchitoches LA
    - 27.0N 92.0W
    - Storm Intensity 125 mph
    - Movement Northwest or 310 degrees at 16 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

Hurricane Laura continues strengthen and move northwest across the
warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Laura recently strengthened
into a major hurricane and is now expected to achieve Category Four
status with peak sustained winds of 145 mph early this evening,
before making landfall later tonight along the coast of extreme
Southwest Louisiana. Laura will remain a hurricane for some time
as it moves inland early tomorrow morning before weakening to a
tropical storm as it moves north across East Texas and Northwest
Louisiana from late morning through early afternoon on Thursday.
With the system moving inland, damaging wind gusts, inland
flooding, and isolated tornadoes are expected across the area.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible extensive
impacts across Deep East Texas and West Central Louisiana.
Potential impacts in this area include:

    - Roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
      window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
      damage. Mobile homes severely damaged. Damage could be
      accentuated by airborne projectiles.
    - Many large trees uprooted along with fences and
      roadway signs blown over. Downed trees will become more
      common as the ground gets saturated with heavy rain.
    - Some roads impassable from debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Several access routes could become
      impassable.
    - Large areas with power and communications outages.

Also, protect against dangerous wind having possible limited to
significant impacts across the remainder of locations in North
Louisiana, Southwest and South Central Arkansas, and in East
Texas south and east of a Quitman to Clarksville line. Potential
impacts in these areas include:

    - Limited roof and shingle damage possible.
    - Large branches downed and some trees uprooted. Downed trees
      will become more common as the ground gets saturated with
      heavy rain.
    - Some roads may become blocked by downed trees.
    - Scattered areas with power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across Southwest and South Central Arkansas,
Northern Louisiana west and north of a Colfax to Monroe line, East
Texas east of an Alto, to Tyler, to Clarksville line, and also
extreme Southeast Oklahoma. Potential impacts include:

    - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Small streams, creeks, bayous, and ditches may rapidly
      overflow their banks in multiples places.
    - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
      communities. Many places where flood waters may cover
      escape routes. Streets and parking lots become flooded with
      underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous.
    - Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed
      out.

Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible
significant impacts across the remainder of East Texas and North
Louisiana.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across ArkLaTex. Potential impacts include:

    - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power
      and communications disruptions.
    - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys
      toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned,
      large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees
      knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats
      pulled from moorings.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:

No evacuations at this time. Heed instructions from local emergency
management officials.

For those not under evacuation orders, assess the risk from wind,
falling trees, and flooding at your location. If you decide to move,
relocate to a safer location nearby.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in
a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible
flooding.

Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss
of life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with
any orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1
Emergency Services may not be able to immediately respond if
conditions are unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision
making.

Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a
flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don`t drown!

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees or in a manufactured home, consider moving to a safer shelter
before the onset of strong winds or flooding.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news
outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to
possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways
to receive weather warnings.

There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple
ways to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

Hazardous Weather Outlook

Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
1230 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020
Sevier-Howard-Little River-Hempstead-Nevada-Miller-Lafayette-
Columbia-Union-Caddo-Bossier-Webster-Claiborne-Lincoln-Bienville-
Jackson-Ouachita-Winn-Grant-Caldwell-La Salle-Bowie-Camp-Morris-
Cass-Upshur-Marion-Smith-Gregg-Harrison-Cherokee-Rusk-Panola-
1230 PM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southern Arkansas, northern
and central Louisiana and for northeast Texas.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight...

Major Hurricane Laura is expected to make landfall near the Texas
and Louisiana border overnight. A Tropical Storm Warning is in
effect through Thursday. Showers and thunderstorms are forecast to
increase in coverage from the south today, and then a break this
evening with conditions further deteriorating after midnight and
especially in the predawn hours as heavy precipitation begins to
spread into the region. Heavy rainfall, strong and gusty winds,
and possible tornadoes are expected overnight. A Flash Flood
Watch is in effect from this evening through Friday morning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday...

Hurricane Laura will continue all day on Thursday, bringing the
brunt of heavy rainfall, strong and gusty winds, and the tornado
threat Thursday morning and afternoon with conditions beginning to
improve from the south by Thursday evening. In the wake of Laura,
afternoon thunderstorms will remain possible through the weekend
and into early next week.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Remote activation of emergency management personnel, amateur
radio operators and storm spotters may be needed through
Thursday. Please relay any information about observed severe
weather to the NWS while following all local, state, and CDC
guidelines.

Flash Flood Warning

Flash Flood Warning

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
1106 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Northwestern Howard County in southwestern Arkansas...
  Northwestern Sevier County in southwestern Arkansas...
  Southeastern McCurtain County in southeastern Oklahoma...
  Northeastern Red River County in northeastern Texas...

* Until 215 PM CDT.

* At 1106 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
  heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 5 inches of rain
  have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
  shortly.

  HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms
           producing flash flooding.

  SOURCE...Doppler radar.

  IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
           urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  De Queen, Umpire, Idabel, Broken Bow, Gillham, Athens, Avery,
  Annona, Haworth, Eagletown, West Line, West Otis, Hochatown, Holly
  Creek, Oak Hill, Harris, Bryarly, English and Burg.

Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the
warned area.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small
creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses
as well as other drainage areas and low lying spots.

In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded
roads. Find an alternate route.

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring.
If you are in the warned area move to higher ground immediately.
Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate
precautions to protect life and property.

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

Tropical Storm Warning

Laura Local Watch/Warning Statement/Advisory Number 27
National Weather Service Shreveport LA  AL132020
1021 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020


Sevier-
1021 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

...TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT...

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
    - De Queen

* WIND
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
        - Peak Wind Forecast: 15-25 mph with gusts to 30 mph

    - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
      UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
      to 57 mph
        - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
          previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
          force.
        - PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect property should be
          completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind
          damage.
        - ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
        - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
          mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
        - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
          uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
          are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
          over.
        - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
          urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
          conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
        - Scattered power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flash Flood Watch is in effect
        - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally
          higher amounts

    - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
      UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major
      flooding rain
        - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
          the previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
          major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are
          likely.
        - PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially
          if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding.
        - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
          action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
        - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and
          rescues.
        - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
          multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos,
          and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas,
          destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while
          increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides.
          Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.
        - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
          communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or
          washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover
          escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of
          moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions
          become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some
          weakened or washed out.

* TORNADO
    - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
        - Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes

    - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
      UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for a few
      tornadoes
        - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
          previous assessment.
        - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a
          few tornadoes.
        - PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to
          tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before
          hazardous weather arrives.
        - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter
          quickly.

    - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
        - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the
          execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
        - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with
          power and communications disruptions.
        - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings,
          chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or
          overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off,
          shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown
          off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.

* FOR MORE INFORMATION:
    - http://ready.gov/hurricanes

Flash Flood Watch

Flood Watch
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
306 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

ARZ050-051-059>061-070>073-LAZ001>006-010>014-017>022-TXZ097-109>112-
125-126-137-138-150>153-165>167-270000-
/O.CON.KSHV.FF.A.0007.200827T0000Z-200828T1200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Sevier-Howard-Little River-Hempstead-Nevada-Miller-Lafayette-
Columbia-Union-Caddo-Bossier-Webster-Claiborne-Lincoln-Union-De Soto-
Red River-Bienville-Jackson-Ouachita-Sabine-Natchitoches-Winn-Grant-
Caldwell-La Salle-Bowie-Titus-Camp-Morris-Cass-Upshur-Marion-Gregg-
Harrison-Rusk-Panola-Nacogdoches-Shelby-Angelina-San Augustine-
Sabine-
Including the cities of Colfax, Ashdown, Center, Carthage, Magnolia,
Ruston, Gibsland, Montgomery, Stamps, Jefferson, Pleasant Hill, San
Augustine, Springhill, Naples, Hope, Henderson, Linden, Nacogdoches,
Bossier City, Columbia, Zwolle, Clarks, Gilmer, Nashville, Mount
Pleasant, Hughes Springs, Lone Star, Lewisville, Mineral Springs,
Mansfield, Coushatta, Shreveport, Jonesboro, Queen City, Atlanta,
Bernice, Homer, Arcadia, Natchitoches, Omaha, De Queen, Many, Dry
Prong, Farmerville, Stonewall, Pineland, Grayson, Martin, Prescott,
Big Sandy, Midway, Ringgold, Jena, Texarkana, Daingerfield,
Pittsburg, Olla, Marshall, Haynesville, Winnfield, El Dorado,
Bradley, Logansport, Hemphill, Dierks, Lufkin, Minden, Longview, and
Monroe
306 AM CDT Wed Aug 26 2020

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH
FRIDAY MORNING...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* Portions of Arkansas...Louisiana and Texas, including the
  following areas, in Arkansas, Columbia, Hempstead, Howard,
  Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Nevada, Sevier and Union. In
  Louisiana, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Claiborne, De
  Soto, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Ouachita,
  Red River, Sabine, Union, Webster and Winn. In Texas, Angelina,
  Bowie, Camp, Cass, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Nacogdoches,
  Panola, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Titus and Upshur.

* From this evening through Friday morning

* Rainfall totals of near 3 to 6 inches, with isolated higher
  amounts possible.

* Flooding may occur in urban and poor drainage areas.  Heavy
  rainfall may also cause flooding of creeks, streams, and rivers.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to
Flash Flooding. Flash Flooding is a very dangerous situation. You
should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should
Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

National Hurricane Center

Top News of the Day... Last update Tue, 25 Aug 2020 22:44:04 UTC For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript/Active Scripting. Atlantic - Caribbean Sea - Gulf of Mexico Hurricane Laura Satellite | Buoys | Grids | Storm Archive ...LAURA MOVING WEST-NORTHWESTWARD ACROSS THE CENTRAL GULF OF MEXICO...

Tropical Storm Laura Effect on Arkansas

National Weather Service statement regarding Tropical Storm Laura and its possible effect on Arkansas

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Tropical Storm Laura Impacts to Arkansas

What’s Coming

• Tropical Storm Laura is expected to strengthen into a hurricane today over the Gulf of Mexico.

• Laura is forecast to make landfall late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning along the northern Gulf coast near the Texas/Louisiana border.

• The storm center will lift north over Arkansas sometime Thursday afternoon into Friday. Impacts could be felt as early as Wednesday afternoon and night.

Hazards

• Heavy rain/flash

• Strong winds/wind gusts (mainly southern Arkansas)

• Isolated tornadoes (mainly central/eastern Arkansas)

Discussion

The latest official forecast track has Laura making landfall near the Texas/Louisiana coast as a major hurricane Wednesday night or early Thursday Morning, with the storm moving into Arkansas Thursday afternoon or evening.

Specific impacts will be determined by Laura's track across Arkansas, and slight variations could significantly alter the forecast.

Rainfall...

Heavy rainfall is a given, especially near and to the east of the center as rain bands repeatedly move over the same areas. Based on the latest forecast, western and central Arkansas will be the prime areas for heavy rainfall, with amounts of four to six inches likely, and localized totals in excess of seven inches.

While most of central and eastern Arkansas has been running below average on rainfall as of late, portions of southwest and western Arkansas have been running five to ten inches above average month to date.

We definitely think flash flooding will be a concern, but it would likely take longer to materialize in the driest areas.

Winds...

Even as Laura moves into Arkansas, it is likely to still be maintaining tropical storm strength.

· Sustained winds of 30 to 40 MPH will be possible surrounding the center of circulation, and gusts could approach or even briefly exceed 50 MPH.

· While the winds alone are enough cause for concern, any areas that have experienced heavy rainfall could see more downed trees due to saturated ground.

Tornadoes...

Tornadoes will be possible in the bands north and east of the center of circulation. These are the types of tornadoes that tend to be very brief and move south to north or southeast to northwest. They are particularly challenging to warn for, as they tend to be shallow and short-lived.

Threat timing (Greatest potential)...

Heavy rainfall - Thursday and Friday

Winds - Thursday Afternoon and Evening

Tornadoes - Thursday and Thursday Night

As far as rivers are concerned, with the current amount of rainfall expected, we could see rises in the Ouachita, Saline, Fourche Lafave, Little Missouri and Arkansas basins.

Again, any change in the anticipated track of Laura could alter the forecast significantly.

NWS meteorologists will continue to monitor the situation and adjust the forecast as necessary.

Continue to monitor the latest information from the National Hurricane Center and your Arkansas NWS forecast offices.

National Weather Service

Little Rock, Arkansas

Tuesday's COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 1,121
  Active Positive: 53
  Recovered: 1,056
  Deaths: 12
  Negatives: 5,392

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 393
  Active Positive: 33
  Recovered: 355
  Deaths: 5
  Negatives: 3,033

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 258
  Active Positive: 39
  Recovered: 206
  Deaths: 13
  Negatives: 1,395

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 207
  Active Positive: 35
  Recovered: 170
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,917

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 157
  Active Positive: 29
  Recovered: 127
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,665

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VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update from Malvern Tuesday (08.25.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media from Malvern on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

More than 700 Arkansans have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic hit the state in March. The Arkansas Department of Health reported another 15 deaths on Tuesday, bringing the total to 711. Two of the deaths took place in July, but have just been reported to the ADH. The state also reported another 480 new COVID-19 cases out of 3,300 test results in the last 24-hour monitoring period. Four counties reported more than 20 cases, including Sebastian County, which had 38 new cases. The other three counties are in central Arkansas.

Both Governor Asa Hutchinson and Health Secretary Dr. Jose Romero urged Arkansans to continue testing as its the best way of knowing how the virus is spreading in the state. The governor said the state is still waiting for the approval of an application that would allow the distribution of $300 unemployment expansion checks to residents. He also announced an additional $7 million from the Arkansas Rural Connect program will be distributed to smaller communities to expand broadband accessibility in rural parts of the state. Hutchinson also addressed a report from the White House Coronavirus Task Force that shows Arkansas has moved out of the red (most severe) category into the yellow, but the state still ranks as 9th highest in the country for its positivity rate.

The report included recommendations such as stricter limits on businesses and social gatherings. In response to questions about the report, the governor said the state needs to do better with its positivity rate, but there are no plans to issue any further restrictions on businesses.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/state-reports-480-new-covid-19-cases-adh-stresses-importance-continued-testing

Monday's Updated COVID-19 Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 1,120
  Active Positive: 61
  Recovered: 1,047
  Deaths: 12
  Negatives: 5,366

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 391
  Active Positive: 41
  Recovered: 345
  Deaths: 5
  Negatives: 3,024

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 256
  Active Positive: 39
  Recovered: 204
  Deaths: 13
  Negatives: 1,389

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 204
  Active Positive: 36
  Recovered: 166
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,890

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 156
  Active Positive: 33
  Recovered: 122
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,658

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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Because of Covid-19, school will look different this year, and so will transportation. The Arkansas Department of Education’s transportation directors are taking the utmost measures to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 on buses. These measures include regularly disinfecting the buses and implementing requirements for students to wear masks and socially distance while riding the bus.

But there are other actions we can all take this school year to help ensure the safety of our students. “Flashing Red, Kids Ahead” is an effort led by the Arkansas Department of Education to remind people to be mindful of student safety when approaching school buses.

The purpose of safety campaign is to remind educators, parents, school bus drivers, and community leaders to obey all traffic laws whenever they are near a school bus. It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus whenever its red lights are flashing, as students are present.

The law requires drivers to stop on 2-lane and 4-lane highways in both directions, even those with a middle lane. Drivers cannot attempt to pass in any direction until the school bus vehicle has finished receiving or discharging its passengers and is in motion again.

The fines, penalties and punishment for anyone found guilty of illegally passing a stopped school bus were dramatically increased by Arkansas Act 2128 of 2005, also known as Isaac’s Law. The legislation was named for Isaac Brian, an elementary school student in the Bryant School District, who was struck and killed when a driver illegally passed his school bus while students were unloading.

In the 2019 Regular Session, the legislature increased the fines in Isaac’s Law again with Act 166. Drivers can now face up to a $2,500 fine or up to 90 days in jail.

Let’s all do our part to ensure students arrive to and from school safely. Remember: Flashing Red. Kids Ahead.

UA Cossatot Educational Resource Center

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The ERC at De Queen will be extending its hours beginning Monday. We’ll be open until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Ashley Wenzel will be a resource assistant covering evenings as a FWS. Please note that Ashley is not working as a tutor.

We’ll share specific tutoring hours next week.

The Nashville ERC will be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Ashdown ERC is currently by appointment only.

ERC hours will be changing often throughout these first few weeks as we adjust to staff shortages. Thank you for your patience.


Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture Extended Deadline

JONESBORO, Ark. — Farmers have more time to apply for aid under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program after the U.S. Department of Agriculture extended the deadline to Sept. 11.

The original program application deadline was Aug. 28.

Scott Stiles, extension economist with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said that through Aug. 17, Arkansas farmers had received nearly $127 million in payments through CFAP from more than 16,400 applications.

“Payments totaled $90.8 million to livestock producers, $31.6 million to producers of non-specialty crops such as corn, soybeans, cotton and sorghum; $3.2 million to producers of specialty crops and roughly $1 million to dairy producers,” Stiles said.

Total payments jumped $27 million last week and are likely to show another sharp increase this week as USDA’s Farm Service Agency begins second-installment payments.

“Producers with approved applications initially received 80 percent of their payments,” Stiles said. “Beginning August 17, the FSA was issuing the remaining 20 percent of the calculated payment to eligible producers.”

Producers who received initial payments need not apply for the second installment.

Stiles said that “going forward, producers who apply for CFAP will receive 100 percent of their total payment — provided it does not exceed the $250,000-per-person payment limit — when their applications are approved.”

Where to apply

Producers, especially those who have not worked with FSA previously, are recommended to call (877) 508-8364 to begin the application process. An FSA staff member can help producers start their application during the phone call.

Producers can also find information and applications at the program website: https://www.farmers.gov/cfap. There, producers may:

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue announced on August 11 that the deadline to apply for CFAP has been extended to September 11. The original application deadline was August 28, 2020. USDA's Farm Service Agency offers multiple ways for you to apply for CFAP to meet your business needs.

• Download the AD-3114 application form and manually complete the form to submit to their local USDA Service Center by mail, electronically or by hand delivery to their local office or office drop box.

• Complete the application using the CFAP Application Generator and Payment Calculator. This Excel workbook allows customers to input information specific to their operation to determine estimated payments and populate the application form, which can be printed, then signed and submitted to their local USDA Service Center.

• If producers have login credentials known as eAuthentication, they can use the online CFAP Application Portal to certify eligible commodities online, digitally sign applications and submit directly to the local USDA Service Center.

All other eligibility forms, such as those related to adjusted gross income and payment information, can also be downloaded at the CFAP website. For existing FSA customers, these documents are likely already on file.

To learn about extension and research programs in Arkansas, visit www.division.uaex.edu, Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk, @uaex_edu or @ArkAgResearch.

De Queen and Centerpoint School Districts on the High Risk List

Nineteen school districts in Arkansas are considered at high risk of coronavirus outbreaks based on the number of cases among residents within the districts' boundaries over a recent two-week span, according to information released Thursday by the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement.

The center's president, Joe Thompson, unveiled the data at Gov. Asa Hutchinson's daily news conference on the pandemic as the state released a new guidance document on how districts can respond to outbreaks once classes start next week.

19 school districts in state deemed high-risk for virus

Nineteen school districts in Arkansas are considered at high risk of coronavirus outbreaks based on the number of cases among residents within the districts' boundaries over a recent two-week span, according to information released Thursday by the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement.

Sunday's COVID-19 Updated Numbers

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 1,114
  Active Positive: 63
  Recovered: 1,039
  Deaths: 12
  Negatives: 5,341

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 389
  Active Positive: 40
  Recovered: 345
  Deaths: 4
  Negatives: 3,012

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 254
  Active Positive: 41
  Recovered: 200
  Deaths: 13
  Negatives: 1,386

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 200
  Active Positive: 35
  Recovered: 163
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,882

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 154
  Active Positive: 35
  Recovered: 118
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,652

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AUDIO: Governor Asa Hutchinson Weekly Address: Getting Back to School

Most Arkansas schools are starting next week, and today I’d like to offer some thoughts as we head into an academic year unlike any in my lifetime.

One of my favorite things about the new school year in Gravette where I grew up was going to McAlister’s Grocery and Hardware store to buy school supplies.

In my day, we bought pencils, Big Chief tablets, and little plastic tubs of white paste with a spreader built into the lid. In high school, we took notes with ballpoint pens in spiral-bound notebooks. Teachers wrote on blackboards with chalk. We learned science with filmstrips and overhead projectors.

The world has changed much since those simple days. Chromebooks and iPads have replaced pen and paper. YouTube has replaced film projectors. Those changes occurred gradually, and we had time to adjust. We didn’t suddenly have to toss out everything that was familiar.

But the pandemic has changed almost everything about life, and it changed it in an instant. It’s as if we woke up one morning to a world where nothing looked the same. That kind of rapid change is understandably unsettling.

COVID-19 has changed education dramatically. Whether you are starting kindergarten or finishing college, this year won’t look like last year. But the basics do remain the same. Teachers will share new concepts with their students. Cafeteria workers will prepare delicious meals. After a week of learning, students will cheer the football team on Friday nights.

We’ve already had some valuable experience in rethinking school. In the last three months of the spring semester, the pandemic forced us to alter the way in which we live, celebrate, and learn. This means there is a lot of change. But there are also some important life lessons from all of this. In school and in life, some of the most valuable lessons don’t come from books, but from experience. This year, in addition to literature, computer coding, and biology, we will learn a number of important life lessons, such as we can adapt to the changes that the coronavirus has forced on us.

Also, it is important that we not only start the school year but finish the school year. And to do this, all of us must perform at a higher level and work as a team. We are all individually responsible, but we are also dependent on each other to be successful in beating the virus. We are living through a historic time. We will get through this. This school year will be easier if each of us does our part. Wash your hands. Wear a mask when appropriate. Keep your distance socially. Be patient and kind to your schoolmates and teachers.

Friday's Arkansas COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 1,086
  Active Positive: 60
  Recovered: 1,015
  Deaths: 11
  Negatives: 5,293

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 383
  Active Positive: 43
  Recovered: 337
  Deaths: 3
  Negatives: 2,988

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 248
  Active Positive: 41
  Recovered: 201
  Deaths: 6
  Negatives: 1,369

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 191
  Active Positive: 35
  Recovered: 154
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,829

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 151
  Active Positive: 41
  Recovered: 109
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,628

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