Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,194
Confirmed Cases: 1,185
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 458
Confirmed Cases: 450
Probable Cases: 8
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 351
Confirmed Cases: 336
Probable Cases: 15
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 252
Confirmed Cases: 251
Probable Cases: 1
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 223
Confirmed Cases: 221
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 0

Governor Hutchinson Provides Today’s COVID-19 Update

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. 

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 982 new cases; 6,777 active cases; 468 hospitalized, which is up 9 from Tuesday; 90 on ventilators, which is up 2 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 20, for a total of 1,229; a total of 77,963 cases; 68,178 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,460; antigen tests, 1,732.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Craighead, 79; Pulaski, 75; Benton, 57; Washington, 51; and Jefferson, 50.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"Today we are again reminded of the serious nature of COVID-19. Following the guidelines of the Arkansas Department of Health continues to be the most effective way to mitigate the spread of this virus. Wearing a mask, keeping a six-foot distance, and frequently washing your hands will help slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout the state.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Jimmy Carver of Carvers' Refrigeration Makes Scholarship Donation to UA Cossatot

Coach Robert Byrd Guest Speaker at Tuesday's De Queen Lions Club Noon Meeting

Robert Byrd, Athletic Director and head basketball coach of UA Cossatot Men’s and Women’s teams, was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s Noon Meeting of the De Queen Lions Club.

Meagan Blanton of the De Queen Lions Club presented Tony Stowers, pastor of De Queen Church of Christ, with a $250 check to help with the church’s food pantry.

Physical Therapist Assistant Graduation Monday 09.21.20 at UA Cossatot - Ashdown

Physical Therapy Assistant Class of 2020 included:
Allie Anderson - Ashdown, AR
Alondra Galvez - De Queen, AR
Luis Herrera - De Queen, AR
Riley House - Delight, AR
Myka Lemley - Texarkana, AR
Katherine Malca - Texarkana, TX
Kayla Mills - Texarkana, AR
Lacey Morton - Lewisville, AR
Ashley Thompson - Ashdown, AR (not pictured)

Click on Photo for Slideshow of Graduates

Faculty: Jennifer Sanderson, Heather Orr, Kellie Winn, Kelsey May
UA Cossatot Chancellor - Dr. Steve Cole
Keynote Speaker - Jennifer Sanderson

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (09.22.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response. Click on > Play button above.

Tuesday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,194
Confirmed Cases: 1,185
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 456
Confirmed Cases: 450
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 345
Confirmed Cases: 331
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 251
Confirmed Cases: 250
Probable Cases: 1
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 221
Confirmed Cases: 219
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 0

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered online activity in our state. More Arkansans are working remotely, learning through distance education, using telehealth, and attending online church services.

It remains to be seen to what extent some of the changes in habit will continue after the health crisis ends. That is why 2020 is a critical year for closing the digital divide in Arkansas.

This week, the House and Senate committees for Advanced Communication and Information Technology were briefed on a new tool designed to give the state an accurate picture of the current broadband service available.

Arkansans are encouraged to visit broadband.arkansas.gov and click on the “Test Your Broadband Speed” green button icon in the lower right-hand corner. This directs the user to a speed test, which will determine the user’s upload speed and download speed. The user will then be directed to a quick survey of 11 questions.

The questions include asking the user the name of their provider, how much they pay for the service, and what speed has been promised by the provider. The results of the speed test are then integrated into the Arkansas Broadband Survey Results Dashboard.

The Arkansas State Broadband Plan outlines a goal of seeing 25Mbps/3Mbps broadband deployed to all population centers in Arkansas over 500 by the year 2022. While Arkansas has a way to go before reaching that goal, we are making progress. Just recently, the legislature approved a measure to direct $100 million of CARES Act funding to the Arkansas Rural Connect program, a grant program designed to expand the broadband footprint in rural Arkansas communities.

The information you provide will help the Arkansas State Broadband Office determine what areas of our state are underserved and what our next steps should be to keep our state connected.

Home - Arkansas State Broadband Office

New Opportunities For Arkansas Rural Connect Applicants: There is now $100M in CARES Act funding available for broadband deployment to qualified areas before December 30, 2020. Internet Service Providers (ISP's) and Electric Cooperatives and their subsidiaries may now apply. Other companies capable of deploying broadband are also allowed to apply.

Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,194
Confirmed Cases: 1,185
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 456
Confirmed Cases: 450
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 344
Confirmed Cases: 330
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 251
Confirmed Cases: 250
Probable Cases: 1
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 218
Confirmed Cases: 216
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 0

Governor Hutchinson Provides Today’s COVID-19 Update

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. 
In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 616 new cases; 6,706 active cases; 447 hospitalized, which is up 35 from Sunday; 97 on ventilators, which is up 12 from Sunday; deaths added today, 15, for a total of 1,197; a total of 76,364 cases; 66,934 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,657; antigen tests, 253.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 56; Benton, 39; Craighead, 39, Jefferson, 34; Washington 29.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“We continue to see good testing numbers in Arkansas. Our antigen testing has already exceeded our monthly goal and our PCR testing is on pace to do the same. The Arkansas Department of Health continues to do outstanding work in identifying and tracing COVID-19 cases across the state. Tomorrow, I will talk about what we should do to prepare for the winter and discuss the latest White House report.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (09.22.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

Sunday's COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,193
Confirmed Cases: 1,184
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 455
Confirmed Cases: 450
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 344
Confirmed Cases: 330
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 251
Confirmed Cases: 250
Probable Cases: 1
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 218
Confirmed Cases: 216
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 0

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Arkansas’s Growing and Successful Tech Environment

LITTLE ROCK – Today I’d like to share two pieces of news that illustrate how Arkansas has fostered an environment that encourages high-tech entrepreneurs and the educators who mentor and inspire them.

On Wednesday, I helped cut the ribbon for the Tech Depot in Newport. Tech Depot is an information technology education center with classrooms and training labs for apprentices who are employed by Arkansas companies. Tech Depot will offer courses in general IT skills, data analysis, cyber security, and software development.

The Arkansas Center for Data Sciences, one of the partners in this innovative program, will match companies to apprentices. Arkansas State University-Newport will provide the educational content for the IT Generalist class, which will start at the end of the month. The school has a long track record for creating training programs that fit the needs of industry. The Newport Economic Development Commission, the third Tech Depot partner, will coordinate the different elements of the program and help integrate them into the local economy.

We were cutting the ribbon at the Tech Depot in Newport a day after the leaders at the Venture Center in Little Rock learned they had captured the top prize at the Finovate conference. Finovate – which is a combination of “finance” and “innovate” – is the world’s top fintech conference. Five other winners of awards have worked with the Venture Center in Little Rock.

This award is appropriate because Little Rock is the birthplace of fintech. Fintech, by the way, is a combination of the words finance and technology.

I liked what Venture Center Executive Director Wayne Miller had to say about the award. Little Rock has always been known as the birthplace of fintech. Now, Wayne said, Little Rock is the epi-center of fintech innovation.

These two bits of news coming in the same week illustrate the strength of the technology industry in Arkansas. We see how education and business combine in public-private partnerships to produce tech-savvy entrepreneurs, strengthen our economy, and polish Arkansas’s reputation as a leader in technology. 

The Venture Center programs help new companies accelerate their growth. Tech Depot in Newport will turn out graduates ready to join innovative companies or start their own.

In my remarks at the Tech Depot ribbon cutting, I celebrated a tech center in the rural part of our state. I also told of a trip I made to Silicon Valley to recruit technology companies. I quickly concluded they were reluctant to come. They were happy to lure Arkansans out to California, but they weren’t that excited about coming to Arkansas. I realized that we were going to have to build our own high-tech industry, and that we would build it from our own stable of world-class talent.

We are accomplishing that with a speed and success that exceeded my hopes but didn’t surprise me. That’s the way Arkansans work. Educators, business leaders, and elected leaders have embraced the challenge. We are equipping our workforce and bringing home the prizes.

Friday COVID-19 Arkansas Health Department Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,188
Confirmed Cases: 1,183
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 450
Confirmed Cases: 447
Probable Cases: 3
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 337
Confirmed Cases: 325
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 252
Confirmed Cases: 250
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 215
Confirmed Cases: 213
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 0

Governor Hutchinson Announces Record Antigen Testing in Today’s COVID-19 Update

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson announced record antigen testing in today’s COVID-19 update.

In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 724 new cases; 5,767 active cases; 381 hospitalized, which is down 8 from Thursday; 77 on ventilators, which is up 5 from Thursday; a total of 72,338 cases; and 65,542 recoveries.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 59; Benton, 34; Crawford, 33; Jefferson, 32; and Craighead, 27.

Governor Asa Hutchinson released the following statement on today's COVID-19 numbers:

“Today we set a record for our antigen COVID-19 testing in Arkansas. We had over 11,000 tests with both PCR tests and antigen tests. Our cases were down from yesterday at 724, but we want this to go down more. Five hundred seventy-eight of the tests were community and 146 were in corrections. Have a great weekend but be safe and always remember to protect yourself and others.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

New Workforce Classes Coming Soon to UA Cossatot

UA Cossatot's David Sirmon talks about a pair of workforce classes in the medical and pharmacy fields beginning soon at UAC.

New Program Provides Free Legal Assistance to Families Affected by Opioids

Getting a job, paying rent and other matters can be difficult after struggles with opioid abuse that might have included legal difficulties, which creates long-term issues for individuals who are trying to get or stay sober. The Center for Arkansas Legal Services and Legal Aid of Arkansas have launched a new program called Beyond Opioids to provide free legal assistance to families who have been affected by the opioid epidemic.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/new-program-provides-free-legal-assistance-families-affected-opioids

New Program Provides Free Legal Assistance to Families Affected by Opioids

Getting a job, paying rent and other matters can be difficult after struggles with opioid abuse that might have included legal difficulties, which creates long-term issues for individuals who are trying to get or stay sober.

Thursday COVID-19 Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,186
Confirmed Cases: 1,184
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1
Total Recovered Cases: 1,154
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 1,153
Recovered Probable Cases: 1
Total Deaths: 16
Confirmed Deaths: 16
Probable Deaths: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 450
Confirmed Cases: 447
Probable Cases: 3
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 1
Total Recovered Cases: 429
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 427
Recovered Probable Cases: 2
Total Deaths: 8
Confirmed Deaths: 8
Probable Deaths: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 332
Confirmed Cases: 322
Probable Cases: 10
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 0
Total Recovered Cases: 297
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 292
Recovered Probable Cases: 5
Total Deaths: 23
Confirmed Deaths: 18
Probable Deaths: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 249
Confirmed Cases: 247
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 1
Total Recovered Cases: 234
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 233
Recovered Probable Cases: 1
Total Deaths: 4
Confirmed Deaths: 4
Probable Deaths: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 215
Confirmed Cases: 213
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 0
Total Recovered Cases: 193
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 192
Recovered Probable Cases: 1
Total Deaths: 3
Confirmed Deaths: 2
Probable Deaths: 1

Governor Hutchinson Releases Statement on Today’s COVID-19 Numbers

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson released the following statement on today's COVID-19 numbers:

“The increased use of antigen point-of-care testing is encouraging. This shows our investment in point-of-care testing is helping address the new demand for rapid tests on our K-12 and college campuses. Today’s report includes almost 10,000 tests between the PCR tests and the antigen tests. Of course, this means we identified new cases, and this will allow our more than 770 contact tracers to do their work and reduce the spread of the virus. Right now, we are concentrating on identifying communities that have an increased level of spread and encouraging stricter compliance with our health guidelines.”

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,185
Confirmed Cases: 1,183
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 0
Total Recovered Cases: 1,154
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 1,152
Recovered Probable Cases: 2
Total Deaths: 16
Confirmed Deaths: 16
Probable Deaths: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 450
Confirmed Cases: 447
Probable Cases: 3
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 1
Total Recovered Cases: 427
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 425
Recovered Probable Cases: 2
Total Deaths: 8
Confirmed Deaths: 8
Probable Deaths: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 331
Confirmed Cases: 321
Probable Cases: 10
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 0
Total Recovered Cases: 295
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 290
Recovered Probable Cases: 5
Total Deaths: 23
Confirmed Deaths: 18
Probable Deaths: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 249
Confirmed Cases: 247
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 1
Total Recovered Cases: 232
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 231
Recovered Probable Cases: 1
Total Deaths: 4
Confirmed Deaths: 4
Probable Deaths: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 215
Confirmed Cases: 213
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 0
Total Recovered Cases: 189
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 188
Recovered Probable Cases: 1
Total Deaths: 3
Confirmed Deaths: 2
Probable Deaths: 1

VIDEO: UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr Steve Cole COVID-19 Report 09.15.20

UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr Steve Cole gives a UA Cossatot COVID-19 status report

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update from Batesville Wednesday (09.16.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media from Batesville on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

UA Cossatot Celebrates National Hispanic Serving Institutions Week

De Queen Lions Club Met Tuesday 09.15.20

De Queen Lions Club new members were inducted and club directors and officers were installed at Tuesday's noon meeting. New members are Stephen Copley and Tiffany Maurer. Lion Scott Simmons was elected to the office of president and will replace outgoing president, Bryan Blackwood. The Lion of the Year also happened to be the Lion Instigator of the Year - De Queen Mayor Jeff Brown.