Thursday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,541
Confirmed Cases: 1,316
Probable Cases: 225
Total Active Cases: 121
Active Confirmed Cases: 44
Active Probable Cases: 77

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 697
Confirmed Cases: 598
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 27

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County

Total Cumulative Cases: 526
Confirmed Cases: 460
Probable Cases: 66
Total Active Cases: 28
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 12

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 488
Confirmed Cases: 449
Probable Cases: 39
Total Active Cases: 105
Active Confirmed Cases: 81
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 306
Confirmed Cases: 286
Probable Cases: 20
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 7

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 1,962 new cases; 13,691 active cases; 801 hospitalized, which is down 9 from Tuesday; 116 on ventilators, which is down 11 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 14, for a total of 2,126; a total of 126,197 cases; 101,583 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,390; antigen tests, 2,247.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 172; Benton, 144; Garland, 136; Washington, 121; and Sebastian, 116. 

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

"Today we saw another record number of reported new cases. There was a small decline in hospitalizations but the high number of cases is a profoundly serious reminder of the emergency that continues. Susan and I just spoke about our holiday plans and we are taking extra precautions and limiting the number. Plan safely."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Horatio Elementary School Closing Temporarily due to COVID

The Horatio School District has decided to close Horatio Elementary School onsite instruction after two students tested positive for COVID-19. The district's contact-tracing identified several staff members and two kindergarten classrooms that must be quarantined until December 1st.

As a result of minimal availability of substitutes and the number of staff members that will be quarantined, the PK-6 Horatio Elementary will pivot to online instruction and elementary teachers will continue to teach virtually beginning Wednesday, November 11. Onsite instruction will resume on Tuesday, December 1st as the district already has a digital day planned for November 30th.

The district will continue to partner with the Arkansas Department of Health and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide a safe and healthy environment for onsite instruction.

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,522
Confirmed Cases: 1,315
Probable Cases: 207
Total Active Cases: 117
Active Confirmed Cases: 50
Active Probable Cases: 67

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 694
Confirmed Cases: 598
Probable Cases: 96
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 50
Active Probable Cases: 28

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 523
Confirmed Cases: 458
Probable Cases: 65
Total Active Cases: 28
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 12

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 466
Confirmed Cases: 430
Probable Cases: 36
Total Active Cases: 89
Active Confirmed Cases: 66
Active Probable Cases: 23

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 295
Confirmed Cases: 277
Probable Cases: 18
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 6

U.S. Navy Veteran at Tuesday's De Queen Lions Club Meeting

With Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11th, the Lions Club invited a local U.S. Navy Veteran to speak to the group Tuesday. Don Hogg discussed his service in the military in the U.S. Navy at Tuesday’s De Queen Lions Club noon meeting. He also brought Navy ship photos of the vessels he was on. He was pictured outside on the deck of the tug boat in the first ship photo.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Veterans live and work in every community of Arkansas. We are their friends, their family, their co-workers, and their neighbors. It is up to us to ensure that every veteran feels that his or her service to this country is appreciated.

There are ways every Arkansan can help our veterans. Shop at your local businesses that support the military and hire veterans. Reach out to your veteran community and find ways to volunteer. We can all teach our children about the sacrifices veterans have made and create a new generation of appreciation.

But the easiest way is to simply say, "Thank you for what you have done for our country."

On this Veterans Day, we would like to say a special thank you to the more than 219,000 veterans who call Arkansas home.

Every session, we introduce legislation to make Arkansas a better place for our military members and vets. In the most recent session, we passed legislation to make it easier for military spouses to find employment quickly and legislation paving the way for an extensive study on veteran affairs in our state.

Act 551 directs the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, and Legislative and Military Affairs and the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs to meet jointly to conduct the Arkansas Legislative Study on Veterans Affairs. The study aims to examine veterans' issues in the state, including the occurrence of suicide among the veteran population. The committees have conducted town-hall-style meetings across the state to hear from veterans. They will use the information they've gathered to make recommendations for the 2021 Regular Session.

We also passed Act 820. This legislation states an occupational licensing entity shall grant active military members and returning veterans, as well as spouses of active military and returning veterans, with automatic licensure to engage in an occupation or profession if they have an equivalent license in another state.

And in 2017, we passed legislation exempting military retirement benefits from state income tax.

We look forward to continued progress. May we continue to make our state a place our vets are proud to call home.

Sevier County Library Snippets for November

by: JOHNYE FISHER

November is here, and you know what November is right? It’s Thanksgiving!!! Gobble till you Wobble! Please stop and give Thanks for all things you have and do not have for it makes you who you are. We hope you have safe travels and enjoy loved ones this year!

November is also Food for Fines Month and The Sevier County Library System Sweater Drive. November 1-30, bring any nonperishable food item into any Sevier County Branch Library for a one-dollar reduction per item in existing overdue fines. Food accepted for fines on returned library materials only, not for replacement fees of lost or damaged items. November 1-30 is the Sweater Drive you can bring any new or gently used items to any branch location and all of our donations area kept local in each community. Won’t you help keep someone one safe, warm and fed for the winter?

The De Queen Library will have Virtual Thanksgiving Story Times on November 4th and November 18th. On November 23, we will present a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving virtually.Our front of the desk display will be reading with a twist. The twist is you don’t know what this book is until you open it. The book jacket will be taken off so you might get a book on how to plant flowers, read about the wild adventures of Davy Crockett, or even travel across the Atlantic Ocean to Scotland. Come take a trip or go on an adventure. Call us at 584-4364 or visit our facebook.com/seviercountylibrary page for more details.

Hello everyone from Amy at the Horatio Library. I hope you have been enjoying this nice cooler weather. I know I have. With the weather changing and all this Covid 19 and flu season on us please continue to be safe and stay well. We will be having online story time on our Horatio Library Facebook page the 14th and also the 28th. The program on the 14th will have a Thanksgiving theme. We are getting in our new Christmas themed book titles. We have also gotten several new Bestselling books along with some new DVD series to watch. Please remember those in need this holiday season and donate if you can. I hope you have a very Blessed holiday and hope to see you soon.

Ms. Wendy wants to know if you know what are some of the things you can do at the Lockesburg Library? The library has public computers, printing, faxing, and WIFI. There are audio books, magazines, and DVD’s. Special book areas for adults, large print readers, young adults, middle readers, and early juvenile readers. The library also has a special book aread dedicated to Legacy Academy for students. For your convenience there is a book drop available for returns 24/7. New books are added monthly and for your convenience our book collection can be accessed at: https://evolveopac.infovisionsoftware.com/lockesburgThe Lockesburg Library is open Wednesdays, Thursdays 8:30-5:00 and Saturday 8:30-12:30. Call Ms. Wendy for more information at 289-2233

Rhonda, Amy, and Kelsie says for the month of November their display will be Christian Fiction. To name a few, Irene Hannon’s “Dark Ambition”, Karen Kingsbury’s “To the Moon and Back” and Christy Barritt’s “Ripple Effect”. These are really good books and we have them in large print as well. We have other good books such as “Thick as Thieves” by Sandra Brown, “Silent Bite” by David Rosenfelt and “A Time for Mercy” by John Grisham. We have something for every ready taste.Virtual Story Time for Thanksgiving will be November 14th so keep an eye on our facebook.com/gillhambranchlibrary for more information. Happy Thanksgiving from Gillham Library!!

Veterans Salutes from UA Cossatot and Ed 88

Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,505
Confirmed Cases: 1,311
Probable Cases: 194
Total Active Cases: 112
Active Confirmed Cases: 53
Active Probable Cases: 59

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 690
Confirmed Cases: 598
Probable Cases: 92
Total Active Cases: 76
Active Confirmed Cases: 51
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 519
Confirmed Cases: 457
Probable Cases: 62
Total Active Cases: 31
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 445
Confirmed Cases: 413
Probable Cases: 32
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 53
Active Probable Cases: 21

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 291
Confirmed Cases: 275
Probable Cases: 16
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 4

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 945 new cases; 12,488 active cases; 786 hospitalized, which is up 45 from Sunday; 116 on ventilators, which is up 13 from Sunday; deaths added today, 23, for a total of 2,108; a total of 122,811 cases; 99,861 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,358; antigen tests, 721.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 128; Washington, 79; Independence, 75; Sebastian, 56; and Benton, 49. 

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

"We continue to see a high level of hospitalizations across the state. This increase can affect everyone, even those who have not contracted COVID-19. We all have a responsibility to our friends, family, and neighbors to do our part as we fight this virus."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Veterans Salutes from UA Cossatot and Ed 88

Monday COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,498
Confirmed Cases: 1,304
Probable Cases: 194
Total Active Cases: 118
Active Confirmed Cases: 50
Active Probable Cases: 68

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 687
Confirmed Cases: 594
Probable Cases: 93
Total Active Cases: 81
Active Confirmed Cases: 54
Active Probable Cases: 27

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 517
Confirmed Cases: 455
Probable Cases: 62
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 12

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 435
Confirmed Cases: 402
Probable Cases: 33
Total Active Cases: 68
Active Confirmed Cases: 44
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 288
Confirmed Cases: 274
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 17
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 2

Veterans Salutes from UA Cossatot and Ed 88

Sunday's COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,497
Confirmed Cases: 1,301
Probable Cases: 196
Total Active Cases: 118
Active Confirmed Cases: 48
Active Probable Cases: 70

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 676
Confirmed Cases: 586
Probable Cases: 90
Total Active Cases: 75
Active Confirmed Cases: 49
Active Probable Cases: 26

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 515
Confirmed Cases: 454
Probable Cases: 61
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 431
Confirmed Cases: 401
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 68
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 21

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 288
Confirmed Cases: 274
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 17
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 2

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Going Above and Beyond for Foster Children

LITTLE ROCK – November is National Adoption Month in Arkansas, and November 21st is National Adoption Day. Today I’d like to share the story of an amazing employee of the Division of Children and Family Services, which is a part of our state Department of Human Services, or DHS. This employee is typical of the hundreds of DHS employees who care for our most vulnerable children all over Arkansas.

But first, let me start with some good news on our state foster-care and adoption programs. During the last fiscal year, Children and Family Services finalized 872 adoptions, and thirty-six percent of those children went to live with relatives. Of the over 4,300 children in foster care, fifty-five percent were in the system less than a year. Eighty-four percent of the children statewide received a face-to-face monthly visit from a caseworker, and ninety-three percent of those children met face-to-face with a staff member, even those who aren’t a caseworker.

And now to the story.

Ewonda Baker, a twenty-seven-year program assistant for the agency, is one of those employees whose concern for the children extends beyond her duties.

Ewonda was helping to look after two boys – one six and the other eleven. She took the younger boy to school every day. On October 12th, she arrived as usual at 6:45 at the foster home. When the boys didn’t come out, she called the foster mother, only to learn she was in the hospital with COVID-19; the boys were quarantining with the foster father.

The next morning, Ewonda called to check on the foster mother, and learned that the foster father was now sick and likely needed to be hospitalized. Ewonda volunteered to care for the boys until Family Services could find a place for them. She put on her mask, shield, gloves, and rolled down the windows in her van. The boys climbed into the back seat, and she drove to a testing site. Guess what, both boys tested positive. As Family Services staff searched for a placement to take the boys temporarily, Ewonda stayed in the vehicle with the boys for hours.

When Family Services couldn’t find a family that could take the boys, Ewonda volunteered. She already had been with the boys. Family Services accepted Ewonda’s offer and sent the trio to a quarantine house in Searcy that one of the Division’s partners, Methodist Family Health, provided. Ewonda, who has five grown children, said the decision wasn’t difficult. Someone had to take care of the kids.

They were the only occupants of the fully furnished quarantine house. For fourteen days, Ewonda checked the boys’ temperature twice a day and helped them stay on track with their schoolwork. They never developed symptoms. The boys, who aren’t brothers, have been placed with other families. The foster father remains in the hospital but is improving.

Health Department guidelines required Ewonda to quarantine for another fourteen days. She can return to work after November 6. She is also back at home with her husband, Brian, who is pastor of St. Mark Community Church in Jacksonville.

Ewonda says her job is more than a job. It’s a ministry. “These kids are more than a file folder,” she says. “These are people who need our help, our love, and compassion.”

Thank you, Ewonda, and all the other employees of DHS who have chosen to help other Arkansans, often at great inconvenience and sometimes at the risk to their own health. I am always amazed by stories such as Ewonda’s but never surprised. That’s who Arkansans are. Many of you have accepted the call to foster or adopt children. Because of you, our foster children have a better life now and a bright future.

Friday's New Sevier County Medical Center Groundbreaking Ceremony

Sevier County Hospital Board Meeting on November 5th

Friday COVID-19 Arkansas Health Department Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,478
Confirmed Cases: 1,291
Probable Cases: 187
Total Active Cases: 114
Active Confirmed Cases: 46
Active Probable Cases: 68

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 658
Confirmed Cases: 576
Probable Cases: 82
Total Active Cases: 65
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 18

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 507
Confirmed Cases: 449
Probable Cases: 58
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 410
Confirmed Cases: 383
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 53
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 287
Confirmed Cases: 273
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1

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

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,548 new cases; 10,493 active cases; 667 hospitalized, which is up 25 from Wednesday; 103 on ventilators, which is down 8 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 11, for a total of 2,037; a total of 117,360 cases; 97,276 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,450; antigen tests, 1,728.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 139; Benton, 133; Washington, 92; Sebastian, 79; and Craighead, 67.

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

"Today's significant increase in new cases shows that we have the virus in all our communities. Our increase in hospitalizations breaks the recent trend of smaller numbers. The coming weeks are critical, and we must be diligent, intentional, and not be careless."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

UA Cossatot Will Recognize Veterans in November

From November 9th through November 13th, UA Cossatot will be holding Veterans Week at the college to recognize veterans who have served their country. Veterans Week at UA Cossatot will include Veterans Week Profiles of Service videos will be featured on Ed 88's Facebook page all week long.

UA Cossatot's annual Veterans Day Breakfast was canceled this year due to COVID-19, but UA Cossatot wishes to honor all veterans and thank them for their sacrifice.

The College Relations department at UA Cossatot has made a video of Veterans from our local American Legion Post 54 as well as members of our faculty and staff and we are excited to spotlight individual interviews.

For any questions about Veterans Week at UA Cossatot, please contact UA Cossatot's Director of Institutional Research and Assessment Tommi Cobb at tcobb@cccua.edu or 870-584-1158

Thursday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,458
Confirmed Cases: 1,283
Probable Cases: 175
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 58

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 631
Confirmed Cases: 561
Probable Cases: 70
Total Active Cases: 45
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 502
Confirmed Cases: 447
Probable Cases: 55
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 394
Confirmed Cases: 373
Probable Cases: 21
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County

Total Cumulative Cases: 281
Confirmed Cases: 269
Probable Cases: 12

Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 1

Sevier County Election Results from Tuesday

Photos taken Tuesday night at Sevier County Courthouse

De Queen Lions Club Met Tuesday at Noon

Lion Jeff Brown introduced Tuesday’s guest speaker at the noon meeting of De Queen Lions Club. Erin Hunter was recently appointed Prosecuting Attorney for the Ninth Judicial District - West. Her term begins January 1, 2021, and expires December 31, 2022. She replaces Bryan Chesshir.