Sevier County 4-H’ers Compete in Chicken BBQ

Sevier County 4-H held their annual Chicken BBQ on April 3. Twenty-two youth signed up to compete for a chance to go on to District 4-H BBQ. Each 4-H’er cooked a whole chicken, cut in half, on a charcoal grill. The 4-H’er could use the seasoning of their choice. They were judged on how well they could start a charcoal fire, control the fire, food safety and handling, and how well they cooked the chicken. When the chicken was done, they picked their best half to be judged on appearance, color, doneness, and taste.

The Brothers Keepers Motorcycle Club 34 were very helpful in judging the competition and Pilgrim’s Foods donated the chicken.

The top two Senior 4-H’ers will compete at the District Poultry BBQ that will be held at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Arkadelphia on May 7. They will be given the choice to cook either a chicken or a turkey breast.

The top two seniors that will represent Sevier County at the District BBQ are Laikyn Morris and Alley Stinson.

Tuesday's COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the AR Dept of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County

Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Howard County

Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Little River County

Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Polk County

Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Pike County

Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 1

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 59 new cases; 1,789 active cases; 164 hospitalized, which is up 3 from Sunday; 22 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Sunday; deaths added today, 5, for a total of 5,699; a total of 333,511 cases; PCR tests, 1,553; antigen tests, 200.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 16; Benton, 5; and Garland and Washington with 4 each.

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

“Today we saw fewer new cases with more testing than this time last week. The increase in vaccine doses was larger this week than last Monday. Our combined efforts are keeping the numbers low, but we will lose momentum if we do not increase our vaccination numbers.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Daily Legislative Report From State Rep Deann Vaught:

On Thursday, the House advanced a proposed constitutional amendment. HJR1005 would require statewide ballot initiatives to receive 60% of the vote before becoming law. If approved by the Senate, HJR1005 would be placed on the ballot in November of 2022.

The House also passed the following:

HB1391-This bill amends the law concerning consumer protection of seniors from predatory practices. It states that if a financial services provider has reasonable cause to suspect that financial exploitation may have occurred or is being attempted, the financial services provider may refuse or delay the execution of a financial transaction.

HB1012-This bill would require a buyer of a used catalytic converter other than a scrap metal recycler to file an electronic record of the used catalytic converter purchase.

SB298-This bill is titled the Arkansas Sovereignty Act of 2021. It states that all acts, laws, orders, rules, and regulations of the United States Government that infringe on the people's right to keep and bear arms as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and Arkansas Constitution are invalid in this state and shall not be recognized.

SB59-This bill states that a personal firearm, a firearms accessory, or ammunition that is manufactured commercially or privately in Arkansas and that remains within the borders of Arkansas is not subject to federal law or federal regulation.

SB536-This bill establishes the Buffalo River Conservation Committee.

The House will convene on Monday at 1 pm.

Friday COVID-19 Active Case and Vaccine Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 1

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 283 new cases; 1,843 active cases; 153 hospitalized, which is up 2 from Wednesday; 18 on ventilators, which is down 2 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 6, for a total of 5,686; a total of 332,949 cases; PCR tests, 5,038; antigen tests, 963.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 35; Benton, 31; and Washington, 26.

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

“Even with the pause on the J&J vaccine, we were able to pivot and vaccinate over 25,000 Arkansans yesterday. When the new COVID-19 cases go up, it is a reminder we must get our shot in the arm.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Rain Continues Friday in Arkansas, Weather Update from the National Weather Service

Today and Tonight...

Showers and thunderstorms will be ongoing today ahead of an
approaching upper level disturbance with a surface low and a cold
front this evening. A few strong storms containing hail cannot be
ruled out along with some isolated areas of flooding possible as
storms train over the same areas, especially south of I-20.
No other hazardous weather is expected.

Saturday through Thursday...

Cooler and drier weather is expected for the rest of the weekend
into the start of the new work week with arriving high pressure.
Another reinforcing cool front will arrive late on Tuesday with
limited moisture allowing for lesser amounts of rainfall.

Complete Listing of Sevier County Waste Disposal Facilities

UA Cossatot CARES Grant Application Re-Opens

UA Cossatot recently received an additional $387,000 in HEERF II funds for student financial relief. UA Cossatot will re-open the application to distribute Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds for spring 2021 students on April 15, 2021.

Students who qualify for the grant will receive $500 if they are enrolled in 9 credit hours or more. Students who qualify for the grant will receive $250 if they are enrolled in 3 to 8 credit hours. There will be no deadline to apply; however, funds are limited. Eligible students will continue to be awarded until all funds are disbursed. A change in the most recent award guidelines now allows dual-enrolled high school students to apply for the new HEERF II funds.

The CARES Grant is intended to help offset expenses students experienced because of the COVID-19 health emergency. Student applicants need to indicate their financial needs as a result of COVID-19 on their application. According to Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole, “We will continue to get this federal funding into the hands of UA Cossatot students as quickly as possible to help them with their financial needs caused by the ongoing pandemic. We also will have additional application windows this summer and next fall as long as we continue to receive HEERF funding. We want to make sure that UA Cossatot students can continue to pursue their educational goals and us getting this funding to them is our most important job”.

UA Cossatot CARES Grant applications will be sent to student’s college and personal emails as well as a mailed letter with a QR code to apply.

For more information on eligibility requirements and a list of Frequently Asked Questions please visit www.cccua.edu/CARES.

Daily Legislative Report From State Rep Deann Vaught:

On Tuesday, the House passed bills outlining several tax credits and exemptions.

HB1157 would double the income tax deduction for a teacher's qualified classroom expense from $250 to $500.

HB1513 creates an income tax credit for up to $3,500 for retired law enforcement officers who work cold cases for Arkansas State Police.

HB1196 would provide a sales and use tax exemption for water used by a poultry farm.

HB1054 allows for sales tax exemptions of isolated sales at special events.

The House also passed the following:

HB1879-This bill allows tuition waivers for dependents of disabled veterans, prisoners of war or a person declared missing in action or killed in action to be used at private and non-profit institutions of higher education. The amount of the waiver would be capped at the maximum amount of those at state-supported institutions.

HB1849-This bill states a vehicle shall not be driven upon the left lane of a multilane highway, except as follows:

(1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing that movement

(2) When all other lanes for traveling in the same direction are closed to traffic while under construction or repair

(3) When all other lanes for traveling in the same direction are in disrepair or are in an otherwise undrivable or unsafe condition

(4) When a vehicle is preparing to exit the multilane highway on the left

HB1767-This bill allows the operation of a personal delivery device in pedestrian areas and certain streets.

HB1547-This bill states that a state agency or a state or local official shall not mandate an individual to receive a vaccine for COVID-19. It also states that if a state-controlled facility desires to mandate an individual to receive a vaccine, then the agency can make the request to the Arkansas Legislative Council. If a variant of COVID-19 occurs and mutates to be a more virulent strain that impacts children within two years from the date that the United States Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine, then the Department of Health can request a meeting with the Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee.

SB139-This bill allows a student applying for the Arkansas Governor’s Scholars Program or the Minority Teacher Scholarship Program to use his or her ACT super score.

The House will convene on Thursday at 1 pm.

Recent Construction Site Aerial Photos of the New Sevier County Medical Center

. (Pictures courtesy of Monte Bartek)

4-H Outdoor County O’Rama in Sevier County

Sevier County 4-H held their annual Outdoor County 4-H O’Rama. Due to COVID, the Outdoor O’Rama was held over various dates in March. The competitive events included gun safety and BB gun marksmanship, reel into sports fishing, and bicycle. The winners of these events will be eligible to compete at the District 4-H O’Rama that’s held in June. Even though it was a COVID year, 42 4-H’ers competed, which broke the record for the highest number of participants. Winners from each competition are as follows:

Gun Safety and BB Gun – JUNIORS: 1st – Drake Click, 2nd – Jake Seymour, 3rd –Ty Wagner, 4th - Charlie Collins, and 5th – Kaedon Davis. SENIORS: 1st – Hunter Frachiseur, 2nd – Ethan Wolcott, 3rd – Laikyn Morris, 4th - Brayden Frachiseur, and 5th – Kinlee Stivers.

Reel into Sports Fishing – JUNIORS: 1st – Landon Frachiseur, 2nd – Drake Click, 3rd – Pace Frachiseur, 4th – Jake Seymour, and 5th – Keegan McCoy. SENIORS: 1st – Hunter Frachiseur, 2nd - Brayden Frachiseur, 3rd – Ethan Wolcott, 4th – Kinlee Stivers, and 5th – Laikyn Morris

Bicycle – JUNIORS: 1st – Blair Bissell, 2nd – James Bartek, 3rd – Keegan McCoy, 4th- Wade Melton, and 5th - Libbie Bartek. SENIORS: 1st - Dori Bartek.

For more information on 4-H, contact Sevier County Extension Service at (870) 584-3013.

County Agent Rex Herring performing the skills portion of the 4-H Outdoor O’Rama Gun Safety test with Alex McCoy

Thursday COVID-19 Active Cases Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 1

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 220 new cases; 1,715 active cases; 151 hospitalized, which is up 3 from Tuesday; 20 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 7, for a total of 5,680; a total of 332,666 cases; PCR tests, 4,798; antigen tests, 924.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 79; Pulaski, 58; and Benton, 50.

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

“Vaccination efforts continue across the state, with an increase of nearly 26,000 yesterday. New cases, hospitalizations, and ventilator use remain steady compared to last week. We can't become complacent because of these improved numbers, and it's important we continue to get vaccinated.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 0

De Queen FFA Show Team at District Livestock Show

Press Release: 4/12/21

De Queen FFA Show Team does well at the District Livestock Show. On Saturday, April 10, three members of the De Queen FFA showt team exhibited their livestock projects at the Southwest District Spring Livestock Show held at Hope Ar. The members in attendance were Tristan Whisenhunt, Olivia Cooley, and Katie Cooley.

Whisenhunt exhibited a Chianina bull and won Grand Champion honors. He also had a steer who placed second in his class. Katie Cooley presented her Hereford heifer and brought home a Reserve Grand Champion placing for the team. Olivia Cooley showed a Simmental heifer and placed first in her class.

Congratulations to these De Queen FFA students who did a great job with their cattle exhibits. They have plans to exhibit at more shows later this spring.

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

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 69 new cases; 1,640 active cases; 156 hospitalized, which is down 7 from Sunday; 17 on ventilators, which is unchanged from Sunday; deaths added today, 4, for a total of 5,665; a total of 332,222 cases; PCR tests, 1,494; antigen tests, 93.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 18; Washington, 11; and Pulaski, 10.

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

“Our number of active cases and hospitalizations declined again yesterday. Our vaccine numbers are increasing, but we must do more. If you are 16 and older then you are eligible for the vaccine. It is important that our eligible high school students get a dose. Get your vaccine as soon as you can.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 0

Monday's SW Arkansas COVID-19 Active Case Numbers and Vaccines

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 0

UA Cossatot Students Visit to the State Capitol

The UA Cossatot Student Leadership Institute, lead by Erika Buenrrostro, visited the Capitol today and met with representatives from all over the state including our very own, DeAnn Vaught! Students were able to tour the capitol, sit in committee meetings and also see advocates in action.

Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

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

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 199 new cases; 1,707 active cases; 141 hospitalized, which is down 9 from Wednesday; 23 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 2, for a total of 5,662; a total of 331,704 cases; PCR tests, 5,385; antigen tests, 1,066.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 31; Washington, 26; and Benton, 19.

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

“Vaccine doses administered have increased by nearly 154,000 since this time last week. Our hospitalizations and new cases continue to decline, but it's important that we continue to get vaccinated to protect our fellow Arkansans.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

UA Cossatot Student Ambassador 5K Glow Run May 1st

Severe Weather Briefing Friday and Friday Night for the Ark-La-Tex

Thursday COVID-19 Active Cases Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0

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

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 244 new cases; 1,649 active cases; 150 hospitalized, which is down 2 from Tuesday; 20 on ventilators, which is down 6 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 7, for a total of 5,660; a total of 331,505 cases; PCR tests, 4,177; antigen tests, 1,242.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 30; Benton, 29; and Pulaski, 28.

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

“Yesterday's report shows an increase of over 27,000 vaccine doses administered. With COVID-19 cases increasing in other states, we are in a race to get everyone vaccinated. This is the key to victory. If you are over 16, let's get the dose.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers: