Several locations of Landsdell Family Clinics in southwest Arkansas were raided Tuesday morning by DEA agents and local authorities. The known locations of the raids included: Lockesburg, Dierks, Texarkana, and 2 locations in De Queen, AR. The investigation is underway and in the early phase of collecting information. The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office out of the Western District of Arkansas.
Flash Flood Watch in Effect Through Thursday Morning
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM CDT THIS MORNING
THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING...
The Flash Flood Watch continues for
* Portions of southwest Arkansas, Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma,
and Texas, including the following areas, in southwest
Arkansas, Columbia, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little
River, Miller, Nevada, and Sevier. In Louisiana, Bienville,
Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, De Soto, Grant, Jackson, Lincoln,
Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Webster, and Winn. In
southeast Oklahoma, McCurtain. In Texas, Angelina, Bowie,
Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Marion,
Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Red River, Rusk, Sabine, San
Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Upshur, and Wood.
* From 7 AM CDT this morning through Thursday morning
* Additional rainfall totals of 2 to 5 inches with isolated higher
amounts in excess of 6 inches 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.
VIDEO: Greg Ray and Angie Walker Discuss Sevier County Senior Citizens' Appreciation Day
Sevier County Judge Greg Ray and Angie Walker visited today to give us an update on the upcoming Sevier County Senior Citizens' Appreciation Day.
VIDEO: Callie Miller of the De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce at Ed 88 Studios Tuesday
On this week's Chamber Chat with Callie Miller, we discuss the three big upcoming events in Sevier County:
1. Litter Cleanup
2. Tri Lakes Big Bass Festival
3. Senior Citizens' Appreciation Day
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: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0
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: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0
Sunday COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 3
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: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0
SW Arkansas Survey by U of A System Division of Agriculture
Atmosphere, options and safety at the top of consumers’ list
By Ryan McGeeney U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
· Survey conducted by Division of Agriculture initiative looks at consumer priorities
· Data collected from 199 southwestern Arkansas residents · Survey results at www.uaex.uada.edu/createbridgesresources
LITTLE ROCK — A friendly atmosphere, options, and safety measures were southwestern Arkansans’ top three values in choosing which restaurants and stores to frequent, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
The survey was conducted in March by CREATE BRIDGES, an initiative of the Division of Agriculture’s Community and Economic Development Department, based in Little Rock. CREATE BRIDGES is an acronym for “Celebrating Retail, Accommodations, Tourism and Entertainment by Building Rural Innovations and Developing Growth Economies.”
The survey received responses from 199 residents living in Howard, Little River, and Sevier counties.
Julianne Dunn, economic educator for the Division of Agriculture, said the most popular products purchased were clothing and locally made or crafted goods, according to the survey results.
“Additionally, a majority of respondents want the conveniences added during the pandemic to remain, such as ordering online, picking up at the store and curbside delivery,” Dunn said.
CREATE BRIDGES is designed to bring two three-county regions together to collaborate, gather data, develop and implement strategies to assist small, rural businesses in retaining and expanding their customer base.
The CREATE BRIDGES 3C’s Region, consisting of Howard, Little River, and Sevier counties, was selected in the fall of 2018. Like other programs and agencies, however, CREATE BRIDGES administrators had to reassess their objectives in 2020 while facing the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We agreed that consumers’ needs and desires may have changed as a result of the pandemic and that it would be beneficial to small retail businesses to know what their customers sought,” Vickie Williamson, economic development director for Little River County, said.
Williamson and Tiffany Maurer, economic development director for Sevier County, generated a short list of questions in January for consumers to answer online.
All respondents were entered into a drawing for a gift card as an incentive to participate. There were 199 responses across the three counties, providing helpful data and comments for local businesses. The complete survey results are available at www.uaex.uada.edu/createbridgesresources.
For more information about CREATE BRIDGES, visit www.uaex.uada.edu/createbridges or contact Julianne Dunn at 501-671-2158 or jbdunn@uaex.edu.
To learn more about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.
Tuesday's COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the AR Dept of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 0
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 0
VIDEO: New CEO Introduced at Sevier County Medical Center Board Meeting
Lori House was introduced as the new CEO of the Sevier County Medical Center. She has been serving as the Revenue Cycle Manager for Healthy Connections in Mena.
Saturday's COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 5
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2
In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 222 new cases; 2,176 active cases; 175 hospitalized, which is down 2 from Thursday; 37 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Thursday; deaths added today, 2, for a total of 5,759; a total of 337,170 cases; PCR tests, 3,086; antigen tests, 573.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 37; Pulaski and Washington with 24 each; and Faulkner, 17.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“We continue to see similar case numbers to last week's report. Our vaccine supply in the state is plentiful, and we are prepared to vaccinate any Arkansan 16 and older. Check with the Department of Health to find a vaccine appointment near you.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Severe Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service
The threat for strong to severe thunderstorms will exist Sunday afternoon and evening across the Four State Region along and ahead of a weak cold front that will shift southeast into the area. Damaging winds, large hail, and locally heavy rainfall will be the main threats with these storms, before they gradually diminish Monday morning. However, additional showers and embedded thunderstorms will become more numerous across the region Monday night through Wednesday north of the front, with the threat for heavy rainfall and localized flooding of low lying, poor drainage areas possible.
Friday COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 5
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 2
In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 188 new cases; 2,151 active cases; 177 hospitalized, which is down 4 from Wednesday; 34 on ventilators, which is down 1 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 3, for a total of 5,757; a total of 336,948 cases; PCR tests, 3,565; antigen tests, 819.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 26; Craighead, 18; and Faulkner, 16.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“When the first vaccines were distributed in December, we had over 1,000 hospitalizations and nearly 21,000 active cases. Looking at today's report, we can tell the vaccine is effective. Getting vaccinated protects you, your neighbors, and all those you care about.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
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: 1
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 5
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3
In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 298 new cases; 2,152 active cases; 181 hospitalized, which is down 11 from Tuesday; 35 on ventilators, which is up 7 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 2, for a total of 5,754; a total of 336,760 cases; PCR tests, 3,760; antigen tests, 1,000.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Faulkner, 73; Benton, 29; and Washington, 27.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“Our case numbers are similar to last week, continuing the trend we've seen for weeks. While these numbers are lower than the first few months of this year, we can still work to lower them even further by getting vaccinated and encouraging your neighbors to do the same.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
New Non-Profit Group Completes Artwork Project in De Queen
NEWS RELEASE
Minority Affairs Council Contact: 720-477-9659
May 5th, 2021 DQUnity@Gmail.com
New Non-Profit Group Completes Artwork Project in De Queen
DE QUEEN, AR— A new inclusive local organization has brought a “Welcome to De Queen” mural to Sevier County as their first community project this month.
The Minority Affairs Council of Southwest Arkansas (MAC) launched the effort after a series of vandalisms emerged around the town late last year. To bring the project to life, the group rallied area partners, hired an artist and collaborated with the community to develop a vision for the design.
The multi-panel work of art was created by Texarkana-based artist Darlene Taylor and features a splash of colors and characters, along with greetings in Spanish, Choctaw, Marshallese and various languages. On May 1st, a dedication and prayer gathering was held by MAC and open to the community. The painting site is located at the “Storage-N-Lock” building owned by De Queen Schools Librarian Betty Stone on the Eastern edge of town.
In addition to covering up graffiti and bringing a new work of art the city, MAC also wanted to complete the mural project as an example of how residents can take action to create change in their community.
After holding open forums in the fall of 2020 and early 2021 to generate interest, MAC formed with the purpose of bringing area residents from different backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, genders and socioeconomic status together with a common goal: Unity.
The group has committed to organizing events and projects that will uplift the underserved and unite the Sevier County Community as a whole.
Local partners who helped organize and support the “Welcome to De Queen” mural project include artist funding by SmartPhone EMT De Queen, paint provided by James and Suzanne Babb purchased from Bailey Discount Building Supply, videography by Chris Chandler, fuel sponsorship from MAC members and beverages for the artist sponsored by Jitterbug Java in De Queen.
The group would like to say “Thank you” to all supporters and invite the public out to the next meeting, Friday May 7th at 6:30 pm at The De Queen Sportsplex. (Alternate location to be determined in the event of inclement weather.)
All meetings are open to the public and available on Facebook live. Ideas for the next group project are welcome and can be submitted to @DQunity@gmail.com or the “Minority Affairs Council” Facebook page online.
Brentley Morris Student of the Month at De Queen Lions Club Meeting
Brentley Morris, a senior at De Queen High, was awarded Lions Club Student of the Month at the noon meeting Tuesday in De Queen. Brentley is a member of the FFA and has been a member of the Forestry Judging Team. In sports, Brentley played baseball and basketball for the Leopards and was awarded 6th Man of the Year for the basketball team. Brentley will be an honor graduate from De Queen High on May 17th.
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: 1
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
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: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 4
In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 61 new cases; 1,939 active cases; 172 hospitalized, which is up 1 from Sunday; 29 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Sunday; deaths added today, 4, for a total of 5,747; a total of 336,166 cases; PCR tests, 1,307; antigen tests, 106.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 11; Pulaski, 9; and Faulkner, 8.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“Today's report shows a higher level of vaccinations than this time last week. Thanks to everyone for doing your part. We are continuing to monitor new cases and variants across the state, but the best way to prevent the spread is by getting vaccinated. Get your shot today.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Central Arkansas Development Council Area Food Distributions
Emergency Food Distribution
This Week we will be in:
Nashville and Murfreesboro on Tuesday May 4
Mt. Ida and Glenwood on Wednesday May 5
Little Rock on Thursday May 6.
All distributions will begin by 9am and go until we run out.
Severe Weather Briefing for Arkansas
Another round of severe weather is possible over the region tonight through Tuesday morning. The latest forecast indicates that an overnight complex of thunderstorms may track across the state, posing a threat for large hail early in the overnight period, with the primary hazard transitioning to damaging winds.
Additionally, there could be some locally heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding and aggravate existing flooding issues along some area rivers.
Sunday COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 4
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: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 5
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 4
Kris Hundley and Police Dog, Raptor, at De Queen Lions Club
Kris Hundley and police dog, Raptor, were at Tuesday’s meeting of the De Queen Lions Club. Hundley talked about Raptor’s training and work.