Single Parent Scholarship Fall Semester Application is Open
Join Ed 88 Live on Location this Friday at 11 am at Prime Country Meats in Sevier County
FRIDAY AT 11 AM CDT – 2 PM CDT
Prime Country Meats Ribbon Cutting /Open House
Free · 526 Clear Creek Rd, Horatio
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Arkansas started a new fiscal year this week, and final reports for the previous year give us an optimistic outlook about the future of our economy.
Fiscal Year 2021 ended on June 30. We began Fiscal Year 2022 on July 1.
Results from collections and distributions for FY2021 reached $6.845 billion. This is $1.09 billion or 19% above prior-year results.
The collections fully funded the Revenue Stabilization Act for the Fiscal Year 2021 and left a surplus of $945.7 million. The fiscal year ended above forecast in all major categories of collections and above year-ago levels. The Department of Finance and Administration says there are several contributing factors.
The deadline for individual income taxes was extended last year to July. Payroll withholding tax exceeded expectations amid a faster rebound in the state economy. Sales tax exceeded expectations from the combined factors of an economic rebound, stimulus transfers, and growth in online marketplace sales.
The state’s most significant sources of revenue come from individual income tax and sales and use tax.
•• Individual income tax collections totaled $3.97 billion. That is $550 million or 16.1% above FY2020.
•• Sales and Use collections totaled $2.88 billion. That is $340 million or 13.4% above FY2020.
•• Corporate Income Taxes totaled $651.9 million. That is an increase of $169.8 million or 35.2% above FY2020.
This week, the Governor authorized the Department of Finance and Administration to increase the state forecast for FY2021 by $213 million.
This increase allowed for $86.6 million to be diverted to the Medicaid trust fund. That brings the balance of the trust fund to more than $600 million, ensuring that there are adequate funds for the healthcare of low-income Arkansans.
After the revised forecast, the state’s Long-Term Reserve Fund has a balance of $1.22 billion.
The Governor has indicated he will call a special session this fall to address future tax cuts. We will continue to update you on any developments.
Latest Aerial Photos of Construction on the New Sevier County Medical Center
Photos by Monte Bartek of Bartek Recon
Community Fundraiser Racks up Over $15,000 for Up-and-Coming Soccer Complex in De Queen
NEWS RELEASE
Samaritan Fields Contact: 870-584-9928
JuLY 5th, 2021 SamaritanFields@gmail.com
Community Fundraiser racks up over $15,000 for up-and-coming Soccer Complex in De Queen
DE QUEEN, AR— The first-ever “Field of Dreams” fundraiser netted more than $15,000 for the Samaritan Fields Soccer project on Collin Raye Drive in De Queen this 4th of July weekend.
A diverse group of Community members teamed up to collaborate resources for the July 3rd event and celebrated with festival-style vibes, flavorful food, FIFA, inflatables, and family-friendly fun Saturday night. Several efforts were made to raise the money, including food sales, auction items, and T-shirt sales, as well as donations collected from parking for the city Firework show.
Hundreds of area residents attended the event and contributed support for the developing facilities throughout the day, including representative Deann Vaught, along with several local business owners and community leaders. The event also provided a covid-19 shot booth and voter registration tent, adding nearly a dozen Arkansans to the state’s vaccinated list.
Project organizer Esteban Ochoa reported the total amount raised was $15,898.85, including additional dollars gathered from a “50/50 day” partnership with Simple Simon’s Pizza of De Queen Monday, July 5th. Pulled together with just 3 months of planning, the “Field of Dreams” fundraiser was designed to draw up support for the project and raise awareness about the community goal of bringing the High School state soccer championship to De Queen by 2026.
Event organizers would like to express appreciation to all who attended and say “thank you” to everyone who has supported the Samaritan Fields initiative in De Queen.
Plans for future fundraisers are already in discussion as the “Field of Dreams” night is set to become an annual event for the Sevier County community. Ongoing construction and maintenance are required for the project to become both sustainable and successful, and continual community support will be needed. Businesses or individuals interested in helping bring state-of-the-art community soccer fields to De Queen can call 870-584-9928 or email SamaritanFields@gmail.com.
Tuesday's COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the AR Dept of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 13
VIDEO: Sevier County Medical Center Meeting 07.01.20 at UA Cossatot
Widespread Shower and Thunderstorm Activity Is Expected Across SW Arkansas Thursday
Showers and thunderstorms will become widespread across much of the state Thursday and Thursday night. While severe weather chances remain low, some storms could produce locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
Heat indices across southern Arkansas could approach or exceed 100 degrees in some locations Thursday afternoon.
Widespread showers and thunderstorms will persist across roughly the southern half of the state on Friday. Severe weather chances will remain low, but a few storms could produce locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
After a mostly dry weekend, isolated to scattered thunderstorms are back in the forecast Monday and Tuesday.
Message Last Updated: 4:32 AM local time on 7/1/2021.
Wednesday COVID-19 SW Arkansas Active Cases and Vaccinations Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 5
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 5
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 6
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 7
VIDEO: Sevier County Chamber Chat with Callie Miller 06.29.21
On this week's Sevier County Chamber Chat, President Callie Miller talks about the new "What's in the Bag?" video on the Chamber's Facebook page as well as the Tri Lakes Big Bass Festival in mid July.
VIDEO: "What's Up, Doc?" with Dr Randy Walker 06.29.21
On this week's edition of "What's Up Doc?", Dr. Randy talks about some of the not so well known symptoms of food allergies, such as fatigue, migraines, sinus infections, rashes, bloating, heartburn, and sensitivity to bright light, and how testing for food allergies has helped many patients find answers.
Sevier County 4-H Donates to Local Fan Drive
Sevier County 4-H’er, Ethan Wolcott, recently announced that he would be holding a box fan drive. The Be Cool, Stay Cool Fan Drive is a project that Wolcott has taken on himself, with help from the Sevier County Extension Office. He teamed up with Dr. Randy Walker and Angie Walker to reach more of the community. Ethan Wolcott, who is only 17, was able to raise $905, including $200 donated by Hale Real Estate. Dr. Randy Walker has agreed to match the $905 that Ethan raised, equaling a total of $1,810 for the Fan Drive. In the end, they were able to purchase 94 fans for Sevier County.
Many know Ethan Wolcott from the can recycling program he has held in the county for the past three years. Wolcott started the project to donate money to the 4-H POP-A TOP program, a program that helped 4-H families with medical bills. However, the program was ended due to COVID. Wolcott then decided to keep the money locally. By teaming up with the Walkers, Wolcott is able to give those in need, a way to stay cool this summer.
Left to right: Rex Herring, County Extension Agent-Staff Chair; Angie Walker; Ethan Wolcott; Kim Frachiseur, 4-H Program Assistant; and Janet Cantrell, County Extension Agent-FCS.
Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 4
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 6
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 4
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 5
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 5
VIDEO: Block Party in Horatio Tuesday Night 06/29 - Leslie Daniels, Tonya Wolcott at Ed 88 Studios
VIDEO: Senator John Boozman at the New Sevier County Medical Center Construction Site on Monday
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
There are currently 58,000 Arkansans who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It is estimated that 67,000 will be diagnosed by 2025.
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, an opportunity to hold a conversation about the brain, and share the fact that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are a major public health issue.
In 2019, there were 1,507 deaths from Alzheimer’s in Arkansas. That’s a 250% increase since the year 2000. It is now the 6th leading cause of death in the state.
Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.
Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. The greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. Alzheimer’s disease is considered to be younger-onset Alzheimer’s if it affects a person under 65.
More than 6 million Americans are now living with Alzheimer’s.
The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is estimated to total $355 billion in 2021.
In the most recent legislative session, the General Assembly addressed this health issue when it passed Act 391.
Act 391 creates the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council. The council will examine the needs of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, services available in the state for patients and their family caregivers, and the ability of healthcare providers and facilities to meet the current and future needs. The council will make findings and recommendations in an annual report known as the State Alzheimer’s Plan.
Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits. When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body. We’ve provided links to more information on our website
Sunday COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 5
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 4
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 4
Friday COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 4
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 0
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 5
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 3
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 4
Field of Dreams Fundraiser Announced in De Queen
NEWS RELEASE
Samaritan Fields Contact: 870-584-9928
June 23rd, 2021 SamaritanFields@gmail.com
Community Soccer Field Organizers Announce Festive Fundraiser in De Queen
DE QUEEN, AR— Community residents are rallying support for an up-and-coming Sports facility in Sevier County this summer with the “Fields of Dreams” fundraiser set for Saturday, July 3rd at 5:00 pm.
Lead by local business owner Esteban Ochoa and De Queen High School Assistant soccer coach Franklin Bahena, Samaritan fields is a multi-feature athletic facility and community project in its early phases. Located on Collin Raye Drive in De Queen, the fields will host soccer games and plans to feature benches, stands for spectators, a walking trail, and concessions are in the works.
For the process to continue growing, community support is needed for this grassroots effort and the public is invited out to celebrate the Independence Day Holiday with a fundraiser at the fields.
The Field of Dreams night will feature a live DJ, FIFA Tournament, obstacle course, voter registration booth, Iphone 12 Pro Max raffle, T-Shirts, Drinks, snacks and a free soccer ball giveaway for the 1st 100 cars to arrive. De Queen Health and Wellness will be on site providing COVID-19 Vaccinations and $5 will be donated to the fields for each shot administered. Folks interested in viewing the city’s fireworks show can park their vehicles for a donation and all proceeds will go towards construction and maintenance of the developing project. Local Hot Dog vendor “The Walking Dog” will be set up during the event and everyone is welcome.
A long-term goal for the project is to qualify as the host site for the 2026 Arkansas High school State Soccer tournament and pay homage to the 6-time state championship Leopard soccer team in their hometown. Organizers also believe the ability to host a state tournament will have a positive economic impact on the community as travelers will dine at local restaurants and buy from area convenience stores while visiting for the event.
Ochoa says the overall goal for Samaritan fields and the soccer community of De Queen “is to not have great soccer players, but to have great kids who happen to play soccer.”
Sponsors and Community Partners of Samaritan Fields include Tony Soto and The National Guard, Dr. Randy Walker and Angie Walker, James and Suzanne Babb, Leopard Nutrition, Franklin Bahena, Kelly Goins Smart Phone EMT, Jennifer Collier, Meraki Hair Studio, Top Line Custom Logos, Johnny Buenrrostro, Revels and Company CPA’s, De Queen Medical Equipment, Arlene Rivas, Cricket Wireless, Rex Herring and Daryl Wayne Herring, Rolling B Ranch, Rock Hauling Land Clearing and Excavation, R and J Sports, Lorena Branson, Mitchell Medical, Simple Simon’s Pizza, Selena’s Dish Network , Peak Therapy, Extreme Game Truck (Gabriel A Green), Health Care Express - De Queen, John and Representative DeAnn Vaught and De Queen Health and Wellness.
A Non-Profit group has been launched for the Samaritan Fields project and all interested supporters are welcome to attend the first Board meeting at 7:00 pm Monday, June 28th at Samaritan Fields (1358 W Collin Raye) For questions contact Samaritanfields@gmail.com .
