Sevier County Water Association will be closed to the public starting Monday, March 23, until further notice. Customers can go online and pay the bill at scwa.myruralwater.com, mail it to P.O. Box 700, De Queen, AR 71832, or call at 870-642-5289.
Angie Walker Interview on Ed 88 Thursday Morning
Angie Walker of Dr Randy Walker's Clinic in De Queen, was on Ed 88 Radio with Loren Hinton Thursday morning and discussed the very latest Covid-19 information.
From the Sevier County Youth Baseball Association Board
Our board met and discussed possible scenarios of resuming our season if the park lockout is lifted on March 30. We have also reviewed the CDC's new recommendation that all public gatherings be limited to 50 people or less for the next 8 weeks. Based on that, the board has decided to cancel the 2020 season out of an abundance of caution and concern for public health. If/when this disease reaches our area, we did not want to be a conduit for exposure and transmission.
We will waive next year's fee unless you want a refund. If you want a refund, send a private message requesting a refund to the league's Facebook page (Sevier County Youth Baseball) or email at seviercountybaseball@gmail.com. Include the following information in the message body:
1)state your request for refund
2)player or player names and ages
3)name of who to make the check out to
4)mailing address
5)phone number
We realize this is not an ideal situation, but this is an issue that affects more than playing baseball.
From the De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce
During the COVID-19 precautions many of you are changing the way you do business, and the Chamber has created a Facebook group to help you reach your customers!
Welcome to Sevierly Strong - Stronger Together!
This group allows you to post notices about changes of hours, curbside delivery, online shopping incentives, or any other factor that customers should be aware of during this time.
Help us spread awareness for our businesses by inviting friends and fellow business owners to join the group.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need any information about current resources, and I will get it to you. We will be working to keep our membership updated and informed about the fluid situation regarding COVID-19, and the effects on our community!
Suzanne Babb
Executive Director
De Queen/Sevier County
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
P.O. Box 67 - 315 W. Stilwell Ave.
De Queen, Arkansas 71832
870-584-3225
Cossatot Fire Department Annual Fish Fry & Auction Cancelled
After meeting with local Government Officials, Cossatot Volunteer Fire Department is POSTPONING our Annual Fish Fry/Fund raiser that was scheduled for March 28th. We feel that it is in the best interest of the community to do this. We will be monitoring and looking to re-schedule at a later date.
We are encouraging members to go ahead and mail their Annual Membership dues to:
Cossatot VFD
1930 Hwy 70 E
DeQueen, AR 71832
God Bless and Be Safe,
Archie Johnson
Cossatot VFD/ Fire Chief
Centers for Disease Control - Coronavirus Disease
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China.
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ADEM Warns Against the Latest COVID19 Scam
NORTH LITTLE ROCK— The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) is warning citizens that there are persons who are impersonating employees of the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) going door to door and offering COVID19 testing in exchange for money and personal information. ADEM has confirmed that the CDC is not going door to door for testing.
Arkansas residents encountering someone at their door stating they are there to test them for a Coronavirus or COVID19 should file a consumer complaint with the Arkansas Attorney General's office by calling (501) 682-2007 or (800) 482-8982 or downloading a Consumer Complaint Form at https://arkansasag.gov/forms/file-a-consumer-complaint/
File a Consumer Complaint | Arkansas Attorney General
The Attorney General's office wants to do the fighting for you. Please fill out this consumer complaint form so that we may best assist you. Please note if you are filling out the form for someone else. A consumer complaint form may also be downloaded and mailed or emailed.
Statement from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture on COVID-19
Starting March 18, 2020, following guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about gatherings and social distancing, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will not be holding face-to-face meetings with 10 or more people for the next eight weeks.
Some of the meetings may shift to a virtual format and some may be canceled or postponed. If you had planned to take part in a meeting hosted by the Cooperative Extension Service or the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in the next eight weeks, please watch for communications from the meeting organizer or contact the organizer.
Some Cooperative Extension Service offices, in keeping with the local government decision, are functioning, but closed to the public. Many of our staff are still available by phone, text, email or social media and many offices have established drop boxes to collect soil samples.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the Arkansas Department of Health at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/progra…/…/novel-coronavirus or the CDC online at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/…/share-facts.html.
The Cooperative Extension Service has a page with easy-to-understand COVID-19 information here: https://www.uaex.edu/life-skills-wellness/…/Coronavirus.aspx.
Coronavirus health information | COVID-19 research-based information
Click on an image to download. 8.5 x 11 posters. Click a thumbnail to download. 1) What is a novel coronavirus? A: A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The federal government has authorized $50 billion in disaster recovery loan funding to be administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. First, Arkansas must show that small businesses have suffered substantial economic injury, before the governor can activate and access the program funding so loans can be offered. If your business has been affected by COVID-19, please complete this worksheet and return to Arkansas Division of Emergency Management at businesscovid19@adem.arkansas.gov. https://tinyurl.com/s59zdlx
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Arkansas Department of Health Statistics
From the City of Ashdown
Declaration Of Local State Of Emergency
City of Ashdown
250 North Second Street - P.O. Box 135 · Ashdown, Arkansas 71822
Phone (870) 898-2622 · Fax (870) 898-4322
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 2020-=1
DECLARATION OF LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in 60 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named "SARS-CoV-2" and the disease it causes has been named "coronavirus disease 2019" (abbreviated "COVID-19"); and
WHEREAS, Governor Asa Hutchinson issued Executive Order 20-03 on March 11, 2020 declaring a state of emergency for the State of Arkansas in response to the COVID-19 outbreak; and
WHEREAS, the safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Ashdown as well as the employees is of
the utmost importance.
NOW, THEREFORE, by the power vested in me as Mayor of the City of Ashdown, Arkansas, the following protocols are implemented until further notice.
1. All access to Ashdown City Hall is limited to essential personnel.
2. No one will be allowed to enter the city offices without an appointment.
3. Appointments can be made by contacting the office in question
4. Anyone needing to conduct business within city hall will be subject to screenings including
checking of temperature to see that it is below 99.6 degrees, and the individual does not
display any other outward symptoms of the virus.
5. We strongly encourage those needing to conduct business with offices within city hall, water
department, street department, sanitation department or city park to make every effort to
conduct their business via telephone, email, or fax.
6. Other measures may be implemented as needed to provide for the safety and welfare of the
city employees.
IT IS SO ORDERED, this 18th day of March, 2020.
James Sutton
Mayor City of Ashdown
Notice from Little River County
Closed To Foot Traffic
By Order of the County Judge, the Little River County Courthouse is open by appointment ONLY. Please call the number of the office needed, from the list below, to discuss an appointment and an officer will assist you upon entry. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we appreciate your patience and understanding.
Office Phone Number
Assessor 870-898-7204
County Clerk 870-898-7209
Circuit Clerk 870-898-7212
Treasurer 870-898-7215
Collector 870-898-7217
District Clerk 870-898-7230
Veterans 870-898-7261
County Judge 870-898-7202
Sanitation 870-898-7276
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson to Provide COVID-19 Update to Media (03.18.20)
Free Groceries and Grocery Pickups for the Elderly
The Amerasian Hometown Missions of Sevier County has free groceries for the elderly and is providing grocery pickups for the elderly in the DeQueen/Horatio/Lockesburg/Gillham area. The phone number to call is (870) 279-4154. Amerasian Hometown Mission is also encouraging area churches who are willing to help, call the same number (870) 279-4154.
Notice from Howard Memorial Hospital
For your protection –
Only those visitors accompanying patients are allowed until further notice. No more than one visitor per patient is recommended.
The cafeteria is opened for employees, physicians, patients, visitors accompanying patients and non-employed staff working on the HMH Campus.
Open Letter to all of our Friends in Southwest Arkansas
As president of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, I just wish to say that our organization, as well as the chambers in neighboring counties, are concerned with the current economic difficulties that are being caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. And while no cases have yet been confirmed in Southwest Arkansas, we urge everyone to take this seriously. We can help minimize the spread by limiting our travel. With spring break just days away, many families are rethinking their travel plans. Many theme parks and major tourist attractions have closed and we are advised to avoid gatherings of ten or more. As a father, I understand how hard it is to disappoint our children, but traveling to large population centers just doesn’t seem prudent at this time. We have plenty of things to do right here in our backyard. The Coronavirus has even popped up near Texarkana and Hot Springs. Some people say it’s inevitable that the virus will come to our corner of the world.
I believe we must do what we can to impede its spread. Public schools were shut down in Arkansas for a reason, to reduce the risk of exposure to our children. But if we go to an out of town shopping center, or a resort, or head out of the area for whatever reason, we risk bringing Covid-19 home. We have a responsibility to not only think of our own personal health, but also the wellbeing of everyone in our circle of family and friends. The sooner we stop the spread, the sooner we can get back to normal. So, in addition to washing our hands, keeping a safe distance from one another, and staying home when we are sick, let’s remember to shop local…..it’s good for your community, the sales tax you pay stays here, and…….it’s healthier!
Covid-19 is serious, but panic and the spreading of misinformation will only create more problems. Let’s be wise in our travels, make smart decisions for our children, and be mindful of the needs of the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. C’mon Southwest Arkansas! Let’s show America how to get through this!
Sincerely,
Loren Hinton
Flood Warning for the Area from the National Weather Service
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SHREVEPORT HAS ISSUED A * FLOOD WARNING FOR URBAN AREAS AND SMALL STREAMS IN... SOUTHWESTERN LITTLE RIVER COUNTY IN SOUTHWESTERN ARKANSAS... SOUTHEASTERN MCCURTAIN COUNTY IN SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA... NORTHWESTERN BOWIE COUNTY IN NORTHEASTERN TEXAS... SOUTHEASTERN RED RIVER COUNTY IN NORTHEASTERN TEXAS... * UNTIL 1015 AM CDT. * AT 718 AM CDT, DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED THUNDERSTORMS PRODUCING HEAVY RAIN WHICH WILL CAUSE FLOODING. UP TO TWO INCHES OF RAIN HAVE ALREADY FALLEN. * SOME LOCATIONS THAT WILL EXPERIENCE FLOODING INCLUDE... NEW BOSTON, FOREMAN, DE KALB, AVERY, ENGLISH, ALMONT, BEAVERDAMS, LYDIA, GOODLAKE AND WALLACE. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN WHEN ENCOUNTERING FLOODED ROADS. MOST FLOOD DEATHS OCCUR IN VEHICLES.
Leopard Care Clinic Coming to De Queen School Campus
Dr. Randy Walker to open Leopard Care Clinic on De Queen school campus. For the complete story, visit:
Dr. Randy Walker to open Leopard Care Clinic on De Queen school campus
Dr. Randy Walker's medical offices are expanding to include the new De Queen school's on-campus Leopard Care Clinic at 235 S. Treating Plant Road. The school-based clinic will allow them to evaluate and treat patients for acute or chronic health issues in an attempt to decrease absenteeism and improve academic performance.
UA Cossatot Scholarship Application Open through April 1
The UA Cossatot Scholarship Application is open until April 1 of each year. The deadline to complete the application for the 2020-2021 academic year is approaching, and UA Cossatot encourages all current and incoming students to apply.
The UA Cossatot Scholarship Application is one application where students can apply for institutional and foundation scholarships online and is located at www.cccua.awardspring.com.
For more information about the UA Cossatot Scholarship Application, please contact UA Cossatot Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts, at 870-584-1172 or droberts@cccua.edu.
Division of Agriculture makes Pesticide Applicator Training Certification Available Online
Division of Agriculture makes pesticide applicator training, certification available online
Fast Facts:
• Private applicator training now available online at www.uaex.edu/pat
• $20 cost does not include license fee paid to state
• Valid for both initial certification and recertification
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LITTLE ROCK — Statewide training and certification for private pesticide applicators from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is now available online to help keep farmers on schedule as the planting season approaches.
The training, which is required for licensure through the Arkansas State Plant Board, is available to both experienced applicators seeking recertification and individuals seeking first-time certification.
Online applicator recertification first became available from the Division of Agriculture last year. Kevin Lawson, Faulkner County extension staff chair, said the decision to make the online training available to first-time applicators is in response to the spread of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus first detected in Arkansas earlier in March.
“The Cooperative Extension Service, like a lot of things, have had to cancel most or all of our public meetings in the immediate future,” Lawson said. He said the cancellation of this training could put many farming operations throughout the state in an acute bind, as the weeks the precede spring planting are a key window to applying pre-emergent pesticides.
“This may save a lot of folks’ rear ends,” Lawson said.
To access the online training, visit www.uaex.edu/pat. The cost of the training is $20, which does not include license fees that must be paid to the state. Certification is good for five years, and private applicators may get a one-year or five-year license.
First-time applicators for private farm operations can receive a license from the plant board with proof of the online training. First-time commercial applicators must still complete testing with the state to receive their certification.
According to the Division of Agriculture’s pesticide application training website, to qualify as a private applicator, one “must be involved in the commercial production of agricultural commodities on your own farm or the farm of your employer to qualify as a private applicator. Home gardeners do not qualify for a private applicator license.”
Ples Spradley, extension pesticide assessment specialist for the Division of Agriculture, said the training is formatted as a series of narrated slide shows, with quiz questions embedded in the presentation, which lasts about 2.5 hours.
“You can’t just turn this on and walk away while it plays out,” Spradley said. “You have to be engaged.”
Spradley said more than 300 individuals have participated in the online training so far in 2020. He said the Cooperative Extension Service normally trains between 3,000-4,000 private applicators and more than 1,000 commercial applicators each year.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service
Protect you and your family during the COVID-19 outbreak by practicing proper hand washing techniques. Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap. Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.