Business closures and layoffs mark the new normal in Sevier County
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Business closures and layoffs mark the new normal in Sevier County
Business, for many, has come to a virtual standstill in De Queen, Sevier County and the state, with Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson ordering all restaurants, bars and gyms closed last week, due to the insuppressible spread of the novel coronavirus and covid-19.
Amanda Hundley of Dr. Randy Walker's office visited our De Queen studio this morning to talk about the added safety measures that clinics are putting in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The 2020-2021 UA Cossatot scholarship application deadline has been extended to May 1. Please share with your students. The online application can be found here: https://cccua.awardspring.com/
Completing this online scholarship application before May 1 is the best time for students to apply for scholarships for the upcoming academic year and gives them access to all the scholarships we have available
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From the UAC Financial Aid Office:
March 23, 2020
Dear Student,
All correspondence from the Office of Financial Aid will be sent to your UAC email account and the email account you provided on your FAFSA application. If you receive a Document Tracking Letter (DTL) from our office, please read the letter carefully, follow the link provided in the letter to locate the forms you will need to complete.
All forms will be accepted by mail, email or fax at this time. If you are returning documents that list social security numbers, please mark out all numbers but the last four numbers (XXX-XX-1234). If you have received a DTL letter from us for the 2019-2020 academic year, please return requested documents as soon as possible.
We encourage all of you that have applied for the upcoming academic year (20-21) to promptly return requested documents also.
The address is:
UAC
Financial Aid
183 College Drive
De Queen, AR 71832
Fax: 870-642-8766
Email: FinancialAid@cccua.edu
Sincerely,
Denise Hammond
Director of Financial Aid
870-584-1118
Fax: 870-642-8766
dhammond@cccua.edu
At UA Cossatot, we understand the seriousness of the COVID-19 SITUATION. But we also know that there is an end to this uncertainty. We are planning for the future and you should be too. America needs more healthcare professionals, truck drivers, teachers, and technicians of all kinds. VIP registration for summer and fall classes begins March 30th. And in keeping with social distancing, registration will be available by email, phone, and text. Check out the available classes at: https://www.cccua.edu/apply-enroll/class-schedules
Cossatot Community College
Click the following links to access the PDF version of the current or upcoming semester's full course schedule. Summer 2020 Schedule (3.23.2020) Fall 2020 Schedule (3.23.2020) Find specific courses through Campus Connect Course Search. There's no need to login.
Governor Asa Hutchinson reports there are now 174 cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas. The Governor announced all hair salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, and nail salons in the state will be closed effective tomorrow. The Arkansas personal tax deadline has been extended to July 15.
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has authorized the release of $30 million to the Department of Finance and Administration for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care professionals and first responders as they test and treat patients who have contracted COVID-19.
Since the state’s first case of coronavirus was confirmed on March 11, it has spread rapidly through Arkansas. In order to ensure that the supply of protective gear is sufficient, Governor Hutchinson sought emergency approval for a Various Temporal Appropriation Request. Larry Walther, secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), submitted the request to the co-chairs of the Legislative Council and the co-chairs of the ALC PEER Subcommittee, who approved the request on behalf of the Legislative Council.
The $30 million is being allocated from the Budget Stabilization Trust Fund to a Disaster Assistance Grant, which will go into the Governor’s Disaster Fund. DFA will find and purchase the PPE, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences will distribute based upon priorities set by the Arkansas Department of Health. Local hospitals will participate in the bulk purchase and each will pay its portion of the overall purchase.
“The testers, first responders, nurses, and doctors are our first line of defense in the fight against this aggressive virus,” Governor Hutchinson said. “They are risking their lives in the same way as firefighters who run into a burning building. We must provide them every piece of protection they need as they test and treat the Arkansans who have contracted COVID-19.”
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The COVID-19 pandemic has required us to rethink how we do things in our personal lives from education to our business, and how we entertain ourselves. The same is true in government. We have suspended a number of regulatory hurdles in order to navigate this uncharted territory. Today I’d like to discuss the steps we have taken to expand telemedicine.
Telemedicine is especially important at a time such as this when we are dealing with a fast-moving virus that threatens a large part of our population. Telemedicine allows a sick person to communicate with a doctor without having to go to an office and put other patients and health care workers at risk of infection.
Telemedicine is not new in Arkansas. Since 2017, patients have been able to consult with doctors and counselors about certain issues using various internet and telephonic technology. But that access was limited. Under the law, a doctor or counselor could not accept and consult with a first-time patient by telephone.
As we realized how easily the coronavirus spreads and that the number of cases likely would increase rapidly, we knew we needed to temporarily allow health care providers more ways to treat patients. So based on the wisdom and counsel of doctors and other leaders in health care, I issued an executive order suspending the provisions of the Telemedicine Act that require an in-person encounter or a face-to-face examination using real time audio and visual means to establish a professional relationship.
In other words, now a doctor can establish a new patient in his practice over the telephone. This will minimize the number of people in waiting rooms, which, of course, will minimize the spread of the coronavirus as well as flu and other contagious diseases.
The other significant element of the order is that it allows reimbursement to health care providers who take advantage of this provision. This is especially important for rural clinics that depend on income from patient visits. The reimbursement provision prevents economic harm to the doctors.
The order also suspended the Rules and Regulations of the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling to allow licensed counselors to treat their clients by telephone.
Word of the order is still making its way to the insurance companies. We’ve heard reports that some companies have denied payment, but in cases where that has happened, it’s because the memo hasn’t worked its way down to the agents who work directly with customers. Leaders in the insurance industry generally have embraced this temporary solution. They know that we are in a crisis and that this short-term benefit will shorten the duration of this pandemic.
Whether we are facing a natural disaster or a medical crisis, Arkansans always run to the fight with courage and creativity. COVID-19 has upended life for many and forced us to change the way we do things, at least in the short term. The leaders in health care and all the personnel on the front lines are fighting this pandemic around the clock, which is why I am confident we are going to get through this as we always do.
The Veterans Service Office the Howard County Courthouse will be open from 8am - 1pm Monday and Tuesday and 8 till 12 on Wednesday . This will be until things get back to normal . You must call the office to be let in . That applies to every office at the Courthouse .
I would like to comment on Sevier County and Corvid 19 Virus.
I have been working closely with the County Judge, Greg Ray, Mayor Jeff Brown, Dr. Lofton, and the health unit.
We as a group meet each week and look at the status of our county.
Believe me when I tell you these people have your best Interest at heart.
We as a county have worked disasters before. But this is something very new to us all. With the help of all we will prevail.
I am so impressed with how our county has come together to help. I'm am not surprised..
. this is what Sevier County has always done.
I want to thank all the businesses for coming together. I know this is hard times for all.
But I truly believe we will come through this and become a stronger county.
We have everything in place to fight this virus.
We don't have a hospital at this time but we have a group of people that is working very hard to see we have one in the future. We as a county will improvise and beat this virus without a hospital.
Remember to pray for our county and all of our Emergency responders.
God bless The United States of America.
Walter Smith, Jr.
Sevier County Emergency Management
De Queen Animal Hospital will be open normal business hours and we will continue to provide normal services. For any clients that need us to we can come outside to give you your pet's meds, just call and let us know you are outside, we can deliver meds in town for those that can't get out, we can also mail out monthly meds to those that need it! For our clients that are at a higher risk of sickness we can schedule house calls if needed. Please let us know if you need anything at this time so we can continue to take care of you and your fur babies!!
Arkansas Department of Health
For COVID-19 information for the state of Arkansas, click here. Status Update as of March 23, 2020, 9:43am Arkansas Department of Health Lab positive test results 81 Commercial lab positive test results 84 Click the Status Update button below for more information You need javascript enabled to view this content or go to source URL.
If you are a business owner struggling to meet payroll or if you have recently become unemployed due to the response from COVID-19, we want to direct you to state resources that may help.
Earlier this week the Governor announced that Arkansas will tap Community Development Block Grant funds and the state’s Quick Action Closing Fund to support small businesses and nonprofits that are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state will allocate $12 million in block grant money and up to $4 million from the quick-action fund to provide bridge loans to help midsize companies and nonprofits remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Attorney General Leslie Rutledge also announced the transfer of $3 million of settlement funds from her office to the quick-action loan fund for small businesses.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan program has been made available to eligible businesses and private non-profits that were impacted.
These working capital loans of up to $2 million can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.
Businesses and employers can access information on the grants and loans at www.arkansasedc.com/covid19.
COVID-19 Business and Employee Resources | Arkansas Economic Development Commission
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission is committed to helping businesses and employees combat the effects of COVID-19. On this page, we have compiled a list of programs and resources, and we will continue to update this list as additional resources become available.
The Governor has also directed Division of Workforce Services to waive a number of restrictions for workers who have lost employment to ensure that the Unemployment Insurance Program (UIP) can provide needed assistance in a timely manner.
Unemployed individuals will be able to collect benefits immediately upon application approval rather than the typical week-long waiting period.
In addition, for the next 30 days, unemployed individuals will not be required to meet job search requirements. In person application requirements are also waived.
Arkansans can apply at www.ezarc.adws.arkansas.gov
ADWS EZARC - Welcome to EZARC
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday: 6:00AM - 6:00PM ADWS does not send text messages, emails or initiate calls to claimants requesting they provide us with their Social Security Numbers and/or personal banking information. Individuals seeking to file unemployment insurance claims should only use ADWS secured websites accessible through dws.arkansas.gov Servicios de Interpretación/Traducción disponibles por medio de su oficina local.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will suspend the work requirement through the end of April. DHS also will expedite decisions about SNAP eligibility for those who lose income because of COVID-19 www.access.arkansas.gov.
Voter Registration
If you need assistance, please see the information below: If you do not have access to a printer, please call 1-800-482-8988 (Toll-free Client Assistance Helpline) to have a Voter Registration Application mailed to you.
We will continue to update you daily on new developments concerning the state response to COVID-19 at www.arkansashouse.org.
Home - Arkansas House of Representatives
ARGIRLSLEAD #ARGIRLSLEAD is a movement started by women serving in the Arkansas House. Each of them have a unique story to share about their journey on the road to their current leadership position. Kids In The House Who says civics can't be fun?
Arkansas small businesses suffering economic injury due to coronavirus (COVID-19) are now eligible to apply for low-interest SBA loans.
See our fact sheet for the documentation you will need for your application.
How can the loan be used?
The loans are for working capital, which includes fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can't be paid due to the disaster's impact. Lost sales are not covered.
How much can I apply for?
You will not be asked how much you would like to borrow. The SBA uses the information you provide to determine the loan amount. Small businesses can receive a secured loan up to $2 million, and an unsecured loan up to $25,000.
Go to disasterloan.sba.gov/ela to register and apply.
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NEWS ARTICLE
Jean A. Ince
County Extension Agent-Staff Chair
Last week we all thought Covid-19 was going to be on its way out and life would return to normal. However, it looks like it may be around for several weeks and we all need to take precautions to prevent the virus from spreading. Most of us are spending more time at home, avoiding contact with others and basically our lives have turned upside down. Here are some tips to help you manage the stress of being stuck at home, either by yourself or with those you love.
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Some common feelings are anxiety, worry, or fear over you or a loved one catching the disease. Worry about how you will meet your financial obligations or how you will get the things you need such as groceries, personal care items and medicines.
You may be concerned over how you will care for your children. Who is going to watch them, if you are working? You may be asking yourself, “What are we going to do with all this time on our hands?” Boredom and frustration may set in because your normal routine has changed.
Frustrated at how long this will last. Loneliness and feeling like you are cut off from those you love.
So, what can you do to handle the stress of isolation? Here are some ways to help relieve the pressures.
Keep a Healthy Diet – When you are at home it can be tempting to become a “couch potato”. Instead of grabbing that bag of chips or cookies, try snacking on fresh veggies or fruit. Try a cup of yogurt with fruit. Canned or frozen fruits are great alternatives to fresh. They are healthy choices when fresh may not be available.
Prepare Healthy Meals – Again, it is easy to grab prepackaged foods and pop them in the microwave. Many prepackaged foods have extra fat, calories and sodium than foods prepared from scratch. Involve the family in helping you prepare a healthy meal. Check out the website www.choosemyplate.gov to see what makes a healthy plate. On a side note, there are games and activities that teaches eating right for children to do on the website. Check it out!
Enjoy Nature – If possible, get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Take a walk in your neighborhood, keeping distance between those you meet. Find activities to do with your children online that gets them outside. You might print off a scavenger hunt or keep a journal of what you see outside. Then research the insect, plant, bird or animal that you see.
Exercise! – There are many exercises you can do at home. There is plenty of research being done that connects our physical health with our mental health. Yoga, stretching or strength training exercises are great. If you still have a gaming system that involves bowling, tennis, baseball or dance moves, pull it out of storage. There are many exercise videos you can move to online. The idea is to get up and get moving!
Maintain a Sense of Routine – If you find yourself staying in your pajamas all day and you haven’t brushed your hair or teeth, maybe it’s time to evaluate your routine. Children and adults thrive on routines. Go to bed and wake up at regular times. Avoid falling into a cycle of sleeping, watching tv, eating and repeating. A routine gives purpose and wards off feelings of depression.
Make a Plan and Stick to It! – Set up a schedule of what you want to accomplish each day. Being isolated allows you time to do those chores you have been putting off. It also allows you time to start a new project! If you have children at home, set a time to play games, make a new craft, try out a new recipe, learn a new feature on your mobile device; such as, skyping, FaceTime, or new app. Read a book or start a garden by planting seeds that can be transferred to your outside garden later.
Stay Connected – Just because you are stuck at home, doesn’t mean you have to cut yourself off socially. Call someone and visit. Stay connected through email and social media.
Limit News and Media – Constantly hearing about the coronavirus can impact your mental health. Take a break from the news on the TV or on social media. Get information and updates at specific times during the day. Make sure the information you are receiving is from a reliable source.
These are challenging times for everyone. We will get through them and life will return to normal. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service has several resources for financial management, managing stress, eating healthy and exercise. Check out the website www.uaex.edu for more information.
The Howard County Extension Office is open and conducting business as much as possible. However, all meetings have been postponed for now. If we can assist you call our office at 870-845-7517. You can also keep up-to-date with activities through our Facebook pages at HowardCountyExtensionFcs, Howard-County-4-H, or howard co. uaex ag & natural resources. Just search and like the page you are interested in.
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.
Little Rock, Ark. (March 20, 2020) – Arkansas Community Foundation is accepting proposals for $1,000 mini-grants for organizations responding to the immediate needs of vulnerable populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These grants will help organizations maintain their operations and respond to increased demand from clients during this first phase of pandemic relief. Nonprofit organizations with 501c3 status, churches, hospitals, schools or government entities based anywhere in Arkansas are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to organizations that:
· Provide human services and emergency assistance (for example, food, shelter, transportation, living expenses, rent/utility assistance, etc.
· Primarily serve vulnerable populations, including children who are out of school in families without childcare, people who have lost a source of income due to the pandemic, people who are at high risk medically, people who are homeless or incarcerated, individuals who lack paid sick leave or health insurance.
· Disseminate factual safety and response information to vulnerable communities such as non-English speaking residents, rural residents, senior citizens, etc.
Organizations may use funding to support client’s needs that cover costs associated with decreased staffing or remote-working due to quarantine/social distancing; provide mental health programming for clients or staff or coordinate/facilitate in-kind goods; and donations to sites and organizations that provide human services and serve vulnerable populations. This is not an exhaustive list, and other needs will be considered.
Businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply; however, we will consider grants to nonprofit organizations that provide direct financial assistance to individuals.
Visit www.arcf.org/COVID19 to apply online. Mini-grant applications will be accepted and grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until available grant funds are expended. All grants will be awarded in the form of a $1,000 award for general operating support. Organizations may receive only one mini-grant at this time.
Responding to COVID-19 in Arkansas
Arkansas Community Foundation has established a statewide COVID-19 Relief Fund. Your contribution will be pooled with contributions from other Arkansans to help our neighbors affected by the pandemic. How will the Arkansas COVID-19 Relief Fund be used? In the short term, the fund will provide rapid-response grants to nonprofit organizations working on the front lines.