Jessica McGough graduated from the Arkansas Fire Academy at SAU Tech in Camden.
For the complete story, visit:
De Queen's first female firefighter graduates from the academy
The De Queen Fire Department's first female member, Jessica McGough, graduated from the Arkansas Fire Academy at Southern Arkansas University Tech in Camden on Feb. 28. McGough attended the eight-week program, where she spent the first five weeks book-learning, then the final three weeks getting hands-on experience.
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has issued an executive order mandating new safety measures for commercial lodgings, short-term rentals, and other institutions and operations in order to protect public health during the COVID-19 crisis, he announced at a news conference today.
“Every day, we review guidance from state and federal health experts and evaluate additional steps we can take to protect Arkansans from the spread of COVID-19,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I am grateful that Arkansans have taken extraordinary efforts to practice social distancing and flatten the curve. It is my hope that these new measures will provide further protection for Arkansans as we prepare for the peak number of COVID-19 cases in our state.”
The Governor has directed that commercial lodgings and short-term rentals, including, hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, only permit occupancy for the following authorized guests:
Healthcare professionals;
First responders;
Law enforcement;
State or federal employees on official business;
National Guard members on active duty;
Airline crew members;
Patients of hospitals and their families;
Journalists;
Persons unable to return to their home due to COVID-19 travel restrictions;
Arkansas citizens unable to return to their home due to exigent circumstances, such as fire, flood, tornado, or other disaster;
Persons in need of shelter due to domestic violence or homelessness;
Employees of hotels, motels, or other service providers/contractors of a hotel or motel;
and persons away from their home due to work or work-related travel.
LITTLE ROCK – Today I want to discuss the steps we have taken together to fight the coronavirus called COVID-19.
Since March 11, the day I signed the Executive Order that declared a public health emergency, our public health team has guided our response and targeted our actions to stop this virus.
I’d like to review a few of the steps we have taken. We have closed schools, bars and the state’s three casinos. We have closed restaurants except for take-out meals. We have shut down barbershops, and hair and nail salons; massage-therapy clinics and tattoo parlors. We have closed fitness centers, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and indoor amusement centers. We have shuttered state park lodges and prohibited camping in the park. I directed state employees to work remotely when possible, and we suggested companies allow employees to work from home. All of these actions mean people have lost their jobs, and this is so difficult to do, and it goes against everything we are trying to accomplish. But these steps are necessary in this public health emergency.
Our measures are more stringent than those in many other states. That is the reason the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Arkansas is 400 fewer than our projections. If necessary, we can go farther, but the typical stay-at-home order exempts essential activities and businesses. In many states, essential activities include manufacturing, hardware stores, and legal, accounting, and insurance services. California’s executive order exempts grocery stores, farmer’s markets, convenience stores, banks, and laundromats. Every morning in California, which has one of the strictest orders in place, millions of people leave home for work.
If I initiated a stay-at-home order similar to California’s, more than 700,000 Arkansans would still get up and go to work the next morning. Thousands of others would visit hardware stores, Kroger, Walgreens, and Walmart. But there is another impact that many don’t consider. An order that shut down the state could put a couple hundred thousand people out of work.
At this time, we have not issued a stay-at-home order primarily because most people are making responsible choices. Arkansans are putting the good of the state ahead of personal convenience or comfort, and in many cases, people are sacrificing their financial security. Concert halls, sports arenas, and even churches have closed voluntarily. In theory, we could have ordered all of those places to close. But that wasn’t necessary.
Our targeted actions are working. In Arkansas, even without the stay-at-home order, the rate of growth in the number of cases has flattened. That’s not true in some states that began sheltering-in-place early on.
We’re basing our decisions on scientific data. We can’t be pressured into taking measures simply because all the other states are doing it. When we need to do more, we will. And let me assure you, we will continue to listen our public health experts.
The 2020 Fiscal Session is scheduled to begin April 8 at noon.
The COVID-19 crisis will have an impact on the proposed budget as well as our meeting schedules.
The Department of Finance and Administration released a revised revenue forecast on April 2. The revision was necessary because of an economic recession predicted as a result from business slowdown and negative labor markets.
The forecast now reflects $5.6 billion in net available revenue for FY 2021. This indicates a decrease of $205.9 million from the prior forecast released in January.
The schedule for meetings will be posted on our website. For precautionary measures due to COVID-19, the General Assembly is not expected to meet as long as in previous Fiscal Sessions.
By law, Fiscal Sessions cannot extend longer than 30 days without a ¾ vote from both chambers. The longest it can be extended is an additional 15 days.
During Fiscal Sessions, the legislature can only address the budget and appropriation bills. In order for non-appropriation legislation to be introduced, a resolution substantially describing the bill must first be approved by a 2/3 vote in both chambers.
The House will convene at the Jack T. Stephens Center at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. We convened at this venue for the recent special session as it provides enough space for the recommended social distancing guidelines.
Arkansas PBS will stream the House meetings. You can find the links for those live-streams as well as the Senate meetings and Joint Budget Committee meetings on our website: www.arkansashouse.org
Home - Arkansas House of Representatives
The Arkansas House of Representatives has ten standing committees, where members meet to review and discuss bills, resolutions and interim studies before Members decide whether to send the measures to the full body for consideration. View All Committees
As we prepare to address the state budget in this unprecedented time, we will continue to update and help constituents with needed assistance through this crisis.
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?
LITTLE ROCK, AR. – April 2, 2020 – The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will offer some relief to small businesses in Arkansas, and Arkansas banks want to help borrowers through this process. Bankers ask for patience from the public as they work through the initial phase of the program. Application volume is already very high and the financial institutions qualified to offer these loans will strive to keep up with demand.
“Sheer volume won’t be the only reason the program will take time,” said Arkansas Bankers Association President and CEO Lorrie Trogden. “Banks are in the process of reviewing guidance released late Thursday evening from federal agencies and regulators as they prepare to counsel their customers on the Paycheck Protection Program.”
Even with the latest guidance, several aspects of the emergency program remain unclear. Many borrowers filled out the sample application posted to the Treasury website earlier this week, but that form changed late last night. In addition, the SBA has not yet issued final procedures for banks to complete back-end processing. Lenders that have not traditionally participated in SBA loans are waiting for the SBA to release a lender application process so that they can participate and assist in getting much needed relief into the hands of small businesses in their communities.
Despite that, Arkansas banks that can are accepting applications. Banks are here to help. Once the appropriate SBA government forms and processes become available, your Arkansas banks stand ready to serve their customers and communities.
“Keep in mind that PPP loans aren’t the only way Arkansas’ banks are helping their customers,” explained Trogden. “They worked one-on-one with their customers to find solutions before PPP became available, and they will continue to do so after the program is done. The good news is that Arkansas’ banks entered this pandemic from a position of strength and are well-equipped to help their communities.”
The ABA also recommends the following five things businesses can do right now:
1: Talk to your lender, if you haven’t already. If you are experiencing or expect to experience cash flow problems, contacting your lender is the critical first step.
2: Plan for the next 3-6 months, if you haven’t already. Many businesses we’ve heard from have sufficient funds or access to capital for the first 2-3 months. We don’t know how long the pandemic will last, however, so look ahead, both in terms of a potential lengthening of the pandemic and also in how you will handle recovery and re-opening of the business if you are currently closed.
3: Be ready to produce required information quickly to help your lender with your application. All loan programs still require some information in order for the lender to underwrite the loan, including the ones created through the CARES Act. Be ready to produce required documentation quickly to help your lender with your application.
4: Don’t panic and draw on lines of credit unnecessarily. There is plenty of liquidity in the system (unlike during the financial crisis in 2008), so don’t panic and draw on lines of credit unnecessarily. Just like we are encouraging consumers to keep excess cash in insured financial institutions, keep the lines of credit intact until you absolutely need to access them. There may be costs associated with accessing those funds, and if you don’t need to incur the added expense, don’t.
5: Have patience. The banking industry wants to help you through these unprecedented times, but not all programs are in place yet, and even when they are, technology can cause hiccups or delays (e.g. systems crashing).
It can be hard staying inside during the warm and bright spring days. Plus, finding a family-friendly activity can be hard to manage. Luckily, attractions across Arkansas have risen to the challenge by offering a variety of virtual adventures for you and your loved ones. Those with an appreciation for the arts can enjoy virtual tours of Crystal Bridges. Or perhaps you’re looking for a downtown vibe? Check out Hot Springs’ virtual reality videos on YouTube and take a digital tour of Bathhouse Row.
These are just a few of the many opportunities that await you in the digital realm. There truly is something for everyone--from the arts to history to museums, there are many virtual destinations for several Arkansas attractions just waiting to be explored.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to represent this wonderful state as the new director of Arkansas Tourism. I look forward to our adventures together!
Virtual Experiences
Stuck inside? Don't let that hold you back from discovery. Check out these Arkansas virtual experiences you can enjoy.
Many Americans are set to receive money from the government in the form of a stimulus benefit. Dr. Laura Hendrix, Accredited Financial Counselor® and Associate Professor, Personal Finance and Consumer Economics with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service recommends planning now to use your stimulus check wisely by paying bills, paying down debt, and saving for emergencies.
Build savings by starting or contributing to an emergency savings fund. It is more important now than ever. Most personal finance experts recommend an emergency fund with enough to cover at least 2 months and up to 6 months of expenses. An emergency savings fund is your best protection in times of economic uncertainty.
Pay bills to stay current on payments and avoid defaulting. Missing payments can lead to foreclosure or repossession. Late and missing payments lower your credit score, making future credit more expensive and more difficult to obtain.
Pay down debt on credit cards. Paying off credit card debt can free more money in your future budget and save money on interest.
The amount of the stimulus benefit will vary depending on your income and family size. Adults with annual income up to $75,000 will receive $1,200, plus another $500 per child. Benefits will be distributed by check or direct deposit. This online calculator will tell you what your COVID-19 stimulus benefit will be: https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/coronavirus-stimulus-chec…/
Also, be aware of scammers who impersonate government officials by phone, email or social media demanding personal and banking information to verify eligibility for the government’s stimulus check.
To keep your stimulus and other financial information safe, only rely on official government websites (.gov) for economic relief information and never give out your personal information over the telephone or by email.
The Cooperative Extension Service is your source for reliable information. We connect trusted research to the adoption of best practices and serve as a promoter of prosperity for Arkansans. For more information, visit our webpage at www.uaex.edu/money. Follow uaexMoney on Facebook for regular updates on financial issues and concerns.
Sevier County Extension agents and our 4-H program assistant are working by telecommuting to follow the social distancing best practices during the COVID-19 crisis. Dana Stringfellow, administrative specialist, will be in the office taking calls. You may call our office at 870-584-3013 to contact agents and we will respond to inquiries.
Also for the latest information on Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) topics follow Sevier County Extension on Facebook. Contact Janet Cantrell, FCS Agent in Sevier County, by email at jcantrell@uaex.edu for more information.
uaexMoney Personal Finance Advice and Tips for Arkansans | Setting budgets for Arkansas families
Want to know the best ways to save and earn money? We can help. We provide the latest research-based information about personal finance. Discover ways to increase financial security. Gain skills to build wealth. Use your resources to make your dreams come true.
Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide a COVID-19 update on live video at 1:30 Friday afternoon, 04/03. Press play button above.
Mick Martin of Lansdell Family Clinic visited our De Queen studio of Ed 88 today to talk about a pair of COVID-19 drive through testing events planned for next week in southwest Arkansas.
The Application is Now Available for CARES Act Small Business Loans: What You Need to Know | Insights | Venable LLP
On March 31, 2020, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Small Business Administration (SBA) released the application form for businesses to apply for and obtain loans under the Paycheck Protection Program.
The COVID-19 epidemic continues to influence our lives in so many ways. The potential spread of this disease has altered the lives of our students and our employees. In the most recent press conference hosted by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, he indicated that the peak of COVID-19 infections for Arkansas could possibly occur in late April. While we all pray and hope that this will be sooner, and the peak less severe, we have a responsibility to protect our students, staff, and community.
Based on the information that we have, UA Cossatot will continue to operate as we have been since this pandemic started. We will continue to keep our campuses closed to students and visitors until at least Friday, April 17th. Our employees will continue to work either on campus or from home. Those employees that are working on campus must continue to observe the rules of social distancing and cleanliness.
We will continue to serve and provide all the resources our students need to be successful in the online environment. Our students, faculty, and staff have been unbelievable in answering these challenges in these very trying times. We will walk every mile with our students. We will make a determination regarding our hands-on technical course schedules on Friday, April 3rd. We understand that online learning is not an option for many technical students who learn many of their skills in lab and shop settings. We will be sensitive to the needs of these students and will find the best way to accommodate and allow them to complete their education in a safe setting.
As for the summer and fall semesters, our registration is open for both semesters. We have made our entire registration process online for the safety and convenience of our students. Our website contains all the information students need to register: https://www.cccua.edu. Our summer term will feature mainly online courses, but will have some in-class courses should the COVID-19 outbreak lessen enough to allow that to happen. We are planning on a full and normal fall 2020 semester. We are hoping that there will be additional educational assistance for students impacted by COVID-19.
These are unprecedented and unexplored times but we will all make it through by working together. You can always find more UA Cossatot information on Facebook (ED88 and UAC) and on our CCCUA.EDU and https://www.ed88radio.com websites.
Thank You,
Dr. Steve Cole
Chancellor, UA Cossatot
Cossatot Community College
UA Cossatot embraces diversity and is committed to improving the lives of those in our region by providing quality education, outstanding service, and relevant industry training. The University of Arkansas - Cossatot Community College offers degrees and certificates in more than two dozen fields.
Due to safety and health concerns, the seventh annual Fiesta Fest scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2020, in Downtown De Queen, is now rescheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2020, in the same location from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Fiesta Fest is a an event hosted by UA Cossatot Foundation that focuses on bringing the community together while also raising money for UA Cossatot students. The annual event features many vendors and attractions that highlight and celebrate cultures, businesses, and people of Southwest Arkansas.
For questions about Fiesta Fest or how to participate, please contact UA Cossatot Foundation Director, Dustin Roberts at 870-584-1172 or droberts@cccua.edu.
For the complete story, visit:
De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce April 1 updates
Federal News New Treasury Guidance on Small Business Loan Program, Employee Retention Credit: The Treasury Department has issued new guidance on the CARES Act's $350 billion loan fund for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for loans through the "Paycheck Protection Program" starting April 3, while self-employed individuals and independent contractors can apply starting April 10.
For the complete story, visit:
HealthCARE Express opening COVID-19 testing centers in De Queen
Beginning Wednesday, April 1, the HealthCARE Express clinic in De Queen will join the ranks of the clinics HealthCARE Express has designated as COVID-19 testing centers in their communities. The test HealthCARE Express is offering will provide results within 1-3 days, drastically reducing the wait time for results compared to the previous COVID-19 test.
For the complete story, visit:
Restaurants struggle to stay open amidst surrounding business closures
With Governor Asa Hutchinson ordering the shutdown of many businesses in the state, the impact has left the local business community struggling to survive as many restaurants have closed as have all the gyms, barber shops and beauty salons.
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has approved temporary changes to Arkansas State Parks’ operations to protect public health during the COVID-19 crisis, he announced at a news conference today.
The Governor has directed that Arkansas State Parks implement “day use” operations only, effective 8 a.m. on Friday, April 3, a decision he made in consultation with Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst.
“Arkansas State Parks will remain operational,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Arkansas is known for our outdoor recreation, and we want to allow Arkansans to safely enjoy what our state has to offer. These new safety measures will reduce the risk of overcrowding at our parks and discourage visitors from out-of-state until the threat of COVID-19 has passed.”
“This Friday, we will move to ‘day use’ only across our state parks system, eliminating all overnight stay opportunities,” Secretary Hurst said. “This is consistent with 28 other states, and we believe it will further reduce the number of out-of-state visitors. We are staying on top of the data and best practices and will adjust if further limitations are needed.”
Under the new “day use” directive, Arkansas State Parks will close overnight facilities, such as cabins and campgrounds.
In addition, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism is temporarily implementing safety measures to prevent visitation surges in state parks. Arkansas State Parks will deploy park rangers to enforce social distancing, disperse gatherings of more than 10 people, and implement parking restrictions to limit overcrowding at popular parks.
Secretary Hurst will closely monitor problematic areas such as trails that are overcrowded or too narrow for proper social distancing and close such areas as needed.
Information on the park closings can be found at https://www.ArkansasStateParks.com/covid-19-update.
COVID-19 Update | Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas State Parks remain open as we monitor COVID-19 and the impact of coronavirus in our state. We are taking the CDC's recommended precautions as we work to provide a safe environment for our visitors. Parks continue to be your gateway to hiking, kayaking and canoeing, golf, mountain biking, fishing and boating and other outdoor experiences.
