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Lt. Governor Griffin Says Abortion Clinics Should Follow Governor's Directive and Cease Procedures During Pandemic

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LITTLE ROCK – Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin issued the following statement regarding the noncompliance of abortion clinics with Governor Asa Hutchinson's directive to cease elective procedures during the public health crisis. Lt. Governor Tim Griffin issued the following statement:

"As I indicated at my press conference Wednesday, abortion clinics should cease procedures. I am pro-life, but abortion rights advocates describe the decision to abort as a 'choice.’ That, by definition, means we can all agree that abortion procedures are elective. Abortion procedures should not be occurring in Arkansas, and I applaud the Health Department's letter ordering them to cease and desist."

Transcript of the press conference on Wednesday, April 8, 2020:

Reporter: "In Texas they’re trying to outlaw abortions. ...The courts have said women’s rights, constitutional rights, can be suspended due to the emergency declaration. Do you think Arkansas should ban abortion during this public health emergency."

Griffin: "Well, the governor has already put out through the Department of Health some very specific guidance on what health care providers should and should not be doing, what they can be doing, in terms of elective surgeries, what’s essential, what’s non essential. That guidance was put out , I believe, last week and it specifically mentions in that guidance, abortion clinics. So I can’t speak for the governor but my understanding is, based on the guidance of the Department of Health, that the abortion clinics should not be operating under the current guidance."

Reporter: "And do you believe that’s how it should be?"

Griffin: "Sure, yes."

Additional information:

Cease and desist letter from the Arkansas Department of Health to abortion clinic.

Arkansas Department of Health Elective Procedures Directive (letter to healthcare facilities)

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Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | The First Line of Defense Against COVID-19

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LITTLE ROCK – Today I’d like to talk about the professionals who are on the front lines at the hospitals and clinics all over Arkansas who are treating our COVID-19 patients and doing the critically important testing work.

These nurses, nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, and doctors are our first line of defense against COVID-19. They are putting their lives at risk in the same way that firefighters do when they run into a burning building. During this pandemic, these professionals have been reporting to work because they care for people and that is their life calling.

At least 158 health care providers have tested positive for COVID-19. We hope that they recover quickly.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that sets up in the lungs and requires the skills of a pulmonologist and a respiratory therapist if ventilator treatment is necessary.

A Little Rock registered respiratory therapist has described the effect of COVID-19 on the lungs as similar to the struggle to breathe if you climbed Mount Everest without oxygen.

The respiratory therapists measure, assess, and evaluate peak airway pressure, mean airway pressure, compliance, resistance, and monitor the pulmonary infection. The symptoms of COVID-19 are especially severe and hard to control.

While COVID-19 remains somewhat of a mystery killer, I am encouraged by the numbers we see at the present in Arkansas. We are seeing these positive signs because of the way Arkansans have adapted to the temporary limitations we have imposed on our daily lives.

The best way to help our front-line professionals is to continue to wash your hands, keep your distance, and stay at home if at all possible. If you have to get out, wear a mask to protect others. The more we practice these preventative measures, the sooner we will move past this pandemic.

Thanks to everyone who has risen to the challenge, from the people who are taking samples at drive-through testing sites in our clinics, to the professionals in the emergency rooms and intensive care units. Our prayers are with you.

I also wanted to mention the importance of this weekend since we celebrate both Passover and Easter. For me, Easter has always meant getting together for church and with family. This week, the First Lady and I will celebrate Easter away from the family and by watching the service on the Internet. It is important that we resist the temptation to get together because that risks the spread of the virus. Let’s get through this so that we will have many more Easters to celebrate in the future.

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UA Cossatot Adult Education Honors Spring GED® Graduates

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UA Cossatot’s Adult Education students have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic like all public schools. During this time, students are not able to complete their GED® testing requirements to earn their high school equivalency diploma. Some students were only one test away from earning their credential. Nine students, however, did finish all of their test requirements and have earned their diploma.

Students who have passed their GED® tests and earned their diploma this spring semester include: Andrew Shelton, Gillham; Keith Perkins, Murfreesboro; Jeffery Scott Kimmel, Gillham; Dalton Saxour, De Queen; Brittany Kaylor, Murfreesboro; James Sellers, Gillham; Hector Barreto, De Queen; Brandon Gonzalez, Murfreesboro; and Memphis Jackson, Murfreesboro.

Adult Education offers many services other than GED® test preparation. Services offered include literacy, basic skills remediation, English as a Second Language, citizenship, digital literacy, employability skills, financial literacy, Accelerating Opportunities, and college preparation.

“Adult Education is a valuable part of community services,” says Jennifer Black, Director. “We help individuals to make a positive impact on their life. Students often come to adult education to earn their diploma to get a job, earn a job promotion, or go to college. It is so rewarding to be a part of students’ successes. They are often so grateful when they accomplish their goals, and that is what we are here to do, help each one succeed!”

For more information, please call UA Cossatot’s Adult Education department at 870-584-1467 or 870-584-1114.

Cossatot Community College

The Adult Education Department of Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas is committed in providing students with an opportunity to reach their educational goals and instilling in each student a dedication of "Learning for Life". If you need a copy of your GED transcript, please click on the the link below: Call 870-584-1114 and ask for Jennifer Black or Cathy Billingsley.

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From the Superintendent of De Queen Public Schools

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Below are several important updates from De Queen Public Schools:

Grab and Go Meal Program Ending
De Queen School District will regretfully cancel the Grab and Go Meal Program after Friday April 10th. The rise of positive Covid-19 cases in our county along with our concern for the health of our students, employees, and their families has caused us to make this difficult decision. The district is currently working with community stakeholders to create options of serving students and families who need assistance with meal services. Any family needing assistance is encourage to contact the De Queen School District Administration Office by phone at 870-584-4312 or by email at jsanders@dequeenleopards.org.


AMI Information
Under the direction of Governor Asa Hutchinson, all schools in the state will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year to in-school instruction. Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) will continue until Friday, May 8th, 2020. Teachers will continue to provide AMI packets which can be picked up in front of each school or found on the school’s website. Starting Monday, April 13th, there will be containers placed in front of each school for completed AMI work that needs to be turned in. AMI work should be focused on core subject areas and curriculum that has already been taught. We ask our students, staff, parents and community to continue the excellence you have displayed in the previous weeks of AMI and for students and parents to contact teachers if there are any questions or concerns.


Graduation
Graduation for the Class of 2020 has been postponed until a later date. There has been no date set as of yet and we will proceed with large public events at the direction of the AR Department of Health. We are committed to honoring our seniors and are looking at a possible summer commencement ceremony as well as other options.

AAA Dead Period
We remind the community that the Arkansas Activities Association has extended the “Covid-19 Dead Period for all AAA member schools through May 30, 2020. During this time all school athletic facilities will be closed. This includes the track, football field, practice fields, etc.


School Office Hours
Beginning Monday, April 13th, the administration office and school offices will move to a summer working schedule. Office hours will be Monday through Thursday from 8am to 3pm. We understand that many of our community members and stakeholders may need to contact the school to acquire information and conduct business. The district offices will be staffed in compliance with social distancing guidelines and directives by the Governor and the Department of Health regarding work requirements. For everyone’s safety, we ask the public to reach us by phone.
Administration Office: 870-584-4312 De Queen Primary: 870-642-3100
De Queen Elementary: 870-584-4311 De Queen Middle School: 870-642-2428
De Queen Junior High 870-642-3077 De Queen High School: 870-642-2426

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Samaritan Fields is Taking Shape in De Queen

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For the complete story, visit:

https://www.dequeenbee.com

Samaritan Fields is taking shape east of the Sportsplex

A decade long dream of two De Queen men is coming ever closer to fruition. Samaritan Fields is taking shape on the north side of Collin Raye Drive, just east of the Sportsplex. De Queen High School alums Esteban Ochoa and Franklin Bahena have worked for years to create a local soccer facility.

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UA Cossatot Alumnus Finds Rewarding Career in Education

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Victor Rojas was raised and currently resides in De Queen, Arkansas. After graduating from De Queen High School in 2014, Victor became an education major at UA Cossatot. Today, Victor works for the Texarkana Independent School District as a teacher at Westlawn Elementary and credits UA Cossatot as being a big part of his journey.

In high school, Victor took college credit classes and decided to pursue a degree in education at UA Cossatot.

Victor said, "I chose to attend UA Cossatot because of affordability and location. My experience at UAC was overwhelmingly positive. UA Cossatot gave me, a first-generation college student, a first-rate education for which I am immensely grateful. My instructors were there to help when I needed it, and our Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, was – and still is- approachable and resourceful."

For two years, Victor took classes at the UA Cossatot De Queen Campus and online. In 2016, he graduated from UA Cossatot with an Associate of Science in Education K-6 degree.

Shortly after graduating, Victor was accepted into Southern Arkansas University's off-campus teacher education program. This program allowed him to stay in his hometown and work at his former high school as a substitute teacher and as a paraprofessional for the high school's alternative learning environment.

Victor graduated from SAU with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, graduating magna cum laude, in May of 2018. In addition to being licensed in the area of elementary education, he also received authorization by the state of Arkansas to teach middle school social studies and 4th-12th grade business technology classes.

In the fall of 2018, Victor began teaching Adult Education courses at UA Cossatot. For a full year, Victor taught beginning ESL and Citizenship 101 classes. In 2020, Victor returned to UA Cossatot to teach Citizenship 101, which prepares adult learners for the U.S. Naturalization exam.

Teaching this course is a rewarding experience for Victor. Victor Rojas said, "As the son of naturalized U.S. citizens, teaching this class is a special and meaningful way for me to help others.”

Since August of 2019, Mr. Rojas has worked for Westlawn Elementary in Texarkana, where he teaches 4th-grade math and science. Victor says that he enjoys preparing students for middle school and teaching them certain leadership habits – such as being proactive and synergizing. He also says his favorite part about being a teacher is forming relationships in the classroom.

Victor is currently considering attending the University of Arkansas School of Law this fall. He was recently granted admission, and he has a desire to further his education. He also plans to teach upper-level courses in the future.

Victor enjoys helping others learn, encouraging his students to reach their goals, and is very proud of his sister, America Rojas, who is a UA Cossatot Student Ambassador. He also urges those pursuing higher education to consider UA Cossatot.

"UA Cossatot is a great place to get a top-notch education. It is welcoming, affordable, and you will find support i

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Sevier & Howard Counties Cooperative Extension Services Still on the Job

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In Sevier and Howard County, the Cooperative Extension Service is still on the job
Fast Facts:
Agents with the Cooperative Extension Service continue to serve Arkansans during pandemic
Agents available through phone, email and Internet communication platforms
Many resources available online for farms, families and communities at www.uaex.edu and www.uaex.edu/covid19

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De Queen, Ark. — The Cooperative Extension Service has been serving the people of Arkansas, from agricultural communities in rural areas to school children in the cities, for more than 100 years, through good times and bad. Our current era, in which we all face serious health risks from the COVID-19 virus, is no different.
Minimizing the effects of this virus, which is unusually contagious and particularly lethal to members of our community who are elderly or immunosuppressed, depends largely on “social distancing” and otherwise limiting close contact. But that doesn’t mean we, as cooperative extension employees, aren’t still here to support our communities in all the ways we always have been.
Whether your needs are agricultural, financial, dietary or educational, our office staff are still here to offer the best in unbiased, research-based knowledge. We are still fundamentally engaged in supporting community and economic development, helping farmers make the best choices for their crops and helping families make the best use of their resources.
Our staff are as available and ready to work as they’ve always been. Our office is still open, just come to the side door and knock or call. While public health recommendations may limit in-person contact, we are also increasingly available through online venues, including webinars and internet-based teleconferencing. And of course, we’re still ready to answer questions and make recommendations by phone.
If you haven’t visited our website in a while, we recommend you take a look. Whether you need to locate your local agent, download one of our invaluable publications, or read the latest in agricultural reporting, www.uaex.edu is a vast resource for Arkansans. We also have a wealth of resources related to coping with COVID-19 at www.uaex.edu/covid19.
The bottom line is, we’re still on the job. And we want to help you be, too.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact the Sevier County Cooperative Extension Service office at (870) 584-3013 or Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517. Visit the website 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.

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De Queen Valedictorian Luis Verdin-Gomez Awarded $69,000 in Grants and Scholarships

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2020 De Queen Valedictorian Luis Verdin-Gomez has been awarded approximately $69,000 renewable grants and scholarships at Rice University.

Luis is the son of Florencio and Maria Verdin. He will attend Rice University in the fall and double major in math and statistics.

Luis is a member of gifted and talented, history bowl, science bowl and quiz bowl. His educational accomplishments include graduating as the 2020 DHS Valedictorian as well as earning a 35 on the ACT (Superscore of 36).

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Amber Morris Awarded Arkansas Tech Academic and State Fair Premium Scholarships

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Amber Morris, daughter of Ronald and Kimberly Morris, has been awarded an Arkansas Tech Academic Scholarship valued at $4,000. She has also been awarded a $750 State Fair Premium Scholarship.

Amber is a 2020 De Queen High School senior. She is a member of 4-H and FFA and is involved in archery and trap shooting.

Amber will attend Arkansas Tech University and major in Agricultural Education.

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Jalissa Crow Awarded the Arkansas Tech Leadership Scholarship

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De Queen senior Jalissa Crow has been awarded the Arkansas Tech Leadership Scholarship valued at $8000. Jalissa plans are to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
She is the daughter of Ricardo and Tevita Martinez.

Jalissa is a member of FCCLA, FBLA, FCS, Leopard Vision, President of Arkansas Hispanic Youth Leaders of Arkansas. She is also a member of the Lady Leopard Soccer team.

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Governor Hutchinson Delivers State of the State Address to the 92nd General Assembly

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“We will do all that is necessary to protect life and to come out of this pandemic with our face looking into the bright days of our future.”

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today delivered his State of the State address to the 92nd General Assembly ahead of the fiscal session. In order to allow room for sufficient social distancing, the Governor delivered the State of the State address from the Senate Chamber in the State Capitol. Members of the House watched the address virtually from their assembly at the Jack Stephens Center. 

In his speech, the Governor addressed the importance of state resources to assist the people of Arkansas in the wake of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Governor also reaffirmed his belief in the historical resilience of Arkansans and committed to stand in the gap for Arkansans who have great need in this difficult time. 

“We have learned through this public health emergency about how fragile life can be, but we have also seen courage and compassion of Arkansans in action,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Our nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and EMTs are on the front lines, risking their lives every day. … We see neighbors checking on neighbors, making grocery runs for those who can’t leave their house. Truckers are driving long hours to ensure the supply chain isn’t broken. Others are providing meals on the road so cross-country drivers can have an option to eat. Cafeteria workers are making sandwiches for the kids who count on school meals, and bus drivers are taking the meals to them.

“We may make mistakes, but make no mistake – our eyes are fixed on our next opportunity, our next challenge, and our next future victories. We will do what Americans and Arkansans have always done. We will be strong, and we will prevail.”

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LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update to Media Wednesday (04.08.20) 1:30PM

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Governor Asa Hutchinson will deliver the State of the State address to the 92nd General Assembly ahead of the fiscal session on Wednesday. In order to allow room for sufficient social distancing, the Governor will deliver the State of the State address from the Senate Chamber in the State Capitol. Members of the House will watch the address virtually from their assembly at the Jack Stephens Center. (Press play button above.)

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De Queen School District Canceling Grab and Go Meals

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De Queen School district will regretfully cancel the grab and go meal program after this Friday April 10th. The rise of positive covid 19 cases in our county along with our concern for the health of our employees and their families has caused us to make this difficult decision. The district is looking into a possible food backpack program for those families with the most need. Please contact the District Administration office if you are interested in the backpack program.

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Report: COVID-19’s Impact on Arkansas Economy includes Ag Labor, Supply Chain Disruptions

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As Arkansas grapples with the impacts of #COVID19, our Division of Agriculture economists are #StillOnTheJob breaking down how agriculture, government, and tourism are being affected in Arkansas throughout this crisis. The first impact report of our economy’s vital sectors has been released. Learn about the report: https://bit.ly/Ark-CV-Impact1. (Click on link below)

Report: COVID-19's impact on Arkansas economy includes ag labor, supply chain disruptions

April 7, 2020 By Mary HightowerU of A System Division of Agriculture Fast facts: Both functional food supply chains, Arkansas ag are essential to the state Risk, uncertainty in agriculture are greatly increased by COVID-19 CARES Act may give short-term relief amid losses of local tax revenue In a recession, consumers expected to migrate to less expensive proteins Crop outlook mixed Report available: https://www.uaex.edu/COVID-Ark-Economy (1,038 words)(Download this story in MS Word format here.)(Newsrooms: With additional accompanying graphics at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmMrft75) FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.