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LIVE VIDEO: Loren Hinton with De Queen Mayor Jeff Brown About Water Main Break

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Ed 88's Loren Hinton is with De Queen Mayor Jeff Brown and has a live report from the water main break in De Queen.

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Mayor of De Queen Jeff Brown reports that the city is without water today because of a 30 foot break in a 12 inch water main. The city's main water tank lost a million gallons in 30 minutes. Because of the outage, the Pilgrims' plant in De Queen is closed today. Mayor Brown says the city is in contact with the Arkansas Department of Health and repairs to the break could lead into the night time hours. We will update this story as details become available.

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Severe Thunderstorms Wednesday, but no Tornadoes Reported in Southwest Arkansas

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During the afternoon and evening of April 22, 2020, an outbreak of discrete supercell thunderstorms across portions of Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana led to widespread severe weather, including multiple tornadoes. Three people each were killed by tornadoes near the communities of Madill, Oklahoma and Onalaska, Texas; dozens of others were injured. The event came to fruition as a trough progressed eastward across the United States, interacting with a moist and unstable environment.

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Governor Hutchinson Announces Certain Nonessential Procedures May Resume April 27

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LITTLE ROCK – Medical service providers can resume certain nonessential out-patient procedures, restricted during the COVID-19 health crisis, on April 27, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced at a news conference today. The Arkansas Department of Health has issued certain requirements for hospitals and out-patient clinics to follow in order to re-engage elective procedures.

The Governor also announced that he has established target dates to decide whether the state will lift restrictions on certain other services and businesses if Arkansas continues its trend of reducing the spread of COVID-19.

“We are moving in the right direction,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I am encouraged with the trends we are seeing. If we stay on target, our desire and intent is to start lifting restrictions. But we’re going to be watching the data every day. We’re going to take it a step at a time.

“Even if we do decide to lift restrictions on certain industries after May 4, I want to emphasize that they will remain under Phase One guidelines that call for masks, social distancing, and limits on the size of gatherings.”  

Governor Hutchinson announced these dates for decisions regarding lifting restrictions:

April 29: Restaurants

April 30: Gyms and indoor recreational facilities

May 1: Beauty salons and barber shops

May 4: Places of worship and larger venues

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Governor’s Working Group To Expand COVID-19 Testing Capacity Will Meet for First Time Today

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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has created the Governor’s COVID-19 Testing Working Group to make recommendations to expand the capacity and performance of COVID-19 testing in the state, the Governor announced at a news conference today. The working group will meet virtually for the first time at 3 p.m. today.

“Arkansas’s ability to conduct adequate diagnostic and surveillance testing will affect the state’s public-health strategy and economic-recovery efforts after Arkansas reaches its peak number of COVID-19 cases,” Governor Hutchinson said. “As we prepare to shift Arkansas’s economy out of low gear, it is important for us to have more comprehensive information about the spread of COVID-19 in the state.”

The working group will include senior representatives of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Baptist Health of Arkansas, and Arkansas Children’s. These leaders will examine the state’s supply of testing equipment and make recommendations to maintain adequate testing capabilities and conduct surveillance testing across the state.

Members of the Governor’s COVID-19 Testing Working Group are:

  • Dr. Nathaniel Smith, ADH

  • Dr. Glen Baker, ADH

  • Dr. Naveen Patil, ADH

  • Dr. Katie Seely, ADH

  • Dr. Jennifer Hunt, UAMS

  • Dr. Jose Romero, ADH, UAMS, Arkansas Children’s

  • Dr. Atul Kothari, ADH, UAMS

  • Mr. Robin Mitchell, Arkansas Children’s

  • Dr. Bobby Boyanton, Arkansas Children’s 

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Special Weather Statement from the National Weather Service in Shreveport

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Hazardous Weather Outlook

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
433 AM CDT Wed Apr 22 2020

Sevier-Howard-Little River-Hempstead-Nevada-Miller-McCurtain-
Red River-Bowie-Franklin-Titus-Camp-Morris-Cass-Wood-Upshur-
Marion-Smith-Gregg-
433 AM CDT Wed Apr 22 2020

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southwest
Arkansas, southeast Oklahoma and northeast Texas.

Today and Tonight...

Strong to severe thunderstorms, some of which could produce large
hail, damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes are likely today
before ending later tonight. In addition, heavy downpours will
likely accompany this storm system with one to three inches of
rainfall possible today through tonight.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Activation of emergency management personnel...amateur radio
operators...and storm spotters will be needed today into tonight.
Please relay any information about observed severe weather to the
NWS while following all local, state, and CDC guidelines.

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN SEVIER...
NORTHWESTERN HOWARD AND CENTRAL MCCURTAIN COUNTIES UNTIL 1015 AM
CDT...

At 932 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 12
miles west of Broken Bow, or 30 miles north of Clarksville, moving
northeast at 55 mph.

Nickel size hail and winds in excess of 30 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Broken Bow, Grannis, Wright City, Millerton, Garvin, Glover,
Hochatown, Oak Hill and Golden.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
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Sevier County Hospital Board Update From Chairman Dr. Steve Cole

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We have completed / executed these contracts that all relate to construction: (Company name listed first)

1. Terracon (Phase One Environmental Study) ($2300), SOILS Engineering and Soil Borings ($14,000)) This company will be on site next week to begin prep work and prepare for groundbreaking.

2. Bond Consulting (Civil Engineering) ($113,000) This company will also begin work immediately.

3. BXS ($6,519) D and O Insurance

4. GE (Capital Medical Equipment) (2.3 Million in the form of a long-term lease agreement)

5. We have had one conference with Network Solutions to develop a scope of work for IT. We have also reached out to Edafio of North Little Rock for IT services.

6. As of 4-16-2020 the County officially owns the land on which the hospital will be built.

7. We are keeping up with the bond market and right now, it would not be prudent to sell bonds at this time. We are still very much in a state of flux with our finances due to COVID-19. We will continue to monitor the economy and rely on bond counsel for the proper time to sell bonds.

8. We are currently preparing to erect a sign to put on our property that shows the hospital and expected completion date. We hope to secure a local vendor to complete this work.

In all, even though COVID-19 is making work difficult, the board continues to move forward where we can. We appreciate each and every person in this community for their support and because of the current health care crisis, we all have an even greater appreciation of the need for our own hospital close to home.

Dr. Steve Cole

Chancellor

UA Cossatot

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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While we are facing difficult and uncertain times, Arkansans should know that essential services in state government will continue.

This week during the 2020 Fiscal Session, the Arkansas General Assembly passed a balanced budget for the next fiscal year prioritizing funding for education, health care, and public safety.

The 2021 Fiscal Year begins July 1.

The Revenue Stabilization Act passed this week prioritizes $5.9 billion in spending for the next fiscal year. By law, the RSA prioritizes spending in categories with Category A spending first. This year’s RSA creates 5 categories: A, A1, B, C, and D.

Category A includes $5.3 billion in funding. Every state agency receives the majority of funding in Category A. This category also includes $60 million to the Restricted Reserve Fund which can be accessed for any urgent or unforeseen funding needs.

Category A1 includes $181.4 in funding for elementary and secondary education, Medicaid, and the Department of Correction to ensure these essential services are fully funded.

The total funding outlined in categories A, A1, B, and C total $5.67 billion. This is equal to the amount of revenue currently forecasted.

Due to the economic downturn created by the pandemic, the Department of Finance and Administration recently reduced the 2021 forecast for net general revenue available by $205.9 million.

To accommodate that reduction, $212 million of the budget is listed in Category D. Should the economy bounce back above the current forecast, the funds would be distributed as outlined in that category.

The Governor is reviewing guidance from medical experts on how to safety to re-engage businesses after Arkansas sees a decline in COVID-19 cases. The peak is expected around May 4. We do not anticipate our economy will slow down, but rather that we are on pause.

The House will reconvene on Friday, April 24 at noon to address any unfinished business and officially adjourn the 2020 Fiscal Session Sine Die.

You can watch live and recorded sessions of the House on our website. We have also posted a link to the legislation outlining next year’s budget. Visit: 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?

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Governor Hutchinson Announces New Economic Recovery Task Force

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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has created the Governor’s Economic Recovery Task Force to develop an industry-specific strategy and make recommendations to the Governor for Arkansas’s economic recovery from the effects of COVID-19, the Governor announced at a news conference today.

The task force, established by Executive Order 20-20, will include 27 leaders from the private sector and public agencies who will examine the impact of COVID-19 on businesses and industries in the state. The task force will recommend a strategy to the Governor for our economy to shift out of low gear consistent with public-health guidance.

On Friday, Governor Hutchinson set May 4 as the date he hopes to begin to ease restrictions in Arkansas. The task force will meet next week.

Steuart L. Walton, a business leader and philanthropist who holds degrees in business administration and law, will chair the committee.

“Steuart’s Arkansas roots run deep, and he knows and loves the state,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Steuart is engaged in the hospitality, manufacturing, and retail industries. He understands the needs of small business. He is engaged in philanthropy across Arkansas. He is the perfect choice to lead this task force to help restore our economy.”

Members of the Governor’s Economic Recovery Task Force are:

  • Steuart Walton, Runway Group (Chair)

  • Wes Ward, Department of Agriculture

  • Mike Preston, Department of Commerce

  • Stacy Hurst, Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism

  • Ted Thomas, Public Service Commission

  • Randy Zook, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce

  • Sylvester Smith, National Federation of Independent Business

  • Joey Dean, Associated General Contractors of Arkansas

  • Annemarie Jazic, Dillard’s Inc.

  • Charlie Spakes, Arkansas Grocers and Retail Merchants Association

  • Montine McNulty, Arkansas Hospitality Association

  • Kelly Eichler, Indoor Recreational Facilities

  • Deke Whitbeck, Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation

  • Lance Taylor, Arkansas Activities Association

  • Hunter Yurachek, University of Arkansas

  • Shannon Newton, Arkansas Trucking Association

  • Charles Frazier, Rock Region METRO

  • Lorrie Trogden, Arkansas Bankers Association

  • Dr. Sonny Tucker, Arkansas Southern Baptist Convention

  • Bishop Gary Mueller, Arkansas Conference of United Methodists

  • Bishop Michael Mitchell, African Methodist Episcopal Church 12th District

  • Dr. Richard Abernathy, Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

  • Andy Goodman, Arkansas Independent Colleges and Universities

  • Andrea Henderson, Arkansas Association of Community Colleges

  • Dr. Chuck Welch, Arkansas State University System

  • David Wroten, Arkansas Medical Society

  • Bo Ryall, Arkansas Hospital Association

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Telemedicine takes Root in Sevier County with Positive Results

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For the complete story, visit:

https://www.dequeenbee.com

Telemedicine takes root in Sevier County with positive results

It was only a few weeks ago that the fledgling industry of telemedicine was being hailed as the future of medical care that would one day become the norm. Then came the coronavirus and covid-19 and visiting the doctor's office began to be discouraged as it was fast becoming just another opportunity to catch the virus that is taking a toll on healthcare professionals and the communities they serve.

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Maurer to Assume Role of Sevier County Economic Development Director

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Tiffany Maurer of De Queen has been chosen to be the new Economic Development Coordinator for Sevier County, replacing Lisa Taylor, who recently took the same job in Durant, Oklahoma.
“Tiffany’s hiring came the day before the COVID-19 outbreak in Arkansas”, according to Rural Development Authority Chair, Dr. Steve Cole, “So Tiffany has not really had a chance to get out in the public and meet people.”
Maurer comes to the position after serving more than four years in the Financial Aid department at UA Cossatot. Cole added, “What Tiffany lacks in top-level economic development experience, she more than makes up for with energy, drive, and a natural understanding of what true economic development is and means for the community”.
Maurer’s job activities have been limited by the recent COVID-19 outbreak, but she has still been busy, making key contacts with local, state and regional leaders plus helping the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce create and design the new Sevierly Strong – Stronger Together “We’re Open” campaign, the new campaign designed to let everyone know that Sevier County businesses are open for business.
“Over the next several weeks, and after the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed, Tiffany will be gaining momentum on all of our economic development efforts to improve Sevier County and our way of life”, added Cole.
The Sevier County Economic Development position is officially recognized by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission as the Economic Developer, Property Manager, and Community Editor for the county and is a collaborative effort between the Rural Development Authority, the City of De Queen, Sevier County, the De Queen Industrial Board, and UA Cossatot.

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AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Improving the Unemployment Benefits System

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LITTLE ROCK – Today I’d like to a talk about the improvements we’ve made to our unemployment benefits system. I want to assure the thousands of Arkansans who have lost a job because of the COVID-19 pandemic that we are working diligently to get the benefits out the door.

Eighty state employees are answering the telephones at the call center seven days a week from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m. Then they work until 6 p.m to make sure applicants are getting what they need.

The Division of Workforce Services has just launched a new one-stop website that will accelerate the process for those who need answers or who need to file an unemployment claim.

ARunemployment.com includes a link to EZARC, where the unemployed can file a claim. The new website will provide regularly updated information regarding COVID-19-related unemployment benefits.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to rearrange almost everything about our lives. As painful as these adjustments have been, they were right and necessary. The health of Arkansans continues to be my highest priority.

As we dealt with the devastating impact of the physical health of Arkansans, we also have had to deal with the economic health of the state and the financial health of thousands of Arkansans who have been thrown out of work.

We have taken some steps to lighten the load for the newly unemployed, including a temporary waiver of the requirement to search for a new job while you receive unemployment.

It is not an exaggeration to say that this health crisis has been a blow to the Arkansas economy. For several years, we have enjoyed business expansion and job creation that produced the lowest unemployment rates in the state’s history.

Then the coronavirus came ashore, and suddenly the unemployment rate has increased significantly.

The current crisis is not over, but it will end. We will recover. This has stalled us, but it hasn’t cracked the solid economic foundation we’ve built through the achievements of Arkansans who have created hundreds of businesses big and small. We have created a business environment that attracts business.

Arkansas is a small state, but we have built a reputation that is bigger than our boundaries and population. We have built a state that is bigger than a historic flood or a worldwide health crisis. The people of Arkansas care for each other.  

As to the future, we will get back to business and growth, but we must continue to follow the public health guidelines to make sure our citizens stay healthy and safe.