More than 260 customers in Sevier County were without power for over 7 hours Sunday, May 17, beginning at around 9:30 a.m. due to a fire at a substation. Power was restored just after 4:30 Sunday afternoon.
Sunday morning, Southwest Arkansas Electric REA posted on Facebook, “We are currently experiencing equipment issues at our De Queen Substation. We are working on the faulty equipment and hope to have it replaced soon. Thank you for your patience.”
Thunderstorms moved across the region Saturday evening and tornado sirens and warnings from Code Red and the National Weather Service came across between 6 and 7 p.m. A Tornado Watch remains in effect through 9:00 Saturday night, 05/16.
Pockets of heavy rainfall came across the area and prompted Flash Flood Watches and Warnings for portions of southwest Arkansas, northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, and northeast Texas. According to the National Weather Service, skies should clear off Sunday bringing sunny and dry conditions throughout next week.
Carmelia Johnson captured this video Saturday evening, May 16, in Central.
The COVID-19 pandemic could be a source of stress, fear, or anxiety for many Arkansans. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a good time to remind Arkansans of the resources available to help during this time.
If you currently visit a provider for mental health services, these services can now be accessed by telephone or tele-video. Arkansas’s Community Mental Health Centers have also temporarily changed their services to utilize tele-video or telephone technology whenever possible.
The Arkansas Lifeline Call Center can direct you to the center closest to you.
The Arkansas Lifeline Call Center (1-800-273-8255) is available 24/7. This call center housed within theArkansas Department of Health answers calls from Arkansans to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call takers can route Arkansans to local resources.
Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming in both adults and children.
Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.
The CDC recommends the following to cope with stress:
Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
Eat healthy meals and exercise regularly.
Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
While we may all be social distancing, it’s important to still connect with others. Technology allows us to connect in new ways. As we collectively work to get our state back to normal, don’t underestimate the importance of reaching out to family and friends.
Taking care of yourself can help you cope with stress and in turn, help others. Helping others is what will make communities stronger on the other side of this crisis.
This mailbox was recently damaged on De Queen Lake Road
Two juveniles, names withheld, were apprehended Thursday by the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office for damaging mailboxes and stealing street signs in Sevier County. After hearing about the incidents, Deputy Sharp made a stop of two suspects in a truck and found a sledge hammer and several stop signs in the pickup bed. The two minors will be paying for all the damages.
LITTLE ROCK – Today I’d like to talk about our COVID-19 testing and a new partnership with the Arkansas Community Health Centers.
In an effort to flatten the curve and increase testing for COVID-19, I have consistently encouraged individuals with a simple message: “If you think you have symptoms, don’t wait – get tested.”
On April 21st, I created a Testing Advisory Group to expand and increase testing in the state. We have increased testing in high-risk settings, such as long-term care facilities. We have expanded testing to include all people who think they have been exposed to the virus, even if they aren’t showing symptoms.
At the beginning of this month, we set a goal of conducting 60,000 tests during the month of May. If we are able to do 60,000 tests, that’s 2% of our state population and a key part of the White House Coronavirus Task Force recommendations for ramping up states’ testing numbers.
Since we had the first positive case in Arkansas on March 11th, when we first declared the emergency, we started increasing our testing. As of May 14th, we had a little over 29,000 this month. To put that in perspective, since March 11th, (or over the last 65 days) we have done about 81,000 tests. So even though we're not to our goal yet, the nearly 30,000 in the first two weeks in May alone shows we are on the right track, and we are optimistic about meeting our goal.
Earlier this week, I announced a new partnership with the Community Health Centers across Arkansas. When CEO, LaShannon Spencer, called upon her community health centers and asked them what more they can do to support the testing initiative of our state. In response, they committed to provide over 2,000 test collections, per week, in May to add to this objective of reaching our 60,000 goal. Their health centers across the state are offering multiple testing sites, including drive-thru screenings and testing tents, all free of charge.
I was delighted by a conversation that took place in my office between Ms. Spencer and Secretary of Health Nate Smith. When LaShannon said all we need are swabs and we might need some help with that, Dr. Smith responded, “Don't worry, we've got plenty.”
When you are talking about PPE and supply chain and working together for the health and safety of all Arkansans, that’s exactly what you want to hear. I applaud the leadership of the community health centers and our public health officials for working together in this critical partnership.
Another great partnership is with Walmart. They have partnered to provide approximately 130 mobile testing units across the country. Currently, they have three operating in Bentonville, Little Rock, and Fort Smith; and just this week announced additional sites in Jonesboro, Hot Springs, Texarkana, and West Memphis.
During this Phase One period of lifting restrictions, we must expand our economy, but we have to manage the expansion to minimize the virus impact.
If we’re in a war, radar tells us where the enemy is on the horizon. Testing is our radar system; and tracking is our first defense. It gives us an early warning capability for where there's an increased potential of an outbreak so we can get a handle on it. And that is our objective.
We have to learn to live and manage and work through the potential of COVID-19 in the next year until we get a vaccine. And to accomplish that, testing is a critical part having the proper infrastructure in place.
Authorities found a stolen Hiland truck Wednesday in the Saline River near Steel Bridge Road. The investigation is ongoing.
Horatio High School will collect iPads, instruments, library books, and AMI paper packets May 18-20 from 8:00-4:00 at the high school office. Be sure to bring your iPad, case, charger, and bag. Teachers will be submitting grades on May 21. If you have any questions, please call the office at 870-832-1900.
Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide an update to media on Saturday, May 16, regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response. (Press play button above.)
"Although we have taken care of emergent dental needs since closing March 23rd, we are ready to go to work on a full-time basis and have deep cleaned all the offices as well as obtained the necessary PPE to allow us to perform general dentistry in full compliance with guidelines provided from ADH.....
Our patients and employees will be safer now than ever before as we transition back to normal business. Dental hygiene is very important in the overall health of the public and we are anxious to see our wonderful patients and make sure their dental needs are being met."
110 W Dequeen Ave, De Queen, AR 71832
Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide an update to media on Friday, May 15, at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response. (Press play button above.)
De Queen High School honor graduate Brittany McCullough has been awarded the Texas A&M Texarkana Presidential Scholarship totaling $34,000. Brittany is the daughter of Dalton and Christy McCullough. She has been accepted into the University's Honors Program and plans to major in Marketing with a minor in Spanish. The Ambassador Program as well as the Study Abroad Program are also a part of her agenda at A&M Texarkana.
Brittany is a member of the Spanish Club, Interact Club and co-creator of local fundraiser, Quiz Bowl Team, Yearbook Editor and 3rd place recipient in Nationals at Chicago for MO, National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, Gifted and Talented, Manager for the Lady Leopards basketball and soccer teams, Leopard Vision, senior maid in homecoming, Chickasaw Nation Representative and scholarship.
Brian Hankins is a Sevier County and Lockesburg, Arkansas resident who graduated from UA Cossatot. At an early age, Brian envisioned himself working for local law enforcement. Today he works for the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office as an investigator, choosing to help and serve those in his community.
Hankins chose to pursue this career path after graduating from Horatio High School in 2004. Shortly after graduating high school, he began working as a jailer and as a dispatcher. From 2005 to 2008, Brian chose to work as a welder, but eventually discovered that his passion remained in law enforcement.
In 2008, Brian returned to working as a jailer. In hopes of one day moving up in law enforcement, he decided to take college classes. Even though a degree wasn’t a requirement at his agency, he knew that a college education could be beneficial.
In 2011, Hankins started his college career at UA Cossatot. In two years, he graduated from UA Cossatot with an Associate of Arts degree, a degree that is designed to transfer to a four-year university.
Brian Hankins said, “I chose to go to school at UA Cossatot because it was local, and I did not have to move away. I took classes at the De Queen Campus and online. There were several things that I liked about UA Cossatot. It was close to home, the staff were friendly and excellent, and I also really liked the fact that I was able to pursue my basic college classes in a small-town atmosphere.”
After achieving his associate’s degree at UA Cossatot, Brian chose to continue his education online through Arkansas Tech University. In May of 2015, he graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a Bachelor’s of Professional Studies degree concentrated in Criminal Justice.
After getting into law enforcement, Brian began to work small cases and enjoyed the experience. He immediately set a goal to become an investigator. In 2017, his goal became a reality when Sheriff Robert Gentry promoted him to the role of investigator for Sevier County.
Brian says that he enjoys being able to solve cases, and one of the things he likes about his job the most is getting the chance to help return stolen property to a victim.
When asked about his education, Brian said, “I would absolutely recommend UA Cossatot. I think the college can give everyone a great experience, and I highly recommend it.”
In the spring of 2019, Brian worked as an adjunct instructor at UA Cossatot, where he taught criminal justice classes. As more students enroll in the program, he plans to teach again.
Hankins said, “UA Cossatot is a great place to pursue a criminal justice degree. People that are interested in seeking careers in the criminal justice field need education and experience. Plus, the majority of the bigger agencies at the state level and the federal level require both. I would advise all local college students to stay home and take classes at UA Cossatot, at least for the first year or two. It is a great college that offers excellent benefits.”
At the age of 33, Brian enjoys his work and having the opportunity to serve the community that he has always called home. In his downtime, he enjoys hunting, fishing, being in the outdoors, and spending time with his three children: Bentley, Canton, and Emersyn.
To learn more about the criminal justice program or other degrees and certificates offered at UA Cossatot, please contact UA Cossatot’s Student Services department at studentservices@cccua.edu.
UA Cossatot’s Office of Continuing Education is offering ten free self-paced courses this summer to support the communities it serves during these uncertain times. Anyone wishing to improve their skills and learn new techniques for the workplace or for personal enrichment can benefit from enrolling. Online registration is available through June 30.
A full list of classes and course descriptions can be found at UA Cossatot’s website at www.cccua.edu/ceonline.
UA Cossatot’s Public Services and Workforce Development Director, Tammy Coleman says, “These courses offer excellent opportunities for individuals to learn more about customer service, time management, supervision, organization, marketing, effective communication skills, personal finance, creating webpages, and so much more. Individuals can leverage these free courses to enter the workforce or advance their career. We also invite area employers to use this as a professional development opportunity for their employees.”
Anyone can register and access as many of the courses as they wish for three months from the time enrolled. A certificate of completion will automatically be available to the student for print or download immediately after successfully completing each course.
To sign up for a class, please visit www.cccua.edu/conted to complete an online registration form. For more information about the professional development courses offered at UA Cossatot, please contact UA Cossatot’s Continuing Education department at 870-584-1178 or continuingeducation@cccua.edu
The Farmers Market Opening - Friday, 15 May. Hours 7am to 11am.
The Howard County Farmers Market will have its first day of operation on Friday, May 15th starting at 7am. This year the farmers market will operate differently due to the nationwide pandemic.
To comply with guidance from the Arkansas Health Department, the market will be open for Drive-thru customers only to maintain social distancing. Please remain in your vehicle, the produce will be visible from the driveway. Please have your payment is small bills to minimize the need for making change. Vendors who accept WIC will have signs posted and well as those who can accept SNAP.
Friday morning the market vendors will have the following items available for purchase:
• Tomato plants
• Potatoes
• Onions
• Honey
• Eggs
• Salad Mix lettuce
• Aloe Vera plants
• New Potatoes
• Jellies and Jams
• Fried Pies : Apple, Blackberry, Chocolate, Peach
• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Cabbage
• Cherries
Thank you for your patronage of our Nashville Farmers Market!
This week on Fit-4-Life, we visit with Dr Andi about the new walking area behind Rehab Specialists in Nashville.
Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide an update to media on Thursday, May 14, regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response. (Press play button above.)
The South Central Telehealth Resource Center has received over $800,000 in federal funding to expand its efforts in telehealth education.
The center, housed at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, but a part of the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers, received $825,000 from the Health Resources and Services Administration as a part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relieve and Economic Security or CARES Act.
The center provides educational, technical and outreach assistance to clinics or practices that already provide or are wishing to start their own telehealth services.
Telehealth Resource Center Receives Over $800,000 In Funding From CARES Act
The South Central Telehealth Resource Center has received over $800,000 in federal funding to expand its efforts in telehealth education. The center, housed at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, but a part of the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers, received $825,000 from the Health Resources and Services Administration as a part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relieve and Economic Security or CARES Act.
De Queen honor graduate Shaylan Loyd has been awarded a Southern Arkansas University Blue and Gold scholarship valued at $26,400. Shaylan is the son of Rhonda Loyd. He is a member of National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl, Archery, Trap Shooting and FFA. Shaylan plans to major in wildlife biology.
Just a shout out to our Older adults for Older Americans Month. PSA:
During May, Older Americans Month, we want to recognize the contributions made by older adults
every day as volunteers, employees, employers, parents, grandparents, mentors, and advocates.
This year’s Older Americans Month theme, Make Your Mark, highlights older adults’ unique and lasting contributions to their communities by offering their time, talents, and experience.
Communities that support and include all their members are stronger! Please join Area Agency on Aging of Southwest Arkansas, Inc. on Facebook, as we publish the favorite childhood memories so graciously shared by some of the older adults in our region. For more information, contact dkendrick@aaaswa.net or call 800-272-2127.
The CARES Act Steering Committee created by Governor Asa Hutchinson to recommend the best use of federal aid during the COVID-19 pandemic will meet virtually at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2020.