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Sevier County Edge/Vote For Growth Campaign Needing Signatures

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Vote for Growth of Sevier County is needing signatures to put the sale of wine, beer and liquor in Sevier County on the ballot in November. The group has until August to collect enough signatures to get it on the ballot. Canopies are set up in towns around the county to allow people to drive-through and sign the petiition. Petitions are also available in many area businesses. The group wants the sales of alcohol to generate revenue for Sevier County like it does for surrounding counties. They believe this could be a big step for growth to bring people and revenues to the county.

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The Arkansas Department of Health COVID-19 Case Update and Maps

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 478
  Active Positive: 154
  Recovered: 319
  Deaths: 5
  Negatives: 2,626

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 42
  Active Positive: 10
  Recovered: 32
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 855

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 34
  Active Positive: 8
  Recovered: 26
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 744

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 58
  Active Positive: 20
  Recovered: 38
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 988

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 7
  Active Positive: 2
  Recovered: 5
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 1,239

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Governor Hutchinson Issues Executive Orders on Medical Immunity, Business Liability, and Workers Compensation Coverage

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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson issued executive orders today that clarify Workers Compensation Law during the public-health emergency, protect health care providers from liability, and exempt businesses from liability related to the spread of COVID-19.

“I want to thank the General Assembly for its leadership in securing support for limited immunity legislation and for requesting action by the executive order versus calling a special session during the pandemic.” Governor Hutchinson said. "I also want to thank Steuart Walton and the Economic Recovery Task Force for their work on these important issues." 

Executive Order 20-33 regarding employers and businesses orders that:

  • All businesses and their employees shall be immune from civil liablity as a result of exposure to COVID-19.

  • Immunity does not apply to willful, reckless or intentional misconduct.

  • A presumption that the actions are not willful or reckless if the business owner substantially complies with public health directives.

  • Immunity does not extend to worker compensation benefits.

  • Immunity is effective from today until the emergency is terminated.

 Executive Order 20-34 regarding immunity for health care providers orders that:

  • Health care workers and providers are authorized to use crisis standards of care to respond to treat COVID-19 patients.

  • The health care providers as emergency workers are immune from civil liability.

  • Immunity does not extend to willful, reckless, or intentional misconduct.

  • Immunity is effective from today until the emergency is terminated.

Executive Order 20-35 regarding workers compensation coverage orders that:

  • Assures workers compensation coverage for employees. 

  • COVID-19 is considered an occupational disease under the law.

  • COVID-19 shall be an exception to prohibition on compensation for ordinary diseases of life.

  • There must be a causal connection between employment and the disease.

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AP: Tyson Cooperating with Feds in Price-Fixing Investigation

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By DEE-ANN DURBIN (AP)
June 11, 2020

Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson Foods Inc. said it was served with a grand jury subpoena in April 2019 from the U.S. Department of Justice. Tyson said it conducted an internal investigation and turned over information to the Department of Justice. Tyson also said it is seeking a formal grant of leniency, which would mean that neither the company or its executives would face criminal fines or jail time.Last week, four current and former executives at Pilgrim’s Pride and Claxton Poultry Farms — including Pilgrim’s Pride President and CEO Jayson Penn — were indicted on charges of price fixing as a result of the long-running investigation.

Claxton said last week that the charges are without merit and it will vigorously defend itself. Pilgrim’s Pride said it is cooperating with the investigation. “Tyson Foods is committed to competing vigorously, honestly and in compliance with the letter and the spirit of the antitrust laws and respects the important role that the Department of Justice plays in enforcing these laws,” the company said in a statement.

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Pilgrim’s Pride Cooperation is also cooperating with a Justice Department investigation of alleged price fixing by suppliers to restaurant buyers. Chief executive of Pilgrim’s, Jayson Penn, has begun a leave of absence. Fabio Sandri will serve as interim CEO and president during Penn’s trial. Three executives from other companies, including Claston Poultry Farms, were indicted on the price-fixing charges according the Justice Department. All of the defendants have pleaded not guilty.

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KATV Reports 4 Walmart Stores Closed in Arkansas Due to Protests

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LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — At least four Walmart stores are closed in Little Rock due to protests, according to Walmart. See story below on KATV website.

4 Walmart stores closed in Little Rock due to protests

At least four Walmart stores are closed in Little Rock due to protests, according to Walmart. “We’re monitoring this situation closely and will continue closing stores as a safety precaution for our customers and associates.

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More than 7 Tons of Medical Marijuana Sold in Arkansas

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — More than seven tons of medical marijuana has been sold in the state in just more than a year since sales began, according to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.DFA said Saturday that 22 dispensaries have sold 14,714 pounds of marijuana for a total of just more than $92 million since the first dispensary opened in May 2019.The sales of medical marijuana is expected to surpass $100 million by July 1, DFA said in a news release.Data provided by the department said Green Springs Medical in Hot Springs has sold the most at just more than 2,650 pounds and five other locations have each sold more than 1,000 pounds. Arkansas voters in 2016 approved a measure legalizing marijuana in the state for certain medical conditions.

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Latest Arkansas COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

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CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR ACTIVE MAP

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Please take steps to protect yourself. The ADH recommends:

* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
* Practice social distancing. Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick, by keeping at least 6 feet between you and others.
* Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your health care provider. Your physician will decide if testing is necessary based on your symptoms and known exposures.

Directive for Community and School Team Sports

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YOUR LOCAL STATE FARM INSURANCE AGENT IN DE QUEEN IS LUKE BILLINGSLEY AT 870-642-2157

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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This week, the House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee reviewed the 2019 Annual Report from Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division.

This report along with the quarterly reports from the Department of Human Services’ Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) are difficult to review but necessary in guiding our decisions of where to place resources.

The annual report states Child Abuse Hot Line operators in the Crimes Against Children Division (CACD) of the Arkansas State Police received 67,420 referrals in the year 2019. Of these referrals, 37,591 were accepted as legally valid allegations of abuse or neglect. They were assigned to the CACD investigators or the Arkansas Department of Human Services’ Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS). In 2019, the hotline received 652 fewer calls than in 2018.

Calls to the hotline include educational and medical neglect, inadequate food and housing, and physical and sexual abuse. DCFS reports neglect is the most commonly reported allegation among those which are found to be true.

Major Jeff Drew with the Arkansas State Police testified that calls to the hotline have dropped in recent weeks as many mandated reporters are not in contact with children. The division is noticing anywhere from 400 to 600 fewer calls a week.

DCFS Director Mischa Martin told committee members that teachers have historically been the highest volume of mandated reporters. The decline in calls to the hotline continues to be of concern.

DCFS made a decision early in the health emergency to continue to place a priority on the safety of children. As a result, employees with the agency have and will continue face to face contact with children.

We have posted the report presented to the committee at www.arkansashouse.org.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline at 800-482-5964.

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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UA Cossatot Announces New Digital Media and Marketing Degree

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The Division of Professional Studies department at UA Cossatot announces that a new Digital Media and Marketing degree will be available this fall. The new degree is the result of input from local business owners and the quickly changing way that businesses market their products as well as communities in which we live. UA Cossatot has also announced that students can complete the degree entirely online.

This new degree will be an associate of applied science degree, but it will also include stackable
credentials for a certificate of proficiency and a technical certificate. The certificates and the degree can all be completed in less than two years. The associate’s degree requires 60 credit hours, the technical certificate requires 27, and the certificate of proficiency requires 12. Students planning to transfer to a four-year university can also take courses within the Digital Media and Marketing degree to earn transferable credits at UA Cossatot before transferring.

Digital media and marketing is an essential investment for businesses moving into the next decade. UA Cossatot wants to give students more creative, business opportunities, provide more local, relevant industry training, and help other businesses gain a competitive edge.

This degree will provide a focus area on social media and advertising for local businesses. Classes
offered this fall at UA Cossatot, in this program, include Introduction to Digital Media, Social Media Marketing, and Microcomputer Applications.

To sign up for classes in this degree plan or to request more information about the Digital Media and Marketing degree, please contact UA Cossatot’s Student Services department at studentservices@cccua.edu or 870-584-4471.