UA Cossatot will Safely Re-Open by Appointment Beginning Monday, June 29
The University of Arkansas Cossatot will safely re-open its four campuses by appointment starting Monday, June 29, for anyone wanting to register for classes or seek help from a UA Cossatot employee. Due to Covid-19, UA Cossatot’s campuses have been temporarily closed, but will now be re-opening by appointment.
All departments within the college, including, Student Services, Financial Aid, and the Business Office have developed schedules and numbers for students to call and set up an appointment. The phone numbers of each employee in each department can be viewed at wwww.cccua.edu/directory. Anyone needing assistance at the college can also call 870-844-4471 to be directed to the department they need so they can schedule an appointment.
UA Cossatot has signage and safety measures in place for when visitors come to the college, so they will know where to be directed. Visitors will be asked to check-in at the front desk of each campus. Students and visitors must call ahead to make their appointment and when on campus must wear protective masks and fill out a short health questionnaire. At the entrance, disposable masks will be given to each visitor if they do not have one.
COVID-19 Maps and Numbers Updates
Arkansas Reports Another Highest Single-Day Rise in COVID-19 Community Cases
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 652
Active Positive: 161
Recovered: 484
Deaths: 7
Negatives: 3,214
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 76
Active Positive: 26
Recovered: 49
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,037
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 38
Active Positive: 1
Recovered: 37
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 817
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 70
Active Positive: 11
Recovered: 59
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,347
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 8
Active Positive: 2
Recovered: 6
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,561
AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Arkansans Getting Back on Their Feet
LITTLE ROCK – We started reopening the economy in May, and today I’d like to talk about the encouraging numbers that we’re already seeing. More than 45,000 Arkansans are back at work. Our unemployment rate, which has remained below the national rate, dropped from 10.8 percent in April to 9.5 percent in May.
More and more people are getting back on their feet. We know this because the number of first-time claims for unemployment has dropped by over 4,000. Weekly claims are down by more than 13,000. Our civilian labor force in Arkansas increased by over 33,000; and our total number of jobs in May increased to 1.2 million.
Eight industries gained jobs that had been lost during the height of the pandemic unemployment. As restaurants, gyms, and recreation centers reopened, we added 13,400 jobs. Jobs in educational and health services increased by 9,100 as medical offices reopened. Trade, transportation, and utilities gained 4,300 jobs, mostly in retail. This is all good news.
I am grateful for the spirit and generosity of our business people during these difficult days, such as Bobby Fuller and his family, who own Fuller and Son Hardware. Their company will be 100 years old next year. Walter Fuller opened the first store at 28th and Arch in Little Rock in 1921. The company endured the Great Depression, World War II, and now the COVID-19 pandemic. The fourth generation of Fullers is now involved in the company, which has six stores in Central Arkansas.
Bobby Fuller, who is the grandson of the founder, didn’t have to lay off any employees. Bobby rents space to two restaurants and a dentist, and he didn’t charge rent while they were closed.
Eric Buckner is another small business owner in Central Arkansas. He is the founder and owner of 10 Fitness gyms. Eric closed his gyms on March 17 and reopened under Department of Health guidelines on May 4. With the support of gym members and assistance through the federal Payroll Protection Plan, Eric paid his employees during the shutdown. The pandemic has inspired new ways to serve his members, such as renting out exercise bikes, spin bikes, and rowing machines for use at home. His trainers have produced workout videos. His biggest challenge is to make sure that his members wear their masks when they aren’t exercising.
Bobby and Eric share my conviction that masks are critical in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Eric tells of the two hairdressers in Springfield, Missouri, who were symptomatic but didn’t tell their customers, and they were also members of Eric’s gym in Springfield. And they weren’t honest with the screeners at his gym when they asked about symptoms. Between them, they exposed more than 150 customers and gym members. But the hairdressers and their customers were wearing masks. And they wore masks at 10 Fitness. The health department found that no one who came in contact with the hairdressers at the salon or the gym contracted the virus.
So as we reopen the economy and people return to work, I urge you to wear a mask. This is critical as we continue to reopen our economy, and Arkansans return to work.
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Announces Rob Finley as New Game and Fish Commissioner
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has appointed Mountain Home businessman Rob Finley as a member of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He replaces Chairman Ken Reeves.
Governor Hutchinson announced the appointment and introduced Mr. Finley today at the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center.
“Rob’s love of the outdoors is in his blood,” Governor Hutchinson said. “His grandfather owned a fishing and bait store on Portia Bay, and by the time he was four, Rob was fishing from his grandfather’s boat launch. Rob and his cousins spent hours with their grandfather learning about fishing and hunting. His love of the outdoors inspired a passion for conservation. He and his wife, Nicki, have been successful in a variety of businesses, including outdoor retreats and lodges. In Rob, I found the perfect mix of attributes that make him a logical pick to serve as a Game and Fish commissioner.”
Mr. Finley was born on Eaker Air Force Base in Mississippi County, graduated from Cotter High School in Baxter County, and followed in his father’s footsteps to join the U.S. Air Force. After his service, he returned to Mountain Home, where he worked in the banking industry and developed a credit-insurance program for financial institutions. They own Route 66 Warranty in Mountain Home and Cranor’s White River Lodge in Cotter.
“The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is a body of seven stewards of the people’s property,” Mr. Finley said. “I take that very seriously, and I will work diligently to protect it. If I could drop the gavel 84 months from now with an increase in hunter/fishing participation and youth involvement numbers on the rise, I would consider my term a success.”
He and Nicki live in Mountain Home and have a daughter and three sons.
Governor Hutchinson thanked outgoing Chair Ken Reeves for his service on the commission.
“Arkansas is a better place because of Ken Reeves’s work as a Game and Fish commissioner,” Governor Hutchinson said. “He has been steady at the helm and charted a good course for those who love and want to preserve Arkansas’s forests and waterways.”
VIDEO: Governor Asa Hutchinson participates in Korean War Wreath Laying Ceremony Friday
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Friday (06.26.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Friday, June 26, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.
More Coronavirus Symptoms Added to CDC List
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently added some new symptoms of the coronavirus to its current list.
Watch for symptoms
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.
Congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea were added to the list of fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell and sore throat.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Symptoms
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately *This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Arkansas Rejects Call for Mandatory Unified Mask Law
At least two Arkansas towns have passed COVID-19 emergency public mask-wearing measures with the establishment of additional county and city codes likely in the coming months. Calls for a unified mask code in Arkansas have been rejected by Governor Asa Hutchinson and Secretary of Health Nate Smith, saying the state's voluntary mask requirements are sufficient. So far, over a dozen states have statewide public mask-wearing mandates.
Arkansas Rejects Call for Mandatory Unified Mask Law
At least two Arkansas towns have passed COVID-19 emergency public mask-wearing measures with the establishment of additional county and city codes likely in the coming months. Calls for a unified mask code in Arkansas have been rejected by Governor Asa Hutchinson and Secretary of Health Nate Smith, saying the state's voluntary mask requirements are sufficient.
Governor Wants To Decide On Arkansas Absentee Voting By August 1
Gov. Asa Hutchinson said he hopes to make a decision by August 1 regarding allowing voters in Arkansas more flexibility to vote absentee this November. He made the comment at his daily press conference June 24 in response to a reporter’s question about a lawsuit filed in Pulaski County seeking no-excuse absentee voting.
He said has been communicating with the Arkansas Board of Election Commissioners, Secretary of State John Thurston, and county officials.
Governor Wants To Decide On Arkansas Absentee Voting By August 1
Gov. Asa Hutchinson said he hopes to make a decision by August 1 regarding allowing voters in Arkansas more flexibility to vote absentee this November. He made the comment at his daily press conference June 24 in response to a reporter's question about a lawsuit filed in Pulaski County seeking no-excuse absentee voting.
Campaign To Encourage Arkansans To Seek Non-COVID Health Care
A public service campaign is underway encouraging people in central Arkansas to seek medical care that they have delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Take Care Arkansas is being funded by two matching $25,000 grants from the Fifty for the Future community service organization and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Take Care Arkansas
It's Safe to Get the Care You Need, No Question Navigating life during the COVID-19 pandemic is full of uncertainty. From getting together with friends to going to the grocery store, the simplest activities now come with risk, and sometimes, it's hard to know what's safe.
This is the first time the region’s six major hospitals have united under a single message. Those are Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Arkansas Heart Hospital, Arkansas Surgical Hospital, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Public service announcements will run the next four weeks through July 19 on four central Arkansas TV stations and on social media, mostly Facebook, said Millie Ward, president of Stone Ward. Her marketing firm donated its work in producing the effort’s creative assets and also is handling public relations for free.
Campaign To Encourage Arkansans To Seek Non-COVID Health Care
A public service campaign is underway encouraging people in central Arkansas to seek medical care that they have delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Take Care Arkansas is being funded by two matching $25,000 grants from the Fifty for the Future community service organization and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
UAMS Develops High-Accuracy COVID-19 Antibody Testing
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences announced Thursday it has developed and is using high-accuracy antibody testing to determine the magnitude of COVID-19 infection in Arkansas and inform the decisions of policymakers.
UAMS will collect blood samples from nearly 7,500 Arkansas adults and children through October. By early August, a robotic-assisted immunoassay machine will help process 2,500 samples per day for workplace, school and other community settings. UAMS researchers are now processing only up to 180 samples per day by hand.
The $3.3 million to support the testing program comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act approved by Congress to provide aid to individuals, businesses and state and local governments in response to the pandemic.
According to the UAMS statement, COVID-19 antibody testing looks back into the immune system’s history. A positive antibody test means the person was exposed to the virus and developed antibodies against the virus.
UAMS Begins 'High-Accuracy' COVID-19 Testing, Boost Processing Numbers
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences announced Thursday it has developed and is using high-accuracy antibody testing to determine the magnitude of COVID-19 infection in Arkansas and inform the decisions of policymakers. UAMS will collect blood samples from nearly 7,500 Arkansas adults and children through October.
Update of COVID-19 in Area Counties from Arkansas
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 617
Active Positive: 177
Recovered: 434
Deaths: 6
Negatives: 3,097
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 73
Active Positive: 26
Recovered: 47
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,011
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 37
Active Positive: 1
Recovered: 36
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 810
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 69
Active Positive: 14
Recovered: 55
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,269
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 8
Active Positive: 2
Recovered: 6
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,487
Automobile Accident in Howard County Thursday Afternoon
A traffic accident in Howard County, just east of Nashville on Highway 278, Thursday afternoon at around 3:30 p.m. sent one person to the hospital. Traffic was backed up while emergency personnel stabilized the person for transport to a nearby hospital.
Howard County Farmers' Market this Friday
Dear Howard County Farmers Market fans,
This week we will have a full pavilion of vendors and a more that will be set up at the Kids Klub (because we ran out of space at the pavilion and due to the probability of forecasted rain). This coming Friday, 26 June starting at 7 am, our local vendors will be bringing the following to market:
• Jamison Orchard –
Locally grown Harken and FirePrince peaches, Santa Rosa and Ozark Premier plums, Ouachita blackberries, lavender bouquets, lavender sachets, cedar wood coasters, peach wood bundles (for smoking meats), elephant garlic (buttery good when roasted/grilled)
• Dupree & Myers –
Sun-ripened yellow squash, zucchini, cucumbers
• Wenta Farms –
Fresh Blueberries, squash, zucchini
• Aunt Fern’s Fried Pies –
An assortment of delicious flavored pies
• Salinas Farms –
Watermelons, tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, green beans, jams & jellies, honey
• Heirloom Farms –
Nutritious kale, squash
• Carolyn’s Kitchen –
Wonderfully fresh baked goods, plants
• Green’s –
Tasty Plum jelly, Apple Plum jelly, blueberry teacakes, old fashion teacakes, chocolate chip cookies
• Threat Farm –
Pullet and Mature chicken eggs
• Wildflowers –
Plenty of potatoes, onions, carrots, green beans, tomatoes, green beans, tomato plants, and jams and jellies, honey
• Don’s Fresh Produce –
Garden fresh squash, zucchini, tomatoes
- We will also have a wonderful representative from the Central Arkansas Development Council, Teresa Adkins, there ready to answer questions if you need educational, job or home utility assistance. The CADC is located in Nashville and their role is to develop and deliver the programs and services that can meet the needs of hard-working low income families and rural communities. It’s their mission and purpose to encourage and empower each person to take action, identify problems, create solutions, and generate results in the war on poverty.
We recommend you get there as soon as we open for the best selection. The Farmers Market will be open until 11am. Friday’s forecast is for a 40% chance of rain early in the day. So put an umbrella in the car just in case.
We also request you wear protective masks and follow social distancing of 6 feet separation from others as you shop. Most importantly, please stay home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
WIC and SNAP Accepted by participating vendors. We thank you for your patronage!
Sevier County Snippets by Johnye Fisher
The Sevier County Library System is opening soon.
PLEASE PUT YOUR ITEMS IN OUR DROP BOX DO NOT BRING THEM IN THE LIBRARIES.
De Queen will be opening July 6th for regular hours with restrictions:
1. 3 patrons allowed at one time for 15 minutes
2. Face coverings are required to enter
3. The library is not supplying mask
4. Temperature will be taken at door
5. Please if you feel sick do not come to the library.
Our regular hours are Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm Saturday 9-12.
We will still have CURBSIDE SERVICE Monday – Thursday 10-4. Thank you for being patient during this time. We appreciate each one of our patrons and want everyone safe.
Each year Arkansas participates in the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) . CSLP is a national grassroots consortium of libraries working together to promote interest in reading, and Library use. By combining resources and working with CSLP members, public libraries can purchase posters, reading logs, bookmarks, certificates and a variety of reading incentives and great savings. Thanks to the Arkansas State Library most if not all of these items are free.
Our “Virtual” Imagine Your Story Summer Reading Program will be each Wednesday in July beginning July 8th at 1 pm on Facebook.
Beginning June 30th the first 25 children can pick up packets and the can do their projects with Kelsie.
Thank you to CSLP and the Arkansas State Library for providing libraries a way to keep reading active in children’s lives.
You can contact us by calling 870-584-4364 or visiting our Facebook page www.facebook.com/seviercountylibrary
Sevier County Library
Sevier County Library, De Queen, AR. 922 likes. Changing the world one book at a time.
Hip Hip Hurrah, Hip Hip Hurrah, its great to be back, or partially back I should say. We have missed our Library family and hope everyone has been safe and well. We will be doing a soft opening starting on July 7th. We will be open our normal business hours, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 12:00 then from 1:00 to 5:30 and Saturdays from 8:30 to 12:30, with some restrictions. These requirements were put into place by the Library Board of Trustees for the safety of our Patrons. Every one of you are very important and safety has to be our top priority. We will only allow three people in the library at a time. We will limit the amount of time in the library to 15 minutes per Patron. Mask will be required to enter the library, you must provide your own mask. We will be cleaning and sanitizing all throughout the day. We will continue to offer curbside services. We have worked hard since we have been closed. We have added over 800 new items to our circulation, and remodeled the front and back of the library. We hope you like the changes we have made. After all this is your library and we want you to be proud of it. We will kick off our Summer Reading Program, Imagine your Story, on Saturday July 4th at 10:00. This year the Summer Reading will be done completely online. This is a new experience for us and we are trying hard to work our all the details. We will have Summer Reading Packets available to pick up at the library on Tuesday June 30 during normal business hours. You can call us or knock on the door and we will give you everything you need for all of the programs. The programs will be recorded and uploaded to the Horatio Library Facebook page. If you have any questions please call us at 870-832-6882. Stay safe and God Bless.
Limited access to the Lockesburg Library will begin on Wednesday, 7-8-2020. The library will be open Wednesdays, Thursdays (8:30-5:00) and Saturday mornings (8:30- 12:30). MASKS ARE REQUIRED AND THERE WILL BE A 15-MINUTE TIME LIMIT INSIDE THE LIBRARY. THERE CAN BE ONLY THREE PATRONS IN THE LIBRARY AT A TIME. Curbside service will still be available just call 289-2233.
This year the Lockesburg Library would like to help you do your story time or S.T.E.M. project at home. Library bags stocked with books and activities are now available for checkout. These Library bags will allow you to utilize Lockesburg Library resources to create valuable programs on your own time. Craft items and activity sheets are yours to keep, please return the bags with all materials marked “need to return”. Call now 870-289-2233 for these themes that are available or under certain restrictions request a theme.
1. S.T.E.M. Money
2. S.T.E.M. Dinosaurs
3. S.T.E.M. The Sun
4. S.T.E.M. Germs
5. Bullriders/ Cowboy
6. Preschool “A” is for Apples
7. Preschool “B’ is for Bear
8. Preschool “C” is for Cat
9. Preschool “K” is for Kite
10. The Ocean
11. Rocks and Minerals
The Gillham Library will be open Tuesday July 14, 2020 with restrictions.
3 patrons allowed at one time with a 15 minute time limit.
Face coverings are required to enter and the library cannot supply a mask.
The “new hours” for the library will be Tuesday 9-1 Friday 1-5 and Saturday 10-2 and Curbside will be available as well for those who do not want to enter.
Summer Reading Program is upon us and our “Virtual” S.T.E.M Programs on Facebook will be on Saturdays at 10:00 am with the first story time on July 4th at 10 am. Packets are made and ready to go to the first 15 children. You can pick them up on Saturday. Lots of fun planned for Story Time.
The Library will soon be automated so stop in and get your brand NEW Library card!
For more information, you can contact at the Gillham Library at 870-386-5665 or call the De Queen Library at 870-584-4364
Thank you for being patient during this time as we work through things. We want to make sure that the staff and patrons are safe.
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Thursday (06.25.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Thursday, June 25, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.
Collin Raye Drive Road Project in De Queen Next Week
Beginning next week, it looks like it's going to take a little longer getting from the east side of De Queen to the west side, and vice versa. According to Mayor Jeff Brown, ARDOT will begin ripping up the old surface of Collin Raye Drive from Walmart to the old Pine Bowl, on Monday, June 29th, and then laying down new asphalt the following Monday. The entire project is expected to take two weeks from start to finish.
