Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
UA Cossatot Now in Phase 2 of Reopening
Just a reminder that during our Phase 2 of reopening, all UAC campuses are closed on Fridays. You can schedule an appointment to visit with any department on campus Monday - Thursday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm.
Arkansas Activities Association School Athletics COVID-19 Update
The Triple A released a statement this afternoon regarding fall sports in Arkansas in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (07.07.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Tuesday's COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 748
Active Positive: 89
Recovered: 650
Deaths: 9
Negatives: 3,512
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 102
Active Positive: 25
Recovered: 76
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,486
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 40
Active Positive: 2
Recovered: 38
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 869
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 80
Active Positive: 9
Recovered: 71
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,563
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 10
Active Positive: 3
Recovered: 7
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,852
COVID-19 Update for Monday, July 6th
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 743
Active Positive: 100
Recovered: 635
Deaths: 8
Negatives: 3,487
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 101
Active Positive: 27
Recovered: 73
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,450
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 40
Active Positive: 2
Recovered: 38
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 867
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 77
Active Positive: 7
Recovered: 70
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,540
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 10
Active Positive: 3
Recovered: 7
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,839
Message from the Howard County Farmers Market
Market Monday, July 6th starting at 3 p.m.
For those who may not be able to come to the Friday morning market, we will be having a Monday afternoon market day tomorrow, 6 July starting at 3pm. We have seven vendors who will be bringing their items to the market. Here's who's coming and what they plan to bring:
- Wildflowers -
Garden fresh potatoes, onions, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, honey, jams & jellies
- Don's Fresh Produce -
Pink-eye Purple hull peas, squash, zucchini, tomatoes
- Wenta Farm -
Hand-picked blueberries, figs, cucumbers
- Green’s Farm -
Delicious plum jelly, tea cakes, apple plum jelly
- Grandma Sylvia's Creations -
Crocheted facemasks, earrings
- Threat Farm -
Free-range eggs
- Double J Farm -
Raw honey
We recommend you get there as soon as we open for the best selection. We also request you wear protective masks and follow social distancing of 6 feet separation from others as you shop at the market. Most importantly, please stay home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. We want everyone to have a safe time at the market.
WIC and SNAP Accepted by participating vendors. We thank you for your patronage!
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (07.06.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Monday, July 6, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
COVID-19 Updated Numbers for Sunday
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 732
Active Positive: 104
Recovered: 621
Deaths: 7
Negatives: 3,447
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 100
Active Positive: 26
Recovered: 73
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,408
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 40
Active Positive: 2
Recovered: 38
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 864
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 76
Active Positive: 7
Recovered: 69
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,525
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 10
Active Positive: 3
Recovered: 7
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,815
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
As the state began a new fiscal year this week, we received some good news about the state budget.
The fiscal year for the state budget always ends on June 30 and begins on July 1.
While general revenue for Fiscal Year 2020 was $168 million less than the year before, it was $369 million above what economic forecasters predicted in the wake of the health emergency.
This means the budget outlined in the Revenue Stabilization Act for the previous year ended fully funded with $3.2 million in excess.
The Department of Finance and Administration says the fiscal year ended above forecast as a result of the following:
1) Better than expected sales tax collections from retail activity and vehicle sales.
2) Individual income tax payments from filings ahead of the shifted July 15th due date
3) Reduced individual refund claims related to the shifted tax filing date
4) Continued gains in corporate income tax
However, the negative financial impact of COVID-19 was still evident in low annual growth from sales tax and payroll withholding tax.
State budgets are directly linked to how well the economy is performing. The recent revenue reports show while our economy is certainly not where it was a year ago, it is performing better than expected.
The latest unemployment numbers show our state unemployment rate is 9.5%. The national unemployment rate is 13.3%.
As more Arkansans are going back to work, it is imperative that we all continue to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. Please continue to practice social distancing and wear a mask in public.
Saturday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 732
Active Positive: 104
Recovered: 621
Deaths: 7
Negatives: 3,447
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 100
Active Positive: 26
Recovered: 73
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,408
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 40
Active Positive: 2
Recovered: 38
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 864
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 76
Active Positive: 7
Recovered: 69
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,525
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 10
Active Positive: 3
Recovered: 7
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,815
AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | The American Spirit in a Pandemic
LITTLE ROCK – This year, the Fourth of July will be quieter than any in our lifetime. That will be most obvious, perhaps, in small towns such as Piggott, where July 4th is the biggest event of the year.
July 4th in Piggott is the kind of small-town family-friendly Independence Day celebration many of us remember. It is a homecoming, carnival, and political event rolled into one day that ends with fireworks. Many a politician has campaigned at the Piggott Fourth of July Picnic. I attended my first one in 1986, and I campaigned there when I was running for governor in 2014.
But this year, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Piggott to cancel its picnic, carnival, beauty contest, and fried-chicken dinner for the first time since 1931. The fireworks show is the only tradition the city didn’t cancel.
The picnic is Piggott Cemetery Association’s biggest fundraiser. Fred Ort is president of the Association, and he’s not sure how the association will make up the lost funds, but he’s confident it will.
Fred’s family moved to Piggott when he was 12, and he has attended every picnic since then. He’s 68 years old.
In past years, the carnival would already be up and running and members of the association would be busy with final preparations. He said life feels a little empty and eerie at the moment.
But the town’s leaders decided to go ahead with the fireworks show at 10 o’clock Saturday night. Most people watch from their own yards any way, and you can see the display from the outskirts of Piggott, population 3,700, so there won’t be a crowd in one place.
I like Piggott’s spirit. The businesses and churches have followed health guidelines to protect their residents. The school district canceled athletic programs and postponed graduation until late July. The cemetery association canceled the traditional picnic, its primary source of money and a source of pride for the city.
In the midst of it all, they found a way to safely preserve a sliver of their tradition with the fireworks show. Saturday night, members of the fire department will light up the sky.
The spirit of Piggott is the spirit of Arkansas, and the spirit of Arkansas is the spirit of American independence that we celebrate on July the 4th. We work together, whether it’s a global pandemic or the growing pains of our republic. At the end of the day, we light up our skies to show we’re still here, and we’re still strong.
Governor Hutchinson Announces Cities May Implement Mandatory Mask Ordinance
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson announced cities across the state may implement an ordinance requring mandatory face coverings to help curb the spread of COVID-19 by signing Executive Order 20-41 on Friday.
"This provides a local option for cities to give them more flexibility if they have a community in which they might have a surge in cases. This model ordinance, from the Municipal League, provides a consistency in approach across the state," Governor Hutchinson said.
Chairman of the Economic Recovery Task Force Steuart Walton added, "Governor Hutchinson's balanced approach of giving cities the option to enact mask ordinances where most needed helps us protect the health of Arkansans and ensure the economy can continue to recover."
This executive order allows for:
Local law enforcement and other city officials to enforce the use of face coverings upon the business' premises in accordance with public health guidelines.
Local law enforcement and other city officials to act in a support capacity, through enforcement, to educate and encourage members of the public who decline to wear a face covering about the efficacy of wearing such coverings.
Local law enforcement and other city officials to assist in enforcement through education of individuals who decline to comply with the face covering requirement of any local business that the individual must abide by the local business' mandate or leave the premises.
Municipal League General Counsel John Wilkerson said, "Consistency is incredibly important and that is why this model ordinance says that the city is going to require the usage of masks in accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Health."
Fireworks in Nashville Saturday for July 4th
The Nashville Chamber of Commerce will have their free 4th of July fireworks show this Saturday night, starting around 9 o'clock. The display will be launched form a hill near the city park and the event should be visible all over town. This year's event is made possible by Husqvarna, York Gary Autoplex, Tyson, Murray and Company Real Estate, Lisa Chandler Insurance, and Home Improvement Center. And you can tune into Ed 88 around 9 pm Saturday for patriotic music and a salute to our service men and women. The Nashville Chamber of Commerce wishes you and your family a safe and happy 4th of July!
COVID-19 Friday Numbers and Maps Updates
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 717
Active Positive: 124
Recovered: 586
Deaths: 7
Negatives: 3,410
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 96
Active Positive: 28
Recovered: 67
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,312
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 40
Active Positive: 1
Recovered: 39
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 854
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 75
Active Positive: 9
Recovered: 66
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,465
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 9
Active Positive: 2
Recovered: 7
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,749
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides Friday's COVID-19 Update (07.03.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Friday, July 3, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.
July 4th Weekend Closings
The De Queen branch of the Sevier County Public Library will be closed this Friday and Saturday. The library staff wishes everyone a happy and safe Independence Day Weekend!
Horatio City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3rd for the Independence Day weekend. They will reopen on Monday.
Area Counties in Arkansas COVID-19 Numbers
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 706
Active Positive: 134
Recovered: 565
Deaths: 7
Negatives: 3,359
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 94
Active Positive: 31
Recovered: 62
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,233
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 38
Active Positive: 0
Recovered: 38
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 846
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 75
Active Positive: 12
Recovered: 63
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,440
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 94
Active Positive: 31
Recovered: 62
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,233
Heat Advisory for Thursday Issued by the National Weather Service
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Heat index values will range from 105 to 109 in all of
our four state area.
* WHERE...For southeast Oklahoma, all of southern Arkansas, all
of northern Louisiana and for northeast and deep east Texas.
* WHEN...This heat advisory continues through 7 PM this evening.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur to those exposed to these oppressive
conditions.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.De Queen School Survey for Parents and Guardians
The De Queen Public School system is requesting district parents and guardians respond to a survey regarding the return to school this fall. The survey can be reached at the links below(English version and Spanish version)
English Version: https://forms.gle/WzdXYMwqqtaBq33fA
Spanish Version: https://forms.gle/eAXf1g17jnpVfJNw5
We continue to plan for the next school year, knowing our plans must be flexible and may change. We need you to take a few minutes to fill out this survey. The purpose of the survey is to simply collect data to assist the district in planning for the 2020-2021 school year.
De Queen Public Schools COVID-19 Re-entry Planning Survey
We continue to plan for the next school year, knowing our plans must be flexible and may change. We need you to take a few minutes to fill out this survey. The purpose of the survey is to simply collect data to assist the district in planning for the 2020-2021 school year.