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Paola Castillo, 24, of Texas Hospitalized with COVID-19 for 79 days

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A 24-year-old Texas woman was recently discharged from the hospital after spending 79 days fighting for her life after contracting the coronavirus. She was admitted to the facility on April 27 after she began to experience symptoms of COVID-19 including: difficulty breathing, coughing and a fever, which she first noticed about six days prior to her hospitalization. She presented to the emergency room after her condition became unmanageable from home.

https://www.foxnews.com/health/texas-woman-covid-mask-coronavirus

Texas woman, 24, hospitalized with COVID-19 for 79 days: I should have worn a mask

A 24-year-old Texas woman was recently discharged from the hospital after spending nearly 80 days fighting for her life after contracting the novel coronavirus. Paola Castillo of North Richland Hills was discharged from Medical City North Hills this week after 79 days in the hospital.

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | The Growing Importance of Arkansas Timber

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LITTLE ROCK – The logs have been counted and the verdict for last year is in – Arkansas’s timber industry is more important than ever.

Today I’d like to talk about that good news, which comes from state forester Joe Fox, and what it means for Arkansas. Joe grew up in the sawmill business. Joe, his father, and his grandfather, were members of the Arkansas Forestry Commission, the only family in state history with three generations to serve on the commission. Dr. Matthew Pelkki and Dr. Phillip Tappe from the College of Forestry at the University of Arkansas at Monticello also provided information about our forest industry.

The tons of timber we hauled to mills in 2020 equaled 2019, making the past year the second best on record and still we grew 20 million tons more than we harvested last year! In fact, we have grown millions of tons of surplus each of the last several years. That surplus is very attractive for forest markets.

Arkansas is the ninth leading producer of timber in the United States. We have 1.2 million acres more forestland today than we had in 1978.

We harvest more than 24 million tons per year, which is worth approximately $445 million to landowners. As long as we have sufficient buyers for our timber, we can keep our forests thinned out and healthy. If we continue to produce that level of surplus for too many years, eventually our forests will become too dense, which reduces the quality of the trees as they compete for sun, water, and nutrients. Dense forests increase the risk of insect infestations and wildfires.

As we continue to grow our forests, we must continue to expand into new markets and find new uses for timber. In Europe, manufacturers have found a way to make a cellulosic-based plastic-like product for making items such as drinking bottles.

Another company, Structurlam, manufactures a construction product called cross-laminated timber, or CLT. The wood product is precision tooled for commercial and residential construction. The Canadian company is opening a plant in Conway and will supply Walmart with mass timber for its new headquarters in Bentonville. Structurlam will manufacture its CLT exclusively with Arkansas pine.

Fifty-seven percent of Arkansas is forested. That’s 19 million acres of trees that scrub our air, keep our lakes, streams, and rivers clean, and shelter our wildlife. Our forests offer adventure, a living, and a way of life for 3 million Arkansans.

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Arkansas State Fair Canceled For 2020

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (News release) – The board of directors for the Arkansas Livestock Show Association, the organization that produces the annual Arkansas State Fair, announced Friday the cancellation of the 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was scheduled for October 16 – 25, 2020.

https://www.fox16.com/news/breaking-news/arkansas-state-fair-canceled-for-2020/

Arkansas State Fair canceled for 2020

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (News release) - The board of directors for the Arkansas Livestock Show Association, the organization that produces the annual Arkansas State Fair, announced today the cancellation of the 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's event was scheduled for October 16 - 25.

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Saturday's COVID-19 Maps and Numbers from the Arkansas Department of Health

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The Arkansas Department of Health has released the latest COVID-19 numbers for the state and area counties in southwest Arkansas.

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 842
  Active Positive: 61
  Recovered: 772
  Deaths: 9
  Negatives: 3,826

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 161
  Active Positive: 39
  Recovered: 121
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,770

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 58
  Active Positive: 12
  Recovered: 45
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 943

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 98
  Active Positive: 14
  Recovered: 84
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 1,752

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 27
  Active Positive: 12
  Recovered: 15
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 2,130

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Ozark Natural Science Center Facebook Live Campfire Concert this Saturday

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The Ozark Natural Science Center virtual campfire concert, which will take place via Facebook this Saturday from 4-5 p.m., will feature songs and stories about the Ozarks. The event will be on the Ozark Natual Science Center’s Facebook Page and will feature performances by Still on the Hill, and Tater, Mater and Squarsh.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/science-center-hosts-virtual-campfire-concert

Science Center Hosts Virtual Campfire Concert

Becca Martin-Brown from the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette tells us about the Ozark Natural Science Center virtual campfire concert , which will take

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Namida Lab Expands COVID-19 Antibody Testing in Arkansas

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Namida Lab, a private biotech startup headquartered in Fayetteville, offers FDA-approved commercial COVID-19 serology antibody testing to the public and expanded blood collection locations around the state.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/namida-lab-expands-covid-19-antibody-blood-test-sites-arkansas

Namida Lab Expands COVID-19 Antibody Blood Test Sites in Arkansas

Namida Lab, a private biotech startup headquartered in Fayetteville, offers FDA-approved commercial COVID-19 serology antibody testing to the public and expanded blood collection locations around the state.

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Speed Limits to Increase on Some Arkansas Highways

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The Arkansas Department of Transportation has started installing new speed limit signs around the state after the Highway Commission approved increasing the speed limit from 70 to 75 miles per hour on rural interstates and 60 to 65 miles per hour on urban interstates.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/speed-limits-increase-some-arkansas-highways

Speed Limits to Increase on Some Arkansas Highways

The Arkansas Department of Transportation has started installing new speed limit signs around the state after the Highway Commission approved increasing the speed limit from 70 to 75 miles per hour on rural interstates and 60 to 65 miles per hour on urban interstates. Officials estimate the changes will cost about $350,000.

Friday's COVID-19 Updated Numbers and Maps

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 829
  Active Positive: 52
  Recovered: 768
  Deaths: 9
  Negatives: 3,782

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 158
  Active Positive: 36
  Recovered: 121
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,751

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 55
  Active Positive: 11
  Recovered: 43
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 935

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 98
  Active Positive: 16
  Recovered: 82
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 1,732

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 27
  Active Positive: 12
  Recovered: 15
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 2,088

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SLIDESHOW: Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson Issues Statewide Mask Mandate To Begin Monday

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(Click on Photos Above for a 5 page Slideshow of Statewide Mask Mandate)

Arkansans will be required to wear face masks beginning Monday to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The mandate was issued by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson on Thursday. The face masks mandate will expire once the state of emergency concerning the pandemic ends. Currently that public health emergency is set to expire in just over two weeks, though it could be extended again.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-gov-asa-hutchinson-issues-statewide-mask-mandate

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson Issues Statewide Mask Mandate

Arkansans across the state will soon be required to wear face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 due to a mandate issued by the governor on Thursday. This comes as the state experienced its third highest daily increase in new coronavirus cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

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UA Cossatot Begins Phase 3 for Summer Reopening on July 20

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UA Cossatot will begin Phase 3 of its summer reopening plan on Monday, July 20. Phase 3 means that UA Cossatot will be getting closer to a normal workday for employees and students. Phase 3 has all 12-month employees coming back to campus after many were working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. All campuses will be open to students as well, providing in-person assistance for fall 2020 registration.

Things will be much different though, according to UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole “While we certainly don’t have a playbook for COVID-19, we know we have to try to get back to as close to normal as we can, and for us, that is getting everyone back on campus and serving students. Our staff has developed a comprehensive plan to reopen safely, meaning we will be following all CDC safety guidelines, including proper social distancing and the mandatory wearing of face masks. We understand this is hard for some, but we feel this is the best defense we have in keeping students and employees safe.”

UA Cossatot will use Phase 3 to prepare for the fall 2020 semester, which is slated to start on August 17. Vice Chancellor of Academics, Ashley Aylett says that UA Cossatot will have face-to-face classes, but they may not be the traditional classes some are used to, “Our faculty have taken the time to design face-to-face courses that provide for easy social distancing and limit the time students spend in the classroom. We feel we are prepared to bring students into a safe environment, but have everything in place to move completely online if our local health conditions deteriorate to the point where we have to shutter our college”.

UA Cossatot will have special entrances, and signs will be posted on all campuses reminding students and visitors that you must have a face mask on to be in campus buildings, and you must stay six feet away from others at all times.

 
 
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Graduation Date Change For De Queen High School

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Due to work conflicts with many family members of the Class of 2020, the De Queen High School graduation ceremony has been moved from Friday, July 31st to Saturday, August 1st. We will still have 3 ceremonies during the day in the arena. We will have a ceremony at 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 7:00 PM. The high school will be in contact with parents and students shortly. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope that the change in schedule will help resolve those conflicts.

 
 
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Student Enrollment Options for Horatio Schools in the Fall of the 20-21 School Year

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Families will have two choices for student enrollment in the fall of the 20-21 school year. Please carefully consider the information below in making your decision. For parents that are considering the virtual option, an appointment must be made with the building principal by August 3.

Summer Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:00-4:00
Gayla Youngblood, High School Principal 870-832-1900
Curtis Black, Elementary School Principal 870-832-1930

 
 
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Governor Hutchinson Appoints Martinez to the Arkansas Law Enforcement Task Force

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Daniel Martínez of UA Cossatot and resident of Lockesburg, Arkansas was recently appointed to the Arkansas Law Enforcement Task Force by Governor Asa Hutchinson on June 11, 2020. Daniel has been selected to represent Southwest Arkansas. He will work with other task force members throughout the state to make recommendations and suggestions to the Governor to enhance trust between law enforcement and communities.
Governor Hutchinson created this task force and selected its members to study and analyze the best practices and procedures for recruiting, training, and maintaining law enforcement officers in the state. The task force members include individuals in law enforcement, community members, and activists.
Martinez plays an active role in his community. He serves on many boards and civic organizations while also volunteering to help make a difference.
After graduating from Lockesburg High School in 2008, Daniel enrolled in college at UA Cossatot. In 2010 he graduated from UA Cossatot with an Associate of Arts degree. In 2013, he became an Administrative Officer for Tres Agaves, and in 2017 he was hired at UA Cossatot for the position of Marketing Coordinator.
Daniel has served on a three-year term as a member of the Board of Directors for the Sevier County De Queen Chamber of Commerce, serving his final year as President in 2019. He is currently in an advisory position to the board as a past president.
Martinez is a member of the De Queen Lion’s Club, and for the past two years, has been a part of the Sevier County Edge (Economic Development for Growth and Excellence) Council. He has also assisted the Sevier County Tourism Committee in the development and creation of the Sevier County tourism logo.
When asked about his new position, Daniel said, “I look forward to representing my community in Southwest Arkansas. I look forward to working with other task force members to help Arkansas Law Enforcement and its communities move forward. I also want to encourage anyone that would like to share concerns or ideas to please contact me via e-mail at dmtz.swark@gmail.com.”
Daniel will work with the Arkansas Law Enforcement Task Force for the remainder of the year to address the pressing issues and concerns that have been discussed across Arkansas and the United States. The task force will make its final recommendations to Governor Hutchinson by December 31, 2020.

 
 
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Howard County Farmers' Market in Nashville Friday

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We will be having the Farmers Market on Friday, 17 July 2020 starting at 7am. We recommend you get there as soon as we open for the best selection. The Farmers Market will be open until 11am or vendors sell out. Friday’s forecast is for a 20% chance of rain. 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 at the market. Most importantly, please stay home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. We want everyone to have a safe time while at the market.

Our vendors will be bringing the following to the market:

- Jamison Orchards –
JulyPrince yellow-fleshed freestone peaches

- Columbus AR Gardens –
Various types of house, herb, and vegetable plants

- Wenta Farm -
Hand-picked blueberries, figs

- Green’s Farm -
Delicious plum jelly, pound cake, tea cakes, apple plum jelly

- Heirloom Farm -
Vine-ripened squash, kale

- Wildflowers -
Garden fresh potatoes, onions, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, honey, jams & jellies

- Salinas Farm -
Freshly harvested tomatoes, okra, cantaloupes, cucumbers, zucchini, jams & jellies

- Dupree & Myers Farm
Squash, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini bread, facemasks, hand sanitizer

- Jamison Orchard -
Wonderful peaches – FirePrince & JulyPrince yellow fleshed, plums

- Threat Farm -
Free-range eggs

- Double J Farm -
Raw Honey

- Carolyn’s Kitchen -
Various freshly baked goods

- Pounds Farm –
Purple hull peas

If more vendors contact the market manager then we will update this post. WIC and SNAP Accepted by participating vendors. We thank you for your patronage!

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Baptist Health Center Needs Volunteers for Clinical Research for COVID-19 Vaccine Study

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (News release)- Baptist Health Center for Clinical Research is conducting a late-stage, Phase 3 study on a potential COVID-19 vaccine, and is recruiting volunteers to participate.

https://www.fox16.com/news/coronavirus/baptist-health-center-for-clinical-research-announces-covid-19-vaccine-study-needs-volunteers/

Baptist Health Center for Clinical Research announces COVID-19 vaccine study, needs volunteers

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (News release)- Baptist Health Center for Clinical Research is conducting a late-stage, Phase 3 study on a potential COVID-19 vaccine, and is recruiting volunteers to participate. Baptist Health Center for Clinical Research's involvement is part of its Arkansas COVID Vaccine Initiative. Baptist Health is the only site in the state offering this [...]

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Talk Business and Politics Survey: Most Arkansas Education Union Members Concerned About Schools Reopening

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The Arkansas Education Association’s survey of members finds that a supermajority of respondents are concerned about reopening schools this fall in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey, released Wednesday, fielded more than 6,100 responses from members with more than 88% being from teachers. Of those teachers, roughly 44% are from the elementary level, 20% teach middle school, 27% cover high school grades, and 9% were classified as other.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/survey-most-arkansas-education-union-members-concered-about-schools-reopening

Survey: Most Arkansas Education Union Members Concered About Schools Reopening

The Arkansas Education Association's survey of members finds that a supermajority of respondents are concerned about reopening schools this fall in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey, released Wednesday, fielded more than 6,100 responses from members with more than 88% being from teachers.

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Red Cross Provides Antibody Testing to Blood Donors

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The American Red Cross is in need of donations from donors of all blood types. This summer, the nonprofit is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies as an additional health service to their donors.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/red-cross-provides-antibody-testing-blood-donors

Red Cross Provides Antibody Testing to Blood Donors

The American Red Cross is in need of donations from donors of all blood types. This summer, the nonprofit is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies as an additional health service to their donors.