Arkansas Residents Asked to Report Mystery Seed, Product Packages

By Mary Hightower

U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK – Did you receive a packet of seeds or some trinket that you didn’t order? The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is asking Arkansans to let the department know if they received unsolicited packages in the mail.

Anyone receiving packages of seeds that they did not order should contact Arkansas Plant Industries Division at 501-225-1598, or by email: Paul.shell@agriculture.arkansas.gov or Mark.stoll@agriculture.arkansas.gov.

“The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has been made aware that private citizens in several states have received unsolicited packages containing seeds that appear to have originated from China,” said Scott Bray, plant industries director for the Arkansas Agriculture Department. “The types of seeds in the packages are unknown at this time and may be invasive plant species. We urge people not to plant them, but report them to us.”

Cooperative Extension Service agents around the state said residents in their counties have received the seeds and asked agents what they were. Agents have been asked to place any seeds in a zip top plastic bag to send to the Arkansas Agriculture Department.

Some of the packages were marked as containing jewelry. Others had no content description on the outside. Return addresses indicated origins in China, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

“These seeds are of unknown species and of unknown origin. We have no idea why or what’s being sent to us,” said Vic Ford, associate vice president-agriculture and natural resources, Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. “The possibility of introducing an exotic invasive species or disease of common crops is a possibility and we have to take precautions.”

To learn about extension and research programs in Arkansas, visit division.uaex.edu, Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk, @uaex_edu or @ArkAgResearch.

2020 - Mystery Seed Packages

Images of mystery seed packages received by Arkansas residents in July 2020.

Thursday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 918
  Active Positive: 55
  Recovered: 853
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,307

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 282
  Active Positive: 87
  Recovered: 193
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,293

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 138
  Active Positive: 69
  Recovered: 68
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,148

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 124
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 106
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 2,017

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 65
  Active Positive: 17
  Recovered: 47
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,517

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Thursday (07.30.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Thursday, July 30, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

Increase in COVID-19 Testing a Challenge for Healthcare Workers

As the coronavirus continues spreading through Arkansas, with daily records for new cases being repeatedly broken last week, more people are being tested for the virus. That’s causing longer lines at testing locations throughout the state.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences reports it’s now averaging about 500 tests being conducted each weekday at its drive-thru triage in Little Rock, an increase of about 30% since the beginning of July.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/challenges-facing-arkansas-healthcare-workers-testing-coronavirus

Challenges Facing Arkansas Healthcare Workers Testing For The Coronavirus

As the coronavirus continues spreading through Arkansas, with daily records for new cases being repeatedly broken last week, more people are being tested for the virus. That's causing longer lines at testing locations throughout the state.

Fiocchi Ammunition Will Locate in Little Rock and Employ 85

A 225-year old Italian company with a large North American presence is expanding manufacturing operations in Central Arkansas.

Fiocchi of America, the U.S. subsidiary of Italy-based Fiocchi Group, announced plans Wednesday to establish a new manufacturing facility in Little Rock. It will invest $15 million in a new facility and hire 85 skilled employees with plans to further increase its workforce as the facility reaches its full potential.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/ammunitions-manufacturer-locate-little-rock-hire-85-workers

Ammunitions Manufacturer To Locate In Little Rock, Hire 85 Workers

A 225-year old Italian company with a large North American presence is expanding manufacturing operations in Central Arkansas. Fiocchi of America, the U.S. subsidiary of Italy-based Fiocchi Group, announced plans Wednesday to establish a new manufacturing facility in Little Rock.

Tyson Plans to Increase Coronavirus Testing

Tyson Foods says it plans to administer thousands of coronavirus tests per week at its U.S. facilities under an expanded effort to protect workers and keep plants running. The tests are on top of daily health screenings when workers arrive at Tyson’s 140 U.S. production facilities, the company said Thursday.

https://apnews.com/f0709c9ac1d31b4357f853bfa0350711

Tyson Foods to increase virus testing in US meat plants

Tyson Foods says it plans to administer thousands of coronavirus tests per week at its U.S. facilities under an expanded effort to protect workers and keep plants running.

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update From Russellville Wednesday (07.29.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide an update to media in Russellville Wednesday, July 29, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

COVID-19 Update for Wednesday 07/29/20

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 913
  Active Positive: 54
  Recovered: 849
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,274

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 275
  Active Positive: 83
  Recovered: 190
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,271

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 106
  Active Positive: 40
  Recovered: 65
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,109

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 123
  Active Positive: 16
  Recovered: 107
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 1,997

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 60
  Active Positive: 17
  Recovered: 42
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,492

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson, Commerce Secretary Preston Make Economic Development Announcement

Governor Asa Hutchinson will be joined by Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston for an economic development announcement Wednesday, July 29, 2020, live at 10:00 a.m. (Click on Play Button Above)

Tuesday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 906
  Active Positive: 51
  Recovered: 846
  Deaths: 9
  Negatives: 4,249

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 246
  Active Positive: 57
  Recovered: 187
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,184

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 82
  Active Positive: 20
  Recovered: 61
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,074

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 121
  Active Positive: 16
  Recovered: 105
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 1,981

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 58
  Active Positive: 17
  Recovered: 40
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,465

Governor Hutchinson Announces $10 Million for Wi-Fi Access Devices for Arkansas Schools

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson announced today the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) has signed agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile to purchase Wi-Fi access points and data plans at a reduced cost for every school district in the state.

Students will receive the devices and internet access at no cost. ADE will fund the project with $10 million from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, provided through the federal CARES Act program. ADE will purchase as many as 20,000 devices. ADE will allocate the devices to each school district based on enrollment. The school districts will distribute the devices based on need within the community.

“As the coronavirus pandemic has forced us to adjust our methods of teaching, we have become even more aware of the need for virtual education as an option,” Governor Hutchinson said. “This project expands our reach and narrows the gap between those who have access to high-speed broadband and those who do not. This is especially important for our rural communities and for families who otherwise might not be able to afford this vital access. This project opens new opportunities for our educators, parents, and students.”

The agreement with AT&T and T-Mobile guarantees high-speed internet with unlimited data for two years for about $20 per month per device.

The providers have also agreed to allow districts to purchase additional devices and data at the same rate as the state plan. 

Access to the internet is “critical to education,” Secretary of Education Johnny Key said.

“Providing Wi-Fi access points to students will allow for a seamless transition between onsite and offsite instruction as needed,” Secretary Key said. “This will support continued learning and allow for greater flexibility.”

Sally Bennett, superintendent of the Rivercrest School District, praised the program as a “game changer.”

“The digital divide is real and it is deep. This is monumental. It’s truly going to make a difference for equity in access in our communities,” Superintendent Bennett said. “We have an avenue now to fully serve our students, whether they are onsite, as we hope, or if we have to pivot to offsite.”

The program is a joint project of ADE, the Arkansas State Broadband Office, and the Governor’s Office.

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (07.28.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

UA Cossatot Announces Fall 2020 COVID-19 Plan

On July 23, 2020, UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, spoke at the Capitol, during the Education Committee meeting of the Arkansas Legislative Council. At the meeting, Dr. Cole shared UA Cossatot’s fall 2020 COVID-19 Plan, which is now available for the public to view on the college’s website.

The purpose of this institutional plan is to prepare UA Cossatot’s staff, students, and community for the fall 2020 semester at all UA Cossatot campuses. This summer, Dr. Cole selected a COVID-19 Task Force to build a plan for the fall semester. The plan is now complete and it contains guidelines that are in place to provide the safest working and learning environment possible.

The plan includes topics such as health and safety guidelines, department procedures, and class size management. While several classes this fall will be available online, many courses will still be available in a traditional on-campus setting. These classes will be familiar to many students, but they will be reduced in the total number of students per class so everyone can social distance.

UA Cossatot Division Chairs and faculty have been working together to finalize classroom operation plans for traditional classes, flex classes, and online courses so students can feel safe and focus on learning. For classes offered on-campus, everyone will be required to wear face masks and rooms will be disinfected after each class has ended. Many courses will also be available in a hybrid format.

Since the college’s knowledge and understanding of COVID-19 continues to evolve, UA Cossatot will continue to monitor COVID-19 trends locally, statewide, and regionally to update guidance as circumstances warrant throughout the semester.

As the first college in Arkansas to offer an online degree, UA Cossatot is prepared and has taken precautions to make classes offered on-campus available online if the college is forced to do that at some point in the semester.

UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole said, “Job one for us this semester is to provide a learning environment that is as safe as possible. COVID-19 has turned our world upside down but we wanted to try to achieve some sort of normalcy for our students during this fall semester. We understand the respect we must give this virus and we understand that our students want to protect themselves and their families. Hopefully with our fall 2020 COVID-19 plan we can create an atmosphere that lets our students know that we care about their health and learning.” The complete UA Cossatot fall 2020 COVID-19 plan can be viewed at www.cccua.edu/novel-coronavirus

Cossatot Community College

​ ​ Information as of: July 21, 2020 All UA Cossatot campuses are now open to students and visitor. Please check your student email and Blackboard. At UA Cossatot, health and safety of our campus community are top priorities. As the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak rapidly evolves in the U.S.

UA Cossatot Fall 2020: Stay Here Stay Safe

Here's everything you need to know about taking classes at UA Cossatot in Fall 2020:

The first day of class is August 17.

Colt Kicker New Student Orientation will be held online through Blackboard. New students MUST attend.

You can enroll in classes through August 18.
First time students need to contact Student Services at 800-844-4471. Returning students need to reach out to their advisor as listed on Campus Connect.

See class offerings here: https://www.cccua.edu/apply-enroll/class-schedules

Still need to apply for admission? Go here: www.cccua.edu/apply

There are still a few scholarships available for the semester. More information here: www.cccua.edu/scholarships

You can check your financial aid through Campus Connect or contact the Financial Aid office at 870-584-1161.
Check your email listed on the FAFSA for lacking document notices and more.

You can also check your bill on Campus Connect. Information about setting up payment plans can be found here:
www.cccua.edu/pay-for-college/payments

Campus Connect, Student Email, and Blackboard can be accessed at the top left corner of our website www.cccua.edu

Any other questions? Ask them in the comments below.

Stay Here, Stay Safe! 

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

This week, our country celebrates the 30th anniversary of the most sweeping civil rights legislation ever enacted for people with disabilities.

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. Banning discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, places of public accommodation, public services, transportation, and telecommunications, the ADA ushered in a new era of opportunity for people with disabilities by formalizing equity and inclusiveness as federal standards.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 4 adults in the United States has some type of disability. In Arkansas, that number climbs to 1 in 3.

In 2019, the Arkansas General Assembly passed a number of bills concerning disabilities. Act 59 amends the Achieving a Better Life Experience Program. This program allows Arkansans with disabilities to save up to $15,000 in an account without affecting eligibility for many public benefits. Act 59 ensures that in the event of a death, the money in that savings account cannot be seized by Medicaid but can instead be transferred to a designated beneficiary. Act 825 allows individuals to deduct up to $5,000 in contributions to the Achieving a Better Life Experience Program. We also passed legislation addressing mental health for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Act 664 created the Mental Health for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Bill of Rights Act. This legislation states a certified mental health professional shall offer culturally affirmative mental health services and linguistically appropriate mental health services to a client in the client’s primary communication method. It also states the Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services of DHS shall do the same. The division is also instructed to employ a coordinator to ensure linguistically appropriate mental health services are available and accessible statewide. In addition, the House and Senate recently added closed captioning to our video streaming services.

As the ADA turns 30, we reflect on the progress made for Americans with disabilities and the work that has yet to be done. Although labor-force-participation and employment rates for those with disabilities are higher now than they were in 1990, they still lag far behind the employment data for people without disabilities. The ADA’s legacy continues to protect the rights of the millions of Americans living with a disability. While some stigma surrounding those with disabilities remains even 30 years later, today we celebrate the progress made toward the full inclusion of people with disabilities.

Lyon College Announces No In-person Instruction this Fall

Lyon College is the first academic institution in Arkansas to announce that it won’t have in-person classes this fall. College President W. Joseph King said Friday (July 24) students will conduct classes online and only international students will be allowed to live on campus along with other students who demonstrate a special need to live on campus.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/07/lyon-college-announces-no-in-class-instruction-this-fall/

Lyon College announces no in-person instruction this fall - Talk Business & Politics

Lyon College is the first academic institution in Arkansas to announce that it won't have in-person classes this fall. College President W. Joseph King said Friday (July 24) students will conduct classes online and only international students will be allowed to live on campus along with other students who demonstrate a special need to live on campus.

Report Finds State Policies Make It Harder to Help Food Insecure Arkansans

According to a new report from Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, more than 150,000 Arkansans are estimated to be newly food insecure since the COVID-19 pandemic began and state policies are making it more difficult for families to access nutritional support from programs like SNAP during the crisis.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/report-finds-state-policies-make-it-harder-help-food-insecure-arkansans

Report Finds State Policies Make It Harder to Help Food Insecure Arkansans

According to a new report from Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, more than 150,000 Arkansans are estimated to be newly food insecure since the COVID-19 pandemic began and state policies are making it more difficult for families to access nutritional support from programs like SNAP during the crisis.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/report-arkansas-food-insecure-numbers-rising-policy-changes-needed

Report: Arkansas Food Insecure Numbers Rising; Policy Changes Needed

A new report says the number of food-insecure Arkansas children and adults is rising during the COVID-19 pandemic, more Arkansans are receiving federal nutrition benefits, and the state should make policy changes such as removing the asset limit for eligibility.

New Crisis Program Assists Low-Income Arkansans With Utility Bills

Applications open today for a new, supplemental crisis program that will assist low-income Arkansans with their utility bills. Households can apply by contacting their local Community Action Agency.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/new-crisis-program-assists-low-income-arkansans-utility-bills

New Crisis Program Assists Low-Income Arkansans With Utility Bills

Applications open today for a new, supplemental crisis program that will assist low-income Arkansans with their utility bills. Households can apply by contacting their local Community Action Agency.

Legislators Urged to Approve COVID-19 Response Funding for Latinx, Marshallese Communities

The governor, lawmakers and community leaders are urging the Arkansas Legislative Council to meet and approve nearly $7 million in funding for a COVID-19 response plan specifically targeting the state's Latinx and Marshallese communities, which have been disproportionately affected by the outbreak. The plan includes testing, contact tracing and enhanced case management.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/legislators-urged-approve-covid-19-response-funding-latinx-marshallese-communities

Legislators Urged to Approve COVID-19 Response Funding for Latinx, Marshallese Communities

The governor, lawmakers and community leaders are urging the Arkansas Legislative Council to meet and approve nearly $7 million in funding for a COVID-19 response plan specifically targeting the state's Latinx and Marshallese communities, which have been disproportionately affected by the outbreak. The plan includes testing, contact tracing and enhanced case management.

Latest COVID-19 Numbers for Monday from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 900
  Active Positive: 55
  Recovered: 836
  Deaths: 9
  Negatives: 4,202

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 236
  Active Positive: 72
  Recovered: 162
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,147

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 80
  Active Positive: 23
  Recovered: 56
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,064

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 120
  Active Positive: 17
  Recovered: 103
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 1,952

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 57
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 39
  Deaths: 0
  Negatives: 2,426