Final Registration Week at UA Cossatot

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We are 11 days away from the first day of the fall semester! From August 10 - August 18 come see UA Cossatot Student Services or visit with your advisor to get enrolled and get a FREE t shirt and be entered to win a laptop. All campuses will be open Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm beginning on August 10.

Message from the Howard County Farmers Market:

Hello there Nashville community!

Our next Farmers Market is on Friday, 7 August 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 until vendors sell out. Friday’s forecast is for Isolated thunderstorms in the morning, then mainly cloudy late. High 89F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Hopefully the rain will hold off for you to get your items!

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.

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Our vendors will be bringing the following to the market:

- Dupree & Myers Farm -

Tomatoes, squash, zucchini bread, facemasks, hand sanitizer

- Green’s Farm -

Baked goods: Peanut butter cookies, tea cakes, plum jelly, jalapeno peppers

- Carolyn's Kitchen -

Delicious baked loaves of bread, cookies and rolls

-Grandma Sylvia’s Creations -

Crocheted hats, gloves, masks and earrings

- Sproles Garden –

Cayenne peppers, squash, Okra

- Wenta Farm -

Hand-picked figs (fresh and frozen), cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, frozen figs, sweet peppers, frozen blackberries, heirloom tomato plants

- Double J Farms –

Honey

- Threat Farms –

Farm fresh eggs

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

Thursday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 958
  Active Positive: 44
  Recovered: 904
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,455

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 308
  Active Positive: 61
  Recovered: 245
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,415

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 160
  Active Positive: 70
  Recovered: 89
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,205

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 134
  Active Positive: 13
  Recovered: 120
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,189

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 88
  Active Positive: 20
  Recovered: 67
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,719

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Governor Hutchinson Appoints Dr. José Romero As Health Secretary

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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has appointed Dr. José Romero as Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). Governor Hutchinson announced the appointment today at his COVID-19 briefing.

Dr. Romero, who has been serving as interim secretary of health, replaces Dr. Nate Smith, who has accepted a position at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Romero previously served as ADH’s chief medical officer. He currently chairs the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which is providing guidance nationally on the development and administration of a COVID-19 vaccine.

“This was an easy decision,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Dr. Romero has a national reputation for his work with infectious diseases. He has been involved in our fight against COVID-19 from the first day. His vast knowledge of viral infections has been integral to our decision making as we have refined our response to the pandemic. His years of work within the state’s medical community will allow a seamless transition as he assumes this important role.”

Dr. Romero moved to Arkansas in 2008 as Director of the Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. He served as the Director of Clinical Trials Research at Arkansas Children’s Research Institute from 2008-2019.

“I am honored to be named to this important role and look forward to ensuring that the Department of Health fulfills its mission of protecting and improving the health and well-being of all Arkansans,” Dr. Romero said. “I’m excited to work with the governor, the Legislature, our partners at the local, state and federal level, and the people of this state to help Arkansans live healthier lives.” 

He has been a member of the Arkansas Vaccine Medical Advisory Committee since 2008 and chair of the committee since 2015. Since 2012, he has been the ADH Pediatric Tuberculosis Physician. 

During his time at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Dr. Romero was Director for Latino Health-Related Research Affairs and Director of the Minority Health Education and Research Office.

Dr. Romero lives in Little Rock with his wife of 12 years and their Scottish Terrier. 

AUDIO: UAMS Scientists Offer Guidance on Types of Face Coverings

Opinions on the use of face coverings continue to evolve since a COVID-19 pandemic was declared. Two experts with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences reveal which masks are best to wear, how to use them and what protections face coverings offer.  

https://www.kuaf.com/post/uams-scientists-offer-guidance-types-face-coverings

UAMS Scientists Offer Guidance on Types of Face Coverings

Opinions on the use of face coverings continue to evolve since a COVID-19 pandemic was declared. Two experts with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences reveal which masks are best to wear, how to use them and what protections face coverings offer.

Stay Here, Stay Safe at UA Cossatot

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At UA Cossatot your health and safety is top priority. This fall 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. It is not too late to enroll for the fall semester, classes begin on August 17.

Study Shows Arkansas Rice Best Positioned To Survive Current Farming Conditions, Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned what looked to be abysmal conditions for Arkansas farmers into something worse as the growing season got underway, but one crop might provide a buffer – rice. Two crops, cotton and corn, could be especially hard hit through 2023, according to a model run by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/study-shows-arkansas-rice-best-positioned-survive-current-farming-conditions-pandemic

Study Shows Arkansas Rice Best Positioned To Survive Current Farming Conditions, Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned what looked to be abysmal conditions for Arkansas farmers into something worse as the growing season got underway, but one crop might provide a buffer - rice. Two crops, cotton and corn, could be especially hard hit through 2023, according to a model run by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Agriculture Department Issues Animal Movement Restrictions to Prevent Virus Spread

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging hooved animal owners to comply with animal movement restrictions issued in response to the discovery of Vesticular Stomatitis Virus in three horses in Benton County. VSV is a viral disease affecting horses, cattle, sheep, goats and swine. Transmission typically occurs through fly bites.

Agriculture Department Issues Animal Movement Restrictions to Prevent Virus Spread

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging hooved animal owners to comply with animal movement restrictions issued in response to the discovery of Vesticular Stomatitis Virus in three horses in Benton County. VSV is a viral disease affecting horses, cattle, sheep, goats and swine. Transmission typically occurs through fly bites.

Thousands Of PUA Claims On Hold Due To Fraud Concerns, Arkansas COVID-19 Cases Pass 45,000 Mark

Around 27,000 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims and approximately 10,000 unemployment insurance claims in the state of Arkansas are currently on hold due to fraud concerns, according to the state.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said any fraudulent claims filed to the state will be turned over law enforcement and the FBI.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/thousands-pua-claims-hold-due-fraud-concerns-arkansas-covid-19-cases-pass-45000-mark

Thousands Of PUA Claims On Hold Due To Fraud Concerns, Arkansas COVID-19 Cases Pass 45,000 Mark

Around 27,000 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims and approximately 10,000 unemployment insurance claims in the state of Arkansas are currently on hold due to fraud concerns, according to the state. Gov. Asa Hutchinson said any fraudulent claims filed to the state will be turned over law enforcement and the FBI.

U of A, UAMS Research Team Develops Long-Lasting Disinfectant Spray

Researchers from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are creating and testing a long-lasting liquid anti-bacterial, anti-viral surface spray coating for both domestic and commercial use.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/u-uams-research-team-develops-long-lasting-disinfectant-spray

U of A, UAMS Research Team Develops Long-Lasting Disinfectant Spray

Researchers from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are creating and testing a long-lasting liquid anti-bacterial, anti-viral surface spray coating for both domestic and commercial use.

Cooperative Extension Service uses County Connections to Aid UAMS with COVID-19 Testing Outreach in Sevier County this Thursday

By Tracy Courage

U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — The job of a family and consumer science agent with the Cooperative Extension Service is providing people in their communities with resources to help them live better.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, family and science agents have been providing free, resourced-based information and services to help Arkansans successfully manage their health, finances and family resources.

Through a partnership with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, extension agents are using their community connections to help meet the pandemic-related health needs in rural, underserved areas of the state.

UAMS has a mobile testing unit that will travel on average three times a week from Little Rock to rural communities to provide COVID-19 testing. This effort coincides with Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s efforts to increase testing capacity across the state.

Destinations are identified on an ongoing basis, depending on counties’ need. Some of the testing sites will be hosted at University of Arkansas System campuses, but 63 counties do not have a U of A System campus, and this is where extension agents’ local connections come into play.

“We have extension agents working in every county in Arkansas and because they also live in the communities they serve, they have extensive knowledge of the needs of residents and of resources available in their communities,” said Bob Scott, director of the Cooperative Extension Service for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “UAMS is providing much-needed testing to Arkansans, and we are committed to using our networks to help with this important outreach and to support Gov. Hutchinson’s efforts to expand testing.”

Extension’s health leadership team is collaborating with the UAMS Office of Population Health.

“We have agreed that the best way we can assist is to provide referrals to our local community partners who may be able to coordinate these efforts,” said Laura Balis, assistant professor and extension health specialist with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Local partners will help select and coordinate sites, find volunteers, promote the testing events locally and assist at the events. Testing events will typically take place between 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

In Sevier County, which had more than 930 cases as of Monday, Extension Agent Janet Cantrell contacted Angie Walker, president of the Sevier County Health Coalition, who coordinated a site at the University of Arkansas Cossatot Community College. Testing will be offered 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Aug. 6 at the De Queen Campus.Testing events will be publicized by the local community partners and by county extension offices.

The mobile unit is expected to visit each county no more than twice in the coming year. The Blue & You Foundation provided funding for UAMS’s van and supplies, and UAMS staff began offering COVID-19 screenings and testing in early April.

“We’ve opened up these testing services for members of the community who want to be tested, and we’ve had an amazing turnout,” said Kristie Hadden, director of population health at UAMS.

COVID-19 testing at the mobile unit is available to anyone who feels they need testing. People do not have to be UAMS patients to be seen. Everyone will be given instructions on how to take care of themselves and their families at home and will receive a phone call with their test results a few days later.

UAMS’ online screening tool is available at uamshealth.com/healthnow. Phone screening is also available through the UAMS Health hotline at 800-632-4502.uamshealth.com/healthnow

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.

HealthNow | UAMS Health

UAMS HealthNow provides real-time access to a provider via video chat using your smartphone, tablet or computer to patients within the state of Arkansas.

Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris Buys Former Dogpatch USA Site

Johnny Morris, a conservationist and founder of Springfield, Mo.-based Bass Pro Shops, announced Tuesday (Aug. 4) the purchase of the former Dogpatch USA theme park in northern Arkansas.

The 400-acre park property is along Arkansas Highway 7 between Harrison and Jasper in Newton County, which has a population of about 7,800.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/08/bass-pro-shops-founder-johnny-morris-buys-former-dogpatch-usa-site/

Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris buys former Dogpatch USA site - Talk Business & Politics

Johnny Morris, a conservationist and founder of Springfield, Mo.-based Bass Pro Shops, announced Tuesday (Aug. 4) the purchase of the former Dogpatch USA theme park in northern Arkansas. The 400-acre park property is along Arkansas Highway 7 between Harrison and Jasper in Newton County, which has a population of about 7,800.

Rapper Kanye West Delivers Signatures to be on the Arkansas Ballot

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Rapper Kanye West on Monday filed signatures to appear on the Arkansas ballot this fall as an independent presidential candidate.

https://www.fox16.com/news/politics/kanye-west-submits-petitions-to-appear-on-arkansas-ballot/

Kanye West submits petitions to appear on Arkansas ballot

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Rapper Kanye West on Monday filed signatures to appear on the Arkansas ballot this fall as an independent presidential candidate. Representatives of West submitted 1,723 signatures with the secretary of state's office, which has 10 days to verify that he's submitted the 1,000 signatures from registered voters required to appear [...]