Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Thursday, August 20, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Fit 4 Life with Dr Andi Reeves
U.S. Rep. French Hill Unveils First TV Ad Of General Election
U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, debuted his first TV ad of his 2020 re-election bid on Tuesday.
The ad, “Together,” is an on-camera appeal from Hill discussing COVID-19 and his efforts to bring funding to Arkansas families and businesses for relief.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/us-rep-french-hill-unveils-first-tv-ad-general-election
U.S. Rep. French Hill Unveils First TV Ad Of General Election
U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, debuted his first TV ad of his 2020 re-election bid on Tuesday. The ad, "Together," is an on-camera appeal from Hill discussing COVID-19 and his efforts to bring funding to Arkansas families and businesses for relief.
UAMS Modeling Estimates Fewer Coronavirus Cases With Virtual School Opening
New COVID-19 modeling from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences estimates daily infections will be “significantly lower” by Oct. 6 if public schools open with virtual learning only. Gov. Asa Hutchinson has said schools will open Aug. 24 with in-class instruction.
The modeling update based on numbers as of Aug. 14, predicts 3,000 new daily infections by Oct. 6 with virtual learning only, 5,500 daily infections with a hybrid of virtual and in-class instruction, and 8,000 daily infections if all classes are in person.
UAMS Modeling Estimates Fewer Coronavirus Cases With Virtual School Opening
New COVID-19 modeling from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences estimates daily infections will be "significantly lower" by Oct. 6 if public schools open with virtual learning only. Gov. Asa Hutchinson has said schools will open Aug. 24 with in-class instruction. The modeling update based on numbers as of Aug.
AUDIO: Education Secretary Discusses Reopening Schools, Quarantine Protocols, Teacher Pay
Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Johnny Key has participated in Governor Asa Hutchinson's coronavirus response briefings numerous times. In a two-part interview, we speak with Key one-on-one as the state prepares to reopen public schools on Aug. 24. In the first half of our interview, we discuss why schools are reopening at full capacity while businesses operate at 66 percent capacity, quarantine protocols for students and staff following coronavirus exposure, additional pay for educators, and much more.
Education Secretary Discusses Reopening Schools, Quarantine Protocols, Teacher Pay
Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Johnny Key has participated in Governor Asa Hutchinson's coronavirus response briefings numerous times. In a two-part interview, we speak with Key one-on-one as the state prepares to reopen public schools on Aug. 24.
Thursday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 1,079
Active Positive: 59
Recovered: 1,009
Deaths: 11
Negatives: 5,272
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 380
Active Positive: 43
Recovered: 334
Deaths: 3
Negatives: 2,965
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 237
Active Positive: 39
Recovered: 193
Deaths: 5
Negatives: 1,363
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 186
Active Positive: 39
Recovered: 145
Deaths: 2
Negatives: 2,813
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 151
Active Positive: 46
Recovered: 104
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,616
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Commends Legislators For Draft of Proposed Hate-Crime Legislation
Governor Asa Hutchinson, Attorney General, Members of the General Assembly Present Proposed Hate-Crime Legislation on August 19, 2020
LITTLE ROCK – The draft of hate-crime legislation that members of the Senate and House have crafted moves the state closer to the goal of passing and implementing a much-needed hate-crime law, Governor Asa Hutchinson said today during a press conference in the Capitol’s second-floor rotunda.
The Governor joined members of the General Assembly, administration officials, and business leaders as they introduced a draft of the proposed law that legislative leaders are preparing for the 93rd General Assembly in January.
“I want Arkansas to say plainly and clearly that we will not tolerate violence against anyone because of their race, their religion, or because of who they are,” Governor Hutchinson said. “We don’t need new laws. We need to enhance the penalty for a crime when someone targets a victim because of a specific characteristic.
“We are at the point in our history that we must hold to a greater degree of accountability those people who target individuals because of where they were born, how they worship, or how they choose to live. I commend the legislators for their leadership in moving ahead with this legislation.”
From De Queen Public Schools
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Wednesday (08.19.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response. (Click on Play Button Above)
Dierks and Howard County Among AEDC Community Grants
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has awarded $7,162,966 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to 23 Arkansas counties and communities.
The grants were awarded under the General Assistance set-aside, which is designed to provide communities the opportunity to apply for a variety of non-housing public facility and public infrastructure projects.
Included are:
Dierks: $199,825—Wastewater rehab
Howard County: $199,200—Water rehab
https://talkbusiness.net/2020/08/aedc-awards-23-community-grants-totaling-more-than-7-million
AEDC awards 23 community grants totaling more than $7 million - Talk Business & Politics
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has awarded $7,162,966 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to 23 Arkansas counties and communities. The grants were awarded under the General Assistance set-aside, which is designed to provide communities the opportunity to apply for a variety of non-housing public facility and public infrastructure projects.
UAMS COVID-19 Modeling Update Estimates Cases Will be Lower with Virtual School Opening
New COVID-19 modeling from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences estimates daily infections will be “significantly lower” by Oct. 6 if public schools open with virtual learning only. Gov. Asa Hutchinson has said schools will open Aug. 24 with in-class instruction.
The modeling update based on numbers as of Aug. 14, predicts 3,000 new daily infections by Oct. 6 with virtual learning only, 5,500 daily infections with a hybrid of virtual and in-class instruction, and 8,000 daily infections if all classes are in person.
UAMS COVID-19 modeling update estimates cases will be lower with virtual school opening - Talk Business & Politics
New COVID-19 modeling from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences estimates daily infections will be "significantly lower" by Oct. 6 if public schools open with virtual learning only. Gov. Asa Hutchinson has said schools will open Aug. 24 with in-class instruction. The modeling update based on numbers as of Aug.
Registration Open Through Friday
Fall 2020 registration has been extended until Friday, August 21! Our campuses are open 8:00 am - 4:30 pm daily to visit with your advisor and get your path to your dream career journey started!
UA Cossatot Nashville Campus
UA Cossatot Fall semester underway on the Nashville Campus. Friday is the deadline to register for Fall classes at UAC. To find out more, visit the college website at www.cccua.edu or call (870) 584-4471.
VIDEO: U.S. Senator John Boozman at UA Cossatot De Queen Tuesday
U.S. Senator John Boozman made a stop at our UA Cossatot De Queen campus on Tuesday afternoon to talk about the YouthBuild program, COVID-19, and the political climate in America, among other things. (Please excuse the audio issues during the first few minutes) The Senator will visit Ashdown later today and will be in Nashville on Wednesday.
Senior United States Senator for Arkansas, John Boozman, visited UA Cossatot's De Queen Campus on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Senator Boozman met with UA Cossatot representatives to receive an update about the college and its programs. Local elected delegates were also invited to attend the private meeting to discuss issues, news, and accomplishments for Sevier County.
UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, introduced Senator Boozman at the start of the meeting and welcomed him and his staff to the college. Dr. Cole informed everyone at the meeting that Senator Boozman was instrumental in UA Cossatot receiving the funding to start their new YouthBuild program, which officially began at UA Cossatot on Monday, August 17.
UA Cossatot YouthBuild Instructor, Steve McJunkins, provided an update to the senator about the program. McJunkins stated that they expect to have approximately ten students in the program this semester by the end of the week. In response to helping students during the current COVID-19 crisis, UA Cossatot has extended fall registration through this Friday, August 21, 2020. McJunkins added that they are also expecting a large number of students to enroll in the YouthBuild program in the spring, especially since they will have more time for student recruitment.
McJunkins explained that students in the program could choose two career pathways to gain employment. Students ages 16-24 accepted into the program will have the option to choose the Industrial Maintenance/Welding pathway or the Construction/Carpentry pathway. McJunkins stated both paths provide excellent skills training for the students and many benefits for their local communities.
UA Cossatot Director of Adult Education, Jennifer Black, thanked the senator for his help and involvement in helping UA Cossstot obtain only the second YouthBuild program in the state. Mrs. Black stated that students who are already enrolled in the program are working on achieving their OSHA 10 certification and CPR training in their first two weeks in the program to further their job opportunities.
The college's Vice-Chancellor of Academics, Dr. Ashley Aylett, provided an update about how the first week of fall classes are going at UA Cossatot and plans for the fall 2020 semester. Dr. Aylett shared that most courses that are not online this semester can easily transition to an online format if health and safety conditions worsen due to COVID-19. She also mentioned that UA Cossatot has personally reached out to each student to discuss any concerns or issues that they may have to help each student feel more comfortable this semester.
Senator Boozman received updates about the college's skilled and technical programs and an update on the college's agriculture program. UA Cossatot Agriculture Instructor, Kelli Harris said at the meeting that her students were adjusting well to embracing technology in their classes, and that they are very flexible.
"Technology is a great part of the future of agriculture. It is great for production and the environment, and I think it is great that UA Cossatot incorporates it in the classroom," said Senator Boozman.
When asked about the future of technical programs, Senator Boozman stated that these programs are the future. Senator Boozman said, "We need people in these careers as we move forward. These careers will lead to good jobs where individuals can support their families, and I appreciate UA Cossatot helping in that effort."
Senator Boozman congratulated UA Cossatot on its successful programs and said he plans to continue working with UA Cossatot to help Arkansas residents.
Dr. Cole and De Queen City Mayor, Jeff Brown also provided information about community news currently taking place. Mayor Brown said, "We do have families in our community that are struggling due to COVID-19. Thankfully, many people have shown support and offered assistance including our public schools. Our businesses in De Queen and throughout the county are doing well though. Our business owners have been doing a great job, and the community has chosen to support them."
Dr. Steve Cole mentioned that community leaders in Sevier County are encouraging more residents to respond to the U.S. Census, something Senator Boozman endorsed. "The U.S. Census is critical, and every person that is not counted is a loss," said Senator Boozman.
As the Chair of the Sevier County Hospital Board, Dr. Cole also provided an update about plans for the future Sevier County Medical Center to be built in De Queen. "In mid-October, an 18-month construction process will begin on the new hospital. The hospital is set to open in early 2022, and it will also provide approximately 113 new jobs," said Dr. Cole.
Senator Boozman showed his support for Sevier County's growth and stated that he would help introduce the Sevier County Hospital Board to grants and letters to help support the $1.2 million sewer project that will occur due to the new hospital location.
As the meeting ended, Senator Boozman thanked everyone for their excellent work. He mentioned that he looks forward to returning to UA Cossatot and working together with its employees and with local community members
Wednesday's Arkansas Department of Health COVID-19 Case Numbers
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 1,074
Active Positive: 67
Recovered: 996
Deaths: 11
Negatives: 5,231
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 376
Active Positive: 53
Recovered: 319
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 2,950
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 227
Active Positive: 36
Recovered: 187
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 1,355
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 177
Active Positive: 37
Recovered: 139
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,796
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 146
Active Positive: 44
Recovered: 101
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,604
VIDEO: Governor, AR Atty. General, Members of General Assembly Present Proposed Hate-Crime Legislation
Governor Asa Hutchinson, Arkansas’s Attorney General, and members of the General Assembly presented a draft of proposed hate-crime legislation Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the second-floor rotunda at the Capitol.
Tuesday's COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 1,067
Active Positive: 70
Recovered: 986
Deaths: 11
Negatives: 5,206
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 376
Active Positive: 55
Recovered: 317
Deaths: 4
Negatives: 2,938
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 219
Active Positive: 35
Recovered: 181
Deaths: 3
Negatives: 1,354
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 171
Active Positive: 35
Recovered: 135
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 2,767
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 144
Active Positive: 45
Recovered: 98
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,595
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update from Blytheville Tuesday (08.18.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media from Blytheville on Tuesday, August 18th, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Beginning in-person school again in Arkansas is not easy. A lot has changed since March 2020. Everyone has a lot of questions.
In an effort to help answer questions from educators and parents, the Arkansas Department of Education has made new resources available.
This week, the department released the Arkansas Ready to Learn Healthy School Guide. We have posted a copy on our website www.arkansashouse.org .
Home - Arkansas House of Representatives
ARGIRLSLEAD #ARGIRLSLEAD is a movement started by women serving in the Arkansas House. Each of them have a unique story to share about their journey on the road to their current leadership position. Kids In The House Who says civics can't be fun?
The guide was written and assembled by a team of medical, behavioral health, and education experts from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children’s, the Arkansas Department of Health, the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, and partners. The goal of the guide is to bring together good health information.
This information includes the latest scientific advice, guidelines, and best practices. Every school is different. This guide can help school officials, educators, and families plan for in-person learning.
In addition to the guide, the Arkansas Department of Education has established a Ready for School Resource Call Center. The purpose of the call center is to provide Arkansans with information and resources regarding the reopening of schools. The Ready for School Resource Help Line: 1-833-353-6050.
The Help Line is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Bilingual support is available. The Help Line is made possible through a partnership between the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Bilingual Resource Network, Arkansas Children’s, Republic of the Marshall Islands Consulate, and UAMS.
The Arkansas Department of Health and Arkansas Department of Education also have a hotline available for school district and school questions about:
• Students or staff who may have COVID-19
• How to isolate students or staff so they don’t spread the virus if they have it
• How to quarantine people who may be close contacts to students or staff who may have COVID-19
The ADH and ADE hotline number: 1-833-504-0155.
The Department of Education is making decisions every day. Some decisions may change as we learn new information about the virus that causes COVID-19. We will continue to pass along information as it becomes available.
Entergy Announces Plans For Largest Solar Plant In Arkansas
Entergy Arkansas announced plans Monday to purchase a 900-acre, 100-megawatt solar farm near Brinkley. Pending approval by the Arkansas Public Service Commission, Walnut Bend Solar will be among the largest solar generating facilities in the state.
Walnut Bend will provide approximately 200 jobs during the construction phase, then 2-3 full-time employees once operational. The facility will generate an estimated $700,000 in annual property taxes for Lee County.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/entergy-announces-plans-largest-solar-plant-arkansas
Entergy Announces Plans For Largest Solar Plant In Arkansas
Entergy Arkansas announced plans Monday to purchase a 900-acre, 100-megawatt solar farm near Brinkley. Pending approval by the Arkansas Public Service Commission, Walnut Bend Solar will be among the largest solar generating facilities in the state. Walnut Bend will provide approximately 200 jobs during the construction phase, then 2-3 full-time employees once operational.