Rural Broadband Grant Program to Allow more Companies to Participate

Electric cooperatives and their subsidiaries are now eligible to apply for an Arkansas Rural Connect (ARC) grant to build out broadband in rural Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Commerce announced Friday (Sept. 4).

The Arkansas Legislative Council executive subcommittee approved the change outlined in a supplemental emergency ARC rule this week. The approved rule also gives further flexibility to the threshold that requires 500 population and retail customers.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/09/rural-broadband-grant-program-to-allow-more-companies-to-participate/

Rural broadband grant program to allow more companies to participate - Talk Business & Politics

Electric cooperatives and their subsidiaries are now eligible to apply for an Arkansas Rural Connect (ARC) grant to build out broadband in rural Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Commerce announced Friday (Sept. 4). The Arkansas Legislative Council executive subcommittee approved the change outlined in a supplemental emergency ARC rule this week.

Four Oklahoma Family Members Die in Arkansas Small Plane Crash

CHESTER, Ark. (AP) — Authorities say four members of a family from Oklahoma were killed when their single-engine plane crashed into a ravine in rural northwest Arkansas.

Crawford County Sheriff Ron Brown says the plane crashed Friday evening and was found the following morning.

https://www.fox16.com/news/state-news/4-oklahoma-family-members-die-in-arkansas-small-plane-crash/

4 Oklahoma family members die in Arkansas small plane crash

CHESTER, Ark. (AP) - Authorities say four members of a family from Oklahoma were killed when their single-engine plane crashed into a ravine in rural northwest Arkansas. Crawford County Sheriff Ron Brown says the plane crashed Friday evening and was found the following morning. Brown says the Fort Smith airport tower lost contact with the [...]

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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With more Arkansans working and learning remotely in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, the issue of broadband access has become increasingly relevant. Yet as broadband access becomes more necessary to normal modern life, there is growing concern about a digital divide, whereby some areas are cut off from opportunities for distance learning and economic development by a lack of adequate broadband service. Those with lower incomes and people living in rural areas are particularly likely to face digital obstacles when trying to do schoolwork at home during the Covid-19 outbreak. That is why House and Senate leadership recently made a request to the CARES Act Steering Committee to transfer $100 million of CARES Act funding to the Arkansas Rural Connect

Program (ARC). The committee agreed with the recommendation and the measure was ultimately approved by the Arkansas Legislative Council. The Arkansas Rural Connect program is a grant program designed to expand the broadband footprint in rural Arkansas communities. The ARC program will provide grants to qualifying communities of at least 500 people to assist in the deployment or improvement of high-speed broadband to its residents.

The ARC program builds on the work of the Arkansas General Assembly. In the 2019 Regular Session, we passed Act 198 which gave municipalities and other public entities new options to apply for funding to deploy broadband.

Arkansas currently ranks 41st in broadband access. This relatively low ranking is closely related to the fact that over 20% of Arkansans remain without access to a wired broadband connection capable of 25 Mbps speeds or faster. But with the added funding, we hope to see access improve. To date, the ARC program has awarded 21 projects. Those projects have a total of more than $27 million. There are more projects that have been submitted and are currently

being reviewed.

Communities and providers may still apply. The Department of Commerce will continue to receive applications until all funds are expended or until there is not enough time left to deploy broadband and meet the CARES Act deadline of December 30, 2020.

I have provided a link to the grant application on our website

www.arkansashouse.org

Arkansas VA Workers Call For Enhanced COVID-19 Protections

While Labor Day traditionally celebrates the legacy of trade unions and the larger labor movement in the United States, some union members in Arkansas say they’re not being afforded proper protections by the federal government during the coronavirus pandemic.

Members of the American Federation of Government Employees’ National VA Council held a socially-distanced protest in North Little Rock on Monday calling for a new contract between workers and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-va-workers-call-enhanced-covid-19-protections

Arkansas VA Workers Call For Enhanced COVID-19 Protections

While Labor Day traditionally celebrates the legacy of trade unions and the larger labor movement in the United States, some union members in Arkansas say they're not being afforded proper protections by the federal government during the coronavirus pandemic.

Great Arkansas Cleanup Recruits More Volunteers

The Great Arkansas Cleanup starts this month and runs through October 31. Robyn Taylor, volunteer program manager with Keep Arkansas Beautiful, says the group is looking to recruit 10,000 volunteers to help collect an increase in disposable PPE litter. 

https://www.kuaf.com/post/great-arkansas-cleanup-recruits-more-volunteers

Great Arkansas Cleanup Recruits More Volunteers

The Great Arkansas Cleanup starts this month and runs through October 31. Robyn Taylor, volunteer program manager with Keep Arkansas Beautiful, says the group is looking to recruit 10,000 volunteers to help collect an increase in disposable PPE litter.

Tuesday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 1,173
  Active Positive: 16
  Recovered: 1,141
  Deaths: 16
  Negatives: 5,708

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 437
  Active Positive: 31
  Recovered: 398
  Deaths: 8
  Negatives: 3,265

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 306
  Active Positive: 27
  Recovered: 262
  Deaths: 17
  Negatives: 1,481

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 238
  Active Positive: 16
  Recovered: 218
  Deaths: 4
  Negatives: 3,235

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 189
  Active Positive: 9
  Recovered: 179
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,815

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VIDEO: CARES Act Steering Committee Meeting Wednesday (09.09.20) 3PM

The CARES Act Steering Committee, created by Governor Asa Hutchinson to recommend the best use of federal COVID-19 aid, meets virtually at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2020.

The Committee approved on Wednesday the spending of over $211 million in federal aid to go towards establishing or maintaining multiple programs in the state and approved funding to be split between the Arkansas Municipal League and the Association of Arkansas Counties.

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (09.08.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

The Arkansas Department of Health is partnering with Little Rock-based Baptist Health to boost COVID-19 testing capacity by 20%. Governor Hutchinson said the ADH lab has grown capacity from being able to do about 20 tests a day when the pandemic hit Arkansas in March, to now performing up to 3,000 tests a day.

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | For a Fair, Complete, and Safe Election Day

LITTLE ROCK – This is Labor Day weekend, which means summer is over, and we’re heading into the election season. This election will be unlike any our nation has ever experienced, and today I’d like to talk about some of the things we are doing to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to safely cast a ballot during the pandemic.

After consulting with Secretary of State John Thurston, I issued an executive order that clarifies questions about absentee voting. Anyone who is concerned that voting in person poses a risk of exposure to COVID-19 may request an absentee ballot.

For those who choose to vote in person, the Secretary of State’s office has provided gloves, masks, and hand cleaner, which the office already has delivered to every county.

Those who vote on touch screens will mark their ballot with a disposable stylus. Once you have voted, you may throw the stylus away. But you might want to consider keeping it as a memento of this unusual election. Also, the stylus will show others that you voted. This year, in order to abide by social distancing rules, poll workers won’t give you an “I Voted” sticker. Instead, “I voted” is printed on the stylus. You can also use the stylus on any of your personal touch-screen devices.

In order to prepare for the unexpected, the Secretary of State’s office has surveyed county officials for their needs. Perhaps the biggest difference this election year will be the number of requests for absentee ballots. Some counties are predicting an increase in requests of 500 percent or greater. The Secretary of State is allocating some of its CARES Act funds to help counties pay for the anticipated increase in the cost of mailing out that many ballots. We want to make sure that every eligible voter who requests an absentee ballot receives one.

For larger counties, the state is providing devices that will count absentee ballots more quickly so we don’t have to rely on a hand count for the thousands of absentee votes cast.

We have made other exceptions to ensure a fair and complete election. My executive order gives counties an extra week to open the outer envelope of the absentee ballots, but they can’t start the count or open the ballot itself until Election Day.

My hope is that every person who is eligible to vote will vote. This is one of the easiest yet most important ways to participate in democracy.

As you prepare to celebrate the end of summer this Labor Day, I trust you will continue to take the precautions to minimize exposure to the coronavirus. I can’t say it too often: Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Keep your distance. COVID-19 won’t take the holiday off.

UA to Suspend On-campus Events, Limit Off-campus Event Sizes

Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Friday (Sept. 4) praised the move by University of Arkansas officials to suspend on-campus events and limit off-campus events to 10 or fewer people. The action comes as COVID-19 cases continue to spike among college-age people in Washington County.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/09/ua-to-suspend-on-campus-events-limit-off-campus-event-sizes-covid-testing-hits-new-daily-record/

UA to suspend on-campus events, limit off-campus event sizes; COVID testing hits new daily record - Talk Business & Politics

Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Friday (Sept. 4) praised the move by University of Arkansas officials to suspend on-campus events and limit off-campus events to 10 or fewer people. The action comes as COVID-19 cases continue to spike among college-age people in Washington County.

Arkansas Legislators File Suit Over COVID-19 Directives; College Students Testing Positive

A disproportionate number of new coronavirus cases in Arkansas appear to be coming from universities, with the governor and health secretary imploring students to avoid socializing during the Labor Day weekend.

The Department of Health announced Thursday an additional 969 people had tested positive for the virus. Washington County – home to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville – had the highest number of new cases, with 211 reported. Of those, 81% were people between the ages of 18 and 24.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-legislators-file-suit-over-covid-19-directives-college-students-testing-positive

Arkansas Legislators File Suit Over COVID-19 Directives; College Students Testing Positive

A disproportionate number of new coronavirus cases in Arkansas appear to be coming from universities, with the governor and health secretary imploring students to avoid socializing during the coming Labor Day weekend. The Department of Health announced Thursday an additional 969 people had tested positive for the virus.

Howard County Farmers Market Friday in Nashville

Message from the Howard County Farmers Market:

Market Friday, Sept 4th starting at 7 am.

For those who may not be able to come to the Friday morning market, we will be having a Monday afternoon market day tomorrow, 4 Sept starting at 7am. We have some vendors who will be bringing their items to the market.

Here is who's coming and what they plan to bring:

- Grandma Sylvia's Creations -

Crocheted facemasks, earrings

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-Dupree & Myers Farm -

Pink squash bread, facemasks, hand sanitizer

Green's Farm -

Plum Jelly, peanut butter cookies, various baked goods

- Wenta Farm -

Hand-picked figs (fresh and frozen), blackberries, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers

- Sproles Garden -

Sweet Potatoes, okra

If more vendors contact us we will update our facebook page.

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!

Friday COVID-19 Numbers

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 1,163
  Active Positive: 14
  Recovered: 1,136
  Deaths: 13
  Negatives: 5,608

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 429
  Active Positive: 32
  Recovered: 392
  Deaths: 5
  Negatives: 3,194

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 296
  Active Positive: 22
  Recovered: 259
  Deaths: 15
  Negatives: 1,457

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 230
  Active Positive: 15
  Recovered: 211
  Deaths: 4
  Negatives: 3,170

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 179
  Active Positive: 8
  Recovered: 170
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,780

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Governor Asa Hutchinson Announces Intent to Grant Executive Clemency

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced his intent to grant 17 pardons, one restoration of firearm rights only, and two commutations. An additional 52 clemency requests were denied and four had no action taken upon them. These include requests from both inmates and non-inmates.

The applicants intended for pardons have completed all jail time, fulfilled all parole and probationary requirements and paid all fines related to their sentences. There is a 30-day waiting period to receive public feedback on the notices before final action is taken.

Governor Hutchinson intends to grant pardons to the following people:

Lisa Kirk Buchanan (Fayetteville): Failure to Appear (C Felony) (CR 97-1146), Violation of Arkansas Hot Check Law (C Felony) (CR 97-393), Violation of Arkansas Hot Check Law (C Felony) (CR 97-1178), Failure to Appear (C Felony) (CR 97-1656), and Forgery in the Second Degree (C Felony) (CR 98-243

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2018 – Washington County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Marwan Darnell (Maumelle): Theft of Property (C Felony) (CR 2000-700)

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2000 – Pulaski County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Markus G. Fender (Greenwood): Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 86-517)

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1986 – Sebastian County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

James W. Ferguson (De Witt): Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Felony) (CR 2001-277)

This notice is issued based on the date of convictions (2002 –  Lonoke County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Aaron W. Hickey (Texarkana): Manufacturing Methamphetamine (Y Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver (Y Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent Manufacture (B Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Felony), and Failure to Keep Records (D Felony) (CR 2001 000203)

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2001 – Pulaski County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

JoLynn Branscum Hoover (De Queen): Theft of Property (C Felony) (CR-99-128)

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1999 – Sevier County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Kenneth D. Huff, Jr. (Mountain View): Criminal Attempt to Manufacture-Marijuana (D Felony), Possession of a Controlled Substance w/Intent to Deliver-Marijuana (C Felony), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Felony) (CR 2005-22)

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2005 – Stone County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Dennis D. Inskeep (Salesville): Possession of a Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine (C Felony) and Carrying a Weapon (A Misdemeanor)(CR 97-258)

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1997 – Baxter County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Michael Johnson (Mc Rae): Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, namely Methamphetamine (Y Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Felony) (CR-2005-450)

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2006 – White County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Daniel King (The Woodlands, TX): Possession of Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) (C Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Felony) (CR 2009-256).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2009 –  White County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Kevin King (White Hall): Residential Burglary (B Felony), Theft of Property (B Felony) (CR 2004-30), Residential Burglary (B Felony) (CR 2005-8), Theft of Property (C Felony) (CR 2005-8), Residential Burglary (Revocation) (B Felony) (CR 2004-30A), Theft Property (Revocation) (B Felony) (CR 2004-30A), Possession of Methamphetamine (C Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Felony) (CR 2005-017-1)

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2004 - Cleveland County, 2005 - Cleveland County, and 2005 - Bradley County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Cordia E. Purifoy (Warren): Endangering Welfare of Minor, 2nd Degree (Misdemeanor) (CR 87-987) and Hindering Apprehension (Misdemeanor) (CR 87-988).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1987 – Pulaski County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Darryl E. Simmons (Pine Bluff): Theft of Property and Burglary (Felony) (CR 1977-212)

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1978 – Jefferson County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Michael S. Stogsdill (Cabot): Manufacture of Methamphetamine (Y Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Felony), Maintaining a Drug Premises (D Felony)(CR 2000-002799), and Possession of Ephedrine with the Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine (D Felony)(CR 2002-500

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2002 – Pulaski County and 2002 - Faulkner), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. The Faulkner County Judge has objections to the application.

Troy L. Stogsdill (Alexander): Manufacture of Methamphetamines (Y Felony), Possession of Meth with Intent to Deliver (Y Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia w/Intent to Manufacture (B Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Felony), Maintaining Drug Premises (D Felony) (CR 2000-002799), Possession of Ephedrine w/Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine (CR-2002-501)

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2002 – Pulaski County and 2002 - Faulkner County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. The Faulkner County Judge has raised objections to the application.

Truc Trantham (Fort Smith): Domestic Battery-3rd Degree (A Misdemeanor) and Endangering Welfare of Minor-2nd Degree (A Misdemeanor)  (CR 08-5003745).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2008 – Sebastian County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Antonio Trotter (Winchester): Possession of Controlled Substance-Crack (C Felony)(CR 99-200-1) and Second Degree Forgery, 5 counts (C Felony)(CR 2001-126-1).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2000 – Drew County and 2001 - Desha County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Governor Hutchinson intends to grant the restoration of firearm rights only to the following person:

Donald M. Ferris (Mabelvale): Breaking or Entering (D Felony) (CR 2001-3567)

This notice is issued based on the date of convictions (2002 – Pulaski), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed and there have been no further criminal-law violations. The Sheriff of Pulaski County has signed the Recommendation of the Chief Law Enforcement Officer as required by law. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Governor Hutchinson intends to grant a commutation of sentence to the following people:

James D. Brooks (ADC #076656): Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Habitual Offender) (Y Felony) and Possession of Controlled Substance w/Intent (Habitual Offender) (Y Felony) (1990-1328) (Guilty Plea).

The governor has given notice of his intent to commute the sentence of James D. Brooks, who was convicted in Pulaski County in 1991 for the above offenses, from a total of 960 months to serve in the Department of Correction to making him immediately parole eligible. The Prosecuting Attorney has raised objections to applicant's request.

John A. Abdullah (ADC #091732): Aggravated Robbery (Y Felony) (1988-1629) (Jury Trial)

The governor has given notice of his intent to commute the sentence of John A. Abdullah, who was convicted in Pulaski County in 1989 for the above offenses, from a total of Life to serve in the Department of Correction to making him immediately parole eligible. There are no law enforcement objections to applicant's request.

Agriculture Education Agreement Takes Place with UA Cossatot and UA Fayetteville

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On Thursday, August 27, 2020, an articulation agreement was signed, creating a pathway for UA Cossatot students to transfer to University of Arkansas Fayetteville with an Associate of Science degree in Agriculture Education. Students interested in this field of study can now earn their associate's degree at UA Cossatot and then take their 60 credit hours to Fayetteville, where they can quickly transfer into a related agriculture program to obtain their bachelor's degree.

At UA Cossatot, agriculture students can take required general education courses and classes such as Agriculture Economics, Intro to Animal Science, and Principles of Horticulture to prepare them for their junior and senior-level coursework at University of Arkansas Fayetteville.

Students can take advantage of UA Cossatot's low tuition rate, which is $74 per credit hour, and then receive that same tuition rate after transferring. The exact tuition rate will be granted to students who live on campus at Fayetteville and those who obtain their Associate of Science degree in Agriculture Education from UA Cossatot. This opportunity is possible, due to the collaboration of universities and community colleges in Arkansas.

This educational pathway can lead to an Associate of Science degree in Agriculture Education and then a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences. It can also lead to a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education, Communication, or Technology. This partnership will provide greater access

and preparation for careers in agricultural education in Arkansas, the region, and the nation to those qualified students who complete the 2+2 course curriculum.

For more information about this articulation agreement or to learn more about UA Cossatot's agriculture programs, please contact UA Cossatot Division Chair of Professional Studies, Barbara Lacefield, at blacefield@cccua.edu or 870-584-1217.###

UAMS Modeling has Deaths at Almost 1,700 by October 15

odeling from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences that has been close to actual numbers predicts COVID-19 deaths in the state will reach 1,688 by Oct. 15, with cumulative case numbers rising to 115,000 by that same date.

The modeling, updated Tuesday (Sept. 1), predicts 63,444 cumulative cases by Sept. 7, but the real case count is likely to surpass that estimate. Cumulative cases as of Sept. 2 were 62,112. The modeling also predicted 803 deaths by Sept. 7, but the state has reported 841 deaths as of Sept. 2.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/09/uams-modeling-has-deaths-at-almost-1700-by-oct-15-state-reports-antigen-testing-results/

UAMS modeling has deaths at almost 1,700 by Oct. 15; state reports antigen testing results - Talk Business & Politics

Modeling from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences that has been close to actual numbers predicts COVID-19 deaths in the state will reach 1,688 by Oct. 15, with cumulative case numbers rising to 115,000 by that same date. The modeling , updated Tuesday (Sept. 1), predicts 63,444 cumulative cases by Sept.