Coach Robert Byrd Guest Speaker at Tuesday's De Queen Lions Club Noon Meeting
Robert Byrd, Athletic Director and head basketball coach of UA Cossatot Men’s and Women’s teams, was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s Noon Meeting of the De Queen Lions Club.
Meagan Blanton of the De Queen Lions Club presented Tony Stowers, pastor of De Queen Church of Christ, with a $250 check to help with the church’s food pantry.
Central Arkansas Development Council to Distribute over 500,000 lbs. of Food in its 19 County Service Area During the Months of October and November
CADC will be distributing nearly 10,000 food boxes that will contain over 50 pounds of food, including meat, flour, and canned vegetables. Click on the link below.
Physical Therapist Assistant Graduation Monday 09.21.20 at UA Cossatot - Ashdown
Physical Therapy Assistant Class of 2020 included:
Allie Anderson - Ashdown, AR
Alondra Galvez - De Queen, AR
Luis Herrera - De Queen, AR
Riley House - Delight, AR
Myka Lemley - Texarkana, AR
Katherine Malca - Texarkana, TX
Kayla Mills - Texarkana, AR
Lacey Morton - Lewisville, AR
Ashley Thompson - Ashdown, AR (not pictured)
Click on Photo for Slideshow of Graduates
Faculty: Jennifer Sanderson, Heather Orr, Kellie Winn, Kelsey May
UA Cossatot Chancellor - Dr. Steve Cole
Keynote Speaker - Jennifer Sanderson
University of Arkansas sued over parking policies
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A University of Arkansas freshman is suing the University’s Board of Trustees over parking policies.
According to the class action complaint filed earlier this month, Elizabeth Ann Corbitt was fined and her car was towed after parking in a reserved lot.
https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/university-of-arkansas-sued-over-parking-policies/
University of Arkansas sued over parking policies
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) - A University of Arkansas freshman is suing the University's Board of Trustees over parking policies. According to the class action complaint filed earlier this month, Elizabeth Ann Corbitt was fined and her car was towed after parking in a reserved lot. Corbitt is represented by her father, a Little Rock attorney.
Pair of Goats Spotted on I-49 Bridge Near Fayetteville
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A pair of goats were spotted, apparently stranded, on an Interstate 49 bridge near Greenland on Monday.
UPDATE: The pair of goats spotted on the Interstate 49 bridge near Greenland have been euthanized.
According to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the goats were killed upon the owner’s request.
https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/goats-spotted-on-i-49-bridge-near-fayetteville/
Goats spotted on I-49 bridge near Fayetteville euthanized
UPDATE: The pair of goats spotted on the Interstate 49 bridge near Greenland have been euthanized. According to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the goats were killed upon the owner's request. An official with AGFC said the owner of the goats was on the bridge with a bucket of feed, trying to coax the goats to move.
State offering $735,000 to Schools, Conservation
About $735,000 -- garnered from hunting and fishing fines -- is up for grabs as grants to school districts and conservation districts, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Division of Rural Services announced Monday.
The application deadline is Oct. 8.
https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2020/sep/22/state-offering-735000-to-schools-conservation/
State offering $735,000 to schools, conservation
FILE - The state Capitol is shown in this file photo. About $735,000 -- garnered from hunting and fishing fines -- is up for grabs as grants to school districts and conservation districts, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Division of Rural Services announced Monday. The application deadline is Oct. 8.
Report Finds Naloxone Prescriptions on Rise in Arkansas
According to a new data brief from the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, the number of Arkansans receiving opioid prescriptions is decreasing while the number of individuals receiving prescriptions for the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone is increasing. Arkansas has the second highest opioid prescribing rate in the country.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/report-finds-naloxone-prescriptions-rise-arkansas
Report Finds Naloxone Prescriptions on Rise in Arkansas
According to a new data brief from the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, the number of Arkansans receiving opioid prescriptions is decreasing while the number of individuals receiving prescriptions for the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone is increasing. Arkansas has the second highest opioid prescribing rate in the country.
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (09.22.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response. Click on > Play button above.
Tuesday COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,194
Confirmed Cases: 1,185
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 456
Confirmed Cases: 450
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 345
Confirmed Cases: 331
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 251
Confirmed Cases: 250
Probable Cases: 1
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 221
Confirmed Cases: 219
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 0
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered online activity in our state. More Arkansans are working remotely, learning through distance education, using telehealth, and attending online church services.
It remains to be seen to what extent some of the changes in habit will continue after the health crisis ends. That is why 2020 is a critical year for closing the digital divide in Arkansas.
This week, the House and Senate committees for Advanced Communication and Information Technology were briefed on a new tool designed to give the state an accurate picture of the current broadband service available.
Arkansans are encouraged to visit broadband.arkansas.gov and click on the “Test Your Broadband Speed” green button icon in the lower right-hand corner. This directs the user to a speed test, which will determine the user’s upload speed and download speed. The user will then be directed to a quick survey of 11 questions.
The questions include asking the user the name of their provider, how much they pay for the service, and what speed has been promised by the provider. The results of the speed test are then integrated into the Arkansas Broadband Survey Results Dashboard.
The Arkansas State Broadband Plan outlines a goal of seeing 25Mbps/3Mbps broadband deployed to all population centers in Arkansas over 500 by the year 2022. While Arkansas has a way to go before reaching that goal, we are making progress. Just recently, the legislature approved a measure to direct $100 million of CARES Act funding to the Arkansas Rural Connect program, a grant program designed to expand the broadband footprint in rural Arkansas communities.
The information you provide will help the Arkansas State Broadband Office determine what areas of our state are underserved and what our next steps should be to keep our state connected.
Home - Arkansas State Broadband Office
New Opportunities For Arkansas Rural Connect Applicants: There is now $100M in CARES Act funding available for broadband deployment to qualified areas before December 30, 2020. Internet Service Providers (ISP's) and Electric Cooperatives and their subsidiaries may now apply. Other companies capable of deploying broadband are also allowed to apply.
Rare B-29 Currently at Little Rock Airport
This is one of only two airworthy B-29 Superfortresses left in the world. This aircraft is currently on the ground at Clinton National airport in Little Rock. It arrived Sunday and will remain in the capital city until Wednesday.
Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,194
Confirmed Cases: 1,185
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 456
Confirmed Cases: 450
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 4
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 344
Confirmed Cases: 330
Probable Cases: 14
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 251
Confirmed Cases: 250
Probable Cases: 1
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 218
Confirmed Cases: 216
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 0
Governor Hutchinson Provides Today’s COVID-19 Update
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 616 new cases; 6,706 active cases; 447 hospitalized, which is up 35 from Sunday; 97 on ventilators, which is up 12 from Sunday; deaths added today, 15, for a total of 1,197; a total of 76,364 cases; 66,934 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,657; antigen tests, 253.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 56; Benton, 39; Craighead, 39, Jefferson, 34; Washington 29.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“We continue to see good testing numbers in Arkansas. Our antigen testing has already exceeded our monthly goal and our PCR testing is on pace to do the same. The Arkansas Department of Health continues to do outstanding work in identifying and tracing COVID-19 cases across the state. Tomorrow, I will talk about what we should do to prepare for the winter and discuss the latest White House report.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (09.22.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Work Crosses Multiple Fronts
From managing the state’s populations of wildlife, lakes, rivers and land to providing ongoing, conservation education that connects Arkansans to the outdoors, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission isn’t slowing down in the face of COVID-19.
SPONSORED: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Work Crosses Multiple Fronts
Pandemic or no, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission isn't staying idle during these challenging times. The work is too important. From managing the state's populations of wildlife, lakes, rivers and land to providing ongoing, conservation education that connects Arkansans to the outdoors, the AGFC isn't slowing down in the face of COVID-19.
Trial Date Finalized in Bielema, Foundation Case
FAYETTEVILLE — A trial date has been set in the dispute between former University of Arkansas football coach Bret Bielema and the Razorback Foundation.
The trial is scheduled to begin the week of June 1, 2021, at the John Paul Hammerschmidt Federal Building in Fayetteville, according to a scheduling order issued Friday. U.S. district judge P.K. Holmes III is presiding over the case.
https://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2020/sep/18/trial-date-finalized-bielema-foundation-case/
Trial date finalized in Bielema, foundation case
Published: Friday, September 18, 2020 - A trial date has been set in the dispute between former University of Arkansas football coach Bret Bielema and the Razorback Foundation. The trial is scheduled to begin the week of June 1, 2021, at the John Paul Hammerschmidt Federal Building in Fayetteville, according to a scheduling order issued Friday.
Tagged Catfish for Prizes in Arkansas
Governor Hutchinson Proclaims Sept. 26 National Hunting and Fishing Week in Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioners watched a special video at their regularly scheduled meeting today from Gov. Asa Hutchinson, recognizing Sept. 26 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Arkansas and proclaiming the week leading up to it as Arkansas Hunting and Fishing Week.
Now in its 49th year, NHF Day is the largest, most effective grassroots movement ever undertaken to promote outdoor sports and conservation. Celebrated on the fourth Saturday of September, the federally recognized holiday brings together sportsmen and women from across America to celebrate the rich tradition of hunting, sport shooting and fishing through organized local, state and national events aimed at introducing new audiences to the outdoors.
In the video Hutchinson said, “Arkansans’ love of fishing was evident this year when we saw a significant increase in the number of people who went fishing during the COVID-19 pandemic. … With National Hunting and Fishing Day, we are raising awareness of the importance of our natural resources and the need to conserve them.”
Commissioners with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission also unanimously approved $735,444.68 to be transferred to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services. This represents all fine money collected from wildlife violations in Fiscal Year 2020 and will be given to educators to increase conservation education in Arkansas.
The Division of Rural Services distributes the fine money through grants for which any teacher, principal or other educator may apply. These grants can enhance learning opportunities for youth, especially in some of the rural areas of Arkansas, where education dollars are at a premium. Grants help promote AGFC programs such as Archery in the Schools, Project WILD and the Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program. Many educators also use the grants to fund expenses for conservation-oriented field trips, such as those taken to AGFC nature centers and hatcheries.
All fine money collected in a county goes back to these education grants for that county. A list of available funds and a downloadable application are available at the Division of Rural Services website, https://www.arkansasedc.com/Rural-Services/division/grants/wildlife-education-grant.
In other business, the Commission:
Approved an increase in the 2021 Fisheries Division budget of $635,759 for research and management concerning invasive Asian carp in Arkansas.
Approved the sale of a surplus boat, motor and trailer to the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission;
Authorized the following two projects, which are eligible for Marine Fuel Tax funding:
Gar Creek Access - The City of Ozark is requesting support to construct a courtesy dock at the Gar Creek Access Area on the Ozark Pool of the Arkansas River. The total cost of the project is $19,835.00 with the city requesting $7,935 in assistance.
Howard County Gilham Lake Road - This project will repair 9.5 miles of road, culverts and riprap. The total project is $287,151.02 with $18,901.44 in in-kind coming from the county.
Heard an update from Deke Whitbeck from the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation about the successful completion of the 2020 online silent auction which replaced the canceled Arkansas Outdoors Hall of Fame Banquet;
Heard from guest speaker Col. Bill Bryant Director of Arkansas State Police with his thanks to AGFC wildlife officers for their assistance and professionalism during protests in June;
Heard an update on bat conservation from Blake Sasse, AGFC Nongame Mammal Program coordinator;
Recognized Blake Sasse as the 2020 AGFC Wildlife Biologist of the Year;
Recognized Paul Dunham as the 2020 AGFC Wildlife Technician of the Year;
Recognized Wildlife Management Region 3 (southeastern Arkansas) with the 2020 “No Pig Left Behind” award for removing more than 1,700 feral hogs in their district so far this year.
Authorized the removal of outdated and obsolete inventory with an original cost of $32,959 and a current net book value of $3,105.
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Two Arkansas Counties Sue Walmart Over Opioids
Two Arkansas counties have sued Walmart Inc. over allegations that the Bentonville retailer contributed to the opioid epidemic by failing to maintain tight controls when filling opioid prescriptions.
Pulaski and Jefferson counties filed the lawsuit against Walmart in July, making them the latest two government entities to sue the retailer over allegations it contributed to the opioid crisis.
https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/132823/two-counties-sue-walmart-over-opioids
Two Counties Sue Walmart Over Opioids
Two Arkansas counties have sued Walmart Inc. over allegations that the Bentonville retailer contributed to the opioid epidemic by failing to maintain tight controls when filling opioid prescriptions. Pulaski and Jefferson counties filed the lawsuit against Walmart in July, making them the latest two government entities to sue the retailer over allegations it contributed to the opioid crisis.
Dr. Pete Mourani to Lead Arkansas Children's Research Institute
Following a national search, Arkansas Children’s has named Dr. Pete Mourani president of Arkansas Children’s Research Institute (ACRI) and senior vice president and chief research officer for the state’s only pediatric health system.
Dr. Pete Mourani to Lead Arkansas Children's Research Institute
Following a national search, Arkansas Children's has named Dr. Pete Mourani president of Arkansas Children's Research Institute (ACRI) and senior vice president and chief research officer for the state's only pediatric health system. He will serve as the fifth president of ACRI, effective Dec. 7, and succeeds Dr. Greg Kearns, who retired.