State Grant Program Introduced to Help Hospitality, Service Sectors Struggling in Pandemic

A $50 million grant program for hospitality and service sector businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic launches Monday (Nov. 16) and state government leaders expect to make grant awards in late December.

Stacy Hurst, Arkansas Secretary for Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said the grants will hopefully help those hard-hit businesses stay alive until COVID-19 is under control.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/11/window-opens-monday-for-state-grants-to-help-hospitality-service-sectors-struggling-in-pandemic/

Window opens Monday for state grants to help hospitality, service sectors struggling in pandemic - Talk Business & Politics

A $50 million grant program for hospitality and service sector businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic launches Monday (Nov. 16) and state government leaders expect to make grant awards in late December. Stacy Hurst, Arkansas Secretary for Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said the grants will hopefully help those hard-hit businesses stay alive until COVID-19 is under control.

UA Cossatot Student Scholarships Thank You

Antibodies Might Provide Lasting COVID-19 Resistance

Whether one has long-term immunity to COVID-19 after recovering from the virus is unclear amid a lack of scientific evidence. Still, antibodies might be the key to develop a vaccine and prevent virus reinfection.

Two Northwest Arkansas companies have developed tests to detect the presence of virus antibodies. Fayetteville-based Namida Lab Inc. has offered antibody, or serology, tests since May. Springdale-based NOWDiagnostics Inc. has developed a 15-minute antibody test approved for clinical use in Europe while awaiting emergency use approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/11/antibodies-might-provide-lasting-covid-19-resistance/

Antibodies might provide lasting COVID-19 resistance - Talk Business & Politics

Whether one has long-term immunity to COVID-19 after recovering from the virus is unclear amid a lack of scientific evidence. Still, antibodies might be the key to develop a vaccine and prevent virus reinfection. Two Northwest Arkansas companies have developed tests to detect the presence of virus antibodies. Fayetteville-based Namida Lab Inc.

Monday COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,577
Confirmed Cases: 1,335
Probable Cases: 242
Total Active Cases: 103
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 56

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 721
Confirmed Cases: 612
Probable Cases: 109
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 32

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 558
Confirmed Cases: 476
Probable Cases: 82
Total Active Cases: 50
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 567
Confirmed Cases: 525
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 155
Active Confirmed Cases: 139
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 317
Confirmed Cases: 291
Probable Cases: 26
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 11

Meat Processing Facility Coming to Sevier County

Ground was recently broken for a new meat processing facility in Sevier County. Loren Hinton visits with Charles Morris and Walter Deshazo about their new business venture.

Sunday's COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,571
Confirmed Cases: 1,333
Probable Cases: 238
Total Active Cases: 111
Active Confirmed Cases: 49
Active Probable Cases: 62

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 715
Confirmed Cases: 606
Probable Cases: 109
Total Active Cases: 73
Active Confirmed Cases: 40
Active Probable Cases: 33

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 556
Confirmed Cases: 474
Probable Cases: 82
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 555
Confirmed Cases: 514
Probable Cases: 41
Total Active Cases: 155
Active Confirmed Cases: 136
Active Probable Cases: 19

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 316
Confirmed Cases: 292
Probable Cases: 24
Total Active Cases: 30
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 9

LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (11.17.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

Campaign To Replace Arkansas Statues At U.S. Capitol Passes $500,000 Mark

The campaign to replace Arkansas’ current statues at the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall has officially reached its public fundraising phase.

During a news conference on Thursday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced that through private donations, the effort to replace the existing statues of Uriah Rose, a 19th century attorney and former Arkansas Senator and Governor James P. Clark, with statues of Civil Rights icon Daisy Bates, and hall of fame musician Johnny Cash, had reached $510,000.  An amount, Hutchinson said, is slightly more than halfway to the one million dollars they expect it to cost.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/campaign-replace-arkansas-statues-us-capitol-passes-500000-mark

Campaign To Replace Arkansas Statues At U.S. Capitol Passes $500,000 Mark

The campaign to replace Arkansas' current statues at the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall has officially reached its public fundraising phase. During a news conference on Thursday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced that through private donations, the effort to replace the existing statues of Uriah Rose, a 19th century attorney and former Arkansas Senator and Governor James P.

Arkansas Center for Health Improvement Issues Strict COVID-19 Thanksgiving Guidance

Arkansans planning to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday during a surging pandemic are being advised by the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement to safely celebrate at home instead and gather with loved ones remotely. But for those insisting on attending traditional family gatherings, ACHI recommends preparing in advance for safer holiday.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-center-health-improvement-issues-strict-covid-19-thanksgiving-guidance

Give Thanks, Not COVID | ACHI

COVID-19 is being transmitted within all communities in the state at unprecedented and rising levels, resulting in record numbers of new infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. While the holidays bring joy and thanksgiving, we have documented transmission events that occurred at family gatherings and celebratory events.

Saturday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,565
Confirmed Cases: 1,329
Probable Cases: 236
Total Active Cases: 115
Active Confirmed Cases: 48
Active Probable Cases: 67

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 709
Confirmed Cases: 604
Probable Cases: 105
Total Active Cases: 71
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 30

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 547
Confirmed Cases: 470
Probable Cases: 77
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 20

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 539
Confirmed Cases: 500
Probable Cases: 39
Total Active Cases: 146
Active Confirmed Cases: 125
Active Probable Cases: 21

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 312
Confirmed Cases: 290
Probable Cases: 22
Total Active Cases: 27
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 8

Governor Hutchinson Orders Flags to Fly At Half-Staff in Memory of Officer Travis Wallace

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has ordered the United States flag and the Arkansas flag to be lowered to half-staff in tribute to the memory of Officer Travis Wallace, a Helena-West Helena police officer who was killed in the line of duty last night. The flag shall be lowered immediately and remain at half-staff to the day of interment.   

Governor Hutchinson released this statement:  

“I was heartsick to hear that we have lost another police officer in the line of duty. Helena-West Helena Officer Travis Wallace was shot and killed as he pursued a suspect in a violent crime. Officer Wallace’s death is a tragic reminder that our police officers risk their lives with every encounter and every traffic stop. In his 10-year career as an officer, Travis risked his life for hundreds of people. Let us honor his memory by renewing our respect and support for all officers. I offer my condolences to Officer Wallace’s family and his fellow officers.”

The full proclamation can be found HERE.

If you would like to be notified when Governor Hutchinson orders the Arkansas and the United States flags to be lowered to half-staff, sign up for Citizens Alerts.

Governor Hutchinson Creates Winter COVID-19 Task Force

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has created the COVID-19 Winter Task Force and has appointed 19 physicians, state officials, and health care executives to advise him as the state combats the likely additional challenges of the pandemic this winter.

“We continue to see a record number of COVID-19 cases, and as winter approaches, we must take this head-on with a strategy that is medically sound and data-driven,” Governor Hutchinson said at a news conference today. “This will ensure that we are combating COVID-19 with the best resources to limit the spread and mitigate the impact of the virus while we wait for a vaccine.” 

Governor Hutchinson will serve as chair, and Dr. Greg Bledsoe, Arkansas Surgeon General, will serve as vice chair. The other members of the COVID-19 Winter Task Force are: 

  1. Larry Shackelford, President and CEO of Washington Regional Medical Center;

  2. Chris Barber, President and CEO of St. Bernard’s Healthcare;

  3. Scott Street, CEO of Medical Center of South Arkansas;

  4. Dr. Cam Patterson, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences;

  5. Rachel Bunch, Executive Director of Arkansas Health Care Association;

  6. Bo Ryall, President and CEO of Arkansas Hospital Association;

  7. Troy Wells, President and CEO of Baptist Health;

  8. Ryan Gehrig, President of Mercy Hospital, Fort Smith;

  9. Major General Kendall Penn, Adjutant General, Arkansas National Guard;

 10. A.J. Gary, Director of Arkansas Department of Emergency Management;

 11. Dr. José Romero, Secretary of Arkansas Department of Health;

 12. Dr. Jerrilyn Jones, Arkansas Department of Health;

 13. Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, Arkansas Department of Health;

 14. Dr. Naveen Patil, Arkansas Department of Health;

 15. Dr. Keyur Vyas, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences;

 16. Phillip Gilmore, CEO of Ashley County Medical Center;

 17. Dr. Steven Collier, CEO of ARcare;

 18. Ron Peterson, President and CEO of Baxter County Regional Medical Center; and

 19. Additional citizens as the Governor deems necessary. 

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Expanding Apprenticeship Programs in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK – This is National Apprenticeship Week, and today I’d like to discuss the progress we’ve made in expanding registered apprenticeship programs throughout Arkansas.

Historically, apprenticeships have been available primarily in the construction trades, but the needs of industry have led us to broaden the opportunities. Many leaders have said there is a shortage of talent, and in Arkansas, we are making great efforts to fill that void. During my administration, we have expanded apprenticeships into manufacturing and now we are moving into health care.

This expansion has become especially important during the pandemic as thousands of people have lost their jobs and retraining for new opportunities is critical.

Since 2015, Arkansas has increased the number of registered apprenticeship programs from 82 to more than 140. The number of apprentices has grown from about 4,000 to over 9,000. Our goal is to have 10,000 apprentices by 2023. We are working with a network of over 800 employers to accomplish this.

In September, I attended the opening of the Tech Depot Apprenticeship Academy in Newport. This program incorporates many elements that are critical to producing a high-quality, high-tech savvy workforce. The Tech Depot in Newport is evidence that we can provide high-tech opportunities in places other than big cities, and it will accelerate the growth of our high-tech workforce.

The Office of Skills Development, the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences, and the division of Workforce Services have partnered to create Reskill Arkansas, a program designed to assist the unemployed to change careers and move into high-demand jobs such as IT generalist, web development, data analytics, or cybersecurity. ReSkill builds off on the Computer Science Initiative and the 2017 Blue Ribbon Commission on Data Analytics and Computing.

Three Arkansas hospitals are creating the state’s first graduate registered nurse apprenticeship. The program will assist in retaining newly hired registered nurses and reducing staff turnover. It will also provide a structured support program for newly hired registered nurses.

This expansion of the apprenticeship programs is the result of public-private partnerships among the businesses, educators and training providers, industry intermediaries, and state government.

The pandemic has renewed our focus on the need to provide Arkansans with new skills. It’s essential so that they can move into better-paying jobs. The retraining strengthens our workforce so that Arkansas is even more attractive to businesses that are considering expanding into this state. Apprenticeships allow companies to recruit, train, and retain their talent. Employees who train in a company’s apprentice program tend to stay with that company longer.

If you are unemployed or just considering a job change, I encourage you to visit the ReSkill Arkansas website at www.acds.co/ReSkillAR as an apprenticeship may be the opportunity that will put you into a new career.

College Entrance Exam Process Tested During Pandemic

As COVID-19 continues to disrupt education, high school students applying for college are facing more challenges. While many universities are dropping mandatory standardized test scores for admissions, students may still need them to apply for scholarships or receive financial aid. After canceling tests in the spring because of the coronavirus, ACT is looking for ways to become more accessible for students.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/college-entrance-exam-process-tested-during-pandemic

College Entrance Exam Process Tested During Pandemic

As COVID-19 continues to disrupt education, high school students applying for college are facing more challenges. While many universities are dropping mandatory standardized test scores for admissions, students may still need them to apply for scholarships or receive financial aid.

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Makes Announcement Related to COVID-19 Friday (11.13.20) 12PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson will make an announcement tomorrow, Friday, November, 13, 2020, related to COVID-19 at noon.

Governor Announces Half-Million Dollars Raised For Bates, Cash Statuary Hall Project

State Launches Website for Those Who Want to Donate

LITTLE ROCK – Charter donors have contributed $510,000 of the $1 million needed to replace Arkansas’s statues in National Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C., with statues of Daisy Gatson Bates and Johnny Cash, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced at a news conference today.

The Foundation for Arkansas Heritage and History has launched a website for those who would like to donate. The website is https://arkansasheritagefoundation.org/donate/

“I started calling potential contributors several months ago, and the initial phase of our fundraising campaign has been very successful,” Governor Hutchinson said. “We’re more than halfway to our goal. Now we enter the public phase of our campaign. We want Arkansans to participate, whether they can give $5 or $50. In the past 100 years, Arkansas has changed, but our visitors in Washington do not see the changes. This is an opportunity for Arkansans to help tell our story to the rest of the world. 

“These two historic figures represent equally important aspects of the lives of Arkansas. Daisy Bates was a woman of principle and courage who changed Arkansas for the better. Johnny Cash elevated every-day hard-working people by telling their stories in his songs. 

“My goal is to have Daisy Gatson Bates and Johnny Cash in place in Washington by the time I leave office.” 

The top donors include Steuart & Kelly Walton; Wal-Mart Corporate; Tyson Family Foundation; the City of Little Rock; Sony Music; Crown Merchandise; Simmons Bank; Murphy Family Foundation; and Murphy USA Charitable Foundation. 

Arkansas’s first sculpture in Statuary Hall, a statue of attorney Uriah Milton Rose, was installed in 1917. The statue of James Paul Clark, the eighteenth governor of Arkansas and a United States senator, was installed in 1921. 

The General Assembly accepted nominations for statues and selected Daisy Bates, a civil rights activist who mentored the Little Rock Nine in 1957, and Johnny Cash, world-renowned singer and songwriter, who sold 90 million records during his career. 

With the selection of Daisy Bates, Arkansas is one of the first states to choose an African American to represent it in Statuary Hall. Johnny Cash will be the first musician with a statue there. 

The official move to replace those statues began during the 92nd General Assembly when Senator Dave Wallace and Representative Jeff Wardlaw sponsored House Bill 1969, which authorized the change. Governor Hutchinson signed the bill on April 11, 2019.

Organizers estimated the entire project would cost about $1 million. That includes creating the statues, shipping them to Washington, and installing them. The cost also included returning the originals to Arkansas and installing them in their new places. 

The leadership and members of the Foundation for Arkansas Heritage and History have agreed to accept and handle the donations. The National Statuary Hall Steering Committee and the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission are overseeing this endeavor. The members are reviewing 33 Requests For Quote (RFQ) as they begin the search for sculptors. Secretary of State John Thurston and his team helped with the bid proposals and are handling much of the administrative work.Others whose work has brought the project to this point include Stacy Hurst, Secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism; Shane Broadway, Chair, National Statuary Hall Steering Committee; and Charles King, President of the Daisy Bates House Museum Foundation. 

Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,545
Confirmed Cases: 1,318
Probable Cases: 227
Total Active Cases: 110
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 69

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 702
Confirmed Cases: 601
Probable Cases: 101
Total Active Cases: 72
Active Confirmed Cases: 44
Active Probable Cases: 28

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 536
Confirmed Cases: 464
Probable Cases: 72
Total Active Cases: 33
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 507
Confirmed Cases: 468
Probable Cases: 39
Total Active Cases: 120
Active Confirmed Cases: 97
Active Probable Cases: 23

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 307
Confirmed Cases: 286
Probable Cases: 21
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 8

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,809 new cases; 14,491 active cases; 805 hospitalized, which is up 4 from Wednesday; 116 on ventilators, which is unchanged from Wednesday; deaths added today, 18, for a total of 2,144; a total of 128,09 cases; 102,355 recoveries; PCR tests, 11,164; antigen tests, 1,740.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 154; Washington, 70; Sebastian, 66; Craighead, 60; and Benton, 58.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"Yesterday was a strong day of testing for Arkansas. Our increased testing efforts continue to reveal consistently high numbers of new COVID-19 cases throughout the state. When you get out each day, be mindful of the pressure on our hospitals, doctors, and health care workers. Let's reduce the hospitalizations by doing our part to protect each other."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides Update on Arkansas's Statues in National Statuary Hall

Governor Asa Hutchinson provided an update regarding the replacement of Arkansas's statues in National Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C.

Thursday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,541
Confirmed Cases: 1,316
Probable Cases: 225
Total Active Cases: 121
Active Confirmed Cases: 44
Active Probable Cases: 77

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 697
Confirmed Cases: 598
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 27

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County

Total Cumulative Cases: 526
Confirmed Cases: 460
Probable Cases: 66
Total Active Cases: 28
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 12

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 488
Confirmed Cases: 449
Probable Cases: 39
Total Active Cases: 105
Active Confirmed Cases: 81
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 306
Confirmed Cases: 286
Probable Cases: 20
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 7

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,962 new cases; 13,691 active cases; 801 hospitalized, which is down 9 from Tuesday; 116 on ventilators, which is down 11 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 14, for a total of 2,126; a total of 126,197 cases; 101,583 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,390; antigen tests, 2,247.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 172; Benton, 144; Garland, 136; Washington, 121; and Sebastian, 116. 

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"Today we saw another record number of reported new cases. There was a small decline in hospitalizations but the high number of cases is a profoundly serious reminder of the emergency that continues. Susan and I just spoke about our holiday plans and we are taking extra precautions and limiting the number. Plan safely."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Arkansas Governor Touts Tax Cut, Budget Surplus In State Chamber Speech

Gov. Asa Hutchinson touted his proposal to cut the state’s top individual income tax rate for new residents, called for reducing the used car tax, and said his new budget includes a $240 million surplus during a speech at the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas’ Annual Meeting Tuesday.

Hutchinson said his budget calls for reducing the top individual income tax rate for new residents to 4.9% for five years. Doing so would attract tech and manufacturing talent and also retirees.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-governor-touts-tax-cut-budget-surplus-state-chamber-speech

Arkansas Governor Touts Tax Cut, Budget Surplus In State Chamber Speech

Gov. Asa Hutchinson touted his proposal to cut the state's top individual income tax rate for new residents, called for reducing the used car tax, and said his new budget includes a $240 million surplus during a speech at the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas' Annual Meeting Tuesday.