De Queen Elementary Closed to On-Site Instruction Through December 4th

Due to Covid-19 related issues affecting support personnel, De Queen Elementary School will be closed for onsite instruction the week of November 30th through December 4th. Classroom teachers are to report to campus Monday, November 30th to assist with work packets. De Queen Elementary plans to return to normal onsite instruction on Monday, December 7th. All other campuses will be open as normal for onsite instruction.

Packets can be picked up at the front door of the elementary school from the filing cabinet. There is a drawer labeled for each grade.

For students in Mrs. Nix and Ms. Lester, Mrs. Kitchens, Mrs. Martinez, or Mrs. Beasley, their packets will be in the top drawer of the filing cabinet in an envelope marked with their name. These students will not need to take another packet.

It is required that students complete this work and return it to school when they return on December 7th.

The front office at De Queen Elementary will be open all week for phone calls at 870-584-4311 to answer any questions. If any parent needs an older sibling who is at another campus to stay home and help with childcare, please call the Elementary office and request that assistance. While the building is closed to onsite instruction, the district will conduct a deep cleaning of the Elementary campus to prepare for the return of students on December 7th.

While we understand that the closure of a school building places an extra burden on our Leopard families, we ask you to continue to provide your patience and support as we navigate this challenging school year. We will continue to strive to provide our students with the highest quality education while keeping the health of our students, staff, and families our top priority.

Beau McCastlain

District Communications Director

De Queen Public Schools.

De Queen Christmas Parade 2020

Come celebrate Christmas with us in this new and most unusual- but still totally fun sort of way!

To sign up for your stationary spot, please contact the Chamber Office at 870-584-3225!

We encourage all church, dance, business, and community groups of all types to attend and participate in this with us! Hope to see you there!

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,673
Confirmed Cases: 1,382
Probable Cases: 291
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 43

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 783
Confirmed Cases: 650
Probable Cases: 133
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 615
Confirmed Cases: 516
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 58
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 733
Confirmed Cases: 678
Probable Cases: 55
Total Active Cases: 173
Active Confirmed Cases: 159
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 354
Confirmed Cases: 325
Probable Cases: 29
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 4

Holiday Notes From the Nashville Chamber of Commerce

DOWNTOWN TREES:

City crews to put up Main Street Christmas trees: December 2nd,

Downtown individual trees are $35.00. Customer decorates and we supply the signage.

Call the Chamber office to order 845-1262.

We will put up only 50 trees this year. Call early to get yours

CHRISTMAS PARADE:

Christmas parade will be in the City Park Sat. Dec.12th. The time is 5:30 p.m. until 8:00. Floats will be parked along the drive through route in the park.

No charge to enter…but we will have 1, 2, & 3rd place winners. 1st= $250, 2nd=$150, & 3rd =$100.

People driving through the park will vote on the parked displays will be how we will determine the winners.

The parked floats will in turn vote on any of the cars that want to decorate. The winner of the

best drive through car will receive a $50 gift certificate

To enter your float, call the park at (870) 845-7405, talk to Megan.

CHRISTMAS BUCKS PROMO:

We will set out Christmas “Bucks” to participating members the week of Dec. 1st

“Bucks” drawing will be for $100.00. One winner per week for 3 weeks: Dec 4th,Dec 11th, &

Dec. 18th. These are Friday drawings for 3 weeks.

Winners will redeem their winnings where their registration was drawn at the participating Chamber merchant.

They will have one week to go to the merchant and make their purchase up to $100 at the

participating merchant. The Chamber will give the merchant the $100 for their purchase.

Merchants who have winners need to contact the Chamber to get reimbursed for the winner.

Decline in Available Workforce Pushes Arkansas Jobless Rate Lower in October

An almost 1% decline in the state’s labor force combined with a scant increase in new jobs pushed the jobless rate to 6.2%, down from 7.2% in September but still higher than the 3.5% in October 2019.

The number of employed in Arkansas during October was an estimated 1,248,547, down 67,353 jobs, or 5.1% lower, compared with October 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The October numbers are preliminary and subject to revision. The report marked the seventh full month of COVID-19 impacts on the economy.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/11/decline-in-available-workforce-pushes-arkansas-jobless-rate-lower-in-october/

Decline in available workforce pushes Arkansas jobless rate lower in October - Talk Business & Politics

An almost 1% decline in the state's labor force combined with a scant increase in new jobs pushed the jobless rate to 6.2%, down from 7.2% in September but still higher than the 3.5% in October 2019. The number of employed in Arkansas during October was an estimated 1,248,547, down 67,353 jobs, or 5.1% lower, compared with October 2019, according to the U.S.

Medicaid Expansion, Taxes on Tap for 2021 Legislative Session

John Brummett, political writer for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, talks with Roby Brock, from our partner Talk Business and Politics, about what we might expect when the Arkansas legislature gathers early next year for its 2021 session regarding Medicaid expansion and taxes.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/medicaid-expansion-taxes-tap-2021-legislative-session

Medicaid Expansion, Taxes on Tap for 2021 Legislative Session

John Brummett, political writer for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette , talks with Roby Brock, from our partner Talk Business and Politics , about what we might expect when the Arkansas legislature gathers early next year for its 2021 session regarding Medicaid expansion and taxes.

Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,665
Confirmed Cases: 1,378
Probable Cases: 287
Total Active Cases: 85
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 50

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 777
Confirmed Cases: 645
Probable Cases: 132
Total Active Cases: 55
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 611
Confirmed Cases: 513
Probable Cases: 98
Total Active Cases: 66
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 710
Confirmed Cases: 657
Probable Cases: 53
Total Active Cases: 168
Active Confirmed Cases: 156
Active Probable Cases: 12

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 351
Confirmed Cases: 322
Probable Cases: 29
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 8

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 1,017 new cases; 16,727 active cases; 974 hospitalized, which is up 12 from Sunday; 164 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Sunday; deaths added today, 30, for a total of 2,387; a total of 146,190 cases; 113,946 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,693; antigen tests, 890.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 157; Washington, 75; Benton, 69; Sebastian, 57; and Saline, 54.

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

“We saw a decrease in new cases from last Monday, and this is a hopeful sign; but our hospitalizations are still going up. How we handle Thanksgiving this year will determine our hospitalizations around Christmas. Thanks for being a part of turning this fight around.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Arkansas Lawmakers To Vote On Near-Total Abortion Ban

A new bill would make nearly all forms of abortion a crime in Arkansas, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Senate Bill 6, sponsored by Sen. Jason Rapert, R-Conway, and Rep. Mary Bentley, R-Perryville, allows abortion to be performed legally only when the mother’s life is threatened or to remove an ectopic pregnancy.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-lawmakers-vote-near-total-abortion-ban

Arkansas Lawmakers To Vote On Near-Total Abortion Ban

A new bill would make nearly all forms of abortion a crime in Arkansas, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Senate Bill 6, sponsored by Sen. Jason Rapert, R-Conway, and Rep. Mary Bentley, R-Perryville, allows abortion to be performed legally only when the mother's life is threatened or to remove an ectopic pregnancy.

Arkansas Business Interruption Grant Application Deadline Looms

Arkansas service and hospitality businesses impacted by the pandemic have until Wednesday at midnight to apply for Business Interruption Program grants, made available through the federal CARES Act. Stacy Hurst, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, as well as Mary Beth Brooks, director of the Small Business Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas describe the process and need. The help line number is (888) 722-1554.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-business-interruption-grant-application-deadline-looms

Arkansas Business Interruption Grant Application Deadline Looms

Arkansas service and hospitality businesses impacted by the pandemic have until Wednesday at midnight to apply for Business Interruption Program grants, made available through the federal CARES Act. Stacy Hurst, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, as well as Mary Beth Brooks, director of the Small Business Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas describe the process and need.

LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (11.24.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,648
Confirmed Cases: 1,365
Probable Cases: 283
Total Active Cases: 86
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 52

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 773
Confirmed Cases: 641
Probable Cases: 132
Total Active Cases: 57
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 27

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 608
Confirmed Cases: 513
Probable Cases: 95
Total Active Cases: 70
Active Confirmed Cases: 45
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 699
Confirmed Cases: 647
Probable Cases: 52
Total Active Cases: 173
Active Confirmed Cases: 161
Active Probable Cases: 12

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 608
Confirmed Cases: 513
Probable Cases: 95
Total Active Cases: 70
Active Confirmed Cases: 45
Active Probable Cases: 25

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase across the state, the Arkansas Department of Health reminds Arkansans that the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people who live with you.

While the number of people around your table may be smaller this year, we want to take a moment to express our thanks for Arkansans who make it possible for what is on the table.

Our grocery store employees have worked tirelessly to keep the doors open. Our food processors, truckers, and farmers also deserve our utmost appreciation for keeping the shelves stocked. Arkansans made not only your meal but countless meals across the country possible.

Arkansas is forecast to rank 2nd in the nation in the number of turkeys raised, accounting for 14% of all turkeys raised in the United States.

The Arkansas turkey industry creates and supports close to 20,000 jobs in Arkansas.

Arkansas is the 5th largest producer of sweet potatoes. And last year, Arkansas farmers harvested more than 740,000 acres of corn.

Although few go shopping for actual soybeans for Thanksgiving, there is an excellent chance the soybean plays a significant part in your feast. This year Arkansas ranked as 11th in the nation in soybean production. Soybean oil is used in cooking and frying foods. Salad dressings, margarine, and mayonnaises are made with soybean oil.

Arkansas farmers may have contributed to your dessert menu as well, especially when it comes to the pies. We are one of 15 states to grow pecans.

You can help show your appreciation to our Arkansas farmers and food service workers by looking for the “Arkansas Grown” label at your local supermarket.

From our house to yours, we wish you a very happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Christmas and Candlelight at Historic Washington State Park

CHRISTMAS AND CANDLELIGHT

December 5th and 12th, 2020

5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

We are gearing up for another Christmas and Candlelight. This year's event will be slightly different than years past.

The illuminated streets and beautiful 19th-century decorations will still be on display, but in-house tours will not be available due to health restrictions. Tours throughout the park will be free, and you will still be able to see fantastic programs given by Historic Washington staff at our selected historic sites. The 1874 Courthouse Visitor Center and Gift Shop will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Masks will be required to enter the building with limited capacity.

While touring the grounds at Historic Washington, guests are reminded to follow the recommended Arkansas Department of Health and CDC guidelines in keeping a good separation, at least 6 feet, from others while attending the event. Moreover, if you cannot maintain a proper distance, a face-covering is required.

Williams' Tavern will be open. Seating inside is limited, but outside seating will be available. You must wear a face-covering until you are served. Please click the button below for more information, and we hope to see you at Historic Washington for our Christmas and Candlelight event.

Governor Discusses Legislative Agenda, Medicaid Waiver, and Redistricting

Gov. Asa Hutchinson anticipates a lot of negotiation over taxes in the upcoming legislative session.

With an expected $240 million surplus, Hutchinson has laid out proposals to:

• Reduce the top individual income tax rate for new residents to 4.9% for five years. Doing so would attract tech and manufacturing talent and retirees, he said.

• Lower the sales tax on used vehicles from 6.5% to 3.5% for those with sale prices between $4,000 and $10,000. There is no tax for cars sold for less than $4,000.

• Place $100 million in the state’s long-term reserve account.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/11/governor-discusses-legislative-agenda-medicaid-waiver-redistricting/

Governor discusses legislative agenda, Medicaid waiver, redistricting - Talk Business & Politics

Gov. Asa Hutchinson anticipates a lot of negotiation over taxes in the upcoming legislative session. With an expected $240 million surplus, Hutchinson has laid out proposals to: Reduce the top individual income tax rate for new residents to 4.9% for five years. Doing so would attract tech and manufacturing talent and retirees, he said.

Arkansas Governor: No Plans For Statewide School Or Business Shutdowns; Working to Expedite 1,104 More Nurses

Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he does not plan to shut down schools or businesses despite rising numbers among COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

On Friday, the governor reported 2,061 new confirmed and probable cases, 36 more hospitalizations, and 24 more deaths.

In an interview with Talk Business & Politics for Sunday’s TV show, Hutchinson said it would not be fair to business owners who have followed state health directives and have worked to keep their facilities safe.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-governor-no-plans-statewide-school-or-business-shutdowns

Arkansas Governor: No Plans For Statewide School Or Business Shutdowns

Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he does not plan to shut down schools or businesses despite rising numbers among COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. On Friday, the governor reported 2,061 new confirmed and probable cases, 36 more hospitalizations, and 24 more deaths.

Sunday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,641
Confirmed Cases: 1,359
Probable Cases: 282
Total Active Cases: 89
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 55

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 768
Confirmed Cases: 638
Probable Cases: 130
Total Active Cases: 54
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 27

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 605
Confirmed Cases: 510
Probable Cases: 95
Total Active Cases: 72
Active Confirmed Cases: 46
Active Probable Cases: 26

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 688
Confirmed Cases: 636
Probable Cases: 52
Total Active Cases: 182
Active Confirmed Cases: 170
Active Probable Cases: 12

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 349
Confirmed Cases: 320
Probable Cases: 29
Total Active Cases: 47
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 10

Governor Hutchinson Issues Statement on the Passing of AGFC Commissioner Joe Morgan

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson issued the following statement on the passing of Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioner Joe Morgan:

“Joe Morgan was my first appointment to the Game and Fish Commission due to his unmatched commitment to the outdoors and his character and integrity. He was an advocate for hunting and fishing in Arkansas long before he joined the Commission. Generations to come will benefit from his service to the state. He was a friend and will be missed. Susan and I express our condolences and prayers for the family.”

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Setting the Pace in Computer Science Education

LITTLE ROCK – This year for the first time, enrollment in computer science courses topped 10,000, the sixth straight year enrollment has increased, and today I’d like to talk about what’s happening and what’s down the road.

To be exact, the number of Arkansas high school students taking at least one computer science course is 10,450. That is an increase of six-and-a-half percent over the last school year and nearly 850 percent increase over the 1,100 students who were enrolled six years ago.

We showed improvement in other areas as well. For the first time in Arkansas, the percentage of African American students who are taking a computer science class exceeds the percentage of all African American students enrolled in Arkansas high schools. Also for the first time, the percentage of all minority students taking a high school computer science course exceeds the percentage of all minority students enrolled in our high schools.

In addition, we continue to show tremendous growth in the number of girls who are taking computer science. When we started this initiative, 223 girls were enrolled in a computer science class. This year, the Arkansas Department of Education reports that the number has jumped to 3,135. That is a 1,300 percent increase over 2014.

Many publications and tech organizations, such as Code.org, have recognized Arkansas as a leader in computer science education. But we can’t rest on our success, which is why I’m working with the Arkansas General Assembly to open up more opportunities for our young people. Last year, I created the Computer Science and Cybersecurity Task Force, and one of its recommendations is to require a computer science course to be taken for graduation. I am grateful to Senator Jane English for sponsoring this legislation and recognizing its importance.  And, by the school year 2022-2023, every high school in the state must employ at least one teacher who is certified to teach computer science.

When we became the first state in the nation to require all high schools to teach computer science, our goal was to increase enrollment to 7,500 by the 2019-2020 school year. We surpassed that goal a year early. This year, even with COVID-19, we topped over 10,000. We have done that because educators and students embraced the initiative. We have enhanced our education system, strengthened our workforce, and we are continuing to set the pace.

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Holds a Press Conference on Arkansas's Rising COVID-19 Cases Friday (11.20.20)

Governor Asa Hutchinson holds a news conference on the state's rising COVID-19 case numbers on Friday, November, 20, 2020.

UAMS Receives Nearly $3 Million For Arkansas Rural Physician Expansion

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has received $2.83 million to address a shortage of doctors in rural parts of the state. The funding is the latest from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which previously awarded $4.6 million to the program.

Dr. Richard Turnage, executive associate dean for clinical affairs at UAMS’ College of Medicine, is overseeing the program to train, then retain primary care physicians in medically underserved areas. A goal is to attract medical students from the communities to increase the likelihood that they will be successful in their applications and time in medical school.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/uams-receives-nearly-3-million-arkansas-rural-physician-expansion

UAMS Receives Nearly $3 Million For Arkansas Rural Physician Expansion

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has received $2.83 million to address a shortage of doctors in rural parts of the state. The funding is the latest from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which previously awarded $4.6 million to the program.