The Tri-County Regional Library System Board meeting postponed in November has been rescheduled for Tuesday, December 8th at 5 pm at the Sevier County Library-De Queen location.
Marilyn B. Archer, MLS
Director
Tri-County Regional Library System
Serving 11 Public Libraries in Howard, Little River and Sevier Counties in Southwest Arkansas
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,736
Confirmed Cases: 1,417
Probable Cases: 319
Total Active Cases: 72
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 37
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 836
Confirmed Cases: 668
Probable Cases: 168
Total Active Cases: 51
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 28
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 651
Confirmed Cases: 552
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 830
Confirmed Cases: 767
Probable Cases: 63
Total Active Cases: 149
Active Confirmed Cases: 138
Active Probable Cases: 11
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 651
Confirmed Cases: 552
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 5
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, December 2, 2020.
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
County Extension Agent, Rex Herring will conduct two Private Applicator Training (PAT) sessions on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 1:30 and 5:00 pm at the Adams Building on UA Cossatot College Campus in De Queen.
Anyone whose PAT license has expired or those who do not have a license and need to be certified to purchase restricted products for farm or ranch use should attend one of the meetings.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, you do need to pre-register to attend. Class size is limited to nine participants so we cannot take walk-ins. Please wear a mask and follow all social distancing guidelines. For more information or to register for a class, call Dana at (870) 582-3056
Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday!
Giving to the UA Cossatot Foundation on #GivingTuesday can help local college students earn a college degree.
Please consider making a donation at https://www.cccua.edu/ua-cossatot-foundation/events/giving-tuesday or text Cossatot to 41444.
The college feels it is safest for our graduates, their families, and our staff to cancel the face-to-face graduation ceremonies scheduled for this fall (Dec 5 for medical and Dec 11 for other programs). We will be streaming a virtual ceremony on December 18th. Graduates should reach out to Ashley Aylett via email aaylett@cccua.edu or text 870-584-1125 for details ASAP. Information will be available on our website at https://www.cccua.edu/student-life/graduation-information
Dr. Ashley Aylett
Vice Chancellor for Academics
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,707
Confirmed Cases: 1,402
Probable Cases: 305
Total Active Cases: 68
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 33
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 801
Confirmed Cases: 659
Probable Cases: 142
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 18
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 641
Confirmed Cases: 545
Probable Cases: 96
Total Active Cases: 43
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 789
Confirmed Cases: 728
Probable Cases: 61
Total Active Cases: 140
Active Confirmed Cases: 129
Active Probable Cases: 11
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 370
Confirmed Cases: 338
Probable Cases: 32
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 6
COVID-19 hospitalizations and ventilations hit new record highs, and the number of school districts with high community infection rates jumped from 88 to 117. Arkansas’ former Surgeon General said the state is moving “into a bad place” with respect to COVID spread.
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) on Wednesday (Nov. 25) reported a rise of 40 COVID hospitalizations, pushing the total to a record of 1,028. COVID patients on ventilators rose by 31 to a record 190. Total cumulative confirmed and probable cases rose by 1,965 to 150,277, and confirmed and probable deaths rose by 20 to 2,425.
COVID-19 hospitalizations and patients on ventilators reach new daily records - Talk Business & Politics
COVID-19 hospitalizations and ventilations hit new record highs, and the number of school districts with high community infection rates jumped from 88 to 117. Arkansas' former Surgeon General said the state is moving "into a bad place" with respect to COVID spread. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) on Wednesday (Nov.
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,704
Confirmed Cases: 1,401
Probable Cases: 303
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 35
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 800
Confirmed Cases: 658
Probable Cases: 142
Total Active Cases: 46
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 20
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 640
Confirmed Cases: 541
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 46
Active Confirmed Cases: 40
Active Probable Cases: 6
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 776
Confirmed Cases: 714
Probable Cases: 62
Total Active Cases: 140
Active Confirmed Cases: 127
Active Probable Cases: 13
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 368
Confirmed Cases: 336
Probable Cases: 32
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 6
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 Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,052 new cases; 16,908 active cases; 1,011 hospitalized, which is up 8 from Thursday; 192 on ventilators, which is up 23 from Thursday; no deaths added today, for a total of 2,436; a total of 153,677 cases; 119,558 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,330; antigen tests, 355.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 133; Washington, 68; Pulaski, 65; Craighead, 64; and Saline, 41.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“As expected, we saw a decrease in testing yesterday, leading to a decrease in new cases compared to last week. The extent to which efforts were taken to help slow the spread this week will become evident in the weeks to come as we get back to a normal level of testing. Continue to protect yourself, your friends, and your family this weekend."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,700
Confirmed Cases: 1,397
Probable Cases: 303
Total Active Cases: 77
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 38
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 795
Confirmed Cases: 656
Probable Cases: 139
Total Active Cases: 51
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 22
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 640
Confirmed Cases: 541
Probable Cases: 99
Total Active Cases: 50
Active Confirmed Cases: 43
Active Probable Cases: 7
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 772
Confirmed Cases: 711
Probable Cases: 61
Total Active Cases: 152
Active Confirmed Cases: 138
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 366
Confirmed Cases: 335
Probable Cases: 31
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 5
De Queen Lions Club contributed $2,000 to Thanksgiving dinners, food pantries and food distributions this Thanksgiving holiday. The Lions gave $500 checks to Friendship Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, De Queen Church of Christ and the Chalice Cupboard this year to help feed the hungry.
Chris Burke, representing Friendship Baptist Church of De Queen, received a $500 check from De Queen Lions to help with the church’s Thanksgiving Dinner distribution.
Lion Ray Wilson from First Baptist Church of De Queen received a $500 check for the FBC Food Closet from De Queen Lions Club President, Scott Simmons.
Lion Gary "Stoney" Walker of the Chalice Food Cupboard in De Queen received $500 from De Queen Lions to help with turkeys and other food purchases for the cupboard.
A research project by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is hoping to understand why more farmers in the south don't produce organic crops. Professor Michael Popp from the Fayetteville campus designed a survey to collect information about types of crops and obstacles to organic farming in the region.
"There are weed control issues. There are production method issues. There's uncertainty about price premiums [farmers] can attain," Popp said. "There are worries about whether those premiums would erode if you produce too much organic food."
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/ua-professor-seeks-understand-obstacle-organic-farming-south
UA Professor Seeks To Understand Obstacle To Organic Farming In The South
A research project by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is hoping to understand why more farmers in the south don't produce organic crops. Professor Michael Popp from the Fayetteville campus designed a survey to collect information about types of crops and obstacles to organic farming in the region.
Arkansas Children’s Northwest and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Orthopedics Northwest have developed a pediatric sports medicine program to provide comprehensive orthopedic care for student athletes in the region.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/uams-arkansas-childrens-northwest-launch-pediatric-sports-medicine-program
UAMS, Arkansas Children's Northwest Launch Pediatric Sports Medicine Program
Arkansas Children's Northwest and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Orthopedics Northwest have developed a pediatric sports medicine program to provide comprehensive orthopedic care for student athletes in the region.
Researchers with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, with support from Winrock International, are asking farmers in the Mid-South to participate in a survey to measure interest in organic crop, feed, and livestock production.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/mid-south-farmers-asked-participate-organic-production-survey
Mid-South Farmers Asked to Participate in Organic Production Survey
Researchers with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, with support from Winrock International, are asking farmers in the Mid-South to participate in a survey to measure interest in organic crop, feed, and livestock production.
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,697
Confirmed Cases: 1,392
Probable Cases: 305
Total Active Cases: 83
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 46
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 795
Confirmed Cases: 656
Probable Cases: 139
Total Active Cases: 57
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 25
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 626
Confirmed Cases: 525
Probable Cases: 101
Total Active Cases: 58
Active Confirmed Cases: 43
Active Probable Cases: 15
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 770
Confirmed Cases: 709
Probable Cases: 61
Total Active Cases: 164
Active Confirmed Cases: 149
Active Probable Cases: 15
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 365
Confirmed Cases: 334
Probable Cases: 31
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 5
LITTLE ROCK – It’s Thanksgiving week and Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year. I do like the reminder that we as individuals and as a state and nation should pause and give thanks. I grew up in a small country church in which we always sang the old hymn, “Count your blessings, name them one by one.”
Even during this pandemic, there are so many blessings of life that follow us every day. In the United States of America, we are particularly grateful for our freedom to worship, freedom to assemble, and the freedom to disagree politically. We are blessed in Arkansas with an amazing geography that adds beauty to our lives each day. The fall foliage continues to be one of the most beautiful I have seen in recent years. We are blessed to have the beauty of our hill country and the unique Delta sunrises. I am thankful for my family and friends who are there with me through thick and thin.
But Thanksgiving week means it’s also Arkansas Turkey Week, which gives me another opportunity to pose for pictures with a 4-H turkey on the front steps of the capitol while I talk about Arkansas’s poultry industry.
Arkansas’s poultry business includes turkeys, broilers, and eggs. Poultry leads Arkansas’s agricultural sector with total cash receipts of $4.5 billion, which is 52 percent of state agricultural cash receipts. The Arkansas turkey industry creates and supports nearly 20,000 jobs in Arkansas.
Arkansas raises an average of 30 million turkeys per year, which is about 576 million pounds of protein, the third-largest number of turkeys in the nation.
Kenny and Dolly are two of the Arkansas turkeys raised this year. They come from a noble line. They are the fourth and fifth turkeys that sisters Victoria and Kristin Lehmann have raised and brought to the capitol for Arkansas Turkey Week. Penny, Nellie, and Gertrude came the first three years, and this year they brought two new turkeys.
As usual, they showed their turkeys at the fair, with everybody wearing masks and keeping their distance. They gave away many of their turkeys, which will be just about the perfect size for Thursday.
Victoria is a freshman in animal science at the University of Arkansas. She is on the pre-vet track. Kristin is a junior at Nemo-Vista High School.
As the official ambassadors for Arkansas turkeys, Kenny and Dolly won’t suffer the fate of thousands of their kin on Thanksgiving Day. They are back at the farm with the sisters and their parents, living a life of turkey royalty.
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced his intent to appoint Murray Benton Sr. and Ken Reeves to the Arkansas State Police Commission.
Murray Benton Sr., Jonesboro, will replace Bill Benton. His term will begin on January 1, 2021, and expire on January 14, 2023.
Governor Hutchinson issued the following statement:
“I’m delighted to appoint Murray Benton to the Arkansas State Police Commission. Our state police deserve the highest quality of service, and I have no doubt that Murray’s proven leadership in business and his community will serve him well. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Bill Benton, who has spent 6 years as a dedicated commissioner.”
Murray Benton Sr. issued the following statement:
“It is such an honor to be included in this group of amazing commissioners. I’m grateful to the Governor for his confidence in me and for the opportunity to serve our Arkansas State Police. I’ll give 110% in every aspect of this role.”
Benton has been the President of Mid South Sales for over 30 years. He is an active board member of Baptist Memorial Health Care System, NEA Baptist Hospital, Jonesboro Unlimited, NEA Industrial Development Commission, and the Advisory Committee on Petroleum Storage Tanks.
Ken Reeves, Harrison, will replace Jane Christenson. His term will begin on January 15, 2021, and expire on January 14, 2028.
Governor Hutchinson issued the following statement:
“Ken’s legal background and experience working with law enforcement will be an asset to the State Police Commission. He is a lifelong Arkansan committed to public service. I am confident he will be an outstanding addition to the Commission.”
Ken Reeves issued the following statement:
“In my years as a practicing attorney, I have had an excellent relationship with city, county, and state law enforcement. I believe very strongly in the rule of law. I admire the commission and their service to the State Police and look forward to joining this fine tradition.”
Ken Reeves spent more than a decade serving as Vice President and General Counsel at FedEx Freight, Inc. He previously served on the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission. He also served as Chairman of the Arkansas Supreme Court Professional Conduct Committee, Boone County Economic Development Corporation, and North Arkansas Medical Center.
It’s not a pretty picture. Updated University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences COVID-19 modeling suggests the virus will hit the state harder before it, ideally, relents. Apathy and COVID fatigue are primary causes of “increasing pressure” on hospitals, according to UAMS.
“Taking all statistics presented in this report as a whole, we conclude COVID-19 in Arkansas has entered a phase of community spread in which the virus is so prevalent it can no longer be associated with a person or a place,” noted the UAMS report posted Tuesday.
UAMS Report Shows 'Unsettling' Trend In Pandemic, New Daily Cases Again Top 2,000
It's not a pretty picture. Updated University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences COVID-19 modeling suggests the virus will hit the state harder before it, ideally, relents.
Prosecutors in Arkansas will seek a 10-year prison sentence next week for a former Arizona politician who acknowledged running an illegal adoption scheme in three states involving women from the Marshall Islands.
Prosecutors said former Maricopa County Assessor Paul Petersen defrauded state courts, violated an international adoption compact and took advantage of birth mothers.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/former-politician-involved-adoption-scheme-be-sentenced-january
Former Politician Involved In Adoption Scheme To Be Sentenced In January
Prosecutors in Arkansas will seek a 10-year prison sentence next week for a former Arizona politician who acknowledged running an illegal adoption scheme in three states involving women from the Marshall Islands. Prosecutors said former Maricopa County Assessor Paul Petersen defrauded state courts, violated an international adoption compact and took advantage of birth mothers.