Sunday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Dpt of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,794
Confirmed Cases: 1,437
Probable Cases: 357
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 50

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 859
Confirmed Cases: 678
Probable Cases: 181
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 29

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 670
Confirmed Cases: 559
Probable Cases: 111
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 921
Confirmed Cases: 844
Probable Cases: 77
Total Active Cases: 164
Active Confirmed Cases: 146
Active Probable Cases: 18

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 431
Confirmed Cases: 391
Probable Cases: 40
Total Active Cases: 58
Active Confirmed Cases: 54
Active Probable Cases: 4

Governor Hutchinson Issues Statement on Arkansas Works Case

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to hear the case on Arkansas Works:

“I am grateful the U.S. Supreme Court will weigh the merits of this case. The ability of a state to conduct Medicaid demonstration projects like Arkansas Works is of national significance. It has always been our goal to provide healthcare to an expanded population of Arkansans while also providing tools for them to achieve economic stability and independence."

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Spirit of Giving

LITTLE ROCK – Today I’d like to talk about the Natural State’s spirit of giving, which I’ve witnessed consistently through the years. When a friend or neighbor is in need, Arkansans show up in a hurry with pickaxes and open wallets.

That’s not just the opinion of a proud governor. According to AspireArkansas.org, a report compiled by the Arkansas Community Foundation, on average, Arkansans give 3.8 percent of their income to nonprofit organizations. Based upon IRS reports, Arkansas’s giving regularly ranks in the top five states nationwide based upon the percentage of income. That is what I call the generous spirit of our state.

COVID-19 has upended our lives and forced us to change and adapt. But it hasn’t diminished the spirt of giving. In the spring, when I encouraged Arkansans to donate to the COVID-19 Relief Fund, $3.6 million poured in over a three-month period. That level of generosity in such a short time is unprecedented in the Community Foundation’s history, according to CEO Heather Larkin.

Despite this generosity, this has been a difficult year for the nonprofit organizations our communities depend upon. The Arkansas Nonprofit COVID-19 Impact Study, conducted this summer, found that 64 percent of nonprofits that responded to the study said that their individual donations had decreased this year, and 64 percent said that they had lost income due to cancellation of programs and events. The study comprised 316 nonprofits of all sizes that serve every county in Arkansas.

The pandemic has delivered a double whammy. As businesses have cut salaries and laid off employees, donations to nonprofits have dropped. As contributions have decreased, the needs of newly unemployed or underemployed Arkansans have increased. Nonprofits also are spending money to meet the requirements of social distancing and increased sanitation.

 Nearly half of the organizations in the survey reported they had applied for the Paycheck Protection Program, and nearly all of those were approved. The survey, taken during the summer, found that seventy percent the organizations were operating at reduced capacity, and eight percent were not able to deliver any services. Food pantries have been hit harder than any time in recent history.

The $3.6 million raised for the COVID-19 Relief Fund provided 746 grants to over 800 nonprofits, which helped struggling Arkansans buy food, secure transportation, and cover other living expenses.

This year, as always, the Salvation Army has stationed its bell ringers and red kettles at the front door of stores all over the state. The Salvation Army’s national commander’s observation reflect what’s happening in our state. The commander says that as the United States is drowning in a tsunami of need, he anticipates a fifty-percent decrease in donations. It’s not because people don’t want to provide support, but it’s because everyone is traveling the same tough path. A decrease in the number of shoppers going to stores in person is further complicating the Salvation Army’s fundraising.

This is the time of year that we are most aware of the suffering around us. This year, the pandemic has magnified and expanded the misfortune. But I am confident that Arkansans will dig deep as they always do and come to the aid of those less fortunate. Tough times don’t diminish our spirit of giving.

Governor Hutchinson Appoints Bennie Westphal to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has appointed Bennie Westphal of Fort Smith to the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission. 

“Bennie Westphal brings to this position a love of the outdoors and years of experience as a businessman and community leader,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I have known Bennie for over 30 years, and I have full confidence in his commitment to conservation and to serving the public in this key position.” 

Mr. Westphal is the chief executive officer of The Westphal Group, which is involved in commercial real estate development, oil and gas investments, and insurance sales. He sits on several company and community boards including the Fort Smith Mercy Foundation Board, BancorpSouth Advisory Board, Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club Inc., and the U.S. Marshals Museum Board.  

Mr. Westphal holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he also was a two-year letterman for the Razorbacks football team.  He and his wife, Landy, live in Fort Smith and have two daughters and four granddaughters.  

“It is an honor to be appointed to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission,” Mr. Westphal said. “Arkansas is so abundant in its natural beauty.  I have been an avid hunter and fisherman most of my life and look forward to learning and working with the Commission.” 

Mr. Westphal replaces Commissioner Joe Morgan, who died in November after serving on the commission for five years. Mr. Morgan was Governor Hutchinson’s first appointment to the commission. 

In announcing Joe Morgan’s appointment years ago, Governor Hutchinson said: “Joe understands that being on the Game and Fish Commission means being a steward of all the Natural State has to offer. It means protecting and improving our natural resources for this generation and for generations to come. We want to sustain and build our outdoor life, which makes Arkansas so very special.”

De Queen Christmas Parade Saturday, December 5th

Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 75
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 44

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 42
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 26

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 11

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 146
Active Confirmed Cases: 133
Active Probable Cases: 13

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 35
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 5

Cosmetology at UA Cossatot

2021 Reasons to Attend UA Cossatot in the Spring....Reason #1234.....Cosmetology!

The primary purpose of this course is to train the student in the basic manipulative skills, safety judgements, proper work habits, desirable attitudes, and appreciation necessary for positions as a Cosmetologist. Students will be trained in hygiene and sanitation (80 clock hours), related science (120 clock hours), physiotherapy, hairdressing (1000 clock hours), manicuring (100 clock hours), aesthetics (100 clock hours), salesmanship and shop management (50 clock hours), and shop deportment (50 clock hours). To find out more about our UAC Cosmetology Program, visit:

https://www.cccua.edu/prog.../skilled-and-technical-sciences

Cossatot Community College

UA Cossatot's Cosmetology Program is located on the back side of the Nashville Campus. The following services are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Walk-in customers are welcome. For appointments or more information, call 870-845-5976. UA Cossatot Cosmetology Service Menu All current UA Cossatot students receive half price on all services with a UAC Student I.D.

Samaritan Fields Update with Estaban Ochoa Thursday 12.03.20

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Thursday (12.03.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide an update to media regarding new CDC guidance on quarantine on Thursday, December 3, 2020 live at 1:30 p.m.

Governor Hutchinson Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Memory of Sgt. J.L. “Buck” Dancy

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has ordered the Arkansas and U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff in tribute to the memory of North Little Rock Police Sergeant J.L. “Buck” Dancy, 62, who died in the line of duty on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. The flag will fly at half-staff from today until sunset Tuesday, December 8, 2020, the day of his interment.

Governor Hutchinson released this statement:  

“I was sad to learn of the death of Sergeant J.L. “Buck” Dancy. He spent 35 years protecting the people of North Little Rock. He worked in many divisions in the North Little Rock Police Department.  Chief Tracy Roulston says that Sergeant Dancy was the rock of the investigative division. He wasn’t shy about his faith in God, and his faith guided his life. He was a father figure and a mentor to younger officers. His death is a great loss to the department and to the city. I offer my condolences to his family, friends, 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.

UA Cossatot Student Ambassadors Help with Cossatot River Basketball Game

Our UAC Student Ambassadors making a difference in our communities. Earlier this week, this group worked in the concession stand when Cossatot River High School hosted Murfreesboro for some basketball.

Sevier County December Library Snippets

Merry Christmas Y’all! We hope you all have safe travels and enjoy this Christmas season.

Our Annual Sweater Drive and Food for Fines in November was a success as always. Thank you to all who donated to help your community members. There will be lots of warm folks and full bellies for the holidays we hope.

Beginning December 1st your children will be able to write letters to Santa at the De Queen Library. Since we are not able to hold our 10th Annual Christmas Program due to COVID, we became creative. Area children can come in, receive a paper and envelope, write their letter to Santa, drop in our special mailbox and raise the flag. There is a trick to this so read carefully, your child’s name and address needs to be on the envelope in order to receive a reply from the north pole(wink).

The first 30 children that come in to fill out and mail their letter to Santa, will receive a craft to put together with Kelsie on December 16th during our Christmas virtual story time on facebook.com/seviercountylibrary.

Kelsie will have our regular scheduled virtual story time December 2nd she has got something good up her sleeve so you don’t want to miss it.

Ho Ho Ho and a big Merry Christmas from the Horatio Library. This year has been much different than the ones we have seen in the past. Unfortunately, Covid doesn’t care if its Christmas or not. Our priority has to be the safety of our patrons so we will not be having our annual Christmas Party. On December 12th, on our Facebook page, we will have our online Christmas Story and activities for you to do with your kids. Come by the library and check out our Christmas selection. We have DVD’S such as The Polar Express. Children’s books like How to Catch an Elf and The Dog Who Thought He was Santa. We have adult authors suchs as Diana Palmer, Shelly Shepherd Gray and Fern Michaels. We have Jingle all the Way by Debbie Macomber which is currently on the Bestseller List. We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and safe and Happy New Year. We pray for a much better 2021. We hope to see you soon. Call Amy for more information at 832-6882

Ms. Wendy and the Lockesburg Library wants their patrons to know that it has been a pleasure to provide you library services this year. We know that this probably won’t go down as your best holidays ever, but know that we are thinking of you and wishing you the best for the new year. Thank you for your support. For your convenience our book collection can be accessed at: https://evolveopac.infovisionsoftware.com/lockesburg

The Lockesburg Library is open Wednesdays, Thursdays 8:30-5:00 and Saturday mornings 8:30-12:30. Call Ms. Wendy for more information at 289-2233

Merry Christmas from the Gillham Library. Our Christmas Virtual Story will be December 12th on facebook.com/gillhamlibrary. Come and see us and check out a good book. Danielle Steel’s “All That Glitters”, David Baldacci’s “Daylight” or Michael Connelly’s “The Law of Innocence” just to name a few. We are adding great books and DVD’S all the time. We will have a display of good Christmas books for checkout in the month of December. Wishing everyone a Great Christmas!

Johnye Fisher

Head Librarian

Sevier County Library System

200 W Stilwell Ave

De Queen, AR. 71832

VIDEO: Thursday's Board Meeting of the New Sevier County Medical Center

Arkansas Epidemiologist Discusses Early Plans for Vaccine Distribution

At-risk health professionals in Arkansas will be first in line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine – even if they’ve already had the virus – while members of the broad general public might not start being vaccinated until April, according to state plans still being developed.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Jennifer Dillaha said in an interview Dec. 1 that frontline medical professionals who work with COVID-19 patients will be among those who receive the first vaccinations, which are expected to arrive this month. The vaccines will be administered to those individuals even if they have already recovered from COVID-19 because they are at higher risk and can be reinfected.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/12/arkansas-epidemiologist-discusses-early-plans-for-vaccine-distribution/

Arkansas epidemiologist discusses early plans for vaccine distribution - Talk Business & Politics

At-risk health professionals in Arkansas will be first in line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine - even if they've already had the virus - while members of the broad general public might not start being vaccinated until April, according to state plans still being developed. State Epidemiologist Dr. Jennifer Dillaha said in an interview Dec.

Efforts Underway To Help Arkansas Hospitals, Public Schools Amid Rising COVID Cases

With hospitalizations continuing to set new daily records, Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday discussed changes to the state’s trauma system to coordinate COVID-19 care, and efforts to expedite bringing teachers into the state’s beleaguered public schools.

The recent spikes in new known COVID-19 cases has put pressure on Arkansas hospitals. Between Nov. 2 and Nov. 30, total cases rose by 38.5%, deaths rose by 26%, known active cases were up 56%, hospitalizations rose by 54.5%, and ventilator use rose by 69%. Hospitalizations reached another daily record Tuesday of 1,074, up 11 from Monday, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). And of the 1,147 ICU beds statewide, only 72 were available, according to the ADH.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/efforts-underway-help-arkansas-hospitals-public-schools-amid-rising-covid-cases

Efforts Underway To Help Arkansas Hospitals, Public Schools Amid Rising COVID Cases

With hospitalizations continuing to set new daily records, Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday discussed changes to the state's trauma system to coordinate COVID-19 care, and efforts to expedite bringing teachers into the state's beleaguered public schools. The recent spikes in new known COVID-19 cases has put pressure on Arkansas hospitals.

Dicamba Debate Could Impact Crop Planning For 2021

The debate over the use of dicamba use continues to rage throughout the country and in the courtroom and it will soon affect crop planning for 2021.

The broad-spectrum herbicide, which was first developed and registered in the late 1960s, has been the foundation of several marketed weed control measures and, more recently, genetically modified seed technologies.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/dicamba-debate-could-impact-crop-planning-2021

Dicamba Debate Could Impact Crop Planning For 2021

The debate over the use of dicamba use continues to rage throughout the country and in the courtroom and it will soon affect crop planning for 2021. The broad-spectrum herbicide, which was first developed and registered in the late 1960s, has been the foundation of several marketed weed control measures and, more recently, genetically modified seed technologies.

Arkansas’ Gross Tax Revenue Up Almost 12% For The Fiscal Year

Gains in retail and vehicle sales, along with a shift in individual income tax payments, continue to show up in Arkansas tax revenue that beats estimates. For the first five fiscal months (July-November), gross revenue is up almost 12% compared with the same period in 2019.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration reported Wednesday that gross revenue for fiscal year-to-date is $3.092 billion, up 11.9% compared with the same period in 2019 and up 11% over the budget forecast.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-gross-tax-revenue-almost-12-fiscal-year

Arkansas' Gross Tax Revenue Up Almost 12% For The Fiscal Year

Gains in retail and vehicle sales, along with a shift in individual income tax payments, continue to show up in Arkansas tax revenue that beats estimates. For the first five fiscal months (July-November), gross revenue is up almost 12% compared with the same period in 2019.

Arkansas Health Secretary Updates Legislators on COVID-19 Vaccine EUA, Distribution

Arkansas Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero, who is also the chair of the CDC's national Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, went before state legislators Monday to discuss the latest developments in the race to distribute the first of what are likely to be several COVID-19 vaccines. To watch the full Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee meeting, click here.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-health-secretary-updates-legislators-covid-19-vaccine-eua-distribution

Arkansas Health Secretary Updates Legislators on COVID-19 Vaccine EUA, Distribution

Arkansas Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero, who is also the chair of the CDC's national Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, went before state legislators Monday to discuss the latest developments in the race to distribute the first of what are likely to be several COVID-19 vaccines.

Arkansas's COVID-19 Hospitalizations, Cases Set Records in November

COVID-19 cases and deaths rose significantly in Arkansas during the month of November. According to reporters from ArkansasCOVID.com, the top 10 days with the most new cases were all reported in November. More than 45,000 total cases were reported that months alone, which is a 63 percent increase over October.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansass-covid-19-hospitalizations-cases-set-records-november

Arkansas's COVID-19 Hospitalizations, Cases Set Records in November

COVID-19 cases and deaths rose significantly in Arkansas during the month of November. According to reporters from ArkansasCOVID.com, the top 10 days with the most new cases were all reported in November. More than 45,000 total cases were reported that months alone, which is a 63 percent increase over October.

Thursday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,751
Confirmed Cases: 1,422
Probable Cases: 329
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 39

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 841
Confirmed Cases: 670
Probable Cases: 171
Total Active Cases: 48
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 31

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 656
Confirmed Cases: 554
Probable Cases: 102
Total Active Cases: 35
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 849
Confirmed Cases: 786
Probable Cases: 63
Total Active Cases: 148
Active Confirmed Cases: 139
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 397
Confirmed Cases: 358
Probable Cases: 39
Total Active Cases: 34
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 6

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 2,212 new cases; 16,378 active cases; 1,088 hospitalized, which is up 14 from Tuesday; 186 on ventilators, which is down 9 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 10, for a total of 2,522; a total of 161,521 cases; 125,975 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,095; antigen tests, 2,764.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 258; Benton, 166; Washington, 158; Craighead, 119; and Faulkner, 84.

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

“I expected the return to higher case numbers today, and all indications are that the number will continue to be high through the week. With COVID-19 virus in every area of the state (and nation), we need to double our efforts to follow public health guidelines.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers: