Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.
Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 76
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 45
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 59
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 22
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 62
Active Probable Cases: 12
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 136
Active Confirmed Cases: 116
Active Probable Cases: 20
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 91
Active Confirmed Cases: 51
Active Probable Cases: 40
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 1,306 new cases; 23,057 active cases; 1,296 hospitalized, which is up 62 from Sunday; 212 on ventilators, which is up 18 from Sunday; deaths added today, 51, for a total of 3,800; a total of 234,781 cases; 173,995 recoveries; PCR tests, 4,473; antigen tests, 439.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 206; Washington, 151; Benton, 117; Faulkner, 96; and Sebastian, 61.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"Today’s increase in hospitalizations and the 51 new deaths from COVID-19 are vivid reminders of how many families are hurting because of this pandemic. Our health care system is stretched and the numbers are likely to increase more. Thanks to all who are doing everything they can to be safe."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
UA Cossatot’s Spring 2021 Semester Will Begin on Monday, January 11, 2021
UA Cossatot will be starting a new spring semester on Monday, January 11, 2021. Classes will be offered in-class and online at the college’s four campuses, located in Ashdown, Nashville, De Queen, and Lockesburg. Open enrollment for the spring 2021 semester is still taking place, and the deadline to register for spring classes is Monday, January 11, 2021.
Courses in general studies, education, cosmetology, English, biology, business, history, welding, fine arts, and medical assisting will be available this spring semester at UA Cossatot, to name a few. Advisors at UA Cossatot are always happy to speak with students interested in taking college courses as well as students seeking different types of education.
Many classes are offered for the full 16-week spring semester, while several flex courses are available in an 8-week format. Students who want to take a college class can sign up for a flex course and finish faster. The Flex I term for the spring will begin on January 11, 2021 and end on March 5, 2021. The Flex II term for the spring will begin on March 8, 2021 and end on May 6, 2021.
The complete list of class schedules for the spring 2021 semester is listed on UA Cossatot’s website at www.cccua.edu/enroll. UA Cossatot’s Student Services department will continue to enroll students in spring courses until Monday, January 11, 2021. For advising or to register, please contact Student Services at studentservices@cccua.edu or 870-584-4471. Walk-ins are always welcome and can visit with Student Services Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
COVID-19 Vaccination Phased Plan
Monday COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 89
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 53
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 61
Active Confirmed Cases: 42
Active Probable Cases: 19
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 86
Active Confirmed Cases: 70
Active Probable Cases: 16
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 138
Active Confirmed Cases: 114
Active Probable Cases: 24
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 98
Active Confirmed Cases: 54
Active Probable Cases: 44
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
While we prepare to enter a new year and begin the 2021 Regular Session, we want to take a moment to review what has been taking place at the State Capitol in 2020. Some of the work accomplished in 2020 lays the foundation for future legislation.
In April, the House convened for an Extraordinary Session to address the urgent funding needs in our state created by the COVID-19 crisis. The legislation passed created the COVID-19 Rainy Day Fund by redirecting surplus funds. The fund helped to purchase ventilators and PPE for state hospitals. It also assisted agencies facing cuts due to a revised economic forecast for Fiscal Year 2020. The legislation also made it possible to extend the state tax deadline to July 15.
During the 2020 Fiscal Session, the Arkansas General Assembly passed a balanced budget prioritizing $5.9 billion in spending for the fiscal year. The House convened at the UALR Jack Stephens Center for the Extraordinary and the Fiscal Sessions to provide additional space for social distancing.
The House and Senate Education Committees spent this year working with the consulting firm Augenblick, Palaich and Associates to complete the state's first comprehensive study of public school funding since 2003.
The consultants made several recommendations, including revisiting current incentives to increase the number of highly qualified teachers serving students at high-need schools and small schools. Another recommendation is to conduct a larger-scale study every 6-10 years to focus on districts with specific challenges. These recommendations will be considered in the 2021 Regular Session.
The House Aging, Children and Youth, and Legislative Affairs Committee met jointly with the Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee at various locations across the state to hear concerns from veterans and agencies that provide services to veterans. After hearing testimony, the committees proposed the following recommendations:
· Develop a grant system and increase funding for non-profits that directly assist veterans;
· Increase staffing for the Department of Health Injury and Violence/Suicide Prevention Program and the Suicide Prevention Hotline; and
· Create a Veterans’ Advocacy Board.
The Arkansas Legislative Council provided oversight for all CARES Act funding distributed in Arkansas.
Members approved requests to direct a portion of those funds for grants to assist struggling business owners and bonus pay for front line workers. Other CARES Act expenditures approved included funds to the Department of Health for testing and supplies to aid in contact tracing. And since more Arkansans were relying on the internet, House and Senate leadership requested a transfer of $100 million of CARES Act funding to the Arkansas Rural Connect Program (ARC). The Arkansas Legislative Council ultimately approved the measure.
We, like many of you, are looking forward to a promising new year. The 2021 Regular Session begins on January 11. Every committee meeting and floor session will be live-streamed and archived at www.arkansashouse.org.
Lockesburg Man Killed While Repairing Truck
Arkansas State Police investigated an accident where a Lockesburg man was killed while trying to repair his truck. Torey L. Piggee, 44, of Lockesburg was killed Wednesday in Texarkana while attempting to repair his 2009 Freightliner. The vehicle rolled over Piggee. He was taken to the Miller County Coroner’s Office.
Sunday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,101
Confirmed Cases: 1,561
Probable Cases: 540
Total Active Cases: 91
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 56
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,119
Confirmed Cases: 817
Probable Cases: 302
Total Active Cases: 59
Active Confirmed Cases: 40
Active Probable Cases: 19
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 838
Confirmed Cases: 681
Probable Cases: 157
Total Active Cases: 90
Active Confirmed Cases: 73
Active Probable Cases: 17
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,283
Confirmed Cases: 1,133
Probable Cases: 150
Total Active Cases: 138
Active Confirmed Cases: 110
Active Probable Cases: 28
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 703
Confirmed Cases: 558
Probable Cases: 145
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 54
Active Probable Cases: 45
January Snippets from the Sevier County Library System
JOHNYE FISHER
Happy New Year from the Ladies at the De Queen Library. We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and safe travels into the New Year. Thank you to Walmart and Pruett’s food for your donations for our Christmas for the Children this year.
As the old year passes and the New Year comes along, please take a moment to stop and think of the blessings you received even though the year 2020 was very different and hard on us all especially those who lost loved ones.
The De Queen Library is open normal business hours from 9am – 5pm Monday through Friday and Saturday 9am – 12pm. We still offer the same services and resources as we have in the past, even with COVID still lingering. Also you can look at the county card catalogs on our website www.seviercountylibrary.com to see what new and great items we have.
Our story times this month with be January 13th and 27th on our library Sevier County Library. I am sure Kelsie will have something fun planned
Hello everyone, we hope you had a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We are praying that 2021 is a much better year for us all. We have new books this month from Authors such as Jane Ann Krentz, Faye Kellerman, Danielle Steele, Jane Harper, Robert B. Parker and Lisa Gardner. James Patterson has a new kids book Middle School Field Trip coming in this month. Grinny Granny Donkey will also be in this month. This book is about Wonkey Donkeys mom and Dinkey Donkeys Grandmother. We will also be having three story times. They will be on January 2, 16 and 30 on our Facebook page. If you have any questions you can give us a call at the Horatio Library at 870-832-6882.
Lockesburg Library will be having a drive-up free book giveaway during the month of January. Some really great titles will be bagged and loaded into your waiting vehicle. No need to get out of your car just call 870-289-2233 and librarian, Wendy Clay will bring the bag of books to you curbside. The library is interested in identifying adult readers who would like to be a part of a virtual book club using a zoom Meeting Format. Call the library or email loxlib@hotmail.com to sign up.
The Lockesburg Library is open Wednesdays, Thursdays 8:30-5:00 and Saturday mornings 8:30-12:30. For your convenience our book collection can be accessed at: https://evolveopac.infovisionsoftware.com/lockesburg
From the Gillham Library Rhonda, Amy, Kelsie and Mr. Bob wish everyone a Happy New Year! We want to thank Pruett’s Food for the donation of apples and Oranges for the kids Christmas bags. We are all hoping for a better year in 2021 than 2020 has been. We have gotten in quite a few new DVD’S, “Bill and Ted Face the Music”, “Dark Waters,” and “Think Like a Dog.” We have the latest new books James Patterson’s “NYPD Red 2” and “Deadly Cross,” Danielle Steel’s “All That Glitters” and Michael Connelly’s “Law of Innocence” just to name a few. Come see us and grab a good movie or a great book.
New Years Eve COVID-19 Update
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 3,184 new cases; 21,853 active cases; 1,174 hospitalized, which is up 13 from Tuesday; 205 on ventilators, which is up 7 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 34, for a total of 3,637; a total of 222,430 cases; 166,198 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,843; antigen tests, 4,389.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 355; Washington, 290; Benton, 278; Faulkner, 150; and Sebastian, 134.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"We continue to see high numbers of new cases and capacity pressures on our hospitals. I urge everyone to be careful as we enter another holiday to reduce the virus spread, and we need to support each other as Arkansans while we work to distribute the vaccine."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,063
Confirmed Cases: 1,548
Probable Cases: 515
Total Active Cases: 92
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 57
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,097
Confirmed Cases: 797
Probable Cases: 300
Total Active Cases: 54
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 24
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 806
Confirmed Cases: 651
Probable Cases: 155
Total Active Cases: 76
Active Confirmed Cases: 60
Active Probable Cases: 16
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,243
Confirmed Cases: 1,103
Probable Cases: 140
Total Active Cases: 116
Active Confirmed Cases: 94
Active Probable Cases: 22
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 680
Confirmed Cases: 544
Probable Cases: 136
Total Active Cases: 114
Active Confirmed Cases: 64
Active Probable Cases: 50
The Arkansas Consumer Ranked as Top 2020 Statewide Business Story
by Talk Business & Politics staff
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant disruption to the national and state economies, but sales tax collections clearly show the Arkansas consumer was not scared away. Most economists say that federal stimulus checks and enhanced unemployment benefits helped prop up the consumer.
Following are the top five business stories as viewed by Talk Business & Politics.
https://talkbusiness.net/2020/12/the-arkansas-consumer-ranked-as-top-2020-statewide-business-story/
AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Duck Hunting: An Arkansas Tradition
LITTLE ROCK – Duck hunting is one of the great cultural traditions of Arkansas, and it also pumps a lot of money into our economy.
Stuttgart and Arkansas County are known as the duck-hunting capital of the world. Every Thanksgiving, Stuttgart hosts the Wings Over the Prairie Festival and the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest, which attract thousands of duck hunters. But duck hunting is special in hundreds of camps and bayous across the state, from Alicia to Des Arc to Dumas.
The late Pat Peacock of Stuttgart, the first woman to serve on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission when she was appointed to fill an unexpired term, was an avid duck hunter. She is the only woman to win the duck-calling contest twice.
Ann Marie Doramus, whom I appointed as the first woman to a full term on the Game and Fish Commission, was eight when she killed her first duck.
I come from the hill country of Arkansas. I love the hills. But there is a certain beauty of a cold-morning sunrise over flooded timber in the Delta as ducks are flying in that you don’t see in other parts of the state. When you see that greenhead mallard coming in, pulling its webbed feet up, ready to land, the beauty of that moment is unmatched.
One of my greatest joys as a father and grandfather has been to pass that tradition along to my sons, my son-in-law, and my grandchildren. My grandson had the thrill of taking his first banded duck last season.
My daughter loves to watch the dogs work. The beauty of those black labs as they retrieve the ducks is a scene you won’t see in the mountains.
Of course, you’ve got to follow up with the duck recipes. My family and friends love the jalapeno duck poppers that I make for the holidays.
Bryan Hendricks, the outdoors writer for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, captured the essence of duck hunting in a column he wrote in November.
“Stars mottle a moonless sky as a squad of duck hunters count the minutes to dawn. The temperature is in the low 40s, but the edge of a sharp breeze seeps through insulated layers of modern fabrics. It stings the cheeks, but it feels different in the dark woods than it does in a parking lot. It's a sensation that I have associated with duck hunting since I first felt it as a child.
“There's much huffing as over-clad bodies squeeze into neoprene waders. Shotgun actions open and close with metallic clanks. Duck calls on neck lanyards sound like plastic wind chimes as they collide with every move. It is the sound of duck season in Arkansas.”
Thanks, Bryan Hendricks, for sharing that memory with us.
One of the missions of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is to spread the word about the joys of duck hunting. We want a new generation of hunters to experience the thrill and learn to love the outdoors. Today, I’m doing my part.
Message from the Nashville Chamber of Commerce
We have received information that there is someone calling merchants trying to sell advertising on refrigerator magnets. They are saying that they have permission from the City of Nashville, the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, and the Howard County Library.
Be advised that the Nashville Chamber of Commerce has no knowledge of the company known as UAC trying to make these sales. PLEASE BE ON ALERT
Thanks,
Mike Reese
Chamber Director
Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 86
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 54
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 24
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 72
Active Confirmed Cases: 58
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 88
Active Confirmed Cases: 70
Active Probable Cases: 18
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 111
Active Confirmed Cases: 61
Active Probable Cases: 50
LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides Weekly COVID-19 Update Tuesday (12.29.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.
YEAREND: Busy 2020 in the Forest Industry, Oh, and There Is A Pandemic Too!
By Matthew Pelkki
MONTICELLO, Ark. — Even if you leave out the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the year 2020 was a busy one for Timber related news, both good and bad.
In the Arkansas forest products industries, industry expansions and investments included the Green Bay Packaging's Morrilton facility's virgin fiber project. After closing one paper facility in Crossett in 2019, Georgia-Pacific announced a 37-million-dollar investment in Crossett's remaining paper mill. Koppers, a wood treatment company, expanded its Little Rock operations. Resolute Forest Products acquired mills in El Dorado and Glenwood with plans to upgrade and expand each.
https://www.uaex.edu/media-resources/news/december2020/12-23-2020-UAM-YEAREND-Forestry%20.aspx
Extension Homemakers Provide Blankets for UAMS Patients
By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture
LITTLE ROCK — Normally, Santa visits patients at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences this time of year to personally deliver blankets donated by Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council clubs and other volunteers throughout the state. Santa could not visit due to the social distancing requirements, but Extension Homemakers still provided plenty of blankets for people spending the holidays in the hospital.
Extension Homemakers in Cleburne, Craighead, Crawford, Jackson, Jefferson, Hot Spring and Van Buren counties donated 342 blankets, helping the UAMS Auxiliary meet its goal of collecting 400 blankets for patients.
https://www.uaex.edu/media-resources/news/december2020/12-23-2020-Ark-AEHC-blankets.aspx
IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON — Sarah Payton, president of the Willing Workers of White Hall EHC Club, delivers blankets to UAMS Volunteer Services Coordinator Marcia Dunbar in Little Rock. (Division of Agriculture photo.)
State Economists: Resurgence Likely to Depend on Pace of Vaccine Vistribution, Extent of Federal Help
by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)
Modeling 2021 economic conditions may be akin to trying to hit a satellite with a BB gun. The virus is expected to rage well into the year, even with vaccines. Some dramatic changes in consumer and worker behavior could become trends. An additional federal stimulus may be stimulative. Or not. Add to all that the entry of a new U.S. president.
Good luck hitting the satellite, and don’t put your eye out with that thing.
Michael Pakko, chief economist and state economic forecaster at the Arkansas Economic Development Institute at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, addresses the point of unusual uncertainty with any 2021 financial analysis.
COVID-19 Update for Tuesday, December 29th
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,031
Confirmed Cases: 1,541
Probable Cases: 490
Total Active Cases: 81
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 44
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,073
Confirmed Cases: 788
Probable Cases: 285
Total Active Cases: 55
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 25
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 780
Confirmed Cases: 632
Probable Cases: 148
Total Active Cases: 57
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 10
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,186
Confirmed Cases: 1,059
Probable Cases: 127
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 66
Active Probable Cases: 12
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 652
Confirmed Cases: 525
Probable Cases: 127
Total Active Cases: 108
Active Confirmed Cases: 58
Active Probable Cases: 50
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 1,651 new cases; 20,831 active cases; 1,155 hospitalized, which is up 62 from Sunday; 201 on ventilators, which is up 15 from Sunday; deaths added today, 55, for a total of 3,537; a total of 216,528 cases; 162,787 recoveries; PCR tests, 4,382; antigen tests, 2,272.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 266; Benton, 139; Washington, 131; Faulkner, 110; and Saline, 91.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"It will take a few days to know whether the increase in hospitalizations is the result of buildup after the long Christmas weekend. Regardless, the high number of cases continues to strain our health care system. Regretfully, we also have an additional 55 deaths in Arkansas from COVID-19. The importance of following guidance from the Department of Health cannot be overstated."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Parade Participants Donate Winnings to Local Group in Need
DE QUEEN--Two local groups who participated in the De Queen Tour of Lights earlier this month made the holidays brighter for those in need this season as they opted to donate prize money earned in the float contest.
The De Queen Tour of Lights was a reverse style parade held Saturday December 5th at Herman Dierks Park in place of the annual event traditionally set for the square downtown. Local groups were asked to set up a display that would be evaluated by judges and the community was encouraged to view the floats from the safety their vehicles to avoid the spread of COVID-19. The top 3 winners of each category receive prize money from the local chamber of commerce in the amount of $100 for 1st place, $75 for 2nd and $50 for 3rd.
The folks of Kindred at Home - Home Health and Community Care services were contacted by The De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce this week about receiving their winnings after their grinch-themed set-up earned them a first place spot in the commercial category. Home Health Specialist Debra Morse had other plans for the money as she requested their $100 prize be donated to a local charity of the chamber’s choice instead. An additional parade participant, who asked to remain anonymous, requested that their $75 prize be donated to a local group in need as well. The two organizations who chose to give back to the De Queen community are not affiliated with each other and did not discuss the idea of donating in advance, proving two random acts of kindness were carried out by separate groups who unknowingly had one common goal of helping those in need.
As many area “shop with a cop” and “Angel tree” programs have already been completed for the year, the Chamber Board of Directors selected CASA of The Ouachita Region to become the recipient of these funds, which will now be used to help children during the holidays. CASA is an acronym for “Court Appointed Special Advocates” and their mission is to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children within the court system. Cynthia Martin and Espe Mosqueda graciously accepted the donation on the organization’s behalf and reported that support like this is “always appreciated.”
The funds will go towards clothing, gifts, and items for local children in the foster care system within Sevier, Polk and Montgomery Counties.
As the busy holiday season continues and the cold winter months roll on, the De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce would like to express thanks to the groups who have chosen to donate their prize money to help local kids this time of year.
CASA of The Ouachita Region is always in need of volunteers and those interested in supporting the group can call 479-243-9277. They can also be reached by email at casaouachita71953@gmail.com