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FRIENDS Foundation Established for Sevier County

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Sevier County Economic Development Director Tiffany Maurer has announced that a foundation has been created to benefit Sevier County. The foundation is called FRIENDS, and it recently became an official 501 (c) (3) with the IRS allowing donors to receive tax credits. This foundation aims for funds to be raised from donations to assist Sevier County and its residents in cultivating and completing economic development projects and activities.

FRIENDS stands for Funding Retention and Increasing Efforts for Notable Economic Development in Sevier County. It was created last year with citizens of Sevier County in mind. Anyone who donates a minimum of $100 automatically becomes a member of the FRIENDS Foundation and funds raised will help Sevier County grow financially while also providing the Sevier County Economic Development department with the opportunity to receive money for business development, training, advertising, and assistance with projects to benefit Sevier County residents. The foundation will look for projects within opportunity zones while keeping site selection, business retention, and training efforts in mind to help with business development.

The annual FRIENDS Foundation meeting for 2021 will take place at the Herman Dierks Park Community Building in De Queen on Friday, February 5, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. The meeting is open to the public.

Topics to be discussed at the meeting will include future projects, funding progress toward the annual budget, and potential projects to establish the Sevier County Opportunity Zone Investment Fund. Masks will be required, and social distancing will be encouraged.

For questions on becoming a FRIENDS member or to RSVP for the FRIENDS Foundation’s annual meeting, please contact Sevier County Economic Development Director Tiffany Maurer at tmaurer@cccua.edu or 870-584-1184

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Governor Announces Ready for Life Initiative To Enhance Workforce, Improve Link With Employers

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LITTLE ROCK – Ready for Life, an initiative for those who want to improve their skills or change careers as well as gather career and employment data from business and industry, will strengthen the state’s workforce and offer business leaders better information about the state’s talent pool, Governor Asa Hutchinson said at a press conference today.

“This initiative combines a gold mine of information about educational and employment opportunities that will make it easier for Arkansans to enhance their education or to change careers even,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Ready for Life will make it easier for employees and employers to find each other, and it will offer business leaders a quick snapshot of the state of the employee pool in Arkansas as they recruit talent.”

Governor Hutchinson has allocated $14.7 million in federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Funds in support of Ready for Life, which is a partnership with the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the Division of Workforce Services, K-12, and Institutions of Higher Education. 

The website is www.ReadyForLife.arkansas.gov.

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Howard County 4-H BBQ Bowl Cancelled for 2021

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SPECIAL NEWS RELEASE
Jean A. Ince
County Extension Agent-
Staff Chair
January 6, 2021

The Howard County 4-H Foundation has made the decision to cancel this year’s 4-H BBQ Bowl due to Covid-19 concerns. Plans are to resume the BBQ Bowl in 2022.

The 4-H BBQ Bowl is the major fundraiser of the Howard County 4-H Foundation. These funds help support Howard County 4-H youth at local, district, state and national educational activities and events.

The Howard County 4-H Foundation would like to thank all those who have supported this fundraiser in the past: Tyson Foods, Cash Savers, Southwest Arkansas Radio, Nashville News Leader, local businesses who donated the use of their cookers including Pilgrims, Nashville Family Dentistry, Farm Bureau, Farm Credit, Nashville FFA, Diamond Bank, Reliable Poultry and numerous individuals. We would also like to thank those volunteers who donated their time to cook the meat and to those who have purchased ribs or Cornish hens to support 4-H youth. We hope to see you again in 2022!

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Need Help with Energy Bills?

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The 15 community action agencies across Arkansas have started taking applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps low income households with energy bills. There will likely be more applications than usual because many more people are struggling financially during the pandemic.

Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little, River, Nevada, and Sevier County assistance programs:

Get applications to the following services. Rent help, government cash assistance, foreclosure prevention, free food pantries and programs; medical or dental care and more. The churches in counties including Sevier or Hempstead County region, charities, non-profits in Lafayette County and government assistance programs help low income families. They also give free cars or clothes, prescription medications, school supplies, Christmas presents and help families reduce their debts.

The non-profit community action agency Southwest Arkansas Development Council, Inc. provides a number of services to low income families and the working poor. Some of the other main beneficiaries include senior citizens, the disabled, and families with young children.

https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/hempstead__howard__lafayette__.html

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Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 67
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 28

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 50
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 70
Active Confirmed Cases: 55
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 151
Active Confirmed Cases: 127
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Confirmed Cases: 49
Active Probable Cases: 25

 
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Governor Hutchinson Appoints Colonel Robert Ator to Coordinate Arkansas’s Vaccine Distribution Program

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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has appointed a member of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to implement and coordinate the COVID-19 vaccine distribution program in Arkansas.

As program manager for the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment, Colonel Robert Ator will serve as project manager for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. He will manage the logistics related to vaccine distribution and serve as liaison to other state agencies to assist with sharing information and data collection.

Colonel Ator, a retired Air Force Wing Commander, serves as the director of Military Affairs in the Arkansas Department of Commerce. His military logistics and supply-chain experience uniquely equip him for this task, Governor Hutchinson said today in announcing the appointment.

“Colonel Ator is the right person for this urgent mission,” Governor Hutchinson said. “As wing commander, he oversaw more than a thousand airmen along with planes and equipment worth more than $2 billion. C-130 cargo planes often are involved in humanitarian missions, and there is no more pressing humanitarian need than getting this vaccine to Arkansas citizens.”

During Colonel Ator’s command, the 189th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base was the largest C-130 wing in the Air National Guard. They provided aircrew combat airlift training for the US military services and foreign allies. The wing also prepared airmen for combat deployment and for state duty following disasters or during domestic emergencies, such as the current pandemic.  

Colonel Ator and his wife, Michelle, live in Little Rock. Their son is a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force, and their daughter is a freshman at the University of Colorado.

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

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,183
Confirmed Cases: 1,592
Probable Cases: 591
Total Active Cases: 63
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 31

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,196
Confirmed Cases: 847
Probable Cases: 349
Total Active Cases: 50
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 18

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 901
Confirmed Cases: 726
Probable Cases: 175
Total Active Cases: 69
Active Confirmed Cases: 58
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,442
Confirmed Cases: 1,262
Probable Cases: 180
Total Active Cases: 155
Active Confirmed Cases: 130
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 785
Confirmed Cases: 622
Probable Cases: 163
Total Active Cases: 73
Active Confirmed Cases: 50
Active Probable Cases: 23

 

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 1,268 new cases; 25,534 active cases; 1,371 hospitalized, which is up 31 from Sunday; 268 on ventilators, which is up 31 from Sunday; deaths added today, 38, for a total of 4,081; a total of 256,344 cases; 187,194 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,302; antigen tests, 1,464.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 154; Washington, 149; Pulaski, 146; Sebastian, 86; and Garland, 69.

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

"Today's report of 31 additional hospitalizations will add to the load of our health care workers. The better news is the new cases are starting to slow somewhat. Let's work toward a true downward trend."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

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All Arkansas Ag Sectors Hurt by COVID-19 Pandemic; Impacts May Continue into 2021

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by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

The agriculture sector in Arkansas has faced many brutal challenges in recent years before the COVID-19 pandemic enveloped the world. Relatively low commodity prices fueled by a more than two-year long trade war with China, increasing input costs, and unpredictable weather patterns have hampered farmers as the new decade has unfolded.

The $21 billion sector is the largest industry in Arkansas and it directly and indirectly provides thousands of jobs.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/01/all-arkansas-ag-sectors-hurt-by-covid-19-pandemic-impacts-may-continue-into-2021/

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Arkansas Legislature Practices COVID-19 Protective Procedures

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By JACQUELINE FROELICH

The 93rd Arkansas General Assembly convenes today with lawmakers, staff, lobbyists and the public required to observe strict COVID-19 protective procedures. Incoming Senate President Pro Tem Jimmy Hickey, R-Texarkana, walks us through the new pandemic rules.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-legislature-practices-covid-19-protective-procedures

Incoming Arkansas Senate Pro Tem Jimmy Hickey worked with state leaders to craft COVID-19 guidelines for the regular legislative session.COURTESY / ARKANSAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Incoming Arkansas Senate Pro Tem Jimmy Hickey worked with state leaders to craft COVID-19 guidelines for the regular legislative session.

COURTESY / ARKANSAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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COVID-19 Maps and Numbers for Monday

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,179
Confirmed Cases: 1,592
Probable Cases: 587
Total Active Cases: 77
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 38

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,194
Confirmed Cases: 846
Probable Cases: 348
Total Active Cases: 59
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 899
Confirmed Cases: 726
Probable Cases: 173
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Confirmed Cases: 64
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,439
Confirmed Cases: 1,259
Probable Cases: 180
Total Active Cases: 170
Active Confirmed Cases: 143
Active Probable Cases: 27

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 778
Confirmed Cases: 616
Probable Cases: 162
Total Active Cases: 77
Active Confirmed Cases: 53
Active Probable Cases: 24

 
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Winter Weather Advisory for SW AR, SE OK and NE TX Sunday Night and Monday

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...Accumulating snowfall will be possible across portions of the
area this evening through Monday morning...

.A strong winter storm will be moving through the region today
and continue into Monday morning. Rain during the day today will
transition to all snow or a wintry mix this evening and continue
into early monday morning. Accumulating snow will be possible
across the entire area with the greatest amounts across portions
of north central and northwest Louisiana, south central Arkansas
and east and northeast Texas.

ARZ050-051-059>061-070>072-LAZ020-022-OKZ077-TXZ096-097-108>112-
101700-
/O.NEW.KSHV.WW.Y.0001.210110T2000Z-210111T1400Z/
Sevier-Howard-Little River-Hempstead-Nevada-Miller-Lafayette-
Columbia-Grant-La Salle-McCurtain-Red River-Bowie-Franklin-Titus-
Camp-Morris-Cass-
Including the cities of De Queen, Nashville, Mineral Springs,
Dierks, Ashdown, Hope, Prescott, Texarkana, Stamps, Lewisville,
Bradley, Magnolia, Colfax, Montgomery, Dry Prong, Jena, Midway,
Olla, Idabel, Broken Bow, Clarksville, Bogata, Mount Vernon,
Mount Pleasant, Pittsburg, Daingerfield, Lone Star, Naples,
Omaha, Atlanta, Linden, Hughes Springs, and Queen City
255 AM CST Sun Jan 10 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
8 AM CST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of
  up to two inches possible.

* WHERE...Portions of north central Louisiana, southeast
  Oklahoma, southwest Arkansas and northeast Texas.

* WHEN...From 2 PM this afternoon to 8 AM CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Difficult travel conditions are possible as roads may
  become slick, especially on bridges and elevated roadways. The
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
A strong winter storm will move into the region this afternoon
bringing widespread snow to the area during the evening through
Monday morning. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for this time
period. Snow accumulations 2 to 4 inches will be possible through
Monday morning. The potential for icing on bridges, overpasses
and elevated roadways will be of most concern by the Monday
morning commute as the air temperature will be below freezing.

Conditions will improve across the area by Monday afternoon.
Highs temperatures will approach near 40 degrees allowing for some
melting to occur. Areas that get the higher amounts of snow will
possibly see some refreezing Monday night into Tuesday morning.
Exercise caution on Tuesday morning due to the potential for slick
spots, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Winter Weather Advisory
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Sunday's COVID-19 Update

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 42

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

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 84
Active Confirmed Cases: 67
Active Probable Cases: 17

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 173
Active Confirmed Cases: 143
Active Probable Cases: 30

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 54
Active Probable Cases: 28

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Saturday COVID-19 Update

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COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 51

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 68
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 30

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 84
Active Confirmed Cases: 66
Active Probable Cases: 18

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 161
Active Confirmed Cases: 130
Active Probable Cases: 31

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 75
Active Confirmed Cases: 49
Active Probable Cases: 26

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AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Vigilance and the Vaccine

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LITTLE ROCK – We’re almost a month into our COVID-19 immunization program, and today I’d like to emphasize the importance of Arkansans taking one of the two approved vaccines so that we can stop the coronavirus and get back to our lives.

The vaccines are the most important tool in our fight against COVID. The masking, the social distancing, and the hand washing continue to be important, but they are placeholders while researchers developed a vaccine. The vaccine is our big gun, and if people participate widely, the number of cases will decline.

In Phase 1-A, we have received 194,000 doses of the vaccine to date, and we have administered nearly 59,000 to health care workers, long-term care facility residents and staff.  EMS and law-enforcement officers and firefighters have also been included as first-responders. We hope to inoculate all of the 180,000 people in Phase 1-A by January 30.

Phase 1-B, which we plan to start in February, includes people who are at least 70 years of age, teachers and school staff, food and agricultural workers, firefighters and law enforcement that were not included in 1-A. It will also include manufacturing workers, grocery store employees, public transportation workers, child care workers, and essential workers in government, including legislators.

Phase 1-C will include people at least 65 years of age, people ages 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions, and a number of other categories. From transportation and logistics workers, waste and wastewater employees, food-service workers, shelter and housing employees, and those in finance.  It will also include IT and communications employees, media, public safety, and public health workers. Phases 2 and 3 will round out the vaccination program.

Some people are reluctant to take the vaccine, and I understand that. Members of the black community have historically distrusted vaccines, but African Americans are disproportionately impacted by COVID, so it is all the more important that they have the vaccine.

Keith Jackson, a championship football player at Parkview High School, the University of Oklahoma, and in the NFL, has devoted his life after football to improving life for kids in Central Arkansas. He founded Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids, or P.A.R.K. He knows that the COVID shot is important, which is why he will roll up his sleeve when it’s his turn.

Joe Booker, star of the Broadway Joe Morning Show, is encouraging his listeners to take the vaccine as well. He has made a public service announcement for the Arkansas Department of Health.

“For me, getting the vaccine is the right choice because I love my family,” he says. “I love my wife, my children. I would do anything to keep them all safe. Right now, the best thing I can do is to commit to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. For those of you who are unsure about getting the vaccine, I urge you to think about your loved ones. Many of you may have underlying health conditions or be at a higher risk of contracting the virus. I know keeping them safe is a high priority to you, just as it is to me.” 

Thank you, Broadway Joe.

I also have confidence in the vaccine myself.  The First Lady and I will be taking the vaccine when it is our turn. I hope you will also.