Bill Prohibiting Teaching Certain Ideas On Racism Passes Arkansas House

By SARAH KELLOGG

The Arkansas House has voted to advance a bill that would prohibit public schools, as well as open enrollment charter schools in the state, from teaching certain aspects about racism.

By a vote of 63-13, representatives passed House Bill 1761. Under the legislation, schools would be unable to teach anything that falls under a list of five ideas. Those ideas include: that any individual from a particular race or ethnicity is inherently racists, or that any race or ethnicity should “feel guilt or shame” due to their race or ethnicity.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/bill-prohibiting-teaching-certain-ideas-racism-passes-arkansas-house

Rep. Mark Lowery, R-Maumelle, presents House Bill 1761 to the House floor

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Friday COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 1

In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 161 new cases; 1,923 active cases; 171 hospitalized, which is down 4 from Wednesday; 22 on ventilators, which is down 2 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 3, for a total of 5,711; a total of 334,222 cases; PCR tests, 4,672; antigen tests, 965.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 22; Benton, 13; and Craighead and Faulkner with 9 each.

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

“Today's report shows a decline in new cases compared to last week and a slight decrease in active cases from yesterday. As we vaccinated the 1 millionth Arkansan today, around one-third of our population has received at least one dose. These are good numbers, but we can do better. Do your part by getting your vaccine as soon as possible.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Aerial Photos of New Sevier County Medical Center Construction Site

Photos Courtesy of Monte Bartek

VIDEO: Summer and Fall Technical Programs Registration Underway at UA Cossatot

Registration for summer and fall classes is underway at UA Cossatot. We offer a wide range of technical programs at UAC including automotive technology, diesel technology, and welding. For our complete catalog of classes, visit: www.cccua.edu

Horatio FFA Livestock Judging Team Crowned Arkansas State Champions

The Livestock team evaluates and ranks cattle, hogs, sheep, and goats. They study Expected progeny differences or EPDS and use them in a given scenario to choose the best animals to keep as breeding pieces on their farms. Then they stand before strangers and articulate from memory the reasons that they made their choices. This team attends many summer camps and travels countless miles in the spring attending practice contests in Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas and Arkansas. This year looked a little different as they sat in the classroom and looked at stock virtually more than any of them wanted too. But their tenacious work paid big dividends as they were named the 2021 State Champions. They were second in the virtual state qualifying contest that took them to state for eighth year in a row. Our livestock team members were: Gabbi Litchford, Raylee VanVoast, Madison Bagley, Hunter Frachiseur, Megan Midgett, Blake Sawyer and coach Nicki Litchford. Madison, Gabbi, Hunter and Raylee went on to mark as the senior team at the state contest where Madison Bagley was 2nd high individual, Hunter Frachiseur was 4th high, Raylee VanVoast was 15th, and Gabbi Litchford was 19th. They will compete in the National Competition this Fall.

Daily Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught

With a vote of 82-9, the House voted in favor of SJR10. This is a proposed constitutional amendment which, if approved by voters, would allow the General Assembly to call a special session upon the submission of a written proclamation with signatures from at least 2/3 of both the House and Senate membership. Currently, only the Governor can call for a special session.

The House also voted in favor of HR1048. This resolution would allow the House to consider a third proposed constitutional amendment, SJR14, the Arkansas Religious Freedom Amendment.

The House also passed the following bills on Thursday:

HB1926-This bill defines virtual currency under Arkansas Code. It also defines rights of ownership and the process for adverse claims against the currency.

HB1944-This bill provides definitions of advanced plastic recycling technologies in an effort to help facilitate the growth and investment of these facilities.

SB181-This bill amends the Sales Tax Holiday to exempt certain electronic devices from sales tax during the first weekend in August.

SB513-This bill amends the law concerning the suspension or revocation of a person’s driver’s license for failure to pay a fine or failure to appear. This would allow judges to restrict a license rather than suspend to allow the defendant to drive for essential purposes.

The House will convene on Monday at 1 pm.

Nursing Assistant Training Program at UA Cossatot in Nashville

Upcoming Continuing Education Classes at UA Cossatot include:

Nursing Assistant Training Program

This 90-hour training combines classroom instruction, lab activities, and supervised practical training in a nursing facility. It prepares students for all aspects of nursing assisting. Successful completers receive a certificate, and are eligible to take the state competency exam. $645, plus books

CED 5004 01 202Q

Register by: May 7

Date: May 17 - June 22

(Mondays - Thursdays)

Time: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Location: Nashville

Instructor: Melba Hess

16 hours of clinical training will be conducted in a long term care facility within the UA Cossatot service area.

UA Cossatot Receives NSF ATE Grant

UA Cossatot is the recipient of a National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant for its "GIS-Skilled Technicians in Agriculture-Related Sciences (GSTARS)" proposal within the College's Agriculture and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs. The primary goal of the GSTARS project is to design and implement a curriculum that meets the region’s need for technician-level GIS skills in agriculture and related science industries. The $299,635 grant will create pathways for future GIS Technicians to enter the local workforce.

The National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education program supports the development of innovative approaches for educating highly skilled technicians for the industries that drive the nation’s economy. The program involves partnerships between academic institutions and industry to promote improvement in the education of science and engineering technicians at the undergraduate and secondary institution school levels.

The GSTARS program will include the integration of GIS skills into existing agriculture and science courses, the creation of a new course (Introduction to GIS in Agriculture) within the agriculture department, and the addition of a Certification of Proficiency in GIS Technology through the agriculture program. Students will use applications of analysis of spatial data using ESRI’s ArcGIS tools in data collection, remote sensing, map design, and spatial analysis.

The GSTARS team includes agriculture faculty and primary investigator (PI), Kelli Harris; co-PI’s Robert Guillory, science faculty, and, Crystal Sims, Chair of the Division of General Education; and external

evaluators, The New Growth Group. New Growth is an evaluation and analytics firm based in Cleveland, Ohio, specializing in workforce development. Several industry representatives will also serve on the program's advisory board to assist in curriculum development and provide important career insight to students enrolled in this program. Some of the local employers represented on the board include Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Arkansas Forestry Division.

“This grant will offer an innovative pathway for students pursuing careers in agriculture and science, and it will provide valuable skills in emerging technology. These skills are crucial to the success of our students and our economy. We are excited to help these students achieve their dreams and support a vibrant, high-tech workforce in southwest Arkansas" said GSTARS team leader and agriculture faculty, Kelli Harris.

Funding will begin in July 2021 and will enable the UA Cossatot team to receive training and develop GIS curriculum that will include exploring mapped data; learning to utilize remote sensing technologies; recording, analyzing, and presenting spatial data using GIS analysis tools from ESRI ArcGIS; and creating maps, images and apps to communicate spatial data. As a step towards diversifying the workforce, UA Cossatot’s collaboration with the public schools will place special emphasis on recruiting underrepresented minority students in skilled technician positions.

To learn more about this grant, contact kharris@cccua.edu. ###

Thursday COVID-19 Active Cases Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 1

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 352 new cases; 1,943 active cases; 175 hospitalized, which is down 2 from Tuesday; 24 on ventilators, which is unchanged from Tuesday; deaths added today, 2, for a total of 5,708; a total of 334,061cases; PCR tests, 4,150; antigen tests, 1,028.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 44; Benton, 43; and Pulaski, 39.

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

“The increase in new cases from today's report is a serious reminder of the importance to get vaccinated. It is also a reminder that the virus is still here along with the more contagious variants. Our best defense is the vaccine. We have plenty of doses available, so if you're 16 and older, schedule your appointment today.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

LIVE VIDEO: Governor Asa Hutchinson Commemorates 1 Millionth Arkansan to be Vaccinated Thursday (04.22.21) 11AM

Governor Asa Hutchinson will commemorate the 1 millionth person to be vaccinated in Arkansas at the Department of Health on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 11 a.m.

FRIENDS Board of Directors Meeting

Perla Zapata - De Queen Lions Club Student of the Month

Perla Zapata, a senior at De Queen High, was awarded De Queen Lions Club Student of the Month in Tuesday’s noon meeting. Perla is a member of the National Honor Society, the FCCLA, Gifted & Talented, Spanish Club, Young Voters, Tennis Team, Basketball Team, and Soccer Team. Perla attended the FCCLA National Conference in Atlanta, GA and received a gold medal for a group project. She was a senior maid at De Queen Homecoming this year and was voted Miss Congeniality and People’s Choice at the De Queen High School Pageant. She is president of the Student Council and will be an honor graduate this year at De Queen High. Perla plans to attend UCA and has been accepted in the University Scholars Program.

VIDEO: Christy McCullough New Executive Director of De Queen/Sevier County Chamber

Introducing the new Executive Director of the De Queen / Sevier County Chamber of Commerce, Christy McCullough. Christy and Chamber President Callie Miller came by our Ed 88 studios in De Queen this morning for a quick visit!

Freeze Expected Overnight in Northern and Western Sections of Arkansas; Frost Area-wide

A freeze is likely in northern and western Arkansas Wednesday morning, with areas of frost across much of the state. Prepare your plants and pets for the cold conditions!

Daily Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught

The House passed two bills today which would create new tax credits.

HB1719 creates the Reboot Pilot Program. It would provide income tax credits for employers who hire former felony offenders who were released from his or her first term of incarceration in the last year. The maximum amount of this credit is $3,000.

HB1456 creates an income tax in an amount equal to 50% of an eligible railroad track maintenance expenditures. The maximum amount of the credit is $5,000 per mile of track.

The House also passed the following:

HB1746-This bill would allow registered hairstylists to shampoo, blow-dry, and perform simple styling without a cosmetology license if they are under the supervision of licensed cosmetologists.

HB1848-This bill creates the Healthy Active Arkansas Schools Act. It would require the Department of Education to work with the Department of Health to develop guidelines for public schools and open-enrollment charter schools to address healthy eating and increased physical activity.

HB1870-This bill would require the biological father of a child to pay 50% of pregnancy and childbirth expenses incurred by the child's mother.

The House will convene on Tuesday at 1 pm.

Sevier County 4-H’ers Compete in Chicken BBQ

Sevier County 4-H held their annual Chicken BBQ on April 3. Twenty-two youth signed up to compete for a chance to go on to District 4-H BBQ. Each 4-H’er cooked a whole chicken, cut in half, on a charcoal grill. The 4-H’er could use the seasoning of their choice. They were judged on how well they could start a charcoal fire, control the fire, food safety and handling, and how well they cooked the chicken. When the chicken was done, they picked their best half to be judged on appearance, color, doneness, and taste.

The Brothers Keepers Motorcycle Club 34 were very helpful in judging the competition and Pilgrim’s Foods donated the chicken.

The top two Senior 4-H’ers will compete at the District Poultry BBQ that will be held at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Arkadelphia on May 7. They will be given the choice to cook either a chicken or a turkey breast.

The top two seniors that will represent Sevier County at the District BBQ are Laikyn Morris and Alley Stinson.

Arkansas Senate Fails 2021-2022 Fiscal Appropriation For Department of Commerce

By SARAH KELLOGG

The Arkansas Senate failed to pass appropriations for the Arkansas Department of Commerce's 2021-2022 fiscal year on Monday. Members of the Senate voted 20-8 with five members not voting, which was ultimately not enough to pass Senate Bill 132.

In speaking against the bill,  Sen. Trent Garner, R-El Dorado, said he could not vote for any appropriation that would "fund and pay for the head of the Department of Commerce, Sec. Mike Preston."

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-senate-fails-2021-2022-fiscal-appropriation-department-commerce

Sen. Trent Garner, R-El Dorado, speaks against Senate Bill 132.

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Gov. Hutchinson to Form Outside Political Group to Shape National GOP Policy, Candidates in 2022

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson may not have formally committed to a 2024 Presidential run, but he’s raising his profile to be a national voice in the 2022 cycle.

Hutchinson said Sunday (April 18) in an exclusive Talk Business & Politics interview that beyond taking the reins as chairman of the National Governors Association (NGA) this summer, he plans to start a political action effort for education advocacy and to raise money for GOP candidates across the U.S. in the 2022 elections.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/gov-hutchinson-to-form-outside-political-group-to-shape-national-gop-policy-candidates-in-2022/

Panel Advances Proposed Constitutional Amendment to Allow Legislature to Call Itself Into Special Session

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Should the Arkansas Legislature have the power to call itself into an extraordinary session?

The Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee on Monday (April 19) passed SJR 10, a proposed change to the state constitution for voter consideration. The resolution could be one of three proposals that legislators refer to voters for the 2022 general election.

Before it was passed, sponsor Sen. Breanne Davis, R-Russellville, presented an amendment to the bill. It would allow the legislature to come into a special session if two-thirds of the House and two-thirds of the Senate vote for it. The reasons for opening a special or extraordinary session must be specifically stated, she said.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/panel-advances-proposed-constitutional-amendment-to-allow-legislature-to-call-itself-into-special-session/

Governor Outlines Legislative Accomplishments, Disappointments

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Governor Asa Hutchinson has had a much more successful legislative session than headlines would suggest. The governor discussed his achievements and letdowns in a Talk Business & Politics interview that aired statewide on Sunday (April 18).

Hutchinson has signed new laws dealing with hate crimes, raising teacher pay, improving computer science requirements, and reforming law enforcement practices.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/governor-outlines-legislative-accomplishments-disappointments/

Gov. Asa Hutchinson