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

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 2

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

Severe Weather Possible Across Arkansas Overnight Thursday into Friday Morning

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of south central Arkansas, southwest Arkansas, north central Louisiana, northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, east Texas and northeast Texas. .

Today and Tonight... By tonight, locally heavy rainfall from widespread showers and thunderstorms can produce isolated flash flooding, especially along the U.S. Highway 82 corridor in northeast Texas and southwest Arkansas. .

Friday through Wednesday... Showers and thunderstorms will return across the region Thursday night and into Friday morning. This activity will be associated with a squall line, and some of these storms can be strong to severe, particularly north of I-20. Damaging winds will be the primary threat with this activity.

SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Activation of emergency management personnel...amateur radio operators...and storm spotters may be needed for Thursday night. Please relay any information about observed severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state, and CDC guidelines.

ACLU Files Promised Lawsuit Over Arkansas' Transgender Care Ban

By STEVE BRAWNER / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit Tuesday against the state of Arkansas over a newly passed law that prohibits health care professionals from providing gender-transition procedures to individuals under age 18.

The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court Eastern District against Act 626 was filed on behalf of four transgender youth and their families along with two doctors. It alleges the law violates the U.S. Constitution.

Act 626 prohibits physicians and health care professionals from providing gender transition procedures to individuals under age 18, or to refer minors to other health care professionals. It also prohibits the use of public funds or insurance coverage for gender transition procedures. It does not prohibit services for persons born with a “medically verifiable disorder of sex development,” such as external biological sex characteristics.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/aclu-files-promised-lawsuit-over-arkansas-transgender-care-ban

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/05/aclu-files-suit-over-states-transgender-care-ban/

CREDIT FLICKR.COM

Arkansas Will Offer Lottery Tickets And Gift Certificates For Vaccinations

By ALEXANDRIA BROWN

Arkansans will have the opportunity to receive incentives if they get vaccinated for COVID-19. Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Tuesday those who receive a vaccine going forward can take their vaccination card to a local health unit starting June 1 to choose between two incentives.

The first incentive people can choose from is the chance to receive a $20 Arkansas Lottery Scholarship scratch-off ticket. Eric Hagler, director of Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, says this could make someone a millionaire.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Tuesday Arkansans that get a COVID-19 vaccine can receive a $20 lottery ticket or $20 gift certificate.

CREDIT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE / YOUTUBE

Democrat Jesse Gibson Announces For Arkansas Attorney General

By ROBY BROCK / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

The race for Arkansas Attorney General just added another candidate. Attorney Jesse Gibson announced Tuesday he would seek the Democratic nomination for the state’s top legal post.

Gibson will be challenging Democrat Jason Davis for the nomination. Lt. Governor Tim Griffin and Leon Jones have announced for the Republican nomination for the position. Current Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is term-limited and is running for Governor.

Gibson said consumer protection will be one of his biggest priorities in seeking the office.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/democrat-jesse-gibson-announces-arkansas-attorney-general

Jess Gibson, as seen in a video announcing his candidacy, said Tuesday he will be running for Arkansas Attorney General.

CREDIT YOUTUBE

Industrial Hemp Farming in Arkansas Slowly Blooms

By JACQUELINE FROELICH

When hemp, the non-intoxicating cousin of marijuana, was legalized by USDA several years ago, industrial hemp farming flowered in northwest Arkansas, under strict federal and state regulatory control. We visit Bio Gen LLC, a new experimental hemp farm, learn about scientific hemp research by Dr. Jim Correll at the University of Arkansas, and get a promising forecast from Arkansas Department of Agriculture's hemp division leader.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/industrial-hemp-farming-arkansas-slowly-blooms

Bill Morgan, a consultant and founder of Bio Gen LLC hemp farm near Lake Weddington, tests, develops and markets CBD hemp cultivars.

J. FROELICH / KUAF

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

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 3

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

Governor Asa Hutchinson Announces More Appointments

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced the following appointments:

David Hopkins, Benton, to the State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists. Appointment expires October 1, 2025. Replaces Mike Lybrand.

Chris Howell, Searcy, to the Advisory Committee on Petroleum Storage Tanks. Appointment expires December 31, 2024. Reappointment.

Thomas Fortner, Lonoke, to the Arkansas State Board of Registration for Professional Soil Classifiers. Appointment expires November 1, 2025. Reappointment.

David Remy, Booneville, to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board. Appointment expires January 14, 2025. Reappointment.

Damon Jackson, Garfield, to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board. Appointment expires January 14, 2025. Reappointment.

Chief Brad Hardin, West Fork, to the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board. Appointment expires October 14, 2023. Reappointment.

Chief Duane Logsdon, Huntington, to the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board. Appointment expires October 14, 2023. Reappointment.

Samuel Dunn, Mulberry, to the Arkansas State Board of Sanitarians. Appointment expires June 30, 2025. Reappointment.

Tom Jones, Little Rock, to the Marine Sanitation Advisory Committee. Appointment expires October 5, 2023. Reappointment.

Scott Bramlett, Clinton, to the Marine Sanitation Advisory Committee. Appointment expires October 5, 2023. Reappointment.

Dr. Syrad Evans, Fayetteville, to the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. Appointment expires December 1, 2025. Reappointment.

Kasey Hodges, Springdale, to the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. Appointment expires December 1, 2025. Reappointment.

Ann Price, North Little Rock, to the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. Appointment expires December 1, 2025. Reappointment.

Kristin Agar, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2023. Replaces Janet Hedges.

Susan Reasoner, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2023. Replaces Leigh Hudson.

Elizabeth Crone, Mabelvale, to the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2023. Reappointment.

Christopher Balos, Springdale, to the Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council. Appointment expires February 1, 2022. Replaces Keith Vire.

Wesley Eddington, Jonesboro, to the Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council. Appointment expires February 1, 2022. Reappointment.

Leigh Garvin, Sherwood, to the Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council. Appointment expires February 1, 2024. Replaces Jacqueline Bettis.

Dr. Charles Green, Benton, to the Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council. Appointment expires February 1, 2023. Replaces Christopher Paslay.

Dr. James Grover, Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council. Appointment expires February 1, 2024. Replaces Rebecca Martin.

Carol McDearmon, Greenbrier, to the Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council. Appointment expires February 1, 2022. Replaces Martin McDonnell.

Alex Scott, Arkadelphia, to the Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council. Appointment expires February 1, 2023. Replaces Addie Edwards.

Matt Sewell, Vilonia, to the Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council. Appointment expires February 1, 2024. New Position.

Kelley Sharp, Farmington, to the Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council. Appointment expires February 1, 2023. Reappointment.

Scott Meek, Conway, to the Arkansas State Board of Registration for Foresters. Appointment expires July 18, 2024. Replaces David Cawein.

Darren Spinks, Quitman, to the Arkansas State Board of Registration for Foresters. Appointment expires July 18, 2022. Replaces Marc Phillips.

Dr. Matthew Pelkki, Monticello, to the Arkansas State Board of Registration for Foresters. Appointment expires July 18, 2025. Reappointment.

Chief Ben Hammond, Sheridan, to the State Fire Prevention Commission. Appointment expires August 24, 2023. Reappointment.

Marc Lowery, Harrison, to the State Fire Prevention Commission. Appointment expires August 24, 2023. Reappointment.

Denver Johnston, Bryant, to the State Fire Prevention Commission. Appointment expires August 24, 2023. Replaces Scott Gann.

Connie Creed, North Little Rock, to the HVACR Licensing Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2023. Replaces Timothy Paetz.

David Whisel, Springdale, to the HVACR Licensing Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2024. Reappointment.

Kimberly Koch, Little Rock, to the HVACR Licensing Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2023. Replaces William Pryor.

William Simpson, Little Rock, to the HVACR Licensing Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2024. Replaces William Harrison.

Mark Constant, Marked Tree, to the HVACR Licensing Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2021. Replaces Thomas Washington.

Alan Hughes, Bismark, to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board. Appointment expires May 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Charles Johnson, Helena, to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board. Appointment expires May 1, 2024. Replaces Mike Rogers.

Candice Lawrence, Cabot, to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board. Appointment expires May 1, 2023. Replaces Paul Rivera.

Gan Nunnally, Bentonville, to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board. Appointment expires May 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Dr. Julie Roberson, Hamburg, to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board. Appointment expires May 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Robert Thorne, Marion, to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board. Appointment expires May 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Ricky Harrington, Greenbrier, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee District 2. Appointment expires March 22, 2024. Reappointment.

Leslie Davis, Ozark, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee District 4. Appointment expires March 22, 2024. Reappointment.

Doyle Caldwell, Sheridan, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee District 6. Appointment expires March 22, 2024. Reappointment.

Jerrod Blockburger, Rogers, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee District 1. Appointment expires March 22, 2024. New position.

Tony Horner, Piggott, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee District 3. Appointment expires March 22, 2024. Reappointment.

Ray Reynolds, De Queen, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee District 7. Appointment expires March 22, 2024. Replaces Gary Kirkpatrick.

Everett Cox, Tillar, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee District 8. Appointment expires March 22, 2024. New position.

KenDrell Collins, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Sentencing Commission. Appointment expires May 15, 2026. Replaces Jon Standridge.

Judge Gordon McCain, Ozark, to the Arkansas Sentencing Commission. Appointment expires May 15, 2025. Reappointment.

Keith Rutledge, Maumelle, to the Arkansas Sentencing Commission. Appointment expires May 15, 2025. Reappointment.

Nathan Smith, Bentonville, to the Arkansas Sentencing Commission. Appointment expires May 15, 2025. Reappointment.

Henry Kinslow, El Dorado, to the Arkansas State Claims Commission. Appointment expires January 14, 2026. Reappointment.

Sylvester Smith, III, North Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Claims Commission. Appointment expires January 14, 2026. Reappointment.

Todd Smith, Magnolia, to the State Banking Board. Appointment expires December 31, 2024. Reappointment.

Kevin Crass, Little Rock, to the War Memorial Stadium Commission. Appointment expires January 14, 2028. Replaces Donald Cook.

Scott DeMott, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board. Appointment expires June 22, 2023. Replaces Heath Tibbs.

Wayne Edwards, Lake Village, to the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board. Appointment expires June 22, 2023. Reappointment.

James Bailey, Springdale, to the State Board of Health. Appointment expires December 31, 2024. Replaces Thomas Jones.

Dr. Glen Bryant, West Memphis, to the State Board of Health. Appointment expires December 31, 2024. Reappointment.

Dr. Dwayne Daniels, El Dorado, to the State Board of Health. Appointment expires December 31, 2024. Reappointment.

Vanessa Falwell, Newport, to the State Board of Health. Appointment expires December 31, 2024. Reappointment.

Dr. Darren Flamik, Roland, to the State Board of Health. Appointment expires December 31, 2024. Reappointment.

Dr. Anthony Hui, West Fork, to the State Board of Health. Appointment expires December 31, 2024. Reappointment.

Dr. David Kiessling, Bigelow, to the State Board of Health. Appointment expires December 31, 2024. Reappointment.

Dr. Balan Nair, Little Rock, to the State Board of Health. Appointment expires December 31, 2024. Reappointment.

Donald Ragland, Marshall, to the State Board of Health. Appointment expires December 31, 2024. Reappointment.

Dr. Carl Riddell, Russellville, to the State Board of Health. Appointment expires December 31, 2024. Reappointment.

Dr. James Zini, Mountain View, to the State Board of Health. Appointment expires December 31, 2024. Reappointment.

Brenda Fendley, Marshall, to the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission. Appointment expires January 14, 2027. Reappointment.

Carol Lloyd, Booneville, to the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission. Appointment expires January 14, 2027. Replaces Jane Phillips.

Danna Crook, Conway, to the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening, Tracking, and Intervention Advisory Board. Appointment expires January 14, 2022. Replaces Dr. John Dornhoffer.

Sam Whitaker, Monticello, to the Arkansas Agriculture Board. Appointment expires August 15, 2024. Reappointment.

Robin Ralston, Atkins, to the Arkansas Agriculture Board. Appointment expires August 15, 2024. Replaces Jennifer James.

Wendy Blackwood, Fairfield Bay, to the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling. Appointment expires December 31, 2023. Reappointment.

Crystal Lougin, Fort Smith, to the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling. Appointment expires December 31, 2023. Replaces Cheryl Edwards.

Anderson Neal, Texarkana, to the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling. Appointment expires December 31, 2022. Replaces Vickie Keeton.

Susan Morse, Springdale, to the Arkansas Dietetics Licensing Board. Appointment expires January 14, 2026. Replaces Kimberly Jablonski.

Dr. Mark Gross, West Fork, to the Board of Directors of the Division of Science and Technology of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Appointment expires January 14, 2025. Reappointment.

Dr. Jeff Standridge, Conway, to the Board of Directors of the Division of Science and Technology of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Appointment expires January 14, 2025. Reappointment.

Jake Arey, Bryant, to the Residential Contractors Committee. Appointment expires October 1, 2023. Reappointment.

Dan Gamble, Manila, to the Residential Contractors Committee. Appointment expires October 1, 2023. Reappointment.

Todd Wilcox, Jonesboro, to the Residential Contractors Committee. Appointment expires October 1, 2022. Replaces Bill Green.

Ro Arrington, Little Rock, to the Academic Facilities Review Board. Appointment expires August 6, 2023. Reappointment.

Michelle McClaflin, Sulphur Springs, to the Academic Facilities Review Board. Appointment expires August 6, 2023. Reappointment.

Dr. Pebbles Fagan, Little Rock, to the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Advisory Committee. Appointment expires October 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Dr. Jennifer Redmond-Knight, Little Rock, to the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Advisory Committee. Appointment expires October 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Chelsea Conway, Ash Flat, to the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Advisory Committee. Appointment expires October 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Jessyka Hanna, Hot Springs National Park, to the Amusement Ride Safety Advisory Board. Appointment expires March 1, 2022. Reappointment.

Johnny Miller, Jr., Greenbrier, to the Amusement Ride Safety Advisory Board. Appointment expires March 1, 2022. Replaces Johnny Miller, Sr.

Weldon Wynn, Star City, to the Amusement Ride Safety Advisory Board. Appointment expires March 1, 2022. Reappointment.

Greg Armstrong, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Advisory Board. Appointment expires September 1, 2023. Replaces Paul Johnston.

Paul Hatcher, Jonesboro, to the Arkansas Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Advisory Board. Appointment expires September 1, 2022. Replaces Rob Yates.

Gary Horton, Hensley, to the Arkansas Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Advisory Board. Appointment expires September 1, 2021. Replaces Mike Horton.

Micah Saterfield, Fort Smith, to the Arkansas Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Advisory Board. Appointment expires September 1, 2023. Replaces Patrick McNally.

Frank Snell, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Advisory Board. Appointment expires September 1, 2022. Replaces Grant Snell.

Dr. Timothy Cook, Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Respiratory Care Examining Committee. Appointment expires August 7, 2023. Replaces Nancy Rector.

Dr. Neadum Odom, Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Respiratory Care Examining Committee. Appointment expires August 7, 2023. Reappointment.

Angela Sanders, Benton, to the Arkansas State Respiratory Care Examining Committee. Appointment expires August 7, 2023. Reappointment.

Jack Evans, Carlisle, to the Arkansas Wheat Promotion Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2022. Reappointment.

Dusty Hoskyn, England, to the Arkansas Wheat Promotion Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2022. Reappointment.

Doug Hartz, Stuttgart, to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2022. Reappointment.

Rusty Smith, Des Arc, to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2022. Reappointment.

Jacob Appleberry, McGehee, to the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board. Appointment expires July 1, 2022. Reappointment.

Jason Felton, Marianna, to the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board. Appointment expires July 1, 2022. Reappointment.

Brad Graham, Portland, to the Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2022. Reappointment.

Kenny Francis, Corning, to the Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2022. Reappointment.

Steve Kueter, Paragould, to the Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2022. Reappointment.

Dick Baxter, Cabot, to the Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2022. Reappointment.

Joe Christian, Jonesboro, to the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2022. Reappointment.

John King, Helena, to the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2022. Replaces Bryan Moery.

Roger Pohlner, Fisher, to the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board. Appointment expires June 30, 2022. Reappointment.

Kesha Pilot, Hot Springs, to the Technology Equipment Revolving Loan Fund Committee. Appointment expires June 30, 2023. Reappointment.

Caleb Crawley, Conway, to the Technology Equipment Revolving Loan Fund Committee. Appointment expires June 30, 2023. Reappointment.

Bethany Baldwin, Cabot, to the Technology Equipment Revolving Loan Fund Committee. Appointment expires June 30, 2023. Reappointment.

Glennis Sharp, Cotter, to the Technology Equipment Revolving Loan Fund Committee. Appointment expires June 30, 2023. Reappointment.

Anthony Tidwell, Hot Springs, to the Advisory Council of the Arkansas Arts Council. Appointment expires June 30, 2024. Replaces Aldona Standridge.

Sue Coon, Melbourne, to the Advisory Council of the Arkansas Arts Council. Appointment expires June 30, 2024. Reappointment.

Remica Gray, Texarkana, to the Advisory Council of the Arkansas Arts Council. Appointment expires June 30, 2024. Reappointment.

Donna Young, Van Buren, to the Advisory Council of the Arkansas Arts Council. Appointment expires June 30, 2024. Reappointment.

Ricky Lattimore, McGehee, to the Advisory Council of the Arkansas Arts Council. Appointment expires June 30, 2024. Reappointment.

Sheri Rogers, Hot Springs, to the Governor’s Commission on People with Disabilities. Appointment expires June 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Rebecca Pieroni, Jonesboro, to the Governor’s Commission on People with Disabilities. Appointment expires June 1, 2021. Replaces Nola McKinney.

Rick Davis, Junction City, to the Arkansas Manufactured Home Commission. Appointment expires September 1, 2023. Reappointment.

James Duncan, Fort Smith, to the Arkansas Manufactured Home Commission. Appointment expires September 1, 2024. Replaces William Roachell.

Kevin Hawks, Vilonia, to the Arkansas Manufactured Home Commission. Appointment expires September 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Norman Walker, Lonoke, to the Arkansas Manufactured Home Commission. Appointment expires September 1, 2023. Reappointment

Joe Harris, Osceola, to the Arkansas Waterways Commission. Appointment expires January 14, 2028. Reappointment. 

Paula Steinsiek, Sherwood, to the Crime Victims Reparations Board. Appointment expires October 5, 2024. Replaces Jajuan Archer.

Tina Winham, Rogers, to the Governor’s Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism. Appointment expires February 12, 2024. Reappointment.

Sheriff Christopher Brown, Wilburn, to the Criminal Justice Institute Advisory Board. Appointment expires January 14, 2025. Reappointment.

Dr. Margaret Ellibee, Little Rock, to the Criminal Justice Institute Advisory Board. Appointment expires January 14, 2025. Reappointment.

Chief Chadwick Henson, Trumann, to the Criminal Justice Institute Advisory Board. Appointment expires January 14, 2025. Reappointment.

Sergeant Zachary White, Texarkana, to the Criminal Justice Institute Advisory Board. Appointment expires January 14, 2025. Reappointment.

Dr. Kevin Atkinson, Searcy, to the State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors. Appointment expires September 14, 2024. Replaces Benard Udochi.

Andrew Beavers, Sherwood, to the State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors. Appointment expires September 14, 2024. Replaces Brenda Howard.

Aimee Cloud, Conway, to the Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Appointment expires June 30, 2023. Reappointment.

Morie Malloy, Little Rock, to the Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Appointment expires June 30, 2022. Replaces Michael Yarbrough.

Chief Jason Akers, Monticello, to the Arkansas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinating Council. Appointment expires July 1, 2022. Replaces Chief Hayes Minor.

Kathryn Swanson, Jacksonville, to the Arkansas State Occupational Therapy Examining Committee. Appointment expires March 1, 2023. Replaces Robert Bodenhamer.

Dr. John Robinette, Pine Bluff, to Arkansas Board of Podiatric Medicine. Appointment expires August 31, 2023. Reappointment.

James Furgason, Gentry, to the Arkansas Psychology Board. Appointment expires December 31, 2023. Replaces Sharon Hoehn. 

Mickey Shell, Pine Bluff, to the Arkansas Psychology Board. Appointment expires December 31, 2023. Replaces Christopher Hoggard.

Cathee Terrell, Rogers, to the Trauma Advisory Council. Appointment expires July 1, 2021. Replaces Timothy Tackett. 

Dr. Charles Scott, Sherwood, to the Trauma Advisory Council. Appointment expires July 1, 2022. Reappointment. 

Dr. Kyle Kalkwarf, Little Rock, to the Trauma Advisory Council. Appointment expires July 1, 2022. Replaces Carmen Smith. 

RT Fendley, Little Rock, to the Trauma Advisory Council. Appointment expires July 1, 2022. Reappointment.

Dr. Jerrilyn Jones, Little Rock, to the Trauma Advisory Council. Appointment expires July 1, 2025. Reappointment.

Anthony Thornton, Mountain Home, to the Trauma Advisory Council. Appointment expires July 1, 2021. Replaces Thomas Jenkins. 

Twain Cunningham, Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Independent Living Council. Appointment expires February 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Brenda Stinebuck, Hot Springs, to the Arkansas State Independent Living Council. Appointment expires February 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Nathan Winter, Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Independent Living Council. Appointment expires February 1, 2024. Reappointment.

Captain James Adamson, Forrest City, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Megon Bush, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Tjuana Byrd, Sherwood, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Lloyd Franklin, Pine Bluff, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Greimante Garner, Mayflower, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Donnell Hegler, El Dorado, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

James Hollywood, Jonesboro, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Kevin Hunt, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Jerome Hunter, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Jade Hurvey, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Alexys Ireland, Maumelle, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Reverend Allan Irizarry-Graves, North Little Rock, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Raymond Long, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Belinda Mallett, Plumerville, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Alyssa Pickett, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

William Vaughn, North Little Rock, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Linda Walker, Ashdown, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Reggie Watson, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Lonnie Watts, Fort Smith, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

LaTasha Woods, Pine Bluff, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Dr. Jacqueline Wright, Conway, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

Jazzmine Young, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice. Appointment expires at the will of the Governor. New position.

VIDEO: UA Cossatot Career Services

LaDonna White, UAC Career Services Coordinator, talks about how her office can help students in selecting a career and in searching for employment.

A Success Story From One of Our Former Students at UA Cossatot, Rose Tran

Hello Everyone!

I wanted to share this success story of one of former students, Rose Tran. She was possibly our first international student having been an exchange student in high school, and she gave me permission to share her story. She recently graduated medical school and is starting her residency in the next month.

Tabetha Nguyen

“WOW! It’s finally the day!

12 years ago my parents sent me on a journey from Vietnam to America, not knowing what was going to come out of it. With lots of questions and lots of unknowns, I went. My graduation is a celebration only possible because of those who have been there for me. It is much more of a celebration of my parents who were so amazingly brave to send their 17-year-old daughter half way across the world. Because of them, I was given opportunities to explore and reach my potentials. It is a celebration of every single person who has touched my life and has taught me countless lessons of kindness, patience, and resilience. ❤️ Thank YOU!”

Tyson Foods Establishes Industrial Maintenance Scholarship with UA Cossatot Foundation

May 24, 2021

UA Cossatot Foundation recently received a $2,500 donation from Tyson Foods to establish the Tyson Technical Maintenance Scholarship.

The scholarship awards one student $2,500 who is in the Industrial Maintenance Program at UA Cossatot. This scholarship application will open in the summer and the recipient will be selected by the UA Cossatot Scholarship Committee in the fall 2021 semester.

UA Cossatot’s Director of Development, Dustin Roberts, said, “We greatly appreciate Tyson Foods'  helping our students succeed. Tyson generously donated valuable equipment to our Industrial Maintenance program on the Lockesburg Campus, was our headline sponsor at Fiesta Fest, which provides scholarships to our students, and most recently establishing the Tyson Technical Maintenance Scholarship!”

For more information on establishing a scholarship with the UA Cossatot Foundation, contact Dustin Roberts at 870-584-1172 or droberts@cccua.edu.

UAMS Prepares to Host State's First Breast Milk Bank

By ANTOINETTE GRAJEDA

Arkansas is getting its first breast milk bank thanks to legislators approving a law establishing its creation earlier this year. Act 225 also establishes a special fund to help support the milk bank, which will be housed at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences campus in Little Rock.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/uams-prepares-host-states-first-breast-milk-bank

UAMS logo

The Cost of a Broken Bridge

By KYLE KELLAMS

That crack in the Interstate 40 Bridge connecting Arkansas and Tennessee is costly in many ways. Roby Brock, with our partner Talk Business and Politics, asks Shannon Newton, the president of the Arkansas Trucking Association, about the logisitic headaches caused by the closure of the bridge.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/cost-broken-bridge

Interstate 40 Bridge

State Apportionment Board Sets End Of Year Deadline For New Legislative Districts

By SARAH KELLOGG

Though the board responsible for redrawing Arkansas’ state congressional districts met for the first time Monday, delays in receiving Census data until possibly the end of September has already caused the board to be behind the recommended schedule. 

The three-member Board of Apportionment, consisting of Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and Secretary of State John Thurston, set a deadline of Dec. 31 to complete redrawing the state’s legislative districts.  

Delays in collecting data from the U.S. Census Bureau due to the coronavirus pandemic has in turn caused delays in getting data back to the states. 

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/state-apportionment-board-sets-end-year-deadline-new-legislative-districts

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Secretary of State John Thurston during the first Board of Apportionment Meeting.

CREDIT ARCAN / ARKANSAS PBS,

Former Arkansas Medicaid Director Sees Good News In ARHOME

By ROBY BROCK / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care CEO Ray Hanley, a former Medicaid director for the state, said the lifting of the pandemic emergency order was "pretty inevitable," but he warns that a backslide is still possible. Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Thursday (May 20) said he would end his 14-month long Covid-19 emergency order on May 30.

"I think it was time and pretty inevitable. I think people have Covid fatigue. Nobody wants to wear masks again," Hanley said in an interview with Talk Business & Politics. "We’ve got about half the eligible population vaccinated or close to it and are all working hard on that. I think, emergency or not, we've still got to push really hard on the vaccination front."

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/former-arkansas-medicaid-director-sees-good-news-arhome

Former director of Medicaid in Arkansas, Ray Hanley, sees bright spots in the state's latest version of Medicaid expansion, ARHOME.

CREDIT TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

Tuesday's COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the AR Dept of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 0

Area Lakes and Rivers Up Substantially Because of Recent Rains

Areas of flooding in photos were at Pine Ridge and Story Creek on De Queen Lake. Be watchful of floating debris if boating. (photos by Jon Bunyard)

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

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 0

LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides Weekly Media Update Tuesday (05.25.21) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide a weekly briefing to media at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 25, 2021.

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Pandemic Rental Assistance for Struggling Arkansans

LITTLE ROCK – We opened Arkansas’s rental-assistance program this week, and today I’d like to talk about how we will help renters and landlords who are struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic.

The Arkansas Department of Human Services will distribute $173 million in assistance through the Arkansas Rent Relief Program. That money is coming from the $25 billion the U.S. Department of the Treasury has allocated for this fund nationally.

The Department of Human Services began accepting applications on Monday, and the program will remain open through the end of this year. Payments will go to landlords, but a tenant and a landlord each must apply. The payments will cover 15 months of rent and utilities that were not paid from April 1, 2020, through December 31 of this year.

Of course, landlords must agree that they won’t evict a tenant before they can receive the money.

To qualify, a renter must be a resident of Arkansas and a U.S. citizen or legal resident with a current residential lease or rental agreement. Renters also must meet one of these three criteria to qualify for aid: Someone in their home qualifies for unemployment benefits; their household income decreased because of the pandemic; or someone in their home has incurred significant financial hardship because of the pandemic. In addition to meeting one of those three, the renter’s income must qualify for assistance.

The assistance will pay for unpaid rent going back twelve months and up to three months in the future, as well as utility bills and late fees. The money will not cover costs of telephones, cable television, internet access, or mortgage payments. All payments will go directly to landlords and utility companies.

You can learn more at ar.gov/RentRelief.  

As of midweek, DHS has received 94 matched applications that are now under review, and more than 400 applications are awaiting a match.

We have other programs to help. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has $1.7 million left over from CARES Act funds, which has allowed us to extend the Winter Crisis Program. This will provide assistance for gas and electric bills up to $500 per qualified household. We will give priority to applicants who did not receive assistance during the initial Winter Program.

And DHS is also providing child care assistance for nearly 8,000 families of essential workers without regard to income.

No one has escaped the touch of the pandemic, and as much as we are able, we want to soften the blow for those who have suffered significant financial harship. These programs will help thousands of Arkansans regain their footing.