Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide a weekly briefing to media at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 8, 2021. (Click play on link above.)
Governor Appoints TV News Veteran As Communications Director
LITTLE ROCK – Shealyn Sowers, an executive producer at KARK and FOX16, will be the new director of communications for the Governor’s Office, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced today. She will start June 16.
“Shealyn grew up in Arkansas, went to high school and college in Arkansas, and has worked her entire career as a journalist in Arkansas,” Governor Hutchinson said. “To put it simply, Shealyn knows the Natural State. She has an intimate understanding of Arkansas and Arkansans that has prepared her well to serve the state as my director of communications.”
Ms. Sowers grew up in Clinton and graduated from Clinton High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Ouachita Baptist University and a broadcast journalism degree from the University of Central Arkansas.
Ms. Sowers started as an associate producer at KARK in 2012 and worked her way up to produce every newscast. In 2019, she was promoted to executive producer and producer of KARK’s political show “Capitol View.” She won an Emmy for Best Newscast and an Edward R. Murrow award for the station’s coverage of the 2014 tornado that struck Mayflower and Vilonia. She also won an Emmy for Best Producer in 2018.
“I am excited to join Governor Hutchinson's staff as director of communications,” Ms. Sowers said. “I’ve enjoyed delivering local news to Arkansans at KARK and FOX16 for the past nine years. I am thrilled and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve my home state in this new role and to work alongside the incredible team in Governor Hutchinson's office.”
VIDEO: Governor Calls A Board of Apportionment Meeting Monday
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson called a meeting of the Board of Apportionment for 4 p.m. Monday, June 7, 2021, in Room 151 in the State Capitol. Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston joined the Governor for the Board’s second meeting. The Board held an executive session to consider and evaluate a Redistricting Coordinator.
National Weather Service Excessive Rainfall Briefing for SW Arkansas
FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM CDT THIS MORNING THROUGH
TUESDAY MORNING...
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
* Flash Flood Watch for portions of Arkansas...northwest Louisiana...
southeast Oklahoma and northeast Texas, including the following
areas, in Arkansas, Columbia, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little
River, Miller, Nevada, Sevier and Union. In northwest Louisiana,
Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne and Webster. In southeast Oklahoma,
McCurtain. In northeast Texas, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee,
Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Red River,
Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur and Wood.
* From 7 AM CDT this morning through Tuesday morning
* Rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches, with isolated higher amounts
possible. Rain amounts may occur in a short period of time and may
impact locations that have seen heavy rainfall over the last few
days.
* Flooding may occur in urban and poor drainage areas. Heavy
rainfall may also cause flooding of creeks, streams, and rivers.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to
Flash Flooding. Flash Flooding is a very dangerous situation. You
should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should
Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
We are expecting an active day across the state regarding heavy rainfall and flash flooding potential. With the morning forecast package, the Weather Prediction Center introduced a Moderate risk of excessive rainfall for much of southwest and central Arkansas. The potential 2 to 3 inches of rain over the risk area with some locally greater amounts coupled with antecedent heavy rainfall the last few days has led to a compromised soil surface and increased flash flooding vulnerability. Please see the attached briefing for more in depth information regarding flash flooding potential over the next few days.
Marijuana Card Holder Sues Over Job Loss
A medical marijuana card holder is suing a northwest Arkansas hospital system for withdrawing a job offer after he tested positive for pot, and he says he’s not alone.
Balance “Lance” Reed of Washington County is seeking class-action status against Northwest Arkansas Hospitals LLC of Springdale, which operates several hospitals including Willow Creek Women’s Hospital and Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville.
Under the law, employers can decide not to hire a medical marijuana patient for a “safety-sensitive position,” such as being a truck driver or manufacturing explosives.
https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/136016/marijuana-card-holder-sues-over-job-loss
Arkansas PBS Adds First Of Five New Signals To Expand Coverage
Arkansas PBS is now broadcasting on an additional signal near Russellville. It’s the first of five new transmitters being added this year to provide broadcast coverage to nearly the entire state.
$6.4 million from federal CARES Act funding awarded to the state and allocated by a state steering committee made the expansion possible. Courtney Pledger, executive director and CEO of Arkansas PBS, said in a press release that the funding "enables us to be a truly statewide network and better serve the many Arkansans who live in areas without broadband coverage, or who cannot afford cable, satellite or broadband – those most in need of our education programming and services."
The broadcaster, which is part of the state government, says the project will increase coverage from 76% of Arkansas to 99.5%. Additional signals are expected to be on the air by the end of the year near Mena, Harrison, Texarkana and in Forrest City.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-pbs-adds-first-five-new-signals-expand-coverage
The tower on Lee Mountain near Russellville which is the first of five new signals that Arkansas PBS says will go on the air this year to provide coverage to nearly the entire state.
CREDIT ARKANSAS PBS
Steering Committee Approves $150 Million For Further Broadband Expansion
The state committee in charge of allocating federal funding from the American Rescue Plan approved $150 million to go towards broadband efforts, with an additional $150 million to possibly be approved in a later meeting.
The Arkansas American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Steering Committee met for the second time on Wednesday and spent over an hour discussing the $300 million request from the state’s Department of Commerce to go towards broadband expansion.
In speaking on the request, Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston recalled the millions of federal dollars previously spent on broadband as a part of the CARES Act.
"$120 million is what was utilized from the CARES funding. Those funds were deployed in less than a year’s time and that brought access to 130,000 Arkansans who did not have broadband before," Preston said. "So, 130,000 people in our state who previously did not have access now have access to broadband because of the work that the CARES Steering Committee did and through the Office of Broadband and the Department of Commerce were able to do that."
In this file photo, the Arkansas American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Steering Committee meets for the first time.
CREDIT GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
Common Ground Arkansas Names Board Members
by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)
Common Ground Arkansas, the bipartisan organization founded by Sen. Jim Hendren, I-Gravette, when he left the GOP, announced its board members Thursday (June 3).
Organized now as a 501(c)(4), the group plans to work in three strategic areas:
Finding and supporting problem solvers loyal to the people in their districts rather than to special interest groups;
Supporting legislation that addresses the real problems faced by Arkansans;
Ensuring strong voter power and voter choice
The board members announced are:
LeAnne Burch, Monticello; Retired Brigadier General, U.S. Army
Davy Carter, Jonesboro; Banker and Attorney
Veronica Gromada, Bentonville; Attorney, Walmart
Sen. Jim Hendren, Sulphur Springs; President, Hendren Plastics
Mark Isbell, North Little Rock; Partner, Isbell Farms
Mayor George McGill, Fort Smith; Mayor, Fort Smith
Andy McNeill, Russellville; CEO, Denali Water Solutions
Archie Schaffer III, Fayetteville; Consultant and Retired EVP, Tyson Foods
Sam Sicard, Fort Smith; President and CEO, First National Bank of Fort Smith
Nate Steel, Little Rock; Attorney, Steel, Wright, Gray, PLLC
Fort Smith Selected for Military Pilot Training Center; Estimated $1 Billion Economic Impact
by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)
Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith has been selected by acting Secretary of the Air Force John Roth to be the long-term pilot training center supporting F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland and other countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
In addition to Ebbing, which is home to the 188th Wing, the finalist sites for the center were Hulman Field (Indiana), Buckley Air Force Base (Colorado), Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (Texas) and Selfridge Air National Guard Base (Michigan).
Officials announced the selection process on July 20, 2020. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the federal agency managing the FMS, notes that the program provides “responsible arms sales to further national security and foreign policy objectives by strengthening bilateral defense relations, supporting coalition building, and enhancing interoperability between U.S. forces and militaries of friends and allies.”
An F-16 flown by the Singapore Air Force.
Monday's SW Arkansas COVID-19 Active Case Numbers and Vaccines
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0
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: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 0
AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | The Critical Importance of Infrastructure Investment
LITTLE ROCK – Two weeks ago, we were all alarmed to learn about a significant crack in a beam that supports the I-40 Hernando DeSoto Bridge, which connects Arkansas and Tennessee.
Inspectors found no other problems, and now that the repair has begun, we can breathe easier. I am grateful inspectors found that crack and prevented a catastrophe.
I’m also thankful that Arkansans passed Issue 1 last year to keep the half-cent sales tax for road construction and maintenance. That investment provides continued state funds for the inspection and repair of our highways, roads, and bridges.
We’ve been hearing much talk recently about infrastructure. Congress is negotiating an infrastructure package with President Biden. Some of the discussion focuses on exactly what qualifies as infrastructure.
In my view, infrastructure includes highways, roads, airports, ship ports, power grids, water supply, communication systems, and now the broadband system. Infrastructure requires partnerships between the private sector and government, and cooperation between state government and federal government.
Today, our attention is on our transportation infrastructure and the bridge that crosses the Mississippi River between West Memphis and Memphis. The bridge opened in 1973, and the Arkansas Department of Transportation has retrofit it for earthquakes. About 41,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day. Since we discovered the cracked beam, we have closed the bridge and rerouted traffic to the I-55 bridge, which opened in 1949. Bridge inspectors from Arkansas and Tennessee inspected the bridge after we closed the DeSoto bridge and found the I-55 bridge to be safe.
The company that is repairing the bridge has bolted steel plates on each side of the cracked beam. The company has hung the platforms that will support the repair crews.
We don’t know how long the bridge will remain closed, but the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation said on Thursday that the repairs may not be completed until August. The closure has caused delays that are costing the trucking industry $2.4 million a day. That’s just one of the costs when we have to shut down a piece of the infrastructure that connects our nation.
This near disaster illustrates how interdependent we are. It also illustrates the urgency for states to be proactive in maintaining infrastructure. That is why Issue 1 was so important. Our investment in highways provides Arkansas the resources to inspect roads and bridges and to keep them in good repair, and to respond quickly to emergencies.
Everyone knows we need good roads for our daily lives. We also know that maintaining safe roads is expensive. I am grateful that Arkansas voters were willing to approve the money that will allow us to keep our roads and bridges safe.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Tourism in Arkansas is making a big comeback. While the pandemic severely impacted the industry in 2020, there are signs that tourism is rebounding and doing better than before the health emergency began.
The tourism tax collections for March 2021 exceeded collections from March 2019 by 14.6%. From mountain biking adventures to world-class art museums, Arkansas destinations play an essential role in our economy.
Before the pandemic, travel-supported jobs represented 6.6% of Arkansas’s total private industry employment. We also know that 8.4 jobs are created for every $1million spent on tourism in our state.
That is why every session, we consider legislation to improve the industry.
In the most recent session, we passed Act 777, An Act to Establish the Arkansas Cultural Institutions Trust Fund Act. This legislation directs the Division of Arkansas Heritage to promulgate rules for the distribution of grants to non-profit organizations that acquire or exhibit works of art or works of cultural or historical significance.
Act 840 allows the Division of Heritage to issue up to $8 million in historic rehabilitation income tax credits each year. The current maximum amount of credits given is $4 million.
We passed Act 652, which allows for dynamic pricing at state parks.
The division may increase or decrease approved rates charged for lodging, camping, events, services, and all other accommodations using a dynamic pricing strategy based on market forces such as seasonal variation in demand, occupancy, market analysis, and special event interest to maximize revenues from the use of state resources to promote the fiscal soundness and long-term sustainability.
The legislature also created the Arkansas Legislative Arts and Technology Boot Camp with Act 577. The camp will issue a final written report, including an inventory of Arkansas’s statewide arts and cultural assets, and identify funding needs to maintain a statewide database.
Arkansas is home to experiences and attractions found nowhere else. We encourage you to explore everything our state has to offer this summer.
Friday COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 2
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 0
Active Probable Cases: 1
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: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 1
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 0
Vendors for Stand-Up America Celebration in Nashville June 26th
If you would like to be a vendor at the upcoming Stand-Up for America Celebration on June 26th starting at 1:00 p.m. at the City park…call the park office (845-7405) and schedule a spot for your vendor booth. All Chamber members there is no charge, otherwise the price is: $50.00 for food vendors, and $25.00 for all others.
There will be an antique car show, and a softball tournament going on in the park that day as well. Come join us in the 100 year old birthday of the Chamber, and tribute to our country and our service men and women!!
Thanks,
Mike Reese,
Director
VIDEO: Sevier County Hospital Board Meeting Thursday, 06/03
VIDEO: Freedom Fest Fundraising Effort for New Samaritan Soccer Fields
Tony Soto, Esteban Ochoa, and Rafael Figueroa stopped in to talk about the upcoming Freedom Fest as well as the fundraising effort for the new Samaritan Fields soccer complex.
Attorney General Alert: Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2021
Contact: Amanda Priest
Amanda Priest, (501) 414-2223
Amanda.Priest@ArkansasAG.gov
Attorney General Alert: Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise
LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is warning Arkansans that catalytic converter thefts are on the rise and how people can protect their automobiles from this type of crime. A catalytic converter is an EPA-approved exhaust emission control device that is usually found beneath the vehicle as part of the exhaust system. Thieves are stealing catalytic converters from all types of automobiles for their precious metals. Specifically, hybrid and lower emission vehicles contain higher amounts of precious metals in their converters and certain larger vehicles have multiple catalytic converters making both high value targets.
“These criminals are stealing catalytic converters that will end up costing thousands of dollars to fix,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “I want Arkansans to know the signs beforehand so they can protect themselves from conniving criminals trying to make a quick buck.”
Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to protect their catalytic converters from theft:
Whenever possible, park in well-lit areas and close to building entrances.
If you have a garage, park your car inside and keep the garage shut.
Consider having the catalytic converter welded to your car’s frame, making it harder to steal.
Calibrate your car’s alarm system to alert you when it detects vibrations.
Most catalytic converters do not have serial numbers, so engraving your car’s VIN can help identify your catalytic converter if it is stolen.
Consumers should notify their insurance company if your catalytic converter is stolen.
If Arkansas consumers find that their catalytic converters have been stolen, they should file a report with their local law enforcement agency. Then contact ScrapTheftAlert.com to report a theft.
About Attorney General Leslie Rutledge
Leslie Carol Rutledge is the 56th Attorney General of Arkansas. Elected on November 4, 2014, and sworn in on January 13, 2015, she is the first woman and first Republican in Arkansas history to be elected as Attorney General. She was resoundingly re-elected on November 6, 2018. Since taking office, she has significantly increased the number of arrests and convictions against online predators who exploit children and con artists who steal taxpayer money through Social Security Disability and Medicaid fraud. Further, she has held Rutledge Roundtable meetings and Mobile Office hours in every county of the State each year, and launched a Military and Veterans Initiative. She has led efforts to roll back government regulations that hurt job creators, fight the opioid epidemic, teach internet safety, combat domestic violence and make the office the top law firm for Arkansans. Rutledge serves as co-chairs of the National Association of Attorneys General Veterans Affairs Committee, re-established and co-chairs the National Association of Attorneys General Committee on Agriculture and was the former Chairwoman of the National Association of Attorneys General Southern Region. As the former Chairwoman of the Republican Attorneys General Association, she remains active on the Executive Board.
A native of Batesville, she is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. Rutledge clerked for the Arkansas Court of Appeals, was Deputy Counsel for former Governor Mike Huckabee, served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Lonoke County and was an Attorney at the Department of Human Services before serving as Counsel at the Republican National Committee. Rutledge and her husband, Boyce, have one daughter. The family has a home in Pulaski County and a farm in Crittenden County.
Dean Banks Resigns as Tyson Foods President and CEO; Donnie King Named Successor
Springdale-based Tyson Foods said Wednesday (June 2) that president and CEO Dean Banks has resigned from the company and board for personal reasons. Donnie King, the company’s chief operating officer, has been named as his successor, effective immediately.
“The board and I know that Donnie has a deep understanding of our business, values and culture and the solid leadership skills needed to continue to implement our strategy and deliver strong results,” John H. Tyson, chairman of the board, said in a company news release. “We want to express our appreciation to Dean for his contributions as a board member and executive.”
Banks joined the company as president in 2017 and added the CEO title in October 2020.
TYSON FOODS
Suspect Charged In Jan. 6 Insurrection Raising Money Online To Pay For Defense
An Arkansas man, facing federal charges for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, is raising money for his legal defense.
Richard Barnett, also known as “Bigo,” became one of the most public faces of the breach at the Capitol when he was photographed in the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with his feet propped up on a desk. Now for a donation of $100 or more, people can receive a signed copy of that photo.
(Left) Richard Barnett's mug shot at the Washington County, Ark. jail. (Right) Barnett sitting at a desk inside the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Jan. 6.
CREDIT WASHINGTON COUNTY JAIL/ SAUL LOEB/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
UAMS, Baptist Health Partner on New Cancer Care Initiative
by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences announced to employees on Tuesday (June 1) that it is collaborating on a new cancer care initiative with Little Rock-based Baptist Health.
“Building on our longstanding relationship, UAMS and Baptist Health are taking steps to expand the innovative and unique oncological care found at our Cancer Institute, starting with the opening in the near future of the UAMS Baptist Health Cancer Center on Baptist’s North Little Rock campus,” UAMS Chancellor Dr. Cam Patterson revealed in a memo to employees.
Patterson said locations for additional new UAMS Baptist Health cancer centers are not final yet, but Baptist’s statewide footprint stretches from Fort Smith through central Arkansas and ranges from north central Arkansas into south Arkansas.
https://talkbusiness.net/2021/06/uams-baptist-health-partner-on-new-cancer-care-initiative/
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences announced Tuesday it is partnering with Baptist Health on a new cancer-care initiative.
CREDIT UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES