LITTLE ROCK – This week, I issued a call for a special session of the General Assembly, and today I’d like to explain why my action was necessary.
In the spring, I signed Act 1002, a law that prohibits a government agency from establishing a mask mandate. That made sense to me at the time because I oppose any government-issued statewide mask requirement. And now we have vaccines available. Also, at the time, the number of COVID-19 cases and related deaths and hospitalizations was very low. In other words, we were coming out of the pandemic nicely. But as happens in life, everything changed.
The Delta variant, which is more transmissible than previous variants, arrived, and our cases, hospitalizations, and COVID-related deaths increased. It became clear to me that the law needed to change, and I actually said I regret signing the bill. That statement created somewhat of a firestorm, but it is important for leaders to adapt and change strategies when the facts change – particularly when you are in an emergency.
With public schools opening for in-person instruction this month, I decided we needed to enact exceptions to Act 1002 to give schools some flexibility regarding face masks in congregate settings, and this should be limited to those students under twelve years of age. This was necessary because those under twelve are not eligible for a vaccine.
I convened the General Assembly to make this limited exception in order to provide more protection for those under twelve, and the law would leave the final decision in the hands of the local school board.
Pursuant to my call, the General Assembly met and considered the exception but failed to act. This leaves us all with the urgent need to get more of our students, teachers, parents, and community vaccinated. If we can’t provide life-saving vaccines to those under twelve, then we have to form layers of protection around them.
So that will be my focus in the coming days. Perhaps you will join me in one of my Community COVID Conversations – or Town Halls – to respectfully discuss how we can stop this virus with more vaccinations.
Weyerhaeuser to Partner with UA Cossatot to Offer Paid Internships and Tuition
COVID-19 Active Cases Climbing in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 66
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 76
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 55
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 84
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 73
Bill That Amends Arkansas Mask Mandate Ban Stalls In House Committee
A bill that would allow Arkansas school districts to implement mask mandates if they meet a COVID-19 case threshold is being reworked to address the concerns of some lawmakers. Members of the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee spent just under three hours Wednesday discussing and listening to public comments on the proposed legislation.
According to the bill, a school district must have a 14-day COVID-19 infection rate of at least 50 new infections per 10,000 residents based on data published by either the Arkansas Department of Health or the Arkansas Center for Health improvement.
Rep. Julie Mayberry, R-Hensley, is the bill’s sponsor and said she was open to whatever suggestions lawmakers had if it helped pass the legislation.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/bill-amends-arkansas-mask-mandate-ban-stalls-house-committee
Rep. Julie Mayberry, R-Hensley, presents House Bill 1003 to the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on the first day of the special legislative session.
CREDIT ARKANSAS HOUSE
Governor Calls Extraordinary Session To Request Legislative Action on COVID and Unemployment
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has called members of the 93rd General Assembly into Extraordinary Session to begin at 10 a.m. on August 4 to create an exception to Act 1002 that will give public school boards flexibility to protect those school children who are 11 and younger and not eligible for a vaccine.
Act 1002 prohibits state and local government, including school boards, from requiring people to wear a mask. Governor Hutchinson will ask legislators to provide an exception to the law that would grant each school board the authority to decide whether to require students younger than 12 to wear a mask.
“Under CDC guidelines, students 11 and younger cannot receive the COVID vaccine, and without it, they are at a greater risk of contracting the virus, particularly the Delta variant,” Governor Hutchinson said today after he issued the Call. “COVID‐19 impact is escalating among children, particularly those 12 and older, as we have seen in the increased number and severity of COVID‐19 cases at Arkansas Children’s during July.
“Last week, Children’s daily census of 24 COVID-19 patients was a 50 percent increase over previous peaks. Because of this increased risk of illness in children, we see the necessity of allowing leaders in school districts the flexibility to decide whether students wear masks. We must allow local school boards to make the best decision for the students in their schools.
“I understand that some legislators are reluctant to allow school boards this freedom, even in this limited way,” Governor Hutchinson said. “But the exceptions for which I am asking are true to the conservative principle that puts control in the hands of local government.
“Some argue it should be up to the parents to decide for the children. For that reason, school boards will have many options after listening to the parents. The goal is to be safe and to keep schools open. Local flexibility will help get us there.
“I am asking lawmakers to simply allow public school boards and open enrollment charter schools to make their own decision to implement masking protocols to protect children younger than 12 in a school building, school bus, or other educational setting where several students are in close proximity.”
Last week, seven children were in Arkansas Children’s ICU, and four were on ventilators. The average length of stay and the number of days on a ventilator have doubled for COVID‐19 patients during July compared to January.
The Governor also will ask members of the General Assembly to affirm the decision of the director of Workforce Services to terminate Arkansas’s participation in extraordinary federal unemployment benefit and relief programs related to COVID-19.
“It is more important that we reduce the number of unemployed and put more people to work than it is for the state to accept any federal relief programs related to unemployment,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I will ask legislators to affirm that the director of Workforce Services may exercise discretion in her decisions to participate in or to cease participation in any voluntary, optional, special, or emergency program that the federal government offers.”
New State COVID-19 Public School Guidelines Issued
The Arkansas Department of Education has issued a set of new COVID-19 guidelines to prepare for the coming school year. All public schools are scheduled to hold in-person classes despite the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant. Lucas Harder, policy services director for the Arkansas School Boards Association provides insight.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/new-state-covid-19-public-school-guidelines-issued
COURTESY / ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Lockesburg Block Party Bicycle Giveaway
Connor Wolcott won the bike at the Lockesburg Block Party and gave it to his niece Madeline Wolcott
Cossatot Friends of NRA Banquet in De Queen Saturday, August 7th
VIDEO: "What's Up, Doc?" with Dr. Randy Walker
This week on "What's Up Doc?", Dr. Randy discusses his recent bout with COVID-19 and how this variant posed some symptoms that surprised him.
UA Cossatot Student Athletes Scholarship Benefit Golf Tournament Saturday, August 14th
Colts Golf Tournament will present plaques to the winners of each flight (3 flights). The tournament will include smoked chicken and fried fish dinners by donation, goodie bags from De Queen Auto Group, giveaways, hole-n-one chances at $50,000 toward the purchase of any new vehicle, a one year supply of Bridgestone Golf Balls, Cuater by TravisMathew, and a Prize Package and $500 shopping spree all sponsored by Gentry’s Chevrolet, Longest Drive Prizes sponsored by Bush Tractor & Seth Tollett Farms, Closest to Hole 1 Free Year Club Membership, and Putting Contest Prize.
Mechanical Millwright Paid Internships Available for UA Cossatot Students at Weyerhaeuser in Dierks
Weyerhaeuser in Dierks is offering some new paid mechanical millwright internships for UA Cossatot students. This is an opportunity for our students to pursue an Associate of Applied Science – General Technology or a technical certificate for Industrial Technology or Industrial Electricity tuition free, plus $15.96 per hour. There are 4 positions open for application now through 8/18. Below are the direct links to the posting along with a job description.
Mechanical Millwright Intern-01016597
http://weyer.jobs/16597 - external
http://weyer.jobs/16597i - internal
Description:
Weyerhaeuser Company is partnering with Cossatot Community College of University of Arkansas to build a talent pipeline. We are seeking applicants for internship/sponsorship opportunities for our Mid-South manufacturing facilities located in Dierks, AR. We are seeking applicants with a desire to work in the Electrical/Electronics and Industrial Maintenance areas of study. This is an excellent professional development opportunity.
Key Intern Expectations:
· Commitment to completing degree at Cossatot Community College of University of Arkansas (CCCUA)
· Dependability – punctual and prepared to work
· Professional communication and behaviors
· Commitment to learning and understanding critical safety behavior requirements
Qualifications:
· Enrolled at CCCUA in Associate of Applied Science – General Technology or pursing a technical certificate for Industrial Technology or Industrial Electrical
· Must be at least 18 years of age with high school diploma or GED
· Must be able to commit to summer internship each year while enrolled and will be required to work weekend schedule during school year.
· Must be able to complete the internship requirements for degree completion
· Strong verbal and written communication skills
· Technical writing capability
· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team environment
· Problem solving and analytical skills
· High level of initiative and motivation
· Ability to pass pre-employment requirements including drug screen and background check
· Proficient in MS Office
· Willingness to work in challenging environments (outdoor temperature extremes)
· Willingness to perform the essential functions of this position
· Commitment to at least 3 years of employment with Weyerhaeuser upon graduation from CCCUA
· Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
About Wood Products:
We've been delivering quality building products and solutions to our customers for more than 100 years. From builders and dealers to specifiers and homeowners, we offer exceptional product performance and unparalleled support.
For more than a century, we’ve been building our reputation as a leader in sustainable wood products.
About Weyerhaeuser
We sustainably manage forests and manufacture products that make the world a better place. We’re serious about safety, driven to achieve excellence, and proud of what we do. With multiple business lines in locations across North America, we offer a range of exciting career opportunities for smart, talented people who are passionate about making a difference.
We know you have a choice in your career. We want you to choose us.
Weyerhaeuser is an equal opportunity employer. Inclusion is one of our five core values and we strive to maintain a culture where all our people feel a sense of belonging, opportunity and shared purpose. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and supporting an equitable and inclusive environment that inspires people of all backgrounds to join, stay and thrive with our team.
Job: Operations, Manufacturing, & Construction
Primary Location: USA-AR-Dierks
Schedule: Full-time
Job Level: Entry Level
Job Type: Temporary Work
Shift: Day (1st)
Cossatot Friends of NRA Banquet Saturday in De Queen
This Saturday, The Cossatot Friends of NRA will hold it’s annual banquet at the De Queen High School cafeteria. Doors open at 5:30. Advanced tickets can be purchased through Sharon at Bakers Bargain House or online at the Friends of NRA website. Advanced tickets are $25 and tickets at the door will be $35, so be sure you get them early. Table packages include 8 dinner tickets and a pistol. Early tickets or table purchases let you in on a FMK Freedom 9mm door prize and a Taurus G3 pistol early bird gun. Don’t forget, good food, great fun and awesome guns and gear, all this Saturday!
COVID-19 Active Cases Decline for a Day in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 56
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 64
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 31
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 76
Tyson Foods to Require COVID Vaccine for all U.S. Employees
by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)
Springdale-based Tyson Foods said Tuesday (Aug. 3) that it would require its U.S. workforce to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Spokesman Derek Burleson said that mandate would affect approximately 120,000 processing plant and corporate office workers. About half of them have already received the COVID vaccine.
The company’s leadership (officers and above) must be vaccinated by Sept. 24. Employees working in an office have until Oct. 1 to receive the vaccine. All other U.S. employees are required to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1, subject to ongoing discussions with locations represented by unions. Frontline workers will receive a $200 bonus once they are vaccinated, the company said.
https://talkbusiness.net/2021/08/tyson-foods-to-require-covid-vaccine-for-all-u-s-employees/
LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson's Media Briefing Tuesday (08.03.21) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide a media briefing at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 3, 2021.
Clinton Center Suspends Operations Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases
By DANIEL BREEN
After roughly a month of being open for visitors, the Clinton Presidential Center in downtown Little Rock is again temporarily suspending operations. This comes as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to skyrocket in Arkansas due to the delta variant and the state’s low vaccination rate.
The center announced last Friday it would close its indoor exhibits beginning Monday. Clinton Center spokesperson Rebecca Tennille says it was a tough, yet necessary, decision.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/clinton-center-suspends-operations-amid-rising-covid-19-cases
CREDIT CAMERON HUDDLESTON
COVID-19 Active Case Numbers Still on the Rise in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 57
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 70
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 84
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 81
Blue Cross Blue Shield CEO on Mask Restrictions, Vaccine Hesitancy, and Behavioral Health
by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)
Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield CEO Curtis Barnett said the state’s largest health insurance company is supportive of the governor’s new call for a COVID-19 pandemic emergency and a special session to loosen mask-wearing restrictions in public schools.
“We’re very supportive of what the governor outlined this week. I think what it does, it puts our priority clearly where it needs to be, which is on our children,” Barnett said in a Talk Business & Politics interview.
On Thursday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson declared a new pandemic emergency as the Delta variant of COVID-19 has spiked cases across the state. Hutchinson also said he would ask lawmakers in a special session to address a new law prohibiting mask mandates. He wants to loosen the restriction to allow local school boards to make a decision on the issue with regards to children under the age of 12, who do not qualify for a vaccine.
Talk Business & Politics
Arkansas Judge Rules Canceled Pandemic Unemployment Benefits to Resume
Federal pandemic unemployment relief has been ordered to resume in Arkansas by a Pulaski County Circuit Court judge to as many as 70,000 qualified Arkansans. In May, the emergency benefits were terminated by Governor Asa Hutchinson, who said jobs are now plentiful. Legal Aid of Arkansas sued the state on behalf of five Arkansas plaintiffs who claim the temporary benefits are critically needed.
https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-judge-rules-canceled-pandemic-unemployment-benefits-resume
Over a hundred workers stand socially distanced in line at Arkansas Workforce Services to apply for pandemic unemployment assistance last year in Fayetteville.
J. FROELICH / KUAF
VIDEO: Horatio Events on Ed 88 with Emilee Vaught
Emilee Vaught was our Friday morning guest on Ed 88. Emilee talked about several upcoming events in Horatio.