Arkansas to receive $278 million for bridges from new infrastructure law

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com) January 16, 2022 10:03 am

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Friday (Jan. 14) that $5.3 billion will be invested in U.S. highway bridges in 2022 as the first tranche of bridge funding from the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Overall, more than $27 billion will be spent to repair about 15,000 bridges nationwide.

In Arkansas, the law will provide $278.7 million to fix about 663 bridges in poor condition and to preserve and improve nearly 6,000 bridges in fair condition in the state.

The U.S. Department of Transportation launched Friday the Bridge Replacement, Rehabilitation, Preservation, Protection and Construction Program, or Bridge Formula Program, which was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program will be administered by the Federal Highway Administration.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/01/arkansas-to-receive-278-million-for-bridges-from-new-infrastructure-law/

UAMS forecast: COVID could infect 500,000 more Arkansans through February

KUAR | By Talk Business & Politics Staff
Published January 14, 2022 at 3:21 PM CST

As many as 500,000 Arkansans may become infected with the omicron variant of COVID-19 in the coming weeks if trends continue, including 1,764 additional hospitalizations and 341 deaths by Feb. 8.

The projections from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health are based on data provided by the Department of Health through Jan. 9. The model forecasts 106,419 new COVID cases by Jan. 24 and 285,642 new cases by Feb. 8, which would be an increase of more than 36%. 10,000 new cases are expected per day.

176 additional deaths are projected by Jan. 24 and 341 by Feb. 8, which would equal roughly 11 new deaths per day. There would be 855 additional hospitalizations by Jan. 24, with the state reaching 85 daily hospitalizations by Feb. 8.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-01-14/uams-forecast-omicron-could-strike-500-000-arkansans-through-february

Michael Hibblen/KUAR News

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was shown at the Arkansas Department of Health on Dec. 14, 2020 before the state administered its first doses.

Active COVID cases in Arkansas near 80,000; UAMS hits record number of patients

KUAR | By Michael Hibblen

Cases of COVID-19 continue expanding rapidly in Arkansas. The state reported nearly 13,000 new infections on Thursday, setting another record for the second day in a row. The number of active cases grew to nearly 80,000 people, according to the Department of Health, which is the highest since the pandemic began.

The actual number of cases is likely higher as the state this week began distributing hundreds of thousands of free rapid at-home tests, with results typically not reported to authorities. Officials say the tests have been snatched up quickly at locations like local health units and hospitals.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-01-13/active-covid-cases-in-arkansas-near-80-000-uams-hits-record-number-of-patients

Michael Hibblen/KUAR News

UAMS Clinical Services Manager Deborah Hutts speaks to staffers in July 2020 before they began conducting COVID-19 testing.

LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson's Weekly Media Briefing Friday (01.21.22) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide a briefing to media at 1:30 p.m., Friday, January 21, 2021.

Governor appoints Steven Anthony to Racing Commission

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has appointed Steven M. Anthony to the Arkansas Racing Commission.

Mr. Anthony was born in Fayetteville and grew up in Fordyce, where he graduated from high school in 1979. He is president of Anthony Timberlands Inc. (ATI).

“Steven Anthony is Arkansas to his core,” Governor Hutchinson said today. “He grew up working in his family’s timber business, which was founded in 1907. He knows the law, and he knows how to run a business. The racing commission will be an even stronger agency with the benefit of his legal education, his professional network, and his life experience.”

Mr. Anthony, the son of John E. Anthony of Hot Springs and Mary Lynn Dudley of Little Rock, graduated summa cum laude from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, in 1983 with a degree in business administration. He received a juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville.

Mr. Anthony’s timber company manages five Arkansas sawmills, several secondary processing facilities, and 180,000 acres of timberland in south-central Arkansas.

He is past chairman of the Arkansas Forestry Commission, and past president of the Arkansas Forestry Association and the Southern Forest Products Association. He serves on the board of directors of the Bank of Bearden and on the executive committee of the Arkansas Forestry Association. 

He and his wife, Gay, live in Fordyce. They have two sons, Addison, who works at Anthony Hardwood Composites in Sheridan, and Wilson, who works at Anthony Timberlands. They also have four grandchildren.

Mr. Anthony’s term will expire January 14, 2027. He replaces Butch Rice, whose five-year term expires today.

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | U.S. Steel

LITTLE ROCK – This week, we announced an economic development win for Arkansas that is the largest single project investment in state history. Today, I’d like to share some details about the new U.S. Steel plant, which eventually will create more than 900 high-paying jobs and will make Mississippi County the Number 1 steel-producing county in the nation.

The competition for the mill was intense, but we won because of our workforce, our business-friendly environment, our abundant, renewable, and clean power, superior Class 1 rail service, and easy access to Mississippi River docks and interstate trucking.

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Mississippi County’s economic development team, prepared a first-rate package for U.S. Steel. The 93rd General Assembly supported the effort with legislation that offers an income-tax credit to steel manufacturers that invest in equipment to reduce waste, and reuse or recycle materials. U.S. Steel plans to be carbon neutral by 2050.

The process moved quickly, and our nimble economic development team had the savvy and the resources to keep pace. U.S. Steel announced in September last year that it was looking for a place to build a state-of-the-art mini-mill. Only three months later, the company announced it would build in Arkansas. 

U.S. Steel will invest more than $3 billion to build its plant in Osceola next to the Big River Steel. The company hopes to break ground by spring and to be fully operational by 2024. That is moving very quickly for a $3 billion project.

This effort highlights the need to be able to act quickly and is built on the foundation laid by previous Arkansas governors. When Bill Clinton was governor, he helped recruit Nucor Steel to Mississippi County. And under former Governor Mike Beebe, voters approved Amendment 82, which allowed the state to offer incentives to attract industry. U.S. Steel now owns Big River Steel. And now, I was able to make the case for Arkansas in my meetings with the CEO of U.S. Steel, Dave Burritt.

I can’t overstate the importance of this plant to Mississippi County’s economy and its residents. In the ’90s, Mississippi County lost more than 9,000 jobs in a short period of time. This mill will add back more than 900 to the nearly 5,000 jobs that have returned. The average salary will be more than $100,000. 

The plant will produce the high-end steel used to build cars and appliances, and the economic development commission can build on this success by recruiting even more industry, such as automakers.

The benefits of this steel mill extend beyond the economy and will improve the quality of life in Northeast Arkansas in intangible ways we haven’t imagined. As Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston said, with the expansion of our steel industry, the sky’s the limit.

Winter Weather Briefing Updated for Arkansas

UA Cossatot Releases Fall 2021 Honor Students and List of Graduates

UA Cossatot’s Office of the Registrar recently released the fall 2021 Chancellor’s List and Vice Chancellor’s List, as well as the names of the fall 2021 graduates.

107 students were named to the Chancellor’s list, maintaining a minimum of 4.0 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours. 83 students were named on the Vice Chancellor’s list, maintaining a minimum of a 3.5 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours.

UA Cossatot Spring 2021 Chancellor’s List:

Amity: Felicity Pate, Dathan Vaught, and Randi Markham

Ashdown: Kasey Barton, Colby Dellinger, and Breana Noble

Ben Lomond: Kaitlyn Finigan and Brooklyn Roberts

Camden: Cha'keria Evans

De Queen: Jennifer Aparicio, Madison Bagley, Arlette Briones, Gracie Burcham, Tressie Click', Kimberly Delgado, Victoria Diaz, Oscar Fernandez, Cynthia Gallaway, Edith Garcia, Adrian Gonzalez, Ivette Gonzalez, Halle Harp, Samantha Harris, Yudibeth Herrera, Angie Hernandez, Edith Hernandez, Lesly Hernandez, Manuel Hernandez, Allen Hong, Kaleb Key, Giovanna Lerma, Daniel Marrufo, Jair Marrufo, Marlen Martinez, Edvinn Mendez, Gerardo Monroy, Ismael Montero, Edwin Mora, Hannah Phillips, Diana Ramirez, Carlos Rodriguez, Joshua Servante, McKenzie Simpson, America Vega, Tasma Irons, Samantha Ivy, Carlos Jaramillo, Danielle Martinez, Stephanie Piza, Valentin Sanchez, and Stephanie Zavala

Delight: Camri Kirkham

Dierks: Brayden Buck, Emily Glass, Jaiden Jackson, Aiden Oglesby, Kayden Turner, Kimberly McCauley, and Allison Strasner

Fouke: Denise Austin

Gillham: Andrew Shelton, Ariel Dinkins, and Joshua Vann

Horatio: Ashley Williams

Lockesburg: Lauren Carver, Jason Huesca, Jasie Miller, Arrionna Stout, Salina Dixon, and Kimberly Taylor

Mineral Springs: Destiny Bearden, Brenda Salinas, and Emma Watts

Murfreesboro: Brooke Westfall

Nashville: Alexis Byers, Isai Camacho, Ashley Chambers, Audri Couch, Devin Culp, Nya Esters,

Dennis Guzman, Lamia Hendrix, Lizbeth Hernandez, Sandra Hernandez, Jessica Medina-Frias, Kendra Miller, Adam Nix, Ella Ragar, Karleigh Reeder, Diana Rubio Hernandez, Jaycee Runnels, Ellen Spigner Wiley Washburn, James Jordan, and Candice Schooley

New Boston: Jennifer Beel and Justin Beel

Newhope: Jackson Banister and Jewel Bennett

Ozan: LaShonna Cooper

Prescott: Ashlynn Hart

Texarkana: Coleman Newberry, Grant Nolen, Joseph Benett Shan, and Anthony Stine

Umpire: Kelsie Faulkner and Taylor Pounds

UA Cossatot Spring 2021 Vice Chancellor’s List:

Amity: Joseph Galloway and Katelyn Hoover

Arkadelphia: Klair Castleberry

Ashdown: Benjamin Adkison, Veronica Hall, Alex Hamby, Kellie Jones, and Braley Turner

Broken Bow: Jazmayn Johnson

De Queen: Julio Alvarez, Abigail Angeles, Cynthia Bolanos Lopez, Juan Cervantes Jr, Ashley Contreras, William Foster, Abel Gutierrez, Victor Hernandez, Anayzia Jefferson, Brenda Mera Leon,

Blanca Morales Duran, Aldon Moreno-Cruz, Bridgette Ortiz, Lizbeth Osura, Alex Pacheco, Timothy Pham, Alex Ramirez, Jordan Rogers, Angeles Rojas-Duran, Izabella Sotelo, Ivan Trejo, Logan Turner, and Rachel Williamson

Delight: Bobbie Craig, Britton Hutcherson, and Noah McGalliard

Dierks: Elian Hernandez and Jace Jackson

Foreman: Leigha Bearden, Daniel Eyraud, Chunjung Ke Howell, David Sierra, and Skylar Wesley

Gillham: Guadalupe Olvera

Glenwood: Benjamin Williams

Horatio: Manuel Hernandez, Maddie Rivas, Gracie Shelton-Hill, Amanda Taylor, and Roberto Villeda Jr

Langley: Jacy White

Lockesburg: Ciarra Walker

McCaskill: Kristen Hendry and Jennifer Perez

Mineral Springs: Alan Hernandez, Brooklyn Nutt, and Sydaija Walton

Murfreesboro: Harley Keys

Nashville: Deven Barton, Estevan Bravo, Shalene Cardenas, Reagan Cooley, Jaydon Hostetler, King Jackson, James Leedale, Matthew McGilberry, Zayda Orozco, Raegan Porter, Hannah Purvis,

Mattison Steele, Jasmin Summers, Wyatt Talley, Kinsey Westfall, Brenden Woodall, and Haley Wright

Newhope: Alleigh Tucker

Ozan: Jake Brinkman

Texarkana: Julie Clift, Robert Haworth, Chase Hicks, Eriona Jefferson, Sean Minton, and Joshua Robles Jr.

Winthrop: Riley Martin

19 students graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors, meaning they graduate with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.9 to 4.0. 13 students graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors, meaning they graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 to 3.89. 32 students graduate with Cum Laude honors, meaning they graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.74.

Students graduating fall 2021 with Summa Cum Laude Honors:

Kasey Barton of Ashdown, LaShonna Dawnta-Cooper of Ozan, Devin Culp of Nashville, Alyssa Harrison of Nashville, Christian Hart of Nashville, Lesly Hernandez of De Queen, Lizbeth Hernandez of Nashville, Manuel Hernandez of Horatio, James Jordan of Nashville, Camri Kirkham Delight, Edvinn Mendez of De Queen, Gerardo Monroy of De Queen, Ismael Montero of De Queen, Christopher Moore of Umpire,

Jordan Rogers of De Queen, Andrew Shelton of Gillham, Maegan Taylor of Buckner, John Turner of Ashdown,

and Tatiana Weatherley of Winthrop.

Students graduating fall 2021 with Magna Cum Laude Honors:

Destany Bright of Amity, Ashlynn Hart of Prescott, Lesly Hernandez of De Queen, Yudibeth Herrera of De Queen, Hannah Honey of Garvin, Kaleb Key of De Queen, Daniel Marrufo of De Queen, Kendra Miller of Nashville, Jose Rios of Gillham, Jorge Soto Ramirez of De Queen, Kayden Turner of Dierks, Joshua Vann of Gillham, and Stephanie Zavala of De Queen.

Students graduating fall 2021 with Cum Laude Honors:

Kelsey Adams of Dierks, Deven Barton of Nashville, Shalene Cardenas of Nashville, Nicole Carroll of Texarkana, Sheri Dinkins of De Queen, Mackynze Dollarhide of Ashdown, Shonda French of Wilton, Adrian Gonzalez of De Queen, Colyn Grimes of Ogden, Katelyn Hipp of Mineral Springs, Jason Huesca of Lockesburg, Andrew Jacoby of Newhope, Carlos Jaramillo of De Queen, Crystal Jeanes of Nashville, Emily Kesterson of Mineral Springs, Oscar Lagunas of De Queen, Mallory Long of De Queen, Jair Marrufo of De Queen, Coleman Newberry of Texarkana, Brooklyn Nutt of Mineral Springs, Gustavo Perez of Mineral Springs,

CharDerra Piggee of Texarkana, Shelby Pogue Banister of Hope, Alexis Richardson of De Queen, Carlos Rodriguez of De Queen, Jacey Saldana of Murfreesboro, David Sierra of Foreman, Burgundi Unruh of De Queen, Miriam Vizueth of De Queen, Ashli Walker of Nashville, Marcus Wester of Nashville, and HeatherWoodall.

226 students graduate with a certificate of proficiency, technical certificate, or associate degree. Some students earned multiple certificates and degrees, allowing for 359 fall 2021 awards.

UA Cossatot Fall 2021 Graduates Include:

Amity: Destany Bright, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate of Applied Science, Katelyn Hoover, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Harrison Sutton, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency

Ashdown: William Abney, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Kasey Barton, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Kasey Barton, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Paiton Britt, Medical Transcription: Technical Certificate, Tyler Burnham, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Blayne Buster, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Della Earnest Buster, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Micah Cromer, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Mackynze Dollarhide, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Michael Wayne Friday, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Jasmine Hagood, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Alex Hamby, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Alex Hamby, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Monica Hankins, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, CandaceMcGee, Business Management: Technical Certificate, Dylan Paludan, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Amee Parker, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Garrett Rodden, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Brittany Sanders, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Jayla Sanders, Criminal Justice: Associate of Science, Jayla Sanders, Psychology: Associate of Science, Jayla Sanders, General Studies: Technical Certificate, James Sullivan, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Fletcher Swilley, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, John Turner, Business: Associate of Science, Matthew Vaught, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Heather Fischer Wright, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Heather Fischer Wright, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Jinina Young, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Jinina Young, Health Professions: Technical Certificate

Avery: Erin Blackburn, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science

Blevins: Ernan Gomez, Industrial Electricity: Technical Certificate, Ernan Gomez, Programmable Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Jessica Plunk, General Studies: Technical Certificate

Broken Bow: Stacey Harper, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Ashayla Williams, Emergency Medical Technology: Certificate of Proficiency

Buckner: Maegan Taylor, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate of Applied Science, Maegan Taylor, Health Professions: Technical Certificate

Conway: Brianna Maxwell, Associate of General Studies

De Queen: Mayra Aguilar, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Rodrigo Arroyo Jr., SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Sarah Azua, Associate of Arts, Sarah Azua: General Studies: Technical Certificate, Kelli Bahena Ugarte, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate of Applied Science, Hector Blanco, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Cynthia Bolanos Lopez, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Cynthia Bolanos Lopez, Associate of General Studies, Cynthia Bolanos Lopez, Teaching: Associate of Arts, Cynthia Bolanos Lopez, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Cynthia Bolanos Lopez, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate, Cynthia Bolanos Lopez, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Jonathan Buenrostro, General Business: Associate of Applied Science, Jonathan Buenrostro, Accounting: Technical Certificate, Jonathan Buenrostro, Business Management: Technical Certificate,

Jonathan Buenrostro, Business Management: Certificate of Proficiency, Jesus Camacho Jr., SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Nohemi Carreon, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Nohemi Carreon, Teaching: Associate of Arts, Nohemi Carreon, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Nohemi Carreon, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate, Nohemi Carreon, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Juan Cervantes Jr, Automotive Service Technology: Technical Certificate, Abisai De Jesus, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Sheri Dinkins, Associate of Arts, Sheri Dinkins, Psychology: Associate of Science, Joel Elizondo, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Angel Espinoza-Trujillo, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Oscar Fernandez, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Edgar Ferretiz, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Alec-Zander Frachiseur, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Juan Gaona, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Edwin Garcia, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Katy Garcia, Associate of General Studies, Mitzi Garcia, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Mitzi Garcia, Associate of General Studies, Mitzi Garcia, Teaching: Associate of Arts, Mitzi Garcia, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate, Mitzi Garcia, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency,

Mitzi Garcia, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Jennifer Garibay, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate of Applied Science, Levester Gillard, Business: Associate of Science, Misty Goings, Natural Resources: Associate of Science, Adrian Gonzalez, Pipe Welding: Technical Certificate, Adrian Gonzalez, Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel: Certificate of Proficiency, Adrian Gonzalez, Pipe Welding GTAW: Certificate of Proficiency, Adrian Gonzalez, Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW: Certificate of Proficiency, Joel Guerrero, STEM: Associate of Science, Joel Guerrero, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Joel Guerrero: Brakes, Suspension & Steering: Certificate of Proficiency, Abel Gutierrez, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency,

Brett Hall, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Samantha Harris, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Lesly Hernandez, Associate of Arts, Lesly Hernandez, Associate of General Studies,

Lesly Hernandez, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Vanessa Hernandez, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Yudibeth Herrera, Middle Level Education: Associate of Science, Yudibeth Herrera, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Gisselle Herrera-Gomez, Associate of General Studies, Gisselle Herrera-Gomez, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Payton Hibbs, Agriculture: Technical Certificate, Samantha Ivy, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Carlos Jaramillo, Business: Associate of Science, Carlos Jaramillo, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Kaleb Key, Welding: Technical Certificate, Kaleb Key, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Kaleb Key, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Oscar Lagunas, Welding: Technical Certificate, Oscar Lagunas, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Jayce Lee, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Kevin Leeper, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Diana Lerma, Medical Transcription: Certificate of Proficiency, Mallory Long, Medical Assisting: Technical Certificate,

Lisset Luna, Associate of General Studies, Lisset Luna, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Daniel Marrufo, Welding: Technical Certificate, Daniel Marrufo, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Daniel Marrufo, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Jair Marrufo Marrufo, Welding: Technical Certificate, Jair Marrufo Marrufo, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Jair Marrufo Marrufo, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Sonia Martinez, Psychology: Associate of Science, Sonia Martinez, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Jessica McGough, Emergency Medical Technology: Certificate of Proficiency, Edvinn Mendez, Welding: Technical Certificate, Edvinn Mendez, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Edvinn Mendez, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Gerardo Monroy, Welding: Technical Certificate, Gerardo Monroy, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Gerardo Monroy, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Ismael Montero, STEM: Associate of Science, Ismael Montero, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Edwin Mora, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Edwin Mora, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Blanca Morales Duran, Associate of Arts, Blanca Morales Duran, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Aldon Moreno Cruz, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Danny Osura, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Alex Pacheco, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Carson Patterson, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Elizebeth Perez, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science,

Elizebeth Perez, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Vorian Rehm, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Alexis Richardson, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Carlos Rodriguez, Welding: Technical Certificate, Carlos Rodriguez, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Carlos Rodriguez, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Zuleima Rodriguez-Chavez, Agriculture: Technical Certificate, Jordan Rogers, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Jordan Rogers, Teaching: Associate of Arts, Jordan Rogers, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate, Jordan Rogers, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency,

Jordan Rogers, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Joshua Servante, Accounting: Certificate of Proficiency,

Brennen Seymour, Emergency Medical Technology: Certificate of Proficiency, Kevin Sims, Emergency Medical Technology: Certificate of Proficiency, Jorge Soto Ramirez, General Technology: Associate of Applied Science, Manuel Soto Ramirez, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Athena Stephens, Associate of Arts, Athena Stephens, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Elisha Taylor, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Elisha Taylor, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Yulissa Tepozotlan, Medical Assisting: Technical Certificate, Yulissa Tepozotlan, Medical Transcription: Technical Certificate,

Sydney Thistlethwaite, Psychology: Associate of Science, Sydney Thistlethwaite, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Burgundi Unruh, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Tanesha Van Horn, Accounting: Certificate of Proficiency, Tanesha Van Horn, Business Management: Technical Certificate, Tanesha Van Horn, Business Management: Certificate of Proficiency, Miriam Vizueth, Associate of General Studies, Miriam Vizueth, Medical Assisting: Technical Certificate, Charles Wood, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Erika Zamora, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Stephanie Zavala, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science

Delight: Amy Campbell, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Amy Campbell, Teaching: Associate of Arts, Amy Campbell, Associate of General Studies, Amy Campbell, General Studies: Technical Certificate,

Amy Campbell, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate, Amy Campbell, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Robin Franklin, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Lexie Johnson, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Camri Kirkham, Associate of General Studies, Camri Kirkham, General Studies: Technical Certificate

Dierks: Kelsey Adams, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Brayden Buck, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Elian Hernandez, General Technology: Associate of Applied Science, Kayliegh Hill, Agriculture: Technical Certificate, Jace Jackson, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Aiden Oglesby, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Annaliese Stamps, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Kayden Turner, General Studies: Technical Certificate

Farmerville: Shondra Fields, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science

Foreman: Zackery Carver, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Raichel Frye, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Jason Goeldi, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency,

Chase Gross, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Monica Lansdell, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Tyler Nelson, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Tyler Nelson, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Colton Rose, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency,

David Sierra, Business: Associate of Science, David Sierra, General Studies: Technical Certificate

Fulton: Sha'letra Turner, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science

Garvin: Hannah Honey, Health Professions: Technical Certificate

Gillham: Jose Rios, Industrial Electricity: Technical Certificate, Tara Saddler, Associate of General Studies: Tara Saddler, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Andrew Shelton, Pipe Welding: Technical Certificate, Andrew Shelton, Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel: Certificate of Proficiency, Andrew Shelton, Pipe Welding GTAW: Certificate of Proficiency, Andrew Shelton, Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW: Certificate of Proficiency, Joshua Vann, General Studies: Technical Certificate

Hooks: Kinzie Williams, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science

Hope: Shelby Pogue Banister, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate of Applied Science,

Shelby Pogue Banister, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Megan Treadwell, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate of Applied Science, Megan Treadwell, Health Professions: Technical Certificate

Horatio: Jaisee Bailey, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Debra Boyd, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Manuel Hernandez, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Adrian Hernandez, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Ely Ricardo, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Tanya Roden, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Amanda Taylor, Accounting: Technical Certificate, Marco Tinajero, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency,

Roberto Villeda Jr, Welding: Technical Certificate, Roberto Villeda Jr, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Roberto Villeda Jr, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency

Hot Springs National Park: Lacey Kennedy, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Lacey Kennedy, Health Professions: Technical Certificate

Idabel: Erika Ristrim, Medical Assisting: Technical Certificate

Kirby: Lucas Cowart, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency

Linden: Victoria Harper, Psychology: Associate of Science

Lockesburg: Cherokee Birmingham, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Tasha Callahan, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Salina Dixon, STEM: Associate of Science, Jacob Gilbert, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Landon Hamilton, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Baylee Harder, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Jason Huesca, Pipe Welding: Technical Certificate, Jason Huesca, Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel: Certificate of Proficiency, Jason Huesca, Pipe Welding GTAW: Certificate of Proficiency, Jason Huesca, Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW: Certificate of Proficiency, Tyler Miller, Industrial Electricity: Technical Certificate, Tyler Miller, Programmable Controls: Certificate of Proficiency

Mccaskill: Cameron Lane, Programmable Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Corta Young, General Technology: Associate of Applied Science, Corta Young, Programmable Controls: Certificate of Proficiency

Mineral Springs: Erica Hawthorne, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Katelyn Hipp, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Katelyn Hipp, Associate of General Studies, Katelyn Hipp, Teaching: Associate of Arts, Katelyn Hipp, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate, Katelyn Hipp, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Emily Kesterson, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Brooklyn Nutt, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Gustavo Perez, Criminal Justice: Associate of Science, Gustavo Perez, General Studies: Technical Certificate

Murfreesboro: Hayley Hale, Accounting: Technical Certificate, Hayley Hale, Business Management: Technical Certificate, Hayley Hale, Business Management: Certificate of Proficiency, Kelsie Hallmark, Medical Assisting: Technical Certificate, Kelsie Hallmark, Medical Transcription: Certificate of Proficiency,

Harley Keys, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Harley Keys, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency,

JohnAaron Legate, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Jessica Parker, General Business: Associate of Applied Science, Jessica Parker, Accounting: Technical Certificate, Jacey Saldana, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Kristyn Self, Associate of General Studies, Kristyn Self, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Alex Trombley, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Brittany Zacarias, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science

Nashville: Deven Barton, Accounting: Technical Certificate, Bryanna Billingsley, Medical Assisting: Technical Certificate, Bryanna Billingsley, Medical Transcription: Technical Certificate, Shalene Cardenas, Business: Associate of Science, Shalene Cardenas, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Aiden Chapman, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Aubrie Combs, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science,

Aubrie Combs, Associate of General Studies: Aubrie Combs, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate,

Aubrie Combs, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Hector Cortez, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Ashley Crocker, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Devin Culp, Automotive Service Technology: Technical Certificate, Haley Davis, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Haley Davis, Teaching: Associate of Arts, Haley Davis, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate, Haley Davis Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Ashley Hale, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Alyssa Harrison, Associate of General Studies, Christian Hart, Industrial Electricity: Technical Certificate, Christian Hart, Programmable Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Adrian Hernandez, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Lizbeth Hernandez, Business: Associate of Science, Lizbeth Hernandez, General Studies: Technical Certificate, John Hudkins, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Crystal Jeanes, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, James Jordan, Welding: Technical Certificate, James Jordan, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, James Jordan, TIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Haley Lingo, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Kameron Maroon, SMAW Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Kameron Maroon, MIG Welding: Certificate of Proficiency, Elizabeth McCauley, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Hannah McClendon, Teaching: K-6: Associate of Science, Hannah McClendon, Teaching: Associate of Arts, Hannah McClendon, Teaching Assistant: Technical Certificate, Hannah McClendon, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency, Kendra Miller, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Kassandra Organista, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, Elizabeth Perez, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Treyton Spurling, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency,

Joshua Sweeden, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Kristell Valente, Business Management: Certificate of Proficiency, Ashli Walker, Psychology: Associate of Science, Haeden Walker, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Emily Wall: Health Professions: Technical Certificate,

Marcus Wester, Associate of General Studies: Marcus Wester, Industrial Electricity: Technical Certificate,

Marcus Wester, Mechanical Devices: Certificate of Proficiency, Marcus Wester, Programmable Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Hadyn Whisenhunt, Industrial Electricity: Technical Certificate, Hadyn Whisenhunt, Programmable Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Sawyer White, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Abigail Witherspoon, Associate of General Studies, Heather Woodall, Associate of General Studies

Newhope: Jewel Bennett, Cosmetology: Technical Certificate, Andrew Jacoby, General Technology: Associate of Applied Science, Andrew Jacoby, Industrial Electricity: Technical Certificate, Andrew Jacoby, Programmable Controls: Certificate of Proficiency

Ogden: Colyn Grimes, General Studies: Technical Certificate, Colyn Grimes, Teaching Assistant: Certificate of Proficiency

Ozan: LaShonna Dawnta-Cooper, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Nina Rodgers, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science

Prescott: Ashlynn Hart, Cosmetology: Technical Certificate

Smackover: Celes Miller, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science

Texarkana: Nicole Carroll, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate of Applied Science, Eriona Jefferson, Associate of General Studies, Jamile Navarrete, Digital Media & Marketing: Certificate of Proficiency, Coleman Newberry, General Technology: Associate of Applied Science, Coleman Newberry, Pipe Welding: Technical Certificate, Coleman Newberry, Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel: Certificate of Proficiency, Coleman Newberry, Pipe Welding GTAW: Certificate of Proficiency, Coleman Newberry, Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW: Certificate of Proficiency, CharDerra Piggee, Registered Nursing: Associate of Applied Science, CharDerra Piggee, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Kelsey Solida, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Associate of Applied Science

Umpire: Christopher Moore, Industrial Electricity: Technical Certificate, Christopher Moore, Hydraulics & Pneumatics: Certificate of Proficiency

Wilton: Shonda French, General Studies: Technical Certificate

Winthrop: Autumn Hofmann, Health Professions: Technical Certificate, Riley Martin, Industrial Motors & Controls: Certificate of Proficiency, Tatiana Weatherley, Medical Transcription: Technical Certificate

VIDEO: De Queen Bee Company History - 125th Anniversary

Marty Bachman of the De Queen Bee came by our De Queen studios to promote a new video in celebration of the paper's 125th anniversary. The 90-minute production is a collaborative effort on the part of Bachman and Karen Mills of the Sevier County Museum.

Robert Martinez Recognized for 22 years of Service on UA Cossatot Board

At the Monday meeting of the UA Cossatot Board of Visitors, outgoing board member Robert Martinez was recognized for his 22 years of service. Martinez is pictured above with UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole.

Sevier County Libraries Curbside Service Only

Under the direction of the Sevier County Library Board all Sevier County Libraries will be at curbside service beginning Tuesday January 11, 2022. The Library board dislikes making this decision but with the cases rising, to help keep everyone safe, they made this decision. Please be patient with our library system.

WE CAN HELP YOU AND SERVE ALL YOUR LIBRARY NEEDS CURBSIDE. PLEASE CALL YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

January is known as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. It is a time for us to educate ourselves about human trafficking and learn to spot the signs of trafficking.

Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons or modern-day slavery, is a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services or to engage in commercial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle or overt, physical or psychological.

It endangers the lives of millions of people, and it is a crime that knows no borders.

In the 2021 Regular Session, we passed legislation strengthening our laws to combat human trafficking in Arkansas.

Act 798 provides heightened conditions for release on bail for persons accused of human trafficking and human-trafficking related offenses. Under the act, the conditions imposed may include an ankle monitor or GPS-enabled tracking device, restricted movement limited to the person's residence except in the case of a medical emergency, a restriction on internet access and access to electronic media, and an agreement by the defendant to abide by certain rules.

Act 1106 establishes an affirmative defense for victims of human trafficking accused of certain offenses.

Act 1098 creates the offenses of grooming a minor for future sex trafficking and traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor.

In 2019, the Polaris Project worked on 11,500 situations of human trafficking reported to the Polaris-operated U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline. These situations involved 22,326 individual survivors, nearly 4,384 traffickers, and 1,912 suspicious businesses. Human trafficking is notoriously underreported. Shocking as these numbers are, they are likely only a fraction of the actual problem.

To report suspected human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text the hotline at 233733.

You can also chat the National Human Trafficking Hotline via www.humantraffickinghotline.org/chat .

Active COVID-19 Cases Spike in SW Arkansas

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 352

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 448

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 302

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 153

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 227

NWS Arkansas Winter Weather Briefing for January 14-16

A storm system/disturbance will affect the area Friday night through Saturday. As of right now, northern Arkansas seems most likely to see wintry precipitation, although central and southern Arkansas cannot be ruled out. There is still a great deal of uncertainty with this system and additional updates are likely.

National Weather Service

Little Rock, Arkansas

Report: Rising crude oil production should lead to lower fuel prices

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

U.S. crude oil production is expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2023, and as production and inventories rise, fuel prices are expected to fall, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The production is expected to average 12.4 million barrels per day in 2023, surpassing the record high set in 2019.

The EIA released Tuesday (Jan. 11) the January Short-Term Energy Outlook which projects that U.S. crude oil production will rise for nine consecutive quarters, from the fourth quarter of 2021 through 2023. Also, OPEC is expected to increase crude oil production to 28.9 million barrels per day in 2023, up from an average of 26.3 million barrels per day in 2021.

U.S. commercial crude oil inventories will rise to 465 million barrels at the end of 2023, which is about 11% higher than the inventories at the end of 2021.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/01/report-rising-crude-oil-production-should-lead-to-lower-fuel-prices/

New effort to lure tech workers to Northwest Arkansas includes $10K in bitcoin, new bicycle

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

To encourage entrepreneurs and other technology professionals to relocate to Northwest Arkansas, the Northwest Arkansas Council announced Wednesday (Jan. 12) that it would offer $10,000 in bitcoin as an incentive.

In doing so, Northwest Arkansas will become the first region in the country to offer cryptocurrency to potential transplants, as the region’s growing tech sector — specifically within blockchain-enabled technologies — is looking for talent.

“Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and we’re now seeing more explosive growth in our tech sector,” Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council, said in a statement. “This expanded incentive offer — Bitcoin and a Bike — not only embraces the growing trend toward the use of cryptocurrency as a payment option by employers but also helps increase our pipeline of talent to benefit tech employers, startups, cities, local businesses and the region overall.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/01/new-effort-to-lure-tech-workers-to-northwest-arkansas-includes-10k-in-bitcoin-new-bicycle/

U.S. Steel to locate $3 billion steel mill in Northeast Arkansas

KUAR | By George Jared/ Talk Business & Politics

When Big River Steel first started operations in 2014 near Osceola in Mississippi County, it was one of the largest industrial projects ever in the state of Arkansas. BRS, now owned by U.S. Steel, is about to get a companion steel mill and it will rival the first plant in terms of money spent and jobs created.

U.S. Steel Corp. announced Tuesday it would locate a new $3 billion steel factory in Osceola, a move expected to create 900 jobs with an average pay over $100,000 annually. It is the largest capital investment project in Arkansas history.

The new optimized steel production facility is expected to feature two electric arc furnaces (EAFs) with 3 million tons per year of advanced steelmaking capability, a state-of-the-art endless casting and rolling line, and advanced finishing capabilities. Upon completion, the project will apply to become LEED certified, the company said.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-01-11/u-s-steel-to-locate-3-billion-steel-mill-in-northeast-arkansas

File Photo/Big River Steel

The Big River Steel mill when it was under construction. Now owned by U.S. Steel, it's about to get a companion mill.

Giving Blood and Getting Antibody Results

By KYLE KELLAMS

Maintaining a sufficient blood supply is a never-ending challenge. A pandemic doesn't make the challenge any easier. The Arkansas Blood Institute continues to seek donors and is offering antibody test results for all donors through the end of the month.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/giving-blood-and-getting-antibody-results

COURTESY / ARKANSAS BLOOD INSTITUTE

Governor Hutchinson Talks Increasing Cases, Receiving Testing Kits In Weekly Briefing

LITTLE ROCK – At his weekly news briefing today, Governor Asa Hutchinson discussed the state receiving at-home COVID tests and increasing case numbers.

COVID-19

Total active cases have doubled since last week, rising from 32,000 cases to over 64,000 cases since last Tuesday. Hospitalizations have increased by 373 since last week.

Governor Hutchinson announced that the response to this rapid increase in cases will be to expand hospital capacity. Directing $50 million from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) was approved by the ARPA steering committee which will provide hospitals with extra funding to increase capacity temporarily while dealing with the increase of hospitalizations. This direction of funds was approved by the Arkansas Legislative Council and will now be distributed properly.

The Governor highlighted the work that National Guard has done since being deployed to help with the demand for COVID tests and pandemic response. He also noted that the state has received 211,000 of the 1.5 million at-home tests and those are being distributed around the state.

The location of where these at-home tests can be found HERE.

Governor Hutchinson also said that in response to the case increase more vaccine clinics will be available to help with the demand for vaccinations.

"Omicron is here, it is here and raging across Arkansas, but what we see from the data is this will pass through," Governor Hutchinson said, "We've got to hold the line and make sure we take the actions so we can get through January and February where we expect to see this variant diminish significantly."

Governor Hutchinson mentioned in the briefing that some national stories have circulated showing the increase of those who were hospitalized with COVID-19 but not because of COVID-19. Many hospitals around the nation have reported that a large percentage of people in the hospital who were admitted for another reason but also tested positive. 

The Governor asked the Department of Health to investigate in Arkansas hospitals. He said that based on a survey of hospitals on January 4 about 30% of the patients with COVID-19 in the hospital were incidental cases. This means that about 30% of those who were in the hospital with COVID-19 went to the hospital for another reason and incidentally tested positive while being admitted.

Arkansas Receives At-Home Testing Kits, Governor Hutchinson Requests Funds From ARPA

LITTLE ROCK – In December, Governor Hutchinson directed the Arkansas Department of Health to acquire 1.5 million rapid at-home tests to be available for free to Arkansans.

Arkansas has received the first shipment of 211,000 at-home testing kits and the process of delivering those to the respective distribution locations will begin shortly.

Governor Hutchinson said that the cost of these tests is around $10 million and will be covered by existing funds available in the COVID response budget. The tests will be available at public local libraries, public health units, and other locations. The National Guard will be assisting in the delivery of these at-home tests.

Expanding Hospital Beds

Governor Hutchinson requested $50 million be distributed to hospitals around the state to fund extra beds which will be used to help with the surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations. This request was approved by the Arkansas American Rescue Plan Act Steering Committee, and the disbursement of this funding requires legislative approval.

Governor Hutchinson created the Arkansas American Rescue Plan Act Steering Committee in 2020 to make recommendations on the distribution of approximately $1.57 billion in funding from the federal government.

The proposed plan includes adding 98 COVID ICU beds and 167 COVID medical beds to be funded for timelines of 28-45 days based on the recommendations from the Arkansas Department of Health. The hospitals which will receive those beds are:

• St. Bernards Medical Center

• Mercy - Rogers

• Conway Regional

• SVI - LR

• SVI - Hot Springs

• Washington Regional

• Unity Health - White County

• Baptist Health - Conway

• Baptist Health - Van Buren

• Mercy - Fort Smith

• Arkansas Children's