Howard News

Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County

Total Cumulative Cases: 1,182
Confirmed Cases: 1,181
Probable Cases: 1

Total Active Cases: 17
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 0

Total Recovered Cases: 1,149
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 1,148
Recovered Probable Cases: 1

Total Deaths: 16
Confirmed Deaths: 16
Probable Deaths: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County

Total Cumulative Cases: 448
Confirmed Cases: 446
Probable Cases: 2

Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 0

Total Recovered Cases: 425
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 423
Recovered Probable Cases: 2

Total Deaths: 8
Confirmed Deaths: 8
Probable Deaths: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County

Total Cumulative Cases: 323
Confirmed Cases: 318
Probable Cases: 5

Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 0

Total Recovered Cases: 293
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 288
Recovered Probable Cases: 5

Total Deaths: 18
Confirmed Deaths: 18
Probable Deaths: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County


Total Cumulative Cases: 247
Confirmed Cases: 245
Probable Cases: 2

Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 1

Total Recovered Cases: 231
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 230
Recovered Probable Cases: 1

Total Deaths: 4
Confirmed Deaths: 4
Probable Deaths: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County

Total Cumulative Cases: 212
Confirmed Cases: 211
Probable Cases: 1

Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 0

Total Recovered Cases: 185
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 184
Recovered Probable Cases: 1

Total Deaths: 2
Confirmed Deaths: 2
Probable Deaths: 0

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AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Cynergy Cargo: Southeast Arkansas’s Newest Success Story

LITTLE ROCK – Today I’d like to share a story about the business success of a family that also is an economic development success for southeast Arkansas.

The story begins with a fifteen-year-old Guatemalan who immigrated to the United States in 1999. For six months, Vigler Mazariegos harvested fruit and vegetables in South Florida, supporting himself and sending money home to his parents in Guatemala.

In 2000, he moved to Georgia to work for a poultry processing company, where he met Delmis. They have been married for nearly twenty years and have a son and four daughters.

After four years at the poultry plant, Vigler left to help Delmis’s father start a used-car dealership. A year after that, he took a job driving a forklift for a company that manufactured cargo trailers. This is where Vigler dreamed of starting his own company, and in the years since, he has built a business that has changed his life and improved life for dozens of his employees.

In 2004, he and a partner founded a company to build cargo trailers. Then in 2012, he and Delmis started their own company. Vigler designed the sheet-metal trailers, and he and two employees built them. Delmis finished them out, from silicone to sanding to final inspection.

They named the company Cynergy Cargo, and they employ about a hundred people. They have built over 37,000 trailers in the eight years since they built their first one.

When they decided to expand their business beyond Georgia at the start of 2020, they contacted Katherine Andrews, a project manager at Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Crossett was one of the cities Katherine suggested they consider.

The rest is Crossett economic development history and future. On September 3, I joined Vigler, Delmis, their plant managers Luis Mejia and his wife, Cynthia Rodriguez, and leaders from Arkansas Economic Development to cut the ribbon at Cynergy Cargo.

This is a community partnership at many levels. Cynergy will be able to hire many well-trained graduates from the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s College of Technology. Cynergy is a family-focused business with values that are a great fit for Crossett and Southeast Arkansas.

Cynergy was the first company to announce plans to expand in Arkansas after the pandemic drifted into the United States. Within two years, the company will employ 70 fulltime employees that will include carpenters, welders, and electricians.

Howard Beaty Jr., president of the Crossett Economic Development Foundation Board, put it well on the day of the grand opening. He said: “In the middle of a global pandemic, Cynergy Cargo lifted the spirits in our community.”

Crossett’s new Mayor Crystal Marshall spoke for many when she said this is a win for Crossett, Ashley County, and all of southeast Arkansas. As the grand-opening ceremony ended, I had the honor of driving the final screw into the first Cynergy trailer to come off the new line in Crossett. In the years ahead, I am certain that many more cargo trailers will roll off the line at Cynergy Cargo. This is a great addition to Crossett and Southeast Arkansas and a wonderful immigrant success story.

LifeShare Blood Drive at UA Cossatot - Ashdown/Lockesburg Campuses Today

LifeShare will have their bus at the Ashdown Campus of UA Cossatot Monday, 09/14, from 10:50-1:30. They will then go to the Lockesburg campus for a donation drive from 4:00-7:30 Monday evening. If you can donate at one of these places, please do; there is a shortage of blood supply at this time.

Sunday's COVID-19 Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County

Total Cumulative Cases: 1,181
Confirmed Cases: 1,180
Probable Cases: 1

Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 0

Total Recovered Cases: 1,149
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 1,148
Recovered Probable Cases: 1

Total Deaths: 16
Confirmed Deaths: 16
Probable Deaths: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County

Total Cumulative Cases: 448
Confirmed Cases: 446
Probable Cases: 2

Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 0

Total Recovered Cases: 422
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 420
Recovered Probable Cases: 2

Total Deaths: 8
Confirmed Deaths: 8
Probable Deaths: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County

Total Cumulative Cases: 323
Confirmed Cases: 318
Probable Cases: 5

Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1

Total Recovered Cases: 289
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 285
Recovered Probable Cases: 4

Total Deaths: 18
Confirmed Deaths: 18
Probable Deaths: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County

Total Cumulative Cases: 247
Confirmed Cases: 245
Probable Cases: 2

Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1

Total Recovered Cases: 227
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 226
Recovered Probable Cases: 1

Total Deaths: 4
Confirmed Deaths: 4
Probable Deaths: 0

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County

Total Cumulative Cases: 212
Confirmed Cases: 211
Probable Cases: 1

Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 0

Total Recovered Cases: 186
Recovered  Confirmed Cases: 185
Recovered Probable Cases: 1

Total Deaths: 1
Confirmed Deaths: 1
Probable Deaths: 0

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Multiple High School Football Games in the State Canceled Due to Coronavirus

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Multiple high school football games scheduled to be played Friday in Arkansas have been canceled due to the coronavirus.

https://katv.com/news/local/high-school-football-game-canceled-after-positive-virus-tests

Multiple high school football games canceled due to virus

Multiple high school football games scheduled to be played Friday in Arkansas have been canceled due to the coronavirus. Walnut Ridge High School announced that its game Friday against East Poinsett County has been called off. The school plans to resume its season Sept. 25 against Palestine-Wheatley High School.

Download the 2020 Arkansas Ballot Issue Voter Guide

UPDATE - Our 2020 Arkansas Ballot Issue Voter Guide is ready for download!

Go to uaex.edu/ballot to download your copy!

Share the guide with your friends and family.

Let them know it’s a neutral, research-based resource to help them figure out their votes on the proposed constitutional amendments and state laws.

This full-color PDF explores all the ballot issues voters will decide Nov. 3. We have included proposals that are currently in court due to the timing of our publication being printed. This digital version will be updated after court rulings.

What will you find in Extension's ballot voter guide?

A worksheet you can print off and write notes on to help you remember later how you want to vote on the issues.

How the proposal will appear on the ballot

Answers to some basic questions about each issue

Reasons why people may support or oppose the proposal

Did you know? These fact sheets go through a vetting process that includes reviews by law school professors, subject matter experts and issue supporters and opponents.

*Printed versions will be ready in early October at your local County Extension Office.

Friday COVID-19 Arkansas Health Department Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 1,175
  Active Positive: 13
  Recovered: 1,146
  Deaths: 16
  Negatives: 5,842

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 439
  Active Positive: 13
  Recovered: 418
  Deaths: 8
  Negatives: 3,304

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 313
  Active Positive: 19
  Recovered: 276
  Deaths: 18
  Negatives: 1,501

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 241
  Active Positive: 15
  Recovered: 222
  Deaths: 4
  Negatives: 3,313

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 204
  Active Positive: 20
  Recovered: 183
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,847

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VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update from Mena Friday (09.11.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media from Mena on Friday, September 11, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response. Hutchinson will be in Mena today for his daily briefing but he announced that starting next week, he will only provide weekly updates with additional briefings as needed. 

Thursday COVID-19 Cases and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 1,174
  Active Positive: 13
  Recovered: 1,145
  Deaths: 16
  Negatives: 5,825

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 437
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 411
  Deaths: 8
  Negatives: 3,296

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 311
  Active Positive: 27
  Recovered: 266
  Deaths: 18
  Negatives: 1,500

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 240
  Active Positive: 15
  Recovered: 221
  Deaths: 4
  Negatives: 3,290

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 191
  Active Positive: 10
  Recovered: 180
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,834

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Wednesday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 1,173
  Active Positive: 14
  Recovered: 1,143
  Deaths: 16
  Negatives: 5,712

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 437
  Active Positive: 30
  Recovered: 399
  Deaths: 8
  Negatives: 3,275

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 307
  Active Positive: 27
  Recovered: 263
  Deaths: 17
  Negatives: 1,483

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 240
  Active Positive: 17
  Recovered: 219
  Deaths: 4
  Negatives: 3,246

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 189
  Active Positive: 9
  Recovered: 179
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,822

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Tuesday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 1,173
  Active Positive: 16
  Recovered: 1,141
  Deaths: 16
  Negatives: 5,708

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 437
  Active Positive: 31
  Recovered: 398
  Deaths: 8
  Negatives: 3,265

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 306
  Active Positive: 27
  Recovered: 262
  Deaths: 17
  Negatives: 1,481

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 238
  Active Positive: 16
  Recovered: 218
  Deaths: 4
  Negatives: 3,235

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 189
  Active Positive: 9
  Recovered: 179
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,815

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VIDEO: CARES Act Steering Committee Meeting Wednesday (09.09.20) 3PM

The CARES Act Steering Committee, created by Governor Asa Hutchinson to recommend the best use of federal COVID-19 aid, meets virtually at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2020.

The Committee approved on Wednesday the spending of over $211 million in federal aid to go towards establishing or maintaining multiple programs in the state and approved funding to be split between the Arkansas Municipal League and the Association of Arkansas Counties.

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (09.08.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

The Arkansas Department of Health is partnering with Little Rock-based Baptist Health to boost COVID-19 testing capacity by 20%. Governor Hutchinson said the ADH lab has grown capacity from being able to do about 20 tests a day when the pandemic hit Arkansas in March, to now performing up to 3,000 tests a day.

AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | For a Fair, Complete, and Safe Election Day

LITTLE ROCK – This is Labor Day weekend, which means summer is over, and we’re heading into the election season. This election will be unlike any our nation has ever experienced, and today I’d like to talk about some of the things we are doing to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to safely cast a ballot during the pandemic.

After consulting with Secretary of State John Thurston, I issued an executive order that clarifies questions about absentee voting. Anyone who is concerned that voting in person poses a risk of exposure to COVID-19 may request an absentee ballot.

For those who choose to vote in person, the Secretary of State’s office has provided gloves, masks, and hand cleaner, which the office already has delivered to every county.

Those who vote on touch screens will mark their ballot with a disposable stylus. Once you have voted, you may throw the stylus away. But you might want to consider keeping it as a memento of this unusual election. Also, the stylus will show others that you voted. This year, in order to abide by social distancing rules, poll workers won’t give you an “I Voted” sticker. Instead, “I voted” is printed on the stylus. You can also use the stylus on any of your personal touch-screen devices.

In order to prepare for the unexpected, the Secretary of State’s office has surveyed county officials for their needs. Perhaps the biggest difference this election year will be the number of requests for absentee ballots. Some counties are predicting an increase in requests of 500 percent or greater. The Secretary of State is allocating some of its CARES Act funds to help counties pay for the anticipated increase in the cost of mailing out that many ballots. We want to make sure that every eligible voter who requests an absentee ballot receives one.

For larger counties, the state is providing devices that will count absentee ballots more quickly so we don’t have to rely on a hand count for the thousands of absentee votes cast.

We have made other exceptions to ensure a fair and complete election. My executive order gives counties an extra week to open the outer envelope of the absentee ballots, but they can’t start the count or open the ballot itself until Election Day.

My hope is that every person who is eligible to vote will vote. This is one of the easiest yet most important ways to participate in democracy.

As you prepare to celebrate the end of summer this Labor Day, I trust you will continue to take the precautions to minimize exposure to the coronavirus. I can’t say it too often: Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Keep your distance. COVID-19 won’t take the holiday off.

Howard County Farmers Market Friday in Nashville

Message from the Howard County Farmers Market:

Market Friday, Sept 4th starting at 7 am.

For those who may not be able to come to the Friday morning market, we will be having a Monday afternoon market day tomorrow, 4 Sept starting at 7am. We have some vendors who will be bringing their items to the market.

Here is who's coming and what they plan to bring:

- Grandma Sylvia's Creations -

Crocheted facemasks, earrings

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-Dupree & Myers Farm -

Pink squash bread, facemasks, hand sanitizer

Green's Farm -

Plum Jelly, peanut butter cookies, various baked goods

- Wenta Farm -

Hand-picked figs (fresh and frozen), blackberries, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers

- Sproles Garden -

Sweet Potatoes, okra

If more vendors contact us we will update our facebook page.

We recommend you get there as soon as we open for the best selection. We also request you wear protective masks and follow social distancing of 6 feet separation from others as you shop at the market.

Most importantly, please stay home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. We want everyone to have a safe time at the market.

WIC and SNAP Accepted by participating vendors. We thank you for your patronage!