Zac Dunlap Band was the special guest of the Nashville Rotary Club. The band will return as the headliner act at Stand Up For America on Saturday, November 7th at the Nashville City Park.
UA Cossatot Student Pumpkin Carving Contest
Congratulations to Jayla Sanders of Ashdown for being the winner for the Pumpkin Carving Contest sponsored by the UA cossatot Student Ambassadors!
Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,417
Confirmed Cases: 1,274
Probable Cases: 143
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 41
Active Probable Cases: 41
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 625
Confirmed Cases: 558
Probable Cases: 67
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 38
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 490
Confirmed Cases: 441
Probable Cases: 49
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 11
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 378
Confirmed Cases: 365
Probable Cases: 13
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 277
Confirmed Cases: 264
Probable Cases: 13
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 3
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 584 new cases; 10,135 active cases; 688 hospitalized, which is up 33 from Sunday; 119 on ventilators, which is up 12 from Sunday; deaths added today, 27, for a total of 1,985; a total of 113,641 cases; 94,664 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,866; antigen tests, 578.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 48; Washington, 37; Craighead, 33; Sebastian, 31; and White, 28.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"There is a slight decrease in new cases compared to last Monday with an increase in testing. While this is some good news, we are still seeing high numbers of deaths and hospitalizations. During tomorrow's weekly update, I'll discuss the state's winter strategy, and we'll receive an update about Arkansas schools and hospitals."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Sunday's COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,394
Confirmed Cases: 1,265
Probable Cases: 129
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 40
Active Probable Cases: 38
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 617
Confirmed Cases: 553
Probable Cases: 64
Total Active Cases: 53
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 14
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 478
Confirmed Cases: 431
Probable Cases: 47
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 10
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 370
Confirmed Cases: 359
Probable Cases: 11
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 274
Confirmed Cases: 261
Probable Cases: 13
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 3
Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Fall Adventures in Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK – The blazing foliage of fall is reason enough to travel the Natural State this weekend, but there’s more to autumn in Arkansas than the brightly colored leaves. Today I’d like to mention a few spots worth a visit this time of year in addition to the trails of leaves.
Arkansas State Parks is a big part of our tourism economy, and tourism is Arkansas’s second-largest industry. More than 8 million tourists visit our state and its parks every year, which brings in a billion dollars annually.
We have fifty-two state parks in forty-eight counties. The parks system encompasses nearly 55,000 beautiful acres all over the state, including over 400 miles of trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.
The leaves demand the most attention, of course. Kirk Jordan, a photographer who travels the state for Arkansas State Parks, spent Thursday on the road and said this weekend is a prime time for viewing in the Ouachitas and Ozarks. Farther north, and at higher elevations, the leaves have peaked, and in southern Arkansas, Kirk says you have a couple of weeks still. He said that this year’s colors are even brighter than last year.
Kirk contributes to Arkansas Tourism’s weekly Fall Color Update at Arkansas.com, where you also can read about our scenic roadways, such as the Talimena National Scenic Byway. In eastern Arkansas, Crowley’s Ridge Parkway and the Great River Road National Scenic Byways cut through the hardwoods of the St. Francis National Forest. The Pig Trail is one of five U.S. Forest Service Scenic Byways in the Ozark National Forest. Another is the Sylamore Byway, which runs between Calico Rock and Allison.
One of the great things about Arkansas is that you don’t have to stay in your car to enjoy the leaves. Five years ago, I was one of the first cyclists to ride on a section of the Delta Heritage Trail State Park near Helena-West Helena just as the leaves were starting to turn. That trail cuts through some of the prettiest landscape in the state. Since then, through various public and private-sector partnerships, our state has added miles and miles.
You can enjoy autumn from a canoe or kayak at Lake Monticello or Bayou Bartholomew, the longest bayou in the world and the second-most diverse stream in the nation with more than a hundred aquatic species. At Lake Chicot State Park, bird watchers on foot find this is a good time of year to add new sightings to their list.
The choices for autumn adventure are many. I hope you can find a moment to enjoy Arkansas. That’s a good way to clear your mind as you prepare to vote on Tuesday.
The Cosmo Ghouls at UA Cossatot
Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,371
Confirmed Cases: 1,252
Probable Cases: 119
Total Active Cases: 73
Active Confirmed Cases: 34
Active Probable Cases: 39
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 599
Confirmed Cases: 543
Probable Cases: 56
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Confirmed Cases: 36
Active Probable Cases: 8
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 465
Confirmed Cases: 423
Probable Cases: 42
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 364
Confirmed Cases: 356
Probable Cases: 8
Total Active Cases: 20
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 270
Confirmed Cases: 258
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 2
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,072 new cases; 9,466 active cases; 666 hospitalized, which is up 4 from Wednesday; 100 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 19, for a total of 1,894; a total of 109,712 cases; 92,172 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,906; antigen tests, 1,241.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Garland, 108; Pulaski, 95; Washington, 90; Benton, 76; and Craighead, 52.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"As I typically do, I looked back at last Thursday's cases and compared them to today. We had 1,202 total new cases last Thursday compared to 1,072 today. This decrease was also recorded with an increase in total testing from this time last week. While these numbers may provide some encouragement, we know that we still have a long way to go to beat COVID-19."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
SW Arkansas/Texarkana Area New Arkansas Hot Spot for COVID-19
While Northeast Arkansas has been hit hard in recent weeks with a rise in COVID-19 cases, the Texarkana area in the southwest corner of the state has some of the highest 14-day moving average positivity rates.
Miller County, the home of Texarkana, has the highest 14-day moving average rate of 23.3%, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). Rounding out the top five are Sevier County, just north of Miller, at 19.6%; Mississippi County at 19.5%; Lafayette County, just east of Miller County, at 17.2%; and Jackson County at 16.3%.
COVID-19 positivity rates highest in southwest and northeast corners of Arkansas - Talk Business & Politics
While Northeast Arkansas has been hit hard in recent weeks with a rise in COVID-19 cases, the Texarkana area in the southwest corner of the state has some of the highest 14-day moving average positivity rates. Miller County, the home of Texarkana, has the highest 14-day moving average rate of 23.3%, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).
Thursday COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,362
Confirmed Cases: 1,247
Probable Cases: 115
Total Active Cases: 70
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 40
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 590
Confirmed Cases: 534
Probable Cases: 56
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 10
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 459
Confirmed Cases: 419
Probable Cases: 40
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 360
Confirmed Cases: 354
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 269
Confirmed Cases: 257
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 3
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 961 new cases; 9,303 active cases; 662 hospitalized, which is down 14 from Tuesday; 99 on ventilators, which is up 5 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 18, for a total of 1,875; a total of 108,640 cases; 91,441 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,105; antigen tests, 1,457.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 79; Pulaski, 66; Washington, 50; Craighead, 44; and Greene, 41.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"Today we reached over 300,000 total tests for the month of October. This means that over 10% of the population of Arkansas was tested for COVID-19 in the past 27 days. This could not have been accomplished without the remarkable work from the Arkansas Department of Health and its partners. While our new case numbers today are lower than they were last Wednesday (1,155), we still have to be disciplined, watch out for our neighbors, and follow the public health guidelines.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
In the 2019 Regular Session, the General Assembly made the first effort to reorganize state government in 50 years. We are now seeing the results of that effort through millions in savings.
The 92nd General Assembly passed Act 910, known as the "Transformation and Efficiencies Act." Since it took effect cabinet secretaries have been asked to find opportunities to improve their departments in the three ways:
1. Efficiencies
2. Improved managerial support
3. Improved delivery of services to citizens
One way departments have accomplished this is by focusing on location sharing when possible and evolving to a new work environment that is less expensive and ensures less square footage. The Department of Transformation and Shared Services reports that from July 1, 2019, to March 4, 2020, departments have realized more than $920,000.00 in savings on rent and 80,282 square feet of reduction in space.
A second way departments have improved is through budget reduction. In the balanced budget presented for year two of the biennium without additional funding, there is a $10 million reduction in the performance fund. This fund is set-aside and available to supplement department budgets as needed as a result of their annual performance reviews. Departments have also reduced the number of filled positions by 310 since July 1, 2019. This was accomplished by finding new ways to improve delivery and a commitment to shared services. No jobs were lost as a result of the transformation of Arkansas government.
Reallocation of general revenue has also helped the state maximize funding levels, with departments realizing more than $6,305,160 in savings by making a commitment to do more with less.
Finding ways to save taxpayer dollars and provide better services does not end with one piece of legislation. While the Transformation and Efficiencies Act has now shown to produce substantial savings, we will continue to find ways to do more.
Our Pre-Session Budget hearings will resume next week and continue through November 12. You can watch live at www.arkansashouse.org.
VIP Spring 2021 Registration Underway at UA Cossatot
VIP Week begins today for UA Cossatot students. Contact your advisor to enroll early!
Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,351
Confirmed Cases: 1,243
Probable Cases: 108
Total Active Cases: 71
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 40
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 582
Confirmed Cases: 528
Probable Cases: 54
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 9
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 451
Confirmed Cases: 413
Probable Cases: 38
Total Active Cases: 20
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 358
Confirmed Cases: 352
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 267
Confirmed Cases: 255
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 3
UA Cossatot Spring 2021 Registration Opens November 2
On November 2, 2020, UA Cossatot advisors will begin helping incoming and returning UA Cossatot students enroll in spring 2021 classes. The college will be offering many courses in several different formats this coming spring to help students receive college credit with different wants, needs, and schedules.
UA Cossatot will be offering 16-week and 8-week term courses in-class and online. To enroll in spring classes, students need to contact a Student Services Advisor at 870-584-4471 or studentservices@cccua.edu. Walk-ins are always welcome during the college’s business hours from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Student Services advisors are located at the college’s De Queen, Nashville, and Ashdown Campuses.
UA Cossatot wants to ensure students that their safety is vitally important to everyone at the college. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the college has taken precautions and has guidelines in place to help provide a safe learning environment. UA Cossatot wants to encourage returning students and invite all new incoming students to pursue local education and stay here and stay safe this spring. To view the entire spring schedule of UA Cossatot classes, please visit www.cccua.edu/enroll
Cossatot Community College
Click the following links to access the PDF version of the current or upcoming semester's full course schedule. Spring 2021 Course Offerings (10.19) Find specific courses through Campus Connect Course Search. There's no need to login. Just click on the "Campus Connect Course Search" link below, choose a semester from the drop-down menu, and start searching for your courses.
2020 Fall Officers are Elected to Serve in Collegiate FFA
UA Cossatot’s Collegiate FFA organization announces the fall 2020 FFA officers. These officers will serve for a term of one semester and be active leaders in UA Cossatot’s FFA.
The officers include President Kirsten Nicholas, Vice-President Lindy Price, Secretary Will McAlister, Treasurer Kayleigh Hill, and Reporter Kaydee Cowling.
The 2020 FFA scholarship recipients were also recently announced. The recipients include five students: Lindy Price, Will McAlister, Kirsten Nicholas, Cason Launius, and Samantha Mefford. These students can earn up to $500 each through service to the college and community. Some of the projects planned for this year include raising money for the FFA through the annual gun raffle, getting students certified as EIA verifiers through the Livestock & Poultry Commission, and shopping for the local angel tree during the holidays.
The collegiate FFA student organization at UA Cossatot provides agriculture students many opportunities to learn and develop their leadership and communication skills. Networking and scholarship opportunities are also available by participating in various conferences, service projects, and other activities.
For additional information about UA Cossatot’s Collegiate FFA student organization, please contact Kelli Harris at 870-584-1218 or kharris@cccua.edu.
International Travel Opportunities for UA Cossatot Agriculture Students
Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,341
Confirmed Cases: 1,237
Probable Cases: 104
Total Active Cases: 67
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 40
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 578
Confirmed Cases: 524
Probable Cases: 54
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 9
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 447
Confirmed Cases: 411
Probable Cases: 36
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 4
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 354
Confirmed Cases: 347
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 266
Confirmed Cases: 254
Probable Cases: 12
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 3
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 612 new cases; 9,571 active cases; 649 hospitalized, which is up 16 from Sunday; 102 on ventilators, which is up 7 from Sunday; deaths added today, 21, for a total of 1,833; a total of 106,727 cases; 89,730 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,965; antigen tests, 641.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 53; Washington, 45; Craighead, 42; and Sebastian, 37; and Benton, 30.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
"These numbers should put everyone in Arkansas on alert. We are not having a steep escalation of cases but we do see the new cases steadily increasing in the last few weeks. The increased hospitalizations and deaths are somber reminders of the current threat. United, we will have success but it takes everyone to fight hard in the coming weeks. We must do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Arkansas, especially as we head toward what could be a very challenging winter."
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
Monday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,335
Confirmed Cases: 1,233
Probable Cases: 102
Total Active Cases: 69
Active Confirmed Cases: 25
Active Probable Cases: 44
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 577
Confirmed Cases: 523
Probable Cases: 54
Total Active Cases: 41
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 9
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 447
Confirmed Cases: 411
Probable Cases: 36
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 4
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 354
Confirmed Cases: 347
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 30
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 263
Confirmed Cases: 253
Probable Cases: 10
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 2
Sunday's COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,327
Confirmed Cases: 1,229
Probable Cases: 98
Total Active Cases: 62
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 41
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 568
Confirmed Cases: 515
Probable Cases: 53
Total Active Cases: 36
Active Confirmed Cases: 26
Active Probable Cases: 10
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 446
Confirmed Cases: 411
Probable Cases: 35
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 350
Confirmed Cases: 343
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 0
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 262
Confirmed Cases: 252
Probable Cases: 10
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 3
Friday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,301
Confirmed Cases: 1,221
Probable Cases: 80
Total Active Cases: 53
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 35
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 556
Confirmed Cases: 510
Probable Cases: 46
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 7
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 432
Confirmed Cases: 402
Probable Cases: 30
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 342
Confirmed Cases: 335
Probable Cases: 7
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 260
Confirmed Cases: 251
Probable Cases: 9
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 3
Governor Asa Hutchinson Announces Prosecuting Attorney Appointments
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced his intent to appoint the following prosecuting attorneys:
Charles E. Black, Texarkana, as Prosecuting Attorney of the Eighth Judicial District-South. Term begins January 1, 2021, and expires December 31, 2022. Replaces Stephanie Potter Barrett.
“Charles Black has years of prosecutorial experience and has served the Eighth Judicial District-South for the last five years,” Governor Hutchinson said. “He is a seasoned prosecutor, and I am pleased he will continue his service to the Eighth Judicial District-South as Prosecuting Attorney.”
Charles E. Black issued the following statement:
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Governor for his consideration and appointment. Having been the Chief Deputy Prosecutor for many years, I anticipate a smooth transition next year.”
Erin Hunter, De Queen, as Prosecuting Attorney of the Ninth Judicial District-West. Term begins January 1, 2021, and expires December 31, 2022. Replaces Bryan Chesshir.
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Erin Hunter as Prosecuting Attorney of the Ninth Judicial District-West,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Having served in various prosecutorial roles such as De Queen City Attorney, Drug Court Prosecuting Attorney, and most recently, as Sevier County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Ms. Hunter is highly qualified to serve in this role.”
Erin Hunter released the following statement:
“I would like to thank Governor Hutchinson so much for this opportunity. I am sincerely grateful. I look forward to continuing to fulfill the duties of the Prosecutor’s office that Bryan Chesshir faithfully executed during his terms as elected prosecutor.”
Jason Barrett, Maumelle, as Prosecuting Attorney of the Eighteenth Judicial District-West. Term begins January 1, 2021, and expires December 31, 2022. Replaces Andy Riner.
“Jason Barrett will bring years of experience in private practice and various deputy prosecuting attorney roles to the Eighteenth Judicial District-West as Prosecuting Attorney,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I appreciate Mr. Barrett’s willingness to serve.”
Jason Barrett released the following statement:
“I am honored and grateful that Governor Hutchinson has chosen me to serve as the Prosecuting Attorney for the Eighteenth Judicial District-West. I look forward to serving the people of Montgomery and Polk Counties and am excited to again have the opportunity to work with some of the finest law enforcement officers in our state. Together we will continue the job of making our communities the safest and best places to live in Arkansas.”