Monday's SW Arkansas COVID-19 Active Case Numbers and Vaccines

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 79 new cases; 1,773 active cases; 164 hospitalized, which is down 7 from Sunday; 28 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Sunday; deaths added today, 6, for a total of 5,601; a total of 330,008 cases; 253,402 recoveries; PCR tests, 1,581; antigen tests, 245.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 13; Pulaski, 9; Benton, 8; St. Francis, 8; and Craighead, 7.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“Our decline in active cases continues today. There are almost 2,500 fewer active cases than the report on March 1 of this year. There are also over 275 fewer hospitalizations than March 1. We continue to fight back against the virus, and the vaccine is our best tool.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases:

Thursday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 231 new cases; 2,128 active cases; 172 hospitalized, which is down 1 from Tuesday; 43 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 13, for a total of 5,560; a total of 329,177 cases; 252,612 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,154; antigen tests, 1,026.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Sebastian, 42; Washington, 29; Pulaski, 26; Benton, 17; and Baxter, Crawford, and Faulkner with 7 each.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“We continue to see some of the lowest numbers we've seen since the early days of this pandemic. This trend can continue if we all do our part. If it's your turn, get vaccinated today for a healthier community.”

Active Cases Data for Sevier County

Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 9

Active Cases Data for Howard County

Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases:
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Little River County

Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Polk County

Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Pike County

Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 1

Daily Legislative Update From State Representative Deann Vaught:

The House approved a resolution that will provide for an extended recess of the 2021 Regular Session. HCR1015 would allow the General Assembly to recess on April 30 and return when census data becomes available to complete congressional redistricting. Currently, census data is expected to be released in September.

The House also voted in favor of the following bills on Monday:

HB1678-This bill allows the State Board of Education to issue a teaching license to a university professor or an assistant professor.

HB1313-This bill addresses damage, destruction, or vandalism to buildings and objects on the State Capitol Grounds and at the Governor’s Mansion. It states damage to public buildings or objects of respect is a Class A misdemeanor if the damage is under $500. It becomes a Class D felony if the value of the damage exceeds $500.

HB1505-This bill makes leaving the scene of an accident with injuries a Class D felony. If there are serious physical injuries or death of a person, the offender would be charged with a Class B felony.

SB339-This bill states restaurants holding a valid alcoholic beverage permit may sell alcoholic beverages in a sealed container to be consumed off-premises. This is currently allowed under an executive order due to the health emergency. SB339 would allow the practice to continue after the emergency.

SB341-This bill prohibits collective bargaining by public employees. The bill states public employees do not include law enforcement officers, firefighters, or public transit system employees.

SB354-This bill states that interscholastic, intercollegiate, intramural, or club athletic teams or sports that are sponsored by a school shall be expressly designated as one of the following based on biological sex:

(1) "Male", "men's", or "boys”

(2) "Female", "women's", or "girls"

It also states a student who is deprived of an athletic opportunity or suffers harm as a result of a violation of this law can seek injunctive relief and monetary damages.

The House will convene on Tuesday at 1 pm.

Monday COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 17

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases:

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 3
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 2

UA Cossatot Secondary Career Center Students Win Welding Competition

UA Cossatot Secondary Career Center students from the Nashville Campus attended and won first place in the 2021 Weld-A-Thon competition Thursday, March 18 at South Arkansas Community College.

UA Cossatot Secondary Career Center students, Damion Barbre of Dierks High School, Brantley Cupples of Nashville High School, and Harley Keys from Murfreesboro High School won 1st place. Fellow student, Dalton Gibson of Dierks High School was also in attendance. Participants were given a blueprint, welding materials, and had two hours to build a custom fire pit.

Each winning team member received a welding helmet, three pairs of welding gloves, a $50 visa gift card, a t-shirt, and a ball cap. Also, all competition participants were entered into a drawing for a $350 welding helmet and Damion Barbre was the drawing winner.

The students were accompanied by their welding instructor, Stuart Dufrene, and Director of High School Programs, Julie Rhodes. Rhodes said, “This is a tremendous opportunity that shows the standards of excellence that UA Cossatot requires.”

For more information on UA Cossatot Secondary Career Center, contact Director Julie Rhodes at 870-584-1343 or jrhodes@cccua.edu. ###

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 34
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 23

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases:

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 4

Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 117 new cases; 2,863 active cases; 250 hospitalized, which is up 7 from Sunday; 58 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Sunday; deaths added today, 7, for a total of 5,481; a total of 327,060 cases; 250,717 recoveries; PCR tests, 2,313; antigen tests, 138.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Benton, 15; Crawford, 13; Pulaski, 12; Washington, 11; and Lonoke, 8.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“Today's number of active cases is the lowest in Arkansas since early June. We are making great progress in decreasing our new case numbers, but we must continue to get vaccinated. The best thing each of us can do is get the vaccine when it's our turn.”

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 20

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 2

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 3

Monday's SW Arkansas COVID-19 Active Case Numbers and Vaccines

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 33
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 21

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 3

Soil Sampling at the County Extension Service

This is the time of year that the Extension Service receives lots of soil samples. Here are the soil sampling instructions to follow:

SOIL SAMPLING INSTRUCTIONS

We need a FULL pint of soil which equals to a sandwich size Ziploc bag filled COMPLETELY FULL.

The soil needs to be completely dry. The soil will not dry completely in plastic bags. You can spread it out thin on a newspaper in your house for a day or two and it should be dry enough.

Take several samples from the area and mix them together to get the pint of soil.

Recommended depth for samples:

4 inches for forages, lawns, and pastures

6 inches for small fruits and gardens

12 inches for trees

Please do not include any rocks, grass, or sticks in the sample.

There is no charge for the analysis. The taxes on your fertilize in Arkansas pays for it.

If you have any questions about soil sampling, you may call Dana at the Extension office at (870) 584-3013.

My email address has changed to dstringfellow@uada.edu

Terry Anderson of UA Cossatot is the #NJCAAMBB DII Player of the Week

PRESS RELEASE

183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832

870-584-1172

www.cccua.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10 March 2021

CONTACT: Dustin Roberts, Director of Development

Terry Anderson of UA Cossatot is the #NJCAAMBB DII Player of the Week

Terry Anderson of UA Cossatot is the #NJCAAMBB DII Player of the Week. The 6'7" Deer Park, Texas freshman picked up two double-doubles this week, including a 40-point, 24-rebound performance. This game was the highest scoring and rebounding outing in program history.

UA Cossatot Colts Head Coach and Athletic Director, Robert Byrd praised Anderson after the NJCAA announcement saying, “This is a well-deserved award for Terry. He puts on his hard hat and works extremely hard every single day both on and off the court and I am glad that he is getting national recognition."

UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole said, "Coach Byrd is building a special basketball program at UA Cossatot and it all starts with special athletes. Terry is one of those athletes. Ever since signing to be a Colt he has just personified what it means to be a student athlete. We could not be more proud of Terry and all of our Colts teams. They are getting very good very quickly."

UA Cossatot travels to Harrison on Thursday, March 11 to face North Arkansas Community College. The Lady Colts play at 5:30 PM, with the men's game to follow. Fans can watch and listen live on ed88radio.com.

For more information on the UA Cossatot Colts, contact Head Coach and Athletic Director, Robert Byrd at 870-584-1105 or rbyrd@cccua.edu. ###

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Tuesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 432 new cases; 3,461 active cases; 317 hospitalized, which is down 21 from Monday; 71 on ventilators, which is down 3 from Monday; deaths added today, 14, for a total of 5,357; a total of 325,383 cases; 249,229 recoveries; PCR tests, 2,535; antigen tests, 1,720.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 62; Benton, 47; Garland, 42; Faulkner, 28; and Pulaski, 26.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“We continue to see a decrease in active cases and hospitalizations compared to last week. Also, an additional 104,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered since last Tuesday. Our continued mitigation efforts, including vaccination, masking, and social distancing, will get us closer to the end of this pandemic.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 35
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 23
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 2

Coach Robert Byrd of UA Cossatot at De Queen Lions Club Meeting on Tuesday

De Queen Lions Club member, Athletic Director and UA Cossatot Head Basketball Coach, Robert Byrd, gave an update of the Colts and Lady Colts teams and the upcoming drawdown on April 2nd in Lockesburg at Tuesday’s Lions Club Meeting in De Queen.

Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas Recognized for 2 Top Degree Programs in the U.S.

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Jase Beard
(800) 856-4908 | jasebeard@intelligent.com

Higher education resource guide releases the best public institution programs for 2021

[Seattle, Washington] – Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas has been awarded top ranking status for multiple degree programs by Intelligent.com. Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas was listed among thousands of public institutions in the nation, and the comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 2,277 accredited colleges and universities. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment.  

The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment, and leading third-party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed thousands of schools with comparable programs on a scale of 0 to 100, with Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas making it to the final list for 2 Degree Programs. The methodology uses an algorithm that collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each university’s degree program. Please visit the listed sources below to access each program’s complete ranking. 

Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas has been recognized for the following degree programs:

Colleges In Arkansas | 10

https://www.intelligent.com//best-colleges-in-arkansas/

Associate in Business Administration Degree Programs | 25

https://www.intelligent.com//best-associate-in-business-administration-degree-programs/

About Intelligent.com

Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. 

###

https://www.intelligent.com/best-associate-in-business-administration-degree-programs/

https://www.prweb.com/releases/intelligent_com_announces_best_associate_in_business_administration_degree_programs_for_2021/prweb17760630.htm

Monday's COVID-19 Case Numbers from the Arkansas Department of Health

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 133 new cases; 3,593 active cases; 338 hospitalized, which is up 3 from Sunday; 74 on ventilators, which is up 9 from Sunday; deaths added today, 24, for a total of 5,343; a total of 324,951 cases; 248,853 recoveries; PCR tests, 2,345; antigen tests, 201.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 19; Pulaski, 17; Benton, 13; Faulkner, 10; and Garland, 10.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“Today's COVID-19 report continues to show a trend in the right direction. 15 of the deaths in today's report are late reporting from either 2020 or January. With the opening of all of Phase 1-B, I hope we will see an increase in vaccine distribution this week.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 20
Active Confirmed Cases: 19
Active Probable Cases: 1

Social Security and OIG Hold Annual ‘Slam the Scam’ Days

The Social Security Administration and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) have once again joined forces to raise public awareness about Social Security imposter scams during the second annual ‘Slam the Scam’ Day on March 4. Social Security scams - in which fraudsters mislead victims into making cash or gift card payments to fix purported Social Security number problems or to avoid arrest - are the #1 type of government imposter fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission and Social Security. The agency has made concerted efforts to address this issue, including partnering with other Federal and State agencies to identify and pursue scammers, increasing employee and public outreach and education, raising awareness through marketing in post offices nationwide, and maintaining a Social Security/OIG work group to maximize resources and ensure a cohesive response.

“I am deeply troubled that crooks are deceiving Americans and using fear tactics to trick people into providing personal information or money,” said Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul. “I urge everyone to remain vigilant, hang up on these fraudsters, and go to oig.ssa.gov to report any attempted scam.”

Criminals are sophisticated and there are many variations of this fraud scheme. For example, scammers may call or email saying they are from Social Security and that the person’s Social Security number is suspended or was used in a crime. The caller identification may be spoofed to appear as a legitimate government number. They may text or email fake documents in attempts to coerce people to comply with their demands.

In recent twists, thieves even use real Social Security and OIG official’s names and send pictures of fabricated government ID badges. Social Security will never tell you that your Social Security number is suspended, contact you to demand an immediate payment, threaten you with arrest, ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone, ask for gift cards or cash, or promise a Social Security benefit approval or increase in exchange for information or money.

“We are working with the Department of Justice and law enforcement agencies across the United States to combat Social Security imposter scams—but our best weapon in this fight will always be awareness,” said Inspector General Gail S. Ennis. “I want to thank the many agencies and organizations that have joined us in our effort this year to alert Americans to hang up on suspicious calls, and talk to their family and friends about phone scams.”

Social Security employees do occasionally contact the public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, someone who is already receiving payments and requires an update to their record, or a person who has requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter.

For more information, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/antifraudfacts/.

Scholarship Application Deadline Approaching!

There are some open scholarships for this semester! Applications and details can be found here: https://www.cccua.edu/pay-for-college/scholarships. Deadline to apply is Friday, March 12.

Also, the 2021-2022 Online Scholarship Application is open now until April 1. Now is the best time for students to apply for scholarship for the upcoming semesters. Many students have started the application but need to finish. The Online Scholarship Application can be found here: https://cccua.awardspring.com/

Sunday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 35
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 27
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 22
Active Probable Cases: 2

Saturday's COVID-19 Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 48
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 37

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 18
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 26
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 27
Active Confirmed Cases: 24
Active Probable Cases: 3

In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 570 new cases; 4,296 active cases; 359 hospitalized, which is down 13 from Thursday; 86 on ventilators, which is up one from Thursday; deaths added today, 10, for a total of 5,283; a total of 324,326 cases; 248,050 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,421; antigen tests, 1,200.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 88;  Washington, 55; Sebastian, 44; Benton, 43; Garland, 33.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers: 

“It is noteworthy when the number of new COVID cases increases, but we have encouraging news as well. The number of hospitalizations continues to fall. Vaccinations are up by 16,955; 51% of Arkansans older than 70 have received the 1st shot, and 29% are fully vaccinated.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

Thursday COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 404 new cases; 4,278 active cases; 397 hospitalized, which is down 19 from Tuesday; 91 on ventilators, which is up 11 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 7, for a total of 5,261; a total of 323,353 cases; 247,492 recoveries; PCR tests, 5,251; antigen tests, 1,197.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Sebastian, 44; Pulaski, 36; Benton, 34; Washington, 26; and Saline, 17.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

"Today's report shows fewer new cases, active cases, and hospitalizations than this time last week and an increase in the number of vaccine doses administered of over 115,000. It's critical that we work together to ensure we continue our progress."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Here are today's COVID-19 vaccine statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 53
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 44

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 18

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 24
Active Confirmed Cases: 18
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 20
Active Probable Cases: 5

Maya Fant, A Student Ambassador of UA Cossatot