Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media from Conway on Wednesday, July 15th, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response. (Click on Play Button Above)
NWS Issues Heat Advisory Again Tuesday for Southwest Arkansas
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Heat index values between 105 to 109 degrees.
* WHERE...Portions of Northeast Texas, Southeast Oklahoma, and
Southwest Arkansas.
* WHEN...Through 7 PM CDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Hot afternoon high temperatures and high humidity may
cause heat illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
Arkansas Education Association Concerns of Reopening Schools
The Arkansas Education Association has not ruled out a legal challenge to Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s recently announced plans to open schools, but boycotts and other disruptions are not planned, according to AEA Executive Director Tracey-Ann Nelson.
Arkansas Secretary of Education Dr. Johnny Key said the opening plan provides flexibility for districts that may need more time to prepare, including acquiring technology equipment for “blended learning” – a mix of in-class and virtual instruction – and gathering personal protective equipment such as face masks.
Opening schools will return hundreds of thousands of students, teachers and staff to more than 1,000 school facilities in the state. During the 2019-2020 school year, the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) reported 479,432 K-12 students, 33,399 teachers and 36,274 staff.
Arkansas Education Association wants concerns 'fully addressed' before schools open - Talk Business & Politics
The Arkansas Education Association has not ruled out a legal challenge to Gov. Asa Hutchinson's recently announced plans to open schools, but boycotts and other disruptions are not planned, according to AEA Executive Director Tracey-Ann Nelson.
UAMS Chancellor Calls For Mandate To Require Masks Throughout Arkansas
UAMS Chancellor Dr. Cam Patterson has been through a health crisis before. When he was entering the medical field in the late 80’s, the country was awakening to the HIV epidemic. Today, the COVID-19 pandemic is moving more rapidly and affecting many more people in Arkansas and across the globe.
With the state recording its highest one-day number of COVID-19 cases – 1,061 on Saturday – Patterson said it’s time for a statewide mask mandate.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/uams-chancellor-calls-mandate-require-masks-throughout-arkansas
UAMS Chancellor Calls For Mandate To Require Masks Throughout Arkansas
UAMS Chancellor Dr. Cam Patterson has been through a health crisis before. When he was entering the medical field in the late 80's, the country was awakening to the HIV epidemic. Today, the COVID-19 pandemic is moving more rapidly and affecting many more people in Arkansas and across the globe.
Arkansas Activities Association Fall Sports Update
The latest update from the Arkansas Activities Association regarding fall sports in 2020
Message from the Sevier County Library System
**ATTENTION PATRONS** DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES ALL SEVIER COUNTY LIBRARIES WILL GO BACK TO PHASE 1 WITH CURBSIDE SERVICES ONLY AT THIS TIME. WE WILL UPDATE AS WE KNOW MORE INFORMATION. THIS IS FOR SAFETY PURPOSES ONLY.
New Sevier County Hospital Architectural Design Graphics
At last week's meeting of the Sevier County Medical Center Board, the architect presented the board members with a slide show of the new hospital design.
Tuesday COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 811
Active Positive: 82
Recovered: 720
Deaths: 9
Negatives: 3,725
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 138
Active Positive: 29
Recovered: 108
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,674
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 45
Active Positive: 5
Recovered: 40
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 921
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 89
Active Positive: 11
Recovered: 78
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,683
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 20
Active Positive: 11
Recovered: 9
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 2,020
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update (07.14.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
Monday's Updated COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 807
Active Positive: 88
Recovered: 710
Deaths: 9
Negatives: 3,695
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 137
Active Positive: 30
Recovered: 106
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,636
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 43
Active Positive: 3
Recovered: 40
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 904
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 88
Active Positive: 11
Recovered: 77
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,645
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 19
Active Positive: 10
Recovered: 9
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,974
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (07.13.20) 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Monday, July 13, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response.
Heat Advisory Through Monday Evening from the NWS
...HEAT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT MONDAY...
* WHAT...Heat index values between 105 to 109 degrees.
* WHERE...Portions of southeastern Oklahoma, southwestern
Arkansas, and northeast Texas.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT Monday.
* IMPACTS...Hot afternoon high temperatures and high humidity
may cause heat illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.Governor Asa Hutchinson Holds Press Conference at UA Cossatot in De Queen
On Friday, July 10, 2020, Arkansas Governor, Asa Hutchinson, held a press conference to discuss the latest information concerning COVID-19 in De Queen at University of Arkansas Cossatot. Prior to the press conference, a private luncheon was also held at the college for Governor Hutchinson and Sevier County community leaders to discuss updates, reports, and future plans.
The luncheon took place at noon, where Governor Hutchinson spoke with community leaders and representatives from Sevier County. Topics concerning the economy, education, as well as health and safety in Sevier County were discussed.
The press conference began at 1:30 P.M., where UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, welcomed everyone and introduced the governor.
Governor Asa Hutchinson said, “It is good to be in De Queen, and the commitment of this community in terms of reducing the spread and cases of COVID-19 is a success story. The members of this community have done a good job handling everything.”
Hutchinson also added, “It is good to hear that the economy is doing well here in Sevier County despite the number of cases that have occurred.”
The governor encouraged everyone to continue to take responsibility and to do their part. Wearing masks and social distancing was recommended to help decrease the spread of the virus.
Governor Hutchinson was also joined by Dr. Nate Smith and Dr. Jose Romero from the Arkansas Department of Health.
Dr. Smith said that Sevier County has been hit hard by COVID-19, but he appreciated the community for the way its residents have addressed the challenge of preventing it. Dr. Smith stated that as of July 10, Arkansas has 26, 803 total cases of COVID-19, and 5,847 active cases.
Dr. Smith also addressed Sevier County’s number of cases and praised the amount of testing that has taken place in Sevier. 2,563 people in Sevier County have been tested per a 10,000 population, which is twice the state average of 1,225. Dr. Smith also added that about 90% of the Sevier County residents who had COVID-19 are recovered.
Dr. Romero also addressed everyone at the press conference about COVID-19 concerns in Spanish, while UA Cossatot Center for Student Success Coordinator, Erika Buenrrostro translated in English.
At the end of the conference, Governor Hutchinson answered questions from the press. He stated that Arkansas has experienced success in flattening the curve this past spring and will need to translate that same success for the summer and fall.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
This week, the Education Secretary Johnny Key made a presentation to the House and Senate Education Committee about the Arkansas Ready for Learning initiative. Ready for Learning is a planning and guidance document created to serve as a game plan for district and school administrators as they begin to grapple with making decisions for the 2020-2021 school year.
The Ready for Learning initiative also includes a playbook designed to address gaps as a result of lost learning that may have occurred because of school closures due to COVID-19. A team of approximately 130 educators developed the playbook that will serve as a learning guide this fall.
Going forward, all Arkansas schools will implement blended learning systems that deliver curriculum, instruction and assessment through multiple methods. This type of system incorporates both on-site teacher interaction and off-site instruction, including new content, through streamed or uploaded lessons and activities if extended school closures become necessary. Building a statewide system of blended learning will ensure that all K-12 students are connected to high quality instruction and engagement, regardless of location.
To give the districts more time to make sure their campuses are ready and that teachers are prepared for the blended learning environment, the Governor moved the start date for the 2020-2021 school year forward from August 13 to the week of August 24. Schools can start no later than August 26.
In collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health, the Department of Education also established a three tiered system of response based on factors including student and staff active cases, evidence and severity of spread within the school, and spread within the surrounding community. A limited response intensifies cleaning, a moderate response alters meal locations and staggers schedules, and a critical response restricts on-site access and pivots to remote learning. Education Secretary Johnny Key said the response guidance is not intended to identify a districts status prior to the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.
Secretary Key told the committee that policy decisions regarding face masks will be left to individual districts.
Schools are fundamental to child and adolescent development and well-being. They provide a safe place for academic instruction, reliable nutrition, physical/speech and mental health therapy, opportunities for physical activity, and social skill development.
We know many of you have questions and concerns regarding the safety of the students, the teachers, and the community. We will continue to update you on policy changes and any new information we learn regarding the school year. In the meantime, we encourage you to read the Ready for Learning material we’ve posted on our website www.arkansashouse.org.
Home - Arkansas House of Representatives
ARGIRLSLEAD #ARGIRLSLEAD is a movement started by women serving in the Arkansas House. Each of them have a unique story to share about their journey on the road to their current leadership position. Kids In The House Who says civics can't be fun?
Sunday's COVID-19 Latest Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
Total Positive: 800
Active Positive: 89
Recovered: 702
Deaths: 9
Negatives: 3,657
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
Total Positive: 135
Active Positive: 32
Recovered: 102
Deaths: 1
Negatives: 1,606
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
Total Positive: 42
Active Positive: 2
Recovered: 40
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 896
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
Total Positive: 86
Active Positive: 10
Recovered: 76
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,632
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
Total Positive: 23
Active Positive: 16
Recovered: 7
Deaths: 0
Negatives: 1,961
Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Voting in the Age of COVID-19
LITTLE ROCK – The leaders of the major political parties in Arkansas are united in their determination to assure everyone can cast their ballot in November safely and securely.
Under state law, a voter who can’t vote in person on Election Day because of travel, illness, or physical disability may cast an absentee ballot.
Secretary of State John Thurston has said a health concern because of COVID-19 is a qualifying reason to vote absentee. In other words, anyone who fears that going to a polling place on November 3rd will put his or her health at risk may request an absentee ballot.
In the midst of the national discussion about safely voting in the age of COVID-19, Secretary Thurston, Democrat Party Chairman Michael John Gray, and Republican Party Chairman Doyle Webb joined me during a news conference in a show of unity. Many Arkansans wondered what the general election in Arkansas would look like this year. Secretary Thurston assured Arkansas that it will look like every other election except that voters may be wearing a mask and gloves. Hand sanitizer will be at polls in abundance, paid for with money from the federal CARES Act, as well as disposable stylus pens for your signature and vote.
Information about absentee voting is on the Secretary of State’s website. The most important thing to know is that in order to vote, you must be a registered voter. If you are registering to vote, you must submit your application at least thirty days before the election.
You may apply for an absentee ballot on line or in person. If you apply in person, you must apply by the close of business the day before the election. To apply by mail or online, your application must be submitted seven days before the election.
Early voting in person at designated polls is allowed two weeks before the election.
Election Day 2020 will be the same but a little bit different. Whether you vote in person, early, or absentee, vote. The leaders of Arkansas’s two primary political parties agree that every vote matters. They have shown that through their agreement on absentee voting. Whatever our disagreements, we find a way to the solution that is best for all Arkansans.
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson in De Queen Friday at UA Cossatot
Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media in De Queen on Friday, July 10, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response. Because of the coronavirus, the press conference is not open to the public.
Friday's Fit 4 Life with Dr Andi Reeves
We can probably all agree that wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic is not something that anyone enjoys! This week on Fit-4-Life, Dr. Andi talks about a new product that eases some of that unpleasantness.
Kindergarten Registration at De Queen
Governor Delays Start of 20-21 School Year After State Records 806 New COVID-19 Cases
At Thursday’s COVID-19 response briefing, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced Arkansas reported 806 new coronavirus cases in the last 24-hour monitoring period, as well as 36 additional hospitalizations bringing the state to another record high of 394 with 82 people on ventilators.
A change was also made to the upcoming school year. The date for K-12 students to return to school in Arkansas has been pushed back as the state sees its second-highest daily increase in new coronavirus cases. Governor Hutchinson announced that the start of the 2020-2021 school year will be delayed from August 13 to the week of August 24, but no later than August 26, to make sure school districts have additional time to plan and prepare for a blended learning environment.
