Healthy School Guide Published for Opening Schools

State officials have published a 20-page “Healthy School Guide” they say will help return hundreds of thousands of students, teachers and staff to more than 1,000 school facilities on Aug. 24 “in the healthiest way possible.”

The new guide includes the latest information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Arkansas Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics. It was produced in a collaborative effort between the Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Department of Education, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). (Link here for a PDF of the document.)

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/08/healthy-guide-published-for-opening-schools-covid-19-active-cases-decline-deaths-rise

'Healthy' guide published for opening schools; COVID-19 active cases decline, deaths rise - Talk Business & Politics

State officials have published a 20-page "Healthy School Guide" they say will help return hundreds of thousands of students, teachers and staff to more than 1,000 school facilities on Aug. 24 "in the healthiest way possible." The new guide includes the latest information from the U.S.

Message to Parents of De Queen Students

Attention parents of De Queen Students in grades 6-12 who are enrolled in virtual school this year: We are sending you a packet of information that will give you step by step instructions plus access to video tutorials to help you with all your child's needs for this year's De Queen Virtual School.

Please note this information is for De Queen Virtual Students in grades 6 through 12 only!! Please be looking for this packet in your mailbox. If you are in need of a device, the district will provide one for you.

De Queen’s Healthy Connections Offering One Day Free Physicals

DE QUEEN -- Healthy Connections will be conducting free physicals on Wednesday, August 19th from 8 a.m. -5 p.m. at 1306 West Collin Raye at our location in front of the old hospital. This service will be provided for one day at no charge. This is an effort to assist the community facing challenges and hardships during the Covid 19 pandemic. There will be a back-to-school supply treasure chest full of items so each child who gets a physical will receive school items while supplies last.

Angie Martin, who has worked most of her career in De Queen as a nurse and nurse practitioner, will be conducting the physicals at Healthy Connections’ new De Queen clinic. No appointment is needed, for more information call 870-642-4364

Martin sees patients from ages 0 to 99+ in the family practice clinic. Healthy Connections De Queen is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This clinic sees both pediatrics and family medical patients.

As a family nurse practitioner, Martin is a registered nurse with specialized educational and clinical training in family practice. Family Nurse Practitioners are trained to work with both children and adults, most often in the context of a family practice setting. They work with patients on maintaining health and wellness over the long term with a particular focus on preventative care.

Healthy Connections is a Mena-based nonprofit organization serving the needs of children and adults throughout West-Central Arkansas. Since its founding in 1998 as a home-visiting program, Healthy Connections has been able to provide much-needed health, dental and social services to families of every lifestyle.

Healthy Connections accepts Medicaid, including ArKids First, Medicare and most forms of health and dental insurance. However, no person will be turned away for lack of insurance. Qualified families will be charged according to their total family income and total persons living in the household. This sliding scale fee allows many to receive treatment who otherwise would not have been able to afford it.

UA Cossatot Announces ACC Conference Award Winners

UA Cossatot is one of the twenty-two community colleges in Arkansas that is represented by the Arkansas Community College’s (ACC) non-profit association.  Every year, the ACC association holds a conference where four award winners are recognized from each college.  UA Cossatot has announced its four award winners, which include Crystal Sims, Tommi Cobb, Erika Buenrrostro, and Julie Gomez.

https://www.cccua.edu/news/ua-cossatot-announces-acc-conference-award-winners

UA Cossatot Announces ACC Conference Award Winners

UA Cossatot is one of the twenty-two community colleges in Arkansas that is represented by the Arkansas Community College's (ACC) non-profit association. Every year, the ACC association holds a conference where four award winners are recognized from each college. UA Cossatot has announced its four award winners, which include Crystal Sims, Tommi Cobb, Erika Buenrrostro, and Julie Gomez.

More Arkansas Parents Opting To Keep Kids Out Of Schools During The Pandemic

With Gov. Asa Hutchinson mandating the reopening of brick and mortar public schools in Arkansas for in-person instruction during the week of August 24, some parents are looking at other options, like homeschooling, or one of the state's virtual charter schools.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/more-arkansas-parents-opting-keep-kids-out-schools-during-pandemic

More Arkansas Parents Opting To Keep Kids Out Of Schools During The Pandemic

With Gov. Asa Hutchinson mandating the reopening of brick and mortar public schools in Arkansas for in-person instruction during the week of August 24, some parents are looking at other options, like homeschooling, or one of the state's virtual charter schools. Jennifer Chosich, who lives outside of Little Rock, has homeschooled her 8th grade daughter for her entire life.

Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Tests Available in Arkansas

Hundreds of rapid antigen test devices and sampling kits to detect acute COVID-19, which yields results within a half hour or less, are being distributed to county public health clinics, to help ease coronavirus testing throughput congestion in Arkansas. The new antigen tests are also available at a growing number pharmacies and medical clinics around the state.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/rapid-covid-19-antigen-tests-available-arkansas

Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Tests Available in Arkansas

Hundreds of rapid antigen test devices and sampling kits to detect acute COVID-19, which yields results within a half hour or less, are being distributed to county public health clinics, to help ease coronavirus testing throughput congestion in Arkansas. The new antigen tests are also available at a growing number pharmacies and medical clinics around the state.

VIDEO: Tri-Lakes Big Bass Festival September 5th

Sevier County Judge Greg Ray And Callie Miller of the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce were in the Ed 88 Studio Thursday to talk about the Tri Lakes Big Bass Festival coming up September 5th.

Thursday's COVID-19 Numbers

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 1,009
  Active Positive: 50
  Recovered: 949
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,579

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 360
  Active Positive: 57
  Recovered: 299
  Deaths: 4
  Negatives: 2,586

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 189
  Active Positive: 27
  Recovered: 161
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,239

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 154
  Active Positive: 21
  Recovered: 132
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,338

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 118
  Active Positive: 36
  Recovered: 81
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,933

Southwest Arkansas Rainfall on Wednesday

Rainfall totals in southwest Arkansas as of 4pm Wednesday according to USGS:
Red River at Index, AR 08/12 16:00 CDT 9.29
Rolling Fork near DeQueen, AR 4.31
Little River near Horatio, AR 4.10
Cossatot River near Vandervoort, AR 7.78
Saline River near Dierks, AR 9.56

https://www.fox16.com/news/local-news/significant-rainfall-in-southwest-arkansas-leads-to-rainfall-totals-near-10-inches

Significant rainfall in southwest Arkansas leads to rainfall totals near 10 inches

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - An upper level disturbance that ran into a front as it moved from Oklahoma into west and southwest Arkansas produced a cluster of storms that built up over time, resulting in heavy rainfall across the area Wednesday morning.

Continuing Education Schedule at UA Cossatot

Our UA Cossatot Fall 2020 Continuing Education schedule is out now! Visit the link to learn more! 

https://www.cccua.edu/news/ua-cossatot-announces-fall-2020-continuing-education-schedule

UA Cossatot Announces Fall 2020 Continuing Education Schedule

University of Arkansas Cossatot has announced its Continuing Education schedule for the fall 2020 semester. The college's Continuing Education department offers classes and training that are available to train for a new career, gain a new skill, grow a business or personally enrich life.

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Thursday (08.13.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Thursday, August 13, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

Construction of New High School Saves District $315,000

Clark Contractors out of Little Rock has finished construction of the new De Queen High
School. The building project was under contract for the amount of $13,657,107. At the August
2020 school board meeting, Superintendent Jason Sanders shared the good news that the project was
completed on time and actually came in under budget. The new two story 76, 000 sq. ft. building
was finished at $315,5000 under budget.

Sanders was presented a check from Clark Contractors to represent the savings from
the project.The savings will be utilized in a Phase 2 project at the Old High School which
includes demolition of part of the old high school, an expansion of the junior high cafeteria, a
new tv production lab, and the renovation of several existing offices and classrooms.
Sanders stated “ De Queen Public Schools continue to strive to have some of the
nicest school facilities in Arkansas. Our staff and students are excited to move into these new
facilities and we look forward to many years of its use in our school district.”

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update From Monticello Wednesday (08.12.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide an update to media in Monticello Wednesday, August 12, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

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

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 996
  Active Positive: 47
  Recovered: 939
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,571

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 355
  Active Positive: 59
  Recovered: 292
  Deaths: 4
  Negatives: 2,575

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 185
  Active Positive: 27
  Recovered: 157
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,234

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 150
  Active Positive: 17
  Recovered: 132
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,322

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 111
  Active Positive: 32
  Recovered: 78
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,918

The Governor's Working Group with the AAA Announcement

Arkansas Education Group, Another Teacher Of The Year Oppose School Reopening Plans

Objections to opening schools with in-class instruction from Arkansas teachers of the year and the Arkansas Education Association are not moving Gov. Asa Hutchinson from his stance on the Aug. 24 opening of all public schools.

Arkansas Education Association President Carol Fleming on Monday told state lawmakers she believes it is not safe for schools to open to in-class instruction. She said schools should open the 2020-2021 school year with virtual learning only.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-education-group-another-teacher-year-oppose-school-reopening-plans

Arkansas Education Group, Another Teacher Of The Year Oppose School Reopening Plans

Objections to opening schools with in-class instruction from Arkansas teachers of the year and the Arkansas Education Association are not moving Gov. Asa Hutchinson from his stance on the Aug. 24 opening of all public schools. Arkansas Education Association President Carol Fleming on Monday told state lawmakers she believes it is not safe for schools to open to in-class instruction.

Arkansas Center for Health Improvement Publishes Local COVID-19 Case Data

The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health, is providing key local coronavirus outbreak data on its ACHI website to Arkansas communities, healthcare agencies and the public to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-center-health-improvement-publishes-local-covid-19-case-data

Arkansas Center for Health Improvement Publishes Local COVID-19 Case Data

The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health, is providing key local coronavirus outbreak data on its website to Arkansas communities, healthcare agencies and the public to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 in Arkansas

Updated: August 7, 2020 Dr. Joe Thompson, president and CEO of ACHI, provides a public service announcement regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. "Isolation" and "quarantine," two other terms often used in reference to avoiding the spread of illness, have similar but distinct meanings. Read More.

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Tuesday (08.11.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

Tuesday's COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 992
  Active Positive: 51
  Recovered: 931
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,569

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 342
  Active Positive: 53
  Recovered: 285
  Deaths: 4
  Negatives: 2,511

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 181
  Active Positive: 66
  Recovered: 114
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,234

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 148
  Active Positive: 16
  Recovered: 131
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,313

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 108
  Active Positive: 31
  Recovered: 76
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,903

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

With children headed back to school this month, now is the perfect time for many families to get caught up on immunizations. The summer of 2020 may be more critical than previous summers, as there is a concern that immunizations have declined in recent months due to the pandemic.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month.

National Immunization Awareness Month is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.

When you receive immunizations, your chance of becoming ill from diseases is much lower. Furthermore, if you become sick, you will likely experience a milder case than if you were not vaccinated. Immunizations lower your risk of complications from infectious diseases, such as seasonal flu and shingles. They can also reduce your risk of a hospital stay. This prevention is especially important now, as hundreds of people are currently in the hospital for COVID-19.

Although we think of the fall as flu season, Dr. Jose Romero, Secretary of Health at the Arkansas Department of Health, has stated that August is the time of year when health providers start vaccinating against influenza.

Typically, only half of Arkansans receive a flu shot every year. The Health Department is hoping to increase that percentage this year.

Dr. Romero also stated this week that we don’t know yet what the confluence is between influenza and COVID-19.

The Health Department will have the flu vaccine available next month. The department will hold drive-thru vaccination clinics starting Sept. 21. The vaccine will also be made available to schools throughout the state. Clinics and pharmacies may have the flu vaccine available even sooner.

As a reminder, Arkansas law requires all students attending Arkansas schools and licensed childcare facilities to be vaccinated against certain diseases, unless an official exemption form is filed. Visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov to learn more.