ATTORNEY GENERAL ALERT: Statewide Drug Take Back Day Scheduled for October 24
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is encouraging Arkansans to clean out their medicine cabinets and bring any unused or expired medications to one of the State's more than 250 Prescription Drug Take Back Day drop-off locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 24.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Decisions regarding our state budget show the priorities we make as a state. The budget-making process has a direct impact on everything from classrooms to health care.
Budget hearings will begin Tuesday, October 13, 2020, and are scheduled to conclude November 12, 2020. The Joint Budget Committee sits with the Arkansas Legislative Committee as voting participants in the hearings, creating the Arkansas Legislative Council/Joint Budget Committee.
The hearings will begin with requests from licensing boards and commissions. The second week members will review recommendations from the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Public Safety.
On week 3, Higher Education Institutions, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Transformation and Shared Services will have proposals reviewed.
The courts, constitutional offices, and the Agriculture Department will be reviewed in the 4th week.
On November 10, members will be presented with the General Revenue Forecast and the Governor’s Balanced Budget Proposal. The latest revenue reports show general revenue is now $227.4 million or 15.0 percent above this time last year. The forecast provided at the budget hearings will tell us if we can expect continued growth in the months ahead.
The final week of hearings will then continue with proposals from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Education.
Members can begin pre-filing legislation for the 2021 Regular Session on November 16. The Regular Session begins January 11, 2020. You can find a list of daily meetings and watch the proceedings live on our website at www.arkansashouse.org.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Notice from the Sevier County Extension Office
Due to COVID-19, the Sevier County Extension Office will be closed until October 26. We will reopen on Tuesday, October 27. The Extension staff will all be working remotely and you may contact them via email at the following addresses:
Dana Stringfellow, Administrative Specialist III: dstringfellow@uaex.edu
Rex Herring, County Extension Agent-Agriculture-Staff Chair: rherring@uaex.edu
Janet Cantrell, County Extension Agent-Family & Consumer Sciences: jcantrell@uaex.edu
Kim Frachiseur, 4-H Program Assistant: kfrachiseur@uaex.edu
The Arkansas Ballot Issues voter guides can be picked up in the Adams Building in the foyer or they can be found online at www.uaex.edu/ballot.
Arkansas State Ballot Issues | Unbiased voter education for Arkansas ballot issues
Arkansas is one of 15 states where residents can propose an amendment to the state constitution or refer a state law to voters. Legislators also have the authority to refer up to three amendments to voters. On this page you will find information about these legislative and citizen-initiated ballot measures.
Arkansas 4th District Congressional Candidates Meet For Debate
Arkansas 4th District Rep. Bruce Westerman met with his Democrat and Libertarian challengers in a debate held by Arkansas PBS Tuesday. Democrat William Hanson and Libertarian Frank Gilbert are challenging the incumbent Republican congressman in the race to represent the southwest Arkansas district in the U.S House of Representatives.
Westerman is a trained forester and engineer and has served in the House since 2015. Hanson is an attorney and former law professor. Gilbert is the former mayor of the Grant County town of Tull.
https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-4th-district-congressional-candidates-meet-debate
Arkansas 4th District Congressional Candidates Meet For Debate
Arkansas 4th District Rep. Bruce Westerman met with his Democrat and Libertarian challengers in a debate held by Arkansas PBS Tuesday. Democrat William Hanson and Libertarian Frank Gilbert are challenging the incumbent Republican congressman in the race to represent the southwest Arkansas district in the U.S House of Representatives.
Wednesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,232
Confirmed Cases: 1,203
Probable Cases: 29
Total Active Cases: 17
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 9
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 524
Confirmed Cases: 487
Probable Cases: 37
Total Active Cases: 25
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 8
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 400
Confirmed Cases: 375
Probable Cases: 25
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 314
Confirmed Cases: 308
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 39
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 4
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 250
Confirmed Cases: 244
Probable Cases: 6
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 1
VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson to Announce Plans for Abbott BinaxNOW Rapid Test Distribution Wednesday 130PM
Governor Asa Hutchinson will make an announcement regarding the distribution of Abbott BinaxNOW Rapid COVID-19 Tests live at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Governor Asa Hutchinson announced the state will start using antigen testing kits to conduct weekly COVID-19 testing of employees at certain public school districts, as well as at all state prisons and Human Development Centers run by the Department of Human Services. The tests will be performed using BinaxNOW kits made by Abbott Laboratories that return results in about 15 minutes without the use of any other equipment.
State Announces Antigen Testing Plan for School, Prison, DHS Employees
On Wednesday, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced the state will start using antigen testing kits to conduct weekly COVID-19 testing of employees at certain public school districts, as well as at all state prisons and Human Development Centers run by the Department of Human Services.
Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,229
Confirmed Cases: 1,202
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 7
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 520
Confirmed Cases: 486
Probable Cases: 34
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 397
Confirmed Cases: 374
Probable Cases: 23
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 308
Confirmed Cases: 304
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 35
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 2
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 249
Confirmed Cases: 244
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 1
Stand Up for America November 7th in Nashville
UA Cossatot Colts Help with Food Pantry in De Queen
“A huge thank you to the UA Cossatot Colts Men's Basketball Team and Coach Robert Byrd for helping us unload food at the De Queen Church of Christ Food Pantry today. Awesome young men.” - Toney Stowers
Phone Service Out Temporarily Later This Week at UA Cossatot
UA Cossatot is upgrading to a new phone system this week. On Wednesday, October 14th, sometime between 10:00 and 11:15 am, phone service at UAC will be interrupted for a short period of time. We expect an outage of approximately fifteen minutes for our toll free number, 800-844-4471, as well as the numbers for all of our staff. However, our Nashville and Ashdown numbers may take longer to restore. There could be longer, isolated outages associated with individual numbers. We apologize for the temporary inconvenience, and we do appreciate your patience.
Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,229
Confirmed Cases: 1,202
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 7
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 520
Confirmed Cases: 486
Probable Cases: 34
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 397
Confirmed Cases: 374
Probable Cases: 23
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 308
Confirmed Cases: 304
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 35
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 2
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 249
Confirmed Cases: 244
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 1
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 654 new cases; 7,839 active cases; 608 hospitalized, which is up 32 from Sunday; 104 on ventilators, which is up 5 from Sunday; deaths added today, 17, for a total of 1,586; a total of 93,487 cases; 80,496 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,089; antigen tests, 705.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 80; Washington, 57; Sebastian, 33; Craighead, 32; and Benton, 27.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“Our hospitalizations continue to be at a high level. This puts stress on our healthcare workers. While we have sufficient bed capacity in our hospitals, this does strain the system. This is why we need to work together to reduce our cases and reduce our hospitalizations.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
American Cancer Society VIPinks Ambassador Keisha McKinney at Ed 88 Studios
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and American Cancer Society VIPinks Ambassador, Keisha McKinney, visited our De Queen studio recently to talk about her cancer experience and how we can help in the battle to defeat this disease.
Sunday's COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,226
Confirmed Cases: 1,201
Probable Cases: 25
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 8
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 515
Confirmed Cases: 483
Probable Cases: 32
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 393
Confirmed Cases: 371
Probable Cases: 22
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 2
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 304
Confirmed Cases: 300
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 33
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 247
Confirmed Cases: 242
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 17
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 3
To protect yourself and others, the ADH recommends:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
Practice physical distancing. Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick, by keeping at least 6 feet between you and others.
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 or develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, seek testing. Testing is available in many locations, including ADH Local Health Units.
Wear a face covering when you are exposed to non-household members and physical distancing cannot be assured. Click here to read the requirements.
Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Slowing the Epidemic of Drug Addiction
LITTLE ROCK – In October, we are bringing attention to the challenge of drug addiction, and today I’d like to highlight some efforts to slow it.
We are making progress in reducing the number of overdose deaths. Last year, we were down 18 percent over 2018, and this year, we were down another 17 percent. Arkansas’s rate of reduction is the second-best in the nation.
In September, we received news that we had been awarded a $21 million federal grant to expand substance-abuse-treatment programs.
And this month, I have proclaimed the week of October 23rd as National Red Ribbon Week and October 28th as “Chasing the Dragon: Opioid Awareness Day in Arkansas.” “Drug Take Back Day” is October 24th.
Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane oversees Drug Take Back Day, which in the past ten years has collected more than 200 tons of unused and out-of-date medicines for disposal. Kirk also has piloted the use of Naloxone, an antidote for legal opioids and heroin. His office has trained first responders, and they have supplied Narcan kits that have prevented more than 550 opioid overdose deaths since 2017. From March through July, EMS and hospitals have seen about 270 saves per month.
Another initiative is “Chasing the Dragon: Opioid Awareness Day in Arkansas.” It is a statewide project led by the FBI’s Little Rock field office. The group coordinates a simultaneous viewing of Chasing the Dragon in schools around the state. Chasing the Dragon is a frank DEA-FBI documentary that tells the true stories of young people trapped in a world of drugs. The viewing is on October 28th.
At a more personal level, a Northwest Arkansas couple founded the nonprofit Speakup About Drugs after their oldest son died of an overdose. He started smoking marijuana in the 11th grade and quickly moved to Adderall and then to Xanax. The family sought the help of doctors and counselors, and he was working hard to beat his addiction. But in 2017, when he was twenty-one, he consumed a fatal dose of cocaine laced with fentanyl.
The mission of Speakup About Drugs is to educate, advocate, support, and prevent drug abuse and overdoses. They help people get into treatment. Gina Allgaier is the mom. She wants to see those struggling with addiction and their families put back together and healed. She praises Drug Take Back Day and says it has kept prescription drugs out of the hands of young people.
In Arkansas, we are seeking to raise awareness and prevent new victims from falling prey to addiction, and we want to ensure access to treatment for those who have. We want to reinforce our commitment to holding those who contribute to this epidemic accountable. This is a tough topic to talk about, but we must if we are to slow this epidemic. Thank you to all those who have joined forces against it.
Saturday's COVID-19 Maps and Numbers from Arkansas Department of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,224
Confirmed Cases: 1,199
Probable Cases: 25
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 8
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 514
Confirmed Cases: 483
Probable Cases: 31
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 4
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 390
Confirmed Cases: 367
Probable Cases: 23
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 304
Confirmed Cases: 300
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 34
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 246
Confirmed Cases: 241
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 3
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.
In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,167 new cases; 7,468 active cases; 560 hospitalized, which is up 13 from Thursday; 101 on ventilators, which is down 2 from Thursday; deaths added today, 27, for a total of 1,530; a total of 91,312 cases; 79,012 recoveries; PCR tests, 12,715; antigen tests, 1,225.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 77; Washington, 76; Craighead, 74; Sebastian, 49; and Benton, 47.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“Yesterday was another record day of testing with almost 14,000 total tests performed. Our new cases continue to be too high. As we all go about our weekend, let's make sure to wear a mask and keep our distance. We are constantly reminded of how serious this virus is and how easily it can spread.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole has a College Grant Update
Dr. Steve Cole, Chancellor at UA Cossatot talked with Ed 88 about a number of grants the college was recently awarded, including one that totals $2.2 million.
In Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month
The Center for Student Success would like to continue to recognize some of our UA Cossatot Hispanic employees that are making an impact on our students throughout the month of October!
Hector Cortez
Hector Cortez is one of three campus police and resides in Nashville, AR. His family originates from Jalisco, Mexico. Hector’s mom is from a town named Tamazula and his dad is from a town called Tototlan. They grew up about 3 ½ hours away from each other, but met in Los Angeles, CA in the mid 70’s. Hector is not only a proud father but also a loving husband. He is a current college student working towards obtaining an Associate’s degree and is a prime example of what it means to be dedicated. Hector is also a key component in helping provide food assistance to students on Nashville campus and was also huge asset in helping provide commodities to the De Queen community area benefiting 300+ families. Hector states, “Being Hispanic means having a heritage that is bold and full of life. From family traditions to food, it is always colorful and full of fun. I plan on earning my Associates Degree here at Cossatot in the next couple of semesters and not long after, earning my Bachelor’s Degree.
We are proud to have Hector Cortez as part of our campus community!
If you or someone has questions in regards to campus security you can call and ask for Hector Cortez at: 870-584-4471.
Thursday COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,218
Confirmed Cases: 1,198
Probable Cases: 20
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 6
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 503
Confirmed Cases: 476
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 4
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 375
Confirmed Cases: 355
Probable Cases: 20
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 297
Confirmed Cases: 294
Probable Cases: 3
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 2
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 240
Confirmed Cases: 236
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 2
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 809 new cases; 6,686 active cases; 538 hospitalized, which is up 9 from Tuesday; 98 on ventilators, which is down 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 13, for a total of 1,482; a total of 88,880 cases; 77,660 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,975; antigen tests, 1,110.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Craighead, 60; Pulaski, 57; Jefferson, 44; Washington, 26; and Sebastian, 23.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“There seems to be a pattern of increased cases toward the latter part of the week as so many go in for testing after a weekend. If the trend holds, cases may go up again toward the end of the week and then decline from there. Regardless, we are hoping to keep the peak this week lower than last week. Everyone do your part.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
CADC Food Box Distribution at UA Cossatot De Queen Tuesday
CADC provided food commodities on the De Queen campus of UA Cossatot on Tuesday
CADC and the Center for Student Success partnered to help provide food commodities on the UA Cossatot De Queen Campus to 300+ families of the area… it was a campus/community wide event AND WE DID IT! Between the help of campus police, Cossatot Staff, Basketball, YOUTHBUILD, Rotaract, SDA and Student Ambassadors, we were able to help serve and provide food to 300+ families. We’re so proud of all our volunteers and want to say “THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN” for what you did for our students AND our community. This was definitely a great way to give back and actually be part of the change! If you see any of these people/students on campus let them know how proud we all are!
Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health
COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,214
Confirmed Cases: 1,197
Probable Cases: 17
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 3
COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 503
Confirmed Cases: 476
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 5
COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 373
Confirmed Cases: 354
Probable Cases: 19
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 281
Confirmed Cases: 279
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 1
COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 237
Confirmed Cases: 233
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 2
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 417 new cases; 6,922 active cases; 524 hospitalized, which is up 15 from Sunday; 93 on ventilators, which is up 4 from Sunday; deaths added today, 22, for a total of 1,447; a total of 87,430 cases; 76,204 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,305; antigen tests, 845.
The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 58; Washington, 34; Sebastian, 28; Craighead, 23; Benton, 15; Crawford, 15; and Faulkner, 15.
Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:
“Today we are reminded that more cases lead to increased hospitalizations. The number of hospitalized is too high. While it is manageable, it's important to slow the spread of this virus to keep people out of the hospital because of COVID-19.”
Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:
