New Years Eve COVID-19 Update

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 3,184 new cases; 21,853 active cases; 1,174 hospitalized, which is up 13 from Tuesday; 205 on ventilators, which is up 7 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 34, for a total of 3,637; a total of 222,430 cases; 166,198 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,843; antigen tests, 4,389.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 355; Washington, 290; Benton, 278; Faulkner, 150; and Sebastian, 134.

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

"We continue to see high numbers of new cases and capacity pressures on our hospitals. I urge everyone to be careful as we enter another holiday to reduce the virus spread, and we need to support each other as Arkansans while we work to distribute the vaccine."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,063
Confirmed Cases: 1,548
Probable Cases: 515
Total Active Cases: 92
Active Confirmed Cases: 35
Active Probable Cases: 57

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,097
Confirmed Cases: 797
Probable Cases: 300
Total Active Cases: 54
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 806
Confirmed Cases: 651
Probable Cases: 155
Total Active Cases: 76
Active Confirmed Cases: 60
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,243
Confirmed Cases: 1,103
Probable Cases: 140
Total Active Cases: 116
Active Confirmed Cases: 94
Active Probable Cases: 22

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 680
Confirmed Cases: 544
Probable Cases: 136
Total Active Cases: 114
Active Confirmed Cases: 64
Active Probable Cases: 50

Message from the Nashville Chamber of Commerce

We have received information that there is someone calling merchants trying to sell advertising on refrigerator magnets. They are saying that they have permission from the City of Nashville, the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, and the Howard County Library.

Be advised that the Nashville Chamber of Commerce has no knowledge of the company known as UAC trying to make these sales. PLEASE BE ON ALERT

Thanks,

Mike Reese

Chamber Director

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 86
Active Confirmed Cases: 32
Active Probable Cases: 54

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Confirmed Cases: 28
Active Probable Cases: 24

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 72
Active Confirmed Cases: 58
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 88
Active Confirmed Cases: 70
Active Probable Cases: 18

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 111
Active Confirmed Cases: 61
Active Probable Cases: 50

COVID-19 Update for Tuesday, December 29th

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 2,031
Confirmed Cases: 1,541
Probable Cases: 490
Total Active Cases: 81
Active Confirmed Cases: 37
Active Probable Cases: 44

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,073
Confirmed Cases: 788
Probable Cases: 285
Total Active Cases: 55
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 25

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 780
Confirmed Cases: 632
Probable Cases: 148
Total Active Cases: 57
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,186
Confirmed Cases: 1,059
Probable Cases: 127
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 66
Active Probable Cases: 12

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 652
Confirmed Cases: 525
Probable Cases: 127
Total Active Cases: 108
Active Confirmed Cases: 58
Active Probable Cases: 50

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 1,651 new cases; 20,831 active cases; 1,155 hospitalized, which is up 62 from Sunday; 201 on ventilators, which is up 15 from Sunday; deaths added today, 55, for a total of 3,537; a total of 216,528 cases; 162,787 recoveries; PCR tests, 4,382; antigen tests, 2,272.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 266; Benton, 139; Washington, 131; Faulkner, 110; and Saline, 91.

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

"It will take a few days to know whether the increase in hospitalizations is the result of buildup after the long Christmas weekend. Regardless, the high number of cases continues to strain our health care system. Regretfully, we also have an additional 55 deaths in Arkansas from COVID-19. The importance of following guidance from the Department of Health cannot be overstated."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Parade Participants Donate Winnings to Local Group in Need

DE QUEEN--Two local groups who participated in the De Queen Tour of Lights earlier this month made the holidays brighter for those in need this season as they opted to donate prize money earned in the float contest.

The De Queen Tour of Lights was a reverse style parade held Saturday December 5th at Herman Dierks Park in place of the annual event traditionally set for the square downtown. Local groups were asked to set up a display that would be evaluated by judges and the community was encouraged to view the floats from the safety their vehicles to avoid the spread of COVID-19. The top 3 winners of each category receive prize money from the local chamber of commerce in the amount of $100 for 1st place, $75 for 2nd and $50 for 3rd.

The folks of Kindred at Home - Home Health and Community Care services were contacted by The De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce this week about receiving their winnings after their grinch-themed set-up earned them a first place spot in the commercial category. Home Health Specialist Debra Morse had other plans for the money as she requested their $100 prize be donated to a local charity of the chamber’s choice instead. An additional parade participant, who asked to remain anonymous, requested that their $75 prize be donated to a local group in need as well. The two organizations who chose to give back to the De Queen community are not affiliated with each other and did not discuss the idea of donating in advance, proving two random acts of kindness were carried out by separate groups who unknowingly had one common goal of helping those in need.

As many area “shop with a cop” and “Angel tree” programs have already been completed for the year, the Chamber Board of Directors selected CASA of The Ouachita Region to become the recipient of these funds, which will now be used to help children during the holidays. CASA is an acronym for “Court Appointed Special Advocates” and their mission is to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children within the court system. Cynthia Martin and Espe Mosqueda graciously accepted the donation on the organization’s behalf and reported that support like this is “always appreciated.”

The funds will go towards clothing, gifts, and items for local children in the foster care system within Sevier, Polk and Montgomery Counties.

As the busy holiday season continues and the cold winter months roll on, the De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce would like to express thanks to the groups who have chosen to donate their prize money to help local kids this time of year.

CASA of The Ouachita Region is always in need of volunteers and those interested in supporting the group can call 479-243-9277. They can also be reached by email at casaouachita71953@gmail.com

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Arkansas’ legislature is considered a part-time citizen legislature. Most House members have a full-time career in addition to their legislative obligations. Members typically come from a wide range of professional backgrounds and the 93rd General Assembly is no exception.

The state’s largest industry is well represented as 7 members will bring an agricultural background to the House.

There will be six members who either currently work or previously worked in the healthcare industry. The professions include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.

There will be six attorneys and 10 members who are currently teachers, professors, or former educators.

Several incoming members are small business owners. Other professions include real estate agents, engineers, consultants, a television producer, and a pastor just to name a few.

Having a diverse membership helps the House of Representatives more effectively serve the people of Arkansas. For the 93rd General Assembly, the House membership will not only be diverse in professional backgrounds but in age, gender, and race as well.

Our members will range in ages from 29 to 78. There will be 24 women and 76 men serving in the 93rd General Assembly. There will be 12 African-American legislators serving in the House.

This body will also bring a range of legislative experience. There will be 16 members serving their first full term and 10 members serving their 6th term.

Of the 100 representatives in the 93rd General Assembly, the House is proud to say we will have 12 who have served in the armed forces.

Each of us represents approximately 30,000 Arkansans. We look forward to updating you during the session. As a reminder the session begins at noon on January 11. We stream all meetings at arkansashouse.org.

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

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 95
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 48

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 78
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 31

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 62
Active Confirmed Cases: 51
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 89
Active Confirmed Cases: 74
Active Probable Cases: 15

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 113
Active Confirmed Cases: 62
Active Probable Cases: 51

Saturday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 109
Active Confirmed Cases: 50
Active Probable Cases: 59

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 97
Active Confirmed Cases: 56
Active Probable Cases: 41

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 60
Active Confirmed Cases: 49
Active Probable Cases: 11

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 103
Active Confirmed Cases: 86
Active Probable Cases: 17

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 124
Active Confirmed Cases: 69
Active Probable Cases: 55

Another of the 2021 Reasons for Attending UA Cossatot Next Spring - Family

2021 Reasons To Attend UA Cossatot This Spring.....Reason #1210.... at UAC, we are like one big family!

It's true! UA Cossatot is big enough to offer the courses you need, and yet our instructors know our students by name. We care about our students and we want them to be successful. We know that a Cossatot education will open a lot of doors for you, whether you decide to take your education and see the world, or if you decide to stay here and make our corner of the world a better place.

Enjoy your holidays. And remember....2021 is a brand new year, time for a fresh start. Visit us online at: https://www.cccua.edu/

Thursday's COVID-19 Updated Numbers and Maps

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 2,893 new cases; 22,516 active cases; 1,110 hospitalized, which is up 7 from Tuesday; 174 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 38, for a total of 3,376; a total of 207,941 cases; 155,447 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,604; antigen tests, 3,697.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Washington, 272; Pulaski, 265; Benton, 260; Faulkner, 123; and Craighead, 109

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

"Today's high number of cases is concerning as we're two days away from Christmas. This is frequently a time to gather with our family in large groups, but this year that presents an increased risk of spreading COVID-19, so let’s plan with our safety guidelines in mind. Please protect yourself and your family."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 50
Active Probable Cases: 49

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 105
Active Confirmed Cases: 55
Active Probable Cases: 50

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 49
Active Confirmed Cases: 39
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 98
Active Confirmed Cases: 82
Active Probable Cases: 16

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 51
Active Probable Cases: 31

Another of the 2021 Reasons for Attending UA Cossatot Next Spring...Location

2021 Reasons To Attend UA Cossatot In The Spring.....Reason #1313

Location, Location, Location…Location. UA Cossatot offers classes on four separate campuses in Southwest Arkansas. De Queen, Nashville, Ashdown, and Lockesburg. And, when you include our online classes, your UAC campus could be as close as your very own living room. Convenience has always been a characteristic of our college and we invite you to join us this spring. Classes begin January 11th. To find out more, visit our website: www.cccua.edu.

Wednesday COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,975
Confirmed Cases: 1,518
Probable Cases: 457
Total Active Cases: 95
Active Confirmed Cases: 46
Active Probable Cases: 49

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,031
Confirmed Cases: 759
Probable Cases: 272
Total Active Cases: 97
Active Confirmed Cases: 46
Active Probable Cases: 51

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 739
Confirmed Cases: 604
Probable Cases: 135
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 29
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,121
Confirmed Cases: 1,010
Probable Cases: 111
Total Active Cases: 90
Active Confirmed Cases: 76
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 575
Confirmed Cases: 487
Probable Cases: 88
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Confirmed Cases: 54
Active Probable Cases: 28

Agriculture is Another of the 2021 Reasons for Attending UA Cossatot Next Spring

Another of the 2021 Reasons to Attend UA Cossatot in the Spring.....Reason #456.... At UAC, We Believe in Agriculture!

Students interested in this field of study can now earn their associate's degree at UA Cossatot and then take their 60 credit hours to Fayetteville, where they can quickly transfer into a related agriculture program to obtain their bachelor's degree.

At UA Cossatot, agriculture students can take required general education courses and classes such as Agriculture Economics, Intro to Animal Science, and Principles of Horticulture to prepare them for their junior and senior-level coursework at University of Arkansas Fayetteville.

Students can take advantage of UA Cossatot's low tuition rate, which is $74 per credit hour, and then receive that same tuition rate after transferring. The exact tuition rate will be granted to students who live on campus at Fayetteville and those who obtain their Associate of Science degree in Agriculture Education from UA Cossatot. This opportunity is possible, due to the collaboration of universities and community colleges in Arkansas.

To find out more about our agri classes and other programs of study at UA Cossatot, please visit:

https://www.cccua.edu/programs-of-study/professional-studies

Tuesday's COVID-19 Updates

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 1,457 new cases; 22,158 active cases; 1,078 hospitalized, which is up 21 from Sunday; 174 on ventilators, which is up 4 from Sunday; deaths added today, 58, for a total of 3,295; a total of 203,107 cases; 152,176 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,178; antigen tests, 1,013.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 200; Benton, 138; Washington, 101; Craighead, 93; and Faulkner, 69.

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

"Today we began receiving shipments of the Moderna vaccine (5,900 doses), with additional shipments expected tomorrow and Wednesday. We also received a second shipment of the Pfizer vaccine (18,575 doses). While this news provides hope for many, it is a continued concern to see the loss of 58 additional Arkansans (20 are delayed reports). We must still resolve to take every precaution to keep everyone safe."

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 93
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 46

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 96
Active Confirmed Cases: 44
Active Probable Cases: 52

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 37
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 10

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Confirmed Cases: 85
Active Probable Cases: 14

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 32

Medical Education Reason #1522 of the 2021 Reasons to Attend UA Cossatot this Spring

Start your journey toward achieving your dream medical career with UA Cossatot! Whether you are working toward your EMT certification, entering into the field of nursing as an LPN, or wanting to become a physical or occupational therapy assistant, the rigorous classroom and in-field experience you will receive at UA Cossatot will ensure that you are prepared to enter into your chosen field at the end of your degree or certificate experience.

In addition to classes and training on the UAC campus, medical degree programs such as Radiology Tech and RN to BSN tracks are available through collaborative programs with other state-affiliated colleges and universities. Some areas of study in the medical professions also offer opportunities for receiving additional financial aid - such as through nursing scholarships.

Do you have questions regarding UAC’s medical programs? Check us out online at: https://www.cccua.edu/programs-of-study/medical-education

COVID-19 Numbers and Maps for Monday, December 21st

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 93
Active Confirmed Cases: 48
Active Probable Cases: 45

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 107
Active Confirmed Cases: 52
Active Probable Cases: 55

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 32
Active Confirmed Cases: 23
Active Probable Cases: 9

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 109
Active Confirmed Cases: 96
Active Probable Cases: 13

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 79
Active Confirmed Cases: 47
Active Probable Cases: 32

Annual Sevier County Banquet and Awards Ceremony to be Rescheduled Amid COVID-19

NEWS RELEASE

De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce   Contact: 870-584-3225

December 17th, 2020                                                               DQchamber@gmail.com 

 
DE QUEEN, AR- Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, The De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced that the annual awards banquet slated for Spring 2021 is being postponed with a new date to be announced at a later time.

Held in February each year, the chamber banquet typically takes place at De Queen High School with tables reserved for members and guests, a meal served, a silent auction, and an awards presentation for recognized organizations, volunteers and businesses. In years past the ceremony has also included performances by The De Queen High School Jazz Band, a live emcee and serving provided by The De Queen High School cross country team. 

The decision to postpone the banquet came during a specially called Board of Directors meeting held this week on Tuesday, December 15th. With COVID case reports continuing to rise in Sevier County and the surrounding areas, the Chamber Board has agreed to prioritize the safety of the community by postponing the event until large gatherings can be held without concerns of COVID-19 exposure. 

Though the event will be pushed back on the calendar, banquet attendees can still expect a fun theme, table decorating contest, silent auction, meal and awards to be distributed as usual. The 2021 Banquet theme will also be announced as the rescheduled date draws closer.

Questions can be referred to 870-584-3225, DQchamber@gmail.com or message the De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

As always, The Chamber board of Directors appreciates the support of all members and community representatives.  More information about the annual membership banquet will be released as details become available.

De Queen/Sevier County 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

P.O. Box 67 - 315 W. Stilwell Ave. 

De Queen, Arkansas 71832

870-584-3225

National Anthem Auditions for Basketball Games at UA Cossatot

For more information or to sign up for an audition slot time, please contact Kaytlynn Franklin at kfranklin@cccua.edu or 870-584-1344.

Photos L to R: Haylie Melendez, Jare De La Rosa, Tanesha Van Horn

All UA Cossatot Campuses Closed for the Holidays Through January 4th

In observance of the Holiday Season, all campuses of UA Cossatot closed Friday and will remain closed until January 4th. The Spring 2020 semester begins January 11th. From everyone at UAC, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Arkansans may see an increase in the amount of their paychecks next year. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) announced this week that the income tax withholding tables will change effective January 1, 2021.

DFA says this change is not a tax increase or cut, but with the law change that reduces the top personal income tax rate from 6.6% to 5.9% next month, the withholding change will put that reduction in paychecks beginning January 2021. Without this change, many Arkansans wouldn’t see the bulk of their tax cut until they received it in their tax refund in 2022.

This is the second change DFA has recently implemented to the withholding tables. The first adjustment took place March 1, 2020. The March 2020 adjustment put $15 million each month into the pockets of Arkansans via increased paychecks. The January 2021 adjustment will place an additional $7 million each month into paychecks.

The law that reduced the tax rate was Act 182 passed by the 92nd General Assembly.

We anticipate the 93rd General Assembly will address further tax cut proposals.

Several pieces of legislation addressing future tax cuts have been filed in advance of the 2021 Regular Session.

The latest revenue report shows revenues are 11.4% higher than this time last year. Five months into the fiscal year, revenue is now $283.3 million above forecast.

This week, we also learned that the state’s unemployment rate remained stable at 6.2% between October and November. The national unemployment rate is at 6.7%.

We will continue to monitor the employment rates and revenue reports as we prepare for the next legislative session. The 2021 Regular Session begins on January 11.