Wednesday COVID-19 SW Arkansas Active Cases and Vaccinations Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 6

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 7

VIDEO: Sevier County Chamber Chat with Callie Miller 06.29.21

On this week's Sevier County Chamber Chat, President Callie Miller talks about the new "What's in the Bag?" video on the Chamber's Facebook page as well as the Tri Lakes Big Bass Festival in mid July.

VIDEO: "What's Up, Doc?" with Dr Randy Walker 06.29.21

On this week's edition of "What's Up Doc?", Dr. Randy talks about some of the not so well known symptoms of food allergies, such as fatigue, migraines, sinus infections, rashes, bloating, heartburn, and sensitivity to bright light, and how testing for food allergies has helped many patients find answers.

Sevier County 4-H Donates to Local Fan Drive

Sevier County 4-H’er, Ethan Wolcott, recently announced that he would be holding a box fan drive. The Be Cool, Stay Cool Fan Drive is a project that Wolcott has taken on himself, with help from the Sevier County Extension Office. He teamed up with Dr. Randy Walker and Angie Walker to reach more of the community. Ethan Wolcott, who is only 17, was able to raise $905, including $200 donated by Hale Real Estate. Dr. Randy Walker has agreed to match the $905 that Ethan raised, equaling a total of $1,810 for the Fan Drive. In the end, they were able to purchase 94 fans for Sevier County.

Many know Ethan Wolcott from the can recycling program he has held in the county for the past three years. Wolcott started the project to donate money to the 4-H POP-A TOP program, a program that helped 4-H families with medical bills. However, the program was ended due to COVID. Wolcott then decided to keep the money locally. By teaming up with the Walkers, Wolcott is able to give those in need, a way to stay cool this summer.

Left to right: Rex Herring, County Extension Agent-Staff Chair; Angie Walker; Ethan Wolcott; Kim Frachiseur, 4-H Program Assistant; and Janet Cantrell, County Extension Agent-FCS.

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

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 6

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 5

VIDEO: Block Party in Horatio Tuesday Night 06/29 - Leslie Daniels, Tonya Wolcott at Ed 88 Studios

VIDEO: Senator John Boozman at the New Sevier County Medical Center Construction Site on Monday

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

There are currently 58,000 Arkansans who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It is estimated that 67,000 will be diagnosed by 2025.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, an opportunity to hold a conversation about the brain, and share the fact that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are a major public health issue.

In 2019, there were 1,507 deaths from Alzheimer’s in Arkansas. That’s a 250% increase since the year 2000. It is now the 6th leading cause of death in the state.

Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.

Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. The greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. Alzheimer’s disease is considered to be younger-onset Alzheimer’s if it affects a person under 65.

More than 6 million Americans are now living with Alzheimer’s.

The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is estimated to total $355 billion in 2021.

In the most recent legislative session, the General Assembly addressed this health issue when it passed Act 391.

Act 391 creates the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council. The council will examine the needs of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, services available in the state for patients and their family caregivers, and the ability of healthcare providers and facilities to meet the current and future needs. The council will make findings and recommendations in an annual report known as the State Alzheimer’s Plan.

Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits. When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body. We’ve provided links to more information on our website

at www.arkansashouse.org.

Sunday COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 6
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 9
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 4

Friday COVID-19 Active Cases and Vaccines Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 3
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 5
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 4

Field of Dreams Fundraiser Announced in De Queen

NEWS RELEASE

Samaritan Fields             Contact: 870-584-9928

June 23rd, 2021                 SamaritanFields@gmail.com   

Community Soccer Field Organizers Announce Festive Fundraiser in De Queen

DE QUEEN, AR— Community residents are rallying support for an up-and-coming Sports facility in Sevier County this summer with the “Fields of Dreams” fundraiser set for Saturday, July 3rd at 5:00 pm.

Lead by local business owner Esteban Ochoa and De Queen High School Assistant soccer coach Franklin Bahena, Samaritan fields is a multi-feature athletic facility and community project in its early phases. Located on Collin Raye Drive in De Queen, the fields will host soccer games and plans to feature benches, stands for spectators, a walking trail, and concessions are in the works.

For the process to continue growing, community support is needed for this grassroots effort and the public is invited out to celebrate the Independence Day Holiday with a fundraiser at the fields.

 The Field of Dreams night will feature a live DJ, FIFA Tournament, obstacle course, voter registration booth, Iphone 12 Pro Max raffle, T-Shirts, Drinks, snacks and a free soccer ball giveaway for the 1st 100 cars to arrive. De Queen Health and Wellness will be on site providing COVID-19 Vaccinations and $5 will be donated to the fields for each shot administered. Folks interested in viewing the city’s fireworks show can park their vehicles for a donation and all proceeds will go towards construction and maintenance of the developing project. Local Hot Dog vendor “The Walking Dog” will be set up during the event and everyone is welcome.

A long-term goal for the project is to qualify as the host site for the 2026 Arkansas High school State Soccer tournament and pay homage to the 6-time state championship Leopard soccer team in their hometown. Organizers also believe the ability to host a state tournament will have a positive economic impact on the community as travelers will dine at local restaurants and buy from area convenience stores while visiting for the event. 

Ochoa says the overall goal for Samaritan fields and the soccer community of De Queen “is to not have great soccer players, but to have great kids who happen to play soccer.”

Sponsors and Community Partners of Samaritan Fields include Tony Soto and The National Guard, Dr. Randy Walker and Angie Walker, James and Suzanne Babb, Leopard Nutrition, Franklin Bahena, Kelly Goins Smart Phone EMT, Jennifer Collier, Meraki Hair Studio, Top Line Custom Logos, Johnny Buenrrostro, Revels and Company CPA’s, De Queen Medical Equipment, Arlene Rivas, Cricket Wireless, Rex Herring and Daryl Wayne Herring, Rolling B Ranch, Rock Hauling Land Clearing and Excavation, R and J Sports, Lorena Branson, Mitchell Medical, Simple Simon’s Pizza, Selena’s Dish Network , Peak Therapy,  Extreme Game Truck (Gabriel A Green), Health Care Express - De Queen, John and Representative DeAnn Vaught and De Queen Health and Wellness.

A Non-Profit group has been launched for the Samaritan Fields project and all interested supporters are welcome to attend the first Board meeting at 7:00 pm Monday, June 28th at Samaritan Fields (1358 W Collin Raye) For questions contact Samaritanfields@gmail.com .

VIDEO: "What's Up Doc?" with Dr. Randy Walker

This week on "What's Up Doc", Dr. Randy talks about the differences in the various weight loss procedures and the associated risks.

Wednesday COVID-19 SW Arkansas Active Cases and Vaccinations Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 6

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 9
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 2

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 7
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 3

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council Highway Commission Review and Advisory Subcommittee reviewed a presentation regarding Arkansas’ inland waterways.

This year marks 50 years of service from the McClellan‐Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. The system serves a 12 state region and provides a cost-effective form of transportation to Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and surrounding states.

The anniversary reminds us of the importance of our waterways and our duty to ensure this infrastructure is well maintained. Arkansas’s inland waterways system is vital to our economic growth. The inland waterways efficiently, sustainably, and cost-effectively transport critical commodities like agricultural goods, energy products, building materials, and industrial chemicals.

Arkansas has over 1,860 miles of navigable inland waterways, ranking it third in the nation. Arkansas’ inland waterway assets include the Mississippi, Arkansas, Ouachita, Red, and White Rivers. The waterways account for $4.4 billion in gross state product and contribute more than $270 million in state and local tax revenue. The Mississippi River is the main trade corridor for goods produced in the northern part of the U.S. traveling to gateway ports near the Gulf of Mexico. As trade between the U.S. and Latin America grows, the importance of Arkansas waterways and the strategic location of the state will enhance manufacturing and distribution opportunities.

There are 11 public ports in the state. Arkansas’ ports, inland waterways, and inland waterways-dependent industries support more than 50,000 jobs.

The waterways can often be the most economical choice for transportation. One standard 15-barge tow moves the equivalent of 216 rail cars or 1,050 trucks. Waterborne transportation requires significantly less fuel than rail or trucks.

The Arkansas Waterways Commission is the sole state agency responsible for developing, promoting, and protecting waterborne transportation in Arkansas.

You can find more information about our waterways system on their website at www.waterways.arkansas.gov.

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

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 5

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 2
Active Confirmed Cases: 2
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 6

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 1

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 4
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 0

Sevier County Home to Arkansas’ Longest Duration of 2024 Eclipse

DEQUEEN, AR | On April 8 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. The passage marks a significant opportunity for Arkansas and, more specifically, Sevier County.

Located along the centerline of the path of totality, several towns in Sevier County will have the longest duration of full totality in the state of Arkansas. National eclipse experts define totality as the moon being close enough to the earth in its orbit to cover the Sun’s visual surface as they pass.

For some, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it holds incredible tourism and business opportunities for the local community. “We would be doing Sevier County a disservice if we let this opportunity pass without doing something,” stated Christy McCullough, Executive Director of the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce.

County leadership and an initial Eclipse Planning Team met recently to establish a few core ideas and action steps to plan an educational series and festivals and events leading up to the April 2024 eclipse.

The community is encouraged to educate themselves on future opportunities, follow the Sevier County-AR Eclipse Community Events page on Facebook and share this news and information with friends and visitors who might be interested in visiting our community for this historic event.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to invite and include visitors in our local community,” shared De Queen Mayor Jeff Brown. “We want to be creative and are beginning to plan for this to be a fun place for people as they experience the best place in Arkansas to view the Eclipse.”

Community members interested in helping plan events for the Eclipse or who want to learn more about what is coming are encouraged to visit www.visitsevierar.com/eclipse.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Tamla Heminger Recognized as UA Cossatot's Teacher of the Year

Thursday COVID-19 Active Cases Update from the Arkansas Department of Health

Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 6
Active Probable Cases: 4

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 1
Active Confirmed Cases: 1
Active Probable Cases: 0

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 6

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 3

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 8
Active Confirmed Cases: 4
Active Probable Cases: 4

SW Arkansas Crisis & Resource Center Smoked Chicken Dinner Fundraiser Friday

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

This week, we would like to remind families of an upcoming scholarship deadline. July 1 is the deadline to apply for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.

The scholarship provides tuition assistance to traditional and non-traditional students attending universities and two-year colleges – both public and private – in the state.

Freshman students at four-year colleges receive $1,000 from the scholarship. Second- and third-year students receive $4,000, and senior-level students are awarded $5,000 per year.

At two-year colleges, first-year students receive $1,000 annually, while second-year students are awarded $3,000. To maintain eligibility, students must keep a 2.5-grade point average.

Traditional students must score at least 19 on the ACT to qualify for the scholarship. The latest ACT score accepted by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education will be from the June testing. Students who have yet to achieve a score of 19 make take the Accuplacer test as a substitute.

Since its inception in 2009, the Arkansas lottery has helped raise more than $1 billion in scholarship proceeds and awarded more than 650,000 Academic Challenge Scholarships to students.

The lottery also funds the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship and the Arkansas Concurrent Challenge Scholarships.

Students seeking certification for high-demand occupations in healthcare information technology and industrial manufacturing may apply for the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship.

And funding is available for high school students who wish to start early on receiving credit for college courses through the Arkansas Concurrent Academic Challenge Scholarship.

Every bit of education you get after high school increases the chances you'll earn good pay. Most college graduates earn more money during their working years than people who stop their education at high school earn. The more education you get, the more likely it is you will always have a job.

For more information and to apply, visit scholarships.adhe.edu.