Dana Stringfellow recently visited De Queen Lions Club with a program on native birds in SW Arkansas.
Local Non-profit and Businesses Give Thanks to De Queen Officer for Hispanic Heritage Month
NEWS RELEASE
Minority Affairs Council Contact:
October 6th, 2021 DQUnity@Gmail.com
Local non-profit and businesses give thanks to De Queen Officer for Hispanic Heritage Month
DE QUEEN, AR— In celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, a local inclusive group teamed up with area businesses to show appreciation for one stand-out officer in De Queen last week.
The Minority Affairs Council of Southwest Arkansas (MAC) partnered with local companies who donated certificates and items that were collected for a gift basket and presented to Patrolman Gilberto Elizondo of the De Queen Police Department Friday, October 8th.
The group selected Gilberto because of his dedication to helping the community and the positive example he has set for others. Prior to working for the De Queen Police Department, he was employed at the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department as a Detention Officer. For both agencies, Gilberto has assisted with translating Spanish and English when a language barrier occurs between law enforcement and residents. In addition to helping translate, the patrolman also serves as a role model for younger generations to look up to, as he graduated from both De Queen High School and Southern Arkansas University before becoming a public servant in his hometown.
As many cities note rising tension between community members and law enforcement agencies, MAC is working on efforts to connect groups and individuals in the Southwest Arkansas area. The non-profit’s first community project was commissioning the “Welcome to De Queen” mural painted by Artist Darlene Taylor on the Eastern Edge of town. In addition to showing appreciation for local leaders like Elizondo and bringing fresh art to the area, MAC is working to develop events and strategies that will help unite the community as a whole.
The businesses who donated for the appreciation gift include Sweet Cravings, Smart Phone EMT De Queen, Handi Mart, Pollos Assados Querentano’s, and Cricket wireless. MAC and each partnering company would like to express thanks to Elizondo and all the officers who protect and serve our local communities daily.
The Minority Affairs Council can be found on Facebook or reached by email at @DQunity@gmail.com
COVID-19 Active Cases in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 77
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 44
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 38
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 67
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 20
COVID-19 Active Cases in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 80
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 47
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 52
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 33
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 22
Lady Colts Basketball Team Pictured with Congressman Bruce Westerman
Members of the Lady Colts basketball team took some time on Monday afternoon to visit with Arkansas' 4th District Congressman Bruce Westerman at the construction site of the Sevier County Medical Center.
Arkansas Planning and Development Districts Resident Survey
The Arkansas Economic Development Institute (AEDI) & the ASU Delta Center are asking for our help with the historic Covid-19 study and survey to help all Arkansas Community Leaders, Business Organizations, and Citizens with Resiliency & Recovery. Southwest has received 2 survey links, one for Organization, and the other for all Southwest Region Residents.
All 8 Arkansas Planning & Development Districts (PDD) are working together to get feedback from their Region on how the pandemic has influenced health and economic well-being at this moment in time for each of the 8 Arkansas Regions. We are asking our Southwest Residents to please take a few minutes and fill out this important, and anonymous, Survey. Each PDD will use the information received from the Surveys to create their Region’s Strategic Plan for any future disasters/pandemics. When completed this coming Spring, all 8 Regional Plans will help all of Arkansas be better prepared and more resilient in the face of future disasters. We sincerely thank you for helping us with this enormously important project.
Link: http://astate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cIkTI1MfodIbo5U
Public Schools and Colleges in SW Arkansas COVID-19 Active Case Numbers
The ADH has released their most recent report on the number of active cases of COVID-19 in the state's public schools and colleges, and the numbers for most area schools continue to trend downward. Some area schools of note include:
UA Cossatot, Mineral Springs, Kirby: less than 5 ( ADH does not release info for schools with fewer than 5 active cases to protect student privacy)
Mena 8
De Queen 5
Ashdown 5
Centerpoint 5
Nashville 8
South Pike County 13
Horatio 9
Texarkana, AR 8
Cossatot River 7
Dierks 5
Foreman 6
For the complete report, please visit:
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/School_Report_09272021.pdf
Active COVID-19 Cases in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 86
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 40
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 71
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 51
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 42
VIDEO: Chamber Chat with Callie Miller and Christie McCullough
On this week's Sevier County Chamber Chat, Callie and Christy have more details about Denim and Diamonds on October 2nd, as well as several other upcoming Chamber events.
COVID-19 Active Cases Numbers in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 99
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 55
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 89
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 102
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 58
Mass Flu Vaccine Clinic in De Queen September 30th
On September 30, 2021, the Sevier County Health Unit of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will offer flu vaccinations at Legacy Center, 121 S 3rd Street, De Queen, Arkansas from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. People should bring their insurance cards with them to the flu vaccine clinic. If they do not have insurance, or the insurance does not cover flu shots, the vaccine will be available at no charge. This year’s mass flu clinic will be a drive through clinic and is in partnership with the Lofton Family Clinic at the 8th Annual Sevier County Health Fair.
“We want Sevier County residents to stay healthy this flu season and getting a yearly flu vaccination is the best line of defense,” Deborah Hedge, Sevier County Health Unit Administrator, said. “We encourage everyone to come to the mass clinic or the local health unit to get their flu shot.”
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most adults and children six months and older. The flu virus changes from year to year, and this year’s vaccine protects against the flu viruses that are expected to cause the most illness this flu season.
“The flu should not be taken lightly,” said Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, Medical Director for Immunizations at ADH. “We are encouraging everyone to get a flu shot to protect themselves and their families, because it is hard to predict in advance how severe the flu season is going to be.”
People of all ages can get the flu. Certain people are more likely to have serious health problems if they get the flu. This includes older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), people who smoke, and people who live in nursing homes. Therefore, ADH strongly recommends that people in these groups get a flu vaccine. It is also recommended that friends, family members and people who provide care to people
in these groups also get a vaccine—not only to protect themselves but also to decrease the possibility that they might expose the people they love and care for to the flu.
The flu vaccine is safe and does not cause the flu. Some people may have mild soreness and redness near the site of the shot and a low fever or slight headache. There are very few medical reasons to skip the flu vaccine. These include life-threatening allergic reactions to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine. People with allergies to vaccine ingredients can often receive the vaccine safely, if it is given in a doctor’s office where they can be monitored.
The flu is easily spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching something, such as a door knob, with the virus on it, and then touching their nose or mouth. Good hand washing habits are important in preventing the flu; however, the best way to prevent the flu is to get the vaccine.
For more information, go to www.healthy.arkansas.gov or www.flu.gov.
"What's Up, Doc?" with Dr. Randy Walker 09.21.21
Active COVID-19 Cases in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 128
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 74
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 102
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 140
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 97
VIDEO: Sevier County Chamber Chat with Christie McCullough and Callie Miller 09.17.21
Current Active COVID-19 Cases in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 132
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 82
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 90
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 122
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 101
Active COVID-19 Cases in SW Arkansas
Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 131
Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 100
Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 109
Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 110
Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 104
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
There are three legislative meetings scheduled this month to review proposals for congressional redistricting.
Arkansans are welcome to attend these meetings and comment on the proposals.
The proposals will be outlined in bills drafted by legislators. We have provided a link to the bills at www.arkansashouse.org.
The House and Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committees will be meeting jointly in the MAC building located directly behind the State Capitol.
The schedule will be as follows:
September 20, 2021 (1 p.m.)-Any congressional redistricting bills that have been filed by September 17, 2021, will be taken up by the committees.
September 23, 2021 (1 p.m.) - Any congressional redistricting bills that have been filed by September 21, 2021, will be taken up by the committees.
September 27, 2021 (1 p.m.) - Any congressional redistricting bills that have been filed by September 24, 2021, will be taken up by the committees.
The committees will take no action during these three meetings.
It is anticipated that leadership will call members back into the extended session of the 93rd General Assembly on September 29. That date is subject to change, and we will continue to update you on any developments.
The General Assembly is tasked with only drawing the boundaries of the U.S. House of Representatives districts in Arkansas. The Board of Apportionment is tasked with drawing the state legislative boundaries.
Our state’s population increased by 3.3% since 2010 when we last drew congressional boundaries. Some areas of the state have increased in population more than others. Our task is to redraw those boundaries now to ensure they are as equally populated as possible.
All meetings will be live-streamed and recorded at www.arkansashouse.org.
Active Cases in SW Arkansas Public Schools
The ADH has released their most recent report on the number of active cases of COVID-19 in the state's public schools and colleges. Some area schools of note include:
UA Cossatot less than 5 (ADH does not release info for schools with fewer than 5 active cases to protect student privacy.)
Mena 14
De Queen 19
Ashdown 19
Centerpoint 20
Nashville 14
South Pike County 11
Horatio 15
Foreman 20
Texarkana, AR 12
Cossatot River 9
For the complete report, please visit:
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/School_Report_09132021.pdf
Free Dental and Medical Clinic Tuesday, Sept 14 in De Queen
Aerial Photos of Construction Site at the New Sevier County Medical Center
Photos are provided by Monte Bartek of Bartek Recon.