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Berryville Elementary Pledge of Allegiance

04/09/2021

Covid-19 Update:
The Arkansas Department of Health reported Thursday that Arkansas surpassed 500,000 fully immunizedresidents after 25,360 more doses were given out in the last 24 hours. Gov. Hutchinson noted the increase in vaccinations week-to-week in his statement regarding today’s numbers. “Vaccine doses administered have increased by nearly 154,000 since this time last week, ”The ADH reported 199 new cases, for a total of 331,704 cases. There are 1,707 active cases, which is an increase of 58 from Wednesday. They also reported 23 onventilators which are up 3 from Wednesday and 141 hospitalized for a decrease of 9 from Wednesday. 2 new deaths were added for a total of 5,662.
Berryville Broadband's Rodney Ballance Interview Part 2
Today we have Part 2 of our interview with Berryville Broadband and Berryville WiFi owner Rodney Ballance. He has more information about the features offered by this new internet provider to northernCarroll County... Part 1 of the interview can be found on Thursday's news at kthsradio.com
New Executive Director Takes Helm Of Greater Berryville Area Chamber of Commerce Press Release - Berryville Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Dean Lee was hired by the Berryville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors last week as its newexecutive director. Next week's "Berryville Chamber Connection" will feature more news about Dr. Lee.Below is a portion of his biography: Dean Lee is a Berryville native who graduated in 1975, where he was nominated to play in the Arkansas High School football and basketball All-Star games.He went to college at Henderson State University, where he played on two National NAIA Runner-upBasketball Teams, while majoring in physical education. He coached high school basketball at Malvern, AR and coached college basketball at Henderson StateUniversity. He then went to the University of Arkansas where he earned his doctorate degree and served as the Vice President of the Razorback Foundation for 9 years. He said one of his proudest moments there was gettingto bring Danny Ford to Berryville as part the Danny Ford Tour, which he directed. He then served two years as Athletic Director at Arkansas Tech University moving their program fromthe NAIA to the NCAA Division 2 level. He then moved to Oklahoma State University as Associate Athletic Director, helping them to generatefunds for the $54M Gallagher Iba Arena and kicking off their campaign for what is now Boone Pickens Stadium. From there he went to Arkansas State University as Director of Athletics serving that institution for 12 years. While there he elevated their program to the NCAA Division 1A level, renovated all their athleticfacilities and hired Power 5 coaches such as: Hugh Freeze, Gus Malzahn and John Brady.Then he served 4 years as Executive Director of Alumni & Constituent Relations with UAMS before retiring. Dean brings over 30 years of leadership, fundraising, marketing and public relations experience to this chamber position.
Madison County Sheriff Seeking Help from Public in Thefts
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is currently working two separate theft cases involving stolenlambs. Sheriff’s Office officials report one case occurred in the Witter area and the second case occurred in theDelaney area. Officials have not yet named any suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office.
State Legislature News
1. The State Senate on Thursday voted 25-8 to confirm the appointment of Dr. Jose Romero as ArkansasSecretary of Health after a debate on the Senate floor. Romero was appointed last year as interim secretary of health by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Later in August 2020, Gov. Hutchinson made the appointment official.Sen. Trent Garner (R-El Dorado) had requested the confirmation vote in front of the Senate RulesCommittee. “I have serious questions about Dr. Romero’s ability to lead the Department of Health, anduntil those questions are answered in a public forum by him or his staff, I will not vote for his confirmation.” The committee met Thursday and the vote was taken by the full Senate. During the debate Thursday, senators spoke for and against the confirmation.Sen. Mark Johnson (R-Little Rock) said he believed senators should exercise more influence over theconfirmation process with the issue being about the checks and balances system of government. 2. HB1869 was filed recently and looks to expand the offerings of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery. The bill would specifically allow for Keno and iLottery to come to Arkansas. Keno is a number draw game similar to Powerball where players pick numbers and win progressivelylarger amounts the more they match. Bill sponsor, State Representative Aaron Pilkington, said this expansion would help fund collegescholarships, “I think it’s a great way for us to help our students and help Higher Ed.” Jerry Cox with Family Council says under this bill any lottery retailer could install any number of Kenomachines on their premise. He says Keno is more of a casino style game and believes communities donot want that. He said, “So you have your own little miniature casino out here under this bill. ”The iLottery element of HB1869 would allow players to access games on their desktop or cell phones.Currently Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Washington D.C. have iLottery.The bill is scheduled to be discussed in the House Rules committee next week. 3. An Arkansas House committee on Thursday advanced a bill that would gradually increase the price ofused motor vehicles exempt from the sales tax from $4,000 to $10,000, and another bill that would phaseout the soda tax if certain tax collections thresholds are met. In a voice vote with no dissenters, the House Revenue and Taxation Committee recommended Houseapproval of House Bill 1160 by Rep. John Payton, R-Wilburn. The bill would exempt from the tax the sale of used motor vehicles with a purchase price of less than$7,500 -- up from the $4,000 threshold, starting Sept. 1. That exemption level would increase to less than$10,000 two years later under the bill. "I think that it is only reasonable that the state allow ... hardworking, salt-of-the-earth Arkansans to buythese more dependable cars duty free," Payton said. The state Department of Finance and Administration said the bill would reduce tax collections by $9.5million in fiscal 2022, $12.7 million in fiscal 2023, $24.4 million in fiscal 2024 and $28.4 million in fiscal 2025. In a voice vote with a few dissenters, the House tax committee also recommended House approval ofHouse Bill 1546 by Rep. Lanny Fite, R-Benton, which would phase out the soda tax. Gov. AsaHutchinson supports phasing out that tax.
Meth Dealer Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison
White County man accused of drug trafficking by federal prosecutors was sentenced to nearly 22 years inprison Wednesday after U.S. District Judge Brian Miller ruled that he met the classification of a careeroffender under federal sentencing statutes. Jason Aaron Carter, 37, of Judsonia pleaded guilty in October to one count of possession ofmethamphetamine with intent to deliver after a July 2019 drug arrest by Central Arkansas Drug Task Force agents. Under the U.S. sentencing guidelines based upon Carter's criminal history, the suggestedsentencing range would have been 151 to 188 months if he were not classified as a career offender but thecareer offender designation enhanced the guideline range to 262 to 327 months in prison. Sentencing guidelines are advisory only and judges are not required to adhere to them but must staywithin the statutory range. The statutory sentencing range for the offense is 10 years to life in prison.
Little Rock Student Excels in Academics - Scholarships Galore Offered
Madison Valley — eStem High School's student body president, homecoming queen, and nw, Ivy Leaguequeen. Valley was recently accepted into every Ivy League that she applied to, including Columbia, Harvard,Princeton, Standford and Yale. According to eStem's weekly newsletter, Valley was also named Student of the Month this week. Thenewsletter says Valley is a very hard worker and is always inspiring others. Her mother, Montina Bell, said Valley has now received scholarships totaling $4.2 million over a fouryear period. Valley posted to Facebook saying she never expected to have the opportunity to choose between her top three schools.
Iris Festival Coming to Mountain View
If you’re looking for an outdoor festival to delight the eyes and soothe the heart and soul, then StoneCounty may have the fully bloomed event for you. The Third Annual Mountain View Iris Festival will be held from April 30 to May 1. Visitors will be able to gather to view 200 plus varieties of tall, bearded irises in an array of colors. A special musical experience is also planned that Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. by The Carousel Organ Association of America which will rally on the courthouse square. For a full listing of activities and to plan a trip visit the event website. The free event is for visitors of allages.

04/08/2021

Covid-19 Update:
Arkansas reported 244 new cases of the coronavirus and seven more deaths from the illness caused by thevirus. On Wednesday, the Department of Health said the state’s COVID-19 cases since the pandemic begannow totals 331,505. The state’s active cases, meaning ones that don’t include people who have died orrecovered, increased by 47 to 1,649. The state’s COVID-19 deaths now total 5,660, and hospitalizations decreased by two to 150. Officials saymore than 27,000 additional vaccine doses were administered. About 1.3 million of 1.9 million doses allocated to the state have been given so far. People living in rural parts of Arkansas are less likely to get a COVID-19 vaccine. That’s according to anational report by The Covid States Project. The numbers make it clear: Counties leading in the state’s vaccine effort show about 20 to 25 percent of their population is fully vaccinated. Rural counties’ numbers are significantly lower, some with only 3 to 5 percent of their population fully vaccinated. Officials think it's not about accessibility, but a mindset about vaccinations.
Berryville City Council Report
The Berryville City Council met Tuesday for the first meeting of the month. All council persons werepresent, along with Mayor Tim McKinney, City Attorney Clint Scheel and City Clerk Leonda Davis. Council approved two requests for use of the Public Square and Facilities: 1. Approval was given to Gary Gunn to use the city park on Saturdays for two hours, after the Farmer'sMarket. 2. Approval was given to the Carroll County Historical Society for the Pioneer & Heritages event to be held September 24-25th. Mayor McKinney issued an appeal for help from individuals and groups to help with clean-up of some parks and city streets..... Dean brings over 30 years of leadership, fundraising, marketing and public relations experience to this chamber position.
Local Company Expanding Internet Service to Northern Carroll County
County Judge Sam Barr and Berryville Broadband owner, Rodney Ballance, recently signed a contractwith the State of Arkansas for a grant that will provide high speed internet to hundreds of homes in rural Carroll County. Berryville Broadband will provide free installation to all subscribers. KTHS interviewed Ballance to learn more.... More of our interview with Rodney Ballance on Friday's news.
Arkansas Legislature News
1. The Arkansas Senate gave its final approval to a bill that would raise the average teacher salary inArkansas by $2,000 over the next two years.House Bill (HB) 1614 aims to help school districts that pay below the state's average and would create theteacher salary equalization fund. The State Education Department says there is a shortage of licensed teachers in several areas of the stateand that teacher salaries are a key factor in attracting individuals to the field of teaching. The bill states that according to the Bureau of Legislative Research, the average teacher salary inArkansas for the 2020 fiscal year was $49,822. In the 2020 adequacy study, the teacher salary report given to the House and Senate Committees of Education reported that Arkansas is not keeping pace with surrounding states.2. A hate crimes bill in Arkansas, which the Arkansas Senate Judiciary Committee discussed onWednesday (April 7), caused a heated debate between lawmakers before being voted down. Arkansas is one of the only three states in the U.S. that does not have a hate crimes law. Senate Bill (SB) 3, sponsored by Sen. Jim Hendren (I-Gravette), would have enhanced sentences forcriminals that committed crimes against a person based on color, race, sexual orientation and religion.Some lawmakers expressed concerns that the bill did not go far enough. The discussion then turned into a spat when Sen. Trent Garner (R-El Dorado) made a rare motion of "donot pass," which would have stopped future votes on the bill. The "do not pass" motion failed a roll call, but not before Hendren blasted his fellow lawmakers. Some lawmakers argued that SB3 did not go far enough to protect attacks against political beliefs, statingthat people who wore Make America Great Again (MAGA) hats have been attacked in the past and wouldnot be protected under the bill.Sen. Joyce Elliott (D-Little Rock) said that she has been working the past 20 years to get a hate crimesbill passed in Arkansas and that SB3 was intended to protect groups that have been historically attacked.Hendren told his colleagues that he had no problem broadening the bill to include political orientation andother criteria, but the bill was still voted down.Lawmakers went on to pass a bill that is being referred to as a "class protection bill" rather than a hatecrimes bill, SB622. The measure requires someone to serve at least 80 percent of their sentence if theycommitted a serious violent felony against someone due to several broad characteristics, the AP reports.
Crystal Bridges Museum Expanding
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art announced on Wednesday (April 7) plans to increase its size by50%. According to a news release, the Bentonville museum will expand from 100,000 to 200,000 square feet. According to the release, the expansion will showcase the museum’s growing collection and welcomemore visitors. Envisioned to support Crystal Bridges’ commitment to free access to art for all, the new space willincrease capacity for presenting art and exhibitions, educational and outreach initiatives, cultural programming, and community events. Since opening in 2011, Crystal Bridges has welcomed more than five million people, the release said.
Covid-19 Vaccine Now Available to All Arkansans 16 and Above
With the COVID-19 vaccine now available to all Arkansans 16 and up, an increasing number of peopleare lining up to get the shot. But the most common factor holding some back is the fear of a bad reaction, very few of which have beenrecorded in the U.S. since vaccines became widely available.Although serious reactions are rare (according to the CDC, around 2 to 5 cases per million dosesadministered), scientists and doctors are still learning all they can about the vaccine with the rolloutkicking off only about four months ago.Now, researchers at UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital hope to discover the actual rate of seriousallergic reactions post-vaccine, and who is most at risk for complications. Arkansas doctors at the two hospitals are taking part in a national study forwarded by the NationalInstitute of Health that seeks to learn more about what leads to bad reactions.“Those who are not interested or have hesitancy are still remaining hesitant, despite the overwhelmingavailability of it,” said Brandon Achor, pharmacist at Lackie Drug Store in Lonoke. Achor says he thinks the numbers will stay where they are until there’s an incentive for people to get theirshots. “You know, they wanna go to a concert, of if they want to travel or private businesses start to enact theirown requirements,” Achor said.Both Achor and Ator agree – education about the vaccine from a trusted source is vital for people in ruralcommunities. “We do our part as much as we can to educate the general population on the safety of it, the efficacy,debunk a couple of the myths that I think people hold onto,” Achor said.Right now, counties with the most people vaccinated are Cleveland, Bradley and Desha. The counties with the least number of people vaccinated are mostly located in southwest Arkansas.

04/07/2021

Covid-19 Update:
Governor Asa Hutchinson held his weekly Covid-19 Task Force meeting on Tuesday...
Getting vaccinated is the best shot kids have at a normal school year next year, according to Arkansas Secretary of Education Johnny Key.
Key says with Arkansans 16 and older eligible to get vaccinated, it’s important for as many to get both theirshots before the end of this school year. “If we can get more of these students to get their vaccine beforeschool’s out it’ll help us set the stage for a good summer and as the governor said, returning to school in the fall,” Key said.Key also mentioned the Department of Education’s working with the Department of Health to potentiallyadminister shots to students at school with parental permission. The Biden administration said Tuesday that he's bumping up his deadline for states to make all adults in the U.S. eligible for coronavirus vaccines.With states gradually expanding eligibility beyond such priority groups as older people and essential, front-lineworkers, the president will announce that every adult will be eligible by April 19 to sign up and get in a virtualline to be vaccinated, said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. That's about two weeks earlier than Biden's previously announced May 1 deadline.
Berryville Head Football Coach Search Comes to an End with Hire
The Berryville School Board has hired a new head football coach; Bryan Hutson will take the helm for the Bobcats according to the minutes of a special school board meeting on Monday. Hutson comes to Berryvillefrom Elkins as he led the Elks for three seasons including last year’s team that went 8-3 with a second roundappearance in the 4A state playoffs.Coach Hutson is a proven winner running the spread offense at such schools as North Little Rock, Little RockMcClelland, and nine seasons at Paris Arkansas. School officials told KTHS that this is a home run hire andeveryone is excited for the school and the community. It has not been announced when Coach Bryan Hutsonwill arrive on the Berryville campus but it is anticipated that he will lead upcoming spring football.
Mickey Shields Appointed Branch Manager—CS Bank, Holiday Island
Jason Tennant, President, CS Bank, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Mickey Shields to DepositServices/Branch Manager of CS Bank’s Holiday Island location. Ms. Shields will be responsible for theoversight of the deposit services staff and daily operations of the Holiday Island facility. As the bank continuesto grow its client base, Ms. Shields will oversee the continued enhancement of the local bank’s deposit-basedproducts and services. Tennant stated, “Mickey has continually proven to go above and beyond in all areas. With her personableapproach and knowledge of banking, I am confident she will be a tremendous addition to our team of bankersin Holiday Island. ”Ms. Shields was most recently a Deposit Services Representative at the Financial Center in Eureka Springs. Shecurrently resides in Berryville and is pursuing a Business Management degree online at Arkansas Tech University. Ms. Shields is a member of New Life Church in Berryville. CS Bank is a $454 million-dollar, Northwest Arkansas based bank with seven locations throughout the area and plans for continued expansion.
Arkansas Man Involved in the Capitol Insurrection Wants Released from Jail
The new attorneys for Gravette's Richard Barnett has filed a motion to have their client released fromcustody. Barnett pleaded not guilty after a grand jury indicted him on eight charges in connection with the January6th Washington D.C. insurrection.Barnett replaced his attorneys in March after becoming frustrated that he was still in custody months afterhis arrest. Barnett is set to face a judge again in May, but we'll stay on top of any developments in the new motion. We'll bring you more details when they become available.
Arkansas Legislature Overrides Governor's Veto on Transgender Youth
The Arkansas General Assembly has voted to override Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s veto of a bill that wouldban certain medical treatments for transgender youth. Arkansas Senate votes to override the Governor’s Veto of HB1570The vote came one day after the announcement of Hutchinson’s veto of HB1570, called the “SAFE Act” by its sponsors.The vote in the Senate followed a quick vote by the Arkansas House. Both chambers originally passed themeasure by wide margins.The bill is now set to become state law 90 days after the end of the legislative session, which is currently scheduled for April 30. During his weekly COVID-19 address, which was happening at the same time the debate and votes on the veto override, Hutchinson said he fully expected the legislature to reverse his decision. Supporters of the original measure show renewed support for the veto override. The Arkansas-basedgroup Family Council called the legislature’s move “the right decision.”
Walmart to Launch In-home Delivery Option
For those who have been using online grocery delivery, Walmart is launching an in-home delivery option.For a monthly rate of $20, and a one-time charge of $50, customers can now have a custom lock installedon their door or garage, and have groceries delivered inside their house.Vice President of Walmart Inhome Whitney Pegden said, “We take that job very seriously. And so wewant to make sure that we’re giving our associates the proper tools to get trained on safety, ontechnology, on service before they ever set foot inside your home.”Walmart is starting testing for this program in Northwest Arkansas. The offer comes with a 30-day free trial.
General Tax Revenue Down Slightly in March
Arkansas state general tax revenues in March inched down by $0.4 million from a year ago to $569.7million, but exceeded the state’s forecast by $48.5 million. The state’s sales and use tax collections increased last month over a year ago, while individual income taxcollections dropped slightly from a year ago, the state Department of Finance and Administration reportedon Friday morning. Both revenue sources exceeded the state’s forecast for March.Tax refunds and some special government expenditures are taken off the top of total general revenue,leaving a net amount that state agencies are allowed to spend.In March, net state general revenues increased by $16.3 million over a year ago to $372.9 million andexceeded the state’s forecast by $20.8 million.March is the ninth month of fiscal year 2021, which ends June 30.During the first nine months of fiscal 2021, the state’s net tax revenues increased by $409.3 million overthe same period in fiscal 2020 to $4.6 billion and exceeded the state’s forecast by $549.9 million.State officials expect that temporary surplus of $549.9 million to dip in the next few months withincreased income tax refund payments.The state has extended the April 15 income tax filing and payment deadline until May 17 to coincide withthe federal government shifting its deadline.
Razorbacks Finish Number Six in USA Today Coaches Poll
Arkansas’ men’s basketball team finished comfortably inside the top 10 of the final coaches poll of theseason Tuesday.The Razorbacks, who had a 25-7 record and advanced to the Elite Eight, were ranked No. 6 in the USAToday Coaches Poll. It is the first time since 2015 Arkansas has ended the season ranked.It is the first time the Razorbacks finished in the top 10 since they were ranked No. 2 to end the 1994-95season, following a loss to UCLA in the national championship game.Arkansas has had five top-10 finishes in the coaches poll since it began releasing a post-tournament pollin 1992. The Razorbacks were No. 1 in 1994 when they won the national championship; were No. 8 in1992 when they lost to Memphis in the second round; and were No. 10 in 1993 when they lost to NorthCarolina in the Sweet 16.Arkansas’ 25 wins are its most in a season since 2016-17, and the program lost fewer than 10 games forthe first time since the 2014-15 season.The Razorbacks, a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, defeated Colgate, Texas Tech and Oral Robertsto advance to their first Elite Eight since 1995. Arkansas was eliminated with an 81-72 loss to Baylor, which won the national championship Monday by defeating Gonzaga 86-70.The Razorbacks were ranked No. 10 in the final AP poll of the season on March 15, prior to the start ofthe SEC Tournament.

04/06/2021

Covid-19 Update:
The Arkansas Department of Health released the April 5 COVID-19 update showing that vaccinedistribution continued over the holiday weekend as active cases continue declining.The ADH reported 44 new cases, 1,607 active cases, which is down 125 from Sunday. There were 145 hospitalized, which is unchanged from Sunday; 23 on ventilators, which is down 1 fromSunday.5 new deaths were added Monday. Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers: “Today’s report shows another decrease in active cases and low new cases. Even though yesterday wasEaster, we still saw an increase of over 8,700 vaccine doses administered. We’re making progress, andit’s important we all do our part by getting vaccinated.”
Huntsville Man Arrested After Threatening Deputy
Huntsville Man Arrested After Threatening DeputyOne man was arrested after Madison County Deputies chase him down the streets of Huntsville after he allegedly threatened a deputy with multiple weapons and threw a molotov cocktail at him. According to police, around 10:40 a.m., a suspicious vehicle pulled into the parking lot at the MadisonCounty Holding Facility, according to a Madison County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) report, and a deputy recognized the man as 32-year-old Daniel Harvey. According to the report, Harvey made disturbing comments to the deputy and then brandished a knifebefore speeding away in his vehicle and then stopping on Hughes St.He then threw a homemade Molotov cocktail at the deputy as he was exiting his patrol vehicle, whichignited on the street beside the patrol vehicle, exited his vehicle and brandished a machete, according tothe report. The deputy deployed his taser, which was ineffective.Harvey then got back in his vehicle and drove away, and a vehicle pursuit down the streets of Huntsvillebegan, in which Harvey stopped at several locations throwing Molotov cocktails at the patrol vehiclescausing them to ignite on the city streets.Harvey purposely swerved into a Huntsville Police patrol vehicle, sideswiping the patrol vehicle causingdamage. He continued to flee, and a high-speed pursuit on N Hwy. 23 ensued. Harvey pulled into his residence on Hwy. 23 Spur and brandished the machete again. Deputies and City Police held Harvey at gunpoint until they were able to convince him to drop the machete, according to thereport.Harvey was charged with two counts of Attempted Capital Murder, four counts of Terroristic Act, Aggravated Assault, Felony Fleeing, Resisting Arrest, Speeding 50 mph over the Speed Limit, Leavingthe Scene of a Property Damage Accident and Reckless Driving. No injuries reported.
Vaccination Rates Still Low But Rising
Less than 20% of Americans are fully vaccinated and some parts of the United States are seeingconcerning increases of COVID-19 cases. Experts are raising the alarm about a virus variant that appears to be infecting school-age children andyounger adults. The highly contagious B117 variant is on the rise in Europe and experts fear that the U.S. could be next ifsafety measures are not implemented.“What we know from the past year of the pandemic is that we tend to trend about three to four weeksbehind Europe,” Dr. Celine Gounder, an epidemiologist, said.In Minnesota, more than 740 schools have had cases of the variant first identified in the United Kingdom. In Michigan, more and more young people are being hospitalized as cases rise. Last month in Florida, Orange County officials reported a rise in COVID-19 cases in the 18 to 25 age group. While that age group is relatively well protected, experts say younger groups are still vulnerable as thevariant circulates. Experts say the variant is more contagious and may cause more severe illness. Research suggests it mayalso be more deadly. Experts say current vaccines seem to be working well against the variant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the U.S. reported a record over the weekend withmore than four million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in 24 hours, but despite the vaccination numbers, experts say not enough people are protected and the country may be at the start of another surge.
Governor Vetoes Youth Transgender Bill
Arkansas’ governor has vetoed legislation that would have made his state the first to ban gender confirming treatments for transgender youth. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Monday (April 5) rejected the measure that prohibits doctors fromproviding gender-confirming hormone treatment or surgery to minors, or from referring them to otherproviders for the treatment. The move followed pleas from pediatricians, social workers and the parents of trans youth. The bill was among several targeting transgender people that have easily advanced in Arkansas. Hutchinson’s veto can be overridden by a simple majority of the Legislature. The Arkansas Senate originally voted 28-7 in favor of the measure, which opponents say would be thefirst prohibition of its kind in the country.
Arkansas Legislature Approves Voting Restriction Bills
Two separate bills have been approved by the Arkansas House and Senate that would tighten restrictionson absentee ballots and prevent people from lingering near polling places.Both bills passed on Thursday despite the objection of Rep. Fred Love, a Democrat from Little Rock.He equated the bills to Jim Crow laws. Proponents of the bills said they aim to increase election integrity and address problems that they sayoccurred in the state during the 2020 election.
Arvest Kicks Off 11th Annual Million Meals Campaign
Arvest Bank kicked off its 11th annual Million Meals campaign Monday (April 5), and it will continuethrough May 29. The campaign’s goal is to provide at least one million meals to those in need, and it benefits more than 90locally selected organizations throughout Arvest’s four-state footprint. The campaign is particularly needed in Arkansas, which ranks 7th among the most food-insecure states inthe nation, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Arvest in Northwest Arkansas and the Fort Smith metro have partnered with numerous organizations forthe duration of the campaign. These organizations will receive monetary donations made in Northwest Arkansas and the Fort Smithmetro from April 5 to May 29.
ATM Stolen from Fayetteville Bank
An automated teller machine was stolen from a bank in Fayetteville over the weekend. According to Sergeant Tony Murphy with the Fayetteville Police Department, officers responded to 3665N. Investment Drive (Generations Bank) in reference to an ATM alarm. Upon arrival, officers found that the ATM had been stolen from the location. Murphy said the suspects utilized heavy equipment like a f ork-lift from a nearby construction site toremove and destroy the machine, which investigators later located. An undisclosed amount of money was taken, police said.A $10,000 reward for information on the stolen ATM is offered. Similar ATM thefts occurred in Fayetteville in August 2020 and in Bentonville in July 2020.
Gas Demand Expected to Rise
Despite a slight decrease in prices last week, analysts say motorists should expect to see the demand for gasoline rise with the warmer temperatures.According to GasBuddy.com’s daily survey of 1,826 station in Arkansas, gas prices fell 1.7 cents in thepast week to an average of $2.67 per gallon. That’s still 12.5 cents higher than a month ago and $1.02 higher than last year. The national average fell 0.4 cents to an average of $2.86/gallon.“Last week was a mixed bag for consumers at the pump as gas prices in half of states rose, while the otherhalf saw declines,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. He said oil prices have shown signs of strength in the last few trading sessions after OPEC agreed to raiseoil production in May. Meanwhile, De Haan said gasoline demand rose in the U.S. for the sixth straight week as consumers hit the road for Easter.

04/05/2021

Covid-19 Update:
The Arkansas Department of Health released the COVID-19 numbers for Sunday, April, 4th. Gov. Hutchinson notes that we should be encouraged by the numbers week to week and he said he believes theefforts to beat the pandemic are working. The ADH reported 84 new cases for a total of 331,054 cases. The ADH reported 1,732 active cases, which is down 17 from Saturday. 145 hospitalized, which is up 3from Tuesday; 24 on ventilators, which is down 1 from Saturday. 2 new deaths were added Sunday, for a total of 5,643.
Fully Vaccinated Americana Can Again Travel
Add travel to the activities vaccinated Americans can enjoy again, according to new U.S. guidance issued Friday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance to say fully vaccinated people cantravel within the U.S. without getting tested for the coronavirus or going into quarantine afterward. Previously, the agency had cautioned against unnecessary travel even for vaccinated people, but noted that it would update its guidance as more people got vaccinated and evidence mounted about the protection the shots provide. ”Every day you get more data, and you change your guidance based on the existing data,” said Dr. AliKhan, dean of the University of Nebraska’s College of Public Health. Khan said the update reinforces the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, and is another incentive forpeople to get vaccinated. According to the CDC, nearly 100 million people in the U.S. — or about 30% of the population — have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeksafter receiving the last required dose of vaccine. Unvaccinated people are still advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
Pediatricians Hold Rally at State Capitol
Pediatricians around Arkansas led a rally against House Bill 1570 at the capitol Saturday afternoon. The bill would prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from getting treatment involving gender reassignment surgery or medication. It passed this week — and would have to be signed by Governor Hutchinson Monday at the latest. The Arkansas chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics lead the rally. They say their hope is to convince Hutchinson to veto the bill — saying it begins a slippery slope oflegislating what happens in a pediatric exam room. “If this bill were to pass, we know that it’s going to raise suicide rates among trans kids — we’ve heardthese doctors speak today and say how important gender affirming care is for trans kids,” said WillowBeshears, founder of the Young Trans Women Project.Supporters of the bill say it does not prevent anyone from getting health care, but merely saves kids from experimenting with hormone therapies that make permanent changes to the body — noting it could causeother health issues later in life.
Salmonella Outbreak from Songbirds/Birdbaths
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said a salmonella outbreak that’s infected 19 people andhospitalized 8 is linked to songbirds, especially those that congregate around bird feeders. The CDC is investigating the outbreak in eight states, including California, Kentucky, Mississippi, NewHampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington. Those infected range in age from 2 monthsto 89 years old. No deaths have been reported. Salmonella is a bacteria that can lead to infection, often from ingesting foods or water infected with theit. Birds are known carriers of Salmonella, even if they look healthy and clean, the CDC said. Humans can contract Salmonella from birds after touching one’s mouth with unwashed hands afterhandling wild birds, bird feeders or bird baths, or if their pets have come into contact with any of theabove. Symptoms of severe Salmonella include diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, diarrheafor more than 3 days, bloody diarrhea, vomiting so much you can’t keep liquids down and dehydration. If you have any of these symptoms, call your health provider immediately.In December, California Department of Fish and Wildlife reported that songbirds were dying in drovesacross the state due to Salmonellosis, a disease caused by Salmonella, and cited bird feeders as an agentof spread because the birds congregate around them.“Salmonellosis is almost exclusively reported from locations with bird feeders where birds congregate,”the CDFW said. The agency urged residents to remove bird feeders and birdbaths and to instead let birds feed on naturalseeds.If you find a sick or dead bird, call your local or state wildlife agency or rehabilitation center for advice,the CDC said. The CDFW and CDC urge those handling dead birds, bird feeders and baths to wear gloves andthoroughly wash their hands afterwards.
Bikes, Blues & BBQ Returns to Fayetteville in September
Bikes Blues & BBQ announced Tuesday (March 30) that Northwest Arkansas' largest motorcycle rallywould be returning in 2021. The group's 21st rally will take place on September 22-25, 2021, in Fayetteville.Bikes Blues & BBQ was canceled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. "We are extremely thankful that we can invite folks back to experience what makes our rally so special. Not only do we have the best rides in the country, we are also a rally with a purpose. Our purpose as a 501c3 Non-profit is to support our local charities. In our first 20 years we have donated over $3,000,000 to these groups and have stayed true to that mission even without a 2020 rally. Our good friends at Harley Davidson donated a motorcycle for us to raffle and with those funds we were able to support all ofour 2019 grant recipients! All that said we are open for business and can't wait to welcome back oldfriends and make new ones with this years rally! Ride on, ride safe, and come partake in our rally with apurpose," rally organizers posted on their website. Bikes Blues & BBQ is pegged as the world's largest charity motorcycle rally that benefits women, children and underserved members of the Northwest Arkansas community. Rally organizers have not released any details about Covid-19 safety protocols required for the 2021 event.
Walton Family Foundation Bringing Trees to NWA
The Walton Family Foundation is continuing its efforts to help increase and diversify NorthwestArkansas’ tree canopy by bringing more than 6,500 trees to the area.In total, the foundation will provide more than $1.3 million, at the recommendation of Steuart Walton, toplant 1,192 new trees and give away 5,375 trees to residents.Six organizations—the cities of Avoca, Decatur, Garfield, Gateway, Little Flock and Gravette School District — will receive funding to plant trees. The Bella Vista Foundation and cities of Bentonville, Centerton, Gentry, Gravette, Highfill, Lowell, Pea Ridge, Rogers and Siloam Springs will receive funding to plant trees and host giveaways between April 10-17. Several will also hold events this fall, each organization will release details on their respective giveaways.