Community

The Highland School District will be hosting a virtual spirit week April 6 to 10. By using the following hashtags, students (or parents for the students) are encouraged to show off what they have been working on at home. Use #HighlandRebels in your post along with the hashtag for each day...

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Missouri small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today. ...

The Ozarka College Foundation will postpone the annual Spring Gala originally scheduled for April 2. The decision follows the recommendations of state and federal officials concerning COVID-19 and social gatherings. With much still unfolding, the foundation is committed to the health and safety of our colleagues, friends, and community members...

David Clay Fowlkes, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address disaster@leo.gov...

Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT), recently announced ADPHT is limiting use of campgrounds to RVs with self-contained bathrooms. Primitive camping areas for backpackers are available at Cane Creek State Park, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, Mount Nebo State Park, and Devil’s Den State Park. Bathhouses and restrooms in campground areas will be closed. This limitation becomes effective at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 29, until further notice...

All meetings of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) have been cancelled until further notice. For more information or questions, call 870-847-5227.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Plant Health Clinic will accept only digital samples while the division observes social distancing precautions to avoid COVID-19 exposure. The clinic will continue to return phone calls and emails, and will diagnose plant health problems from digital images, said Sherrie Smith, plant diagnostician...

Food safety regulations protect take-out and delivered food from COVID-19, but precautions remain important when interacting with food service personnel, said a University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture researcher. “There are specific requirements for sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces in the food preparation environment that would inactivate the virus,” said Kristen Gibson, associate professor of food safety and microbiology for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the Division of Agriculture.. ...

The Hardy History Association’s regular membership meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 2 has been cancelled. Fred Goodwin, the scheduled speaker for that meeting, has been rescheduled for the July 2 meeting.

The four Sharp County libraries (Hardy, Cave City, Evening Shade and Williford) will remain closed until further notice. The libraries are using this downtime to sanitize all books and surfaces in the libraries. All library materials checked out were asked to be returned to the library they were checked out from, before March 30, so they can be sanitized before the libraries open. If you still have a book checked out, contact the library where it belongs...

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) field offices in Arkansas are open by phone appointment only until further notice, and NRCS staff are available to continue to provide one-on-one, customer-specific advice to producers to help them meet their unique conservation and business goals...

Watch out for financial scams related to virus. On one hand, the coronavirus has brought out the best in us. People across the country are pitching in to help others, from providing protective masks to health care workers to holding video chats with confined residents of assisted living homes to simply buying gift cards to support local businesses. ...

The acidity, alkalinity and hardness of water used in spray applications can have a significant impact on the herbicide being used and researchers with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture are asking the help of growers in establishing a water hardness and pH database for the state...

ADH is now recommending self home quarantine for 14 days for all travelers from New York State and all international locations. This is due to high rates of COVID-19 in New York as well as in a growing number of international locations. In the interest of the public health, all travelers who return from one of these locations are advised to quarantine at home for 14 days, starting from the date they left that location. ...

Due to an abundance of caution with the coronavirus, the City of Hardy has CLOSED the Hardy Recycling Center. The public is requested to refrain from dropping off recycle items at the center until further notice.

Grass is growing and graves need respectful attention. Please donate to the Ash Flat Cemeteries Fund to pay for year-round maintenance of the Ash Flat Cemetery (off Hwy. 354 in town), McConnell-Moore Cemetery, Old Baptist (aka Hickory Grove) Cemetery off Hwy. 62/412W and Wiles Cemetery. Mail contributions to Ash Flat City Hall, P.O. Box 280, Ash Flat, AR 72513. Thank you for caring!...

Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT) recently released safety tips for using trails and outdoor spaces. Arkansas State Parks remain open at this time to provide needed outdoor spaces for our guests. While we have some diminished services, the parks are open for day-use activities including hiking, running, cycling, fishing, paddling, wildlife watching, etc. ...

As Congress worked to complete the COVID-19 economic stimulus package, con artists have also been working non-stop to identify new ways to take advantage of Arkansans concerned about the economy. These scammers impersonate government officials and reach out to Arkansans by phone, email or social media demanding the victims’ personal and banking information to verify their eligibility for the government’s stimulus check...

Ozarka College will postpone Nursing Capping & Pinning and Commencement ceremonies until June 9 and June 11, respectively. These events are typically scheduled for early May, but the decision follows the recommendations of state and federal officials concerning COVID-19 and social gatherings...

Whether working from home, taking a class online, tuning into a fitness program, or live streaming a religious service, a reliable internet connection is more essential now than ever – and Fidelity’s network is designed to handle the demand. “We understand the importance of fast and reliable online connectivity under normal circumstances, but especially now when people throughout our communities are accessing work, education, entertainment, and other content from home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic,” said Ken Johnson, Senior Vice President of Technology Services.. ...

At approximately 7:30 p.m. on March 27, Arkansas Department of Health added Baxter County to the interactive map on their website that indicates counties with a positive case of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Baxter Regional can confirm that they have not yet treated a patient who has a lab confirmed case of COVID-19...

West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) announces the Old-Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival scheduled for June 5 and 6, is cancelled. “It is with great regret that we must cancel the festival this year,” said organizers. “The health and safety of our community and our precious artists and artisans are of great importance to us. This decision was not made lightly, nor without exploring alternative dates. We look forward to celebrating with you June 4 and 5, 2021.”...

Mark Twain National Forest is taking the risks associated with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak seriously. For the safety of our visitors and employees, changes have been made so that we can continue to deliver benefits to the public while making safety our top priority. ...

In keeping with daily guidance from state and local authorities, SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging has continued their community engagement through meal delivery and telephone reassurance for the more than 17,000 seniors relying on us for up-to-date information and support. Our program will continue as we are considered “essential” to seniors’ well-being...

immons Bank in West Plains, formerly known as Landmark Bank, continued its support of higher education in the Ozarks by donating the final installment of its pledge for Missouri State University-West Plains’ Endowed Professorship of Business. Bank officials made the final payment of their $25,000 dollar pledge last month, university officials said. The pledge was paid over a five-year period...

In light of the COVID-19 situation, the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved two alternative methods for completing Private Pesticide Applicator Training (PPAT). “We know planting has started in some parts of the state,” said Missouri Pesticide Safety Education Program coordinator Lee Miller. ...

Due to health concerns centered around the COVID-19 virus, Ozark Independent Living (OIL) staff members will be working from home beginning March 30 until further notice. While OIL’s office, located at 109 Aid Ave. in West Plains, will be closed to the public during this time, the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program will continue uninterrupted for consumers and their attendants...

Ozarks Medical Center (OMC) launched a telephone hotline for people to call when they have questions regarding COVID-19 screenings. The number, 417-505-7120, is open 24 hours a day starting Monday, March 30. When calling the hotline, a nurse will assess your symptoms and make a recommendation on your next step in care. In screening for COVID-19, patients must answer “yes” to the following questions to qualify for testing for COVID-19:...

The following important information is to help those employees who have been affected by COVID-19 through layoffs or hours being cut and also for those employers who are looking to fill positions whether or not COVID-19 is the reason. Even though the West Plains and Poplar Bluff Job Centers have suspended service to the public in their offices, staff members are still there working behind their doors serving Missouri customers online and over the phone. ...

To keep Missourians informed on transportation and how the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is operating in this time of the coronavirus (COVID-19), visit our website: https://www.modot.org/COVID19Brief. Here are just some of the covered topics and related information. Please check the website for full details...

The Missouri State Public Defender has asked the Missouri Supreme Court to issue an order instructing all local courts to release certain inmates without essential input from local prosecutors and sheriffs. The Missouri Sheriffs’ Association (MSA) and its members oppose such broad sweeping release of offenders without considerations for the nature of the offense, the criminal history of the offender, the offender’s record of appearing in court when ordered to do so, whether the offender is in custody for reoffending after an initial offense, the offender’s probability of reoffending, and the safety of the victim.. ...

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) is committed to assisting with our state’s COVID-19 response. We’ve compiled many of the latest resources available to assist businesses impacted by the global pandemic. All of this information and more available at ded.mo.gov/coronavirus...

By Leigh Kinchloe We are all still doing fantastic and still having lots of fun, amidst the strict COVID-19 precautions. We cannot allow any visitors unless there is a dire emergency inside our facility. But we are still having so much fun! We’ve been doing hallway Bingo and having a great time. We had a special blackout prize of a gorgeous red polka dot Minnie Mouse purse. Peggy Flood won the purse with her bingo blackout! I’m certain her “BINGO!” may have been heard all over Thayer...

Citing concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, as well as the high number of flu cases reported in the state over the past few months, administrators with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture announced Friday that they are postponing the 2020 Master Gardener Conference, originally scheduled for May 14-16 in Jonesboro...

Even as many private businesses and public spaces close their doors in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, staff and faculty with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture are using alternate means to assist Arkansans from all walks of life...

As Arkansas responds to the spread of the coronavirus, public health and safety officials ask all Arkansans to sign up for the Smart911 national safety profile registry, a free service that allows individuals and families to provide critical medical information to 9-1-1 and first responders. ...

Commissioner of State Lands Tommy Land announced March 16 that the first half of the 2020 tax auction season has been cancelled due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19. “Due to increasing concerns about public health, and in an abundance of caution, we have cancelled all travel until further notice,” Land said. “This includes the 2020 auction season, at least through June 30.”...

The Arkansas State Highway Commission has approved a bid for improvements to roadways in Sharp County, according to Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) officials. The purpose of this project is to overlay 2.3 miles of various city streets in Sidney to include Caraway Road, Richardson Circle, Park Street, Park Street Extension, Branch Street, Mt. ...

The Spring River Area Chamber of Commerce held a Blue Ribbon Welcome for Heartland Business Solutions (HBS) on March 17 at the Spring River Draft House after it’s March General Meeting. HBS offers solutions for every facet of business, from payables, point of sale opportunities, payroll processing, ecommerce, small business loans and marketing. ...

The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) is warning citizens that there are persons who are impersonating employees of the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) going door to door and offering COVID19 testing in exchange for money and personal information. ADEM has confirmed that the CDC is not going door to door for testing...

Fidelity Communications today announced additional relief measures to support families in need during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Beginning today, a 15 Mbps internet plan for $10 per month is available for the next 60 days to help low income families and those most impacted from coronavirus challenges, such as seniors and college students. No documentation will be required to sign up for this plan...

As COVID-19 sends workers home, shuts down exports and eateries and spurs panic buying, the pandemic’s effects are being felt in the beef industry. To address these issues, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association are hosting a webinar at 7 p.m. on March 26, called “Impacts of COVID-19 on the Cattle Industry.” Use this link to register for the event: http://bit.ly/Impact-COVID-19-Cattlemen-Webinar...

Arkansas Community Foundation announced the creation of the COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund will be used to direct resources to Arkansas nonprofits that are working to serve the state’s most vulnerable populations and those disproportionately affected by the coronavirus and its economic fallout...

Know the four uses of Cash It’s important to have cash available for your everyday spending and the inevitable rainy day. However, you also need to develop a cash strategy that can contribute to your long-term financial success. But just how much cash do you need? And in what form?...

As Arkansans respond to COVID-19, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is taking action to help combat the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus throughout the state. While all 13 Welcome Centers have closed their lobbies, the restrooms will remain open to the public until further notice. The employees who maintain these facilities will continue to focus their efforts on cleaning all surfaces that are touched often...

A-State Heritage Sites will be closed to visitors through April Effective Wednesday, March 18, Arkansas State University Heritage Sites will not be open for visitors and tour groups throughout the rest of March and during April. The university made the decision in response to federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations designed to reduce or eliminate the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, according to Dr. Adam Long, Heritage Sites director...

Williams Baptist University has announced that it will complete the spring semester online. The online instruction will commence April 1, after WBU students complete their spring break. The private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge, Ark., announced last week that it would extend its spring break to two weeks, in hopes of students returning to campus to complete the semester. ...

While Arkansans are staying home in an attempt to prevent infection and spread of the COVID-19 virus, con artists are out and about going door-to-door targeting frightened senior citizens. Posing as employees of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these scammers knock on your door and offer to scan you for the COVID-19 virus at a cost of $50. ...

Due to the risk associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Salem Chamber of Commerce and Fulton County Fair Association have agreed that is in the best interest of our community cancel the Ozarks Sports and Outdoor Expo which was scheduled for April 4. Vendors who have paid for booth spaces will receive a refund within the next week...

With efforts increasing to reduce social contacts during the Coronavirus outbreak, Friends of Old Main have decided to postpone the three remaining “Fridays with Friends” events scheduled at Salem’s Old Main School this month. The popular dinner and a concert events will, hopefully, be rescheduled once the health crisis is under control...