COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENTS:

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY PANDEMIC RECOVERY

For ongoing updates and plans concerning the Arkansas Tech University pandemic recovery plan and back to school details, please visit www.atu.edu/pandemicrecovery.

CLARKSVILLE BACK TO SCHOOL

As of right now, Clarksville schools are expected to start on August 24th.  Some students will be required to wear facemasks and practice social distancing.  Clarksville Schools Superintendent Doctor David Hopkins says parents have the option of signing a contract for their child to do online learning from home if they feel the need to do so.

UNIVERSITY OF THE OZARKS BACK TO SCHOOL

University of the Ozarks has announced a revised academic calendar for the 2020 Fall Semester that will end face-to-face classes on Nov. 20. The change is part of the University’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the risks involved with the COVID-19 pandemic. Ozarks will begin the Fall 2020 semester as scheduled, on Tuesday, Aug. 25. The last day of face-to-face classes will be on Nov. 20 and classes will transition to an all online format on Nov. 23. Final exams, scheduled for Dec. 7-10, will also be conducted in a virtual environment. There will be no fall break at Ozarks and classes will be held on Labor Day, Sept. 7. Move-in for new incoming students will be Aug. 19-21, and move-in for returning students will be held Aug. 22-24. The move-ins will be held on a staggered schedule to minimize crowds. The University will hold with a combination of in-person classes, virtual classes and a hybrid of both throughout the semester.  In addition, all large in-person gatherings, meetings and events have been cancelled or converted to a virtual format for the fall semester, including Homecoming, the Walton Arts & Ideas Series, speaker events and theatre and concert performances. Learn more at ozarks.edu/news.

ARKANSAS FACE MASK MANDATE

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has issued a statewide face mask mandate for Arkansas, effective July 20th. The order said masks must cover the nose and mouth and will be required in all indoor environments where residents are exposed to non-household members and a 6-foot social distancing rule cannot be attained. Anyone caught not following the state mandate will face a misdemeanor offense, punishable by a fine of no less than $100 not to exceed $500. First-time offenders or anyone under age 18 will get a verbal or written warning.

WALMART FACE MASK MANDATE

Walmart has become the latest major retailer to require customers to wear face coverings at all of its namesake and Sam's Club stores. The nation's largest retailer said the policy will go into effect on Monday to give the company time to inform stores and customers. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company said that currently about 65% of its more than 5,000 stores and clubs are located in areas where there is already some form of government mandate on face coverings. The retailer also said it will create the role of health ambassador at its Walmart stores and will station them near the entrance to remind customers without masks of its new requirement.

GREAT AMERICAN CONFERENCE (GAC) ATHLETICS

The Great American Conference Council of Presidents unanimously approved a plan to delay the start of all intercollegiate athletic practices until the week of August 31, with the launch of competition postponed until the week of September 28. Teams will play current GAC schedule grids when play resumes in late September. The GAC will formulate a plan to reschedule those games not played on the existing schedule - as well as the format for fall conference postseason events - following NCAA Division II action on the status of fall championships.

CONWAY COUNTY ABSENTEE BALLOT
Conway County election officials say that absentee ballot applications for the November 3^rd general election are now available. You can request that one be mailed to you by calling the County Clerk's office at 501-354-9621. Early voting will begin October 19th in the fourth floor courtroom of the Conway County Courthouse in Morrilton. Beginning with this election, voters in Conway County may go to any designated voter center in the county to cast your ballot on Election Day.

CLARKSVILLE CITY CLOSURE ORDER

The City of Clarksville is once again shutting down city facilities and parks. In an email from Clarksville Mayor David Rieder, he outlines the reasons for the executive order: “In response to several factors including, rate of infection, age, case severity, and overall capability to manage our local caseload, we are closing public facilities to try and to levelize the overall situation we are facing in the community. With a new school year beginning soon, our hope is the we can reduce the rate of infection by reducing exposure before we start with a new school year.  This closure will not apply to large open areas and the nature trail, where social distancing of 6 feet can be easily achieved. The executive order will take effect on Saturday (7/18) at 4 PM. Facilities affected will include the Marvin Vinson Multi-Purpose Building, the Clarksville Aquatic Center, all park playgrounds, swimming areas, restrooms, and all other indoor and outdoor public facilities which present a risk of infection to the general public. Full time city employees will report to work as normal as long they or their family members don't have symptoms of the Coronavirus.”

RUSSELLVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT BACK TO SCHOOL

Superintendent Dr. Mark Gotcher met with RSD’s nursing team recently to discuss ongoing preparations and planned precautions for the 2020-2021 school year. Nursing Coordinator Annie Schanink and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Danny Brackett discussed health and safety priorities with the district’s school nurses- who offered strategies and solutions specific to their buildings and student families.  Communications Coordinator Rachel Jones says that details for “back to school” will be released to families and the public Wednesday, July 22, on the RSD website and social media accounts.

MT. NEBO CHICKEN FRY

After some discussion, it appears that the 73rd Annual Mt Nebo Chicken Fry will be held on August 22nd, but will be limited to meal activities only. Dardanelle Chamber director Stacey Daughtrey says this year's event will be held at Veteran's Riverfront Park in Downtown Dardanelle, but plans are for it to return to the mountain for 2021. A primary fundraiser for the Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce, the Chicken Fry will include their award-winning Tyson Chicken Dinners and a sale of the Chamber's Chicken Fry t-shirt, that's become a collectible over the years. Social distancing protocol will be followed and face masks are required by Governor Hutchinson's mandate. Daughtrey said further details about the event will be coming soon on the Chamber's Facebook page.

POPE COUNTY FAIR

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on some longtime traditions in the Valley. John Looper with the Pope County Fair Board said on Tuesday that, as a result of COVID, the Pope County Fair and fair pageants have been cancelled for the 2020 season. Looper said that social distancing issues and concerns related to participants' health were contributing factors that led board members to believe this decision was the only proper option. Looper extended the thanks of each board members and to all the individuals that come out each year to make this tradition possible. "Looking forward to the 2021 fair", Looper said in his release.

ARKANSAS OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR

The 2020 Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to event organizers. They say that this decision was made because they could not guarantee a safe environment for those attending, vendors, and volunteers.

MORRILTON FACE MASK ORDINANCE

The Morrilton City Council has passed an ordinance requiring individuals to use face coverings in all indoor environments where they are exposed to non-household members and distancing of six feet or more cannot be assured. The mandate is enforceable only at the discretion of the business or property owner. Local law enforcement and other city officials will act in a support capacity to local businesses that wish to enforce the use of masks upon their premises.

CLARKSVILLE FACE MASKS

From Clarksville Mayor David Rieder: The Clarksville City council voted 5-1 in favor of passing a RESOLUTION indicating the will of the council is to not mandate the wearing of face coverings, but to play a support role in local business and local agency rules on requiring face coverings within their establishments. The Clarksville council did not opt for a mandate at this point, but will continue to monitor the overall spread rate for possible future actions or ordinances.

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY FALL 2020 COVID-19 RECOVERY

Quality and adaptability are focal points of the Arkansas Tech University pandemic recovery plan for academics in development for fall 2020. A fundamental goal of the ATU pandemic recovery plan is to provide as many opportunities for face-to-face instruction as possible within the evolving circumstances of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Plan provisions include converting no more than 30 percent of existing face-to-face courses to 100 percent virtual delivery, prioritization of protecting faculty with known vulnerability to COVID-19, ensuring that classroom spaces are re-imagined to provide adequate social distancing and allowing students who are quarantined due to exposure to the virus or a positive test to continue coursework through distance technology. The plan also calls for protecting the continuity of the face-to-face first-year experience to the greatest extent possible, giving faculty, staff and students access to necessary computer hardware and software resources and providing faculty with additional training relative to virtual instruction. ATU has also invested in Blackboard Ally, a new software resource designed to make digital course content more accessible. Learn more about COVID recovery at ATU by visiting arkansastechnews.com.

CLARKSVILLE AQUATIC PARK CLOSED

Effective July 11^th, the Clarksville Aquatic Center has closed their outdoor water park due to increasing concerns surrounding COVID-19. Season pass holders have the option of a refund or a 2021 season pass. For questions, please call City Hall at 479-754-6846.

YELL COUNTY CANCELLED EVENTS

The Free State of Yell Fest won't be held in 2020.  Dardanelle Mayor Jimmy Witt posted on his Facebook page that Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce Board members met, and following some review, the Board voted not to move forward with Yell Fest this year. The Board, however, did vote to move forward with planning the 73^rd Annual Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry scheduled on Saturday, August 22nd.

ATKINS CITY POOL RE-OPENS

Atkins Mayor Rowdy Sweet stated that the Atkins City Pool will open for the summer on Tuesday, June 2^nd and patrons will comply with social distancing. Pool passes are available at Atkins City Hall.

CARDS OF KINDNESS

Arkansas Hospice, the state’s largest provider of hospice services, has launched “Cards of Kindness,” a program that invites members of the community to send messages of kindness and companionship to isolated nursing home patients through cards, poems, paintings, drawings and art. The program has been developed in response to the restricted visitation policies enacted by most area nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and assisted living facilities due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus. The program is a matter of “Arkansans helping Arkansans.”  A “thinking of you” style card, letters, drawings, poems, finger paintings, anything with a positive message of greeting, hope and care can be used. Cards of Kindness can be dropped off in a special collection bin during normal business hours outside the front door of the Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home, located at 220 John Babish Lane in Russellville. As a precaution, the cards and greetings will be held for 48 hours to make sure they are virus-free. The hospice’s provider relations team will then distribute the cards to our partner nursing homes and facilities throughout the area. Additional details can be found by visiting www.arkansashospice.org/cardsofkindness. To build an added sense of community, participants can email pictures of their cards or art to arhospicefoundation@gmail.com.  A special carousel has been set up to display the pictures on the website. Cards can also be mailed to:

                Cards of Kindness

                C/O Arkansas Hospice

                14 Parkstone Circle

                North Little Rock, AR 72216

#LEANLOCALRUSSELLVILLE
The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce has launched www.LeanLocalRussellville.com in an effort to support all of the local businesses and non-profits in the Russellville area impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the website is for it to serve as a platform that consumers can access to stay updated on the temporary practices of local businesses and so that the businesses and non-profits have a place to share their modified hours, menus, and policies. Local businesses and non-profits are invited to submit their information by filling out a form at LeanLocalRussellville.com. To update information after submission, or if there are any questions about the form, please email tduvall@russellvillechamber.com.

ONGOING

SUMMER FOOD 4 KIDS – All Summer

River Valley Food 4 Kids (RVF4K) begins their Summer Food 4 Kids program on June 2^nd. Every Tuesday & Wednesday throughout the summer, RVF4K will host weekly distributions in Russellville, Pottsville, Dardanelle, Atkins, Dover, and Danville. To learn more, please visit River Valley Food 4 Kids on Facebook. If you’d like to register (at any time) for Summer Food 4 Kids, please visit https://www.rivervalleyfood4kids.org/summer-registration.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB SUMMER FOOD DISTRIBUTION – All Summer

The Russellville & Dardanelle Boys & Girls Clubs will continue serving food each weekday throughout the summer, effective June 1^st. In Russellville anyone is welcome toa drive up to the Boys & Girls Club (600 E. 16^th St.) and get meals delivered to their car from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Monday-Friday. Please call ahead to reserve your meals at 479-968-7819 and be patient as other patrons are served. In Dardanelle, families will be served drive-thru style Monday-Friday from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM at the Dardanelle High School, no call ahead necessary. For Dardanelle families, the school district will also be serving meals their students and families, so you can pick up meals from each entity. For more information, please follow the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley on Facebook.

DARDANELLE FARMER’S MARKET

On Saturday, June 6^th, the Dardanelle Farmers Market will open to the public and will practice social distancing. Masks will be on-site and encouraged, as well as hand sanitization. For more details about vendors or other restrictions, please visit the Dardanelle Farmers Market page on Facebook.

POPE COUNTY FARMER’S MARKET

The Pope County Farmers Market is open for the 2020 season at Depot Park in Downtown Russellville. The Saturday morning market runs from 8 AM – 1 PM and the Tuesday evening market runs from 4-7 PM. For more information, or to get in touch with coordinators, please follow the Pope County Farmers Market page on Facebook.

RUSSELLVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET

The Russellville Community Market (RCM) is an online farmer’s market operating year-round. Many of the vendors you know and love with traditional markets can still be shopped from with RCM as well. The market is open for ordering Fridays at 12 PM through Sundays at 10 PM, then patrons pick up and pay for their order on Tuesday evenings from 4-8 PM at the Train Depot in Downtown Russellville. (No payment or financial information is submitted online.) Sign up online to become a free member at www.russellville.locallygrown.net and start ordering farm-fresh food for your family this weekend!

M.J. HICKEY POOL

M.J. Hickey Pool will be opening on Saturday, June 6, 2020.  Pool hours are 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm every day.  Daily admission for adults (18 or older) - $4.00, children (17 & under) - $3.00.  Individual season passes priced at $75 are available at the Hughes Center at 1000 East Parkway. For more information, please call 479-968-1272.

NEIGHBORS TABLE

All Saints’ Episcopal Church of Russellville welcomes everyone to their Neighbors Table Drive Thru! Every Saturday during COVID-19, lunch will be provided for everyone from 11 AM – 12:30 drive thru style at All Saints’, located at 501 S. Phoenix Ave. For more information, please call 479-968-3622.

RUSSELLVILLE ROLLER GIRLS

The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association has recommended tier phases for roller derby teams to return to practice. Using those guidelines, the Russellville Roller Girls will return to practice on Sunday, May 24^th, at 7:30 PM at Merritt Park in Dardanelle. Practices will follow every Tuesday and Sunday at 7:30 PM. Note: as kids’ team sports are still on hold in the current Arkansas phase, the Junior Team will have to be patient for a while longer. More announcements to follow on the Russellville Roller Girls Facebook page.

JULY

POPE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM EVENTS – Through July 31^st

Despite the Pope County Library System not hosting many of their traditional summer events, PCLS has designed several DIGITAL events to keep patrons reading, engaged, and having fun. Just tune in to the PCLS Facebook live videos to participate in the events, running through July 31^st. Find a listing below and all details on the Pope County Library System’s Facebook page or by calling 479-968-4368.

* Every Tuesday at 1 PM: Fairytale Take-Home Craft – Pickup up your craft kits at the Russellville branch on Mondays and craft along with online video demonstrations on Tuesdays.

* Every Wednesday at 11 AM: Imagine Your Story Storytime

* Every Thursday at 11 AM: Bilingual Storytime with Ms. Melanie & Ms. Carolina

* Every Friday at 11 AM: Music Storytime with Travis Simpson

PCLS IMAGINE YOUR STORY SUMMER READING PROGRAM – Through July 31^st
The Pope County Library System is hosting their digital/virtual summer reading program – Imagine Your Story – through July 31^st! Patrons of all ages can play games, go on quests, complete challenges, and even help their local community! Just sign up and start reading for prizes today! Register for free on the READSquared app or online at www.popecountylibrary.readsquared.com. For more information, please call 479-968-4368. 

READ-A-THON RAILROAD – Through July 31^st

River Valley United Way has launched their Read-A-Thon Railroad in support of our local Imagination Library. This is a fundraiser that will help pay for books to be directly mailed to local children in our River Valley. Did you know that $25 covers an entire year’s worth of books for one child? The Read-A-Thon is open for all ages. You sign up, ask friends and family to donate to the Imagination Library, and then start reading to win weekly prizes! Pick up your boarding pass today at Dog Ear Books or the Russellville and Dardanelle libraries. For updates and more information, please follow the River Valley Imagination Library page on Facebook or email info@rivervalleyunitedway.org.

VIRTUAL SIGN LANGUAGE CLASS – July 24^th

The Pope County Library is offering a free American Sign Language class for all ages and abilities on July 24^th. Because of COVID-19, ASL classes will be taught through Zoom. Zoom is a free app that is available for Apple and Android phones, tablets, and computers. A web cam or in-device camera will be necessary to receive feedback and correction. Classes will be taught by Bonny Hill. Bonny received her bachelor of science degree in elementary education and deaf education (K-12) from the University of Arkansas Little Rock, and has taught American Sign Language classes throughout the state for years.  For more information or to register, please contact Kristin Pearson at 479-968-4368 or email marketing@popelibrary.org.

COVID-19 TESTING – July 25^th

A special COVID-19 testing event is planned in Russellville on Saturday, July 25. Tests will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon at the Hughes Community Center, 100 E. Parkway Ave. Anyone can be tested at this event regardless of whether they have symptoms. The event is open to all Arkansans, not just Russellville residents. There is no out-of-pocket cost for the tests, but insurance may be billed for patients who have it. Insurance is not required, but participants are advised to bring their insurance card and driver’s license if applicable. If you are positive for COVID-19, you will receive a call from the Arkansas Department of Health. If results are negative for COVID-19, a letter will be mailed to the address you provided. If you provide a cell phone number, you will receive a text informing you of your negative results. Testing is also available at Local Health Units across Arkansas. Patients should ensure a unit is open and then call ahead for an appointment. More information is available at: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/health-units.

RUN FOR PEACE – July 25^th

A Gulf War veteran from Forrest City has made it his mission to spread unity by running with an American flag in cities across Arkansas. Nathaniel Thomas ran 10 miles in Fayetteville recently and 10 miles in Fort Smith on Saturday, July 18, and he's coming to Russellville on July 25^th.  In a media release as a part of his efforts, Thomas says he'll start running at 7 AM Saturday at the Pope County Courthouse, then carry the American flag along Main Street, and South and North on Arkansas Avenue. He'll finish later in the day back at the courthouse. Thomas says his goal is simple... to spread unity & hope during uncertain times, working to uplift the spirits of all citizens, from all communities.

AUGUST

BARGAINS GALORE ON 64 – August 13^th-15^th

Officials with Main Street Morrilton have decided the downtown area will not be a part of Bargains Galore on 64 this summer.  The 140-mile yard sale extravaganza is tentatively scheduled for August 13th through 15th in towns along Highway 64 from Fort Smith to Beebe.  The event may still be cancelled altogether because of COVID-19, but Main Street Morrilton spokesperson Morgan Zimmerman says even if it is held in other towns, spaces will be not be rented to vendors in downtown Morrilton.

73^rd ANNUAL MT. NEBO CHICKEN FRY – August 22^nd

Due to COVID 19 the 73rd Annual Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry will be held at Veteran’s River Front Park at 200 Front Street in Dardanelle on Saturday, August 22nd from 11 AM - 4 PM. The Chicken Fry will consist of Tyson’s award-winning chicken dinners and pre-sale t-shirts. Dinner tickets can be purchased at the Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce at 2011 State Hwy. 22 or by calling 479-229-3328. Meals will be drive-through only, with the exception of delivery for 10 or more meals. T-shirts can also be picked up at this time. Meals plates are Half Grilled Chicken for $8 or 4 chicken strips for $5. All meals include famous Mt. Nebo cumin rice, baked beans, potato salad, pickle, slice of bread, cookie, and bottle of water. A combo purchase of either meal with a t-shirt is only $20! The Chamber is actively seeking sponsors for the event. State or local politicians will be allowed to have a location in the pick-up line (spaced out every 20 ft.), to wave at potential voters. For more information contact Stacey Daughtrey at 479-229-3328 or 479-699-5246.

SEPTEMBER

RUSSELLVILLE CHILDREN’S FISHING DERBY – September 12^th

The annual Children's Fishing Derby that is normally held in June has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The derby has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 12 at Pleasant View Park. Additional information will be available at a later date. Please contact the Recreation and Parks Department at 479-968-1272, if you have any questions.

PAINT THE TOWN GREEN & GOLD – September 14^th-19^th
The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that their annual Pain the Town Green & Gold initiative is scheduled for September 14^th-19^th throughout Russellville. Area businesses and storefronts are invited to decorate their windows and displays in support of Arkansas Tech University and our ATU Wonder Boys. For more information, please contact the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce by emailing chamber@russellvillechamber.com or by calling 479-968-2530.

ONGOING & RECURRING (ALL ON HOLD DURING COVID-19)

WHAT: Domestic Violence Survivor Support Group
WHEN: Every Thursday! | Women: 10 AM | Men: 12 PM | LGBTQ+: 1 PM

WHERE: McElroy House | 420 S. 2^nd St. | Dardanelle
PRICE: Free!
The River Valley Shelter for Battered Women and Children have partnered with the McElroy House of Dardanelle to provide a weekly support group for domestic violence survivors. The support group meets every Thursday at 10 AM for women, 12 PM for men, and 1 PM for LGBTQ+. The purpose of the group is to provide emotional, psychological, educational, and practical support to individuals who share a problem or similar situation. Sharing your story and experiences can aid in helping yourself and others heal by having a sense of support, increasing overall well-being, and reducing stress. The outcome of participating in the weekly Domestic Violence Survivor Support Group can include positive changes in self-esteem, depression, self-efficacy, and ego strength. For more information, please call 479-219-5148.

WHAT: Forget Me Nots
WHEN: 4^th Tuesday Monthly | 2 PM
WHERE: Brookdale Senior Living | 240 S. Inglewood | Russellville
PRICE: Free!
Forget Me Nots is a monthly support group for caregivers of those with dementia. Forget Me Nots meets on the 4^th Tuesday every month at 2 PM at Russellville’s Brookdale Senior Living Center. Participants share experiences, hear from those who work in the dementia-related field, learn coping strategies and support one another. For more information, please email Rhonda Horton at rhorton@arkansashospice.org.

WHAT: All Saints’ Yoga
WHEN: Every Tuesday! | 5:30-6:30 PM
WHERE: All Saints’ Episcopal Church | 501 S. Phoenix Ave. | Russellville

PRICE: Free!
Since beginning in the fall of 2014, All Saints’ Yoga is a basic/beginning class, but modifications are taught for all levels. This free Tuesday evening practice is an extension from the class Deacon Kay Staggs taught for many years. In the winter, All Saints’ Yoga focuses on arm strengthening, and in the summer they choose a strong pose and work toward it. All Saints’ Yoga has a consistent warm-up and sun salutation and then sprinkle the rest of the practice with new or challenging poses or sequences. There is a mixture of sitting, kneeling, balancing and standing poses all with a variety of music for background. We stop and workshop certain areas/poses as needed and always have fun doing that. There is also dharma reading each week with meditation/breathing practices. All Saints’ Yoga is always open to new/beginning yogis. Bring a mat and a friend and come join! Shanti (Peace). For more information please contact Cindy by email at cindyeisemann@aol.com or by phone at 347-285-8249.

WHAT: Dardanelle Area Chamber Member’s Luncheon
WHEN: Third Wednesday Monthly | 12 PM
WHERE: Tarasco’s Restaurant | Front Street | Downtown Dardanelle
The Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly Member's Luncheon on the third Wednesday each month at 12 PM at Tarasco's Restaurant located on Front St in Dardanelle, AR. Lunch is a dutch treat in a casual setting. The Chamber acknowledges the Chamber Member of the Month and a guest speaker will inform you of relevant business topics, local government changes or a local benefit for our community. Monthly Chamber Member Luncheons are a great time to build relationships, swap ideas, get solutions or give advice. For more advice, please call the Dardanelle Chamber at 479-229-3328.