COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENTS:

READY FOR SCHOOL RESOURCE CALL CENTER

The Arkansas Department of Education has established a Ready for School Resource Call Center. The purpose of the call center is to provide Arkansans with information and resources regarding the reopening of schools. The call center will be staffed by education and health professionals, as well as community partners. The operating hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The number is 1-833-353-6050.

DRIVER’S LICENSE TESTING

Effective now until the end of 2020, local driver's license testing will only happen at the Russellville Troop J State Trooper headquarters located at 765 Hob Nob Road. There will be no tests given in Danville, Clinton, Morrilton, or Perryville for the remainder of 2020. The driving portion of the test will be by appointment only and you can schedule your appointment online at www.ark.org. Written tests are given Monday-Friday from 1-4 PM, walk-ins welcome. If under age 18, items needed for the written test include the original birth certificate and one of the following: health insure card, state ID, photo school ID, passport, or certified school transcript.

PAYROLL PROTECTION PROGRAM EXTENSION

The new deadline to apply for a Payroll Protection Program loan is this Saturday, August 8th. If you are interested in applying for PPP assistance for your small business, nonprofit, or agricultural business, please contact your bank to see if they are participating or find another participating lender at: https://www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection/find. The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive PPP loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. (60% must be used for payroll expenses). For immediate assistance with your PPP loan application or finding a lender, please contact the SBA Arkansas District Office at 501-324-7379 or by email at Arkansas_DO@sba.gov.

HICKEY POOL CLOSES
M.J. Hickey Pool will be closing for the season.  The last day to swim will be August 9. For more information, please call Recreation and Parks Secretary Pam Faulkner at 479-968-1272.

RUSSELLVILLE CYCLONES BACK TO SCHOOL

Decisions are being finalized about back to school protocols with Russellville Cyclone students. All Russellville School District students will be automatically enrolled in Option A, on-site at school. If you want to register for Option B, off-site with RSD curriculum and teachers, you must do so by Thursday, August 6th. Parents are being asked to make a 9-week commitment to either option before changing the process. If neither option works for your family, Option C otion is available. The Virtual Learner with Cyclone Virtual Academy will be a 100% online curriculum using Lincoln Learning for K-8 students and Virtual Arkansas for 9-12. Contact Mr. Bryan Swymn, RSD Digital Learning Supervisor, for questions regarding Option C at 870-955-0330. School is still anticipated to begin on August 24th.

RIVER VALLEY FOOD 4 KIDS BACKPACK DRIVE

River Valley Food 4 Kids has partnered with Peters Family Living of Russellville for a Backpack Drive to benefit the annual Backpack Program with local schools. Please drop off empty backpacks that are in good condition at Peters Family Living (201 N. Arkansas Ave.) by August 21^st. (School supplies not needed, only backpacks.)

CHILDREN’S FISHING DERBY

The annual Children's Fishing Derby rescheduled for September 12^th has been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Please contact the Recreation and Parks Department at 479-968-1272 if you have any questions.

RIVER VALLEY FOOD 4 KIDS SUMMER PROGRAM

River Valley Food 4 Kids is extending their Summer Program in advance of the school year. The final summer handout will be on August 18^th in Russellville, Dardanelle, and Pottsville, and then on August 19^th in Dover, Danville, and Atkins. Details about the Backpack Program are still being finalized and will be announced soon on the River Valley Food 4 Kids (@rvf4k) Facebook page.

STUDENT ATHLETES & COVID-19

According to Facebook posts by both Russellville School District and Beebe Schools on Thursday, several student athletes have tested positive for COVID-19. Russellville District officials said several of their high school cheerleaders tested positive for COVID-19. The Russellville's Athletic Department cancelled their cheer practices until further notice, and will continue to follow guidance and recommendations from the Arkansas Department of Health. Russellville School District Athletics said they will continue scheduled practices for other sports not involved, while continuing to follow the guidelines provided by the Arkansas Activities Association and the ADH. Both schools posted the announcement about the COVID-19 cases on Thursday, July 30.

TYSON COVID-19 TESTING

Tyson Foods says it plans to administer thousands of coronavirus tests per week at its U.S. facilities under an expanded effort to protect its workers. The Arkansas-based company will randomly test employees who have no symptoms, as well as those with symptoms. The tests are on top of daily screenings when workers arrive at Tyson’s 140 U.S. production facilities. Meatpacking plants have been particularly susceptible to the coronavirus because of their often crowded conditions. The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents many of Tyson’s 120,000 U.S. workers, says other meat processing companies should follow Tyson’s lead.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

The Boys and Girls Clubs (BGC) of the Arkansas River Valley have opened registration for their After-School Program, anticipated to begin on August 24^th. The BGC follows the schedule of local school districts and the program will start on the first day of school. For Russellville & Dardanelle students, the program lasts from 3-6 PM, costs $50 per child for the school year, and includes free dinner and snack. For London students, the cost is $50 monthly or $15 weekly and includes a free snack. All children 10 and over must wear a face mask during the program. If your child receives free or reduced lunch at their school, please call 479-968-7819 to learn how your child can attend for free. For more information or to sign up, please visit www.bgclubsarv.org/about-our-membership. Due to COVID-19, the BGC will not be able to take in-person registration or cash payments, so children must be registered online before they can attend the After-School Program.

MT. NEBO CHICKEN FRY

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

URBAN & COMMUNITY FORESTRY GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE – August 28^th

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division is now accepting applications for the 2020 Urban & Community Forestry Grant program through August 28, 2020.  Grants are available to fund community projects that develop, improve, and/or promote urban and community trees and forests. Examples of eligible projects include community tree management plans, parking lot improvements for stormwater runoff, tree-friendly streets, park improvements for sun exposure and air temperature, and more. Complete grant details and an online application are available at www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/grants. For more information about the grant, contact Krissy Kimbro Thomason at 479-228-7929.

SEPTEMBER

RUSSELLVILLE REGIONAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY DEADLINE – September 11^th

Russellville Regional Leadership Academy is now accepting applications for Class 35. Anyone may apply before September 11, 2020, and tuition is $600 (scholarships are available.) The tentative 2020-2021 schedule and application are now available at RussellvilleChamber.com. The program begins September 27-28 with a mandatory overnight retreat and orientation so participants may become better acquainted with each other. Sessions are to be scheduled each month. Sessions will be held in various locations suitable for the theme of a particular session's topic. It is essential that the applicant be able to commit the time required to attend the sessions.

RUSSELLVILLE CHILDREN’S FISHING DERBY – September 12^th

The annual Children's Fishing Derby rescheduled for September 12^th has been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 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.