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Nellie Stobaugh
TUESDAY, June 30, 2020 / Vol. 6 Issue 26 / 75 cents
Archey Fest The annual car show, fireworks display, soapbox derby and fishing derby draw a crowd to Clinton City Park Saturday for the annual Archey Fest. More photos, Page 3 (Photos courtesy of Warren Johnson)
New strategies needed to end veteran suicides By U.S. Sen. John Boozman
For more than a decade, Congress has improved access to new and existing treatments for veterans at risk of suicide and increased funding for programs to support suicide prevention. Unfortunately, the number of veterans who commit suicide each day has remained roughly unchanged. It’s clear the approach we’re taking isn’t working. It’s time to implement a new strategy. There are more than 50,000 organizations that provide suicide prevention services for veterans. These non-profits and community organizations play a vital role and have taken the lead to build effective programs. We have some great examples of innovative methods happening in Arkansas. Retired Sgt. Maj. Lance Nutt was looking for help beyond the Department of Veterans Affairs after his 30-year ca-
reer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He saw a void that needed to be filled and established Sheep Dog Impact Assistance. Since 2010, this Rogers-based organization has been making a difference in the lives of veterans and guiding them to a purpose-driven life of community, camaraderie and service. The retired Marine continues to see a gap between the services the VA provides and what veterans need, and encourages investing in programs that improve veterans’ outlooks and validate the idea that their best life is still ahead. He recently shared his experiences during a virtual veterans mental health town hall that included other leaders from veteran-serving non-profits. The discussion focused on the need for collaboration, community action and the willingness to try something new. It makes sense that we harness the
ideas and successes of these advocates into sound policy. That’s why I’ve championed a new concept that would allow the VA to tap into this network of non-profits in the community, establish a framework to coordinate these efforts and offer grants to expand outreach to better measure the effectiveness of these programs. This proposal was included in the Senate VA Committee-passed comprehensive bill that expands veterans’ access to mental health services. This is a critical first step. While there is still work to be done to get this across the finish line and signed into law, there is momentum and support for this collaboration from others, notably VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. Wilkie has called this idea “key” to unlocking the veteran suicide crisis. He See Boozman on page 3
Coronavirus 4 Covid-19 cases recorded in county Van Buren County now had four active positive cases of Covid-19 as of June 28. County Judge Dale James said he does not know where the cases are in the county. He reminds residents to be diligent and continue safe distancing and taking precautions. In surrounding counties, only Searcy County is still at 0 cases. James says if voters feel unsafe going to a public place to cast a ballot, they can request an absentee ballot. He said he is confident voter fraud will not be a problem in Van Buren County. Statewide, the number of cases continues to grow by the hundreds each day. DHS Secretary Dr. Nate Smith gave these statistics of the number and percentage of cases from specific businesses that have been reopened: Restaurants – 114 cases/2% of statewide total
By the numbers/June 28 Arkansas
• 1,780 new cases over the weekend • 5,918 active • 264 deaths Barbershops – 32/0.6% Churches – 95/2% Daycares – 16/0.3% Gyms – 17/0.3% Health and Wellness (doctor, dentist etc offices) – 97/2% Hotels or motels – 20/0.4% Poultry businesses have 851 active cases and 1,604 have recovered. Cumulative total of cases 2,455 Bars are less than 2% of the statewide cases. “If you look at clusters the only places we have are from some specific churches. But 98% of churches are following the guidelines. It is those that don’t follow or properly implement the guidelines that are seeing the clusters,” Smith said. Gov. Asa Hutchinson had halted the state's reopening
4-legged deputy gets protective gear
Endy with Deputy Curtis Holliman is decked out in protective gear provided by Vested Interest.
Van Buren County sheriff’s office K9 Endy has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Endy’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Gabo, Jonesboro, AR EOW 1/16/20”. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bul-
let and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for fourlegged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 3,917 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made
possible by both private and corporate donations. The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old, actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
plans this week -- becoming one of at least 10 states that have stopped or reversed their plans amid increasing numbers. On Saturday, the United States as a whole surpassed 2.5 million total positive cases of Covid-19 and 125,000 deaths from the virus, according to a count by Johns Hopkins University. "We're clearly on pause here in the state in terms of moving to lift further restrictions until we're comfortable with where we are in controlling the spread," Hutchinson said Thursday, as the state topped 10,000 coronavirus cases for the month of June. Hutchinson continues to say masks will not be mandated. "We're not going to pass a mandate that is unenforceable," Hutchinson said.
Shooting injures 1 Clinton police confirm they are investigating a shooting that occurred earlier this month. Police Chief John Willoughby said the investigation is ongoing and no further details will be released at this time. A reliable source told the Voice that a young man was severely injured in the shooting that occurred on Highway 16 West. There is a suspect in the shooting.