Gov. Hutchinson declares June 12-14 ‘Free Fishing’ weekend in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK – Thanks to a proclamation by Gov.

Asa Hutchinson announced today, anyone may fish in Arkansas without a fishing license or trout stamp from noon Friday, June 12, through midnight Sunday night, June 14. The proclamation was read at today’s online commission meeting by Megan Perkins, agriculture and commerce liaison to Hutchinson’s office.

An annual tradition sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and approved by Gov.

Hutchinson, Free Fishing Weekend gives many people the opportunity to enjoy the amazing angling The Natural State has to offer. This will be the second time Arkansans have had the opportunity to enjoy fishing without a license in 2020. During the initial closure of schools, amusement parks and museums because of concerns for the spread of the coronavirus, commissioners worked in concert with Hutchinson to waive the requirement of a fishing license for nine days in late March.

“At $10.50 a year, Arkansas’s fishing license is one of the nation’s least expensive; it’s less than three cents per day,” said Ben Batten, chief of the AGFC’s Fisheries Division. “But even that fee is waived for this weekend to help get people outside for a fishing trip.”

Batten says June is an excellent time to fish, and this year has shaped up to be a good one with many people enjoying a return to the water.

“We’re seeing increased traffic at many of our lakes, particularly the smaller and mid-sized lakes the AGFC owns,” Batten said. “Even weekdays have been consistently busy as people have learned fishing and the outdoors are an ideal temporary getaway from our current issues in the world.”

Unfortunately, continued concerns for COVID-19 have interrupted one of the most popular annual events that typically take place during Free Fishing Weekend. All fishing derbies at AGFC hatcheries have had to be canceled to help continue suppressing the spread of coronavirus.

“We are heartbroken over the decision we have had to make to cancel the hatchery derbies,” said Tommy Laird, assistant chief of the AGFC’s Fisheries Division who leads the agency’s five freshwater fish hatcheries.

“Everyone at every hatchery really takes pride in those derbies, as it is one of the only chances we have to show everyone where we work and what we do. Thousands of people show up to the hatcheries throughout the day, and there’s just no way to accommodate that many people without breaking social distancing recommendations.”

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NEWPORT — Arkansas State University-Newport is working to implement reopening plans as the Fall 2020 semester approaches.

In response to COVID-19, ASU-Newport moved to all online instruction in March 2020. Many summer courses will also be online, but phases are being determined to allow for a return to campus.

While many courses can be successfully completed online, many technical programs require in-person class models for optimal learning.

With this in mind, ASUN is in Phase 1 of reopening campuses. A select number of students and faculty members are returning to campus this summer to complete their spring coursework. All Summer 1 courses will be online.

During the Summer 2 term more on-campuses classes are anticipated.

Phase 1 of reopening includes strict health and safety guidelines including there being one point of entry on each campus.

Those approved to come to campus must complete a COVID-19 risk questionnaire and have their temperatures taken upon arrival.

Everyone on campus will be required to wear masks and gloves. Most faculty and staff will continue to work remotely to limit the number of individuals on each campus. Approval from the Chancellor’s Office must be granted before coming to campus.

Phase 2 will allow for more on-campus courses and labs. Similar restrictions in Phase 1 will continue.

Once Summer 2 begins, ASUN will evaluate what protocols to take into Fall 2020.

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JONESBORO — The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations as hospitals resume non-urgent and elective procedures, increasing the demand for blood products. Blood donors are urgently needed to make donation appointments to prevent another shortage like the one that occurred at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March.

As a thank you, those who donate June 1-30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card via email, thanks to Amazon.

Donations may be made daily at the Jonesboro Blood Donation Center, 1904-A Grant St.

Upcoming blood drives are: Monday — noon to 5 p.m., Hardy Volunteer Fire Department, 203 Church St.

Tuesday — 2 to 6 p.m., First Baptist Church, 511 W. Church St., Pocahontas.

Saturday —10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Southside Community Church, 2211 Jones Road, Paragould.

June 8 — 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Chamber of Commerce, 116 N. Maple St., Osceola.

June 9 — noon to 4 p.m., First National Bank, 612 N. Missouri Ave., Corning. June 15 — 1 to 5 p.m., Hardy United Methodist Church, 102 E. Fourth St.

June 16 — 2 to 6 p.m., First Baptist Church, 480 W. Main St., Piggott.

June 16-17 — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., St Bernards Medical Center, 225 E. Washington Ave., Jonesboro.

June 17 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Denso, 100 Denso Road, Osceola.

June 18 — 1 to 6 p.m., Church of Christ, 916 E.

Bridges Ave., Wynne and 3 to 7 p.m., Denso, 100 Denso Road, Osceola.

June 19 — 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, 900 W.

Kingshighway, Jonesboro.