The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) produces a Weekly Viral Respiratory Diseases Report for clinicians. The report provides information on Influenza, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity in the state. The report also compares activities in Arkansas to the U.S. ADH receives reports of only a fraction of COVID-19 cases and flu cases since it only requires reports of flu hospitalizations, deaths, and outbreaks. RSV is not a reportable disease in Arkansas. Therefore, it is important to understand that the information in the weekly update is representative of the timing and location of activity, but it does not reflect the overall disease burden. It is presumed that there are many more people actually affected than the report shows. Clinicians and policymakers may find the report helpful in terms of communicating to colleagues and patients about the current status of viral respiratory diseases in the state and nationwide.

We have had several days with rain showers here in Batavia. The grass is growing like weeds and the trees are a beautiful green color. The weather is that just right temperature. But according to the weather forecast for the next several days it is going to get hot and I will be singing a different tune. I guess we can't have it our way all of the time.

• May 18 Dink for Babies Pickleball Tournament benefitting Informed Choices Women’s Clinic. Registration fee is $40. Contact Danny Waters at (870) 715-7198 for more information.

May Meeting

Buffalo National River Partners will host their middle river clean up on Tuesday, June 11, 10 a.m. — 3 p.m. The alternate date in case of inclement weather or other issues that might delay this float is June 17.

BRANSON — Quilts of Valor of the Ozarks (QOVO) was honored to host Linda Martien, Missouri State Coordinator for Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF) at their inaugural membership meeting held May 6 in Kimberling City. Linda congratulated the newly organized chapter on their drive and passion to celebrate veterans in the Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas region.

The North Arkansas College Board of Trustees met Thursday, May 9, for their regular monthly meeting and took action on just one item.

THE LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, MAY 13 FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE.

Future Men and Women of Distinction scholarship nominations are now open. This scholarship is intended for a current or future North Arkansas College student who exhibits the characteristics of a person of distinction. To make a nomination, provide the following information and submit it via the contact info provided below: