In our local news today: Gov Asa Hutchinson has issued a statewide mask mandate that goes into effect on Monday; a survey shows that most educators are concerned about the health of their students; during this hot weather, we've got some heat safety tips from the American Red Cross; the Arkansas Supreme Court issued a brief order Tuesday granting the Cherokee Nation's appeal of Circuit Judge Tim Fox's ruling in ongoing litigation over a casino permit in Pope County; and we'll check sports where the NCAA discusses COVID guidelines, and the Cardinals prep for the season. We'll also chat with Shannon Autrey with the Conway County Extension Office during CloseUp.

On Episode 7 of Made in Morrilton, we talk with Brandi Cooper, Owner of Merle Norman and More in downtown Morrilton. She discusses her decision to move back home and buy the store where she worked part-time during college; how she has expanded her offerings over the years; the building collapse that killed a toddler and destroyed her business; rebuilding and the future of Merle Norman; and her thoughts on the growth of Morrilton. It's presented by the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Conway County Economic Development Corporation.

In our local news today: COVID cases top 30,000 in Arkansas, with Conway County having over 100; Walmart and Kroger will begin requiring masks; our local GBP Training Center has earned a national award; the Care Center Thrift Store has reopened with restrictions; three initiatives vying for the Arkansas ballot has been rejected; the current Lottery director has resigned; and we'll check sports.

In our local news today: a Little Rock man was killed in a single vehicle accident Tuesday in Plumerville; the number of positive COVID cases increased by one on Tuesday to 98; SCCSD's "Ready for Learning" plan was presented on Monday; the U.S. has carried out the first federal execution in nearly two decades; the lottery Claim Center in Little Rock opened on Monday; and in sports - the WNBA season tips off on July 25th; and selected sports have been postponed until Aug 31st.

In our local news today: the Morrilton City Council has approved a mask ordinance; the ADH reports 572 new COVID cases in Arkansas on Monday - five of those are in Conway County; Morrilton Attorney Paul Dumas was arrested Friday on drug charges; Morrilton's Jamie Higgins was installed as Rotary District Governor; and in sports - a turf replacement is underway at Devil Dog Stadium.

In our local news today: Morrilton Mayor Allen Lipsmeyer spoke Friday on racial injustice; Saturday brought the highest single-day increase of COVID cases in Arkansas; the Morrilton City Council meets tonight and will discuss a mask resolution; Daniel Lewis Lee, who murdered a Pope County family will be executed today; Law enforcement will be cracking down on speeders this week; and in sports - Pickleball will be offered at the Morrilton Tennis Complex. We'll also visit with Alisha Koonce with Sacred Heart Morrilton.

Mayor Lipsmeyer addressed the city today about current events and issues affecting the minority community. KVOM broadcasted the address live on-air and on our Facebook page.

In our local news today: a Thursday morning accident on I-40 was fatal to a Dover woman; school in Arkansas (2020-21) will be delayed by nearly 2 weeks; Thursday brought a large increase of COVID cases to the state; some area high school graduations are set to take place over the weekend; in Casino news - The Cherokee Nation has filed an emergency pleading with the Arkansas Supreme Court; Morrilton's spirit squads have started safely holding summer practices; and we'll visit with Kevin Van Pelt with the Conway County Extension Office.

In our local news today: COVID-19 cases in Conway County are up to 82; a new survey shows that parents are ready for school - but not sports; we'll discuss the significant impact of COVID-19 for one Conway County family; the mayor says Morrilton will consider a mask resolution - but not an ordinance; volunteers are being sought for a downtown beautification project; the family members of the victims of a federal inmate facing lethal injection next week are asking that his execution be delayed because of COVID; and in sports - Clarksville suspends sports after positive COVID tests.

In today's local news: Conway County authorities are searching for a runaway teenager; Arkansas COVID cases increase by 259 and deaths top 300; there will be a mass COVID testing event to be held in Perry County this weekend; the Morrilton City Council will consider a mask mandate; Arkansas officials are investigating unemployment fraud; a group hopes to expand casino gaming in Arkansas; and Russellville residents will vote on a sales tax extension.