Wheeless out of hospital after COVID-19 bout

County Judge thanks community for prayers, urges vigilance in maintaining pandemic safety protocols

ralphhardin@gmail.com The coronavirus pandemic rages on here in Crittenden County and across the state and nation. The local death toll is now at 57, with 3,288 confirmed cases in the county.

Crittenden County Judge Woody Wheeless has worked tirelessly to keep residents informed about COVID-19, its spread and what they can do to help prevent it. The judge recently returned home from the hospital after a lengthy bout of his own with the coronavirus and he is sharing his story in hopes of ensuring that everyone is taking the COVID-19 threat seriously. “Most of you know by now that I have been battling COVID-19,” said Wheeless. “I tested positive on the 11th of November and on the morning of the 14th I got up to take my meds and went to the kitchen, got lightheaded and passed out and fell. An ambulance had to come take me to the hospital.”

The incident left the judge suffering from more than just the coronavirus.

“I messed my face up, broke two ribs and collapsed a lung with the fall,” he said. “I had a chest tube inserted to help eliminate a pneumothorax. I laid in the ER for three days for lack of rooms. I finally was moved to ICU step down and I’ve been on that floor every since. At some point,

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County Judge Woody Wheeless BUDGET (cont.)

the chest tube was removed and I began having breathing complications because of air buildup so the chest tube was reinserted again.”

Wheeless recounted his ordeal further.

“By this time, my breathing became more and more difficult and I also deal with asthma so that complicated things,” he said.

“Pulmonary doctors came in… to discuss options and one option was to give permission to be placed on a ventilator if necessary.”

Wheeless said the medical staff immediately put him on high flow oxygen (30LPM).

“And by God’s grace I came off of it late yesterday (Saturday),” he said.

“I’m back on a nasal cannula and I’m so grateful. It appears I’m gonna be fine but I still have a long way to go. I’m very weak and my breathing is still no where close to what it should be. I’m in a marathon to get better and I’m fine with that.

While that marathon is still underway, Wheeless was deemed healthy enough to leave the hospital on Monday, but he is still recovering. He did take time, though, to share his story.

“My point to this is the virus is very real and we need to approach it as real,” he said. “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of everyone protecting themselves. I've posted yesterday’s state stats (to Facebook) and we’ve gone up almost 30,000 cases since I’ve been in the hospital (15 days). Please wear a mask, social distance and good hygiene. Together we can help keep our county safer.”

Wheeless also shared his gratitude with all those who expressed their concerns

wife’s illness.

“Diane and I can’t thank you enough for all the thoughts, love and especially the prayers you are sending our way,” he said.

“We are so grateful and humbled by the support of our communities… and I will see all of you one day soon.”

As of Wednesday, there were 3,308 confirmed cumulative coronavirus cases in Crittenden County, up 17 from the previous day, with 57 coronavirusrelated deaths since the start of the pandemic.

School districts continue to see cases in both faculty and staff. Marion School District currently is reporting 11 active cases with 41 staff and 95 student cases since the beginning of the school year. The West Memphis School District has 19 active cases, with 36 staff and 98 student cases cumulative. Exact numbers for the Earle School District are currently unavailable but the district is classified as “purple” level for infections, the highest classification under Arkansas Department of Health guidelines (Marion is currently “red,” while West Memphis is “orange”).