Governor Sanders, AEDC award $10M to 13 Arkansas communities for industrial site development

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.– Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today joined the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) to award 13 communities with $10 million through the Arkansas Site Development Program. This funding will be used to enhance industrial sites across Arkansas, increasing their readiness for job-creating economic development projects.

The communities receiving funds include Arkadelphia, Berryville, Hope, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Malvern, Monticello, Morrilton, Newport, Prescott, Searcy, Stuttgart, and Texarkana. 

“The sky is the limit for Arkansas’ economy when our government and private sector work together to grow investment and jobs,” said Governor Sanders. “The Arkansas Site Development Program tells companies worldwide that Arkansas is open for business and will help each of the recipient communities attract new businesses.”

Under Governor Sanders’ leadership and in partnership with the Arkansas State Legislature, AEDC developed and announced the Arkansas Site Development Program in June 2024. Eligible recipient locations are industrial sites of at least 30 contiguous acres of land, listed on the Arkansas Site Selection Database, and owned or optioned by the applicant.

“Ensuring that our communities have company-ready sites is critical for Arkansas’ economic success,” said Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald. “The Arkansas Site Development Program has been a model of collaboration between Governor Sanders, the Arkansas General Assembly, the Arkansas Department of Commerce, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and local stakeholders to build a program that will set a course for future success across our state.”

AEDC received a total of 28 applications for the Arkansas Site Development Program, totaling $44,646,370.37 in requested funding.

“Strong communities with competitive industrial sites are essential for winning economic development projects, and the Arkansas Site Development Program will play a major role in equipping our state’s communities to win,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “The Arkansas Site Development Program is the first program of its kind in our state, and it is an important step that will help us continue to secure economic development projects in the years to come. This program would not have been possible without the support of Governor Sanders, the Arkansas General Assembly, and the local communities that applied for funding – we appreciate their support and look forward to continued success.”

The funds can be used for a range of site development projects, including the extension and improvement of public infrastructure to the site; right of way acquisition; easement acquisition; soil borings and analysis; construction costs for site improvements, including drainage improvements, easement, dozer or dirt work, grading, site mitigation, and site rehabilitation; due diligence study costs; and other site development-related activities deemed necessary by AEDC to improve a site’s competitiveness.

See the Arkansas Site Development Program awards below:

• AR-TX Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) – Texarkana, $2,000,000

• Berryville Business Park – Berryville, $400,000

• City of Prescott – Prescott, $698,845

• Conway County Economic Development Corporation- Morrilton, $109,800

• Economic Development Corporation of Clark County – Arkadelphia, $1,013,710

• Forward Searcy Inc. – Searcy, $314,165

• Hempstead County Economic Development Commission – Hope, $4,602

• Hot Spring County – Malvern, $133,250

• Jonesboro Unlimited – Jonesboro, $2,000,000

• Little Rock Port Authority – Little Rock, $2,000,000

• Newport Economic Development Commission – Newport, $335,700

• Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Facility Authority – Monticello, $166,520

• Stuttgart Industrial Development Corporation – Stuttgart, $823,408

Federal judge puts Arkansas foreign ownership restrictions on hold

By Drew Viguet
National Agricultural Law Center
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A federal judge in Arkansas has halted enforcement of the state’s foreign ownership restrictions for plaintiffs owning a crypto-mining business.

Jones Eagle LLC, which operates near DeWitt, Arkansas, and mines digital assets like cryptocurrency, came under investigation by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and Arkansas Attorney General following the state enacting Act 636 and 174 during the 2023 legislative session. Both acts involve restriction of foreign ownership of U.S. land, and Act 174 specifically prohibits foreign-owned entities from acquiring or holding any interest in a digital mining business in the state. Qimin “Jimmy” Chen, who was born in China and is a naturalized American citizen, exercises control over Jones Eagle as sole owner of Eagle Asset Holding, Inc.

Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center, testifies to the Senate Ag Committee on Sept. 27, 2023. The committee held a hearing on foreign ownership of U.S. farmland. (Image courtesy U.S. Senate)

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued a press release in December 2023 stating that Jones Eagle was under investigation for potentially violating state foreign ownership restrictions, as the entity “may have significant ties to China.”

Jones Eagle filed a lawsuit against the state of Arkansas in November 2024, claiming the investigation was unconstitutional and requesting a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. Judge Kristine Baker of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas issued a temporary restraining order for 14 days on Nov. 25, and on Dec. 9 issued a preliminary injunction. The decision renders Acts 636 and 174 unenforceable against Jones Eagle until further notice from the court.

The preliminary injunction order is sealed — which means it is not accessible to the public — to protect Jones Eagle’s confidential business details. However, the Notice of Preliminary Injunction Order can be viewed online.

“In recent years, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in national interest and activity regarding the topic of foreign ownership of U.S. land, and particularly agricultural land,” said Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center. “It’s an extremely active issue at both state and federal levels, although there are currently no federal laws restricting foreign persons, entities, or governments from acquiring or holding private U.S. agricultural land.”

Almost half of all U.S. states have some kind of law limiting foreign ownership. In 2023, Arkansas became the first state to enforce a foreign ownership law when it ordered a subsidiary of Syngenta Seeds, another Chinese-owned company, to divest itself of farmland in Arkansas.

What’s next?

“The injunction is limited to Jones Eagle and does not apply to others who may be subject to Acts 636 and 174,” Pittman said. “Arkansas can continue to enforce foreign ownership restrictions under these acts.”

A redacted version of the preliminary injunction is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

More details regarding the case are available online on the NALC website.

For the latest in agricultural law and policy developments, including foreign ownership, subscribe at no cost to The Feed, a twice-monthly newsletter from the NALC. The NALC is also on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Womack Supports FY25 National Defense Authorization Act

Washington, D.C.—December 11, 2024…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted to pass H.R. 5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. The annual legislation authorizes $895.2 billion for our national security, including resources to enhance military preparedness, improve quality of life for our troops and their families, deter foreign adversaries, and focus the Department of Defense on its core mission. Congressman Womack secured Arkansas’ Third District priorities within the legislation, including authorizing funding for construction of the Ebbing Air National Guard Base Academic Training Center.

President Trump NDAA Signing 2020-Flickr Image

Congressman Womack said, “Passing the NDAA is vital to the safety and security of our homeland and strength of America’s armed forces. This year’s legislation aims to deter adversarial threats abroad and bolster defense capabilities nationwide—including in Arkansas—while improving the quality of life for servicemembers and their families. Although I’m strongly opposed to the decision to circumvent state’s rights regarding the forced federalization of National Guard formations, opposing this legislation is not the right way to address the issue. We can’t deprive our military of the resources needed to protect our nation. Today is a step in the right direction. However, the mission is not complete until we put resources toward these priorities in full-year defense appropriations.”

Provisions in the bill Womack strongly supports:

• Encourages Department of Defense (DOD) to continue investing in expanding Iron Dome system production capacity in the United States, namely at the Camden, Arkansas facility.

• Authorizes funding for Ebbing Air National Guard Base Academic Training Center in support of the F-35 FMS mission.

• Authorizes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers, along with a 4.5% pay increase for all other servicemembers.

• Expands access to childcare and employment opportunities for military families.

• Refocuses the DOD on military readiness instead of domestic social policy by gutting DEI programs and prohibiting CRT.

• Extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI) and increases a funding authorization for new military technology to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Reaffirms U.S. support to Israel against Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.

• Reaffirms U.S. support to the defense of Taiwan against CCP threats.

• Authorizes full funding for the deployment of National Guard troops at the southwest border and increases authorized funding by $20 million for DOD counternarcotics activities.

• Blocks the Biden Administration’s plan to reduce the number of U.S. Special Forces, warfighting aircraft, and defense missiles.

Additional Provisions Congressman Womack Helped Secure:

• Hot Springs, AR Army-Navy Hospital: Provides Arkansas three years to request permanent ownership of the former Army-Navy Hospital in Hot Springs, AR, and in the event of this request, would extinguish any reversionary interest in the property by the United States.

• National Digital Reserve Corps: Creates a National Digital Reserve Corps to help federal agencies address cyber-attacks and critical workforce gaps as needed.

• Expansion of National Guard State Partnership Program: Directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, to assess and report on the feasibility and benefits of expanding the National Guard State Partnership Program in the Pacific Islands.

• Assessment of U.S. Coast Guard Involvement in State Partnership Program: Directs the DOD to conduct a study on how to more actively consider and support the U.S. Coast Guard’s involvement in the State Partnership Program in the Pacific.

The FY25 NDAA will now advance to the Senate for consideration. 

Boozman, Luján Lead Push for Expanded Access to Radiology Services

senators Introduce Legislation to Make Hospital Radiologist Assistant-Performed Medical Imaging Eligible for Medicare Reimbursement

WASHINGTON––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) are leading an effort to improve Medicare beneficiaries’ access to health care services and address the provider shortage that exists nationwide, which is particularly dire in rural America. The Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act (MARCA) would allow radiologists to submit claims to Medicare for non-diagnostic services performed by radiologist assistants (RAs) they directly supervise in both the hospital and office setting. 

While RAs are recognized under Medicare to perform services under direct supervision, the radiology practices that employ them are unable to submit claims to Medicare for RA-performed services in hospitals, where they normally work.

“Medicare patients should not go without access to important diagnostic tools either because of a lack of available personnel or red tape. Radiologist assistants are well qualified to fulfill this need, and our bipartisan legislation would ensure they can do so. Allowing Medicare coverage for these procedures is common sense and will help deliver timely and quality care,” Boozman said.

“Health care worker shortages and unnecessary barriers should not prevent Medicare patients from accessing the care they need,” said Luján. “Allowing qualified RAs to provide services through Medicare is crucial to ensuring patients receive timely, high-quality care. This legislation will help address the impact of provider shortages, particularly in rural areas, and improve access to care for all Medicare patients.”

In 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services adjusted RA supervision requirements, which allowed providers to be reimbursed by Medicare for services performed by RAs in the office setting. However, the adjustment did not include reimbursement by Medicare for RA services performed in the hospital setting, creating a disparity that negatively impacts the radiology care available in hospitals. This legislation addresses that gap to restore access for patients in either setting and removes disincentives that jeopardize the ability of radiologists to meet demand for care and treatment. 

“The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) applauds Senators John Boozman and Ben Ray Luján for introducing the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2024. With demand for quality and timely radiology services continuing to rise, MARCA will remove federal barriers to enable radiologists to fully utilize the radiologist assistant as an advanced practice provider specifically trained to assist on diagnostic and therapeutic radiology procedures. This monumental legislation will ensure that all services provided by a radiologist assistant, supervised by a radiologist as part of a radiologist-led team, receive Medicare reimbursement, regardless of the setting in which the radiology service is provided,” said American Registry of Radiologic Technologists CEO Liana Watson, DM, R.T.(R)(M)(S)(BS)(ARRT).

“The American Society of Radiologic Technologists emphatically supports the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2024. The MARCA bill will ensure that all services provided by a radiologist assistant, supervised by a radiologist as part of a radiologist-led team, receive Medicare reimbursement, regardless of the setting in which the radiology service is provided,” said American Society of Radiologic Technologists CEO and Executive Director Melissa B. Pergola, Ed.D., R.T. (R)(M), FASRT, CAE.

Clickhereto view bill text.

Saline County I-30 construction set for completion despite delays

KUAR | By Madison Stolzer-Cavanaugh

After a series of delays, the long-awaited Interstate 30 construction project in Saline County is finally set to reach completion at the end of December.

Rex Vines, chief of operations for the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), said in an interview with Little Rock Public Radio that final touches are being done around mile marker 111 –the last stretch of construction– including concrete finishings, guard rails and overhead signage.

“The project has improved, not only the pavement, but the traffic flow all the way to Highway 70,” Vines said. “It’s great to see traffic flowing and reduced congestion.”

Saline County I-30 construction set for completion despite delays

Daniel Breen/Little Rock Public Radio

Vehicles navigate the interchange between Interstate 30 and Arkansas Highway 229 in Benton on Dec. 9, 2024.

Christmas gifts that could save a loved one’s life

BY Randy Zellers

LITTLE ROCK – A colleague once received a pair of jumper cables from his father-in-law for Christmas. The only response he could give was, “Thanks, I hope I never need them.” They may not have had the charm of a new set of golf clubs, but those jumper cables have bailed him out of more serious trouble than any sand wedge. Treestand safety harnesses and inflatable life jackets fall into that category of fairly unexciting gifts, but they may be the only things under the tree that could save your loved one’s life.

The most common hunting and boating fatalities each year include falling from a treestand and drowning after a boating accident. Every death is tragic, but losing a loved one in an accident that could have been avoided by simply wearing a piece of safety gear is even more painful.

According to the AGFC’s annual Hunter Incident Report for July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024,  14 of the 19 reported hunting accidents were the result of a fall from a treestand. According to the National Bowhunter Education Foundation, three in 10 hunters who use treestands will have an accident at some point in their hunting career. The proper use of safety equipment can prevent those eventualities from being fatal or life-changing accidents.

Everyone at the AGFC hopes you’ll never have to truly “use” a safety harness, but much like those trusty jumper cables, it’s something you should never be without. Some safety harnesses, particularly those supplied with treestands, can be a confusing mess of straps and buckles. But many aftermarket safety systems are easy to wear, have pockets for gear and other features to benefit the hunter while in the stand.

Take the time to learn how the harness fits and works at home and on the ground before trying to use it in the field. Label the shoulders with “right” and “left” marks if it helps you put it on straight, and learn how the system secures to the tree so you’re not left wearing an unattached harness in the field.

“Make sure you have contact with that tree from the time you leave the ground until you get back down at the end of the hunt,” said Joe Huggins, AGFC Hunter Education Coordinator. “That moment making the transition from ladder or climbing steps to the stand is one of the riskiest times in hunting; it’s also the moment when many hunters unfasten their harness from the climbing lifeline to a different tether and are not securely attached to the tree.”

Just like safety harnesses, life jackets are the most often neglected accessory when anglers and boaters are on the water.

According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s 2023 Year End Boating Accident Report, only 35 percent of boaters involved in accidents last year were wearing a life jacket. All nine victims of boating fatalities last year were not wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.

By law, all children 12 and under must be wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket any time they are on a boat. The only exception to this is if the child is within the enclosed area of a houseboat or cruiser, or within the area enclosed by railings on a party barge, cruiser, or houseboat, and the vessel is not underway. For those above this age requirement, there must be a proper fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket available and within easy reach for each person on board a boat on Arkansas waters.

When people think of life vests, images of those old bright-orange horse-collar vests may come to mind, but modern life jackets are built for comfort as well as safety. Inflatable life vests are hardly noticeable once you put them on, and most versions deploy automatically to inflate when submerged in water.

“If you’re buying an inflatable life jacket, spend the extra money for the ones that deploy automatically. They give you an added layer of protection over the ones you have to manually deploy, should you be in an accident that renders you unconscious and unable to do so. ” Sydney Grant, Boating Law Administrator for the AGFC, said.

Another thing to be sure of, according to Grant, is to read carefully about the life jacket’s intended purpose and ratings, and to make sure the personal flotation device you choose is U.S. Coast Guard approved.

“Inflatable life jackets are not allowed for use on personal watercraft like SeaDoos or Jetskis, and they’re not allowed for anyone being towed behind a boat,” Grant said. “There are also age, size and weight restrictions for each PFD and inflatable life jackets are often not intended for use with boaters under the age of 16.”

Adding a note to wear the vest when on the water might be a great addition to an accompanying Christmas card.

“It only works if you’re wearing it,” Grant said. “Unfortunately, many boating fatalities occurred with life jackets in the boat but the victim was not wearing it at the time of the accident. A little nudge from loved ones can go a long way to remind someone their safety is on your mind when they’re away.”

Duck hunters, too, should wear life jackets when on the water, and many well-designed float coats are available to add some insulation as well as flotation should a hunter take a tumble overboard.

“With tens of thousands of dollars spent on boats, electronics and other gear, safety equipment just isn’t something fun that some anglers and hunters want to spend money on, but you can tell someone you care about them and want them to return home from all their trips this season if you get these things for them,” Grant said.

Visit www.agfc.com/huntered for more information on hunting safety and to enroll in a Hunter Education course.

For more information on boating safety and to enroll in a Boater Education course, visit www.agfc.com/boatered.

Polish F-35 jets expected to soon arrive in Fort Smith

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

The first two F-35 fighter jets built for Poland will soon roll off the Lockheed production line in Fort Worth, Texas, and Col. Nicholas Ihde is ready to fly one of the fifth-generation jets to Fort Smith and “bring to fruition” the U.S. Air Force foreign pilot training center.

Ihde, commander of the 85th Fighter Group at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, told Talk Business & Politics on Thursday that the jets expected to arrive in September could arrive in Fort Smith as early as Dec. 20. He said the noisy arrival of the first two jets should put to rest any concerns about the reality of the high-profile training center.

“There’s been some naysayers around that think this is never going to come to fruition because it was so far out in the future. What I would tell you is we are right around the corner. In the next week or two I’m going down to Fort Worth to fly the first Poland jet here to Ebbing,” said Ihde, who officially took command of the 85th in early July.

Polish F-35 jets expected to soon arrive in Fort Smith

F-35 jet built for Poland (photo from Lockheed)

Representative French Hill statement on House Financial Services Committee Chairmanship

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement after the Steering Committee elected him to be the next Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

"I am humbled that my colleagues have placed their trust in me to lead the House Financial Services Committee as their next Chairman. It was a privilege to join my exceptional colleagues, Representatives Andy Barr, Bill Huizenga, and Frank Lucas, in sharing our visions for this committee.

"I look forward to working alongside Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain, and our whole leadership team as we work in tandem with President Trump and Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott to bring common-sense economic policies that will produce a new era of American prosperity shared by all our citizens across our land."

New trails at Sulphur River WMA offer glimpses of birds and beasts

BY Kirsten Bartlow

FOUKE — Sulphur River Wildlife Management Area is known for its remoteness, but the recent addition of an AGFC water trail and birding trails makes the area more accessible for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 18,155-acre area in Miller County is the largest remaining tract of bottomland hardwoods in the Red River Valley of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Access to the WMA is limited, except by boat. For those searching an escape in a serene setting and a touch of adventure, it’s worth the effort.

“Sulphur River is unique because of its continuous bottomlands, remoteness and limited access,” Cameron Tatom, an AGFC biologist, said. “It can test any hunter’s skill and dedication in their pursuit of their chosen game. It is also a great place for a paddling or wildlife-watching day trip. It presents opportunities for an outdoorsman of any skill level to explore the wild.”

Mercer Bayou Water Trail
The newly designated Mercer Bayou Water Trail meanders 14 miles along the old river channel on the west side of the WMA. Water control structures allow the bayou to hold water year-round and paddlers may choose from three access points. Fourteen miles is a long stretch on flat water, so paddlers may choose to park and paddle – put in at any of the access points and paddle out and back.

A half-mile canal offers access to the northern portion of the trail, which traverses open water while the southern end of the trail narrows, meandering through trees. Key turns have trail markers, but otherwise, the trail is not marked. Download a georeferenced map to follow the trail route.

Approximately four miles south of the canal boaters will witness a large, forested sandstone formation, known as the upper mound, rising above the bayou. Be sure to scan its wooded hillsides for migratory songbirds and nesting bald eagles.

Some large alligators lurk in the area’s watery habitat and the WMA is one of a few where a lucky hunter can draw a permit for the public-land alligator hunt each September. Paddlers should keep a safe distance from gators.

Swallow-tailed kites have been confirmed breeding at Sulphur River WMA, outside of their traditional range. Brad Imhoff/Macaulay Library at Cornell University.

Birding Trails
A tremendous variety of songbirds and wetland birds thrive on Sulphur River WMA. Roads closed to vehicular traffic offer prime wildlife-viewing opportunities and three have been designated birding trails.

Canal Birding Trail:
Enjoy a one-mile-out-and-back path along a levee to Mercer Bayou. Be on the lookout for wading birds and waterfowl. Scan the skies for swallow-tailed kites along with a host of other birds of prey.

Henry Moore III Waterfowl Rest Area Birding Trail:
Walk along a one-and-a-half-mile-out-and-back gravel levee road. Two moist-soil units – managed wetlands – provide critical feeding and resting habitat for migrating waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds.

River Road Birding Trail:
Hike along a gated road that traverses northwesterly 6 miles. A variety of warblers, woodpeckers and other songbirds flock to the trail’s bottomland habitat. American and least bittern can be spotted on the road.

Informational Signs on Mercer Bayou Water Trail offer education and direction when navigating this remote area. AGFC photo by Kirsten Bartlow.

Plan Accordingly

Paddlers and birders should plan their visit. Navigate the sprawling WMA with more confidence by downloading free georeferenced maps prior to a visit.

Waterfowl hunting is popular on Sulphur River WMA during fall and winter. Paddlers should wait until after shooting hours (mid-day) to take to the water during waterfowl season. Also, be aware that the Henry Moore III Waterfowl Rest Area Birding Trail is closed November 1 to February 15. This managed wetland provides a safe haven for migrating waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds.

The area’s birding trails are mowed infrequently – be prepared with sturdy shoes and bug spray. Birding opportunities change with the seasons. Check out eBird’s checklist for the area before visiting and target waterfowl, wintering songbirds and raptors in the fall and winter, while spring and summer bring warblers, gallinules, bittern and herons. Be sure to scan the skies April through August for swallow-tailed kites. Documentation of breeding kites in 2020 generated excitement because the WMA is out of the bird’s established range.

Monster Mart in Fouke caters to adventurous souls after a glimpse of the rumored inhabitant of Boggy Creek. Photo courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

“Other” Resident Wildlife?

A trip to Sulphur River WMA is not complete without wandering into Fouke – a town of about 800 people in Miller County – widely known for one of America’s most popular legends – the Fouke Monster.

The town drew press in May of 1971 when a local resident reported he was attacked at his home by a human-like creature. The story took off in 1973 when director Charles B. Pierce – an adopted Arkansan – released “The Legend of Boggy Creek,” a low-budget film shot in a documentary style in and around Fouke.

The Fouke Monster, sometimes called the Boggy Creek Monster, has become the South’s version of Sasquatch. Numerous films, television programs, articles and books have been produced about the beast. Swing by Monster Mart on Highway 71 for a snack, souvenir and some fun local lore.

Visit www.agfc.com/things-to-do/water-trails to learn more about Mercer Bayou Water Trail and other great paddling destinations in The Natural State.

Arkansas 4-H state barbecue winners take third, fifth place at National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After winning top marks in the state 4-H barbecue contest in June, two Arkansas 4-H members have brought home third and fifth place awards in the chicken and turkey barbecue competitions at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, held Nov. 19-22.

The conference was held in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. Arkansas 4-H members from Columbia, Conway, Howard, Pope and Sebastian counties competed in the barbecue contest, the Avian Bowl and Poultry Judging.

ALL ABOUT POULTRY — Arkansas 4-H members, 4-H agents and extension staff traveled to the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky, where the members competed in chicken and turkey barbecue contests, Poultry Judging and the Avian Bowl. (Division of Agriculture photo.) 

Andrew Bolton, extension poultry science instructor for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said the experience of competing at the national level has a significant impact on participants.

“It is a great honor for these youth,” Bolton said. “Competing at this level is a step up in competition, as they’re up against the best of the best from each state, and that is exciting. I think our youth thrive on competition and the drive to say they went up against the best in the nation.”

Sarah Lamb, 18, won third place in the chicken barbecue competition with her dish of four chicken thighs coated in the “Redneck Lipstick” seasoning blend, which includes paprika, light brown sugar and onion and garlic powder. Laney Slate, 18, took home fifth place in the turkey barbecue competition, where she prepared her ground turkey patties with Blues Hog Raspberry Chipotle Barbecue Sauce and a Morton Salt Nature’s Seasons blend.   

Barbecue competitors had two hours to prepare and cook their dishes, starting the moment they lit the grill. In addition to their dishes, Lamb and Slate were also scored on their presentations about chicken and turkey production in the United States, the birds’ nutritional value, safe food handling and grilling procedures.

Slate, a member of the Dayton 4-H Club in Sebastian County, first competed at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference in 2021, where she took home fourth place in chicken barbecue. Slate then switched to turkey barbecue for the 2024 competition, and she said she is proud to close out her Arkansas 4-H career with this fifth-place win.

“I feel extremely blessed, and I’m very grateful to have gone to both competitions,” Slate said. “When I went back in 2021, I thought there was no way it would happen again, so it was nice to finish out my 4-H career on a high note.”

Slate is a freshman at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, where she is studying elementary education and plans to pursue a career as a special education teacher. Though the barbecue competition will likely be her last 4-H event — members can compete until age 19 — she said she is already helping younger 4-H members pursue their grilling passions.

“Another girl from Arkansas 4-H reached out to me at the national competition and said, ‘Hey, do you have any pointers?’” Slate said. “So, we’ve been emailing back and forth, and I’ve sent her a step-by-step list of the process, from setting up the grill to turning in the product. She thinks she’s going to start competing in the next 4-H year.”

Lamb, a member of the Howard County 4-H Club, said she was surprised by her third-place win.

“It was kind of shocking because I thought I wouldn’t get that far,” she said. “But it was pretty cool to learn that I had won.”

Lamb has been a 4-H member since she was five years old, and her 4-H record book — where 4-H members log all projects, contests, activities, events and skill development — has focused on food and nutrition. In the summer of 2025, Lamb will begin her coursework at Brightwater: A Century for the Study of Food, part of Northwest Arkansas Community College. She hopes to open her own bakery eventually.

“4-H has impacted me in a huge way, because I’ve been in so many Food Challenges and food competitions and it made me realize that cooking was more than just my fun hobby,” Lamb said.

Bolton said the Arkansas 4-H barbecue contests, Avian Bowl and Poultry Judging competitions “help build out our youth.”

“They are learning about the poultry industry, which is a major sector of business in our state,” Bolton said. “They are also learning public speaking skills because every contest has some type of speaking component. Also, through this conference, our youth are getting to meet their peers from around the nation and foster those relationships.”

The Arkansas 4-H youth development program is operated by the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach arm of the Division of Agriculture. For more information about Arkansas 4-H, visit 4h.uada.edu.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. 

Attorney General Griffin Honors Arkansas’s Top Law Enforcement Officers of 2024

Griffin: ‘The men and women we’ve recognized today have shown outstanding courage and commitment to their communities in the past year’

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today honored law enforcement officers from across Arkansas at the 2024 Officer of the Year Awards luncheon. At the conclusion of the event, Griffin issued the following statement:

“Each year we honor the service, sacrifice, and dedication of Arkansas’s law enforcement with the Officer of the Year Awards. The men and women we’ve recognized today have shown outstanding courage and commitment to their communities in the past year. As we celebrate the ways they have gone above and beyond to keep Arkansans safe, we honor not just these few, but all law enforcement officers.

“This year’s state Officer of the Year is Chief Deputy John Cutrell of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. During the mass shooting at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce on June 21, 2024, Chief Deputy Cutrell was near the scene when calls began to come in. Chief Deputy Cutrell immediately jumped into action to assist law enforcement, paramedics, and victims. While on scene, he aided a paramedic by driving the ambulance to the hospital while the paramedic was treating a severely injured victim. Chief Deputy Cutrell then helped the paramedic transport the victim to their room so the medical staff could provide further medical treatment. Afterward, Chief Deputy Cutrell immediately returned to the Mad Butcher grocery store and began preserving the crime scene.

“The victim Chief Deputy Cutrell assisted that day is alive because of the chief deputy’s actions. In a situation of chaos and violence, Chief Deputy Cutrell demonstrated strength, compassion, and courage. He was among many heroes in Fordyce that day, and his actions are representative of the best of law enforcement in our state.

“As the top law enforcement officer in the state, I am committed to supporting and working with Arkansas’s law enforcement community to ensure they can continue to protect and serve our citizens at the highest levels of excellence and professionalism.”

Honorees are officers from each of the state’s counties, five regional winners, two recipients of the Dwayne Yarbrough Distinguished Service Award, four valor tributes (officers who died in the line of duty) and one statewide Officer of the Year. This year’s honorees are:

Statewide Officer of the Year: Chief Deputy John Cutrell, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office

Northeast Region: Corporal Marcus Simpson, Arkansas State Police

Southeast Region: Chief Deputy John Cutrell, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office

Southwest Region: Deputy Joshua Butterworth, Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Central Region: Trooper Austin Duncan, Arkansas State Police

Northwest Region: Deputy Tyler Himes, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office

Valor Tributes:
Officer Michael “Cain” Maxheimer, Shannon Hills Police Department
Deputy Justin Smith, Stone County Sheriff’s Office
Officer Tommy Foster, Jr., Conway County Detention Center
Corporal Raymond Kuuchi, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services

Dwayne Yarbrough Distinguished Service Awards:
Corporal Lonnie Stone, Flippin Police Department
Sergeant Justin Wagner, Polk County Sheriff’s Office

County Officers of the Year:
Arkansas County: Deputy Patrick Johnson, Arkansas County Sheriff’s Office

Ashley County: School Resource Officer Robert Black, Crossett Police Department

Baxter County: Agent Bobby Hicks, Arkansas Department of Corrections – Division of Community Correction

Benton County: Corporal Joshua Fritz, Siloam Springs Police Department

Boone County: Deputy Tyler Nichols, Boone County Sheriff’s Office

Bradley County: Trooper First Class TreVaughn Moore, Arkansas State Police

Calhoun County: Chief Deputy John Cutrell, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office

Carroll County: Officer Zachary Gray, Berryville Police Department

Chicot County: Trooper David Menotti, Jr., Arkansas State Police

Clark County: Lieutenant Dean Palmer, Arkansas Police Department

Clay County: Trooper Christian Underwood, Arkansas State Police

Cleburne County: Assistant Area Manager SRT Marcus “Levi” Lovin, Arkansas Department of Corrections – Division of Community Correction

Cleveland County: K-9 Officer Austin Powell and K-9 Annie, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Columbia County: Trooper Justin Cherry, Arkansas State Police

Conway County: Assistant Chief Trent Anderson, Morrilton Police Department

Craighead County: Special Agent Heath Gurley, Arkansas State Police

Crawford County: Deputy Tyler Himes, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office

Crittenden County: Trooper Dairren Evans, Trooper Dylan Evans, Corporal Billy Martin, Arkansas State Police

Cross County: Trooper First Class Kristopher McCrea, Arkansas State Police

Dallas County: Trooper First Class Jimmy Plyler, Jr., Arkansas State Police

Desha County: Deputy Alan Hernandez, Desha County Sheriff’s Office

Drew County: Sergeant Chris Austin and K-9 Aiko, Drew County Sheriff’s Office

Faulkner County: Officer Darnell Flowers, Arkansas Department of Corrections – Division of Community Correction

Franklin County: Trooper Dalton Lewis, Arkansas State Police

Fulton County: Sergeant Justin Nowlin, Arkansas State Police

Garland County: Trooper Justin Parker, Arkansas State Police

Grant County: School Resource Officer Saundra McCool, Sheridan Police Department

Greene County: Corporal Stephen Pace, Paragould Police Department

Hempstead County: Trooper First Class Trevor Dew, Arkansas State Police

Hot Spring County: Corporal Anna Eubanks, Malvern Police Department

Howard County: Investigator Tim Bowlin, Dierks Police Department

Independence County: Deputy Sherman Rucker, Sergeant Zachary Spohr, Independence County Sheriff’s Office

Izard County: Lieutenant Robert Cross, Arkansas Department of Corrections – Division of Correction

Jackson County: Corporal Marcus Simpson, Arkansas State Police

Jefferson County: Trooper James Harrell, Arkansas State Police

Johnson County: Corporal James Harmon, Lamar Police Department

Lafayette County: Assistant Chief Daniel Simmons, Lewisville Police Department

Lawrence County: Deputy Jason Fraser, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office

Lee County: Special Agent James Collins, Arkansas State Police

Lincoln County: Investigator Larry Gailey, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

Little River County: Trooper First Class Ian Nelson, Arkansas State Police

Logan County: Corporal Jed Bolyard, Arkansas State Police

Lonoke County: Trooper Ana Escamilla, Arkansas State Police

Madison County: Game Warden Caleb McClanahan, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Marion County: Deputy Brett Castle, Lieutenant Silas Gibson, Sergeant Mark Lee, Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Miller County: Sergeant Kyle Caudle, Sergeant Matt Warner, Texarkana Police Department

Mississippi County: Sergeant Jared Camp, Manila Police Department

Monroe County: Trooper Gavin Taylor, Arkansas State Police

Montgomery County: Sergeant Emily McCaghren, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

Nevada County: Sergeant Jeremy Hendrix, Nevada County Sheriff’s Office

Newton County: Chief Deputy Mike Blocker, Newton County Sheriff’s Office

Ouachita County: Chief Nathan Greeley, Bearden Police Department

Perry County: Investigator Todd Bonds, Perryville Police Department

Phillips County: Trooper Dairren Evans, Arkansas State Police

Pike County: Sergeant Shaun Furr, Pike County Sheriff’s Office

Poinsett County: Lieutenant Jay-Ryan Woods, Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office

Polk County: Deputy Josh Butterworth, Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Pope County: Corporal Kevin Hobby, Russellville Police Department

Prairie County: Trooper Rand Lace, Arkansas State Police

Pulaski County: Special Agent Travis May, Arkansas State Police

Randolph County: School Resource Officer Felipe Baiza, Maynard School District

St. Francis County: Trooper Blake Irvin, Arkansas State Police

Saline County: Trooper First Class Austin Duncan, Arkansas State Police

Scott County: Trooper Justin Shackleford, Arkansas State Police

Sebastian County: Trooper Tucker Phelps, Arkansas State Police

Sevier County: Patrolman Rene Ramirez, De Queen Police Department

Sharp County: Senior Corporal Roger Tate, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Stone County: Special Agent Drew Widner, Arkansas State Police

Van Buren County: Special Agent Kevin Brown, Arkansas State Police

Washington County: Special Agent Heath Gurley, Arkansas State Police

White County: Corporal John Long, White County Sheriff’s Office

Woodruff County: Constable Johnnie J. Hodge, McCrory Township

Yell County: Officer Jesse Keeling, Officer Anthony Ochoa, Danville Police Department

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About Attorney General Tim Griffin

Tim Griffin was sworn in as the 57th Attorney General of Arkansas on January 10, 2023, having previously served as the state’s 20th Lieutenant Governor from 2015-2023. From 2011-2015, Griffin served as the 24th representative of Arkansas’s Second Congressional District, where he served on the House Committee on Ways and Means, House Armed Services Committee, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, House Committee on Ethics and House Committee on the Judiciary while also serving as a Deputy Whip for the Majority.

Griffin has served as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps for more than 28 years and currently holds the rank of colonel. In 2005, Griffin was mobilized to active duty as an Army prosecutor at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and served with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in Mosul, Iraq.

He is currently serving as the Commander of the 2d Legal Operations Detachment in New Orleans, Louisiana. His previous assignments include serving as the Commander of the 134th Legal Operations Detachment at Fort Liberty (née Bragg), North Carolina, and as a Senior Legislative Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness at the Pentagon. Griffin earned a master’s degree in strategic studies as a Distinguished Honor Graduate from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

Griffin also served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Political Affairs for President George W. Bush; Special Assistant to Assistant Attorney General Michael Chertoff, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice; Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Arkansas; Senior Investigative Counsel, Government Reform and Oversight Committee, U.S. House of Representatives; and Associate Independent Counsel, Office of Independent Counsel David M. Barrett, In re: HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros.

Griffin is a graduate of Magnolia High School, Hendrix College in Conway, and Tulane Law School in New Orleans. He attended graduate school at Oxford University. He is admitted to practice law in Arkansas (active) and Louisiana (inactive). Griffin lives in Little Rock with his wife, Elizabeth, a Camden native, and their three children.

Residents voice opposition to planned Charleston prison

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

Most people in the Franklin County city of Charleston learned a prison was coming to town the same way: they heard it on the radio.

In an interview with KDYN radio host Marc Dietz, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she's fed up with the current state of prisons. There are too many inmates, and not enough space to hold them. Arkansas needs a new prison, and to hear the governor tell it, the land in Charleston is the best the state could ask for.

“So instead of letting people free, we can put them in this facility and make sure our state and our communities are infinitely safer,” she said.

This prison will have 3,000 beds in a town with less than 3,000 people.

Residents voice opposition to planned Charleston prison

Josie Lenora/Little Rock Public Radio

A gate sits at the entrance to the 815-acre site in Charleston where Arkansas officials are planning to build a new, 3,000-bed prison.

2023 consumer expenditures outpace income growth in Arkansas

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas’ real personal consumption expenditures (PCE) rose 5.3% in 2023, outpacing real personal income growth of 1.5% in 2023, according to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).

Arkansas’ real personal income was $169.738 billion in 2023, up 1.5% compared with 2023, and below the U.S. growth of 2.1%. Following are 2023 real personal income figures and percent changes among Arkansas’ metro areas.
• Northwest Arkansas: $48.089 billion, up 2.9%
• Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway: $42.409 billion, up 2.7%
• Fort Smith: $11.48 billion, up 0.9%
• Texarkana: $6.811 billion, up 1%
• Jonesboro: $6.507 billion, up 2%
• Hot Springs: $5.078 billion, up 2.2%
• Pine Bluff: $3.662 billion, down 2.4%

2023 consumer expenditures outpace income growth in Arkansas

Weekly update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

The Arkansas House Committee for Aging, Children and Youth, and Legislative and Military Affairs met this week and reviewed the annual report from the Department of Human Services' Division of Children and Family Services. The report provided significant insights into the state's foster care system during State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2024.

At the conclusion of SFY 2024, Arkansas had 3,553 children in foster care, representing a notable decrease of 12 percent from the previous fiscal year's count of 4,023. This decline indicates progress in addressing the needs of children in the state's care.

One key highlight from the report was the observation that more children exited foster care during SFY 2024 than entered the system, demonstrating positive strides in achieving permanency for these vulnerable children. Neglect and substance abuse emerged as the predominant reasons for children entering foster care throughout the year.

Of the children who left foster care in SFY 2024, 42 percent were reunified with their families, 30 percent were adopted, and 9 percent were discharged to relative custody. Notably, a significant 92 percent of children exiting care in Arkansas achieved permanency through avenues such as returning home, placement with relatives, adoption, or other permanent arrangements.

The division’s goal is to have at least one foster home bed available for each child in foster care. The ratio of licensed foster home beds to children in foster care was 0.75 at the end of the year, identical to the previous year.

Foster parents help support families during a difficult time. They work as a team with the child’s case worker to ensure the well-being of the child in their care. A foster parent’s impact reaches far as they provide a positive influence across the community. If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, we’ve posted a link on our website with information about the process. Visit arkansashouse.org.

Extension agents, staff honored for excellence

By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Faculty and staff at the Cooperative Extension Service celebrated a successful year of serving Arkansas families and communities— from starting Crittenden County’s first farmers market to creating professional development opportunities to teach college students about agriculture in Arkansas.

The extension service, the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, recognized employees for their excellence and innovation on Dec. 2 during its annual employee conference at the state office in Little Rock.

WINNER — Cooperative Extension Service Director John D. Anderson (right) congratulates Brad McGinley on being named 2024 Employee of the Year (Division of Agriculture photo).

John D. Anderson, extension director, commended this year’s winners for their excellence and innovation and commitment to the Division of Agriculture’s mission of strengthening agriculture, communities and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices.

This year’s winners, who were nominated and selected by their peers, include:

Employee of the Year – Brad McGinley
Grant County Extension Staff Chair Brad McGinley was named Extension Employee of the Year. In his 20-year career, McGinley has worked as an agriculture agent in six counties, including Grant County for the past decade.

“Brad has spent years building programs in agriculture and 4-H and has done a lot of innovative work,” Anderson said. As an example, Anderson cited the Grant County 4-H Steak-Out event that raised $40,000 to help Grant County 4-H members attend camps, activities and events. “It’s a model for how to generate support for 4-H,” Anderson said. 

Earlier this year, McGinley stepped in as coordinator of the SeaPerch program. This year’s contest was the largest with 66 teams from across the state. McGinley took four Arkansas 4-H teams to the international competition where they competed against 174 teams. One of the Grant County teams placed second.

“I’m extremely humbled to receive this award for doing a job every day that I love,” McGinley said.

 State Team Award — Arkansas Future Ag Leaders Tour
The Arkansas Future Ag Leaders Tour is a five-day professional development opportunity for undergraduate juniors and seniors pursuing agriculture or ag-related majors. The students travel around the state to learn about careers in Arkansas’ No. 1 industry. They also network with potential employers and learn about issues and policies impacting Arkansas farmers and the agriculture industry.

The program started in 2019. The team includes Rachel Bearden, Hot Spring County extension agent; Jesse Bocksnick, 4-H and youth development; Leigh Ann Bullington, Family and Consumer Sciences educator; Mike Daniels and Lee Riley, both with Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences; and Julie Robinson, Lisa Davis and Keith Harris, all with extension’s Community, Professional and Economic Development unit.

Innovation Team Award — Crittenden County Farmers Market
Before this past summer, Crittenden County residents had to drive to Memphis, Tennessee, to get to the closest farmers market because the county lacked one of its own. Crittenden County extension agent Morgan Chrestman and Mishanna Lanes, a health program associate, established the Crittenden County Farmer’s Market to meet that need. The market operated for four months in 2024 and gave residents access to healthy foods. Their work was part of the Arkansas High Obesity Program, which works to lessen obesity in 11 rural counties, including Crittenden.

Early Career Award for State Extension Faculty— James Mitchell
James Mitchell, assistant professor for agricultural economics and agribusiness joined extension during the COVID-19 pandemic and developed critical programs when the beef supply chain was experiencing significant economic disruptions. His integrated extension and research program “Marketing, Risk Management and Policy Strategies for Southeastern Agricultural Producers” has delivered significant outcomes to stakeholders.

“One of Dr. Mitchell’s most impactful contributions has been his work on feed cattle market policy, which has directly influenced policy positions at both the state and national levels,” Anderson said.

Early Career Award for Program Technician/Associate — Brandon L. Mathews
In his role as program associate for economic development, Brandon Mathews serves as the program manager for the Division of Agriculture’s University Center for Rural Resilience and Workforce Development. Mathews leads the day-to-day operations and coordinates training and technical assistance, collaborates with research partners, and tells the story of Arkansas’ eight economic development districts.  Mathews also has consulted entrepreneurs and small businesses in Central Arkansas through the Arkansas Community Navigator Program. Last year, he helped establish an emergency assistance center for small businesses in Cross County that were affected by the spring tornados in Wynne. This year, he co-leads the Capacity Building through Grant Writing Training program.

 Early Career Award for Project / Program Administrator — Rebekah Hall
Rebekah Hall, a content writer in the communications department, works with faculty and staff throughout Extension to produce stories that show the impact of extension outreach through agriculture, 4-H, Family & Consumer Sciences, and Community, Professional and Economic Development programs.

 Early Career Award for State Support Staff— Khaliah Coleman
Khaliah Coleman has worked for Extension since 2022 – first in the horticulture department, then in the development office, and currently as executive assistant for 4-H and Youth Development. In all three areas, she helped streamline administrative processes to improve efficiency.

 Scholarship Recipients
Four extension employees received scholarships to further their education and professional skills. Kristin Higgins, program associate in the Public Policy Center, and Rebecca Simon, Family and Consumer Sciences instructor, received the Lynn R. Russell Endowed Award of Professional Excellence.

The Mildred and Liz Childs Professional Development Fund Scholarship was awarded to two individuals working in Family and Consumer Sciences: White County agent Katie Collum and Heather Wingo, health program associate.

 Service Milestones
Extension also recognized employees for length of service. Martha Thorpe, an administrative assistant in Communications, was honored for 50 years of service.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uark.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.

ICYMI: Rep. Westerman Featured on "Why America is struggling with EVs" Documentary

WASHINGTON - Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04) was recently featured in the MotorTrend documentary, "Why America is Struggling with EVs" to discuss unnecessary government subsidies and mandates regarding EVs which ultimately harm, not help Americans. 

Watch the full documentary at the link HERE.

Topline quotes:

“When the internal combustion engine came along, you didn’t need a government subsidy to build gas stations. The market demanded filling stations along the roadways and people built them – they’re still building them today. Why does it take a government subsidy to build a charging station? It’s because they’re trying to force something in the market where government has no place forcing it in the market. Pushing EVs through government subsidies and regulations, I think, is bad policy.”

"[EVs are] being billed as the solution to a climate issue and they’re not [the solution]. 13.49% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the United States. 29% of that comes from Transportation. Then you look at all of Transportation which includes planes, trains, and automobiles. Only 57% of the emissions come from light duty trucks and passenger vehicles. So now you’re down at 2.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from U.S. light duty trucks and passenger vehicles. If we were totally serious about reducing carbon emissions, there would be a much greater focus on nuclear power."

"We’re doubling down on wind and solar and we’re doubling down on EVs when there’s a lot bigger piece of the pie that could be captured by building nuclear power plants and either keeping the hydro that we have or expanding the hydro that we have.”

"[China] doesn’t have a free market system, but they use their government-controlled system to unfairly compete in our free market system."

Boozman Earns Salvation Army’s “Fight for Good” Award

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) was recognized with the “Fight for Good” award by the Salvation Army for his advocacy of policy priorities that support vulnerable populations during the 118th Congress.

The Salvation Army presented its “Fight for Good” award to lawmakers who demonstrate exceptional leadership and champion policies in support of its mission to alleviate poverty and prevent homelessness throughout the United States.

“I greatly appreciate the tireless work of the Salvation Army and its members to better the lives of Arkansans and Americans. It is an honor to receive this recognition from such a storied and admirable organization whose values we all share. I look forward to continuing my efforts to support those in need,” Boozman said.

Approximately 2,700 Arkansans experienced homelessness in 2019, marking a 33 percent decline since 2007.

The Salvation Army provides food, shelter, eviction prevention assistance, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation, after-school and summer youth programs, spiritual enrichment and more at over 6,400 centers of operation around the country.

Salvation Army National Commander Kenneth Hodder, Commissioner Jolene Hodder, National Advisory Board Chairman Marc Belton, and Special Representative to Capitol Hill Captain Trey Jones present Sen. John Boozman with the Fight for Good award.

Education company receiving $144 million didn’t violate Arkansas procurement law, audit finds

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

An Indiana education company broke no Arkansas procurement laws during its seven-year contract with the state, according to an audit lawmakers requested in February.

Legislators requested the audit of contracts with Solution Tree after learning the company was collecting money from school districts, education service cooperatives and higher education institutions in addition to its multimillion dollar contract with the state. Arkansas Legislative Audit, a nonpartisan entity that reviews government spending for compliance with the law, presented the report to the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee Friday.

Lawmakers have also criticized the company’s effectiveness in improving student test scores.

Education company receiving $144 million didn’t violate Arkansas procurement law, audit finds

Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate

Sen. Linda Chesterfield, D-Little Rock, speaks during a committee meeting at the Arkansas Capitol in Little Rock on Oct. 28, 2024.

2023 GDP in Arkansas’ 10 largest counties was almost 67% of state total

Of the top 10 largest Arkansas counties by GDP, only Washington County posted a GDP (gross domestic product) decline – down 0.6% – between 2022 and 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).

The BEA county and metro area GDP numbers were posted Wednesday (Dec. 4), and are the most recent metro and county GDP numbers available.

Arkansas’ GDP ended 2023 at $142.86 billion, up 2.4% compared with $139.56 billion in 2022. Of Arkansas’s top 10 counties by GDP, only Craighead and Washington counties had percentage changes below that of the state. Following are the top 10 counties by GDP, with percentage increase from 2022.
• Pulaski: $31.61 billion, up 3.2%
• Benton: $19.712 billion, up 3.1%
• Washington: $13.24 billion, down 0.6%
• Sebastian: $7.271 billion, up 3%
• Craighead: $5.482 billion, up 1.1%
• Faulkner: $4.414 billion, up 4.4%
• Mississippi: $3.823 billion, up 8.6%
• Garland: $3.654 billion, up 2.7%
• Pope: $3.165 billion, up 7.6%
• Saline: $3.072 billion, up 5.3%

2023 GDP in Arkansas’ 10 largest counties was almost 67% of state total

Kyle Williamson Selected for 2025 CALL Program

The Sevier County Extension Office would like to announce that Kyle Williamson of De Queen has been selected for the 2025 Careers for Arkansas Livestock Leaders (CALL) Program.

The CALL Program is a career-focused leadership experience designed for youth passionate about livestock species. Youth will connect with industry leaders, learn about career opportunities in the livestock industries, and develop friendships that will last a lifetime. Only 20 youth have been selected for the 2025 Livestock Leader Class. The Livestock Leaders will serve as ambassadors for 4-H Livestock programs while gaining valuable leadership and networking skills. Those selected will undergo training, attend the CALL Tour, and work with fellow 4-Hers to lead educational workshops and 4-H promotion efforts. The 2025 CALL Tour will be a 5-day trip touring livestock operations and businesses throughout Texas.

Kyle Williamson is the son of Ronnie and Tiffany Williamson of De Queen. He was named a 2022 Arkansas Teen Star and currently serves as a 4-H Arkansas State Ambassador. When asked about this opportunity Kyle stated, “It's an honor and a privilege to be accepted. This opportunity will allow me to deepen my knowledge of the livestock industry, connect with leaders in the field, and grow as a leader myself. I look forward to bringing back what I learn to benefit my community and peers.”