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.
Butterball closing Jonesboro plant, 180 workers affected
by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)
Butterball will shutter its Jonesboro turkey processing facility next year impacting about 180 workers. The tentative plan is to close the plant by Feb. 3, 2025, according to a release from the company.
A reason for the closure was not released. Production at the Jonesboro plant, which produced cooked, ready-to-eat deli breasts, will be moved to other Butterball facilities.
Workers at the plant were informed during a meeting Wednesday (Dec. 4). Those who stay will be paid in compliance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notifications Act. It wasn’t immediately known if some of the displaced workers will be moved to other facilities within the company’s system.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are starting to think about our shopping lists and where we want to spend our hard-earned money. Now is the perfect time to consider supporting small businesses in Arkansas.
First and foremost, shopping at small businesses is a direct way to support your local community. With over 280,000 small businesses across the state, they represent 99.3% of all Arkansas businesses. By choosing to shop locally, you’re not just supporting the owners and employees of these establishments; you’re contributing to the economic health of your neighborhood. Small businesses are often the backbone of communities, providing jobs and a unique sense of identity. In fact, 47.5% of all Arkansas employees work for small businesses, underscoring their importance in our local economy.
Many small retailers curate products made locally or sourced from independent artisans, allowing you to give truly one-of-a-kind gifts to your loved ones. By supporting these businesses, you are investing in the creativity and talent of artists and craftsmen within your community.
Moreover, when you spend your dollars at small businesses, you ensure that a significant portion stays within the local economy. Research indicates that 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business remains in the community, creating a ripple effect that helps to create jobs and contribute to the overall economic well-being of your area. This reinvestment is crucial, especially during the holiday season when many businesses are counting on the influx of seasonal shoppers to sustain them through the year.
Additionally, small businesses play a critical role in job creation, accounting for two-thirds of net new jobs in our country. They drive innovation and competition, which ultimately benefits consumers by providing more choices and better services.
This holiday season, let’s celebrate local businesses and the vital role they play in making Arkansas a vibrant place to live and work.
Severe Weather Outlook for Arkansas from the National Weather Service in Little Rock
A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across western Arkansas Wednesday evening and Wednesday night.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible today across the region into this evening. Late tonight, strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible mainly northwest of the region. Look for strong south winds today outside thunderstorms with wind gusts upwards of 30 mph possible. There will continue to be an elevated fire threat due to very dry conditions with those conditions continuing until rainfall materializes later today into Thursday.
A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across eastern and southern Arkansas Thursday.
In SW AR, rain chances will continue through the end of the work week, into the upcoming weekend and into early next week as well. At this time, strong to severe thunderstorms do not appear likely through early next week. Temperatures will remain mostly above normal through the extended period as well.
The forecast for Halloween evening calls for rain chances across the southeast with dry conditions elsewhere. Temperatures will largely be in the 50s and 60s.
UAMS Establishes Proteomics Center of Excellence in Little Rock with Thermo Fisher Scientific
By Marty Trieschmann
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) announced the launch of the Thermo Fisher Scientific Center of Excellence for Proteomics at UAMS — the first and only academic-industry partnership of its kind in the United States.
The world leader in serving science, Thermo Fisher Scientific, entered into a formal agreement with the IDeA National Resource for Quantitative Proteomics, which was founded in 2020 with a $11 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as the only NIH-funded proteomics service provider in the United States, providing the most cost-effective access to proteomics for any researcher in the U.S. performing biomedical research.
Proteomics allows researchers and clinicians to rapidly identify novel disease biomarkers, new drug targets and unique mechanisms driving human diseases. IDeA National Resource for Quantitative Proteomics is equipped with multiple Thermo Fisher advanced Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap™ mass spectrometers, including the most recent installed state-of-the-art mass spectrometry technology, Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap™ Astral™ mass spectrometer, to provide premium quantitative proteomics services to researchers.
UAMS Establishes Proteomics Center of Excellence in Little Rock with Thermo Fisher Scientific
Wildfire threats loom across state as drought conditions worsen
by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)
Nearly three-quarters of the state of Arkansas is under some type of drought designation, and wildfires are becoming an increasing danger as dry weather continues to loom across the Natural State.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, drought conditions exist throughout most of the state except for the extreme northeast corner. Most of the state is in stage 1 (moderate) or stage 2 (severe) drought. A pocket of counties in Northwest Arkansas is under the extreme designation, while parts of the Arkansas Delta are under the abnormally dry designation.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture noted that burn bans have been issued for 51 counties. The increased threat is primarily due to strong winds from a cold front combined with low humidity and dry conditions. To help residents understand the wildfire threat, the Department maintains a county-by-county wildfire danger map.
Wildfire threats loom across state as drought conditions worsen
October is Farm to School Month in Arkansas - State Representative DeAnn Vaught
As we enter the month of October, Arkansas gears up to celebrate Arkansas Farm to School Month – a time dedicated to connecting schools, early childhood education sites, and various organizations with local farms to provide children with access to fresh, healthy food.
This initiative is part of a nationwide effort to foster a deeper connection between communities and local food producers, enriching the lives of students and families alike. By changing food purchasing and education practices within schools and alternative learning environments, Arkansas Farm to School Month aims to empower children to make informed food choices while contributing to the local economy and creating vibrant communities.
One of the key components of Farm to School is the implementation of school gardens, which serve as invaluable educational tools. These gardens not only provide students with the opportunity to consume healthy foods but also enable them to engage in hands-on learning through gardening and farming. Studies have shown that when children are involved in growing their own food, they are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables and are more willing to try new varieties.
Currently, Arkansas boasts an impressive 350 school gardens across the state, each varying in type and design, including greenhouses, raised beds, and containers inside classrooms. These gardens not only promote healthy eating habits but also foster a deeper connection to nature and provide valuable lessons in nutrition.
The Arkansas General Assembly passed The Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Act in 2017 and amended the act in 2019. The act requires institutions to set a goal of spending at least 20% of their purchase of food products on local food. It also requires institutions to complete a reporting form, created by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, on their local food procurement budget on a yearly basis.
In the most recent reporting cycle, 284 institutions serving children aged 18 and younger reported spending over $194 million on food, with nearly 20% of their food budget allocated to local foods.
As we celebrate Arkansas Farm to School Month, let us recognize the importance of promoting healthy eating habits, supporting local farmers, and providing educational opportunities for our youth. By fostering a connection between students, communities, and local food producers, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The deadline to register to vote for the November General Election is fast approaching. If you are not already registered, you have until Monday, October 7 to turn in your registration form. The General Election and Nonpartisan Runoff Election will be held on November 5.
Early voting begins on October 21. Polls for early voting will be open between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Saturday. Early voting ends at 5:00 pm on the Monday prior to the election.
Voting is a cornerstone of democracy, a fundamental right that empowers citizens to influence the direction of their government and society. It gives Arkansans a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their daily lives. When Arkansans participate in elections, they express their opinions on critical issues, ensuring that their values and priorities are represented.
Submitting your voter application at a state agency, in a voter registration drive, or through the U.S. Postal Service does NOT guarantee your registration. You should follow up on the status of your registration just as you would on any other personal business matter. Before considering yourself a registered voter, you must receive an acknowledgment of your registration from the county clerk. Feel free to call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. You may also check your voter registration status online by visiting www.voterview.org.
Voter registration applications may be found at sos.arkansas.gov. If you are registering to vote by mail you must provide either your driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number on your Arkansas Voter Registration Application, or check the box in #9 on the application to indicate that you do not possess either a driver’s license or Social Security number.
We encourage you to verify your registration and make plans now to cast your ballot.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
As we welcome September, it’s a time to recognize the vital role that rice plays in Arkansas and to celebrate National Rice Month. Our state stands proud as the number one producer of rice in the United States, contributing significantly to both our economy and our communities.
Every year, Arkansas harvests an impressive 200 million bushels of rice, supporting nearly 25,000 jobs across the state. This remarkable industry not only boosts our economy, contributing over $6 billion annually but also enriches our agricultural heritage. It’s worth noting that 96% of the 2,300 rice farms in Arkansas are family-owned and operated, embodying the spirit of hard work and dedication that defines our communities.
In addition to its economic impact, the rice industry is committed to sustainability. Over the past 30 years, our rice farmers have made tremendous strides in reducing environmental impact by cutting water use by 52%, greenhouse gas emissions by 40%, and the land required to grow rice by 39%. These efforts demonstrate our farmers' commitment to not only producing high-quality rice but also protecting our natural resources for future generations.
Moreover, the rice industry plays a crucial role in fighting food insecurity within our state. Each year, Arkansas rice farmers generously donate over 200,000 pounds of rice to help those in need. This act of kindness highlights the community spirit that binds us together as Arkansans.
Rice is grown in over 40 counties throughout our state, showcasing the agricultural diversity and richness of Arkansas. As we celebrate National Rice Month, let us take the time to appreciate the hard work of our rice farmers and the impact they have on our economy, environment, and community well-being.
Consuming Arkansas-grown rice helps support our neighbors. You can help celebrate rice month by purchasing Arkansas-grown rice at your local supermarket.
Weekly update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Our neighborhoods are more than just places where we live. They are the very essence of our communities, reflecting our values, aspirations, and pride.
Arkansas is the Natural State. We pride ourselves on the beauty of our lakes, rivers, woods, and trails. We should also take that same pride in our sidewalks, parking lots, and city streets. That’s why we are encouraging Arkansans to sign up for the Great Arkansas Cleanup.
This year, the Great Arkansas Cleanup will take place from September 7 to October 31.
In 2023, the hard work and dedication of Arkansans paid off, with nearly 150,000 hours spent participating in cleanup activities. Volunteers removed a staggering 514 tons of bulky waste from 2,132 miles of roadways and 772,051 acres of parks and public areas in all 75 counties.
Not only did volunteers clean up alongside waterways and shorelines, but they also collected 6,227 tires, 2,418 tons of recyclables and planted over 1,878 trees, shrubs, and flowers. Additionally, 182 litter grabber kits were distributed to individuals who wanted to clean their communities but were unable to join larger cleanups.
The impact of the Great Arkansas Cleanup goes far beyond just picking up litter. In 2023, the total economic value returned back to communities in Arkansas was nearly $5.4 million. This shows that investing in keeping our state clean pays off in more ways than one. Additionally, there were nearly 23,000 volunteers, representing a 63% increase over the last 5 years. This demonstrates the growing commitment of Arkansans and the power of community coming together to keep Arkansas beautiful.
By taking part in this statewide community improvement campaign, you can make a difference in your community and help keep Arkansas beautiful for generations to come. Find information on how to organize a cleanup event in your community and register your event to receive free bags, gloves, and t-shirts (while supplies last) at keeparkansasbeautiful.com.
Together, we can continue to make our state a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant place to live. Let's work together to make Arkansas even more beautiful!
Unique chicken line advances research on autoimmune disease that affects humans
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A unique chicken breed is helping researchers better understand vitiligo, an autoimmune disease that affects 1-2 percent of the world’s population.
VITILIGO RESEARCH — Gisela Erf, professor of immunology, holds a Smyth line rooster whose white feathers are the result of vitiligo. The Smyth line, and its parental Brown line, are used to study the autoimmune disease that affects humans. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Paden Johnson)
In vitiligo (pronounced vit-ih-LIE-go) the immune system attacks cells called melanocytes, causing skin pigment to disappear.
The effects are more than skin deep.
“Autoimmune diseases are multifactorial and non-communicable, and one is often associated with other autoimmune disorders. They call it the kaleidoscope of autoimmunity,” Gisela Erf, professor of immunology with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, said. “Vitiligo in humans, is strongly associated with autoimmune thyroiditis where the thyroid gland becomes attacked by the immune system, and that’s in our vitiligo birds, too.”
Why chickens?
Erf studies the disease using a rare vitiligo-prone chicken breed called the Smyth line, the only animal model for vitiligo that shares all the characteristics of the human condition. These include the spontaneous loss of melanocytes, interactions between genetic, environmental, and immunological factors that drive disease expression, and associations with other autoimmune diseases.
Research with the Smyth line helps scientists observe immune responses that are relatable to humans. Erf recently published a study in Frontiers in Immunology titled “Spontaneous immunological activities in the target tissue of vitiligo-prone Smyth and vitiligo-susceptible Brown lines of chicken,” which was co-authored by Erf’s former graduate students, Daniel M. Falcon and Kristen A. Byrne, and program associate Marites A. Sales.
The study identified the immune mechanisms behind the onset of vitiligo, which could one day inform the development of effective preventative and therapeutic measures for humans.
Erf conducts research through the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station as a faculty member of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. She holds the Tyson Endowed Professorship in Avian Immunology and teaches classes through the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas. The experiment station is the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Finding answers in feathers
Erf’s study compared the immune responses in the Smyth line to its parental Brown line, which is susceptible to vitiligo but much less likely to develop the disease. A unique feature of this animal model is that the melanocyte-containing target tissue — the “pulp” of small growing feathers — is easily accessible. Scientists can sample it many times before and during the onset and progression of the disease without harming the bird, Erf said.
In fact, based on studying the autoimmune response in the feather pulp, Erf developed this tissue as a skin test-site — a “living test-tube,” she calls it — and a minimally invasive procedure to study immune responses to injected vaccines and other antigens. She has since patented this method.
“The method came out of these vitiligo studies, and it has been an incredibly successful technique, in my opinion, to study these very complex inflammatory responses where the cells get recruited from the blood to the site of infection or injection,” Erf said.
Examining growing feathers from the Brown line also revealed immune cells entering the pulp, but these cells exhibited anti-inflammatory immune activities, which may be responsible for preventing vitiligo development in these chickens, Erf explained.
The researchers also detected positive correlations that indicate an immune response with regulatory T cells, which stop vitiligo development and killing of the melanocytes.
In the Smyth line, approximately one month before vitiligo becomes visible, an increase in the expression of specific immune regulatory genes was observed. The study states that this early immune activity might play a role in triggering the disease. Overall, their findings align with observations in human studies, with the added benefit of new insights into events before the onset of the disease, Erf added.
This latest study suggests the different responses in Smyth and Brown line chickens could lead to new ways of understanding how the immune system decides between attacking or tolerating melanocytes, Erf said. And that could lead to significant advancements in treatment of autoimmune diseases like vitiligo.
The Smyth chicken was first identified by J. Robert Smyth in 1977 at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Erf, who knew Smyth, has worked with the Smyth line since 1989 and maintains the only known research breeding flock in the world.
To learn more about the Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website. Follow us on X at @ArkAgResearch, subscribe to the Food, Farms and Forests podcast and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.
Weekly update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
This week, the House and Senate Education Committee convened to continue important work on the Educational Adequacy Study, a crucial study aimed at ensuring that every student in Arkansas has access to a high-quality education. One area of focus has been teacher recruitment and retention—an essential component in providing a stable and effective learning environment for our students.
Historically, Arkansas has taken significant steps in educational funding following landmark legal cases such as the 2002 Lake View case. At the heart of our funding strategy is the foundation funding model established in 2003, which outlines the essential resources needed for an adequate education. This funding matrix, while largely unchanged in its composition, has seen adjustments in funding amounts over the years. For 2023, the per-pupil foundation funding stood at $7,413, reflecting our ongoing commitment to supporting our schools.
In recent years, we have seen positive trends in teacher qualifications and experience. The percentage of teachers holding bachelor's, master's, and advanced degrees has risen, along with an increase in fully certified teachers. From 2021 to 2023, the average years of teacher experience grew from 10.5 to 11.8 years, showcasing a more experienced workforce in our classrooms. Currently, 92% of teachers have at least one year of experience, and 3% are nationally board-certified, indicating a dedicated and skilled teaching staff.
While our average teacher retention rate stands at 74%, we will always strive for improvement.
Under the LEARNS Act, we raised starting teacher salaries to $50,000/year. It is clear that investing in our teachers is paramount. We must continue to explore ways to ensure they feel valued and supported in their vital roles.
The final Educational Adequacy Report must be completed by November 1. You can find copies of the presentations at the committee meetings at arkansashouse.org.
World Champion Squirrel Cook Off coming Sept. 7
SQUIRREL GIRLS
The World Champion Squirrel Cook Off will be held Sept. 7 at the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center.
SPRINGDALE — Break out the shotgun and gather some ingredients now for the nuttiest cooking competition Arkansas has to offer. The World Champion Squirrel Cook Off will take over the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale beginning at 9 a.m. Sept. 7.
The family-friendly free event returned last fall after a three-year hiatus. After COVID cancellations and some logistical issues, the granddaddy of limb chicken cuisine settled into its new home at the nature center as easily as falling off a log.
Joe Wilson, event planner, cooking contest veteran and connoisseur of all things squirrely, has been busy since before the last dish was served last year to make this year’s event even more memorable.
“We’re always up to try something new and keep things fresh,” Wilson said. “We’re not sure exactly how everything will turn out, but we know it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Up to 40 three-person cooking teams will fire up grills, smokers and other cooking implements beginning at 9 a.m. and will present their dishes to a panel of judges beginning at noon. According to Wilson, there’s still time to gather up a few buddies and harvest some tree-range protein to join in the cooking fun. Complete rules and instructions to nab one of the few remaining cooking team spots are available at www.facebook.com/squirrelcookoff.
Side dishes served alongside the competition this year will include the return of the World Champion Squirrel Skinning Contest as well as the World’s Hottest Squirrel Eating Competition, and Wilson has upped the ante with a special squirrel-calling contest where competitors will bark, chatter and squawk their way to victory if they can convince a panel of expert judges that their bushytail lingo is up to snuff.
The AGFC will again host the World Squirrel Shootoff in the Marksmanship Center, where people can test their airgunning ability and get some helpful aiming tips heading into the meat of squirrel season, and there will be tons of squirrely activities in the Nature Center classroom to entertain and educate anyone who wants to learn more about The Natural State’s native nutcrackers.
Everyone loves a side dish, but let’s not forget the main course, the fantastic food. It is a cooking competition, after all. In addition to samples handed out by competing teams, Wilson’s got a smorgasbord of free fancy eats lined up you can’t buy in any store.
“We’re going to have a giant fish fry, sponsored by ACC Crappie Stix,” Wilson said. ‘Crappie and catfish will be served with a smile while the supply lasts. We’ll also have tons of other free wild food to give you a sample of something your taste buds haven’t tackled before. Last year’s carp tacos were a huge hit, and folks just kept coming back for all the rabbit fricassee their stomachs could handle.”
That’s just a brief sampling of the fun in store for folks who make the trek to Northwest Arkansas to enjoy the event firsthand. There’s even talk of a special cookbook being sold that’s full of past winning recipes and other sources of a squirrel-centric nature. Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the local 4-H club, which is volunteering to help wrangle parking at this year’s event.
Visit www.facebook.com/squirrelcookoff for the latest developments on what’s sure to be something to chatter about for years to come.
Note for ingredient gatherers: Arkansas squirrel season runs May 15-Feb. 28, and hunters may take up to 12 squirrels per day. Focus on hickory trees as we get closer to September, as hickory nuts are some of the squirrel’s favorite foods this time of year.
Visit www.agfc.com for more information on the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center and squirrel hunting in The Natural State.
Get the best ‘hunting guide’ in Arkansas free online
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Code of Regulations saw more than 150 changes during the 2024 regulations process, which took place from March through July to help manage Arkansas’s game and nongame wildlife. While most of the changes were simple clarifications and tweaks to existing hunting and fishing regulations, a few major changes rewrote some of the ways in which hunters can harvest game in The Natural State.
You don’t have to wait for the printed versions to arrive at your local hunting and fishing license vendor to see all the changes; a downloadable version of the guidebook is available now at agfc.com to download and save to your phone. The current version of the guidebook also is available through the AGFC app in the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
Some notable changes that are highlighted in this year’s guidebook include:
Non-semiautomatic centerfire firearms (including handguns with barrels 4 inches or longer) that fire a straight-wall cartridge .30 caliber or larger and large bore air rifles are now allowed during alternative firearms seasons (formerly termed muzzleloader season). Note that shotguns with slugs are not allowed during alternative firearms season.
In Deer Zones 4 and 5, non-semiautomatic rifles chambered specifically for straight-wall centerfire cartridge cases that fire .30 caliber or larger are now allowed during modern gun deer season. Shotguns with slugs are allowed in Deer Zones 4 and 5 during the modern gun deer season.
An early buck archery hunt is established for the first Saturday-Monday in September (Sept. 7-9, 2024), on private land and on AGFC-owned or leased land WMAs (Page 68). The Limit during early archery season is one buck.
The Private Land Antlerless Only Modern Gun Hunt was eliminated statewide.
Nonresidents may hunt deer with dogs on private and public land where it is allowed only during the final nine days of the regular modern gun deer season (not including Dec. 26-28). Nonresidents may take only one deer per year with the use of deer dogs.
Cleburne, Craighead, Mississippi and Sharp counties have been added to the CWD Management Zone.
Archery equipment that is legal for hunting now includes spears.
In addition to weapons legal for the hunting season, wounded big game may be dispatched with a legally possessed handgun no larger than .45 caliber with a barrel no longer than 6 inches.
The archery quota for Bear Zone 1 has been increased to 450 bears.
Taking a radio-collared bear is illegal.
Tree hooks with screw threads not greater than three-eights-inch in diameter are now allowed on AGFC-owned WMAs.
Trail cameras on WMAs must have the owner’s name and address or CID visible and permanently affixed via paint, tag or permanent marker.
Portable hunting blinds, stands or associated equipment on WMAs must be moved at least 200 yards after 14 consecutive days. Stands and blinds may not be placed on a WMA more than 14 days before deer archery season and must be removed within 14 days after the close of deer archery season.
It is unlawful to provide hunting assistance without possession of a valid hunting license (i.e., youth hunts with mentors).
Hunters harvesting an alligator may check the alligator online rather than calling AGFC Radio Dispatch after harvest and before moving it. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service CITES tag will be mailed to the hunter upon verification of online checking.
Resident turkey hunters must obtain a free Resident Turkey Tag (RTT) in addition to a Resident Sportsman’s License.
Nonresidents must possess one of the following to turkey hunt:
A Nonresident Annual Hunting License ($410) and a Nonresident Turkey Tag ($100), or
A Nonresident Annual Turkey License ($325), which includes a single turkey tag.
Anyone guiding, aiding or assisting another person, for pay or other considerations, in the taking of any species of wildlife by any means in Arkansas, must have proof of at least $100,000 general liability insurance in addition to the appropriate guide license.
All resident fishing and hunting guide license fees have increased from $25 to $250 annually (note: nonresident guide license fees increased to $500 last year).
It is unlawful to hunt, drive, herd or harass wildlife by unmanned aerial vehicle (drone).
Egyptian geese may be taken at any time.
It is unlawful to hunt wildlife from a vessel, with the exception of waterfowl or alligator, and in taking frogs, fish or turtles by legal methods during open seasons.
Additional changes were made to that impact waterfowl hunters, which will be highlighted in the 2024-25 Waterfowl Hunting Guidebook available this fall, the most notable of which is the reinstatement of spinning-wing decoys on AGFC-owned and managed wildlife management areas. Spinning-wing decoys still are not allowed on Federal Wildlife Refuges for the 2024-25 Arkansas waterfowl season.
Statewide 2024 Deer Season Opening Days:
Early Buck Archery Season (private land and some WMAs) — Sept. 7-9
Regular Archery Season — Sept. 28
Alternative Firearms (formerly Muzzleloader) Season — Oct. 19
Modern Gun Season — Nov. 9
Special Youth Modern Gun Hunts — Nov. 2-3 and Jan. 4-5
Private Land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Hunt — CLOSED
Visit www.agfc.com/guidebooks for downloadable versions of all AGFC hunting and fishing regulations guidebooks.
Heat Advisories continue for Arkansas and surrounding states
...A HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING... AND WILL LIKELY CONTINUE EACH DAY THROUGH THE WEEKEND AND TO THE MIDDLE OF NEXT WEEK.
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Arkansas, southwest Arkansas, north central Louisiana, northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, east Texas and northeast Texas.Hot temperatures and high humidity will bring dangerous levels of heat to the region through the weekend. Heat index values will likely climb above 105 degrees in most locations.
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 109 are expected.
* WHERE...Portions of south-central and southwest Arkansas, north-central and northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, and east and northeast Texas.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments to reduce risk during outdoor work. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
National Weather Service says heat advisories and excessive heat warnings likely issued this week
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Ridging is expected to continue to shift eastward and have more of a grip on our region by Tuesday night and really continue well into next weekend. In response to this, afternoon temperatures from Wednesday through Saturday will range from the upper 90s to lower 100s each day across the region, possibly getting slightly warmer each day into the weekend. Sounds amazing right? In addition to that, heat index values will be at or well above the Heat Advisory criteria of 105 degrees each day. The only real concern for each day of the week will be where we place the Heat Advisory versus the Excessive Heat Warning each day as the location of the hottest heat indices could vary at times. Not much rain to speak of for the long-term portion of the forecast period unfortunately aside from any diurnal convection during the afternoon hours. Long range models do show a potential for some rainfall Sunday into Monday as the ridge looks to retrograde to the west slightly and our area returns to northwest flow aloft.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Recently, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) issued a reminder for parents to remain vigilant in recognizing and preventing online predators from targeting children. This summer alone, ASP has issued several Missing/Endangered Advisories for missing children and teens, including five Amber Alerts since May. Disturbingly, multiple Arkansas teens have been lured away by predators they encountered through online messaging apps.
In our increasingly digital world, it's more important than ever for parents to monitor their children's online activity and educate them on the dangers of the internet. Major Stacie Rhoads, Commander of the ASP Criminal Investigation Division, warns that online predators often attempt to engage children and teens in inappropriate sexual conversations, arrange in-person meetings, or even send explicit materials while requesting images in return.
During the 2023 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed Act 689, which prohibits social media companies from allowing minors in Arkansas to create new accounts without the explicit consent of a parent or legal guardian. The act requires age verification through a third-party vendor, establishes liability for failing to perform this verification, and outlines penalties for violations. However, enforcement of the act has been delayed due to a legal challenge, which is still pending in the judicial system.
Recently, the governor sent a letter to Arkansas legislators, urging us to continue our efforts to implement meaningful restrictions on children’s use of social media platforms.
For resources to help parents protect their children from online predators and technology-facilitated exploitation, visit aricac.org. Schools, civic groups, and other organizations can also request online safety presentations through this site. To report suspicious online activity, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST(1-800-843-5678).
UAMS MASH Program Introduces High School Students to Health Care Careers
By Philip Allison
First held in 1988, MASH is a two-week program held at UAMS Regional Campuses and community hospitals across Arkansas. A similar program, condensed into a single week known as miniMASH, is also offered. Participants must be entering the 11th or 12th grades and have at least a 2.5 grade point average. In a related program, students who will be entering eighth, ninth or 10th grade are eligible for a one-week intensive Community Health Applied in Medical Public Service (CHAMPS) program.
This year, 27 different sessions were held in 23 cities around the state. The program is free for students, thanks to a partnership with Arkansas Farm Bureau. In 2023, Arkansas Farm Bureau pledged a gift of $500,000 over five years to create the Farm Bureau Fund for Excellence, which will support health career recruitment efforts.
The MASH program offers a variety of hands-on activities and in-person experiences, such as:
Tour of the UAMS mobile unit
Suturing
Casting
Blood typing
Porcine heart dissection
Respiratory therapy
Mock trauma simulation
Sonography
Genetic counseling
UAMS MASH Program Introduces High School Students to Health Care Careers
Hazardous Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service in Little Rock
Heavy rainfall occurred overnight through early Wednesday morning across northern Arkansas which has led to serious flash flooding concerns in some locations
Estimated rainfall totals above 10 inches have been observed across portions of Searcy, Stone, Marion and Baxter Counties
Additional rainfall is expected today and tomorrow which could worsen ongoing flash flooding
Southern Arkansas could see heat index values of 105 or higher this afternoon
If you have any flash flooding reports, please pass them along to our office when it is convenient
Live cattle prices at an all-time high
by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)
High live cattle prices are pushing beef production down and pushing retail beef prices higher during the summer grilling season. Cattle prices were at an all-time high at mid-year, according to Derrell Peel, livestock marketing specialist with Oklahoma State University Extension.
Peel reports fed steers averaged $195.81 per hundredweight, with large steers priced at $255.41 per hundredweight at auctions before July 4. He said high live weight prices have pushed beef production down 1.6% from the same six-month period a year ago. Steer slaughter is down 1.7% and heifer slaughter is down 1.5% from a year ago. Peel said higher steer and heifer carcass weights are more than offsetting the modest decreases in slaughter.
Wholesale choice boxed beef prices are equal to one year ago at $328.96 in early July. Peel said wholesale prices for popular grilling steaks are strong at midyear increasing the demand for ground beef and pushing those prices to record levels. Peel said the 83.3% lean ground beef hit a wholesale record price of $3.26 per pound in early July.
