It is almost time to make your voice heard in the upcoming General Election. Early voting starts next week on Oct. 21, 2024. Election Day is November 5. This is your chance to vote for local, state, and federal offices, as well as participate in annual school board elections for districts that vote in the fall. Additionally, there will be local ballot issues and a runoff election for the Arkansas Supreme Court.
In 2023, the General Assembly passed Act 300, which requires that special issues, such as sales tax proposals and bond issues, be included on the same ballot as candidate elections. This means that your vote could have an even greater impact on the future of your community.
When you go to the polls, an election official will ask you to state your name, address, and date of birth. The election official will also request that you provide an approved form of I.D. If you are unable to vote in person on Election Day, you can apply for an absentee ballot by the appropriate deadline. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot by mail or electronic means is October 29. If applying in person, the deadline is November 1. If you have questions about absentee voting, contact your county clerk.
No recent progress on dissolution of Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority
by Tina Alvey Dale (tdale@talkbusiness.net)
Four months after Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority (FCRA) officials and its beneficiaries agreed on steps to be taken before work on dissolution of the trust can begin, nothing has been accomplished.
The FCRA was formed in 1997 to oversee redevelopment of 6,000 acres of land released by the U.S. Army from Fort Chaffee as part of a Base Realignment and Closure downsizing. The trust has four beneficiaries – the cities of Barling, Fort Smith and Greenwood and Sebastian County. The cities of Barling, Fort Smith and Greenwood and the Sebastian County Quorum Court have passed resolutions calling for FCRA dissolution. Only the authority board can vote to dissolve the organization.
Representatives of the four beneficiaries and FCRA representatives planned to meet Tuesday (Oct. 15) to look at a projection of property for sale and estimated revenues and expenses for the next four years, but not all representatives could attend, said Barling Mayor Greg Murray. The involved parties are hoping to meet in November, he said.
No recent progress on dissolution of Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority
$72 million Hotel Vin breaks ground in Pinnacle Hills
by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)
A more than $72 million Autograph Collection Hotel by Marriott is under construction in Pinnacle Hills, west of Interstate 49 in Rogers, according to a Wednesday (Oct. 16) news release.
The 125-room Hotel Vin Pinnacle Hills along Northgate Road will be built across from the $110 million mixed-used project The Plaza at Pinnacle Hills, northwest of West Northgate Road and South Champions Drive. The hotel will include a restaurant, rooftop bar, pool, and meeting and event space.
Hotel Vin Pinnacle Hills is a development of Indiana-based Great Lakes Capital, a real estate development and private equity firm, and Dallas-based Coury Hospitality, a hotel management company. The hotel will be an expansion of Coury’s Vin Hotel Collection brand, comprising the 120-room boutique Hotel Vin in Grapevine, Texas.
Poll: 65% support for phone-free schools, state opens ATLAS portal
by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)
Almost 65% of Arkansas parents favored restricting student cell phones in schools in a poll commissioned by the national school reform group ExcelinEd.
In other education news, the Arkansas Department of Education released school and district results on the new Arkansas Teaching, Learning, and Assessment System (ATLAS) October 16.
The poll of 805 registered voters with K-12 students in the home found that almost 65% favored phone-free schools, with 42.03% strongly favoring the idea and 22.76% somewhat favoring it. Less than 30% opposed the idea, with 15.42% somewhat opposed and 14.37% strongly opposed.
Poll: 65% support for phone-free schools, state opens ATLAS portal
Download your copy of the 2024-25 Arkansas Waterfowl Hunting Guidebook
LITTLE ROCK — The printers are rolling full steam ahead and soon 2024-25 Arkansas Waterfowl Hunting Guidebooks will grace the checkout counters of sporting goods stores, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regional offices and AGFC nature centers throughout the state.
GUIDEBOOK
The 2024-25 AGFC Waterfowl Hunting Guidebook will be in stores soon, and a downloadable version is available now at www.agfc.com.
Don’t wait to get the latest ducky details, though; download the guidebook today at www.agfc.com. The guidebook may be downloaded to print at home or kept on your computer or laptop, and even loaded to your mobile device so it’s always available should a question arise in the field.
This season sees quite a few changes to the regulations many hunters have come to know when heading to the woods and waters of The Natural State in the last few years. The most notable change is the reinstatement of spinning-wing and other mechanically operated decoys on AGFC wildlife management areas. These decoys have been allowed on private land for the last few years, and are now allowed on WMAs. Hunters should make note that these decoys are still illegal on national wildlife refuges in the state, however.
Another liberalization for a few duck hunting-focused WMAs is the expansion of the shot shell limit from 15 to 25. To add consistency to AGFC regulations, the Commission decided to have a standard 25-shell limit and a maximum shot size of No. 2 on all WMAs where boating and access timing restrictions called “Common Restriction A” are in place.
Hunters who purchase their federal duck stamp electronically also will be able to use their electronic license as proof of purchase for the entire season, thanks to new legislation passed at the federal level and championed by U.S. Sen.John Boozman and U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman of Arkansas.
WOOD DUCKS
Hunters may harvest up to three wood ducks as part of their six-duck daily limit in Arkansas. Photo by Mike Wintroath.
Other notable changes include:
Tree hooks no more than 3/8-inch in diameter are now allowed on Commission-owned WMAs but must be removed daily.
Nonmotorized boat access to designated water trails is allowed from 1-6:30 p.m. during regular duck season, all day during duck season splits, and all day Nov. 18-22.
One day (Feb. 9) is available for the Veteran and Active-Duty Military Waterfowl Hunt. The two Special Youth Hunt days take place over one weekend, Feb. 8-9, 2025.
The daily bag limit for greater white-fronted geese (aka specklebellies) has been reduced from 3 to 2 for the 2024-25 season. The possession limit is 6. The greater white-fronted goose season has been reduced to 69 days and will open for nine days on Oct. 26, along with seasons for snow, blue and Ross’s geese.
The annual Resident Guide License price has been increased to $250.
The Nonresident 5-day Waterfowl Hunting Permit has been eliminated; the Nonresident WMA Waterfowl Hunting Permit 3-Day Trip (NW3) is $40, and 10 permits may be purchased by a nonresident. Nonresidents may purchase a 30-day permit ($200) to be used for 30 consecutive hunting days during regular season waterfowl hunting days. Nonresident no-hunting days have been eliminated.
Egyptian geese may be taken at any time.
Petit Jean River WMA east of Arkansas Highway 7 is open to waterfowl hunting only on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Nov. 23-Jan. 30. All-day hunting is allowed Jan. 31.
Camp Robinson Special Use Area, except Lake Conway Nursery Pond, is open to waterfowl hunting.
Camp Robinson WMA is open to waterfowl hunting only on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Nov. 23-Jan. 30. All-day hunting is allowed Jan. 31.
Dove hunting is allowed on J. Perry Mikles Special Use Area while field trials are being conducted.
Only boat motors with factory-installed exhaust systems may be used on the following NWRs: Cache River, Dale Bumpers White River, Felsenthal and Overflow.
Common Restriction A applies within the greentree reservoir/special regulatory area of Nimrod Lloyd Millwood WMA.
Scouting for waterfowl after 1 p.m. is prohibited on Cache River and Dale Bumpers White River NWRs.
Visit www.agfc.com to download a copy of the 2024-25 Waterfowl Hunting Guidebook.
Representative Hill introduces legislation to address America's housing crisis
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (R-AR) today introduced the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act, which is designed to reverse decades of ineffective housing policies and implement targeted reforms to improve access to affordable, quality housing for all Americans. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) recently introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
Wikimedia Image
Rep. Hill said, “Americans are struggling to find affordable housing to live in. For years, federal housing policy under the Biden-Harris Administration has been burdened by ineffective solutions and excessive bureaucracy. With the ROAD to Housing Act, we are taking real steps toward creating a housing market that benefits everyone—renters, homeowners, and families striving for stability. I thank my friend Senator Tim Scott for spearheading this legislation in the Senate and my colleagues Rep. John Rose, Rep. Dan Meuser, Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, Rep. Mike Lawler, and Rep. Zach Nunn for leading this legislation with me in the House.”
Sen. Scott said, “I’m the son of a single mother – growing up, we lived with family until we were able to rent a small place of our own. I know firsthand the importance of access to quality, affordable housing. Unfortunately, Democrats’ solution for years has been to spend trillions on programs that have yielded little results, especially for minorities as homeownership rates for African Americans have barely changed in over 50 years. Costs to buy a home and to rent continue to increase, and homelessness is at record levels. It’s past time for Congress to take serious action to reverse decades of failed housing policies and put all Americans on the road to housing.”
Further Background:
ROAD To Housing Act: This legislation offers a wide-ranging approach to reforming federal housing policy. The key pillars of this bill are to increase access to affordable housing, promote opportunity, incentivize local solutions, and ensure proper oversight and accountability over federal housing programs. Rep. John Rose (R-TN), Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA), Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) are original co-sponsors of this legislation.
Nostalgic Nativ clothing supports AGFC conservation efforts
BY Trey Reid
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has partnered with Nativ, a leading Arkansas-based outdoor apparel brand, to launch a limited edition collection of apparel benefitting the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation.
The new clothing line, featuring a retro version of the AGFC’s logo, is part of a collaborative effort to raise awareness and funds earmarked to support conservation and encourage outdoor stewardship across the state.
The collaboration combines Nativ’s passion for delivering high-quality, locally inspired apparel with AGFC’s dedication to protecting the state’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
Trey Reid, Assistant Chief of Communications at AGFC, said the AGFC fields frequent calls about old WMA signs sporting older versions of the agency’s logo. He believes there are likely “more than a few” gracing the walls of deer and duck camps around the state.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Game and Fish to tap into the enthusiasm and nostalgia surrounding this first design,” said Nativ owner Matt Abbott.
The new collection includes a range of items, including short and long-sleeved T-shirts and hoodies. Each item features designs hand-printed in Nativ’s Little Rock production facility and colors chosen to complement gear for many outdoor activities, from hunting to hiking and fishing to floating.
“We wanted to create a great collection that serves a greater purpose,” added Brett Tucker, Nativ co-owner. “The retro design emphasizes the importance of conservation for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.”
Nativ has pledged to donate 100 percent of profits from the sale of this collection to the Foundation, which will use the money to help statewide efforts to maintain and protect the state’s natural habitats and wildlife populations.
“This collaboration is a fantastic way to engage our community in conservation efforts while celebrating the natural beauty of Arkansas,” said Reid. “Funds raised through this collaboration will directly contribute to our conservation programs, ensuring that Arkansas remains a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and native wildlife alike.”
This partnership with Nativ reflects AGFC’s broader mission to engage the public in conservation efforts through education, stewardship and community involvement.
“We hope this collection inspires you to get outside and explore all the natural beauty Arkansas has to offer while being a mindful steward of the environment,” said Matt Abbott.
The limited edition Arkansas Game and Fish Commission/Nativ collection is available now on Nativ’s website at https://livnativ.com/collections/agfc and in select retail locations throughout Arkansas.
Contact Brett Tucker, co-owner of Nativ at brett@livnativ.com for more information about the limited edition apparel collection.
For more information on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, contact Trey Reid, AGFC assistant chief of communications at trey.reid@agfc.ar.gov.
Five companies submit bids to run Arkansas’ school voucher program
KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate
From the Arkansas Advocate:
Five companies, three of whom have applied previously, responded to a request for proposals to administer Arkansas’ school voucher program after the state fired the previous vendor.
The Arkansas Department of Education is terminating its contract with its current Indiana-based vendor due to delays and failure to implement required components.
According to a list provided by the Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services, proposals were submitted by Tuesday’s deadline from Merit International, Primary Class (doing business as Odyssey), Alliance for Choice in Education (doing business as ACE Scholarships), Pearl and Kleo Inc.
Five companies submit bids to run Arkansas’ school voucher program
Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate
Education Secretary Jacob Oliva speaks to superintendents about the LEARNS Act during a meeting at the Northwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative on Mar. 10, 2023.
Arkansas Soybean Science Challenge: A new decade of students using their bean
By Mary Hightower
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
LITTLE ROCK — For a decade, the Arkansas Soybean Science Challenge has been planting seeds for students contemplating a future in research.
The idea behind the program was simple: Pique the interest of students from grades 6-12 to consider a science fair project involving soybeans, and by extension, agriculture.
Alyssa Butler, was a 17-year-old senior at Carlisle High School in Carlisle, Arkansas, in 2021, when she won both her regional-level competition in the Arkansas Soybean Science Challenge. She is now pursuing a degree in agriculture, inspired by the competition. (Courtesy photo)
Karen Ballard, a now-retired extension professor who conceived the program, gained the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board as a partner to help fund the outreach work of the Soybean Science Challenge.
“Many students, even those in cities near farming areas, have never thought of research in agriculture as a career,” said Julie Robinson, professor-community, professional and economic development for the Cooperative Extension Service. Robinson has administered the program for five years. “The humble soybean is more than just livestock feed. It’s the basis for biofuels. Its fibers are used in making fabrics and foam for seat cushions. Its oils replace petroleum bases in paints, candles and inks. Soybean meal can be used in making adhesives.
“Over the decade, we’ve seen our student researchers put their own creativity and brainpower into creating plastics, computer climate models or evaluating the effects of radiation on soybean growth,” she said.
While the program offers cash prizes as an incentive, “even more importantly we’ve seen the program work. Many of the participants who have had their enthusiasm stoked by the Soybean Science Challenge have gone on to continue their research in college,” Robinson said.
Confidence and comfort zones
The challenge has been a career-builder for Alyssa Butler, who won five times at the regional and state levels. She is an undergraduate student working as an extension program associate in plant pathology.
“The Soybean Science Challenge was the first time I ever pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and did any form of public speaking,” Butler said. “I was terrified and self-critical, but after knowing I did good enough to make it to state, I had more confidence in myself than ever.
"When I competed at the state level and won first place at Soybean Science Challenge, I was so proud of myself and all my research,” she said. “For me, it wasn't just about winning or the prize that came with it, it was about the fact that weeks of hard work, stepping out of my comfort zone, and pushing myself paid off.”
Butler said when she worked on her first experiment, looking at Southern root-knot nematode resistance, she gained a deeper appreciation for plant pathology and knew she wanted to continue research in that field.
“It is one of the best opportunities that high school has to offer,” she said.
Keith Harris, extension ag education program associate who coordinates the challenge, said he finds gratification in seeing the program fulfill its mission by “students showing an interest in research, specifically agricultural research, and them seeing agriculture as an industry with career options.”
The next decade
A decade later, “we are still focused on engaging student researchers through regional and state science fairs,” Robinson said.
The program has done some growing of its own over the decade.
“We have expanded the program to include teacher in-service, Grow Your Own Protein, and a variety of classroom curriculum available for free,” Robinson said.
The Grow Your Own Protein program provides edamame seeds for schools, community groups. 4-H clubs and others to grow edible soybeans in their own gardens. There’s also a “soybean store,” where those interested in taking part in the Soybean Science Challenge as a student researcher, can request a variety of soybean seeds, including conventional soybeans, soybeans tolerant to Roundup and tofu soybeans.
2023 winners
Last year, 15 students were named 2023 Soybean Scholars after their projects won the Soybean Science Challenge at district and state science fairs.
First-place went to Bennet Chen, 14, a freshman at Little Rock Central High, for his project, “Forecasting the future; a predictive modeling approach to deciphering climate change's impact on county level soybean yields.” Chen won the 2024 Soybean Science Challenge First Place Award at the State Science and Engineering Fair held at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway on March 30, and the Senior Division SSC Award at Central Arkansas Regional Science and Engineering Fair held at UA-Little Rock on March 1.
How it works
The 2025 Soybean Science Challenge is now open for entries.
Students interested in participating are required to complete six online course modules before submitting their science project to their district science fair, the state science fair or the Arkansas FFA Agriscience Fair.
Each project submitted is assessed by judges from the Soybean Science Challenge. The project must focus on soybeans to qualify. Winners of the Soybean Science Challenge special award win a cash prize. The winning students’ teachers also win a cash prize if their student wins at a regional science fair.
“The Soybean Science Challenge allows us to engage young people and demonstrate the vast opportunities within the agricultural industry,” said Brad Doyle, Poinsett County soybean producer and chairman of Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. “Their fresh perspectives, skills and innovative ideas are vital to the growth and sustainability of our industry.”
For additional information on the soybean science challenge, visit the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board website at www. themiraclebean.com.
To learn more about the program, see its 10th anniversary video.
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.
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
Metroplan awards $17.35 million for road projects in Central Arkansas
by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)
Metroplan has awarded nine cities and two counties surface transportation block grant grants totaling $17.35 million, to design or construct transportation projects around Central Arkansas. The projects include a $400,000 grant for the city of Benton to design improvements to Congo Road from Shenandoah Road to Longhills Road.
The city of Bryant was awarded $220,000 for design on the Bryant Parkway Trail. Cabot will receive $480,000 to design improvements to Kerr Station Road from Campground Road to Highway 321.
Conway was awarded $1 million in supplemental funding for the Salem Road Bridge. The city also received $1 million for additional design on the upcoming Connect Conway trail project.
Metroplan awards $17.35 million for road projects in Central Arkansas
Delta Regional Authority distributes $3.75 million toward eight projects in Arkansas
by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)
The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in collaboration with the state of Arkansas, recently invested $3.75 million toward eight projects in Arkansas through its States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP).
Eight Arkansas projects were selected for SEDAP funding at an investment upwards of $3.75 million. Funding for this program is made available, in part, by the bipartisan infrastructure law signed by President Joe Biden. None of Arkansas’ Congressional delegation supported the infrastructure bill.
“The States’ Economic Development Assistance Program is one of DRA’s most diverse tools that allow us to expand and invest in the resiliency of the region’s public infrastructure and workforce,” said Dr. Corey Wiggins, DRA Federal Co-Chairman. “As a result of this investment, over 830 jobs will be created or retained, over 200 people trained, and over 740 families impacted across eight communities, improving residents’ quality of life and increasing economic prosperity in their communities.”
Delta Regional Authority distributes $3.75 million toward eight projects in Arkansas
Plant-based protein extraction study to look at ultrasound, fermentation methods
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Food science researchers with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station are tapping into the power of soundwaves and fermentation to improve the quality of plant-based proteins.
FOOD SCIENCE — Mahfuzur Rahman is a food scientist and grain processing engineer who conducts research through the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. (U of A System photo)
Ultrasound, the same soundwave technology that creates images of babies in the womb, and microbes that break starches down into sugar are behind a new protein extraction method being investigated with the support of a nearly $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Propelling the study is an increased demand in the plant-based dairy and alternative meat markets. Mahfuzur Rahman, an assistant professor in the food science department, said the market was estimated to be worth $29 billion in 2023 and growing by about 8 percent annually. Health and environmental concerns are behind the increase in demand, he noted.
Rahman is the lead research on the two-year study that began in August to develop an eco-friendly method of plant-protein extraction to enhance consumer acceptance by improving product development performance, taste and nutritional value. Plant-based proteins are used to make alternatives to animal proteins found in meats and dairy.
“Traditional protein extraction methods require chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and often result in lower yields and reduced protein quality,” Rahman said. “The traditional method affects the functionality, taste and nutrition of the extracted proteins.”
Rahman is a food scientist and grain processing engineer who conducts research through the experiment station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. He teaches courses through the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences. He received a Tanner Award for Comprehensive Reviews this year for being one of the most cited authors for scientific papers published by the Institute of Food Technologists.
LAB TEAM —Nazrul Islam, left, Ruslan Galib, Sukanya Poddar, Nikitha Modupalli, Mahfuzur Rahman, Kavith Lakshmipathy and Saydul Safwa are the Novel Ingredient Processing and Utilization Laboratory team in the food science department for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. (U of A System photo)
Rahman said this research will focus on optimizing ultrasound-assisted extraction to release proteins from flour efficiently, followed by adjusting fermentation-assisted removal of off-flavors and anti-nutritional factors.
“The effectiveness of the new method will be compared with traditional extraction methods in terms of protein yield, removal of off-notes, and reduction of anti-nutritional compounds,” Rahman explained.
Collaborators on the study include Scott Lafontaine, assistant professor of flavor chemistry for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, and Girish Ganjyal, professor and extension food processing specialist at Washington State University’s School of Food Science. The grant is part of the Agricultural and Food Research Initiative from USDA-NIFA. The project award number is 2024-67018-42814.
To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.
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
Arkansas Supreme Court partially denies challenge to anti-casino ballot measure
KUAR | By Mary Hennigan / Arkansas Advocate
A proposed anti-casino ballot initiative is still alive following a decision from the Arkansas Supreme Court on Monday, though its fate remains uncertain with another decision pending.
The court did not decide whether the popular name and ballot title of the proposed constitutional amendment are insufficient.
Another ruling will determine if votes will be counted on Issue 2, which would repeal a Pope County casino license and require any new casino in the state to be approved in a countywide special election before a license is issued. The measure is already on the ballot.
Arkansas Supreme Court partially denies challenge to anti-casino ballot measure
Legends Resort & Casino
A rendering of Legends Resort & Casino in Pope County.
Symposium Showcases Promising Research Aimed at Reducing Cancer Therapy Side Effects
By Marty Trieschmann
Ask any patient treated with chemotherapy, and the answer may be the treatment. Common side effects of chemotherapy include pain, fatigue, hair loss, mouth sores, bowel issues as well as nerve, muscle, cell and organ damage.
And that’s just chemotherapy. Conventional X-ray radiation, a treatment needed by half of all cancer patients, can cause scarring of the lungs and other injuries to any organ in the radiation field.
“Cancer treatments are much better than they used to be, and patients are living longer,” said Marjan Boerma, Ph.D., director of the Center for Studies of Host Response to Cancer Therapy at UAMS. “But patients and survivors can still experience physical suffering, both during and sometimes years after treatment.”
Symposium Showcases Promising Research Aimed at Reducing Cancer Therapy Side Effects
UA-Pulaski Tech releases study showing $258 million impact on central Arkansas
by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)
The University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College released a study conducted by Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics, that estimates a $258 million economic impact on central Arkansas.
The college’s operations across all four of its locations, student spending, and alumni contributions collectively generated $257.9 million in added income for the UA-PTC Service Area (defined as Faulkner, Lonoke, Pulaski, and Saline counties) during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. This represents approximately 0.6% of the region’s total gross regional product (GRP).
“At UA–Pulaski Tech, we focus on meeting the educational needs of the community one student at a time, one day at a time,” said Chancellor Summer DeProw. “The sum of these individual interactions over time is immense, and this study demonstrates how student success translates to a measurable and significant return on investment for taxpayers and other stakeholders across the region.”
UA-Pulaski Tech releases study showing $258 million impact on central Arkansas
Office of Solicitor General wins 2024 United States Supreme Court Best Brief Award
LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement after the Office of Solicitor General—a division of the Office of the Attorney General—was recognized with a 2024 United States Supreme Court Best Brief Award from the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG):
“Solicitor General Nicholas Bronni, Deputy Solicitor General Dylan Jacobs, and Senior Assistant Solicitor General Asher Steinberg have been awarded a 2024 United States Supreme Court Best Brief Award by NAAG for their multistate brief in Muldrow v. St. Louis, which addressed the proper legal standard for Title VII claims.
“This award confirms what I already knew: Arkansas’s Solicitor General team—attorneys and support staff—is among the very best anywhere and have earned respect and accolades nationally for their excellence. I am proud to work with them every day and appreciate their dedication to mission, keen insight and mastery of the law.”
The Best Brief Awards are given annually in recognition of excellence in brief writing in the United States Supreme Court. The awards honor appellate practitioners from state attorneys general offices, who collectively handle more United States Supreme Court cases than almost anyone else in the legal community.
The winners were selected by a panel of independent United States Supreme Court experts who are experienced United States Supreme Court practitioners.
To read a copy of the award-winning brief, click here.
For a printer-friendly version of this release, click here.
L-R Bronni, Jacobs, Steinberg
Governor Sarah Sanders announces Arkansas Farm Tour
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced she will conduct a farm tour on October 14th and 15th, visiting farms and industries that directly support the state’s number one industry—agriculture—in the River Valley and the Delta. On the second day of the tour, the Governor will be joined by U.S. Senator John Boozman, the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
“Arkansas’ farmers, ranchers, producers, and foresters are on the front lines of ensuring our country can feed itself, fuel itself, and fight for itself, making it our state’s leading industry, but the challenges they face from rising costs, overregulation, and foreign adversaries are making it difficult. I want to hear directly from the agricultural community about how we can best support this vital industry,” said Governor Sanders.
“As the lead Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, I am committed to ensuring the next farm bill is shaped by Arkansas farmers and ranchers so they can continue to deliver a safe and abundant supply of food to the U.S. and beyond,” said Senator Boozman.
Media Advisory:
Members of the media wishing to attend must RSVP toyael.even@governor.arkansas.gov.
B-roll will be available after the event concludes at this link.
USDA Image
Monday, October 14th
Event: Sanders to visit Tyson River Valley Hatchery
When: 9:00 a.m.
Press: Closed
Event: Sanders to visit River Valley Tractor
When: 11:15 a.m. (Media should arrive by 11:00 a.m.)
Where: 702 Weir Rd, Russellville, AR 72802
Press: Open
Event: Sanders to tour Flying C Ranch
When: 1:15 p.m. (Media should arrive by 1:00 p.m.)
Where: 730 Rocky Point Rd, Conway, AR 72032
Press: Open
Tuesday, October 15th
Event: Sanders and Senator Boozman to visit Bayou Meto Irrigation Project
When: 9:00 a.m. (Media should arrive by 8:45 a.m.)
Where: 7990 Colonel Maynard Rd. Scott, AR 72142
Press: Open
Event: Sanders and Senator Boozman to visit Grand Prairie Irrigation Project
When: 11:00 a.m.
Press: Closed
Event: Sanders and Senator Boozman to tour Isbell Farms
When: 12:30 p.m. (Media should arrive by 12:15 p.m.)
Where: 732 Isbell Rd. England, AR 72046
Press: Open
Event: Sanders and Senator Boozman to hold a roundtable at Matt Miles’ farm shop
When: 3:30 p.m.
Press: Closed
Boozman shares memories of Northwest Arkansas veteran for Hispanic Heritage Month
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized the service and sacrifice of Maddie Willyard in ‘Salute to Veterans,’ a series highlighting the military service of Arkansans.
Maddie Willyard - U.S. Air Force Veteran
Willyard was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Chicago when she was 7 years old. In high school, her family moved to a northern suburb because of safety concerns.
While Willyard’s family has a history of military service, her path to wearing our nation’s uniform started as a result of trying to avoid an angry teacher who was upset she did not complete her homework.
“This voice came over the intercom – juniors and seniors are excused from classes to take the ASVAB. I didn’t know what the ASVAB was. I just knew it was like manna from heaven and off I went,” she said.
She quickly learned the exam was the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, an indicator of future success in the miliary.
“I did very well. Got lots of calls and visited with recruiters. At that point I had thought of my future. We talked about community college. I wanted to be a journalist. I also wanted to be a teacher and I ended up joining the Air Force,” Willyard said. “I was 16 and shallow still and didn’t think green looked very good on me,” she laughed.
Willyard said her mom was supportive, but her stepdad was horrified because he didn’t think military service was something young women should pursue.
After graduating high school in May, Willyard started service in the Air Force in November and attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio.
Her uncles who served in uniform advised her to stay under the radar. This included getting a bunk furthest away from the training instructor’s office. She followed the advice, but wasn’t there for long after she confronted another airman who was making the unit late to morning formation because she was curling her hair.
“We were so involved in our conversation that we didn’t even notice our training instructor was there until he yelled,” Willyard said. “He looked at me and he goes ‘You want to be in charge? You want my job?’ And I said ‘Sir, no sir.’”
The instructor made her squad leader and she was moved to the bed closest to his office.
Following basic training, Willyard was assigned to medical administration and continued her education at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. She found the classes interesting and appreciated the freedom and community feel of the base.
“It was the best time of my life.”
She calls the people she was training with family, so much so that when she received her first-choice duty station at a base in California, she was devastated to see a friend’s disappointment about her assignment to England Air Force Base, Louisiana.
“That girl cried for two days and it broke my heart,” Willyard said. Her empathy and compassion led her to trade assignment locations with her friend.
In Louisiana, Willyard worked in medical records where she helped organize and sort patient files.
“I also learned valuable lessons about customer service. You picked up the phone and you picked it up on the first ring. And you didn’t know if you were going to be talking to another airman like yourself or if you were going to be talking to a full bird colonel,” she said.
She surrounded herself with mentors who aimed to see her do well and taught her skills that she still uses today.
Her time in uniform is something that has been valuable to her life and work. She says it opened doors for her and she encourages those interested in military service to be ready for hard and rewarding work.
“I tell them be prepared to sacrifice because it’s not about you. It’s about the mission and you’re choosing an occupation with so much honor and history. This country wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for soldiers, so you need to respect that. It’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. It’s not something you should go into lightly,” she said. “And enjoy it.”
Today, Willyard lives in Northwest Arkansas and has found a calling to give back to her fellow veterans. She served in the Washington County Veteran Service Office before joining Boozman’s staff where she supports the needs of active-duty military, veterans and their families.
“I’m grateful for Maddie Willyard’s service to our country in uniform and her continued support of her fellow veterans. We can be proud of her advocacy of the military and the important role it has had in her life. I’m pleased to preserve her memories of service,” Boozman said.
Boozman submitted Willyard’s entire interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation’s veterans.