UAMS Intervention Sees Significant Decrease in HbA1c, BMI Levels Among Marshallese Communities

By David Wise

LITTLE ROCK — Participants in a University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) study to determine the effectiveness of culturally-adapted, family-based diabetes education and management programs for Marshallese families saw significant reductions in HbA1c and BMI (Body Mass Index) levels, according to researchers at the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation.

The study examined 185 individuals, including 99 diabetics and 86 family members. Building on research conducted with Marshallese community members in Arkansas, the study was implemented in church settings in Hawaii and Washington state, using trained, bilingual community health workers (CHWs) to administer the family-based Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program. The program was implemented in partnership with Washington State University and the Hawaii Island Community Health Center.

According to previous studies, more than 90% of Marshallese adults reported regular church attendance.

UAMS Intervention Sees Significant Decrease in HbA1c, BMI Levels Among Marshallese Communities

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

With committees ready to hear bills and legislative priorities taking shape, the 2025 Regular Session is off to a productive start.

Several House committees held their organizational meetings this week. These committees are now prepared to begin reviewing and debating the over 170 bills that have been filed in the House so far.  

Among the early legislative actions, the House passed HB1056, a bill to establish a Joint Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. This new committee will consist of 12 House members and 8 Senate members from the Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee. It will focus on ongoing studies related to military and veterans' issues, a critical area currently handled by the House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee. A resolution is expected soon to rename that committee to reflect its shifting responsibilities. 

Earlier in the week, the Governor addressed the 95th General Assembly and outlined her legislative agenda. A centerpiece of her plan is the Arkansas ACCESS initiative, which aims to expand access to higher education and non-degree credentials for Arkansans. She also proposed eliminating the state grocery tax, using revenue from medical marijuana sales to fund free school breakfasts for all Arkansas students, and enacting legislation to ban cell phone use in schools. In addition, the Governor announced plans to update the Social Media Safety Act to ensure its enforceability and expand the Communist China Defense Act, which would involve divesting state resources from China and banning adversaries from purchasing land near critical infrastructure like military bases and electric substations. 

The week began with House members sworn into office on Monday and the election of Representative Brian S. Evans of Cabot as Speaker of the House for the 95th General Assembly. Following his election, Speaker Evans announced his committee chairmanships and leadership appointments, which are now available on the House website at arkansashouse.org.

 As the first week concludes, the House looks ahead to a busy session. The House will reconvene on Tuesday, January 21, at 1:30 p.m., after observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

Arkansas hay production grew in 2024

By the U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Hay acreage declined in the southeastern United States in 2024, but the region’s hay production rose 2 percent, and was up 17 percent in Arkansas, according to the Crop Production Summary from National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The summary — issued Jan. 10 — included information about U.S. hay production, acreage, and yield, as well as data for Dec. 1 hay stocks. The report categorizes the data into two segments: alfalfa and other hay, with other hay being particularly relevant for producers in the Southeast.

Map showing change in production of non-alfalfa hay between 2023-2024, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Arkansas saw a 17 percent increase in hay production. (Image from USDA)

For the 2024-25 marketing year that started in May and ends in April, “hay stocks were higher compared to the previous year, totaling 21.01 million tons, which represents a 47 percent increase year over year,” said James Mitchell, extension economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

In the southeast — a region comprised of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, hay stocks on May 1 reached 2.80 million tons, up 15 percent from the previous year, Mitchell said.

“These stocks, combined with the increased hay production in 2024, have elevated hay supplies to their highest level since 2020,” he said. “Total hay supplies for the 2024-2025 marketing year are 143.47 million tons. In the Southeast, the 2024-2025 hay supplies total 25.49 million tons, a 3 percent increase year over year, accounting for 18 percent of total U.S. hay supplies.”

Other hay production totaled 72.62 million tons in 2024, up 6 percent from the previous year and marking the largest annual total since 2020.

In Texas, the largest hay-producing state, production reached 11.52 million tons, more than double the total from two years prior, when it was just 5.7 million tons. In Arkansas, production increased 17 percent.

“The USDA’s estimate for Arkansas surpassed what I would have predicted last summer,” Mitchell said. “For several states included in the Southeast total, hay production was impacted by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. Specifically, production in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee was down by 24 percent, 9 percent, and 4 percent, respectively.

All U.S. hay acreage declined by 3.38 million acres in 2024 to 49.39 million acres. In the Southeast, hay acreage decreased by 9.84 million acres, or 3 percent.

“Conversely, Texas saw a 5 percent increase in hay acreage,” Mitchell said. “Despite the overall decline, improved hay yields offset these reductions.”

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. 

Eight Arkansans among Jan. 6 rioters pardoned by Trump

KUAR | By Debra Hale-Shelton

On the first day of his second presidency, Donald Trump pardoned all eight Arkansans among more than 1,500 of his supporters convicted for their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the nation’s Capitol.

Among them were the state’s two highest-profile defendants, Richard “Bigo” Barnett, who became notorious for a photo taken in then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office, and Peter Stager, who admitted to beating a police officer with a flagpole.

Barnett, 64, of Gravette was sentenced to 54 months in prison after a federal court jury convicted him in May 2023. He has been incarcerated in a prison in Seagoville, Texas. He wasn’t scheduled for release until July 17, 2026.

Eight Arkansans among Jan. 6 rioters pardoned by Trump

U.S. District Court For The District Of Columbia

This video still from Jan. 6, 2021, shows Conway resident Peter Stager holding a U.S. flag. He pleaded guilty in 2023 to assaulting a police officer. He is among eight Arkansans pardoned by President Donald Trump on Jan. 20, 2025, for their roles in the 2021 riots at the U.S. Capitol.

Womack reappointed Chairman of the Appropriations Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee

Washington, January 15, 2025

Washington, DC—January 15, 2025…House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (OK-4) today announced his appointment of Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) to again serve as Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. Congressman Womack will continue to serve on the Defense and Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittees during the 119th Congress.

Congressman Steve Womack

Congressman Womack said, “It’s been an honor to serve on the Appropriations Committee, particularly as Chairman of the subcommittee that delivers the most for Arkansans. Drawing on my experience as a mayor, I understand how THUD’s jurisdiction impacts every American's safety, economic opportunity, and quality of life. My service on Defense and FSGG allows me to strengthen our national defense and financial systems. My continued focus remains set on fiscal responsibility and securing wins for Third District Arkansans. I thank my friend, Chairman Cole, for his confidence in me to work on these vital components of the Appropriations Committee. With the rosters now in order, we must immediately finish Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations and begin our work on Fiscal Year 2026.”

Chairman Cole said, “The subcommittees that invest in America’s defense, infrastructure, and economic opportunity require strong fiscal understanding and experience—and Congressman Womack is equipped to serve these missions with distinction. At the helm of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee, you can expect leadership that strengthens America’s transportation and housing future. Grounded in his hands-on experience as a mayor, he knows how to turn practice into purpose. Chairman Womack is a seasoned appropriator who works each day to safeguard taxpayer dollars and support Arkansas and America. I look forward to the continued results delivered under his guidance.”

To learn more about the jurisdiction of each subcommittee, click the below links:

• Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (Chairman)

• Subcommittee on Defense

• Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government

Congressman Womack has served on the House Appropriations Committee since his first term in Congress in 2011. This committee is responsible for the discretionary portion of the federal budget and conducting critical oversight of federal agencies. He previously served as Chairman of the FSGG Subcommittee, and was first appointed as Chairman of THUD in April 2024.

Boozman, Cruz Introduce Thin Blue Line Act to Support Police, First Responders

WASHINGTON––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the Thin Blue Line Act to increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement. Federal law already makes the targeting, killing or attempted killing of federal law enforcement officers, judges and correctional officers an aggravating factor in the decision whether to impose the federal death penalty. The Thin Blue Line Act would expand this list to include state and local police, firefighters and other first responders.

“Our law enforcement officers put their lives at risk to serve and defend their communities,” Boozman said. “I am proud to join my colleagues to stand with the men and women behind the badge when criminals choose to target them with violence simply because they are committed to enforcing our laws and maintaining order.”

“Violent crimes targeting law enforcement demand immediate action. These crimes should never be tolerated. Every day, members of law enforcement risk their lives to protect our communities and they deserve the full protection of the law,” said Cruz. “I am proud to introduce this common-sense legislation to ensure that acts of murder or attempted murder against law enforcement will be met with maximum penalties.”

The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators John Kennedy (R-LA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Hoeven (R-ND), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Budd (R-NC), Ron Johnson (R-WI) and James Lankford (R-OK). 

The Thin Blue Line Act is endorsed by multiple law enforcement groups. Here’s what they are saying about the bill. 

“Our federal, state, and local law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to protect the citizens of this great nation. While they work tirelessly to safeguard our communities, their families remain at home, burdened with concern for their loved ones’ safety. In 2024, 144 law enforcement officers tragically lost their lives in the line of duty—heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety of others. The Thin Blue Line Act seeks to strengthen penalties for those who target law enforcement officers, underscoring the gravity of crimes against those who serve in these vital roles. This legislation is a powerful statement of national support, honoring their dedication to justice and reinforcing the profound respect owed to their unwavering commitment to public safety,” said Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association National President Mathew Silverman.

“The Thin Blue Line Act is a vital step in ensuring those who target our public safety professionals face the full weight of justice. Law enforcement officers and first responders risk their lives daily to protect our communities, and this legislation sends a clear message that violence against them will not be tolerated. As sheriffs, we are committed to standing up for those who stand in harm's way to keep us safe,” said National Sheriffs’ Association President Sheriff Kieran Donahue. 

“The United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association is honored to support the Thin Blue Line Act. With the current atmosphere of anti-law enforcement in America this bill is a great step forward in supporting law enforcement and other first responders. These are the men and women who not only put their lives on the line every day but are dedicated to advancing their communities.  The Thin Blue Line Act is a great way to support these heroes that go unnoticed every day,” said United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association Executive Director and National Trainer David Hinners.

“Law enforcement officers have always faced threats while on duty—it is nothing new. Although we go to work each day to protect others, within the past few years, officers have become a target for violence solely because of the uniform they wear.  It should not be ‘part of the job’ to be a target for someone who is looking to simply kill or injure a cop.  The Thin Blue Line Act aims to reduce these attacks by expanding the list of aggravating factors in death penalty determinations for those who target, kill, or attempt to kill a law enforcement or other public safety officers, which sends a clear message to those who target, kill, or attempt to kill a law enforcement or other public safety officer that they will be held accountable and punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Fraternal Order of Police National President Patrick Yoes.  

“For too long, members of the NYPD and law enforcement officers across this nation have been subjected to targeted acts of violence as they work to protect life, property, and the freedoms we all hold dear. While we know that these brave men and women will continue to face threats regardless of the uniform they wear, on duty or off, active or retired, the Thin Blue Line Act sends the long-overdue message that any action to target law enforcement officers for murder or violence will be met with the harshest of penalties,” said NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) President Vincent Vallelong.

Click here to read text of the legislation.

Attorney General Griffin Announces Conviction of North Little Rock Woman for Elder Abuse

Griffin: ‘Protecting seniors from abuse will continue to be a priority for my office’

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement announcing the conviction of Ja’Layia McClendon, 28, of North Little Rock after she pleaded guilty in Pulaski County Circuit Court to the charge of Abuse of an Endangered or Impaired Adult, a Class D Felony:

“Protecting seniors from abuse will continue to be a priority for my office. I congratulate my Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for their diligence in securing this conviction, especially Special Agent Heath Nelson and Assistant Attorney General Gabrielle Davis-Jones. I also thank Sixth Judicial District Prosecutor Will Jones for the assistance of his office in this case.”

McClendon worked as a caregiver at Woodland Heights Senior Living, a Little Rock long-term care facility. She surrendered herself to law enforcement on October 31, 2024. McClendon struck an 82-year-old female resident who was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, leaving bruises on the resident’s face and forearm.

McClendon was sentenced to five years of probation and a $1,000 fine.

Arkansas work-related fatalities rise almost 23% in 2023

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

New data shows there were 92 work-related fatalities in Arkansas during 2023, up 22.7% compared with the 75 fatalities in 2022. The 2023 fatality count was just below the record of 93 in 2011.

The data comes from the Arkansas Arkansas Department, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Report data showed 72 deaths in 2023 involving wage and salary workers in the private sector, up from 57 in 2022. Self-employed worker fatalities accounted for 14, up from 7 in 2022. Fatal injuries among local and state government workers accounted for 6 in 2023, down from 10 in 2022. 5 were local government workers, and 1 was a state government worker.

Arkansas work-related fatalities rise almost 23% in 2023

Nonprofit teaches culinary arts to help Arkansans overcome cycles of poverty

KUAR | By Maggie Ryan

Six years ago, Krystal Rivera had dreams of working in a restaurant. But, she didn’t know where to start. She was recovering from a drug addiction and trying to stay out of jail, but still felt something was missing from her life.

“I’ve loved to cook ever since I was a little girl from Puerto Rico, I grew up over there,” Rivera told Little Rock Public Radio. “My grandma would be cooking every single day, and it always intrigued me since I was seven years old.”

So when a friend told her about Food Jobs Work, a culinary training program for people in similar situations, Rivera signed up. Now, five years after graduating, she prepares for the dinner rush at Big Orange’s midtown location in Little Rock, where she works as a kitchen manager.

Nonprofit teaches culinary arts to help Arkansans overcome cycles of poverty

Maggie Ryan/Little Rock Public Radio

Krystal Rivera started taking classes at Food Jobs Work in 2019. Five years later, she's the kitchen manager at a local restaurant and dreams of opening her own restaurant one day.

Governor Sanders Announces $66.5 Million in Arkansas Water Funding

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced an additional $66.5 million in financial assistance for water and wastewater projects for eight entities. The projects serve more than 60,594 Arkansans in eight counties. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission approved this funding on January 15, 2025.

“Today’s announcement continues my administration’s commitment to making sure every Arkansas community has access to safe drinking water,” said Governor Sanders. “Thank you to the agency staff and local officials who are working in close partnership to develop sustainable solutions to water infrastructure in all four corners of our state.” 

“Reliable water and wastewater infrastructure is vital to both the quality of life for every Arkansan and the strength of our communities,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Governor Sanders’ continued leadership on water issues ensures that Arkansas is well-positioned for future success.”

Under Governor Sanders’ leadership, the State of Arkansas has administered more than $2.8 billion for water development projects in all 75 counties using state and federal funds.

The recipients are listed below:

• Bentonville in Benton County is receiving a $55,000,000 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 54,164. These funds will be used for water resource recovery facility improvements.

•  Eureka Springs in Carroll County is receiving two loans: a $6,180,000 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund and a $100,000 emergency loan from the Water Development Fund. The projects serve a current customer base of 1,945. These funds will be used for wastewater treatment plant improvements. 

• Gravel Ridge Sewer Improvement District 213 in Pulaski County is receiving a $2,512,632 loan from the General Obligation Bond Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 1,489. These funds will be used for a sewer collection rehabilitation.  

• Horsebend Property Owners Association in Washington County is receiving a $154,500 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 51. These funds will be used for a wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation. 

• Mount Ida in Montogomery County is receiving a $586,226 loan from the General Obligation Bond Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 600. These funds will be used for a sewer plant rehabilitation.

• North Crossett Utilities in Ashley County is receiving two loans: a $848,916 loan from the General Obligation Bond Fund and a $396,288 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The projects serve a current customer base of 1,251. These funds will be used for meter upgrades and a sewer lift station. 

• Ola in Yell County is receiving a $343,477 loan from the Water Development Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 571. These funds will be used for a water main replacement and pump station upgrade. 

• Yellville in Marion County is receiving a $384,190 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 523. These funds will be used for wastewater collection and treatment improvements.

Arkansas Supreme Court administrator asks chief justice to stay away, pending disciplinary review

KUAR | By Sonny Albarado / Arkansas Advocate

Arkansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Karen Baker has been asked by the state court system’s chief administrator to stay out of his office and not communicate with his staff, pending a disciplinary review.

In an email to Baker on Monday, Administrative Office of the Courts Director Marty Sullivan advised Baker that an investigation of her conduct in December by the office’s personnel department had been completed and a report forwarded to the state’s judicial discipline commission.

“Per the recommendation of the report, I believe it is more than reasonable that you do not enter AOC offices or engage in direct contact or communication with AOC staff until the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission provides further instruction,” Sullivan’s email says.

Arkansas Supreme Court administrator asks chief justice to stay away, pending disciplinary review

Sonny Albarado/Arkansas Advocate

The Arkansas Justice Building on the state Capitol grounds in Little Rock on Jan. 14, 2025. The building houses the state Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals and the Administrative Office of the Courts.

A-State Chancellor asked about higher ed changes under legislative consideration

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

During her state of the state address earlier this week, Gov. Sarah Sanders said she wanted to streamline the college application process and wanted to create a process to terminate college professors for “woke indoctrination.” Arkansas State University Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields was asked about these ideas Wednesday (Jan. 15) during the meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Jonesboro.

Shields said he thinks the first part of Sanders’ proposed “Access Arkansas” higher education reforms could be a good tool for incoming college students. It would streamline the application process for colleges and universities to one universal form.

It would allow prospective college students to compare and contrast things like education and boarding costs, cost of living in certain college towns and cities, and other factors that might impact a student’s choice, he said.

“I’m a fan of that,” said Shields.

A-State Chancellor asked about higher ed changes under legislative consideration

Arkansas State University Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields.

Hands-On Learning Sparks Interest in Health Care Careers for Arkansas Students

By Philip Allison

To help inspire the next generation of health care professionals, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) recently hosted a virtual event that gave nearly 950 Arkansas high school students an inside look at careers in the medical field. 

Students in northwest Arkansas prepare to dissect a sheep eye as part of the UAMS Find Your Future in Health Care event

Students from 69 high schools across Arkansas participated in the Find Your Future in Health Care online event. Participants saw presentations from a variety of health care professionals while also getting to participate in several hands-on activities. 

“We’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from teachers letting us know how much they and their students enjoyed the Find Your Future event,” said Jesse Cargill, the education coordinator for the UAMS North Central Region in Batesville. “I think the school districts across the state were grateful that their students could participate in a unique opportunity like this. And I know that UAMS is happy to have the opportunity to invest in these students and to show them some of the career paths that are available to them.” 

Hands-On Learning Sparks Interest in Health Care Careers for Arkansas Students

Cooperative Extension Service to host produce safety grower training in February

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — To help the state’s fruit and vegetable growers, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will host the first produce safety grower training of 2025 on Feb. 25 at the Jones Center in Springdale.

FOOD SAFETY — Arkansas fruit and vegetable producers will have their first opportunity in 2025 to attend a produce safety grower training on Feb. 25. The training will be hosted by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture at the Jones Center in Springdale. (Division of Agriculture graphic.) 

The one-day training will take place from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at 922 E. Emma Avenue. The cost is $25 to attend, which includes lunch, snacks and training materials. Participants must register by Feb. 18 at uada.formstack.com/forms/sd_psagrower. Attendance is limited to 20 spots, and no walk-ins will be accepted.

Sarah Bakker, extension food systems and food safety program associate for the Division of Agriculture, said participants will learn about new regulations for fruit and vegetable producers.

“Topics covered will include agricultural water, soil amendments, worker health and hygiene, wildlife management, postharvest handling and food safety plans,” Bakker said.

Bakker said that for fresh produce farms, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule sets mandatory federal standards for growing, harvesting, packing and holding produce. Most produce farms are affected by this rule, and this training satisfies the rule’s training requirement.

Amanda Philyaw Perez, extension associate professor of food systems and food safety specialist for the Division of Agriculture, said the training will be key to the success of Northwest Arkansas producers.

"Northwest Arkansas is fostering local food systems and supporting beginning farmers, helping them tap into new markets such as retail, the Market Center of the Ozarks and schools,” Perez said. “To succeed in these markets, farmers must understand Good Agricultural Practices for food safety, which include safe handling, water use and pest management.

“Participating in a one-day GAP training helps farmers learn the basics and prepare for necessary audits or inspections required by buyers,” Perez said. “Complying with food safety standards opens up more market opportunities and ensures the safety and quality of their products."

For more information, contact Sarah Bakker at sbakker@uada.edu, Amanda Philyaw Perez at aperez@uada.edu, or visit the Produce Safety Grower Training page on the Cooperative Extension Service’s website.

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. 

Weekly update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

The Arkansas General Assembly will convene for the 2025 Regular Session on Monday, January 13. 

The first day of the session will include the swearing-in of all members and the formal election of the Speaker of the House. While the Speaker is officially elected at the start of the session, the 94th General Assembly previously selected Rep. Brian Evans of Cabot as Speaker-designate. 

On January 14, the second day of the session, House and Senate members will convene jointly in the House Chamber to hear an address from Governor Sanders. This address will outline the Governor’s legislative priorities and provide key recommendations on the pressing issues facing Arkansas. 

Several important deadlines will shape the legislative process this session. Members must file legislation affecting publicly supported retirement or pension plans, the licensure of health care providers, or state/public school health insurance by January 27. Legislation regarding lottery-funded scholarships or constitutional amendments must be filed by February 12, and all appropriation bills must be filed by March 3. 

The Speaker will announce committee chair assignments on the first day of the session, and those assignments will be available at arkansashouse.org. Committee meetings and House floor proceedings are open to the public, providing Arkansans with an opportunity to see and participate in the legislative process. Those who wish to voice their support or opposition to a bill can sign in to speak during committee meetings, ensuring their perspectives are heard.

House committee meetings and floor proceedings are live-streamed and recorded, ensuring Arkansans can follow the legislative process in real-time from anywhere. Agendas and links to live-streams can be accessed at arkansashouse.org. 

As your state representatives work to address issues ranging from education to health care to economic development, we invite all Arkansans to engage with the legislative process. Whether you reach out to your representative, attend a committee meeting, or follow our live streams, your input helps shape the future of our state.

Snow pictures from De Queen Lake in Southwest Arkansas on January 9th and 10th

Photo Images by Jon Bunyard

Check the latest road conditions in Arkansas before traveling

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT) has developed the idrivearkansas website and phone app. It maintains a travel and construction information portal (IDRIVEARKANSAS) to provide enough data to the motoring public to make informed decisions about navigating the state highway system.

IDriveArkansas is a free, mobile-optimized website and app that provides information about Arkansas road conditions, construction, and weather. The site's purpose is to help travelers make informed decisions about navigating the state's highway system. 

UADA’s Culver to be inducted into Arkansas Ag Hall of Fame in March

By Mary Hightower
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Chuck Culver, former interim head of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, is one of the six being inducted in March as part of Class XXXVII of the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Culver, who joined the Division of Agriculture in 1990, spent much of his 30-plus-year career as its director of stakeholder relations, and during that time helped secure more than $600 million in funding for the division’s research and extension projects.

Chuck Culver is among those being inducted in the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2025. (U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture file photo)

In 2021, Culver was named by UA System President Donald Bobbitt to be interim head of the Division of Agriculture following the retirement of Mark Cochran. Culver served as interim until Deacue Fields was appointed to the post in July 2022.

“We are so pleased that Chuck has been chosen for induction in the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame,” said Fields. “His three decades of work has helped elevate the Division of Agriculture in its ability to serve Arkansans and Arkansas agriculture.”

Other Class XXXVII inductees include:

• Aubrey Blackmon of Houston, a founding member of Perry County Cattlemen’s Association in 1970 and recipient of the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association lifetime service achievement award in 2012.

• Carl Brothers of Stuttgart, who spent 53 years with Riceland Foods, retiring as senior vice president and chief operating officer and whose leadership was instrumental in passage of the 1985 farm bill, also known as the Food Security Act of 1985.

• Mike Freeze of Little Rock, co-owner and operator of Keo Fish Farms — America’s largest producer of hybrid striped bass fry and fingerlings — who helped Arkansas become one of the top three states in aquaculture production.

• The late Jack Reaper of Albion, who was a prisoner of war in a German concentration camp before starting with a 24-acre farm in White County and growing it into a model farm that included poultry, cattle and row crops.

• Frank Wilson of Rison, who began planting pine trees with his dad more than 70 years ago and started Wilson Brothers Lumber Company in 1972, followed by several logging companies and other timber industry enterprises offering more than 100 jobs in rural Cleveland County.

Class XXXVII induction ceremonies are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. March 28 in the Wally Allen Ballroom at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Contact Cindra Jones at 501-228-1609 for ticket information or click here to purchase tickets online.

Since the hall of fame’s first class in 1987, a total of 192 men and women have been inducted for significant contributions to Arkansas’ largest industry and the economic impact of the industry.

“What an amazing group of farmers and those who help our farmers make agriculture Arkansas’ No. 1 business sector,” said Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame Chair Debbie Moreland of Roland. “Agriculture is such a critical cultural and economic part of Arkansas. It is what binds so much of our state together.”

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. 

Discovery Farms Conference set for Feb. 13-14 in Fayetteville

By Mary Hightower
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — The work of Arkansas Discovery Farms, the program that conducts agriculture research under real-world conditions on working farms, will be showcased during its Climate Smart Agriculture Conference on Feb. 13-14.

The conference will be held at the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences in Fayetteville.

Registration is available online and registering by Feb. 10 is appreciated for a meal headcount.

Lunch will be provided both days. There is no cost to register.

Arkansas Extension Irrigation Educator Mike Hamilton speaking at a  joint NRCS/Cooperative Extension Service training conducted at Robby Bevis farm in Lonoke County, Arkansas. Conservation efforts are a key part of the Discovery Farms program. Taken Aug. 2018. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo)

“If you have an interest in farming, agriculture, conservation, environmental research, carbon research, climate smart research, you should be there,” said Lee Riley, extension program associate for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “If you love sustainable agriculture, what could be better than spending Valentine’s Day learning about Arkansas Discovery Farms' research projects?”

Arkansas Extension Irrigation Educator Mike Hamilton speaking at a joint NRCS/Cooperative Extension Service training conducted at Robby Bevis farm in Lonoke County, Arkansas. Taken Aug. 2018. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo)

This year’s conference features two keynoters, John Anderson, director of the Cooperative Extension Service, on Feb. 13, and Amanda Mathis, the Arkansas conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Riley said that the first day “is farmer and industry partner focused, highlighting some of our farmers' experience from the research we're conducting with them and audience participation discussion panels — including question and answer sessions — from our Discovery Farmers and industry partners.

“Day two is more research-focused, several of the research team and partners sharing what they are doing and their findings on several of their Climate Smart research projects,” he said.

The conference will also feature a student research poster content with awards held during lunch on the second day. The deadline for contestants to register is Feb. 7.

Additional details on presenters will be available at the conference webpage.

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. 

Brush up on winter weather and wildlife

BY Randy Zellers

LITTLE ROCK — Take a moment while stocking up on the bread, milk and eggs in preparation for this week’s snowstorm and think about how you can better prepare your yard for the local wildlife. 

The good news is that native wildlife are highly adaptable to a random winter storm if they have the right habitat nearby. Reptiles and amphibians have already found burrows and shallow pools to ride out the winter. Songbirds can easily relocate to more habitable areas and make the best of a temporary situation. Cottontail rabbits and other mammals make the best use of brush and other low-lying cover. But there are a few things landowners can do to give them a little boost during heavy snowfalls and icy conditions.  

CARDINAL
A female northern cardinal weathers a snowstorm near the safety of heavy weeds and brush. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.

During harsh weather, wildlife are always going to benefit best from those yards that look a little less manicured. Rough weed edges and randomly placed piles of branches may be unattractive to a greenskeeper or neighborhood association watchdog, but they’re heaven on Earth to local wildlife. If your homeowner’s association is agreeable, give a little thought to making a brushpile or two.

If feasible, make several brushpiles, and you’ll have rapid rewards in the form of songbirds and other wildlife making use of the debris in your backyard or in a corner of your rural property.

With a bit of creativity, the brushpile can be a yard or garden feature, fronted or ringed, perhaps, with a planting of flowers. It can also be tucked away in a corner of the yard, drawing attention only from wildlife. Place the brushpile near a fencerow or border to the nearby woods. This offers an extra benefit to give to other food and cover.

The instructions for a great wildlife brushpile are pretty simple. Pile up some brush. It doesn’t have to be any particular shape or size, although a few piles the size of a wheelbarrow are much more beneficial to various animals than one huge pile. But even a simple pile of sticks will offer some cover from the cold and predators. Anchor the brushpile around a stump or log. If these aren’t available, lay two or three bigger pieces on the ground then work the limbs, sticks and twigs around and on top of these. This way, there will be some space down low for small creatures to move around and hide.

If you haven’t yet delivered your Christmas tree to one of the AGFC’s Habitat for the Holidays dropoff locations, maybe you can drag it to the corner of your yard to be a temporary brushpile during the upcoming storm, then deliver it to one of the dropoff locations for fish habitat by the end of January. 

Once spring arrives, you can even make your brushpile a feature of a flowerbed or yard. Plant some favorites around the pile. The main thing to keep in mind is to keep any plantings around your brushpile native. Not only do native plants require less maintenance, most produce seeds and fruit that native wildlife depend upon. The following link can offer some help in choosing native species:  www.agfc.com/education/native-gardening. 

GOLDFINCHES
American goldfinches taking advantage of sunflower seeds scattered around brush. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath. 

If you don’t have many native plants around right now, a few supplemental food sources can help, especially with songbirds. 

“Black oil sunflower seeds are the best all around seed to put out for songbirds,” Allison Fowler, Assistant Chief of Wildlife Management for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, said. “If you have house finches or goldfinches around, nyjer seed is also a good food for them. Suet feeders are very popular with a lot of birds, especially woodpeckers.”

Fowler says a heavy snow last year was particularly tough on bluebirds who were not able to find their preferred foods (insects and berries) for almost a week.

“A lot of commercial suet blocks contain berries, cracked seeds and mealworms that the bluebirds and other insect-focused species can use,” Fowler said. “They lack stout seed-cracking beaks so they can make good use of these alternative food sources.”

Another option is to make your own suet for the birds. Here’s an article that walks you through one of the best family snow-day activities to enjoy between snowball fights and sledding: www.agfc.com/news/simple-recipe-to-share-with-your-feathered-friends.