Major Arkansas row crops seeing rapid planting across state

By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture 

LITTLE ROCK — You could be forgiven for wondering who fired the starting pistol so early.

WITH A QUICKNESS — Row crop planting in Arkansas is racing ahead at a rate not seen in the last five years, with more than 83 percent of rice acres already planted — nearly double the five-year average for this point in the season. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

Row crop planting in Arkansas is racing ahead at a rate not seen in the last five years. According to an April 29 U.S. Department of Agriculture report, 83 percent of the state’s planned rice acreage had been planted — nearly double the five-year average for this point in the season.

Arkansas soybeans are even further ahead of expectations, with 56 percent of planned acreage already planted, compared with the five-year average of 23 percent normally planted in the last week of April. The state’s corn crop, too, is racing ahead of its five-year average, with 81 percent of planned acreage already in the ground.

Jarrod Hardke, extension rice agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said the roots of the 2024 season’s rapid pace lay in the relatively dry winter that preceded it.

“We’re on a sort of parallel to last year’s planting season,” Hardke said. “Growers were able to complete an enormous amount of field preparation over the winter months, and as soon as the early planting window opened up, they hit the ground running.”

Of course, that parallel carries a certain burden. While Arkansas growers enjoyed near-record rice yields last year, a region-wide “traffic jam” between harvesters and mills caused much of that yield to suffer in quality, as high heat and humidity took their toll on grain kernels as they languished in the fields.

Hardke said that while the weather, regardless of the season, is beyond human control, growers almost always benefit from early planting.

“Early planting gives you the best chance of maximizing yields,” he said. “If you have an opportunity to plant and you choose not to, it’s a gamble. For all we know, it’s going to start raining and never really let up for the rest of the spring. Take advantage of the windows you’re given.

“Northeast counties have received low rainfall this spring and an elongated planting window, while as you move southward, rain amounts have been increasingly higher and planting windows fewer and further between,” Hardke said.

With so many different crops going into the ground at once, producers may find themselves with serious time management challenges come harvest time.

“As we break the traditional mold of planting corn, then rice, then beans, we’re going to have to be flexible and responsive in terms of our stages of management,” Hardke said. “My best advice is to start harvest on the early side so that more of the overall harvest is within the optimal timing.”

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.

ARPQC Launches Website to Provide Information About Maternity Care Services, Initiatives

By David Wise

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative (ARPQC), a partnership launched last year between the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), the Arkansas Department of Health and 34 birthing hospitals across the state, launched its new website recently, creating a hub for patients and health care providers alike to access pivotal information related to maternal health care in Arkansas.

The site, arpqc.org, houses information about the collaborative, provides education to help patients make informed health care decisions and includes resources for health care providers.

The ARPCQ’s mission is to decrease maternal morbidity and mortality in Arkansas. Between 2018 and 2020, 38 women in Arkansas died from pregnancy-related causes. According to the state’s review panel of medical experts, more than 90% of these deaths were potentially preventable.

ARPQC Launches Website to Provide Information About Maternity Care Services, Initiatives

Lawmakers approve voter registration signature rule

From the Arkansas Advocate:

An Arkansas legislative committee on Thursday reviewed and approved an emergency rule that permits electronic signatures on voter registration applications only when they’re completed at certain state agencies.

The Arkansas Board of Election Commissioners last week gave initial approval to the rule, which requires paper registration applications to include a “wet signature,” meaning an applicant signs with a pen.

Board Director Chris Madison told the Arkansas Legislative Council’s Executive Subcommittee on Thursday that the rule was designed to create consistency because electronic signatures were being accepted by some county clerks and rejected by others.

Lawmakers approve voter registration signature rule

Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate

Rep. Bruce Cozart (L) and Sen. Terry Rice (R) listen to Arkansas Board of Election Commissioner Director Chris Madison discuss a new voter registration rule during a legislative committee meeting on May 2, 2024.

AG sues over Biden Administration efforts to close ‘gun show loophole’

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

Arkansas’ attorney general is heading up a legal challenge to the Biden Administration’s attempt to close what’s known as the “gun show loophole.”

Attorney General Tim Griffin announced Wednesday he’s leading a coalition of 20 other state attorneys general in a lawsuit challenging a new rule proposed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The rule would require thousands more firearm dealers to obtain licenses and run background checks on potential buyers.

In a press conference Wednesday, Griffin said the Biden Administration overstepped its authority in making the rule.

AG sues over Biden Administration efforts to close ‘gun show loophole’

John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate

Efforts by the federal government to close the so-called “gun show loophole” are the target of a lawsuit by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin.

Windstream, Uniti reunite in $13.4 billion merger

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Privately-held Windstream and publicly-traded Uniti Group – two Little Rock-based companies that once were a combined entity – are reuniting in a proposed $13.4 billion merger.

Uniti Group, then known as CS&L, spun off from Windstream when it was a publicly-traded company nearly a decade ago. Uniti is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns wireless towers and fiber operations, while Windstream is a telecommunications and broadband company with with heavy operations in the Midwest and Southeastern U.S. The two entities went through years of litigation over contract arrangements, a move that contributed to Windstream’s reorganization bankruptcy in the late 2010’s. Windstream is Uniti’s largest customer.

The new deal, which has been approved by both company’s board of directors, brings the companies back together. The transaction factors in about $4.4 billion in company revenues, $8 billion in corporate debt, $425 million in cash, and $575 million in preferred equity.

Windstream, Uniti reunite in $13.4 billion merger

Severe Weather Briefing for Arkansas from the National Weather Service in Little Rock

• There is a potential for severe weather today through Wednesday. The greatest risk of severe storms in Arkansas will be on Wednesday.

• In the near term, an outbreak of severe weather is expected in the Plains today. A line of strong/severe storms will approach northwest Arkansas tonight, but should weaken as it progresses into the state during the predawn hours Tuesday. Additional isolated to scattered thunderstorms will pop up Tuesday afternoon, but any severe weather will be spotty.

• Chances for severe weather will increase Wednesday as a storm system tracks from the southern Plains to the mid-Mississippi Valley, and drags a cold front into Arkansas. Ahead of the front, well above average temperatures and humid conditions will create a very unstable environment. All modes of severe weather are in play, including tornadoes. Heavy downpours may lead to localized flash flooding.

Walmart shutters 51 health centers and ends virtual care service

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

Walmart’s experiment in the muddled healthcare sector ended abruptly Tuesday (April 30) when the retailer reversed course and announced it is closing healthcare centers and ending its virtual care service.

The 51 Walmart Health centers are across five states, including two in Northwest Arkansas and one in Fort Smith. A timeline for closing was not disclosed.

Walmart launched its health centers in 2019 and said the five years brought meaningful lessons, pivoting, and trying to evolve ways to help customers better navigate primary care. However, the “challenging reimbursement environment and escalating operating costs” made the venture unsustainable for the retail giant.

Walmart shutters 51 health centers and ends virtual care service

A Walmart Health Clinic coming to Rogers at Store No. 1 at 2110 W. Walnut Street.

Judge hears arguments in suit challenging Arkansas critical race theory ban

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

Attorneys presented oral arguments Tuesday in a case over how race can be discussed in Arkansas schools.

A group of plaintiffs made up of students, parents and educators is suing to stop a law banning so-called “critical race theory" in Arkansas. They are being represented by the Laux Law Firm. The plaintiffs are asking for a preliminary injunction to stop the law immediately before a trial can be held to better examine the merits of the legislation.

The critical race theory ban is in Section 16 of the education law known as Arkansas LEARNS. The law defines critical race theory as material that “encourages” discrimination or any teaching that one race is better than another.

Judge hears arguments in suit challenging Arkansas critical race theory ban

Michael Hibblen/Little Rock Public Radio

Arguments were made for and against a preliminary injunction over Arkansas' ban on critical race theory in schools on Tuesday.

‘The Deal with Dicamba’ the focus of May 15 NALC webinar

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

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The rollercoaster of changing state and federal policies regarding dicamba has kept producers on their toes in recent years. Earlier this year, a federal court in Arizona called into question the future of over-the-top dicamba use for producers.

Brigit Rollins, staff attorney for the National Ag Law Center, will present a webinar on "The Deal with Dicamba" on May 15. (U of A System Division of Agriculture file photo)

“The Feb. 6 decision from the U.S. District Court of Arizona was another major development in the ongoing saga impacting producers’ methods for protecting their crops,” Brigit Rollins, staff attorney for the National Agricultural Law Center, said. “Pending a possible appeal, producers will not be able to rely on over-the-top dicamba as they may have in the past.”

On Feb. 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice stating that it would allow farmers and producers to use their remaining dicamba stocks.

“We’ve seen this in the past, where the EPA allows producers to use dicamba stock that was purchased prior to a ruling,” Rollins said. “The end date for sale and distribution of dicamba stocks, as well as the end date for use of existing stocks, varies from state to state, so it’s important that producers consult the EPA’s notice to ensure they are complying with the new policy.”

May 15 webinar

Rollins will discuss dicamba during the next National Agricultural Law Center webinar, which will be held on May 15. The webinar, titled, “The Deal with Dicamba: Overview of Recent Legal Developments,” will begin at 11 a.m. Central/Noon Eastern. The event has no cost and registration is available online.

A recurring theme in the ongoing saga of dicamba lawsuits is environmental plaintiffs claiming the EPA has violated both the Endangered Species Act, or ESA, and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, known as FIFRA.

“A large part of why we get these court decisions impacting access to products such as dicamba is due to the EPA’s approach to meeting its ESA responsibilities while carrying out actions under FIFRA,” Rollins said. “The EPA is in the process of developing its new policy for how it meets these responsibilities. Because of this, we are expecting future changes to how producers are able to use pesticide products.”

Rollins discusses the history of dicamba and policy in her article series “The Deal with Dicamba,” which is available online on the NALC website. She also reviewed the EPA’s new ESA-FIFRA policy in a previous NALC webinar, which is available to watch online.

“Brigit is an expert in pesticide developments and policy,” NALC Director Harrison Pittman said. “She has created great NALC resources on this topical area, such as the NALC Endangered Species Act Manual, and has presented excellent webinars in the past.”

The NALC has had two prior “The Deal with Dicamba” webinars presented by Rollins. Recordings can be found online in the NALC’s Webinar Series archive.

For information about the National Agricultural Law Center, visit nationalaglawcenter.org or follow @Nataglaw on X. The National Agricultural Law Center is also on Facebook and LinkedIn.

For updates on agricultural law and policy developments, subscribe free of charge to The Feed, the NALC’s twice-monthly newsletter highlighting recent legal developments facing agriculture.

About the National Agricultural Law Center

The National Agricultural Law Center serves as the nation’s leading source of agricultural and food law research and information. The NALC works with producers, state and federal policymakers, Congressional staffers, attorneys, land grant universities, and many others to provide objective, nonpartisan agricultural and food law research and information to the nation’s agricultural community.

The NALC is a unit of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and works in close partnership with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, National Agricultural Library.

Number of foreign military jets at Fort Smith could rise; basing cost up to $850 million

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

The foreign military pilot training center in Fort Smith has yet to become operational or even see its first jet find a home in a hangar, but the number of planes could potentially rise, and the cost to establish the center is also up from initial estimates.

Rob Ator, a retired Air Force colonel and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission director of Military Affairs, said Monday (April 29) that efforts are underway to prepare Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith to handle 48 fighter jets instead of the original 36.

Ebbing, home to the 188th Wing in Fort Smith and co-located with the Fort Smith Regional Airport, was selected in March by the U.S. Air Force to be the long-term pilot training center supporting F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Finland and other countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Specifically, Singapore is expected to base 12 F-16s at Ebbing, with slots for 24 F-35s from the participating countries.

Number of foreign military jets at Fort Smith could rise; basing cost up to $850 million

Col. Jay “Evil” Spohn, commander of the 188th Wing based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, on Monday (April 29) addresses attendees of a Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce event.

Arkansas ACLU sues to restore gender-neutral driver’s licenses

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

A new lawsuit is challenging the State of Arkansas’ policy shift away from gender-neutral driver’s licenses.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas filed the lawsuit on behalf of five plaintiffs Tuesday against the state Department of Finance and Administration, which said in March it was rescinding its policy allowing for a gender-neutral option on driver’s licenses. Drivers could previously list “X” on their licenses instead of choosing between male or female.

The lawsuit argues the rule was implemented without adequate notice or any opportunity for public comment, in conflict with existing Arkansas law. The ACLU says the department also has failed to demonstrate any urgent threat to public health or safety that the policy change is addressing.

Arkansas ACLU sues to restore gender-neutral driver’s licenses

Arkansas Department Of Finance And Administration

A sample of an Arkansas driver's license with "M" listed under "sex."

Cotton to Bowser: Allow D.C. Police to uphold the law

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. Senate Cotton urged Mayor Bowser to reverse her decision to not let the D.C. Metro Police assist George Washington University officials restore order on the school’s campus due to protestors setting up an encampment.

Hundreds of students gather in front of Gelman Library before the start of a protest march to the White House. (Photo: Logan Werlinger/GW Today)

In part, Senator Cotton wrote:

“Whether it is due to incompetence or sympathy for the cause of these Hamas supporters, you are failing to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens by letting a terrorist-supporting mob take over a large area of a university. Your actions are a good reminder of why Washington, D.C. must never become a state.”

Full text of the letter may be found here and below.

April 29, 2024

The Honorable Muriel Bowser
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004

Dear Mayor Bowser,

Since last week, protestors have "occupied" George Washington University's campus and are demanding that the university divest from the one Jewish state.

Campus officials requested help from the D.C. Metro Police last week, but even as they prepared to assist the "mayor's office told police to stand down and said it would look bad publicly for police to disrupt a 'small number of peaceful protestors.'"

I'm writing to inform you: What looks bad publicly is D.C. allowing a band of antisemitic, mask- wearing fanatics who call for an "intifada revolution" to tum a university into a pro-Hamas encampment.

I have no doubt that if protestors were illegally gathered in opposition to Washington, D.C.'s disastrous record on crime, you would have quickly ordered the police to intervene.

Whether it is due to incompetence or sympathy for the cause of these Hamas supporters, you are failing to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens by letting a terrorist-supporting mob take over a large area of a university. Your actions are a good reminder of why Washington, D.C. must never become a state.

I'm calling on you to reverse your decision and allow the D.C. police to uphold the law.

Sincerely,

Johnson County 4-H agent named 2024 Arkansas Ag Woman of the Year

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — As an underrepresented group within agriculture, it’s important for women to connect with their industry peers. Jeanie Rowbotham, Johnson County 4-H extension agent with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, was recently named 2024 Arkansas Ag Woman of the Year by Arkansas Women in Agriculture, an organization dedicated to educating and supporting women in the field.

SUPPORTING WOMEN IN AG — Jeanie Rowbotham said receiving the Arkansas Ag Woman of the Year award from the Arkansas Women in Agriculture organization has been a rewarding experience. Rowbotham has worked as an extension 4-H agent in Johnson County for 17 years. Evette Browning, past president of AWIA, hands Jeanie her award, flanked by vice president Michelle Horton. (Photo by Lindsey Holtzclaw, AWIA.)

Rowbotham and her husband, Theron, own and operate Infinity Ranch in rural Johnson County, where Rowbotham has worked as an extension 4-H agent since 2007. They have two children, Mae and Tate, and the family manages four commercial turkey houses contracted to Butterball as well as a commercial cow and calf operation.

Rowbotham said it has been rewarding to be recognized for her work in agriculture.

“Being named Ag Woman of the Year has been an amazing experience,” Rowbotham said. “My life’s work is positive youth development and agriculture education, so it is wonderful to be recognized — but more than that, I just appreciate being able to tell the story of Arkansas farmers and ranchers. So many women in this state are just like me: raising their families alongside livestock and working on the farm, while holding down an ag job in town and being leaders in their communities. I’m honored to represent Johnson County and all the incredible work happening here.”

The Arkansas Woman in Ag Award was established by Arkansas Women in Agriculture, or AWIA, in 2023 to celebrate the contributions of women to the agriculture industry. Evette Browning, past president of AWIA, said Rowbotham was chosen among 15 other applicants by the organization’s education committee.

“This committee invites two other leaders within the ag community to provide input and fair assessment,” Browning said. “Each applicant’s criteria are considered and ranked based on their stake in agriculture, significant impacts made, advocacy and the legacy they will leave for future generations. Many of our board members were excited to learn of Jeanie’s selection for this year’s Ag Woman of the Year Award, as they have been personally impacted by Jeanie’s dedicated service to agriculture.”

Rowbotham received the award on April 2 at the 2024 AWIA Conference, held in Hot Springs. Nearly 300 women from across the state gathered for seminars, classes and networking events during the two-day conference. After receiving her award, Rowbotham said she was approached by a college student from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

“She is also involved in 4-H and wanted to come talk to me, and I think that’s why organizations like Arkansas Women in Agriculture are important, because you get to connect with like-minded women that you normally wouldn’t meet,” Rowbotham said. “Meeting women in the industry and making those connections is priceless. If you can see her, you can be her.”

4-H and farming runs in the family

Rowbotham was raised on a hobby farm outside of Harrison, Arkansas, and her husband is an eighth-generation farmer from Haggarville. Rowbotham received a master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Arkansas and a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from Arkansas Tech University. 

Rowbotham said she grew up very active in 4-H and has experienced the many benefits of the program.

“In my role as a 4-H extension agent, I provide human capital to the ag industry, and raising future ag leaders is something I take very seriously,” Rowbotham said. “I know this firsthand. I was once that 4-H member, and if it weren’t for the opportunities I was given in 4-H, I would not be the person I am today. I love providing that same experience for future generations.

“I will never lose sight of the fact that the most important thing I will ever raise on my farm is my children, but it's not exclusive to my farm — it is the same for your farm and household,” she said. “The driving force in my extension career is knowing the most important thing that my 4-H families will raise at their house is their children, too.”

Browning said Rowbotham exemplifies the values and mission of AWIA.

“Successfully juggling home life, a farm and a career is the true definition of a woman in agriculture,” Browning said.

Rowbotham said she encourages her peers to join AWIA for the guidance and support the organization offers.

“You can find mentors in the industry through professional networks, connect with women who share your passions and access opportunities to learn and grow in the industry,” she said. “You will get to meet and learn from diverse women from all around the state and build your tribe.”

To learn more about Arkansas Women in Agriculture, visit arwomeninag.org.

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 College of Medicine Celebrates Excellence at 2024 Dean’s Honor Day

By Tamara Robinson

The College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) celebrated the excellence of faculty and staff at its annual Dean’s Honor Day ceremony on April 16, presenting awards for teaching, clinical care, research, administration, humanism and service.

The ceremony culminated with the presentation of the Dean’s Distinguished Faculty Service Award to Eduardo R. “Eddie” Ochoa Jr., M.D., a professor in the Department of Pediatrics who has strived to improve the health and quality of life of children in Arkansas and nationally since joining the faculty in 1999. In addition to pediatrics-focused leadership, Ochoa’s service has included impactful roles such as helping the college identify and select promising future physicians as a multi-term member and chair of the college’s medical student admissions committee.

Ochoa’s nominator, Chenia Eubanks, M.D., MPH, associate professor and chief of the Section of Community Pediatrics, described the former section chief as a “fierce, steely advocate for children, their health and their future.” She noted Ochoa’s work in research, advocacy and policy work, as well as clinical care, to reduce disparities and eliminate barriers to good health.

UAMS College of Medicine Celebrates Excellence at 2024 Dean’s Honor Day

Eduardo R. “Eddie” Ochoa Jr., M.D., winner of the Dean’s Distinguished Faculty Service Award, thanks colleagues and congratulates fellow award recipients at the UAMS College of Medicine 2024 Dean’s Honor Day ceremony. Image by Bryan Clifton

Arkansas lawmakers to examine new voter registration signature rule

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

An Arkansas legislative committee on Thursday will consider an emergency rule that permits electronic signatures on voter registration applications only when they’re completed at certain state agencies.

If approved, the emergency rule would require paper registration applications to include a “wet signature,” meaning an applicant signs with a pen.

The Arkansas Board of Election Commissioners approved the emergency rule last Tuesday. Director Chris Madison said the rule is designed to create consistency because currently, electronic signatures are accepted by some county clerks and rejected by others.

Arkansas lawmakers to examine new voter registration signature rule

Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame announces 8th class of inductees

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

The Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame (AWHOF) has released the names of its eighth class of inductees — seven women and one organization – that have made significant contributions to the state and their respective fields and stand as positive examples for women everywhere.

The inductees, who will be honored at a special ceremony on Thursday, August 22nd, at the Statehouse Convention Center-Wally Allen Ballroom in Little Rock, are:

Contemporary:
JoAnne Bush – JoAnne H. Bush began her public service career 51 years ago as City Clerk of her hometown, Lake Village, Arkansas. In 1991, she was sworn in as the city’s first woman mayor and began her service in that capacity to the city, Chicot County, Southeast Arkansas, and to the whole the state. She served as Mayor of Lake Village for 28 years and is one of three of the longest serving female mayors in the state of Arkansas. Her combined 46 years of public service also ranks her as one of the longest serving municipal officials in the state. Since retiring as Mayor, she continues her service and commitment to strengthening local government by serving as an Arkansas Municipal League (AML) Field Representative, covering several Delta counties and roughly 60 municipalities. In this formal role, she continues to mentor other elected officials/community leaders and ensure that the success she experienced is something others can also experience, realizing that the success of any one person contributes to the success of our state’s vitality.

Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame announces 8th class of inductees

Celebrate Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council Month in May

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — As the largest volunteer organization in the state, the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council and its nearly 3,000 members are dedicated to improving their communities and their quality of life. To recognize the organization’s achievements and contributions to the state, celebrate May as Extension Homemakers Month in Arkansas.

The Arkansas Extension Homemakers program was started in 1912 by the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach and teaching arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, to expand the reach of extension programming. The organization has a three-part mission: lifelong learning, community service and leadership development.

MAKING FRIENDS AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE — Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council is the largest volunteer organization in the state, with nearly 3,000 members in more than 300 clubs. The organization provides important opportunities for leadership, education and fellowship. At the AEHC State Meeting in 2022, EHC members stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.  (Division of Agriculture photo.) 

“The purpose of the three-part mission of EHC is to empower people to improve quality of life,” said Laura Hendrix, extension associate professor of personal finance and consumer economics for the Division of Agriculture and advisor to EHC. “While EHC has been around for decades, recent years have seen increased use of new technology and methods to stay connected. Members meet via Zoom and Facebook Live, and webpages and materials are updated for accessibility.”

Hendrix said that in 2023, 5,491 volunteers with EHC contributed more than 200,000 hours of community service, valued at $6.7 million.

“The Cooperative Extension Service and Arkansas Extension Homemakers have partnered on EHC programs for more than 100 years,” Hendrix said. “EHC clubs and councils collaborate with business, community and public service organizations and leaders in their local communities. Arkansas EHC also partners with a variety of organizations at the state level, including the Arkansas Food Bank, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Hospital.”

From 2019-2022, Arkansas EHC focused on food insecurity as its state project. Members raised more than 4.5 million meals through food drives and monetary donations to local food pantries and the state’s six regional food banks. 

In 2023, the organization kicked off its next state project, EHC Cares, focusing on mental health awareness. Dot Hart, a member of the New Horizons EHC Club in Jefferson County, said she brought this topic to the state EHC board.

“Mental health awareness is close to my heart,” Hart said. “I pitched that to our board, it’s personal to me. We’ve offered mental health first aid training to our EHC members and community members, and a couple of counties have done crafting for mental health awareness or mental health walks.”

Hart said the project aims to destigmatize mental health and educate members — and by extension, their communities — about available mental health resources.

“It’s just about being that advocate,” Hart said. “I always say, Extension Homemakers are boots on the ground. That’s how I look at us.”

Leading and learning with EHC

As part of the continuing education mission, Hendrix said extension specialists and agents develop non-formal educational programs and train volunteers to teach others the latest research-based information about money management, health, nutrition and personal development.

EHC also offers training and opportunities for members to serve in leadership roles, such as in their club, county and state offices. Deb Teague, a member of The Scrappers EHC Club in Lawrence County, said EHC has helped her become a leader in her day-to-day life.

“The leadership development portion of our organization has benefitted me more than any other part,” Teague said. “It’s helped me with other roles I hold in my life.”

Teague has served as president of her county Extension Homemakers Council, the creative skills chair, and district director of the Delta District for the EHC state office. She currently serves as the organization’s president-elect and will take office as president in July.

“When I talk to people about EHC, the most common thing they say is, ‘I have a job, I’m not a homemaker,’” Teague said. “I always tell people that if you have a place where you live, where you cook and clean, you are a homemaker. Our organization has valuable information that can help you on a wide variety of subjects, to help you do what you’re already doing in a better way.

“Our leadership focus can give you tools to do your job better,” Teague said. “Our community service can help get your name out there, and it can go on your resume and look good to employers. Our organization can assist you with what you’re already doing.”

Hart said EHC has helped her become more vocal as a leader and an individual.

“I have grown so much as a person, as a leader,” Hart said. “I’m originally from Kentucky, and people don’t believe me when I say that I’m shy, I’m quiet. But if there’s a passion, I’m an advocate. If I feel that there’s a need, I want to be that voice. I want to make that difference. And extension has allowed me to do that.”

Hart has served as associate and district director of the Delta District. She has also served as vice president of the National Volunteer Outreach Network, a collection of service organizations from ten states, with which Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council is affiliated. Arkansas EHC is also affiliated of Associated Country Women of the World, a global organization with members from 82 countries.

Power of social connection

EHC also provides an important opportunity for members to socialize with each other, which has emotional and physical benefits.

“Social connection provides value in increased physical health, improved mental health and lower risk of hospitalization, emergency department visits and death,” Hendrix said.

Hendrix said a recent survey of EHC members shows that 83 percent have increased social connections because of the program.

“This is especially important because social connection is a critical component of well-being, healthy aging, longevity and prevention of neurodegeneration,” Hendrix said.

Teague, who owns a 1,000-acre rice and soybean farm with her husband, said EHC has helped her connect with women in her community, which is especially welcome in her male-dominated field of agriculture.

“I am around men all the time, there are very few females in the farming world,” Teague said. “Whether I’m picking up parts or paying bills, it’s all men. So, Extension Homemakers Council gives me an outlet that’s mostly women to socialize with. When you get a bunch of women together, we can commiserate and build each other up.”

Hart said her favorite part of being in EHC has been the fellowship with fellow members.

“I love community,” she said. “I am a community volunteer, and I just like the programs that extension offers. I really like sharing and taking part in that. It’s one big family, and it gives us a chance to have fellowship and enjoy each other.”

To learn more about Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council or join a local club, visit the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council webpage or contact Laura Hendrix at lhendrix@uada.edu.

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

Fort Smith officials hear about noise concerns, new rules related to foreign pilot training center

by Tina Alvey Dale (tdale@talkbusiness.net)

Some Fort Smith residents – including a former Fort Smith Regional Airport manager – expressed concerns Thursday (April 25) about noise levels in the city when F-35 fighter jets begin arriving this summer as part of the Foreign Military Sales program.

Ebbing Air National Guard Base, home to the 188th Wing in Fort Smith and co-located with the Fort Smith Regional Airport, was selected in March 2023 by the U.S. Air Force to be the long-term pilot training center supporting F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Finland and other countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Initial estimates are that 1,500 military personnel and family members will be associated with the new center once it is fully operational.

U.S. Air Force officials have said the earliest planes and pilots from foreign nations could arrive at Ebbing would be in late 2024, part of the military’s fiscal year 2025 beginning in September 2024. The full complement of 12 F-16s and 24 F-35s from various nations could arrive in fiscal year 2026 at the earliest. It has been estimated that the full cost to create an operational foreign pilot training center will range between $700 million and $800 million.

Fort Smith officials hear about noise concerns, new rules related to foreign pilot training center

Berend Verheijen Image

UAMS Hosts Statewide Conference to Showcase Advances in Nursing Research

By Chris Carmody

Nurses and nursing students from across the state gathered April 5 on the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) campus for a conference that highlighted recent advances in research.

Organized by the UAMS College of Nursing and the UAMS Office of Continuing Education, the 2024 Arkansas Nursing Research Day conference focused on the theme of “Nurses as Active Drivers of Positive Change in Health Care.” The event featured a mix of podium and poster presentations from students and nursing professionals who are striving to improve health outcomes through research and evidence-based projects.

Janiece Taylor, Ph.D., RN, assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, served as guest speaker for the conference’s morning keynote session, giving a lecture on equity in pain management. She started her speech by asking attendees whether they had ever experienced pain, drawing a show of raised hands throughout the auditorium.

UAMS Hosts Statewide Conference to Showcase Advances in Nursing Research

Nicholas Odom, associate professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, delivers a guest lecture during the afternoon session of the Arkansas Nursing Research Day conference. Image by Bryan Clifton

Rob Walton to step down from Walmart board

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

Rob Walton, the oldest son of Walmart founders Helen and Sam Walton, has been a fixture on Walmart’s board of directors for more than four decades. But he is not seeking re-election, according to his son-in-law, board chairman Greg Penner.

Penner made the announcement in the company’s annual proxy report filed Thursday (April 25) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Walton, 79, joined Bentonville-based Walmart Stores in 1969 and worked as the company’s corporate secretary and general counsel after working as a private attorney. Walton was board vice chairman and chairman until resigning from that post to Penner in 2015. He was involved in the process of taking Walmart public in 1970.

Rob Walton to step down from Walmart board

Rob Walton