Grants Illustrate Impact of UAMS Research Center at UAMS Showcase of Medical Discoveries

By David Robinson

The recent UAMS Showcase of Medical Discoveries featuring the UAMS Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Host Inflammatory Responses was a bad news/great news event for Mark Smeltzer, Ph.D., who leads the center.

Smeltzer’s Showcase poster, an overview of the center’s achievements since its 2012 inception, included an impressive list of grant awards by 20 individual researchers that totaled more than $84 million. The bad news was that the numbers were outdated by the day of the event.

The great news was that the numbers were outdated because three new grant notices arrived for center-supported researchers after the poster went to the printer two days before the May 22 showcase.

Grants Illustrate Impact of UAMS Research Center at UAMS Showcase of Medical Discoveries

Mark Smeltzer, Ph.D., welcomes attendees to the UAMS Showcase of Medical Discoveries.

Arkansas 4-H honors Hall of Fame inductee, teen leaders

By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas 4-H recognized a new crop of young leaders, naming 50 new Teen Stars and inducting one into the Arkansas 4-H Hall of Fame.

WINNER —Zach Gardner of Fayetteville is the 2024 Arkansas 4-H Hall of Fame inductee. (Division of Agriculture photo)

The honors were bestowed June 5 during the Arkansas 4-H Teen Leader Conference that brought 143 teenagers from across the state to the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center for leadership development this week.

The three-day conference is open to 4-H members ages 14-19 and prepares teens for leadership and service responsibilities in their local clubs and counties.

Hall of Fame

Zach Gardner, 18, of Fayetteville, was inducted into the Arkansas 4-H Hall of Fame, an award given to one 4-H member each year who demonstrates high achievement, commitment and service. 

“Zach represents the highest level of achievement in Arkansas 4-H,” said Debbie Nistler, assistant vice president for 4-H & Youth Development for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “He has developed life skills that will continue to serve him well as an engaged member of his community. We are so excited to see him succeed in his next adventure."

Gardner has been a member of Washington County 4-H member for 13 years, and leadership is one of his project areas. He served as an Arkansas 4-H state officer from 2022-2023 and has represented Arkansas 4-H at National 4-H Congress in Atlanta and at Citizenship Washington Focus in Washington, D.C.

More than 1,000 hours of his community service has involved veterans. He volunteers at Fayetteville National Cemetery where he serves on the advisory board and has participated in the National Wreaths Across America project. He is a VA Hospital teen volunteer and has helped with the National Salute to Veterans on Valentine’s Day for eight years. During the pandemic, when visitors were not allowed inside the hospital, Gardner organized car parades through the hospital parking lots.

Gardner has been a leader not just in 4-H but also in scouting, sports and his community.

He attained his Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts and served two years as captain of his high school’s lacrosse team. He served on U.S. Senator John Boozman’s Congressional Youth Leadership Cabinet, attended Boys State, and served on the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Teen Leadership Council.

Gardner credits his mom, Jana, with getting him involved with 4-H at age 5.

“I’ve been in 4-H forever and have had many leaders who I’ve looked up to,” Gardner said, after receiving his award. “To be recognized as one feels like a full-circle moment.”

Gardner recently graduated from Fayetteville High School in the top 1 percent of his class. He will attend the University of Arkansas this fall to pursue a degree in finance and later plans to go to law school.

“4-H has shown me success is not based on winning elections, competitions or awards, but instead results from the process and steps along the way that help me understand who I am, what I believe, and what I am capable of,” he said. “4-H has motivated me to serve others, live my life with purpose, and use my time, talents and abilities to make a difference.”

Jack Berryhill of Hot Spring County was also recognized as a Hall of Fame finalist. Berryhill served as the Arkansas 4-H state president from 2022-2023 and has held numerous leadership roles as a Teen Star and 4-H Ambassador. His project areas include foods and nutrition, animal science and leadership, which he is most passionate about.

“It’s about understanding others, what they’re working toward, and then how to work together to achieve a common goal,” he said.

Teen Stars

Arkansas 4-H recognizes members for outstanding achievement in their projects and activities, leadership and community service with the Teen Star recognition.

To be a Teen Star, 4-H members must be at least 14 years old and have proven success in their project work.

"Our Teen Stars have worked very hard to earn this award,” Nistler said. “They are a wonderful reflection of the years of service, record books and project experiences. I am so excited to see them grow even more in our program."

This year’s 50 Teen Stars were selected from hundreds of applicants and represent 20 counties. The recognition paves the way for them to move into higher positions of leadership as 4-H Ambassadors, who can then run for state officer positions.

The 2024 Teen Stars include:

Benton County — Kayley Ashlee, Noah Darnell, Garrett Haley, Lilyan Lubbess, Bailey Malone, Emma Millsap, Graceyn More, Belvia Powers, Lucas Rea and Lillian Swarengin

Carroll County — Kaitlyn Armer, Katelyn Rexwinkle and Dalton Warner

Clark County — Daniel Jackson, Emilie Taylor and Blakely Thompson

Craighead County — Justin Morris

Faulkner County — Chloe Parish

Grant County —Miley McGinley and Aubrey Ottens

Greene County — Joseph Haywood and Leona Hickman

Hot Spring County — Amanda Berryhill

Independence County — Logan Wiltrout

Logan County — Alyssa Mills and Emily Reddy

Madison County — Jade Emitt

Miller County — Carlie Keahey

Monroe County — Gracie Delk

Pope County — Aaron Nuckols

Pulaski County — Lillian Reynolds and Trusten Reynolds

Saline County — Lily Brosi

Sevier County — Charlie Collins, Nick Diaz, Raegan Frachiseur, John Moe, Monica Rivas, Chip Stamps, Katie Williamson and Evan Wolcott

Stone County — Addison Kennon

Washington County — Joshua Bailey, Makyla Cox, Catelyn Stearman and Yahya Sridjajamerta

White County — Hannah Gaskin, Lynnlee Morrison, DeLylia Sanderlin and James Shourd

Arkansas 4-H is the youth development program conducted by the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. It offers programs for youth ages 5-19 in every county in Arkansas.

To learn about Arkansas 4-H, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit Arkansas 4-H online at http://uaex.uada.edu/4h-youth/. 

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.

Grant County 4-H SeaPerch team among world’s top scorers at 2024 International SeaPerch Challenge

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — For a group of Arkansas 4-H members, months of hard work fine-tuning their underwater robots and their teamwork have paid off at the 2024 International SeaPerch Challenge.

INTERNATIONAL WINNERS — Deep Water Vanguard, a Grant County 4-H team, took second place overall in the high school stock class at the International SeaPerch Challenge May 31-June 1. Left to right: Coach Serena McGinley, Gavin McGinley, Callen Shaw, Gracie McGinley and Coach Brad McGinley. (Grant County 4-H photo.) 

After taking top honors at the Arkansas SeaPerch Challenge in March, four Arkansas 4-H teams advanced to the international competition held May 31-June 1 at the University of Maryland. Three Grant County teams and one Madison County team competed against 174 teams from 23 states, six countries and four continents.

The annual competition requires teams to assemble a remotely operated vehicle, or ROV, and maneuver it through underwater challenge courses. Teams are also judged on their technical design reports, which document the engineering and development process.

2024 International SeaPerch Challenge results:

• Deep Water Vanguard from Grant County: Members Gavin McGinley, Gracie McGinley and Callen Shaw placed second overall in the high school stock class. Coaches are Brad and Serena McGinley.

• Aquanauts from Grant County: Members Garrett Key, Priyam Laxmi and Eli Watson placed sixth overall in the open stock class. Coaches are Brad and Serena McGinley.

• Submarine Crew from Madison County: Members Emma Griffin and Jayden Griffin placed 14th overall in the middle school stock class, seventh place in mission course and technical design report. Coaches are Whitney Griffin and Stephanie Franklin.

• Wet Willies from Grant County: Members Jaxson Andrews, Luke Douthit, Ryleigh Kimbrell and Miley McGinley placed 25th overall in the middle school stock class. Coaches are Brad McGinley and Tina Melton.

Putting in the work

Brad McGinley, Grant County extension agent for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and SeaPerch coach, said more than 3,000 teams competed in local SeaPerch Challenges worldwide this season, and the top 5 percent of those teams advanced to the international competition.

“To be among the top teams in the world is an amazing accomplishment,” McGinley said. “We are so proud of these teams. Last year, our high school stock team placed third, and this year, they moved up to second.”

McGinley said the Grant County 4-H SeaPerch teams have been preparing for both the state and international competition for months.

“We’ve been living and breathing SeaPerch since the state competition in March,” he said. “We’ve been working hard to perfect it. We’ve practiced one to two times a week since October. And since the state competition, we’ve had much to overcome. We had issues with the motor system going down, and we had to change it three times in the two weeks leading up to the competition.”

Callen Shaw, a member of the Grant County 4-H team Deep Water Vanguard, said the international competition was a “truly unique and unforgettable experience.”

“Placing in the top ten for all three events and second overall is an accomplishment I am proud of,” Shaw said. “However, the highlight for me was the opportunity to meet and collaborate with students from across the country and the world. Moments like these reinforce how unified we can be when we pursue knowledge and take on challenges collectively as a global community.”

During their trip, Grant County 4-H team members visited the National 4-H Council, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, toured the Naval Academy in Annapolis, and visited monuments and memorials on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

McGinley said a highlight of the trip included his students communicating with another team through a language barrier.  

“One of my favorite moments was one of our teams interacting with a team from China,” he said. “They had to use Google Translate to communicate, but they were able to connect. It was a great experience for them.”

Caramie Edwards, Madison County extension agent, said her 4-H members Elijah Franklin, Emma Griffin and Jayden Griffin worked hard to achieve their progress.

“This team, along with Elijah who couldn’t make the trip, have worked together for the past four years,” Edwards said. “They have practiced discipline and patience to be able to compete on this level. Each year, they took what they learned and added to their bank of knowledge and skills. Being patient has really paid off for them, and we are extremely proud of how far they have come.”

To view the full list of International SeaPerch results, visit bit.ly/SeaPerch-International-2024-results. For more information about the Arkansas SeaPerch Challenge, visit 4h.uada.edu. To learn more about the SeaPerch program, visit seaperch.org/about.

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. 

House Passes First FY25 Bill, Robustly Funding Veterans’ Care and Military Construction

Washington, DC—June 5, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted in support of the Fiscal Year 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives today. This bill exceeds the Department of Defense’s military construction budget request, fully funds veterans’ care, and secures key defense priorities, including additional funding for Ebbing Air National Guard Base projects and robust investments in the Pacific region.

Image by Manny Becerra

Congressman Womack said, “This bill enhances our defense capabilities nationwide and in Fort Smith by securing $70 million for Ebbing Air National Guard Base Academic Training Center construction. Importantly, it displays our commitment to those who’ve dutifully served our country by investing in the quality of life for our military families and fully funding veterans’ care. I’m pleased it received the stamp of approval from the House. I look forward to working with our Senate counterparts to advance this legislation on the path to becoming law.”

Bill breakdown:

• Supports veterans by:

• Fully funding veterans’ health care programs.

• Fully funding veterans’ benefits and VA programs.

• Bolsters national security by:

• Providing robust funding for the Indo-Pacific region, fully funding projects in Guam, and increasing resources for INDOPACOM to improve the Department of Defense posture in the region.

• Maintaining the prohibitions on the closure of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and the use of military construction funds to build facilities for detainees on U.S. soil.

• Focuses the Executive Branch on its core responsibilities by:

• Reaffirming the political limits outlined in the Hatch Act, particularly those of lobbying Congress and using official resources for political purposes.

• Prohibiting the use of funds to promote or advance critical race theory.

• Prohibiting the implementation, administration, or enforcement of the Biden Administration’s executive orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Supports American values and principles by:

• Prohibiting taxpayer dollars from being used for abortion, using Hyde Amendment language which includes exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother.

• Protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of veterans by preventing VA from sending information to the FBI about veterans without a judge’s consent.

• Prohibiting VA from processing medical care claims for illegal aliens.

A summary of the bill is available here.
Bill text is available here.

DFA hears public comment on gender-neutral ID rule

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

On Friday, officials with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration heard public comment on a rule change regarding driver's licenses and state IDs.

Under the gender section on their license or state ID, Arkansans were previously able to put an “X” instead of “M” or “F.” Arkansans could also change their gender marker on their license or state ID to reflect the gender with which they identify. DFA says the option was only used in about 500 cases.

In March, the department got legislative approval to stop the practice. DFA Secretary Jim Hudson told lawmakers he did not know of anyone who had been harmed by the policy. But, he said the rule change was necessary to prevent “potential harm.”

DFA hears public comment on gender-neutral ID rule

David Monteith/Little Rock Public Radio

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration held public comment on licenses and state IDs.

Jacob Seymour running for 4-H State Office

Submitted by: Kim Frachiseur, CEA-4-H

The Sevier County Extension Office would like to announce that Jacob Seymour of De Queen is running for an Arkansas 4-H State Officer position.

Jacob Seymour

Each year, Arkansas 4-H Youth vote in seven of their peers each summer to represent Arkansas 4-H for the year. The officers are inducted each year at the annual Arkansas 4-H State O-Rama activities. The seven positions include President, First Vice-President, Delta District Vice-President, Ouachita District Vice-President, Ozark District Vice-President, Secretary, and Reporter.

Seymour will be running for the Ouachita District Vice-President position. Jake is the son of Debbie and Justin Seymour. He was named 2022 Arkansas Teen Star and is currently an Arkansas State Ambassador. When asked what inspired him to run, Seymour stated, “I would love to raise more awareness in my district and also the state level about 4-H. I meet a lot of people that think 4-H is just cows and chickens. I would like to teach them there is so much more to 4-H.”

District Vice-Presidents are elected during each corresponding 4-H District O-Ramas and the remaining positions are elected during Arkansas 4-H State O-Rama. Candidates campaign throughout the summer at events such as O-Rama and Teen Leader Conference.

4-H state officers also get the chance to travel the state while working on events and their skills.

“They will be representing Arkansas 4-H throughout the state,” Rex Herring said. “Some specific skills that the officers will grow in will be public speaking, interacting with sponsors and administrators of various organizations. If elected, Jake will do a great job.”

2024 Arkansas State Ambassadors and Teen Stars named

Submitted by:  Kim Frachiseur, CEA-4-H 

Nine 4-H’ers from Sevier County were selected as 4-H State Teen Stars for the 2024 year. Sevier County 4-H’ers Charlie Collins, Nick Diaz, Raegan Frachiseur, John Moe, Monica Rivas, Chips Stamps, Ty Wagner, Katie Williamson, and Evan Wolcott are nine of fifty-one teens from across the state to achieve this title. On June 5, a special banquet was held during the 4-H Arkansas Teen Leader Conference to honor these youths for their outstanding achievements in their areas of 4-H projects and activities, leadership, and community service.

One 4-Her from Sevier County was chosen as 4-H State Ambassador this year. Kyle Williamson was chosen from kids all across the state of Arkansas to represent Arkansas 4-H. This year, only thirty 4-H’ers were selected for this opportunity. Before a youth can become an ambassador, they must first achieve several goals. They must show growth in their educational project, be an excellent speaker in front of large crowds, participate in county, district, and state level activities, prove they have above average leadership skills, mentor other youth, and do community service projects. The biggest accomplishment being working outside of 4-H to better their community.

Kyle Williamson is the 16-year-old son of Ronnie and Tiffany Williamson. By having this opportunity, Kyle hopes that his vast knowledge of different subjects and his strong work ethic will help not just all of 4-H, but our community also. Arkansas 4-H Ambassadors assist with 4-H promotion at the county and state level, pushing the Arkansas 4-H program at every opportunity. Ambassadors assist with statewide 4-H programs such as the Teen Leader Conference, serve as banquet planners or workshop speakers, and represent 4-H at various activities such as fairs, donor events, awards programs, and community and state organizations' annual meetings.

Front row left to right:  Evan Wolcott, Raegan Frachiseur, Katie Williamson, Monica Rivas, Nick Diaz, Chip Stamps. Row 2: John Moe, Zae-Lei Frachiseur, Jacob Seymour, Kyle Williamson, Max Rosson. Not Pictured: Charlie Collins and Ty Wagner.

UAMS working on adding midwifery program to address maternal mortality

Image by Devon Divine

KUAR | By Ronak Patel

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) plans to start training students in a midwifery program by 2026. A midwife is a nurse that specializes in helping patients during childbirth.

In an interview with Arkansas PBS, Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Knoxville, said this type of program is needed to help lower the maternal mortality rate in the state.

“Unfortunately for a lot of our young women in the state, all of our women really, they lack access to that care whether it be because they’re not covered through Medicaid, or they’re falling between the crack, or they’re in a rural area where they are not able to to a provider,” he said. “We hope this new program at UAMS is helping to bring that gap of care.”

UAMS working on adding midwifery program to address maternal mortality

Walmart expands worker training program, adds bonus plan

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

Two years after Walmart tested a program for employees to become truck drivers, the retail giant is expanding the program to include training for employees to pursue maintenance, refrigeration and HVAC, and automation support jobs in the retail giant’s operations.

Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner said around 700,000 hourly store employees will be eligible for the new training being tested in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro with 100 participants. He said often an entry-level retail job can end up being a lifetime career which was his case 31 years ago when he took a part-time job in the garden center at Store 100 in Bentonville.

Walmart said the employee tech training is a six-month program that allows participants to also earn their pay while they learn the new trade. The program seeks to meet the critical demand and limited workforce in the skilled trades. Walmart expects to increase its technician jobs from 450 to 2,000 in the next two years.

Walmart expands worker training program, adds bonus plan

Hino Motors closing Marion facility, 1,300 to lose jobs

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Japanese auto parts manufacturer Hino Motors will close its Marion, Ark., facility by 2027 shedding 1,300 jobs in eastern Arkansas. Citing heavy losses, Hino outlined the action in a May 31, 2024 memo to its board of directors.

“We hereby announce that at the Board of Directors meeting held on May 31, 2024, we decided to withdraw from the parts business at HMM Arkansas plant,” the memo read.

The Arkansas plant will be closed by the end of 2027 and Hino said it will withdraw from the parts business altogether. The Marion facility opened in 2006.

Hino Motors closing Marion facility, 1,300 to lose jobs

Canvassing groups collect signatures as July deadline looms

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

Arkansas groups attempting to put their ballot amendments before voters are coming up on an important deadline.

Wikimedia Image

If you want a certain issue to appear on the ballot for voters in November, you have to get tens of thousands of signatures from across the state. If you want to pass an initiative, that number is over 72,000. If the proposal you are trying to pass amends the Arkansas Constitution, you have to collect just over 90,000 signatures from 50 of the state’s 75 counties.

Groups are about a month away from a July 5 deadline to submit signatures. There are seven groups or people who are pushing amendments and initiatives; six of those are scrambling in the final stretch to collect as many signatures as they can.

Canvassing groups collect signatures as July deadline looms

Senate approves Boozman-Coons resolution commemorating 80th anniversary of D-Day

WASHINGTON – In advance of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Chris Coons (D-DE), co-chairs of the Senate French Caucus, commemorating this historic operation and expressing gratitude and appreciation to the members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Allied troops responsible for carrying out this unprecedented maneuver that proved decisive in securing victory in Europe.

“It is our duty to recognize the service and sacrifice of the Allied forces members who helped turn the tide of World War II and free Western Europe from Nazi occupation. We will never forget the courage and heroism of those who took part in D-Day, including the thousands of individuals who gave their lives in support of this mission,” Boozman said. “I’m grateful the Senate approved the resolution commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion so we can pay tribute to the brave members of the Greatest Generation who changed the course of history.”

“The Normandy landings were more than a battle in World War II–they were a turning point in history when thousands of Allied soldiers gave their lives to help freedom and democracy triumph over fascism and darkness. 80 years later, the Senate is proud to remember and honor the heroism and incredible bravery of those men who stormed the beaches of Normandy and began the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi oppression,” Coons said.

In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, 31,000 members of the United States Armed Forces, and 153,000 of their counterparts in the Allied Expeditionary Force, launched Operation Overlord by storming ashore five landing areas on the beaches of Normandy, France. The first day of the operation, which became known as D-Day, saw approximately 10,000 Allied soldiers wounded or killed, including 6,000 Americans. Operation Overlord led to Allied liberation of Western Europe from the control of Nazi Germany and an end to World War II.

Click here to read the resolution. 

Flickr Image

Arkansas nonprofit sues Washington County over use of COVID funds for jail expansion

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

A criminal justice reform group filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday requesting a judge block Washington County from using pandemic relief money to expand jail facilities.

Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition, which filed the complaint in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas alleges officials misallocated federal funds when the Washington County Quorum Court in December 2022 approved $18.8 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding for a jail expansion project.

Washington County voters in November 2022 rejected a proposed temporary sales tax increase to fund the jail expansion. County officials have said an expansion is necessary to address overcrowding.

Arkansas nonprofit sues Washington County over use of COVID funds for jail expansion

Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate

Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition Executive Director Sarah Moore (right) discusses a lawsuit against Washington County outside the nonprofit’s Fayetteville office on June 4, 2024 as co-founder Beth Coger and program director Gracie Fuhrman.

National Ag Law Center launches ‘Western Water’ Webinar Series with groundwater recharge presentation

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

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Streams, ponds and lakes may be what come to mind when considering natural water sources, but one water supply that plays a crucial role in agriculture is located out of sight: Groundwater.

David Cameron, partner at Hanson Bridgett LLP, will present the first webinar in the National Ag Law Center's "Western Water" Webinar Series on June 19. (Image courtesy David Cameron) 

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, groundwater is one of the nation’s most important natural resources, supplying about 37 percent of water that county and city water departments supply to households and businesses. It also provides drinking water to more than 90 percent of the rural population.

Because agriculture in the Western U.S. is often faced with challenges to water resources, groundwater levels become especially significant.

“Water is one of the most critical topics to monitor regarding Western agriculture,” Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center, said. “Issues that impact water, including groundwater, impact all of agriculture. Out West, issues of drought, water quality, and more are not uncommon.”

“Groundwater recharge” — the movement of water from the surface to underground aquifers — is essential to resource sustainability. Drought, overuse and other factors can slow or stop that process. However, projects designed to foster effective groundwater recharge have been steadily emerging in the West. According to the California Department of Water Resources, groundwater recharge can be initiated “by diverting and conveying water to engineered infiltration ponds, spreading basins, flooding of agricultural lands, and injection wells.” These developments have legal consequences that extend far beyond the purchase of the property itself.

These legal considerations will be the focus of the NALC’s next webinar, “Groundwater Recharge: Legal and Strategic Considerations of Project Development,” presented by David Cameron, partner at California law firm Hanson Bridgett LLP. The presentation marks the first installment in the NALC’s “Western Water” Webinar Series, part of its long-term effort of expanding resources and partners to the Western U.S.

“Groundwater recharge, from a legal perspective, involves a complex interplay of regulatory frameworks, property rights, environmental considerations and financial constraints,” Cameron said. “This webinar will highlight many of these issues, including water right constraints, water quality concerns, storage considerations and competing stakeholder interests related to project development.”

The webinar will be held June 19 at 11 a.m. Central/Noon Eastern. Registration is no cost and available online.

“This new series on ‘Western Water’ will feature invaluable speakers and insight into crucial topics for Western U.S. agriculture,” Pittman said. “David brings much expertise in water law. He’s a great presenter to kick off this new series, and groundwater recharge projects are an important topic to cover.”

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.

DHS to end Medicaid managed care dental program, return to fee-for-service

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

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) announced Monday (June 3) that it will end its Medicaid managed care dental program and return beneficiaries who qualify for dental coverage to the Medicaid fee-for-service program beginning later this year.

DHS expects to launch this program on Nov. 1, 2024, and efforts to support this change are being prioritized immediately, it said.

The dental managed care program within Arkansas Medicaid has been in effect since Jan. 1, 2018, and as of this month serves 572,047 beneficiaries.

DHS to end Medicaid managed care dental program, return to fee-for-service

Winners of College’s 2024 Staff Excellence Awards Named

By News Staff

In April, the College of Health Professions announced the recipients of the 2024 Staff Excellence Awards. Tammy Brooks, executive assistant in the Nuclear Medicine Imaging Sciences and Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs, was the recipient of the Excellence in Customer Service Award. CJ Carrell, college business administrator, was the recipient of the Excellence in Performance Award.

Candidates for both awards may be nominated by students, staff, alumni, or faculty members.

The award recognizes the staff member whose significant contributions through service to its customers are instrumental in achieving the UAMS mission. Excellence in Customer Service is centered around four components – confidentiality, courtesy, concern, and competence.

Winners of College’s 2024 Staff Excellence Awards Named

CJ Carrell, left, Jessica Stahulak, MHA, and Tammy Brooks stop for a photo after the Staff Excellence Awards. Stahulak is associate dean of administration in the College of Health Professions.

Womack forces Biden to sanction ICC Officials

Washington, DC—June 4, 2024…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted for H.R. 8282, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation requires President Biden to impose sanctions against International Criminal Court (ICC) officials who investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute a U.S. person or our allies, including Israel.

Congressman Womack said, “Hamas is a ruthless terrorist organization that murdered the most Jews since the Holocaust and is still holding dozens of innocent people hostage, including Americans. Israel has every right to rid the world of this evil force—and America should support them. The ICC's actions are baseless and outrageous. Despite President Biden’s weakness, House Republicans showed strength today by passing this legislation. There must be real consequences for the ICC’s illegitimate attempts to bypass our country’s and our ally’s judicial processes and sovereignty.”

Background:

• On May 20, 2024, the Prosecutor of the ICC, Karim Khan, announced arrest warrant applications for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, together with warrants for Hamas terrorists.

• In 2020, President Trump issued Executive Order 13928 sanctioning ICC officials, employees and associates who engaged in any effort by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute U.S. citizens or allies – including Israel – that are not part of the ICC or have not granted the ICC jurisdiction.

• On April 2, 2021, President Biden revoked EO 13928, allowing the ICC to target U.S. citizens and Israel.

• The U.S. and Israel are not parties to the Rome Statute or members of the ICC, and therefore the ICC has no legitimacy or jurisdiction over the U.S. or Israel.

Arkansas delegation supports governor’s request for major disaster declaration

Wikimedia image

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Steve Womack, Rick Crawford, French Hill and Bruce Westerman—wrote to President Joe Biden urging him to support Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ request for a major disaster declaration as a result of severe storms in Benton, Boone and Marion Counties on May 26.

“We encourage the president to quickly approve federal aid to help speed up recovery efforts in Arkansas,” members said. 

The letter can be found here and below:

Dear Mr. President:

On behalf of the State of Arkansas, we are writing to support Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ request to declare a major disaster, pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act, as a result of severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on May 24, 2024, and are continuing.

As Governor Sanders noted in her request, the severity of this event created disastrous amounts of debris, severe infrastructure damage, and resulted in the deaths of at least nine citizens and injured countless others. Arkansans will continue to feel the destructive impact of this storm as we work to rebuild.  

Preliminary damage estimates conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency show major impacts to local jurisdictions in Benton, Boone, and Marion Counties exceeding an estimated $6.4 million in damages. At least 217 homes were destroyed with an additional 94 sustaining major damage. In total, over 478 homes were affected by the storms, leaving a large number of Arkansans displaced and many counties left without power for days. 

Despite facing significant hardships from the severe storm, Arkansans have demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness and resilience. Communities from across the state have come together to support one another during this challenging time. But as it stands, we believe the magnitude of this weather event warrants supplemental federal assistance. The above-mentioned counties have seen homes, businesses, and important infrastructure severely damaged, and federal government resources will be critical in restoration efforts.

The entire Arkansas delegation is eager to assist in any way possible to ensure expedited evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions. We thank you for your support, and respectfully ask for your attention and assistance in providing the resources necessary to ensure the safety and full recovery of Arkansans.

Special session discussions ongoing as Arkansas tornado recovery efforts progress

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

While elected officials’ focus shifted to recovery efforts after more than a dozen deadly tornadoes struck the state last week, Arkansas lawmakers have continued negotiating the details of a pending special session.

A special session became necessary when the Arkansas Legislature failed to approve the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s budget before the end of the fiscal session last month. The agency’s appropriation bill stalled after lawmakers raised concerns about a proposed increase to the director’s salary.

Rep. Austin McCollum, R-Bentonville, said details of the commission’s funding “remain to be seen,” but he said lawmakers will pass a budget. To avoid interrupting the commission’s services, legislators must approve funding before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.

Special session discussions ongoing as Arkansas tornado recovery efforts progress

Dwain Hebda/Arkansas Advocate

The Arkansas State Capitol.

House unanimously passes Westerman bill to honor music legend Johnny Cash

Wikimedia image

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 7180, legislation sponsored by Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) to designate the post office in Kingsland, Arkansas, as the “Kingsland ‘Johnny Cash’ Post Office.” Westerman released the following statement:

“The unanimous passage of this bill is a testament to the legacy Johnny Cash left behind through service to his country, his iconic music, and the deep impact he and his family have had on the Natural State.”

BACKGROUND:

• On February 26, 1932, Johnny Cash was born in Kingsland, Arkansas.

• From humble beginnings, Cash grew up working in cotton fields in Northeast Arkansas with his family.

• His journey with performing started with high school assemblies and on KLCN, a local Arkansas classic radio station. 

• Cash joined the U.S. Air Force in 1950 and served in Germany for four years, where he wrote his hit classics, “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Hey Porter.”

• Following his service, Cash settled in Memphis to pursue his music career but never forgot his roots in Arkansas.

• Thirty years ago, in 1994, Johnny and his wife June, son John, and all his then-living siblings attended the Kingsland Post Office dedication. With nearly 3,000 people in attendance, they performed the song “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.” Cash closed by saying, “This has probably been the best day of my life. I love you, and I love Kingsland.”

• This fall, a statue of Johnny Cash will be unveiled in the U.S. Capitol building.