Study Shows Arkansas Rice Best Positioned To Survive Current Farming Conditions, Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned what looked to be abysmal conditions for Arkansas farmers into something worse as the growing season got underway, but one crop might provide a buffer – rice. Two crops, cotton and corn, could be especially hard hit through 2023, according to a model run by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/study-shows-arkansas-rice-best-positioned-survive-current-farming-conditions-pandemic

Study Shows Arkansas Rice Best Positioned To Survive Current Farming Conditions, Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned what looked to be abysmal conditions for Arkansas farmers into something worse as the growing season got underway, but one crop might provide a buffer - rice. Two crops, cotton and corn, could be especially hard hit through 2023, according to a model run by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Agriculture Department Issues Animal Movement Restrictions to Prevent Virus Spread

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging hooved animal owners to comply with animal movement restrictions issued in response to the discovery of Vesticular Stomatitis Virus in three horses in Benton County. VSV is a viral disease affecting horses, cattle, sheep, goats and swine. Transmission typically occurs through fly bites.

Agriculture Department Issues Animal Movement Restrictions to Prevent Virus Spread

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging hooved animal owners to comply with animal movement restrictions issued in response to the discovery of Vesticular Stomatitis Virus in three horses in Benton County. VSV is a viral disease affecting horses, cattle, sheep, goats and swine. Transmission typically occurs through fly bites.

Thousands Of PUA Claims On Hold Due To Fraud Concerns, Arkansas COVID-19 Cases Pass 45,000 Mark

Around 27,000 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims and approximately 10,000 unemployment insurance claims in the state of Arkansas are currently on hold due to fraud concerns, according to the state.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said any fraudulent claims filed to the state will be turned over law enforcement and the FBI.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/thousands-pua-claims-hold-due-fraud-concerns-arkansas-covid-19-cases-pass-45000-mark

Thousands Of PUA Claims On Hold Due To Fraud Concerns, Arkansas COVID-19 Cases Pass 45,000 Mark

Around 27,000 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims and approximately 10,000 unemployment insurance claims in the state of Arkansas are currently on hold due to fraud concerns, according to the state. Gov. Asa Hutchinson said any fraudulent claims filed to the state will be turned over law enforcement and the FBI.

U of A, UAMS Research Team Develops Long-Lasting Disinfectant Spray

Researchers from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are creating and testing a long-lasting liquid anti-bacterial, anti-viral surface spray coating for both domestic and commercial use.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/u-uams-research-team-develops-long-lasting-disinfectant-spray

U of A, UAMS Research Team Develops Long-Lasting Disinfectant Spray

Researchers from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are creating and testing a long-lasting liquid anti-bacterial, anti-viral surface spray coating for both domestic and commercial use.

Cooperative Extension Service uses County Connections to Aid UAMS with COVID-19 Testing Outreach in Sevier County this Thursday

By Tracy Courage

U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — The job of a family and consumer science agent with the Cooperative Extension Service is providing people in their communities with resources to help them live better.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, family and science agents have been providing free, resourced-based information and services to help Arkansans successfully manage their health, finances and family resources.

Through a partnership with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, extension agents are using their community connections to help meet the pandemic-related health needs in rural, underserved areas of the state.

UAMS has a mobile testing unit that will travel on average three times a week from Little Rock to rural communities to provide COVID-19 testing. This effort coincides with Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s efforts to increase testing capacity across the state.

Destinations are identified on an ongoing basis, depending on counties’ need. Some of the testing sites will be hosted at University of Arkansas System campuses, but 63 counties do not have a U of A System campus, and this is where extension agents’ local connections come into play.

“We have extension agents working in every county in Arkansas and because they also live in the communities they serve, they have extensive knowledge of the needs of residents and of resources available in their communities,” said Bob Scott, director of the Cooperative Extension Service for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “UAMS is providing much-needed testing to Arkansans, and we are committed to using our networks to help with this important outreach and to support Gov. Hutchinson’s efforts to expand testing.”

Extension’s health leadership team is collaborating with the UAMS Office of Population Health.

“We have agreed that the best way we can assist is to provide referrals to our local community partners who may be able to coordinate these efforts,” said Laura Balis, assistant professor and extension health specialist with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Local partners will help select and coordinate sites, find volunteers, promote the testing events locally and assist at the events. Testing events will typically take place between 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

In Sevier County, which had more than 930 cases as of Monday, Extension Agent Janet Cantrell contacted Angie Walker, president of the Sevier County Health Coalition, who coordinated a site at the University of Arkansas Cossatot Community College. Testing will be offered 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Aug. 6 at the De Queen Campus.Testing events will be publicized by the local community partners and by county extension offices.

The mobile unit is expected to visit each county no more than twice in the coming year. The Blue & You Foundation provided funding for UAMS’s van and supplies, and UAMS staff began offering COVID-19 screenings and testing in early April.

“We’ve opened up these testing services for members of the community who want to be tested, and we’ve had an amazing turnout,” said Kristie Hadden, director of population health at UAMS.

COVID-19 testing at the mobile unit is available to anyone who feels they need testing. People do not have to be UAMS patients to be seen. Everyone will be given instructions on how to take care of themselves and their families at home and will receive a phone call with their test results a few days later.

UAMS’ online screening tool is available at uamshealth.com/healthnow. Phone screening is also available through the UAMS Health hotline at 800-632-4502.uamshealth.com/healthnow

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.

HealthNow | UAMS Health

UAMS HealthNow provides real-time access to a provider via video chat using your smartphone, tablet or computer to patients within the state of Arkansas.

UA Cossatot Fiesta Fest Postponed

UA Cossatot’s annual Fiesta Fest held in Downtown De Queen will be postponed until May 1, 2021.

Fiesta Fest organizers are already planning for next year’s festival and are working to create a fun and exciting event the entire Southwest Arkansas community will enjoy.

Fiesta Fest focuses on bringing the community together to celebrate all the cultures of Southwest Arkansas while raising money for UA Cossatot students.

Vendor and sponsorship forms are available online for Fiesta Fest 2021 and can be found by visiting www.cccua.edu/ff.

For more information on Fiesta Fest and how you can participate, contact Dustin Roberts at 870-584-1172 or droberts@cccua.edu.

Cossatot Community College

Fiesta Fest has been scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2021, in Downtown De Queen, from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Fiesta Fest is the Foundation's largest community event. The event focuses on bringing the community together to celebrate all of the cultures of Southwest Arkansas, while raising money for UA Cossatot students.

Kristen Gibson on University of Arkansas’ Short Talks From the Hill

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In a new episode of the University of Arkansas’ Short Talks From the Hill, Kristen Gibson explains how soap destroys respiratory viruses such as coronavirus and offers tips for handling potentially contaminated surfaces.

Gibson is an associate professor of food safety and microbiology for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, and in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. She studies the fate and transport of pathogens within food systems, focusing on human noroviruses and fresh produce, as well as retail food safety.

When the coronavirus pandemic broke, Gibson's knowledge and expertise were in high demand. Was packaged and take-out food safe? How should it be handled? Gibson addressed these concerns with several media outlets and emphasized the critical importance of hand-washing, something everyone should be doing regularly, she says, even when there isn't a pandemic.

In this new podcast, Gibson explains the effect of soap on respiratory viruses, such coronavirus.

"Respiratory viruses have what is called an envelope. And this is basically … a fatty layer around the virus itself. And so, if you remember a little bit about chemistry from back in the day, soap is designed to break down fat. So, for respiratory viruses, soap will destroy that outer envelope that protects the virus. And then it makes it more susceptible to kind of destroying the virus and making it not able to infect anymore."

To listen to Gibson discuss her research, go to ResearchFrontiers.uark.edu, the home of research news at the University of Arkansas, or visit the "On Air" and "Programs" link at KUAF.com.

Short Talks From the Hill highlights research and scholarly work at the University of Arkansas. Each segment features a university researcher discussing his or her work. Previous podcasts can be found under the 'Short Talks From the Hill' link at ResearchFrontiers.uark.edu.

To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uark.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch and Instagram at ArkAgResearch.

Wednesday's Arkansas COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 944
  Active Positive: 35
  Recovered: 899
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,452

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 303
  Active Positive: 60
  Recovered: 241
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,408

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 158
  Active Positive: 70
  Recovered: 87
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,199

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 132
  Active Positive: 15
  Recovered: 116
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,182

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 84
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 65
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,689

VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Wednesday (08.05.20) 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Contact tracing is one of the most important public health strategies currently available to help us reduce the spread and transmission of COVID-19.

The idea behind contact tracing is to see who is a close contact of an individual who has tested positive for the virus, identify who has been exposed, provide them with information about testing and how to quarantine. Contact tracers help notify people who may not know they have been exposed and helps close the loop.

This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) voted to direct $16 million of federal funds to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) to expand contact tracing. The extra funding requested is meant to fund an equivalent 350 contract tracers and 20 nurses.

ALC also approved the use of $7 million in federal CARES Act funds for COVID-19 relief in Northwest Arkansas. The money will be used to track a spike in cases in the Marshallese and Latinx communities. A large portion of COVID-19 deaths in Northwest Arkansas has come from these communities.

To help with contact tracing, ADH has contracted with two firms, General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) and Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC). These two contractors are on track to have a combined 700 contract tracers by the end of the year.

Many contact tracers will call from the number (877) ARCOV19 or (877) 272-6819, but a contact investigator may also reach out from a different phone number.

It’s possible you won’t recognize the number, but it’s important to answer or return the call if it goes to voicemail.

The case investigator and contact tracer will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card. If the caller ever discusses money, that’s a sign that it is not a legitimate Department of Health investigator. If you want to verify that you have been contacted by a Health Department case investigator or contact tracer, you may call (800) 803-7847.

Educational Resource Center at UA Cossatot

Time to return summer rentals! Use the outdoor drop box or return your rentals at the ERC! Don't forget to wear a mask and practice physical distancing!

Tuesday's COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 939
  Active Positive: 35
  Recovered: 894
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,449

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 300
  Active Positive: 67
  Recovered: 231
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,405

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 156
  Active Positive: 70
  Recovered: 85
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,193

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 131
  Active Positive: 17
  Recovered: 113
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,164

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 81
  Active Positive: 20
  Recovered: 60
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,653

Governor Asa Hutchinson Announces Intent to Grant Executive Clemency

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced his intent to grant 11 pardons. An additional 34 clemency requests were denied and four had no action taken upon them. These include requests from both inmates and non-inmates.

The applicants intended for pardons have completed all jail time and paid all fines related to their sentences. There is a 30-day waiting period to receive public feedback on the notices before final action is taken.

Governor Hutchinson intends to grant pardons to the following people:

John R. Fortune (El Dorado): Theft of Property (C Felony) (Case #17724).

This notice is issued based on the dates of conviction (1981 – Union County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Wendi Kelley (Hot Springs): Theft of Property over $200 (C Felony) (CR 93-392).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1994 – Garland County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Brian Landthrip (Oark, AR): Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Felony) (CR 96-40),Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Revocation) (C Felony) (CR 96-40), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Revocation) (C Felony) (CR 96-40).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1996 – Johnson County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Andrew Lewis (Leslie): Possession of Controlled Substance-Schedule I/II (C Felony) and Drug Paraphernalia (A Misdemeanor) (CR 2006-114).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2007 – Searcy County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Steven D. Prine (Tuckerman): Residential Burglary (B Felony)(CR 96-58), Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 96-58), Commercial Burglary (C Felony)(CR 97-10), Theft of Property (B Felony)(CR 97-10), Theft by Receiving (B Felony)(CR 97-10), Commercial Burglary (C Felony)(CR 97-14), Breaking or Entering (D Felony)(CR 97-14), and Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 97-14).

This notice is issued based on the date of convictions (1997 – Jackson County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. The Prosecuting Attorney has raised objections to the application.

David Sims (North Little Rock): Carrying Certain Prohibited Weapon (Misdemeanor)(CR 98-000038), Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor)(CR 98-000039), and Domestic Battering 3rd (A Misdemeanor)(CR 99-002478).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1998 – Pulaski County, 2000 - Pulaski County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Marguerite Taggart  (Pine Bluff): Attempted Robbery (B Felony)(CR 85-113-1), Robbery (Revocation) (B Felony)(CR 85-113-1), Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 88-64-1), Theft of Property (C Felony)(CR 93-714), and Robbery (B Felony)(CR 96-554-3).

This notice is issued based on the dates of conviction (1985- Jefferson County, 1988 - Jefferson County, 1988 - Jefferson County, 1994 - Jefferson County, 1996 - Jefferson County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Janice A. Thomas/Allyoune (Little Rock): Robbery (B Felony) (CR 87-02601).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1988 – Pulaski County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. The Prosecuting Attorney has objections to the application.

Michael E. Walker (Glenwood): Criminal Mischief in the First Degree (C Felony) (CR 99-55).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (1999 – Clark County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Ty Woods (Hot Springs): Theft Of Property $2,500 or more (B Felony)(CR 2006-1274).

This notice is issued based on the date of conviction (2007 – Craighead County), the fact that all terms of the applicant’s sentence have been completed, and there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

Joe A. Vance (Gillham): Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine, 3 counts (Y Felony) (1994-41, 1994-40, and 1994-39) (Guilty Plea), Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) (Y Felony) (2001-118) (Guilty Plea), and Attempted Manufacture of Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine (A Felony) (2006-86) (Guilty Plea).

This notice is issued based on the dates of conviction (1995 - Sevier County, 2002 - Sevier County, 2007 - Sevier County), and the fact that there have been no further felony criminal-law violations. There are no law enforcement objections to the application.

VIDEO: Governor Asa Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update Monday (08.03.20) 130PM

High school football teams can begin no-contact practice in Arkansas starting this week as the total number of people to test positive for the coronavirus surpasses 42,000.

Governor Asa Hutchinson provides an update to media on Monday, August 3, 2020, live at 1:30 p.m. regarding Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

Monday's Number of COVID-19 Cases

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 935
  Active Positive: 34
  Recovered: 891
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,409

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 296
  Active Positive: 71
  Recovered: 223
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,374

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 153
  Active Positive: 71
  Recovered: 81
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,186

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 128
  Active Positive: 16
  Recovered: 111
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,137

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 78
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 59
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,629

Stay Here, Stay Safe at UA Cossatot

We're currently getting ready to welcome you to UA Cossatot! Follow along with Suzanne to see how we're making changes to help keep you safe while you're on campus.

YouthBuild Program Launches August 17 at UA Cossatot

UA Cossatot recently became the second college in Arkansas to offer a YouthBuild program. YouthBuild programs provide educational training and occupational skill development to students ages 16 to 24. In the program, students can choose two skill pathways to obtain employment in construction/carpentry or industrial maintenance/welding.

The program's first semester will begin on August 17, 2020, at UA Cossatot's De Queen Campus, and the deadline to enroll in the program is August 10. No educational requirements exist to register. Students who do not have a high school degree or a GED certificate will earn their GED certificate in the program.  

Depending upon class size, the Construction/Carpentry Pathway will be offered in the morning, while the Industrial Maintenance/Welding Pathway will be available in the afternoon.  

Students who sign up to participate in the YouthBuild program will have the opportunity to learn hands-on experience while learning skills that can lead to future employment. The program is free to everyone enrolled, and YouthBuild students will benefit from supportive services at UA Cossatot. 

Leslie Daniels and Steve McJunkins

The college's Job Placement Specialist will be working independently with students to help them learn about available careers. UA Cossatot's YouthBuild program will give students the opportunity to give back to their communities while volunteering and achieving experience they can use throughout their lifetime. 

UA Cossatot's YouthBuild program consists of three staff members: Instructor, Steve McJunkins; Job Placement Specialist, Casey Morris; and Case Manager, Leslie Daniels. The college’s YouthBuild staff are located in the Frachisuer-Pullium building on UA Cossatot's De Queen Campus.

To enroll in UA Cossatot's YouthBuild program or for more information, please contact Casey Morris at 870-557-0883 or cmorris@cccua.edu. Students can also contact Leslie Daniels at 870-584-9798 or ldaniels@cccua.edu. UA Cossatot is open from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. this summer Monday thru Thursday. Walk-ins are always welcome.

COVID-19 Update for Sunday from the AR Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 933
  Active Positive: 37
  Recovered: 886
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,401

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 294
  Active Positive: 73
  Recovered: 219
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,363

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 152
  Active Positive: 76
  Recovered: 75
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,182

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 128
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 109
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,101

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 77
  Active Positive: 18
  Recovered: 58
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,612

Saturday's COVID-19 Numbers from the Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Cases
  Total Positive: 929
  Active Positive: 44
  Recovered: 875
  Deaths: 10
  Negatives: 4,384

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Cases
  Total Positive: 291
  Active Positive: 73
  Recovered: 216
  Deaths: 2
  Negatives: 2,352

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Cases
  Total Positive: 149
  Active Positive: 75
  Recovered: 73
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 1,173

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Cases
  Total Positive: 125
  Active Positive: 17
  Recovered: 107
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,077

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Cases
  Total Positive: 77
  Active Positive: 21
  Recovered: 55
  Deaths: 1
  Negatives: 2,594

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | The Arkansas Access Point Project

LITTLE ROCK – Under our state’s broadband initiative, the number of Arkansans with access to high-speed internet is increasing, and today I’d like to talk about the Arkansas Access Point Project, a new program that will make the world wide web available for thousands more students.

This week I announced that our Department of Education has signed agreements with three major telecommunications companies to purchase Wi-Fi access devices and unlimited data plans at a reduced cost for every school district in the state.

The Department of Education will buy as many as 20,000 of the devices with $10 million from funding provided through the federal CARES Act. The devices and internet access are free to students. School districts are equipping students with computers and tablets.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced us to adjust our methods of teaching and focused attention on the need for the option of virtual education. Arkansas Access Point Project expands our ability to teach virtually and increases the number of students who can choose that option.

This program opens new opportunities and narrows the gap between those who have access to high-speed broadband and those who do not. Students will be able to take the devices home. They won’t have to sit in a McDonald’s to do their homework. This is especially important to our rural communities and for families who otherwise might not be able to afford this vital access.

Sally Bennett, superintendent of the rural Rivercrest District in northeast Arkansas, welcomed the news that AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon had agreed to participate in the project. She knows firsthand that the digital divide is real and deep.

Sally and her team of educators have worked hard and creatively during the pandemic to provide internet access to students. In the spring, they equipped school buses with Wi-Fi devices to deliver the internet along with meals for students who were confined to home. They extended Wi-Fi into the schools’ parking lot, but this still doesn’t help the student in their home.

She estimates that 40 percent of the eleven-hundred students in Rivercrest District have no access to internet, so you can understand why she calls our new initiative a “game changer.”

I share the superintendent’s excitement about this agreement, but this doesn’t completely bridge the digital divide in our state. We still have a lot of work to do to expand access to broadband internet. It’s important that everyone in Arkansas has the opportunities that come with easy and reliable access to the world wide web, whether they live in rural Mississippi County or in the state capital.