Winter storm moving into Arkansas this weekend

The National Weather Service in Little Rock advises:

• As colder air moves in this morning, rain will continue transitioning to light snow across west/northwest Arkansas, with less than an inch of accumulation at most locations.

• Beginning mid-morning, sustained wind speeds between 25 and 30 mph will be common across the state, with gusts over 45 mph.

• Precipitation will exit the state by Friday evening, with winds settling down by late Friday night.

• By late Saturday, Arctic air will begin to surge into the region from the northwest. This will result in below to much below average temperatures through early next week. Once cold air is in place, it appears that wintry precipitation will become more likely Sunday night into Monday. There is potential for warning criteria snow (several inches or more). Stay tuned for specifics.

National Weather Service in Little Rock Weather Briefing

We are monitoring two potentially impactful weather events through early next week. The first, this Thursday and Friday, will bring another round of rain, storms, and winter weather. After a brief lull over much of the weekend, an Arctic front will make its way into the southern states, bringing well-below-average temperatures and potential for snow across much of the state. 

The storm system Thursday/Friday will bring a half inch to an inch and a half of rain, with locally more than two inches. The highest rainfall totals are expected from central into northeast sections of the state. Isolated severe storms may occur in central and southern Arkansas. As colder air follows the system on Friday, rain will transition to light snow across the north/west (Ozark and Ouachita Mountains), with less than an inch of accumulation at most locations. Beginning Friday late morning, sustained wind speeds are forecast between 20 and 30 mph with gusts over 40 mph. Precipitation will exit the state by Friday evening, with winds settling down by late Friday night.

By the weekend/early next week, Arctic air will surge into the region from the northwest. This will result in below to much below average temperatures. Once cold air is in place, it appears that wintry precipitation will become more likely Sunday night into Monday. There is a potential for heavy warning criteria snow (several inches). Stay tuned for specifics.

National Weather Service - Little Rock Briefing

We are now looking ahead and focusing on two potentially impactful weather systems. The first is expected this Thursday and Friday (Jan 11-12). The second is expected early next week (Jan 14-15).  

The Thursday/Friday system will bring 1.5-2" of rain, chances for isolated storms, snow across western and northern portions of the state, and potential for wind gusts 40-45+ mph.  

Arctic air will slip into southern portions of the U.S. this weekend into early next week, bringing well below-average temperatures to Arkansas. Warning criteria snow amounts appear possible for Sunday and Monday. 

Arkansas Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service in Little Rock

There are two storm systems that will impact Arkansas this week. One system will be here today and Tuesday (January 8-9), with another system arriving from the west later Thursday and Friday (January 11-12).

The former system will be primarily a rainmaker, and there will be some rumbles of thunder in places. One to two inches of rain are in the forecast. Any severe weather will remain along the Gulf Coast. As colder air wraps around the departing storm, some light snow could occur over parts of northwest Arkansas (mainly the Boston and Ozark Mountains) on Tuesday. Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph will be common Monday and Tuesday. The higher terrain over northwest Arkansas could have gusts up to 50 mph. 

The latter system will be much like the former system; mostly rain is in the forecast. At this point, there is a potential for severe storms in southern Arkansas. Light snow will likely follow the system in northern sections of the state. There will be a lot of wind as well. 

By the weekend/early next week, Arctic air will surge into the region from the northwest. This will result in below to much below average temperatures. 

Once cold air is in place, it appears that wintry precipitation will become more likely early next week as storm systems continue arriving from the west/southwest.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

As the Preferential Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election draw near in Arkansas, it's crucial for every eligible citizen to recognize the power they hold within their vote. The upcoming election on March 5, 2024, serves as an opportunity for Arkansans to shape the future of their communities, the state, and the nation. The deadline to register to vote for this significant event is Monday, February 5.

Arkansas is home to 1,738,711 registered voters. Each of these individuals carries the potential to influence the trajectory of local and state policies. However, the unfortunate reality is that voter turnout during primary elections has not always reflected the significance of this responsibility.

In the 2022 Preferential Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election, Arkansas experienced a voter turnout of just 25.98%. The turnout in the 2020 Preferential Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election was 28%. 

The first step in exercising your right to vote is ensuring that you are registered. The deadline for registration is fast approaching on Monday, February 5. Don't miss this chance to be part of the democratic process. 

To register in Arkansas you must fill out a paper Voter Registration Application.

You can pick up an application at the following locations:

• Your local county clerk.

• The Arkansas Secretary of State Elections Division: 1-800-482-1127.

• Local revenue or DMV office.

• Public library.

• Disability agency.

• Military recruitment office.

You can print a form to mail or request an application to be mailed to you at sos.arkansas.gov.

Once your local county clerk has processed your Voter Registration Application, he/she will send you a personalized voter registration card. This could take up to several weeks. You may also check your voter registration status online by visiting www.voterview.org

It's essential to recognize that the decisions made at the ballot box extend beyond partisan politics; they directly impact education, healthcare, infrastructure, and various other facets of our daily lives. The future of Arkansas is in the hands of its citizens, and voting is the most direct way to shape that future.

UA Cossatot OER Director Relinda Ruth chosen to represent the University of Arkansas System on U.S. / Canada OER Panel

OER Specialist Relinda Ruth

After reviewing the Driving OER Sustainability for Student Success (DOERS3) statement of purpose and agreeing with the goals of broad-based, accessible open educational resources (OER), the University of Arkansas System joined the group of 36 public higher education systems and statewide/provincewide organizations committed to supporting student success through OER. UA System President Donald Bobbitt recommended UA Cossatot’s Director of Educational Resources and OER Specialist Relinda Ruth to represent the UA System in DOERS3.

“I am extremely honored that Dr. Bobbitt selected me to represent the UA System within a group committed to developing national and state innovation in OER research, policy, and quality, and I’m looking forward to representing the System in a collaborated effort to improve access, affordability, and achievement for millions of students.” Ruth said, “At UA Cossatot, our OER program has saved students $190,440 during the Fall 2023 semester. Since the implementation of our efforts to reduce or eliminate textbook and educational resource costs for our students in 2015, total savings now amount to $3,387,521.25. We anticipate the savings to top $3.5 million after the Spring 2024 semester.”

The Driving OER Sustainability for Student Success (DOERS3) Collaborative is a group of 36 public higher education systems and statewide/provincewide organizations committed to supporting student success by promoting free, customizable, open educational resources (OER). Launched in 2018, DOERS3 helps member organizations implement, scale, and sustain OER by advancing research and policy, sharing tools and learnings, and showing how OER can foster equity and student success. DOERS3 serves over 7.65 million students at 829 colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

This week marked the 8th consecutive year of a heartwarming Christmas celebration at the Capitol. Legislators, Capitol staff, state agencies, and lobbyists gathered to spread holiday cheer by bringing gifts for children in foster care.

Year after year, this event is eagerly anticipated by participants as it brings much-needed joy and smiles to the faces of children in foster care. Moreover, it serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for loving homes to provide care.

As of now, Arkansas has over 3,800 children in foster care, each with their unique backgrounds, cultures, and families. These children, spanning various age groups from infants to teenagers, possess distinct personalities, abilities, interests, and potential.

Typically, children spend approximately 12 months in foster care. The duration of their stay is often tied to their biological parent's engagement in services aimed at ensuring the safety of their children. The primary objective of foster care is reunification, wherein a foster parent cares for a child until they can be returned home or until an alternative permanency decision is made. Placement durations vary, ranging from a few weeks to several months.

For those interested in making a lasting impact by becoming a foster parent, we encourage you to explore everychildarkansas.org. Every Child Arkansas is a collaborative initiative designed to connect Arkansans and address the needs of the state's most vulnerable children. In partnership with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Every Child Arkansas strives to offer love, care, and support to vulnerable children and families. It serves as a valuable resource to connect individuals with the right people in their community to initiate the foster parent certification process.

UA Cossatot Receives Grant from the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact name: Sarah Chesshir
Phone: 870-584-1338
Email: schesshir@cccua.edu

UA Cossatot has received a $3,500 grant from the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund to support its Industrial Maintenance program.

Sarah Chesshir, Division Chair of Professional and Technical Programs, stated the funds would be used to host a recruiting event to showcase UA Cossatot’s Lockesburg Industrial Maintenance Institute (LIMI) and to recruit students into the robust program. The event will be held in 2024, and the public will be invited to attend. UA Cossatot will have advisors, faculty, and staff in attendance to help answer questions, provide tours, and enroll future students. Attendees will receive a free t-shirt and will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. They will also have a chance to win a $250 scholarship. More details will be provided closer to the date.

Housed in Lockesburg, AR, the Industrial Maintenance program provides students with the skills needed to perform general maintenance duties required in an industrial setting with increased employment opportunities. Students will earn stackable credentials. Certificates of Proficiency in Mechanical Devices, Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Industrial Motor Controls, Programmable Controls, and Welding will lead to Technical Certificates in Industrial Technology and Industrial Electricity. All hours will apply toward the Associate of Applied Science in General Technology degree.

“We recognize that there is a very high demand for workers with these skillsets, so we are excited to use this grant to help supply the workforce with skilled laborers.,” Chesshir said.

In both rural and urban settings, the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports hundreds of important organizations and programs in the communities where they operate with funding, time, expertise, and resources. Weyerhaeuser made its first charitable donation in 1903 and has provided more than $260 million in grants through its formal giving program, which was established in 1948.

More information on the Weyerhaeuser grant application process is available online at www.WY.com

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

While the convenience of department stores and online shopping is undeniable, we’d like to take this time to encourage you to incorporate shopping locally this holiday season.

Saturday, November 25, 2023, is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, and by choosing to support them, we can make a significant positive impact on our state's economy, as well as create a more vibrant and diverse shopping experience.

A small business in Arkansas is defined as those with less than 500 employees. There are more than 264,000 small businesses in Arkansas. Small businesses make up the majority of businesses in the state. More than 47% of all Arkansas employees work for a small business.

When you shop at small businesses, your dollars stay within the local economy. These businesses often reinvest in the community, helping to create jobs and contribute to the overall economic well-being of your area. In fact, studies show that 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the community. In addition, every dollar spent at a small business creates an additional 48 cents in local business activity as a result of employees and local businesses purchasing local goods and services.

Small businesses are often family-owned or operated by your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. By shopping at these local establishments, you not only support their livelihoods but also create a stronger sense of unity and connection within your town or city. They also offer a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind products that you won't find in larger stores.

Your small purchase this holiday season can make a big difference.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, we encourage Arkansans to take a moment to acknowledge the unsung heroes of this holiday season—our farmers.

Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives, and the hardworking men and women who toil in the fields, day in and day out, deserve a special place in our hearts this season. Arkansas farmers are the ones responsible for growing the crops and raising the livestock that grace many of our tables.

In fact, Arkansas ranks 3rd in the nation in turkeys raised. But that’s not the only popular Thanksgiving dish that may have started its journey on an Arkansas farm.

Arkansas is the 4th largest producer of sweet potatoes and our state ranks 6th in the nation in the acreage of pecans.

In the last year, Arkansas farmers harvested more than 695,000 acres of corn.

Arkansas currently ranks 11th in the nation in soybean production. Soybean oil is used to make hundreds of foods, including mayonnaise, peanut butter, and ranch dressing.

From casseroles to rice pudding, another Arkansas crop makes its way to the Thanksgiving table every year. Arkansas ranks first among rice-producing states, accounting for more than 50 percent of U.S. rice production.

Agriculture is Arkansas’s largest industry, adding around $16 billion to our state’s economy every year. There are 49,346 farms statewide and 97 percent of Arkansas’ farms are family-owned.

So, as you savor each bite of your Thanksgiving meal, remember to give thanks to the individuals who make this feast possible. Let's make this holiday a true celebration of gratitude, not only for the food on our plates but for the hands that nurture the land.

You can help show your appreciation to our Arkansas farmers and food service workers by looking for the “Arkansas Grown” label at your local supermarket.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

As November rolls around, we are reminded of a day that holds a special place in the hearts of countless Americans – Veterans Day. On this occasion, we pause to reflect on the sacrifices, courage, and unwavering commitment of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Honoring our veterans is about recognizing the sacrifices they've made. It's the sleepless nights and missed birthdays, anniversaries, and family gatherings. It's the physical and emotional scars, the injuries, and the post-traumatic stress that some bear for the rest of their lives. It's the time away from home and the loved ones left behind. It's the uncertainty and the courage to face danger head-on. More than 186,000 veterans call Arkansas home. That equals close to 6% of our state’s population.

The Arkansas General Assembly continually reviews ways to ensure our veterans and their families are well cared for and that our policies make life a little easier for those living here. In the last Regular Session, we passed Act 395 defines “homestead” for purposes of the property tax exemption for disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and minor dependent children of disabled veterans. The General Assembly also passed Act 201 and Act 137. Act 201 seeks to have veteran disability benefits excluded as income for eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by directing DHS to seek a federal waiver. Act 137 allows a licensing agency to consider national certifications toward occupational licensure requirements for uniformed service members and veterans. It also extends the application for initial licensure to the spouse of a uniformed service member or a uniformed service veteran and removes the one-year limit for veterans to apply for service education, training, or certifications toward occupational licensure. We will continue to review proposals to improve the lives of veterans in Arkansas.

We encourage Arkansans to consider ways they can support our veterans this Veterans Day and throughout the year. Veterans Day is not just a day on the calendar; it's a time for us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the sacrifices and bravery of our veterans. It is a reminder that the debt we owe them is immeasurable, but we can still strive to repay it with gratitude, respect, and support.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

The Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) and ALC subcommittees convened this week. In these meetings, members received an update regarding the implementation of LEARNS, an update regarding a study of our state’s firearms laws, and approved funding to expand nurse training programs in the state.

Education Secretary Jacob Oliva updated the council on the use of Education Freedom Accounts. Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) is a school choice initiative that provides funding for eligible students to attend participating private schools. Secretary Oliva told the council that 4,795 students and 94 schools are currently participating. 

For this school year, EFA’s are limited to first-time kindergartners, students coming from “F” rated schools, students with a disability, foster care children, or children of active-duty military. 

Students with a disability identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act represent the largest share of participating students, amounting to 44% of total participants. First-time kindergarteners likewise represent a sizable share of the total participants, making up 31% of the participants’ population. 

Upon request, the council approved the disbursement of federal American Rescue Plan funds including a request from the Department of Commerce for $25 million to educate more nurses in Arkansas. The department says the funding will be used for a grant program to expand nursing apprenticeships, increase nursing program capacity, and tuition reimbursement. A portion of the funds will also be used for career center licensed practical nurse pathway development. These centers provide high school seniors and juniors college credit while in school.  

The Council was also informed that the Game and Fish and State Police Subcommittee will meet on Monday, November 13 at 1 pm in the MAC building behind the Capitol to begin hearing information presentations regarding federal laws related to firearms. 

This is the beginning of the Arkansas Firearms and Concealed Carry Laws Study. The public will have an opportunity to provide comments at the meeting. There will be a link on the General Assembly website for public comment, and there will be a signup sheet at the committee meeting. Only those members of the public who have signed up in one of those two ways will be allowed to come forward and present their comments to the Subcommittee. 

You can watch all ALC meetings and subcommittee meetings at www.arkansashouse.org.

Saturday's Eclipse View from Texarkana, Arkansas

The photo of Saturday’s solar eclipse was taken by Jessica Roldan of Texarkana through eclipse glasses on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 11:52:00 AM CDT.

King Art Show Held Last Weekend in King, AR

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Paving the way for a brighter future through education is a goal shared by many families. For parents in Arkansas, the Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Program is a valuable tool designed to help them save and invest in their children’s education. This week, we want to remind you about the valuable resource and all the advantages it has to offer. 

The Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan (formerly the GIFT Plan), sponsored by the Treasurer of State’s office, is an education-savings plan that allows your savings to grow tax-deferred through a wide variety of investment options. Later, the money can be withdrawn tax-free to pay for qualified higher education costs like tuition, room and board, and supplies at nearly any two- or four-year college, university, vocational, or trade school. 

In 2018, the federal government expanded the use of 529 funds to include private, parochial, and public K-12 tuition. In 2021, the government broadened the plan even more to allow 529s to cover the cost of apprenticeship programs and pay down student loan debt. 

Arkansas taxpayers are eligible to deduct up to $5,000 (up to $10,000 for married couples) from their adjusted gross income calculation for contributions to an Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan account. The savings have the potential to grow at a faster rate than if you had invested in a comparable taxable account. 

You can also invite friends and family to be a part of your savings journey. With a Ugift® code that links directly to your account, they can give the gift of education for a birthday, holiday, special occasion, or even “just because.” Anyone who contributes may be eligible for an Arkansas state tax deduction, too. 

More than 27,000 Arkansas Families are served by the Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan. You can begin saving by visiting www.brighterfuturedirect529.com.

De Queen’s Beau McCastlain named Arkansas Teacher of the Year

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

Beau McCastlain, a television production teacher at De Queen High School, was named the Arkansas Teacher of the Year Monday (Oct. 9).

McCastlain learned he had been selected out of 34,000 public school teachers statewide during a surprise visit to his school studio by Gov. Sarah Sanders and Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva. His students responded with enthusiastic applause. He had been selected as one of four semifinalists this summer.

Starting July 1, 2024, he will spend next year out of the classroom traveling the state and promoting teachers, and he will serve as a nonvoting member of the Arkansas State Board of Education.

De Queen’s Beau McCastlain named Arkansas Teacher of the Year

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Domestic violence is often shrouded in silence and stigma. It transcends age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, and geography. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This time of awareness stands as a call to action and a promise of support for those affected.

Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, and emotional abuse.

The statistics surrounding domestic violence are staggering. In Arkansas, 40.8% of women and 34.8% of men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes.

Nationwide, local domestic violence hotlines receive approximately 19,159 calls a day, an average of approximately 13 calls every minute.

The Arkansas General Assembly consistently reviews legislation designed to prevent domestic abuse, hold abusers accountable, and support victims.

In the 2023 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed ACT 849. This act adds aggravated assault on a family member or household member to past conduct that qualifies a person as a repeat offender for purposes of domestic battering in the first degree and domestic battering in the second degree.

In the 2021 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed ACT 800, the Arkansas Phoenix Act. This act amends the statute of limitations for offenses involving domestic violence and provides for training to be given to law enforcement officers on additional topics that arise in which domestic violence is suspected.

Legislators will continue to review our laws regarding domestic violence in future legislative sessions.

Domestic violence is preventable. By raising awareness and providing education, we can work towards changing societal norms and behaviors that perpetuate violence.

If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic violence, visitwww.laurascard.ar.gov to find resources near you.

The CALL in Howard County Invites Local Churches to Participate in Soup Fundraiser

The CALL in Howard County will host a soup fundraiser on November 12 in conjunction with Stand Sunday.  Stand Sunday is a day set aside for churches across the United States to take a ‘stand’ for children and families impacted by foster care. The soup fundraiser gives local church congregations an opportunity to be ‘soup’er heros by making and selling soups to support the day-to-day ministry of training, equipping and supporting local foster and adoptive families. 

“Not everyone is called to foster, but everyone can do something to support local kids and families impacted by foster care,” local CALL Coordinator Holli Boyett said. “This soup fundraiser is as much about awareness as it is financial support. We ask churches to be ‘soup’er heros to make and sell their favorite soups for $8 per quart after morning service on Sunday, November 12. We provide churches with soup containers and labels.” 

Churches wishing to participate may contact Boyett to sign up. She can be reached 501-607-8035 or howardcounty@thecallinarkansas.org 

The CALL is an Arkansas based non-profit ministry whose mission is to educate, equip and encourage the Christian community to provide a future and a hope for children in foster care in Arkansas.

UA Little Rock part of $2.2 million grant for AI-driven cybersecurity project

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

A UA Little Rock professor and students are part of a university startup that has received a $2.2 million grant to develop an advanced artificial-intelligence automation and rapid-recovery hardware to protect industrial control systems from cybersecurity attacks.

Backed by the BIRD Foundation, Bastazo, a startup with strong ties to UA Little Rock and the University of Arkansas, will partner with Israeli-based Salvador Technologies on the project, which is known as Extracted Configuration Security (XCS). The initiative will address escalating concerns posed by sophisticated external threats, including ransomware.

“Our collaboration with Salvador Technologies represents a union of revolutionary cybersecurity concepts,” said Philip Huff, assistant professor of cybersecurity at UA Little Rock and co-founder of Bastazo. “Leveraging large language models to automate decisions in cybersecurity operations is not just a leap for us, but a giant step for the entire Operational Technology (OT) security sector.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/09/ua-little-rock-part-of-2-2-million-grant-for-ai-driven-cybersecurity-project/

Burn Ban for some counties in Arkansas

https://www.arkfireinfo.org/