Cooperative Extension Service launches new University Center website

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Center for Rural Resilience and Workforce Development has launched a new website detailing the resources and services offered through its newest program, designed to support economic and workforce development across Arkansas.

NEW ONLINE RESOURCE — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Center for Rural Resilience and Workforce Development has a new website with information about the resources and services it offers, including training and technical assistance, applied research and an interactive Development District map. (U.S. Economic Development Administration graphic.) 

In November 2023, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, or EDA, awarded a $650,000, five-year grant to the Cooperative Extension Service’s department of Community, Professional and Economic Development to establish and operate a University Center. Rather than a physical location, the EDA University Center program is a resource serving the state’s economic development ecosystem, with a particular focus on rural marginalized communities, including Hispanic and Marshallese communities.

The Center’s new website outlines information about the program and its services, including training and technical assistance, applied research and annual research findings reports. The website also features an interactive map of Arkansas’s eight EDA-funded Development Districts, which serve all 75 counties.

“The Development Districts offer incredible services to their communities, such as grant writing, planning and economic development projects, and we want to make sure anyone in their community can find their district and connect with them,” said Brandon L. Mathews, extension program manager for the University Center.

Mathews said that Heartland Forward, one of the strategic partners of the University Center, led the creation of the Development District map.

“The interactive map is just one of many visualizations we hope to build with the Center,” said Rodrigo Ramirez-Perez, research analyst for Heartland Forward. “Our goal is to make data accessible and usable throughout the project, while also uplifting the Development Districts and the incredible work they do for the state.”

Over the next five years, more information and resources will be added to the University Center website. Those resources include Labor Market Observatories, which will be dashboards that provide important data on workforce metrics for each of the eight districts.

Mathews said the Center will also offer a newsletter that highlights funding opportunities, EDA activities and updates, community and economic development district events, workshops and tools for workforce development. Those interested can sign up for this resource at the FACT Sheet Newsletter Sign-up.

To learn more about the Center for Rural Resilience and Workforce Development, contact Hunter Goodman at hgoodman@uada.edu or Mathews at bmathews@uada.edu.

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

Aerial Lineman Training Center at UA Cossatot Holds Grand Opening in De Queen

The University of Arkansas Cossatot hosted a grand opening event at its Aerial Lineman Training Center in De Queen on Thursday, February 1. UAC Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole welcomed the crowd, including the current aerial lineman class and community and industry leaders. Dr. Cole explained the program’s history and the extensive efforts invested in its establishment, saying, “Short-term programs that give people wonderful skills and employees that want to hire them after four weeks of training, that a huge part of the future of Arkansas.” In addition, Dr. Cole announced the college had written a multi-million dollar grant to establish a fiber optic network engineering program at UA Cossatot. In Cole’s words, “We think this would be a perfect way to augment what we are already doing with the Aerial Lineman program.”

Among the guest speakers was Stephanie Isaacs, Director of the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, who discussed the partnership with UA Cossatot and her office’s role in procuring essential trucks and equipment for the program.

Rick Giesler, Division Director of Compliance with Ervin Cable Construction, told the audience, “Programs like this are instrumental in us being able to make our industry safer, to make our industry a better place, to drive better wages so these young people can have a home.”

Scottie Morris, co-creator of the curriculum with Luke Ervin of Ervin Cable Construction and Jeff Tollett of Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative, talked about his role in starting the program. He said the day after he retired, he received a call from Dr. Cole, who asked him to come on board to help the college train aerial linemen. Morris agreed, and a former parking lot near the UAC Amphitheater was picked as the site for the pole-training yard. In Morris’ closing remarks, he said, “I believe a lot of good things will come out of this lot.”

Representatives from Bridgepoint Communications, Systems Services Broadband, Ervin Cable Construction, Four States Fiber Internet, NEA Construction, and Desert Media Group were among the attendees. Notable figures such as State Representative Deann Vaught, Kyla Waters, Arkansas Community Colleges Center for Workforce Director, and Kamelle Gomez from the Arkansas State Broadband Office attended.

The Aerial Lineman Program at UA Cossatot is currently under the direction of Dennis Davis. He has over 43 years of experience in the telecommunications industry and utilizes a combination of classroom and hands-on field experiences co-designed with employers to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities they seek when hiring an aerial lineman to install, maintain, and repair telecommunications infrastructure.

UA Cossatot is an Arkansas Fiber Academy training location. The Arkansas Fiber Academy is a partnership between Arkansas Community Colleges, the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, and the Arkansas State Broadband Office.

To find out more about the UA Cossatot Aerial Lineman Training program, visit www.cccua.edu or contact Continuing Education Services at ContinuingEducation@cccua.edu or (870) 584-1178.

Winter Weather Advisory with freezing rain expected from the NWS

Arctic air remains entrenched across Arkansas, but will start to exit to the east later tonight and Monday. Clouds and moisture will continue to increase tonight with rain developing. The precipitation will be in the form of freezing rain through Monday morning before temperatures warm and it transitions over to just regular rain.

Before this change occurs, a quarter of an inch of ice or more could fall over parts of western and  northern Arkansas where ice storm warnings are in effect. Outside of the warning area, winter weather advisories are in effect for some ice accumulation.

Additional rounds of rain are expected through the week with several inches of rain possible, especially over the south and southeast.

Winter Weather Advisory

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
227 PM CST Sun Jan 21 2024

ARZ050-051-059>061-OKZ077-221100-
/O.CON.KSHV.WW.Y.0002.240122T0400Z-240122T1500Z/
Sevier-Howard-Little River-Hempstead-Nevada-McCurtain-
Including the cities of De Queen, Nashville, Mineral Springs,
Dierks, Ashdown, Hope, Prescott, Idabel, and Broken Bow
227 PM CST Sun Jan 21 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS
EVENING TO 9 AM CST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Freezing rain expected. Total ice accumulations of around
  one tenth of an inch, except isolated higher amounts between a
  tenth to a quarter of an inch in the higher elevations of
  Northern McCurtain, Northern Sevier, and Northern Howard
  Counties.

* WHERE...Portions of southwest Arkansas and southeast Oklahoma.

* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 9 AM CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Difficult travel conditions are possible, especially
  on bridges and overpasses. The hazardous conditions could
  impact the overnight and morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. Prepare for possible
power outages.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Public education stands as the primary expenditure within state government. This month, the House and Senate Education Committees began working on the Educational Adequacy Study. This study will serve as a recommendation to the legislature to determine funding for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years.

This in-depth process involves assessing the entirety of public education to ensure equal opportunities for students, covering aspects from teacher salaries to technological requirements. Arkansas employs a specific formula, the matrix, to calculate per-student funding, which is set to increase from $7,618 to $7,771 for the 2024-2025 school year.

The committees will later examine facilities funding and partnership programs in February, followed by a review of teacher-related aspects such as recruitment, retention, salaries, and professional development in June.

The culmination of this study results in a final report due on November 1, serving as a crucial guide for funding decisions in the subsequent year.

At the most recent meeting, committee members reviewed student achievement data. Reports revealed that in 2022, 30% of Arkansas 4th-grade students scored proficient or above in reading, slightly below the national average of 32%. Additionally, 28% of Arkansas 4th-grade students and 35% nationally scored proficient or above in math.

The House and Senate Education Committees approved an emergency rule to implement literacy tutoring grants and High Impact Learning Grants.

The literacy grant program is designed to help struggling readers in grades K-3. It will allow families to invoice up to $500 per year for tutoring services.

The second program will provide a limited amount of funding for schools to spend on tutoring services during the school day.

The proposed rule now goes before the Arkansas Legislative Council Executive Committee, scheduled to meet on January 18.

The House and Senate Education Committees will convene again on February 5 and February 6, with live-streamed and recorded meetings accessible at www.arkansashouse.org.

Arctic Air blasts Arkansas this weekend; freezing rain and heavy rainfall early next week

From the National Weather Service in Little Rock

Arctic air is arriving from the Plains Friday morning. A gusty northwest wind will produce wind chill index values from zero to ten below zero in the northern two to three rows of counties in Arkansas. 

Below to much below normal temperatures will continue through the weekend. Saturday will be the coldest day, with lows in the single digits and teens and highs in the 20s and 30s. Minimum wind chill indices will be in the single digits above and below zero Friday night into Saturday morning. 

Late Sunday night and Monday, Arctic air will begin exiting to the east. Clouds and moisture will increase, with rain developing. Precipitation will likely start off as freezing rain, with the potential for at least a tenth of an inch of ice in northern/western sections of the state. 

Rain will continue through at least Thursday. The forecast calls for one to more than three inches of rain across the region, with the heaviest amounts over the southern counties.

Another arctic air blast coming our way; Winter Weather Briefing from the NWS

Pockets of very light freezing rain are expected in portions of central and eastern Arkansas this morning. A light glaze of ice is possible in places. Amounts will be on the order of a trace to a few hundredths of an inch.  A Winter Weather Advisory has been posted. 

Another round of Arctic air will arrive Thursday night/Friday, and will stay with us through the weekend. The magnitude of this surge of cold air will not rival what we have experienced lately, but temperatures will be well below normal. Saturday will be the coldest day with temperatures starting to recover Sunday. 

As Arctic air exits to the east early next week, moisture will increase across the Plains. Rain will likely develop across the region on Monday, and may begin as a period of freezing rain in the morning. At this time, it appears some icing is possible, especially in western sections of the state.

Could be some freezing rain Thursday morning; NWS Weather Briefing for Arkansas

Temperatures are expected to climb above freezing both Wednesday and Thursday helping with the melting process. Whatever melts during the day will freeze again at night leading to some travel impacts.

A weak weather system may bring a little freezing rain to parts of central and east Arkansas early Thursday but only a thin glaze is expected at this time.Temperatures will warm above freezing  later on Thursday, minimal impacts are expected.

Following the brief warming period, another bout of Arctic air is expected to move into the forecast area, bringing back bitter cold overnight temperatures through this coming weekend.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee held a meeting to discuss concealed carry laws in Arkansas.

This meeting was part of a series of meetings held as part of the Arkansas Firearms and Concealed Carry Laws Study. The purpose of the study is to ultimately simplify gun laws in the state and clarify where and when it is legal to carry firearms.

Subcommittee members reviewed a summary of various state statutes addressing concealed carry.  There are more than 30 sections of Arkansas Code addressing concealed carry laws.

The Arkansas Attorney General’s office also presented a series of recommendations for future legislation to expand gun rights and clarify several existing laws. 

The next meeting of the Arkansas Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee will be held on Wednesday, January 24 at 1:30 p.m. in the MAC building located behind the State Capitol. The January 24 meeting will specifically address concealed carry regulations as promulgated by Arkansas State Police.

On March 11 and March 18 the subcommittee will focus on possession and open carry.

Later in the year, the subcommittee will hear from law enforcement and other armed officers as well as local governments and the business community.

We’ve posted the schedule for the additional hearings at arkansashouse.org.

The public is welcome to attend the meetings and there will be time for public comment.

The subcommittee will submit a final report to the ALC Executive Subcommittee by October 1, 2024. The Executive Subcommittee will then submit a report and possibly begin drafting legislation by the end of this year.

Winter Storm Warning for Arkansas

Winter weather in the form of snowfall and a few days of brutally cold temperatures will soon be upon us. Make needed preparations immediately and have a way to get the latest weather info. Do not wait until the first snowflakes fall or you feel the temperature is cold enough to be a concern, at that point it is too late to begin thinking about preparing. Act now and be ahead of the storm!

Widespread accumulating snow is expected to overspread the state Sunday through Monday. Over a large part of Arkansas, amounts of 2 to 3 inches or less are expected. There could be a narrow corridor of heavier snow which could produce 4 to 6 plus inches. As it stands now, this band is positioned over east-central Arkansas, but could still shift south with time. There is a chance some of the precipitation over southern Arkansas could mix with sleet, if this scenario plays out, actual amounts will be lower. Changes to forecast snow totals are still possible.

Low temperatures are expected to drop overnight and remain well below average for the next several days. Low temperatures are expected to be in the teens to near zero degrees across the state with wind chills feeling much colder.

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TODAY...
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 PM
CST MONDAY...

* WHAT...For the Wind Chill Advisory, very cold wind chills
  expected. Wind chills as low as 5 below zero. For the Winter
  Storm Warning, heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow
  accumulations of 1 to 2 inches and ice accumulations of a light
  glaze with locally higher amounts possible.

* WHERE...Portions of southwest Arkansas and southeast Oklahoma.

* WHEN...For the Wind Chill Advisory, from 9 PM this evening to
  noon CST Sunday. For the Winter Storm Warning, from noon
  Sunday to 6 PM CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. The
  cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions
  are not taken.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a
hat, and gloves.

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

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.