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White County 4-H team wins Arkansas 4-H Food Challenge

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NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Aug. 2, 124 participants from 36 teams put their food and nutrition knowledge — and cooking skills — to the test at the Arkansas 4-H Food Challenge.

The competition, part of Arkansas 4-H’s Healthy Living Project, was held at the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute at UA Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Each team had 40 minutes to prep and cook their dish, with the choice to compete in fruits and vegetables, dairy, protein or grains. Teams had to use ingredients available at dollar stores, including frozen peas and canned tomatoes, as well as rice and smoked sausage. Each team also had to incorporate a mystery ingredient.

Teams then had five minutes to present their dish to judges and explain the nutritional value, total cost of the ingredients and the food safety measures taken in preparing it. The judging panel included Cooperative Extension Service family and consumer science agents and specialists.

JeAlberne Smith, extension 4-H program technician for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and coordinator of the 4-H Food Challenge, said the competition is an important opportunity for youth to practice their cooking skills and work together as a team.

“The Arkansas 4-H Food Challenge gives our members a chance to apply their food and nutrition knowledge in a fun, exciting contest that also teaches them to think quickly on their feet,” Smith said. “I’m proud of this year’s teams for getting creative with their dishes, and I’m also grateful to all the 4-H agents and parent leaders for their hard-working helping these teams get ready for the competition.”  

Smith said that all food not used during the competition was donated to The Shack, a non-profit ministry in Little Rock that provides free meals, hygiene facilities and laundry services for people in need.

BOUND FOR NATIONALS — The Cooking Herd from White County won First Place Overall in the Senior Division in their first year competing at the Arkansas 4-H Food Challenge, held Aug. 2 at the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute at UA Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock, Arkansas. (Division of Agriculture photo.) 

The winners were:

Senior Division

  • First place: The Cooking Herd from White County — Caitlin Cooper, Jack Pruitt, Lynnlee Morrison, Madison White

  • Second place: The Rolling Scones from Grant County — Lauren Fleming, Kortni Nelson, Aubrey Ottens

  • Third place: Hillbilly Cooks from Faulkner County — Morgan Caro, Kacie Clark, Chloe Parish, Leah Smith

Junior Division

  • First place: The Saucy Bosses from Union County — Makena Saffold, Sadie Saffold, Sophie Wheeler

  • Second place: Spicy Slicers from Drew County — Audrey Clayton, Alvia Daniels, Jesika Henson, DJ Hewing

  • Third place: The Cooking Clovers from Yell County — Kaitlyn Munroe, Kourtney Munroe, Skylen Reddin, Colt Stokes

First-time competitors, first-time winners

Nancy Evans, White County extension 4-H program assistant, said The Cooking Herd team had looked forward to competing in the 4-H Food Challenge for the first time.

“We prepared with practices once a week, and they also got together and practiced at home,” Evans said. “They were so excited, and I was so excited for them to go and compete. I was impressed with all the knowledge they developed for this contest.”

Evans said that through studying the USDA MyPlate nutrition lessons and trying their hand at preparing recipes, all the White County teams gained skills they can use for the rest of their lives — a core value of the 4-H program.

“These are important skills for them to know,” Evans said. “They can use these in their personal lives and with their families in the future. That’s why 4-H is so good for them — so they can go and share their skills, and help other people learn to prepare healthy meals.”

The Cooking Herd team will next head to the National 4-H Food Challenge held at the Texas State Fair in October. Evans said the team’s performance at the state contest is already a big win for the county.

“Before we left for the competition, they were ready,” Evans said. “When they came out from the judging portion, they were so confident that they did well. It was unbelievable to get this trophy because before we started preparing for the competition, I mentioned to them that I wanted to take this trophy home. And they said, ‘We can do it!’”

4-H is a youth development program operated by the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The program teaches participants life skills through the “learn by doing” model. Program participants gain knowledge through non-formal, science-based, experiential education activities.

To learn more about Arkansas 4-H and its programs, visit the Arkansas 4-H website.

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. 

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Economic impact of Arkansas timber damage from May tornadoes estimated at $89 million

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By Traci Rushing
Arkansas Center for Forest Business
U of A System Division of Agriculture 

MONTICELLO, Ark. — In May Arkansas saw a record number of tornadoes touch down in our state causing an estimated $89 million in total economic impacts and potential environmental risk associated with the forest damage experienced in five northern counties.

ECONOMIC IMPACTS — In May Arkansas saw a record number of tornadoes touch down in our state causing an estimated $89 million in total economic impacts and potential environmental risk associated with the forest damage experienced in five northern counties. (Division of Agriculture graphic.)

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported a record number of 17 tornadoes recorded across Arkansas on May 26 with one tornado having a path width of nearly 2 miles in Benton County. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry estimated the tornadoes destroyed $18.4 million worth of timber over 12,400 acres in Benton, Madison, Marion, Baxter and Fulton counties. Given these numbers, the Arkansas Center for Forest Business conducted an analysis of the full economic impact of this timber loss, which totaled $89 million. This estimate includes the cost of hazard reduction, loss in labor due to timber not being harvested, carbon storage loss, and losses of both local and state tax revenues.

To support landowners in this area, the Arkansas Center for Forest Business prepared and reported the economic losses experienced in the five northern counties. Data was shared with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry which led to the Division requesting financial support from Farm Service Agencies to assist landowners in the area.

“The Arkansas Center for Forest Business assists landowners with strategic planning and provides economic values to the Arkansas Agricultural Department Forestry Division and the Arkansas Forestry Association as needed to support in policymakers’ decision-making to coordinate disaster funding,” said Dr. Shaun Tanger, Associate Professor of Forest Policy and Trade at the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources.

While the economic impact on the surrounding communities is devastating, the environmental impact of not properly caring for the fallen timber could be detrimental to the ecosystem. According to Dr. Matthew Pelkki, Director of the Arkansas Center for Forest Business and Professor at the UAM CFANR, these lands are very susceptible to seeing an infestation of negative pests and fire hazards.

“The potential is that the chemicals released from a dead or recently killed tree are going to attract insects, which in a natural scenario is not necessarily a bad thing. However, in this scenario, there is a potential to draw in populations of insects that are detrimental to our forest,” said Pelkki. “Insects such as bark beetles and red oak borers could thrive in the fallen timber and then start affecting living trees around the area. Then, there is also a fire hazard. We have a lot of dead, down material that will dry out and create a fire hazard.”

The Arkansas Center for Forest Business encourages landowners to be proactive with land management efforts.

“It is important that Arkansas’ forest landowners work with foresters to manage their forests for greater resiliency to insects, diseases, and climate events and one of the tools for that is timber harvesting,” added Pelkki.

Inquiries about financial assistance from Farm Service Agencies for landowners from the affected region can be directed to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry. The Arkansas Center for Forest Business is also available to provide landowners with valuable information and connections to assist with land management. More information about the Arkansas Center for Forest Business can be found on their website.

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20 Arkansas airports to receive $14 million in federal grants

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Arkansas airports were awarded $14.83 million in federal grant money on Friday (Aug. 9), according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Highfill will receive $3.88 million to support a project to build a new control tower.

The money comes from the newest round of 2024 Airport Improvement Program grants awarded by the agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grants pay for various projects to improve runways, airfields and airport facilities. On Friday, the FAA awarded $636.05 million to airports in 46 states and the American Samoa.

Following are the 19 other airports to receive the money.
• Carroll County in Berryville: $418,435 to expand apron.
• Z M Jack Stell Field in Crossett: $1.05 million to construct taxiway.
• J Lynn Helms Sevier County in De Queen: $388,656 to construct a taxi lane.
• Billy Free Municipal in Dumas: $155,655 to reseal apron and taxiway pavement.
• Drake Field in Fayetteville: $240,210 to extend and expand taxiway.
• Memorial Field in Hot Springs: $558,485 to rehabilitate runway and its lighting and markings.
• Jonesboro Municipal in Jonesboro: $141,300 to extend and expand runway.
• Ralph C Weiser Field in Magnolia: $218,044 to reconstruct taxiway lighting.
• Manila Municipal in Manila: $299,444 to reconstruct taxiway lighting and rehabilitate runway lighting.
• Monticello Municipal/Ellis Field in Monticello: $316,566 to reseal apron and taxiway pavement
• Morrilton Municipal in Morrilton: $318,277 to construct an airport lighting vault, install taxiway lighting, and reconstruct runway and taxiway lighting.
• Bearce in Mount Ida: $924,474 to rehabilitate runway and reseal taxiway pavement.
• Baxter County in Mountain Home: $100,043 to reconstruct runway visual guidance system.
• Osceola Municipal in Osceola: $525,079 to construct terminal access road.
• Pine Bluff Regional/Grider Field in Pine Bluff: $2.08 million to rehabilitate runway.
• Russellville Regional in Russellville: $165,007 to reconstruct apron.
• Sheridan-Grant County Regional in Sheridan: $246,082 to reseal and resurface runway pavement.
• Springdale Municipal in Springdale: $606,559 to reseal and resurface runway pavement.
• Texarkana Regional-Webb Field in Texarkana: $2.18 million to construct apron.

20 Arkansas airports to receive $14 million in federal grants

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Undergraduates Show Off Research Skills at UAMS’ Summer Symposium

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By Nathan Tidwell

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) hosted students from 39 colleges and universities across the nation at the 11th Annual Arkansas Undergraduate Summer Research Symposium.

The symposium was an opportunity for undergraduate students to present research on a wide range of topics including biomedical sciences, plant science. informatics and modeling. The UAMS College of Medicine Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology organized and sponsored the event with support from the UAMS Graduate School and the IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program.

“This symposium stands as a testament to the curiosity, dedication and ingenuity of students, who have embarked on journeys of exploration within their respective fields. Undergraduate research is not merely a supplement to coursework; it is a transformative experience that nurtures critical thinking, problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of academic disciplines.”

Undergraduates Show Off Research Skills at UAMS’ Summer Symposium

The winners of the poster competition were selected from 122 submissions. Image by Nathan Tidwell

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Arkansas school districts on board with ‘phone-free’ pilot program

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KUAR | By Daniel Breen

About 180 of Arkansas’ 237 public school districts will limit students’ phone usage in the upcoming school year as part of a pilot program championed by Gov. Sarah Sanders and state education officials.

The program, announced last month, provides students with pouches to store, but not access, their phones during the school day. Grants for telehealth services to address students’ mental health will also be available to participating school districts.

Speaking at Ardis Ann Middle School in Bentonville Thursday, Sanders said the program’s goal is to address what she says is a link between unrestricted smartphone usage and worse mental health outcomes among students.

Arkansas school districts on board with ‘phone-free’ pilot program

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Bipartisan legislation introduced to study impact of cell phones in schools

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WASHINGTON - Today, Reps. Bruce Westerman (AR-04), David Trone (MD-06), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), and Jason Crow (CO-06) introduced the Focus on Learning Act, bipartisan legislation that would require the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to complete a study on the effects of cell phone use in K-12 classrooms and its impact on students’ mental health and academic performance.

“Any parent, teacher, or administrator can tell you that cell phones are the leading distraction and source of anxiety for students in school. Our Focus on Learning Act is a bipartisan solution to bridge the gap in data of the real-time effects of cell phone usage in schools so we can support local communities in alleviating those distractions and cultivating the best possible learning environment for our students,” said Congressman Westerman. “I’m proud to lead this bicameral effort with my friend and fellow Arkansan, Senator Cotton, and I look forward to continued collaboration on this important issue.” 

“Prioritizing student mental health is how we ensure young folks receive the best education possible. The Focus on Learning Act aims to do just that by conducting a study on cell phone use in schools,” said Congressman Trone. “By limiting cell phones in schools, we could also limit one of the main causes of stress and anxiety for students. In Congress, I’ll always work to ensure young people are set up for success.”

“It is critical to the development of our children that we understand the impact that cellphones have on their mental health and academic performance,” said Congressman LaTurner. “The Focus on Learning Act will help ensure that schools are free of distractions that may hinder a student’s education.”

"As a Dad, I’m concerned about the impact of cell phone use on our kids' mental health and academic success," said Congressman Crow. "Proud to lead the Focus on Learning Act with Rep. Westerman to research the effects of increased phone use and give our kids the best opportunity to succeed.”

BACKGROUND:

  • Since 2012, test scores have steeply declined nationwide, presumably correlated with the increased presence of cell phones in schools.

  • Recent studies show that three-quarters of U.S. teens feel more happy/peaceful when they are away from their phones.

  • As research is being conducted in scholarly settings, there’s a gap in data on the real-time effects of cell phone usage in classrooms and its impact on the learning and mental health of students.

FOCUS ON LEARNING SUMMARY:

  • Requires the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to complete a study on the effects of cell phone use in K-12 classrooms on students’ mental health and academic performance.

  • Authorizes $5 million annually for the next five years for a pilot program that provides students with secure containers to store cell phones during school hours.

  • The pilot program will allow exceptions for students with health conditions, disabilities, and non-English speakers.

  • Participating schools will have a communication system in place to allow teachers, students, and administrators to communicate with local emergency responders in case of an emergency.

  • U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) are cosponsors of the Senate companion Focus on Learning Act.

Click here for the full bill text.

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Representatives Hill, Turner, Green press for answers on terror watchlist individuals crossing our southern border

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. French Hill (R-AR), House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner (R-OH), and House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) released the following statement after the House Judiciary Committee released a report that showed nearly 100 individuals on the terror watchlist were released into the United States after crossing our southern border.

“It’s unacceptable that the Biden-Harris Administration has left our southern border open and that they don’t know who is coming into our country or where they are once here – including potential terrorists.

“We recently sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to look into the process of identifying which terrorist watchlist individuals are trying to come into our country and where they are once released. The FBI and DHS have yet to answer these most basic questions.

“Since the Biden-Harris Administration’s failed open border policies have welcomed potential terrorists into our nation, we’re working to combat these threats and safeguard Americans in their own backyards. The FBI and DHS must answer our requests.”

U.S. Congressman French Hill

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner (R-OH)

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN)

Further Background:

Rep. Hill, Chairman Turner, and Chairman Green sent the following letter to the GAO on April 30, 2024, to investigate the process of finding terror watchlist individuals entering the United States and identify where they are after they are released into our country. This letter was sent as a next step following the lawmakers’ prior efforts in pressing for answers because of the lack of responsiveness from FBI Director Christopher Wray and Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) Alejandro Mayorkas. 

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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Recently, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) issued a reminder for parents to remain vigilant in recognizing and preventing online predators from targeting children. This summer alone, ASP has issued several Missing/Endangered Advisories for missing children and teens, including five Amber Alerts since May. Disturbingly, multiple Arkansas teens have been lured away by predators they encountered through online messaging apps.

In our increasingly digital world, it's more important than ever for parents to monitor their children's online activity and educate them on the dangers of the internet. Major Stacie Rhoads, Commander of the ASP Criminal Investigation Division, warns that online predators often attempt to engage children and teens in inappropriate sexual conversations, arrange in-person meetings, or even send explicit materials while requesting images in return.

During the 2023 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed Act 689, which prohibits social media companies from allowing minors in Arkansas to create new accounts without the explicit consent of a parent or legal guardian. The act requires age verification through a third-party vendor, establishes liability for failing to perform this verification, and outlines penalties for violations. However, enforcement of the act has been delayed due to a legal challenge, which is still pending in the judicial system.

Recently, the governor sent a letter to Arkansas legislators, urging us to continue our efforts to implement meaningful restrictions on children’s use of social media platforms.

For resources to help parents protect their children from online predators and technology-facilitated exploitation, visit aricac.org. Schools, civic groups, and other organizations can also request online safety presentations through this site. To report suspicious online activity, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST(1-800-843-5678).

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UA Cossatot Collegiate & Alumni FFA Attends Conference in Alaska

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Students in the UA Cossatot agriculture program attended an FFA Alumni & Supporters Development conference in Alaska over the summer. Agriculture instructor and FFA Advisor, Kelli Harris, along with program assistant, Hadley Philamlee, traveled to Palmer, Alaska from June 20 - 24 with three students: April Klitz, Gynder Benson, and Hannah Jackson.

The conference provided information on topics such as agriculture program development, student retention, and offered an opportunity to network with other FFA alumni members from around the country. The group learned about production agriculture in Alaska, which is widely known for gigantic cabbages that can easily grow up to 50 pounds during the long daylight hours of the Alaskan growing season. They also toured a musk ox farm where they were able to see how these animals are managed for their hair, which is called qiviut, and how the fibers are used in textile production.

"This was an amazing experience for our students at UA Cossatot and we were all excited to learn more about agriculture beyond our region of the United States. Attending these conferences helps us expand our knowledge about agriculture and bring new ideas back to our college," says Kelli Harris.

The agriculture program is looking forward to planning more educational travel experiences for students this fall.

Pictured L to R: Hannah Jackson, Hadley Philamlee, April Klitz, Kelli Harris, Gynder Benson










The University of Arkansas Cossatot is a community college in Southwest Arkansas accredited by the

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Can solar energy and ag coexist? August 21 webinar takes up ‘agrivoltaics’

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

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Does large-scale installation of solar panels on farms make the land unusable for other purposes?

Agrivoltaics, which is agricultural production under or around solar panels, will be discussed during the National Ag Law Center's webinar on Aug. 21, 2024. (U.S. Department of Energy photo by Merrill Smith)

“Solar energy development is increasing rapidly, which commonly involves large-scale solar projects on rural and agricultural lands that can take that land out of agricultural production,” Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center, said. “Agrivoltaics offers the potential of keeping the land in production while also using it for solar.”

“Agrivoltaics,” as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy, is agricultural production under or adjacent to solar panels. This agricultural production can include crop production, livestock production or pollinator habitats.

In September 2021, the DOE released its Solar Futures Study, which looks at the role of solar in decarbonizing the U.S. electric grid. One finding from the study is that much land for ground-based solar development is needed to accomplish this: approximately 0.5 percent of contiguous U.S. surface area. The report notes that to meet this need, photovoltaic systems, or solar panels, could be installed on farming or grazing areas.

Key principles of agrivoltaics, including the impact of agrivoltaics on agricultural production, is the focus of the Aug. 21 NALC webinar, “Can Agriculture and Solar Co-Exist? Exploring the Promise and Challenge of Agrivoltaics.” The webinar will be presented by Peggy Kirk Hall, director of The Ohio State University Extension Agricultural and Resource Law Program, and Jesse Richardson, professor of law and lead land use attorney at West Virginia University College of Law.

The webinar begins at 11 a.m. Central/Noon Eastern. Registration is free of charge and available online.

“We’ve seen initiatives and mandates across the country geared toward boosting renewable energy to meet energy demands,” Hall said. “Solar energy is often a part of those initiatives, which raises many concerns for producers and communities as well, such as cost, impact on agricultural production, loss of prime and unique soils, and community land use goals. The installation of large-scale solar panels can limit that land’s ability to be used for other agricultural needs, but it doesn’t necessarily have to.”

In 2023, the agrivoltaic market size was valued at $5.5 billion, according to Global Market Insights, and that number is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of almost 6 percent from 2024 to 2032.

Richardson said that he and Hall will explore agrivoltaics from a variety of angles, shedding light on its opportunities and challenges.

“As renewable energy is an increasingly popular topic at local, state and federal levels, these conversations will inevitably become more frequent,” Richardson said. “We aim to inform the discussion on agrivoltaics, looking at how things are now and possible impacts for the future.”

All webinars in the NALC Webinar Series are recorded and archived on the NALC website.

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

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

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UAMS Researchers Discover Cholesterol Drug’s Potential as Treatment for Alzheimer’s, Other Dementia

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By Chris Carmody

Researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) have discovered that an FDA-approved cholesterol drug holds the potential to disrupt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

The research team published its findings in the journal Aging Biology. Akshatha Ganne, a postdoctoral fellow in the UAMS College of Medicine’s Department of Geriatrics, is the lead author. Srinivas Ayyadevara, Ph.D., associate professor in the College of Medicine, and Robert J. Shmookler Reis, Ph.D., professor in the College of Medicine, are the corresponding/senior authors of the paper.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002, ezetimibe is a prescription medication that reduces the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the intestines.

UAMS Researchers Discover Cholesterol Drug’s Potential as Treatment for Alzheimer’s, Other Dementia

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Armed to Farm programs help military veterans, establish connections

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

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Veterans and other beginning farmers face numerous challenges getting into agriculture. Much goes into the development and management of any kind of agricultural business: from planning the business entity, to liability considerations, to marketing and running the operation.

Rusty Rumley, senior staff attorney for the National Agricultural Law Center, is a frequent presenter at Armed to Farm events, which provide training to military veterans as they get started in agriculture. (U of A System Division of Agriculture image)

In the U.S., more than 289,000 farms have producers with military service, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. These farms account for more than 108 million acres of land throughout the country.

Veterans pursuing agriculture as a business may require training and want support as they get started in their new journey. A program from the National Center for Appropriate Technology fills that need: Armed to Farm.

Launched in 2013, Armed to Farm’s purpose is to provide training, resources and opportunities to military veterans as they get started in agriculture, connecting them to invaluable resources.

“Across the country, there are veterans who want to start a new business opportunity in farming,” Margo Hale, Armed to Farm program director, said. “Our program provides not only a solid foundation in the basic principles of operating a sustainable farming enterprise, but also a support system they can rely on throughout their farming journey. We want to see them succeed in reaching their goals.”

Armed to Farm training events are hosted frequently at locations across the U.S. At the events, veterans learn about farming and sustainable agriculture, develop goals for their business and connect with other veterans and farmers.

Rusty Rumley, a senior staff attorney for the National Agricultural Law Center, or NALC, is a frequent presenter at Armed to Farm events, having spoken at trainings nationwide over the past decade. He said there is a lot of ground to cover in these presentations, as getting started in agricultural business is no small feat.

“I talk about business entities, landowner liability, ag leasing and more with veterans at these events,” he said. “I always receive great questions, too. Helping these veterans learn about the process of starting an ag business and connecting them to other resources is something the NALC is very proud to be a part of.”

Rumley’s presentations utilize research materials published on the NALC website, which is regularly updated. Much of this research is stored in the NALC’s numerous “Reading Rooms.” The Reading Rooms cover a range of agricultural subjects, many of which Rumley has developed over the years. These include topics of interest to new farmers, such as business organizations, agritourism, and landowner liability. Information on topics such as these is crucial in helping veterans in their new endeavor.

“There’s so much to cover, it’s important we have resources available on our website to help those who need it, too,” he said.

Hale said that while the workshops conclude after a week, their impact lasts much longer.

“It’s amazing to see veterans from our program go on to build up and improve their agricultural businesses,” Hale said. “The connections they make during Armed to Farm workshops last well beyond the workshops themselves, too.”

Rumley will next speak at an Armed to Farm workshop in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on Aug. 14-15.

A full list of upcoming Armed to Farm events can be found online.

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Alliance forms with $250,000 Walton gift to support doulas, seek coverage

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by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

A newly formed group will seek Medicaid and other insurance coverage for doulas, who provide nonmedical support for women going through pregnancy and the birthing process.

The Doula Alliance of Arkansas (DAR) announced Aug. 7 that had it been formed with help from a $250,000 grant from Ingeborg Initiatives, a group seeking to improve maternal health that was founded by Olivia Walton, granddaughter-in-law of Walmart founder Sam Walton. DAR will use that seed money, which will be spread over two years, to hire an executive director.

That part-time position, the search for which was launching that day, will work to gain state recognition of doula certification and work toward coverage of the service by Medicaid and other insurance providers. The grant also will pay for a fall conference, continuing education, and other expenses.

Alliance forms with $250,000 Walton gift to support doulas, seek coverage

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Nonprofit serving Arkansas' Hispanic community opens new building

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KUAR | By Nathan Treece

A nonprofit serving members of Central Arkansas’ Hispanic community has opened a new building in North Little Rock. On Wednesday, representatives of Seis Puentes cut the ribbon at the nonprofit's new home on MacArthur Drive.

Seis Puentes, which translates to ‘six bridges,’ provides resources and support for newcomers to Arkansas’ Spanish-speaking community. The organization's roots date back to 1998, and Executive Director Raúl Fernández says he wants more people to understand that Hispanic immigrant communities in Arkansas are not new.

“I think that one thing that people don't realize is that the Hispanic and immigrant community— we're everywhere. You know? We're part of your community already, and we have been already. Not for the last four or five years, but for the last 20 or 30 years.”

Nonprofit serving Arkansas' Hispanic community opens new building

Nathan Treece/Little Rock Public Radio

Seis Puentes Executive Director Raúl Fernández speaks at the grand opening of the nonprofit's new home

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Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin leads 14-state amicus in support of Texas suit against Biden-Harris overtime rule

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LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement after filing an amicus brief on behalf of himself and 13 other state attorneys general in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas supporting Texas’s motion for summary judgment in its suit against the U.S. Department of Labor and its rule regulating overtime pay for exempt employees:

“The rule is another example of the Biden-Harris administration trying to rewrite laws passed by Congress. The new rule drives up costs for private businesses and forces state governments to increase budgets—hitting Americans’ pocketbooks twice.

“Texas has already secured a preliminary injunction stopping this rule, and I am proud to lead this coalition of states in supporting our neighbor asking to vacate this latest effort by the Biden-Harris administration to go around Congress in an election-year giveaway.”

Federal law exempts workers with “executive, administrative, and professional” duties from receiving overtime pay. For decades, the Labor Department has used salary as one factor in deciding when that applies. The new rule requires employers to provide overtime pay to salaried professional, administrative, and executive employees who are already highly paid and were previously exempt from overtime requirements by conditioning overtime exemptions primarily on workers’ pay rather than their duties.

Griffin is joined in the amicus brief by the attorneys general of Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and West Virginia.

To read the brief, click here.

For a printer-friendly version of this release, click here.

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Governor Sanders Joins AEDC’s Rural Services Division to Award $334K to 33 Arkansas Communities

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.– Governor Sanders, along with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services, awarded $344,728.69 in grants to 33 Arkansas cities and counties. 

“These grants go a long way toward making sure that every corner of Arkansas – not just a few big cities – is taken care of,” said Governor Sanders.“These 33 recipients come from across our state, from Yellville to Mulberry. Each one of these grants provides their communities with the tools they need to make Arkansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

“Rural communities play a major role in the economic success of our state,” said Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Clint O’Neal.“The grants awarded by AEDC’s Division of Rural Services will help rural communities throughout the state improve their infrastructure and quality of life amenities to benefit Arkansans.”

“We are committed to working with and supporting rural communities in Arkansas to help them succeed,” said Director of the Division of Rural Services Becca Caldwell. “With the latest Rural Community Grant Program awards, thirty-three Arkansas cities and counties have additional resources and funding for important projects that will increase quality of life in their communities.”

The Rural Community Grant Program is one of the Division of Rural Services’ programs, which is used to fund projects such as fire trucks, fire protection equipment, community centers, storm sirens, community parks, walking trails, and baseball fields. Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas are eligible for up to $15,000 in matching funds under the program.

The grants are part of the Division of Rural Services’ second cycle of Fiscal Year 2024 grants. AEDC previously awarded $806,125 in grants to 29 Arkansas cities and counties during the 2024 Rural Development Conference in May. 

These are the Arkansas communities receiving grants:

  • Center Hill Fire Department, $15,000

  • City of Foreman, $15,000

  • City of Lakeview, $1,946.78

  • City of McNeil, $6,160.36

  • City of Mulberry, $3,847.84

  • City of Strong, $15,000

  • City of Sulphur Springs, $8,588.60

  • City of Winthrop, $15,000

  • City of Yellville, $6,098.75

  • Cord Volunteer Fire Department, $15,000

  • Cotter-Gassville Rural Fire Protection District, $14,433.08

  • Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, $14,801.93

  • Etowah Volunteer Fire Department, $3,002

  • Grayson Fire Department, $15,000

  • Highfill Volunteer Fire Department, $14,915.92

  • Highway 250 Volunteer Fire Department, $5,718.31

  • Huntsville Fire Department, $6,562.50

  • Keo Fire Department, $13,244

  • Lake City Fire Department, $7,169.97

  • Leslie Volunteer Fire Department, $13,724.85

  • Lincoln Fire Department, $15,000

  • Lutherville-Holman Community, $11,162

  • Luton-Pelsor Volunteer Fire Department, $9,750

  • Norfork Fire Department, $14,406.04

  • Oakland Promise Land Fire Protection District, $15,000

  • Pangburn Volunteer Fire Department, $7,124.25

  • Pike County, $4,041.52

  • Prim Fire Department, $14,630

  • Stone County, $15,000

  • Town of Franklin, $8,347.80

  • Tyronza Volunteer Fire Department, $3,832.20

  • Waldron Rural Fire Protection District, $1,250

  • Washington Volunteer Fire Department, $15,000

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Sanders Appoints Colonel Chad Bridges as Secretary of the Military and the 55th Adjutant General

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. –Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced that she has appointed Colonel Olen Chad Bridges to serve as Arkansas’ Secretary of the Military and the 55th Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard. 

“Arkansas’ National Guard are the finest our state has to offer, and there’s no one better prepared to lead them than Colonel Chad Bridges,” said Governor Sanders. “Throughout his 32-year military career that includes leading Arkansas’ soldiers in three overseas deployments, Colonel Bridges has led troops in the Middle East, served several important assignments in the Pentagon, and been a loyal public servant to our state and nation. I know he will excel as Adjutant General and ensure our men and women in uniform are ready to support the great state of Arkansas and the entire country.”

“I am profoundly honored and deeply grateful to Governor Sanders for the extraordinary opportunity to join her cabinet and serve as the Secretary of the Military and the 55th Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard,” said Colonel Chad Bridges. “As a proud Arkansan, leading the exceptional men and women of the Arkansas National Guard in our mission to serve our state and nation is a lifetime privilege. I acknowledge our servicemembers’ families and employers whose support and sacrifice enable our mission success. We will continue to make the great state of Arkansas proud by upholding the highest standards of service and commitment to our state and nation.”

Colonel Chad Bridges Bio:
Colonel Bridges enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard in August of 1991 and commissioned in August of 1998. He assumed command of the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in September 2021, leading the brigade headquarters’ deployment to Grafenwoehr, Germany. 

Colonel Chad Bridges (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Stephen Wright)

Colonel Bridges’ three previous assignments before brigade command were in the Pentagon. He was the Chief of the National Guard Bureau’s representative on the 2022 National Defense Strategy Core Development Team. Before that, he served in colonel assignments in the Office of Secretary of Defense and Headquarters Department of the Army. Colonel Bridges has served in various other national, state, and tactical level assignments as a full-time Active Guard Reserve officer since 2006.  

He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, U.S. Army Command and Staff College, U.S. Air Force Command and Staff College, U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the Joint Forces Staff College. In 2017, he completed the United States Army War College as a distinguished graduate obtaining a Master of Strategic Studies degree.

He is an MIT Seminar XXI fellow, a Harvard Kennedy School fellow for Leadership in Homeland Security, and a Syracuse University Maxwell School National Security Studies fellow. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Defense Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, Combat and Expert Infantryman Badges, and various other awards and badges.

Most importantly, Colonel Bridges is married to the former Kari Zaccanti of Fayetteville, Arkansas. They reside in Conway, Arkansas with their two children: Carsten and Chloe.

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'Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience' arrives in Little Rock

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KUAR | By Nathan Treece

Even if you have studied the life and work of a particular artist in-depth, there is something to be said for getting a new perspective on even the most well-known works of art.

You could say the artist Vincent van Gogh has become somewhat of a rockstar of the art world. Iterations of the impressionist's works can be found in museums, on mouse pads, and everywhere in between. The man himself has become the poster child for the troubled genius archetype.

The legend of van Gogh has even been adapted into a full-length movie animated entirely using stills painted in his signature style.

'Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience' arrives in Little Rock

Will Newton/2024 Will Newton

Two visitors enjoy the Van Gogh Immersive Experience at its soft opening in Little Rock.

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Arkansas Children’s Research Institute receives $3 million to study deadly fungus

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

A pair of infectious disease experts are establishing an emerging research program at Arkansas Children’s Research Institute (ACRI) to address a germ considered to be the leading cause of death for patients with weakened immune systems.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have awarded grants worth more than $3 million to ACRI principal investigators Praveen Juvvadi and William Steinbach, who also serves as chief pediatrician at Arkansas Children’s and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine. Juvvadi is also an associate professor of pediatric infectious diseases at UAMS.

Aspergillus fumigatus is a relatively common fungus found in the environment in places like decaying leaf litter. It is a leading cause of death among people with compromised immune systems, a population that includes children with chronic illnesses. The fungus’ mortality rate exceeds 40%. Health care teams have trouble fighting Aspergillus fumigatus because the germ adapts and becomes stronger against currently available treatments.

Arkansas Children’s Research Institute receives $3 million to study deadly fungus

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UAMS Achieves Fundraising Milestone with $40.8 Million Received in Fiscal Year 2024

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By Andrew Vogler

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) reported the second highest fundraising year, raising more than $40.8 million through gifts and philanthropic grants in the 2024 fiscal year. It is only the second time in UAMS’s history that fundraising has exceeded $40 million. In total, 4,711 donations were received in the fiscal year.

“In light of challenging economic times, this is a remarkable achievement that displays an abundance of generosity in Arkansas and beyond,” said Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, UAMS chancellor and CEO of UAMS Health. “This is also an amazing effort by our dedicated fundraising team who have overcome many challenges to secure critical funds that support UAMS’ programs throughout the state.”

The Division of Institutional Advancement integrates donor and alumni relations with fundraising to secure resources and support for the UAMS Foundation Fund for the benefit of the UAMS mission.

UAMS Achieves Fundraising Milestone with $40.8 Million Received in Fiscal Year 2024