News

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AP: Tyson Cooperating with Feds in Price-Fixing Investigation

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By DEE-ANN DURBIN (AP)
June 11, 2020

Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson Foods Inc. said it was served with a grand jury subpoena in April 2019 from the U.S. Department of Justice. Tyson said it conducted an internal investigation and turned over information to the Department of Justice. Tyson also said it is seeking a formal grant of leniency, which would mean that neither the company or its executives would face criminal fines or jail time.Last week, four current and former executives at Pilgrim’s Pride and Claxton Poultry Farms — including Pilgrim’s Pride President and CEO Jayson Penn — were indicted on charges of price fixing as a result of the long-running investigation.

Claxton said last week that the charges are without merit and it will vigorously defend itself. Pilgrim’s Pride said it is cooperating with the investigation. “Tyson Foods is committed to competing vigorously, honestly and in compliance with the letter and the spirit of the antitrust laws and respects the important role that the Department of Justice plays in enforcing these laws,” the company said in a statement.

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Pilgrim’s Pride Cooperation is also cooperating with a Justice Department investigation of alleged price fixing by suppliers to restaurant buyers. Chief executive of Pilgrim’s, Jayson Penn, has begun a leave of absence. Fabio Sandri will serve as interim CEO and president during Penn’s trial. Three executives from other companies, including Claston Poultry Farms, were indicted on the price-fixing charges according the Justice Department. All of the defendants have pleaded not guilty.

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KATV Reports 4 Walmart Stores Closed in Arkansas Due to Protests

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LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — At least four Walmart stores are closed in Little Rock due to protests, according to Walmart. See story below on KATV website.

4 Walmart stores closed in Little Rock due to protests

At least four Walmart stores are closed in Little Rock due to protests, according to Walmart. “We’re monitoring this situation closely and will continue closing stores as a safety precaution for our customers and associates.

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More than 7 Tons of Medical Marijuana Sold in Arkansas

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — More than seven tons of medical marijuana has been sold in the state in just more than a year since sales began, according to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.DFA said Saturday that 22 dispensaries have sold 14,714 pounds of marijuana for a total of just more than $92 million since the first dispensary opened in May 2019.The sales of medical marijuana is expected to surpass $100 million by July 1, DFA said in a news release.Data provided by the department said Green Springs Medical in Hot Springs has sold the most at just more than 2,650 pounds and five other locations have each sold more than 1,000 pounds. Arkansas voters in 2016 approved a measure legalizing marijuana in the state for certain medical conditions.

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Latest Arkansas COVID-19 Update from the AR Department of Health

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CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR ACTIVE MAP

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Please take steps to protect yourself. The ADH recommends:

* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
* Practice social distancing. Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick, by keeping at least 6 feet between you and others.
* Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your health care provider. Your physician will decide if testing is necessary based on your symptoms and known exposures.

Directive for Community and School Team Sports

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YOUR LOCAL STATE FARM INSURANCE AGENT IN DE QUEEN IS LUKE BILLINGSLEY AT 870-642-2157

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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This week, the House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee reviewed the 2019 Annual Report from Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division.

This report along with the quarterly reports from the Department of Human Services’ Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) are difficult to review but necessary in guiding our decisions of where to place resources.

The annual report states Child Abuse Hot Line operators in the Crimes Against Children Division (CACD) of the Arkansas State Police received 67,420 referrals in the year 2019. Of these referrals, 37,591 were accepted as legally valid allegations of abuse or neglect. They were assigned to the CACD investigators or the Arkansas Department of Human Services’ Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS). In 2019, the hotline received 652 fewer calls than in 2018.

Calls to the hotline include educational and medical neglect, inadequate food and housing, and physical and sexual abuse. DCFS reports neglect is the most commonly reported allegation among those which are found to be true.

Major Jeff Drew with the Arkansas State Police testified that calls to the hotline have dropped in recent weeks as many mandated reporters are not in contact with children. The division is noticing anywhere from 400 to 600 fewer calls a week.

DCFS Director Mischa Martin told committee members that teachers have historically been the highest volume of mandated reporters. The decline in calls to the hotline continues to be of concern.

DCFS made a decision early in the health emergency to continue to place a priority on the safety of children. As a result, employees with the agency have and will continue face to face contact with children.

We have posted the report presented to the committee at www.arkansashouse.org.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline at 800-482-5964.

Home - Arkansas House of Representatives

ARGIRLSLEAD #ARGIRLSLEAD is a movement started by women serving in the Arkansas House. Each of them have a unique story to share about their journey on the road to their current leadership position. Kids In The House Who says civics can't be fun?

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UA Cossatot Announces New Digital Media and Marketing Degree

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The Division of Professional Studies department at UA Cossatot announces that a new Digital Media and Marketing degree will be available this fall. The new degree is the result of input from local business owners and the quickly changing way that businesses market their products as well as communities in which we live. UA Cossatot has also announced that students can complete the degree entirely online.

This new degree will be an associate of applied science degree, but it will also include stackable
credentials for a certificate of proficiency and a technical certificate. The certificates and the degree can all be completed in less than two years. The associate’s degree requires 60 credit hours, the technical certificate requires 27, and the certificate of proficiency requires 12. Students planning to transfer to a four-year university can also take courses within the Digital Media and Marketing degree to earn transferable credits at UA Cossatot before transferring.

Digital media and marketing is an essential investment for businesses moving into the next decade. UA Cossatot wants to give students more creative, business opportunities, provide more local, relevant industry training, and help other businesses gain a competitive edge.

This degree will provide a focus area on social media and advertising for local businesses. Classes
offered this fall at UA Cossatot, in this program, include Introduction to Digital Media, Social Media Marketing, and Microcomputer Applications.

To sign up for classes in this degree plan or to request more information about the Digital Media and Marketing degree, please contact UA Cossatot’s Student Services department at studentservices@cccua.edu or 870-584-4471.

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Nashville Chamber Sets New Date for Stand Up for Veterans Celebration

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At a special called meeting today, the Nashville Chamber of Commerce set Saturday, November 7th as the date for the Stand Up For Veterans celebration at the Nashville City Park. A number of activities are planned including a performance by the Zac Dunlap Band. Meanwhile, the Chamber reminds you that they are sponsoring a free fireworks show in Nashville on Saturday, July 4th.

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Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | The Task Force to Advance the State of Law Enforcement in Arkansas

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LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas’s Commission on Law-Enforcement Standards and Training is constantly examining ways to improve the already high quality of law enforcement in our state, and today I’d like to talk about the task force I’ve created to further that good work.

I have a long history with law-enforcement, as a federal prosecutor, as administrator of the DEA, and as undersecretary at Homeland Security. I have profound respect for law officers at all levels. I have seen the danger they face. I want to do everything I can as governor to make their job as safe as possible by equipping and supporting them in their important mission to protect and serve Arkansans.

A critical element in law enforcement is trust between police officers and the communities they serve. The death of George Floyd and other recent events have undermined that trust across our communities.

The commission sets high standards for professionalism, which is the way to establish and maintain trust. The commission certifies and decertifies law-enforcement officers and certifies all levels of training. It promulgates and enforces statewide rules and regulations. The standard for selecting police officers in Arkansas is higher, and the accountability is stricter than ever before.

The role of the task force is to listen to concerns from representatives from law-enforcement and the community, and to recommend ways the commission can improve training, community policing, and accountability.

I want to be clear that the task force won’t discuss defunding police agencies. Discussions about where and how we spend money are always appropriate. But we will not do anything that will diminish the vital role of police agencies or put officers in even greater peril than the risks that are inherent with their work.

The chairman of the task force is Fred Weatherspoon, who serves as deputy director of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. I appointed Fred because his background makes him a perfect person to lead this committee of law-enforcement professionals, elected officials, community leaders, and citizen activists.

After Fred earned a degree in education at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, a friend who was a member of the Magnolia police department asked Fred to join. Fred resisted that idea because of a bad experience his father had with police officers when Fred was ten. But his friend persuaded Fred that if he became a police officer, he could improve the profession through his leadership and example.

That was nearly twenty years ago. Fred spent nine years in Magnolia, and he has worked at the Commission for ten years.

I am grateful for the professionalism and compassion that is common to our police agencies statewide. We want to make sure that our 10,000 police officers and our 500 law-enforcement agencies have everything they need to protect Arkansans with as little personal risk as possible.

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UA Cossatot Educates Nurses with Pride

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Globally, the nursing profession is celebrating a milestone in 2020, as the World Health Organization declares it the International Year of the Nurse. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses are making enormous sacrifices in these challenging times. UA Cossatot is proud to celebrate nurses everywhere and is pleased to help educate future nurses into this noble profession.

Like all students, UA Cossatot’s nursing students have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. They have been working remotely online and were recently allowed to finish their classes this spring semester on campus in a restricted safety environment.

In the spring of 2020, UA Cossatot had 44 students enrolled in its LPN program and 32 students enrolled in its RN program. Nursing is the college’s most popular program, and it is a profession that has a bright job outlook.

UA Cossatot offers an 11-month LPN day program at De Queen, an 18-month LPN evening program at Nashville, and an 11-month ARNEC RN program in the evening at both the De Queen and Nashville Campuses. The college’s Office of Continuing Education also offers a CNA training program to prepare students for the CNA licensure exam.

UA Cossatot has been awarding nursing degrees to nursing students for years and plans to do so for years to come. To learn more about UA Cossatot’s nursing program, please contact Christina Cooper at ccooper@cccua.edu.

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LeadAR Opens Applications for next Leadership Class

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LeadAR opens applications for next leadership class

Fast Facts
22-month program includes bi-monthly seminars, week in Washington, D.C., international study, and community leadership project
Applications accepted June 8-July 20
Applications are available online at https://bit.ly/303pcMO

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LITTLE ROCK — LeadAR, the state’s premier leadership program, is searching for its next class of leaders.

Operated by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, LeadAR offers participants an in-depth and global view of issues facing their communities, state and country. The 22-month program includes bi-monthly seminars, a week in Washington, D.C., to gain insight on the policy-making process and how it impacts Arkansas, and an international study tour to compare communities and economies and find cultural sharing opportunities.

“Our overall goal is to equip leaders with the knowledge, skills and network they need to make a difference in their communities or organization,” said Julie Robinson, associate professor of leadership, who coordinates the program. “They will learn about issues affecting rural and urban areas of Arkansans and how the state is interwoven.”

Applications for Class 19 open June 8 and will be accepted through July 20. The application form can be found at https://bit.ly/303pcMO.

Participants selected will attend three-day seminars every other month in different communities and regions in Arkansas. Sessions will focus on infrastructure, public health and local food systems, education and criminal justice, natural resources, community development and workforce, public policy, row crop agriculture and livestock/poultry.

Some of the seminars may be delivered online, depending on circumstances regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, with community visits and tours scheduled for a later time, Robinson said.

The program culminates with an international study tour to learn how international issues compare and impact Arkansas. Past classes have visited Greece, Bolivia, Canada, Australia, Vietnam, Scotland, Panama and Costa Rica, Brazil, and China. The most recent class toured Belgium and Netherlands in 2019.

LeadAR, founded in 1984, was originally modeled after the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s leadership training program. Now, more than three decades later, LeadAR has more than 500 alumni serving as leaders in businesses and communities throughout Arkansas, especially in rural and agricultural areas.

Between 25-30 people are accepted into the program every other year. Class members will be announced in early September, and the program begins in late September. Applicants must be at least 25 years of age and can live in any part of the state, work in any sector and be in any stage of their career.

Past participants include educators, farmers, advocates, bankers, state legislators, lawyers, mayors, quorum court, city council, school board members and more.

“We want people who want to make a difference and position themselves to have an impact in their communities and state,” said Stacey McCullough, director of extension’s Community, Professional and Economic Development unit, which oversees LeadAR. “For many of our alumni, this has been life-changing. That’s who we want.”

Ideally, participants will come from rural and urban areas, with 25 percent of the class representing agriculture or agriculture-related sectors.

“We need people from diverse sectors and industries,” Robinson said. “A lot of learning comes from each other. Regardless of your level of experience, or how strong a leader you are, you still have to be open to wanting to be better. It’s about wanting community and state change.”

The program prepares participants to launch their own community leadership projects that can improve the quality of life for their respective communities. Tamara Walkingstick, a member of LeadAR Class 9, saw a basic need in Perry County. The city park in Perryville lacked a restroom, so she applied for funding and got one built.

A few years later, Sarah French, a member of LeadAR Class 17, started the Arkansas Goat Festival. She chose the Perryville city park for the festival location, partly because it had public restrooms, thanks to Walkingstick. That first goat festival in 2016 attracted 1,200 visitors. The following year an estimated 8,000 people attended the festival.

“She would not have chosen that park had it not had the public restrooms,” McCullough said. “It’s the perfect example of how that one project, which provided a basic need, eventually led to an opportunity for tourism.”

LeadAR is generously supported by LeadAR alumni, corporate donors, foundations and the UA System Division of Agriculture. The cost to participants is $3,000.

LeadAR - Arkansas Leadership Program | Become a local leader in your community

LeadAR is a program designed to help Arkansans broaden theirunderstanding of issues and opportunities facing our state and strengthen their ability to make a difference.



To learn more about LeadAR and to apply, visit www.uaex.edu/leadar.

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Governor Asa Hutchinson Announces Appointments

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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson Wednesday announced the following appointments:

Adrienne Woods, Rogers, to the State Board of Education.  Appointment expires June 30, 2026.  Replaces Chad Pekron.

Drew Craft, Jonesboro, to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board. Appointment expires January 14, 2024. Replaces Bill DeClerk.

Jaycob McMillan, Roland, to the Advisory Committee on Petroleum Storage Tanks. Appointment expires December 31, 2023. Reappointment.

James Rawls, Hampton, to the Ouachita River Commission. Appointment expires September 1, 2026. Reappointment.

David Campbell, Timbo, to the Stone County Quorum Court, Justice of the Peace for District 2. Appointment expires December 31, 2020. Replaces Larry Gammill.

Debora McGrew, Hot Springs, to the Garland County Quorum Court, Justice of the Peace for District 12. Appointment expires December 31, 2020. Replaces Richard McGrew.

Sam Stuckey, Clarkedale, to the State Plant Board. Appointment expires March 17, 2022. Reappointment.

Ronald Rispoli, Russellville, to the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board. Appointment expires April 1, 2025. Reappointment.

Russell Carlisle, Jr., Fort Smith, to the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board. Appointment expires April 1, 2025. Reappointment.

Jim Holub, North Little Rock, to the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board. Appointment expires April 1, 2025. Reappointment.

Jerry Christie, Nashville, to the Arkansas Beef Council. Appointment expires March 30, 2023. Replaces Gary Patton.

Jeremy Miller, Huntsville, to the Arkansas Beef Council. Appointment expires March 30, 2023. Replaces Gene Pharr.

Keith Sloan, Swifton, to the Old State House Commission. Appointment expires March 19, 2023. Replaces John Roberts.

Brian Reed, Jonesboro, to the Board of Visitors for the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts. Appointment expires January 14, 2027. Reappointment.

Leroy Wilkerson, Pocahontas, to the Randolph County Quorum Court, Justice of the Peace for District 1. Appointment expires December 31, 2020. Replaces Brock Burgess.

Nick Fowler, Glenwood, to the Auctioneer’s Licensing Board. Appointment expires April 15, 2024. Reappointment.

Lisa Miller, Bryant, to the Auctioneer’s Licensing Board. Appointment expires April 15, 2024. Reappointment.

Russell Hensley, Clinton, to the Van Buren County Quorum Court, Justice of the Peace for District 5. Appointment expires December 31, 2020. Replaces Gary Linn.

David Haak, Texarkana, to the Arkansas Waterways Commission. Appointment expires January 14, 2022. Replaces Ken Cowling.

Justin Brazeal, Conway, to the Arkansas State Occupational Therapy Examining Committee. Appointment expires March 1, 2023. Replaces Cathy Acre.

Kyle Jones, Russellville, to the Arkansas State Occupational Therapy Examining Committee. Appointment expires March 1, 2022. Replaces Rita Qualls.

Brooke Bradford, Shirley, to the Governor’s Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism. Appointment expires February 12, 2023. New Position.

Erin Franks, Benton, to the Governor’s Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism. Appointment expires February 12, 2023. Replaces Misty Pitman.

Sam Harris, Damascus, to the Governor’s Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism. Appointment expires February 12, 2023. Replaces Clayton Sorrells.

Doyle Ray, Pine Bluff, to the Governor’s Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism. Appointment expires February 12, 2023. Reappointment.

Mayor Paul Wellenberger, Fairfield Bay, to the Governor’s Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism. Appointment expires February 12, 2023. Reappointment.

Jensyn Hallett, Little Rock, to the Minority and Women-Owned Business Advisory Committee. Appointment expires April 30, 2025. Replaces Rudy Ortiz.

Dr. Zac Roe, Little Rock, to the Trauma Advisory Council. Appointment expires July 1, 2022. Replaces Dr. Jonathon Palmer.

Dr. Benjamin Davis, Little Rock, to the Trauma Advisory Council. Appointment expires July 1, 2022. Replaces Dr. Michael Pollock.

Dr. Charles Mabry, Pine Bluff, to the Trauma Advisory Council. Appointment expires July 1, 2022. Reappointment.

Mike Williamson, Russellville, to the Trauma Advisory Council. Appointment expires July 1, 2022. Replaces Keith Edmonds.

John Gray, Nashville, to the Trauma Advisory Council. Appointment expires July 1, 2021. Reappointment.

Dr. Jerrilyn Jones, Little Rock, to the Trauma Advisory Council. Appointment expires July 1, 2020. Replaces Janet Curry

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Arkansas Health & Wellness, Arkansas Total Care Support - Little Rock Cares COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund

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Arkansas Health & Wellness, Arkansas Total Care Support

Little Rock Cares COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund  

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(Little Rock, AR) June 11, 2020- As Arkansans continue to cope with the threat of the novel coronavirus, Arkansas Health & Wellness, together with Arkansas Total Care, continues to support our community through a donation of $15,000 to the City of Little Rock’s ‘Little Rocks Cares COVID-19 Community Relief Fund’. The Little Rock Cares Fund helps provide food relief to Arkansas residents and personal protective equipment to health care professionals and first responders in Little Rock. 

"We are extremely grateful for this donation to the Little Rock Cares Emergency Relief Fund," Mayor Scott said. "The COVID-19 crisis, unfortunately, is not behind us. These funds will assist us in continuing to ensure our first responders and healthcare workers receive the necessary equipment to continue meeting the needs of Little Rock residents and patients who need health services in our city."

The Little Rock Cares Fund is committed to helping feed Little Rock residents. Arkansas Health & Wellness and Arkansas Total Care share that commitment, which is why we recently partnered with Jimmy John’s to provide lunches to the workers of the City of Little Rock Solid Waste Department.  These outreach efforts and our recent contribution of $100,000 to the Arkansas Foodbank reaffirms the company’s continued commitment to serving Little Rock and the state of Arkansas.

“We are proud to continue our support of the Little Rock Cares Fund and all Arkansans with this donation during the COVID-19 crisis.  It is critical that we continue to care for those who are most vulnerable during this time.  Together we can Help Arkansas Live Better.” – John Ryan, President and CEO, Arkansas Health & Wellness, Arkansas Total Care.

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Friday Market Day at the Howard County Farmers' Market in Nashville - 12 June 2020

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This coming Friday we will be open at 7am with our vendors bringing the following fresh produce and other goods:

- Jamison Orchard -

Ruby Prince Cling Yellow Peaches, lavender bouquets

peachwood (to smoke meat), handmade cedar wood coasters

- Salinas Farm -

Yellow squash, cucumbers, onions, carrots, blackberries, blueberries, assorted jams and jellies, honey

- Aunt Fern's Fried Pies -

Various flavors

- Wildflowers -

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Green beans, sugar snap peas, onions, potatoes, garlic, honey, green tomatoes, assorted jams and jellies, tomato and pepper plants

- Threat Farms -

Eggs, honey

- Owensburg Farm -

Duck eggs, baked goods, banana plants

- Heirloom Farm -

Squash, kale

- Wenta Farm -

Blueberries, squash

- Carolyn's Kitchen -

Baked goods, house plants

As you can see, we are starting to have quite a bit of more fresh produce and baked goods and crafts! So come and get some great ingredients for your recipes this week. We hope to see you Friday morning and bring your friends ! SNAP and WIC accepted.

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Sevier County District Court Opens Despite COVID-19 Surge

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With Sevier County becoming the fourth largest  COVID-19 hotspot in the state of Arkansas (187 cases as of Monday), county officials are cautiously moving to re-open the courthouse and resume district court. 

District Court opens despite covid-19 surge
For the complete story, visit:

District Court opens despite covid-19 surge

With Sevier County becoming the fourth largest covid-19 hotspot in the state of Arkansas (187 cases as of Monday), county officials are cautiously moving to re-open the courthouse and resume district court.