Click on pic above for the complete Winter Weather Briefing
UAMS’ Pebbles Fagan, Ph.D., Receives President’s Award from Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco
By Marty Trieschmann
Pebbles Fagan, Ph.D., MPH, a leading expert on tobacco-related health disparities at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), received the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco’s (SRNT) President’s Award.
Fagan was recognized by the organization due to her decades of scientific excellence and efforts to combat health inequities related to nicotine and tobacco use. She is the fifth recipient of the award in the society’s 28-year history.
Research about Mask Mandates in Arkansas Schools Published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
By UAMS News Staff
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) contains research on mask mandates in Arkansas school districts and how the mandates helped to limit COVID-19 at the schools.
Researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health and College of Medicine teamed up with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the project.
“This important and well-conducted study involving Arkansas schools amply demonstrates the efficacy of facemasks during viral surges,” said Mark Williams, Ph.D., dean of the UAMS College of Public Health.
U.S. Department of Agriculture confirms avian flu among wild birds in the region
KUAR | By Mary Hightower/UA Division of Agriculture
The highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been found in all four of the flyways of North America, according to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Agriculture Department.
The infection reported by APHIS, a mixed-species commercial flock in South Dakota, was the first reported in the Central Flyway. The disease already has been found in commercial and backyard flocks in Maryland, Maine, Missouri, New York, Kentucky, Virginia, Indiana, Delaware, Michigan, Connecticut and Iowa.
Mary Hightower/UA Division Of Agriculture
A backyard chicken seen wandering the streets.
Two Arkansas men sentenced in connection with failed Washington County wind farm
by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)
A federal judge on Tuesday (March 8) sentenced two Arkansas men to federal prison in connection with the development of a wind turbine that was never operational and a proposed wind farm project in Washington County that was never constructed.
U.S. District Judge Tim Brooks sentenced Jody Davis of Searcy to 15 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Phillip Ridings was sentenced to 97 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Both men were also ordered to pay $1.13 million in restitution.
U.S. cattle markets face rising grain costs with Russian invasion of Ukraine
by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)
While the fighting in Ukraine is half a world away from the U.S. the impacts are being felt in the food supply chain, according to Derrell Peel, extension livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University.
Peel said the war continues to inject uncertainty into global commodity markets creating direct and indirect impacts on producers in the food chain. He said cattle markets are seeing indirect impacts from the volatile crop markets for grains which are fed to live cattle for finishing ahead of slaughter.
JD Notae’s fundraising through NIL deal yields $45K for Samaritan Community Center capital campaign
by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)
The financial impact of University of Arkansas basketball player JD Notae’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal on a regional nonprofit has, so far, been significant.
Notae’s ongoing “Drop A Dime” fundraising campaign benefitting Samaritan Community Center (SCC) raised $22,500 from Feb. 1 through March 8. The amount results from Notae soliciting contributions through social media posts and other activity and a running tally for bids to win an official Razorback basketball signed by Notae.
Notae, an All-American guard for the Razorbacks, supports SCC through a NIL deal with Athlete Advocate Consortium (AAC).
Courtesy Arkansas Razorbacks
Governor Hutchinson Signs Bills To Grant Stipends, Raise Salaries for Law Enforcement, Corrections
LITTLE ROCK – Law enforcement leaders and legislators gathered in the second-floor rotunda at the state capitol today as Governor Asa Hutchinson signed a bill that grants one-time stipends of up to $5,000 to police and probation and parole officers, and a second bill that increases the salary for Arkansas state troopers and other certified law enforcement officers of the Department of Public Safety.
“This was a public service session in which we showed our appreciation and the value we place on our law enforcement officers,” Governor Hutchinson said. “There’s not been a session of the legislature that’s done more to my knowledge for law enforcement.”
Over the past seven years, Arkansas has improved its parole and probation system, mandated crisis-intervention training for officers, and upgraded the state’s 911 system.
“Our support for law enforcement did not begin with this session,” the Governor said, “but we certainly put an exclamation point on it this time.”
Senate Bill 103 grants a one-time stipend of $5,000 to full-time certified city and county law enforcement officers and full-time certified state Department of Corrections probation and parole officers. The bill gives a one-time stipend of $2,000 to full-time certified state troopers and other certified law enforcement officers of the Department of Public Safety.
Senate Pro Tempore Jimmy Hickey sponsored the bill in the Senate, and Speaker of the House Matthew Shepherd carried it in the House.
House Bill 1026 increases the average annual starting salary for state troopers from $42,357 to $54,000.
“That is an increase of more than $11,000 in starting salary for our state troopers,” the Governor said. “That will move us from seventh in our region for starting salaries to second in our region.”
Pay for troopers first class will increase from $53,035 to $60,006. The average annual salary for corporals will increase from $63,612 to $71,237; sergeants’ pay will increase from $74,319 to $84,439. The average annual salary for lieutenants will increase from $84,229 to $94,076; captains from $94,277 to $105,166: majors from $107,541 to $116,772.
HB1206 also funds salaries for five more forensic so that the Arkansas Crime Lab can complete testing of sexual assault kits within 60 days as required by Act 839 of 2019.
Governor Hutchinson also signed Senate Bill 101, which amends the Revenue Stabilization law in part to fund the increase in state troopers' salaries. The bill also funds an increase in the Department of Corrections budget to bump the reimbursements to county jails from $32 per day to $40 per day. SB 101 also includes money to fund a prison construction project at Calico Rock, improvements at the schools for the deaf and blind, and the Northwest Arkansas Veterans Home.
SB 101 provides $10 million for body cameras, bullet-proof vests, and other equipment “that will make our officers safer and build community confidence in their professionalism.”
The new laws were the result of recommendations from the Task Force to Improve Law Enforcement that Governor Hutchinson created after the death of George Floyd. The task force recommended that Arkansas should pay competitive law enforcement salaries and create a grant program to increase public confidence in the training and professionalism of Arkansas’s law enforcement officers.
“No responsibility is more important for government than to assure public safety,” the Governor said. “Our police officers are risking their lives ... and they deserve our support and thanks."
Attorney General Alert: Scam Artists are Phishing for Information
LITTLE ROCK - Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is warning Arkansans of a prevalent scam taking place across the State. The method is called “phishing,” (pronounced the same as, ‘fishing’) and it is when scam artists email messages to consumers that appear to pitch products or services, when in actuality, these emails are specifically set up to gain information. Often times, the message will alert the individual to a potential problem with their account and request the consumer provide private information like an account number, date of birth or Social Security number in order to remedy the issue. Phishing emails contain software that can harm your computer or track your activities on the internet without your knowledge. They are not only illegal, but they are dangerous to unsuspecting consumers.
“I urge all Arkansans to be cautious if you receive an email asking for your information, it could be scam artists trying to phish for your information,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “Even with online protection software, scammers and con artists will continue to try to take your information; don’t fall prey to the trap.”
Remember these tips when safely navigating online:
No legitimate company will ever send you an unsolicited email asking for your personal information.
If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply.
Contact the business identified in the original email directly. Using the customer service number provided to you on a reliable statement to verify that the issue in the original email is legitimate.
Do not give sensitive information in response to an unsolicited request.
Immediately delete all suspicious emails, and never open email attachments or click on links from unknown sources.
Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them regularly.
The Attorney General’s Office provides a tip card for consumers, how to spot phishing scams, information for parents to spot cyberbullying and tips on internet safety.
For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Attorney General’s office by calling (800) 482-8982, emailing consumer@arkansasag.gov, or visiting ArkansasAG.gov.
De Queen Middle School February Good Citizens
L-R: Damon Martin, Emily Winton, Brielle Cooper & Eachan Helms
Congratulations to our DMS February Good Citizens. We are proud of you! Excellence is not a skill; it's an attitude!
Humphry sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his 63-year-old mother in Pike County
UAMS-led International Study Provides Insight on Maternal Thyroid Function, Risk of Gestational Hypertension
By Linda Satter
Results of an international four-year project led by Spyridoula Maraka, M.D., M.S., an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), were published this month in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology medical journal, clarifying an association between maternal thyroid function and a risk of gestational hypertension.
The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology is part of The Lancet family of peer-review journals. Founded in 1823 and based in the United Kingdom, The Lancet is among the world’s oldest and most respected medical journals.
UA Cossatot Career Coaches Host Career Exploration Camp for Six School Districts
By Dustin Roberts, Director of Development, UA Cossatot
UA Cossatot Career Coaches hosted a Career Exploration Camp on March 3rd and 4th for the six school districts they serve at UA Cossatot’s LIMI campus.
The school districts included Ashdown, Centerpoint, De Queen, Horatio, Kirby, and Nashville. Career Coaches arrived early with eager tenth graders to explore careers in Cosmetology, Welding, Digital Marketing, Dental Hygienist, OTA/PTA, and CDL. The students also learned about financial literacy and student organizations offered at UA Cossatot.
Over 35 support staff helped with this event and hosted nearly 600 students in two days. “Fun was had by all, and we built relationships with students that can help them make good career choices in their future,” said Julie Rhodes, Director of High School Programs.
The Career Coaches included Deanna Triplet (Nashville), Addison Hill (Kirby/Centerpoint), Hollie Chaytor (Horatio), Kacie Metzger (Ashdown), and Lizz Garza (De Queen).
Students in the 11th and 12th grade have an opportunity to take classes with the Secondary Career Center. They can choose from Welding, Automotive, Industrial Maintenance, or Medical to explore and obtain college credit while in high school. These classes are at no cost to the student. Students may also choose to start
taking college classes to get started on their degree as early as the 9th grade, dependent upon qualifying scores, at a discounted rate.
For more information, contact UA Cossatot’s High School Programs Department at 870-584-1344.
Cassady Crocker named 2022 Regional Counselor of the Year
Why Arkansas’ best duck hunting woods are drowning
KUAR | By Ariana Remmel
Wildlife management areas are protected public land set aside by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to conserve The Natural State’s wildlife and promote outdoor recreation. Hurricane Lake WMA is best known for its greentree reservoirs, human-made wetland structures that attract ducks — and duck hunters — from miles around.
Levees built around the forest are designed to hold water on the forest floor, imitating the seasonal flooding that occurred naturally in bottomland hardwood forests across the Mississippi Delta before dams and levees tamed the major rivers. Most of those ancient bottomland woods were long ago cleared for timber and to make way for agriculture.
Arkansas Game And Fish Commission
DUCK CAPITAL: More mallards spend their winter in Arkansas than any other state in the country.
Arkansas lawmakers give initial approval of $6 billion budget
KUAR | By Laura Jansen , Daniel Breen
Arkansas lawmakers have nearly completed the approval of Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s $6 billion state budget proposal. The members of the Arkansas House and Senate voted Monday to approve identical versions of the state’s Revenue Stabilization Act.
The budget will include funding for higher education, the state's workforce, and will help address a backlog in people seeking services for those with disabilities. The fiscal year begins on July 1.
Arkansas Legislature
Rep. Lane Jean, R-Magnolia, addresses fellow House members on Monday ahead of a vote on the governor's proposed $6 billion state budget.
Grain, fertilizer, fuel prices impacted by Russian war in Ukraine
by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has impacted many economic sectors on a global scale and agriculture will be directly affected on several fronts. Grain markets have become more volatile and high fertilizer and fuel prices are going even higher.
Russia and Ukraine account for about 29% of global wheat trade and Russia is the world’s top wheat exporter. Ukraine accounts for about 16% of global corn exports. Scott Stiles, agricultural economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said the situation will offer both opportunities and hardships for growers in Arkansas and elsewhere.
Oil prices traded at more than $122 per barrel on Monday (March 7) after it spiked for a short time to $130 per barrel. Gas prices inched towards all-time highs across the U.S. at $4 per gallon. Diesel prices are even higher and several analysts predict oil could rise to $200 a barrel before the conflict is over.
https://talkbusiness.net/2022/03/grain-fertilizer-fuel-prices-impacted-by-russian-war-in-ukraine/
Arkansas Governor’s Cup competition; awards luncheon in NWA
by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)
Little Rock-based nonprofit Arkansas Capital Corp. announced Monday (March 7) the 12 finalists for its annual Arkansas Governor’s Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition.
The six finalists in each division are:
Winrock Automotive Small Business Division:
R. Lawn; Arkansas State University, Jonesboro
Ascend; John Brown University, Siloam Springs
Bento; University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Kopi Koffee Company; University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Limitless Fitness; Central Baptist College, Conway; Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia
Orange Otter Toys; University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
High-Growth/Technology Division:
CiphrX Biotechnologies; University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
GammaVet; University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Horizon Health Solutions; University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Shock; University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Suelo; University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
VEZA Solutions; John Brown University, Fayetteville
Fayetteville company lands distribution deal with Tractor Supply Co.
by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)
Fayetteville-based Grillight has landed a national distribution deal with Tennessee-based Tractor Supply Co., the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States.
As of Dec. 25, 2021, the company operated 2,003 stores in 49 states.
Colton Knittig is Grillight’s president and co-founder. He launched the business in January 2014, about two months after developing a spatula with a built-in flashlight. Since then, new iterations have been created. The company’s product line now includes approximately 15 grilling tools.
Winter Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service in Little Rock; Saturday's wind chill values expected in the single digits and teens for the state
Click on pic above for the winter weather briefing.