Photos provided by Monte Bartek of Bartek Recon
New Sevier County Medical Center Aerial Construction Photos
Researchers receive $550,000 USDA-NIFA grant to develop farmers market food safety game
By Brittaney Mann
U of A System Division of Agriculture
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Food safety education for small producers will take on an interactive gaming form with the help of a collaborative $550,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
FOOD SAFETY GAME — Kristen Gibson is serving as the lead investigator on a new $550,000 grant from USDA-NIFA. Gibson and her collaborators will evaluate current food safety training practices and develop a multimedia game to help teach farmers market vendors food safety best practices.
Kristen Gibson, department of food science professor of food safety for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and director of the Center for Food Safety, will serve as lead investigator on this grant, aimed at providing easy-to-access educational resources about safe food production directed at small- and medium-sized farmers getting started with their market endeavors.
Citing research that indicates interactive multimedia learning tools can help audiences understand concepts better than traditional education practices can, Gibson said the research team decided a multimedia game format may help producers retain the information better. The multi-institution project is titled “GLEAN (game learning to educate and advance knowledge): Transformative food safety training for farmers market vendors.”
“We want to be sure that they’re providing safe food to their customers,” Gibson said. “And so, in order to implement best practices related to the production and the handling of fresh produce, you have to have that knowledge base to understand why that is important.”
The Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station is the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Farmers markets and food safety
Farmers market vendors do not sell a large volume of produce, and therefore are not covered by the Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act, Gibson said. Food safety requirements may vary in each market, even within the same state, because farmers market managers can set their own regulations.
Farmers market vendors have varying levels of food safety knowledge and training, Gibson said. Additionally, farmers market managers may not have access to farmers market specific training that can be distributed to the local producers.
The Arkansas Department of Health does not require farmers markets vendors to obtain permits to sell uncut fruit and vegetables or temperature-stable cottage foods.
The researchers want to be sure that everyone has access to resources to aid in the adoption of food safety best practices, and to make it easier to receive them.
“The idea is to be sure you’re capturing those people who may be falling through the cracks,” Gibson said.
The game
The development of this food safety training game will take place over three years. The researchers will collect data from a sample of local food producers to understand what information is most relevant, assess the effectiveness of the game in knowledge retention and eventually release it to the public.
Vendors can find multiple answers to their questions on different media, like Google searches or YouTube, and by directing the necessary information into a game format, it may help growers feel confident in the validity of the information they consume, Gibson said.
The researchers want the game to be realistic to the growers’ specific situations so that food safety awareness can transfer into their practices. The game will include different risks and related regulations, allow the producers to get help from in-game organizations that mirror real-life support structures and allow them to understand the varying rules of different markets, Gibson said. The strategies will also center on how to gain entry to local and regional food systems.
Collaboration
Jennifer Acuff, assistant professor of food safety and microbiology at the experiment station, will also participate in the project.
“I am very excited to work on the GLEAN project,” Acuff said. “With farmers markets continuing to grow in size and types of products sold, we want to make sure all the vendors are provided with as much knowledge as possible about relevant regulations and are empowered to employ best practices to prioritize the safety of their consumers.”
Acuff’s research focuses on reducing pathogens from foods at the post-harvest level through prevention and intervention. She received a $200,000 grant earlier this year from USDA-NIFA to investigate moisture levels that lead to bacterial survival in low-moisture foods.
“We will be collaborating with colleagues from around the nation to address local and regional knowledge gaps by employing creative learning tools, such as educational gaming,” Acuff said.
That nationwide team of researchers includes Barbara Chamberlin, Matheus Cezarotto and Pamela Martinez from New Mexico State University, and Sujata Sirsat from the University of Houston. New Mexico State University will develop the game through its Learning Games Lab, which has developed many educational games.
Gibson has received many grants that feed into her work on food safety knowledge. Many of her projects aim to characterize food safety risks for small producers. Earlier this year, she characterized the pathogen vulnerability of two popular microgreen varieties and their growing media.
She was also recently awarded a $27,739 grant from the Center for Produce Safety to evaluate current food safety knowledge for indoor leafy green production, with the goal of presenting evidence-based best practices and identifying knowledge gaps on microbial risks.
Gibson is excited to use a game approach to relay food safety information. She hopes to see an increase in confidence, knowledge and the implementation of best practices outside the game.
“To do the practice, you have to have the knowledge first,” Gibson said.
To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.
NIH Awards UAMS $7.9 Million to Create More Space for Pandemic Response, Infectious Disease Research
By David Robinson
LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) will use a $7.9 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to expand its infectious disease research capacity and establish a Pandemic Response and Public Health Laboratory by renovating existing research space.
The renovation will create about 9,900 square feet of additional research space on the first floor of Biomedical Research Center Building One. The extra space will be realized through a redesign that repurposes an atrium, large diagonal hallways, and converts offices to laboratories.
UAMS’ Daniel Voth, Ph.D., who is leading the project, said the renovation is expected to begin in mid-2024 and be completed in 2025. It will include new Biosafety Level-3 space, which is equipped to handle highly infectious pathogens transmitted by air. It will better prepare UAMS for future pandemic responses, create new opportunities for collaboration and help UAMS recruit new infectious disease researchers, he said.
Work advances on statues of Daisy Bates, Johnny Cash for U.S. Capitol
KUAR | By Michael Hibblen
Key advances have been made to replace Arkansas’ two statues in the U.S. Capitol, though their unveilings won’t happen as soon as originally hoped.
The architect of the U.S. Capitol notified the state in a letter Tuesday that approval has been given for a full-size clay model of Little Rock civil rights activist Daisy Gatson Bates to be used to cast the bronze statue. Meanwhile, the sculptor creating a statue of music legend Johnny Cash says he has completed work on a clay model and is preparing to submit a packet of material about it for approval.
Each state has two statues on display, most in Statuary Hall, with the ones currently representing Arkansas, attorney Uriah Rose and former U.S. Sen. James P. Clarke, being more than a century old. In 2019, at the urging of Gov. Asa Hutchinson, the Arkansas Legislature approved replacing them with Bates and Cash.
Michael Hibblen/KUAR News
The face of Kevin Kresse's clay model for the Johnny Cash statue as it appeared on Oct. 20 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Windgate Center of Art and Design.
Arkansas DHS preparing for new community-based health initiatives
KUAR | By Daniel Breen
The Arkansas Department of Human Services is preparing to roll out new public health services as part of ARHOME, the state’s Medicaid expansion program.
DHS officials say they soon expect to receive approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for their Life360 HOME initiative to provide more services to populations most at risk of negative health outcomes.
In a webinar Thursday hosted by Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, Nell Smith, assistant director of the DHS Division of Medical Services, said the department will contract with local hospitals to provide care for three categories of Medicaid recipients.
Arkansas Center For Health Improvement/Achi.Net
A map shows the potential location of Life360 Homes under the Arkansas Department of Human Services ARHOME Medicaid expansion program.
Fewer uncompleted wells may hurt oil production growth; coal-fired generation to fall
by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)
Crude oil production growth could be limited in the United States amid fewer drilled but uncompleted wells and natural gas pipeline constraints, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Meanwhile, high natural gas prices aren’t expected to keep coal-fired electricity generation from declining this year.
Between July 2020 and September 2022, more oil wells were completed than were drilled in the United States. As a result, the number of drilled but uncompleted wells fell to 4,333, the fewest since at least December 2013.
The decline in the number of drilled but uncompleted wells has coincided with high oil prices and rising domestic production. According to Baker Hughes, the number of active oil rigs has risen to 610 as of Oct. 14 from 172 rigs on Aug. 14, 2020. While the number of active oil-directed rigs that drill new wells increased earlier this year, the rig count has remained flat since July, according to the EIA.
State business leaders join Governor in opposing recreational marijuana
by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)
Arkansas business leaders joined Gov. Asa Hutchinson Monday (Oct. 31) in calling for voters to oppose Issue 4, the general election ballot measure that would legalize adult use cannabis. At a news conference at the headquarters of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce in Little Rock, the industry representatives said legalizing recreational marijuana would compound problems for workforce recruitment and safety.
Issue 4 supporters said the arguments were no different than when medical marijuana was proposed in 2016, and that Arkansas businesses have not suffered since its passage.
Leaders from the trucking, construction and agricultural industries joined Hutchinson in condemning the proposal.
AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address |The Essence of Our Democracy
LITTLE ROCK – Today, I would like to talk about the essence of our democracy which is our right as citizens to vote.
Voting is a responsibility that we all share whether we are Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, or Independent.
There is no other way more direct and meaningful than voicing your opinion through voting, and the people we put in place with our votes are representing both us and our ideas.
An important principal to improve voting is the expansion of voting opportunities. Increasing participation at the polls is the only way we can have a true representation of our opinions.
On July 1, 1971, the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution lowered the voting age to 18. Prior to this change, I could not vote until I turned 21. My first time getting to vote was for the 1972 race for Arkansas Governor between Len Blaylock and former Governor Dale Bumpers. Just 14 years later in 1986, my first time running for a statewide public office matched me up against the same Dale Bumpers who was running for the U.S. Senate.
In the 2018 midterm elections, there was a voter turnout of just 41%. In the 2020 general election, Arkansas had a voter turnout of 56%. This means that Arkansas has a lot of room to increase the percent of Arkansans who vote.
Right now, nearly half of our eligible voters either believe their vote doesn't matter or they believe they are just too busy to vote. It is critical that we increase trust in our electoral process.
Trust in the vote starts with the integrity of the ballot, which is a critical element to keeping our democracy strong and fair. We want people to have increased access to vote, but we also must assure the identity of the voter and be assured that each voter only votes once. That is the essence of democracy.
This week, the polls opened up for early voting in a pivotal election for Arkansas. At this point, the early voting numbers are encouraging. We get to vote on U.S. Senate seats, legislative seats, local races, and even for the next Governor of Arkansas.
It is also a time to vote on issues that the legislature has referred to the people and others that are on the ballot because of the initiative process. These issues will determine Arkansas’s future, so please learn about them, and decide for yourself the direction we should go.
Voting is the best way we can assure that the government is a true reflection of the public’s voice. Please take the time to go out and voice your opinion by voting now.
Early voting has started, and you can learn from your county clerk the easiest way for you to vote.
New Arkansas 4-H Video Crew members to train in video production
By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture
LITTLE ROCK — In an increasingly digital world, young people need to develop the technical skills necessary for success in many career paths. For students interested in video technology, the Arkansas 4-H Video Crew offers an opportunity for hands-on learning with industry professionals.
VIDEO SKILLS — Kerry Rodtnick, extension videographer for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, leads the Arkansas 4-H Video Crew, which provides training in video production for 4-H youth. The video crew conducts a multi-camera livestreamed broadcast of 4-H State O-Rama, the Teen Leader Conference, and other Division of Agriculture broadcasts. (Division of Agriculture photo.)
The Arkansas 4-H Video Crew recently announced 10 students from eight counties throughout the state as its members for the 2022-2023 school year. Kerry Rodtnick, extension videographer for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and leader of the 4-H Video Crew, said the program provides training that might not be available in students’ schools.
“The Arkansas 4-H Video Crew gives opportunities for 4-H students across the state to get their hands on equipment they might not otherwise have the chance to use,” he said. “The training they receive is on the level of a university experience. Most of the students tend to be homeschooled or come from smaller school districts that don’t have this kind of program.”
2022-2023 Arkansas 4-H Video Crew members:
Jack Berryhill: Hot Springs County
Kassidy Clark: Searcy County
Cade Cox: Washington County
Zach Gardner: Washington County
Connor Henry: Arkansas County
Sykes Lanthrip: Drew County
Josiah Lillard: White County
Elijah Victory: Perry County
Delaney White: White County
Ash Wood: Washington County
The group’s primary project is the multi-camera livestreamed broadcast of 4-H State O-Rama. This large annual event involves hundreds of 4-H members, county staff and volunteers, multiple state-level competitions, award ceremonies and more.
“The crew’s lessons start simple: setting up cameras, running and rolling cable, names and functions of equipment, and technique for operating a camera,” Rodtnick said. “As participants gain experience each year, we try to expand into interview techniques, editing, graphics and operating the switcher and livestreaming equipment. We intentionally use industry terms, so they are better prepared to immediately enter the job market.”
Rodtnick said Arkansas 4-H was one of the first states to livestream their state meeting, beginning in 2012 with a single camera. After realizing that “we could train 4-H students to produce the broadcasts with the same quality as hiring local professionals,” Rodtnick said the Cooperative Extension Service established the 4-H Video Crew in 2015 with seven students, and that many past members of the crew have stayed connected with the program, even coming back as mentors.
4-H participants interested in joining the video crew must apply each year, and Rodtnick said he contacts club leaders and county agents who know the students to help assess their abilities to work within a group and become leaders.
“The process is very selective, only accepting those who are passionate and willing to work hard,” he said.
Jack Berryhill, 17, said he’s excited to be a part of this year’s video crew and looks forward to working with his fellow members and Rodtnick.
“In a world with constantly advancing technology, any opportunity to learn skills in the technological field is an opportunity I will take,” Berryhill said. “I also strive to be involved in 4-H as much as possible. Anything I can be a part of is something I will try to go for.”
Lori Canada, extension 4-H STEM coordinator for the Division of Agriculture, said the 4-H Video Crew is a “great opportunity for 4-H youth to learn different aspects of video production” and that many previous crew members have gone on to work in the industry.
“This program gives youth the opportunity to see a new way of STEM implementation in today’s workforce,” Canada said.
In addition to the live O-Rama and Teen Leader Conference broadcasts, past crews have also helped with other Division of Agriculture broadcasts, created highlight videos from Arkansas 4-H events and helped with smaller county video productions. Video crew members participate in training sessions throughout the school year to prepare for these projects.
Rodtnick said the 4-H Video Crew benefits both its participants and Arkansas 4-H.
“Learning by doing is a hallmark of 4-H,” Rodtnick said. “Learning video production while providing a service to the 4-H organization only makes sense. The world is quickly turning toward video content production and communication through video and internet. Giving kids a knowledge of what professional content looks like gives them a head start over those who are ‘learning’ from social media producers who aren’t holding to clean, professional techniques.
“Crew members take this knowledge into their own lives and hopefully use these techniques for school presentations, future career opportunities and even one-on-one interpersonal relationships,” he said. “Coming from all over the state, these kids quickly learn how to work with others and find a bond that can extend well into their futures.”
Arkansas 4-H is a youth development program operated by the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the 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.
For more information about 4-H, contact your local county extension agent or visit 4h.uada.edu.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter 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 Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.
Candidates for Arkansas governor in home stretch of their campaigns
KUAR | By Josie Lenora, Daniel Breen
With early voting underway for the Nov. 8 election, Arkansas' candidates for governor are making final appearances in campaign rallies around the state.
Republican Sarah Huckabee Sanders headlined a packed meet and greet event Tuesday at the Jacksonville Community Center. She spoke about education, crime, safety and “empowering Arkansas.” Sanders was joined on stage by Republican U.S. Sens. Tom Cotton and John Boozman.
“I’m tired of watching Arkansas compete at the bottom,” Sanders said. “I'm tired of us being 46th and 47th and 48th in all the places where I know we can be first and second.”
Josie Lenora/KUAR News
Republican gubernatorial nominee Sarah Huckabee Sanders and her husband Bryan talk with a veteran during a campaign event Tuesday in Jacksonville.
Trucking industry report shows driver labor issues have eased slightly
by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)
Challenges the trucking industry has faced to recruit and retain truck drivers have moderated following double-digit pay increases in 2021. Still, officials said the industry is short nearly 78,000 truck drivers, and this cannot be resolved by only addressing a single issue, including pay.
According to a Tuesday (Oct. 25) report from American Trucking Associations (ATA), the driver shortage has declined from a record high of 81,258 drivers in 2021. In 2018, the shortage was 61,000 and declined in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic when freight demand softened.
For a PDF of the report, click here.
Wildfire risks statewide remain high despite rainfall
by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)
Many parts of the state received a soaking, prolonged rain Tuesday (Oct. 25), but state agriculture officials are still warning residents that many parts of the state are still under a serious wildfire threat caused by extended drought conditions.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division is reminding Arkansans that wildfire danger is elevated across the state and currently 62 counties remain under a burn ban.
“Conditions are dry with low humidity statewide,” said State Forester Joe Fox. “We are seeing an increase in the number of wildfires and their intensity, and that’s a trend that will continue until we see significant rainfall. With this in mind, we are asking citizens of the state to be mindful of this risk and avoid burning.”
https://talkbusiness.net/2022/10/wildfire-risks-statewide-remain-high-despite-rainfall/
Aerial Photos of the new Sevier County Medical Center
Photos provided by Monte Bartek of Bartek Recon
November Snippets from Johnye Fisher of the Sevier County Library System
Sevier County Library System’s annual Mister Roger’s Neighborhood Sweater Drive and Food for Fines month begins November 1st and ends November 30th.
Let’s find some gently used items that someone can use for the winter to help keep them warm. Coats, hats, sweaters, gloves, scarves, etc. also patrons can bring any nonperishable food item to the library for a one-dollar reduction per item in existing overdue fines. Food accepted for fines on returned library materials only, not for replacement fees or lost or damaged items. Each community library will help their community with items taken. Also donations are always welcome for both clothing items and food items
Thanks to the communities for helping your community!
De Queen will host a Thanksgiving Story Time with Turkey Bingo on November 16th at 4 pm. There will be bingo prizes, treats for the kids and lots of fun. Make sure to tell all the kids and come enjoy a fun game of Turkey Bingo.
Remember we have the LIBBYAPP if we do not have a book on our shelves. You can follow the instructions to download the libbyapp from our Facebook.com/seviercountylibrary or simply go to your play store on your device. Remember you must search “Arkansas Digital Library Consortium” and hold a valid library card to browse our selection. For more information, you can call 584-4364
Catherine at Horatio Library says that Fall is beautiful and the weather is finally cooling off. The library is getting ready for Thanksgiving. We are changing our children’s program time to 4 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. We will have special guests, treats and activities so make sure to mark your calendar. For adults, we are considering beginning a craft program featuring different craft each Saturday at 10 am beginning the first Saturday of November.
In the meantime, come and take a look at our new books plus check our sale tables. We have something for everyone. For more information, you can call Catherine at 870-832-6882. I’ll be looking for you.
Here at the Lockesburg Library the special activity programs that are planned for children during the month of November will be our homeschool STEM subjects and on Saturday, November 5th from 10-11:00 our new Pokemon Club. According to librarian Wendy Clay, officers have been elected and mission/ goals planned. If you are 12 or under and enjoy all things Pokemon come meet with us. Call 289-2233 or consult our Meta Facebook page Lockesburg Library for weekly updates about everything that is going on at the library.
Rhonda at Gillham Library says Gosh this year has gone by really fast. We have Thanksgiving is coming up soon. Come on by and find out How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace! See how Charlie Brown celebrates Thanksgiving on DVD and book. John Sandford and Virgil Flowers are after killers in Righteous Prey, David Baldacci’s Amos Decker is so very smart with a remarkable memory or Danielle Steel’s Iris Cooper is a singing sensation. Dominoes and coffee on Tuesday’s if you like to play or just want to learn how. Remember we are Open Tuesday 9-1, Friday 1-5 and Saturday 10-2. Call Rhonda, Freda or Mr. Bob at 386-5665 for more information.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
It is estimated that 225 people die every day from a drug overdose in America. In 2020, 547 people died from a drug overdose in Arkansas.
The current opioid epidemic is one of the deadliest drug epidemics in our history.
October 26 has been proclaimed as Opioid Awareness Day in Arkansas. It is a time for communities and individuals to raise awareness and prevent new victims from falling prey to addiction.
In recent years the Arkansas General Assembly has expanded access to naloxone and created criminal and civil immunities for those who try to get help for an overdose patient.
In 2021, we passed Act 651. This act mandates the co-prescription of an opioid antagonist under certain conditions. One of the conditions includes if the patient has a history of opioid use disorder or drug overdose.
In the 2019 Session, the General Assembly passed Act 646 which provides for controlled substance overdose identification training by law enforcement officers with an emphasis on opioid overdoses. That same year, the legislature passed Act 964 which prohibits a healthcare insurer, including the Arkansas Medicaid Program, from requiring prior authorization for medication-assisted treatment of opioid addiction.
In 2017, the General Assembly passed Act 284 which authorizes pharmacists to dispense naloxone, a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid-induced overdose.
And in 2015, the Joshua Pauley Act became law. The law provides immunity for those calling for help for someone who is overdosing.
Another way to prevent abuse is to encourage the safe storage and disposal of prescription drugs.
The Arkansas Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 29 from 10 am to 2 pm. This is an opportunity to safely dispose of expired or unused prescription drugs. There are more than 250 locations across the state. You can find the location of events and permanent drop boxes at www.artakeback.org .
Westerman tours Southwest Research and Extension Center during agriculture tour
By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture
HOPE, Ark. — From the global economy and supply chain to the global climate and regional weather patterns, perhaps no industry is as affected by external forces as agriculture. For better or worse, that makes farming a primary concern of political representatives at every level — especially in a state dominated by agriculture.
ON THE FARM — Vice President for Agriculture Deacue Fields, left, and Rep. Bruce Westerman listen to a description of ongoing research from Aaron Cato, integrated pest management specialist for the Division of Agriculture, during Westerman's recent visit to the Southwest Research and Extension Center. (Division of Agriculture photo.)
U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman, who represents Arkansas’ fourth district, visited the Southwest Research and Extension Center last week. Westerman said he typically takes time during each Congressional recess to meet with farmers, agricultural researchers and other industry professionals throughout Arkansas.
“We do have the farm bill coming up next year,” he said. “Tours like this give me a chance to get input from farmers and other people who will be impacted by that bill.”
Daniel Rivera, associate professor for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and director of the research center, said he was glad to have the opportunity to show off the SWREC’s cattle and grazing facilities, demonstrating how the research is key to the success of many Arkansas producers.
“We’re talking about some of the things we’re doing to navigate the drought,” Rivera said. “We’ve implemented a management program where we’ve been able to fertilize grasses in August and take advantage of some of those timely rains. That allowed us to get some grass growing and stockpile it.”
Rivera spoke about how various systems, such as the “300 Days of Grazing” concept, work to both ensure adequate feed for cattle and help to naturally clear biomass from fields, making it easier and less input-intensive to plant cold season grasses.
“There’s really no way to move forward other than with tighter management,” he said. “What we’re trying to show is that if you adhere to these principals, we can take advantage of that grass, without having to feed any hay.”
The center, part of the Division of Agriculture’s network of research stations across the state, focuses on several areas in addition to forage and grazing, including horticulture propagation and pest management. It also houses the state’s nematode laboratory, which analyzes soil samples for pests.
Amanda Greer, nematode lab supervisor, told Westerman about the lab’s importance to agricultural exports.
“We get samples of pine shavings from loads that go to China, for example,” Greer said. “We look to make sure there aren’t pests in the samples, and report back. That way, they can be issued a permit.”
Greer said the lab analyzes samples from growers throughout the state, as well as the Arkansas Plant Board and other states’ respective plant boards.
A native of Hot Springs, Westerman was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014. Among other assignments, he serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources. Before his election to national office, he served two terms in the Arkansas General Assembly.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter 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 Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.
Arkansas Forestry Association honors Cooperative Extension’s McPeake as educator of the year
By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture
LITTLE ROCK — Becky McPeake, professor and extension wildlife specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, has been honored by the Arkansas Forestry Association as educator of the year.
RECOGNIZED BY HER PEERS — Dr. Becky McPeake, right, extension wildlife specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, is honored as educator of the year by the Arkansas Forestry Association. She accepts the award Oct. 13, 2022, from AFA Executive Vice President Max Braswell, left (Image courtesy Arkansas Forestry Association.)
McPeake was recognized during the AFA’s annual meeting Oct. 13. In her 23 years with the Cooperative Extension Service, McPeake has conducted demonstrations and workshops for youth and adults and has worked with multiple partnerships on projects to benefit Arkansas.
“It is definitely an honor to be recognized by one’s peers,” McPeake said. “I was beyond surprised – more like shocked — when I learned I was selected. It took about 24 hours for me to process it and reach out to my supervisor.
“The award is a validation for my passion to be an educational intermediary between forestry, wildlife, and people,” she said. “As many do in extension, we work days, nights and weekends to reach out to people and communities. It’s what we do. So it’s an honor to be recognized as someone who does it well.”
“This is a well-deserved award for a program that benefits all Arkansans,” said Vic Ford, head of agriculture and natural resources for the Cooperative Extension Service. “Dr. McPeake’s programs reach all ages and reflect the values of those who love the outdoors. Her programs are innovative and often include state-of-the-art technology, such as using drones to count feral hogs.”
Rob Beadel, AFA Director of Forestry Education, presented the award and said McPeake’s dedication is an excellent example of what an educator should be.
“Becky has been an educator since she was in school and has dedicated her life to the craft,”
Beadel said. “Her knowledge is a huge asset to all of us here in the Natural State.”
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter 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 Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.
John Spollen, M.D., to Assume Lead Role of UAMS College of Medicine in Northwest Arkansas
By David Wise
FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine named John Spollen, M.D., as the new regional associate dean for the college in Northwest Arkansas, effective Jan. 1, 2023.
Spollen, professor and vice chair for education in the UAMS Department of Psychiatry, will succeed Linda L.M. Worley, M.D., professor of psychiatry, who has served as regional associate dean in Northwest Arkansas since 2018. Worley is stepping into a new role as chief wellness officer for the college.
The UAMS College of Medicine has 62 students in Northwest Arkansas and recently added an accelerated three-year medical program in the region.
Cyclotron for State’s First Proton Center Arrives at UAMS
By Marty Trieschmann
Completion of a $65 million expanded University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Radiation Oncology Center that will house Arkansas’ first Proton Center marked an important milestone Oct. 20 with the arrival and installation of the Proton Center’s cyclotron, a type of particle accelerator that serves as a key piece of equipment.
“UAMS is proud to partner with Arkansas Children’s, Baptist Health and Proton International to bring this groundbreaking technology to Arkansas,” said UAMS Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA. “Arkansans will no longer need to travel out of state to receive this innovative treatment.”
Under construction at 3900 W. Capitol Ave., the Proton Center of Arkansas will offer an advanced form of radiation treatment that uses precisely focused protons to target tumors, rather than photons used in standard X-ray radiation.
https://news.uams.edu/2022/10/20/cyclotron-for-states-first-proton-center-arrives-at-uams/
Workers from Kinco Construction and Proton International carefully position the 55-ton cyclotron before lowering it into an underground vault. When installed, the cyclotron will power the proton energy beam that will deliver highly targeted proton radiation to cancerous tumors. Image by C.M. Smith Aerial Media
State begins calling witnesses in lawsuit challenging Arkansas transgender law
KUAR | By Josie Lenora
The first lawsuit to be heard in the U.S. challenging a state law banning gender-affirming health care for minors is being heard in Arkansas. The federal lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of the families of four transgender children.
After three days of testimony from witnesses called by attorneys for the plaintiffs earlier in the week, the plaintiff rested on Wednesday. The trial was not in session on Thursday because attorneys for the state said they were not ready to begin presenting their case then.
The first two witnesses for the defense were called Friday. Licensed Professional Counselor Cathy Campbell and Dr. Stephanie Ho had been subpoenaed by the state. They testified without reporters or the public in the courtroom because they were to discuss confidential therapy notes and medical records of the four minors.
Michael Hibblen/KUAR News
The federal courthouse in Little Rock as seen on April 26, 2019. A lawsuit is challenging a law passed by the legislature banning gender-affirming health care for transgender minors.